Households considering a repair
You rely on your washing machine for the household laundry, but want to know whether a professional repair could keep it going. A diagnosis and the availability of the necessary parts will help you decide.
Who is this choice for?
Shoppers comparing new models
You’re thinking about replacing your machine and want to look beyond capacity at each model’s durability index breakdown, as well as its energy, water and noise figures.
Households with limited installation space
Choosing between a front-loader and a top-loader also depends on the dimensions, access to the laundry and the capacity of the model you’re considering. Check these details on its product page.
What should you check after a breakdown?
Start by finding out whether your current machine can be repaired. If you’re replacing it, first make sure the new format will fit your installation, then compare its durability and usage figures.
| What matters | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Repair before replacing | Ask for a professional diagnosis and check whether the necessary parts are available. For the Repair Bonus, ask a QualiRépar-certified repairer whether your appliance is eligible. | If the fault looks repairable, I want to know whether I can keep my machine rather than replace it without a diagnosis; around 31% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Durability of a new model | Check the durability index out of 10 and its breakdown, including the criteria for dismantling, parts, documentation and maintenance. | When buying new, I want to be able to see what makes a model repairable and reliable, beyond its energy rating alone; around 31% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Laundry and usage figures | Choose a suitable capacity, then compare the energy labels for the Eco 40-60 programme: energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle, programme duration and noise. | When the laundry needs doing again, I need enough capacity and figures that are easy to compare between machines; around 23% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Installation | Measure the space and check the dimensions, as well as the access needed to load the exact model. | If the available space calls for specific dimensions or access, I need to find a machine that will fit; around 15% of consumers would prioritise a suitable format. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the overall durability score
The index combines repairability and reliability, so the score alone won’t tell you which criteria contributed to the result.
For each model you’re considering, open the score breakdown and look at the points that matter for maintenance or a potential repair.
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Assuming the Repair Bonus is automatic
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the scheme applies in particular to appliances that are no longer covered by a warranty and to repairs carried out by a certified repairer. Not every fault is eligible.
Before the repair, ask your QualiRépar repairer whether your appliance and its fault meet the conditions.
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Comparing consumption figures measured differently
Figures based on different programmes or units don’t allow for a direct comparison between two washing machines.
Use the energy labels and compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, programme duration and noise for the Eco 40-60 programme.
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Choosing a refurbished machine without identifying the model
The term ‘refurbished’ alone doesn’t tell you the dimensions or the condition of the machine you’ll receive.
Before checking whether it will fit your installation, ask for the exact model number, its assessed condition, the documents available and the service terms on offer.
Brands to consider by model
Bosch
One front-loading washing machine brand to consider if the dimensions and features of the model suit your installation.
- Bosch lists a 7 kg capacity and a spin speed of up to 1 400 tr/min for the WGE02406FR.
- These features apply to the WGE02406FR, not the WGE02407FR featured below; check the durability information separately for each model number.
Miele
The WEA125 WCS 8kg Active front-loader is worth considering if you’re looking for a model with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
- Miele lists an 8 kg capacity and a spin speed of up to 1 400 tr/min for this model.
- These features alone don’t tell you the details of its durability index or those of other Miele models.
Electrolux
The EW6T3465DA top-loader offers a point of comparison if a top-loading design suits your installation needs.
- Electrolux lists a 6 kg capacity and dimensions of 890 × 400 × 600 mm for the EW6T3465DA.
- These measurements apply to this top-loader only; they don’t describe every Electrolux appliance or the front-loading models featured below.
Front-loading washing machines available on Joybuy
These three front-loading models are options if you’re looking to replace your machine with a front-loader. Their stated capacities vary. Before buying, check the dimensions, the French durability index and the score breakdown for the model you choose.
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Bosch WGE02407FR, 7 kg front-loader
An option if you’re replacing your machine with a 7 kg front-loader: the stated spin speed is up to 1 400 tr/min and the energy rating is A. Check the dimensions for your space, then look up the French durability index and its breakdown for this model number.
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Electrolux EW6FI4805AW, 8 kg front-loader
Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits your household’s laundry needs. The stated spin speed is up to 1 400 tr/min. Check this model’s durability index and its breakdown; to compare energy and water use, refer to its label for the Eco 40-60 programme.
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Electrolux EW7FI259160V, 9 kg front-loader
Consider this model if you’re looking for a 9 kg front-loader; its stated spin speed is up to 1 600 tr/min. Check the dimensions before settling on this capacity, along with the detailed durability index and the Eco 40-60 figures on the model’s energy label.
Frequently asked questions
When did the durability index start applying to washing machines in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, it replaced the repairability index for front-loading and top-loading washing machines on 8 April 2025. Its score out of 10 combines repairability and reliability criteria.
How can you check the durability of a washing machine sold online?
For a model covered by the index, check the score and its breakdown rather than the score alone. The French Ministry of the Economy states that, for online sales, the breakdown must be accessible from the same page, close to the score, in no more than one action. Look in particular at the criteria for documentation, dismantling, parts and maintenance.
Does the Repair Bonus cover every washing machine fault?
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the appliance must, among other things, no longer be covered by a warranty, and the repair must be carried out by a certified repairer. Ask whether your fault is eligible, especially if poor maintenance or incorrect use may have caused it.
How can you compare the energy and water use of two washing machines?
Compare their energy labels for the Eco 40-60 reference programme. The European Commission says these show, among other things, the energy rating, energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle. Check that the units match before comparing two figures.