If you’ve decided to replace your washing machine, compare models using their durability index, then check how each score is made up. It combines repairability and reliability, but doesn’t guarantee that a machine won’t break down. Next, compare the appliances based on the space you have, the capacity you need, the stated energy and water use, and the warranty terms. If repairing your current machine is still an option, have it assessed before ruling it out.
You’re replacing an appliance and want the option of having it repaired in the future. The durability index breakdown helps you assess parts, ease of dismantling and maintenance. Just remember that the overall score isn’t a promise of how long the machine will last.
Capacity matters for your usual laundry loads, but the machine must also fit in the space available, with suitable access. Check these details before choosing between two models with similar scores.
If your old washing machine has broken down, check its warranty and ask for a repair assessment. For repairs outside the warranty, also ask a certified repairer whether the work is eligible for the Repair Bonus.
In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines on 8 April 2025, according to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. Start with the score and its breakdown, then check separately that the appliance suits your household.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Durability and repair | Score out of 10 and breakdown of repairability and reliability criteria; parts that match the model reference you’re considering. | After a breakdown, I want to choose an appliance that can be assessed and potentially repaired, rather than relying on its score alone. The ability to repair an appliance is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Capacity and installation | Capacity in kg, external dimensions, and the space needed for connections and opening the door. | I wash large loads, but the new washing machine also needs to fit in the space available. For around 29% of consumers, matching the wash capacity to the installation takes priority over other criteria. |
| Energy and water use | Energy efficiency class and the stated energy and water consumption for the reference programme. | If the machine is used often, I want to compare its energy and water use without assuming that the same class means the same figures. Around 21% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Repair or replace | Warranty on the old appliance, repair assessment, and the terms of any warranties offered on a new machine. | As long as a repair is still possible, I’d rather understand my options before ordering another appliance. This is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Two washing machines with similar scores may differ in their parts, ease of dismantling or maintenance requirements. The index covers durability criteria; it doesn’t predict whether a machine will break down.
Check the breakdown for each model on your shortlist, then also compare the capacity, dimensions and warranty terms of the one you choose.
According to the Ministry for the Economy, the scheme covers eligible repairs to appliances that are no longer under warranty, carried out by a certified repairer. Not every repair qualifies.
Ask a QualiRépar repairer to confirm that the fault is eligible before deciding to replace the machine.
European requirements cover certain parts for the washing machines concerned, but this alone doesn’t establish whether a particular repair can be carried out.
Ask someone to check the appliance’s exact model reference, the part required and the terms of the repair.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a capacity to suit your household and place importance on spare parts.
Worth considering if the stated period of spare-part availability is an important factor in your decision.
Worth a look if you need a large capacity: the French product information for the HW100-B14367U1 lists a 10 kg capacity and an A energy efficiency class.
Worth considering if you want to look up parts using your washing machine’s model reference.
These front-loading models offer a range of capacities and stated features to consider when replacing a washing machine. Before choosing, check the durability index breakdown, dimensions, and terms applying to parts and warranties for each model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 10 kg. The model name indicates 1,400 rpm, an A energy efficiency class, AutoDose, a steam function and Wi-Fi. Check the durability index for this model and the terms of the stated motor warranty.
Image unavailable
A stated capacity of 9 kg may suit you if it matches your usual loads and the space available. The product name indicates an A energy efficiency class. Check the energy label, durability index and warranty terms for this model before comparing it with others.
Image unavailable
This front-loading model has a stated capacity of 10 kg, making it an option for households that wash large loads. Its name mentions a steam function and an Inverter motor, but these features alone don’t establish its durability. Check the detailed score and the parts available for the EWF1410N2.
Image unavailable
If you’re looking for a 10 kg freestanding front-loading washing machine, first check that its dimensions will fit the space available. The product name indicates 1,400 rpm and an A energy efficiency class. Then compare the reference consumption figures and the durability index breakdown.
Image unavailable
This front-loading model has a stated capacity of 10 kg, a spin speed of 1,400 rpm, 16 programmes and a steam function. The drum size mentioned in its name doesn’t replace the external dimensions you’ll need for installation. Also check its durability index and the terms of the stated motor warranty.
According to the Ministry for the Economy and the criteria published by Légifrance, the score out of 10 combines repairability and reliability. Its breakdown covers areas including documentation, dismantling, parts, maintenance and resistance to wear. The score doesn’t guarantee that an appliance won’t break down.
For a washing machine sold online in France, the Ministry for the Economy says the scoring breakdown must be available from the product page at the point of purchase. Open it to compare the criteria behind the overall scores, rather than relying on the headline figure alone.
No. The European Commission sets availability requirements for a list of parts for washing machines covered by its ecodesign rules, but that doesn’t tell you whether the part needed for a particular fault will make a repair possible. Ask someone to confirm the part and check that it matches the exact model.
Have it assessed before replacing the appliance if a repair may be possible. First check its warranty. For a repair outside the warranty, the Ministry for the Economy says the Repair Bonus requires, among other things, an eligible repair carried out by a certified repairer.
No. In France, the Ministry for the Economy distinguishes the statutory guarantee of conformity, which applies in particular to new goods sold by a business to an individual, from additional commercial warranties. Read the terms of any commercial warranty carefully to understand exactly what it covers.