Households with a broken or unreliable washing machine
Having the fault assessed can help you decide whether a repair is still an option before replacing the appliance.
Who is this choice for?
Households looking to keep their next appliance for longer
It’s worth checking the durability index, repair options and maintenance requirements for each model you’re considering.
Households with limited space or specific laundry habits
Choosing between a front-loader and a top-loader means considering capacity, spin noise and the space needed to use the appliance.
What should you check before replacing it?
Start by having your current appliance assessed. If you decide to buy a new model, check its format and capacity first, then compare its durability and features.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the repair first | Ask for the fault to be assessed and for a quote. Check whether the appliance still meets your household’s needs and whether repair assistance is available. | My washing machine has just broken down: I want to find out whether a part can be repaired before deciding to replace it. |
| Durability | Compare the durability index and its criteria across models of a similar type and capacity. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines in France since 2025; ADEME says repairability and reliability each account for half of the score. | I want to look beyond the overall score at the specific factors behind it, without treating it as a promise of how long the appliance will last. |
| Future repairs | Check the index breakdown for information on documentation, how easy the appliance is to dismantle and details about spare parts. Read the terms of any commercial warranty separately. | If another fault occurs, I want to be able to assess the repair options for the model I choose. |
| Format and installation | Measure the space and make sure you can access the door or top opening. The Gifam guide gives an approximate width of 60 cm for a standard front-loader, compared with generally 40 or 45 cm for a top-loader; these are only guidelines, so check the model’s dimensions. | The available width may influence my choice, but I also need to be able to open and use the appliance easily. |
| Laundry habits | Match the capacity to your usual loads. Compare water and energy use, noise and spin-drying efficiency on the energy label; ADEME says a capacity of 7 kg is usually sufficient. | I mainly wash everyday loads and want to take into account noise near living areas as well as how dry the laundry will be after spinning. |
What shortcuts should you avoid?
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Reading the durability index as a guaranteed number of years
The score combines repairability and reliability criteria; it doesn’t predict how long a particular appliance will work.
Compare the breakdown across similar models, then look separately at the energy label and the terms of any commercial warranty.
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Replacing the appliance as soon as it develops a fault
According to ADEME, the problem may be with a repairable part rather than the washing machine as a whole.
Ask for an assessment and a quote, then decide based on the appliance’s condition and your current needs.
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Choosing the largest capacity without considering your loads
Not every household needs a large drum: ADEME says a 7 kg washing machine is usually sufficient.
Think about the laundry you usually wash and check the noise level, spin performance and energy consumption figures for the model you choose.
Brand references
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Washing machines to consider on Joybuy
These front-loading and top-loading models offer a range of capacities if you’re considering a replacement. Their features alone aren’t enough to determine which will last the longest: check the durability index and its breakdown for each model too.
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CHiQ JW75883G, 7 kg front-loader
Worth considering if a 7 kg capacity suits your usual loads. The listing states an A energy rating, a spin speed of 1 200 tr/min and 16 programmes. Check the durability index, the space needed for installation and the terms of the advertised motor warranty.
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Bosch WGE02407FR, 7 kg front-loader
A 7 kg capacity to compare with your everyday loads. The model is listed with an A energy rating and a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min. To assess its durability, check the current durability index and its breakdown, as well as what the information about spare parts and the motor warranty covers.
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Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, 7 kg top-loader
A top-loading machine may suit you if there isn’t enough room to open a front-loading door. This 7 kg model is listed with an A energy rating, a spin speed of 1 200 tr/min and Wi-Fi. Check its dimensions, whether the plug is compatible with your installation and the breakdown of its durability index.
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Candy BR 411BL9-S, 11 kg front-loader
Consider whether this 11 kg capacity is right for the amount of laundry you wash regularly. The model is listed with an A energy rating. Check the durability index and its breakdown, along with the warranty terms, before drawing conclusions about how long it will last.
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CHiQ JW85883G, 8 kg front-loader
Worth considering if your usual loads call for an 8 kg capacity rather than 7 kg. The listing mentions a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min, 16 programmes and a steam function. Check the durability index, energy label figures, full dimensions and the terms of the advertised motor warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Does the durability index apply to front-loading and top-loading washing machines?
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the durability index replaced the repairability index for front-loading and top-loading washing machines in France in 2025. Check the score breakdown when comparing models.
What should you look at beyond the durability score?
Look separately at the repairability and reliability criteria. ADEME says each accounts for half of the score. The breakdown lets you check factors such as documentation, how easy the appliance is to dismantle and information about spare parts, without assuming that every repair will be possible.
Does a fault mean you have to buy a new washing machine?
No. ADEME points out that a fault may be caused by a repairable part. Have the appliance assessed and ask for a quote before deciding whether it still meets your needs.
How can you check whether a repair is eligible for assistance?
Before the repair, check the conditions of the Repair Bonus for the washing machine, the fault and the professional you choose. ADEME explains that using a certified repairer is one of the scheme’s conditions.