Who is this decision for?

Households with a broken washing machine

If you want to get your appliance working again, first check whether it’s covered by a warranty or insurance, then find out what the fault is. To claim the Repair Bonus, ecosystem says the work must be carried out by a QualiRépar professional and meet the scheme’s conditions.

Households looking for a more durable appliance

If you’re replacing your machine, compare the durability score for each specific model rather than relying on the brand name alone. According to ADEME, this score out of 10 combines repairability and reliability.

Households whose laundry needs have changed

If your usual load sizes, wash frequency or available space have changed, check that the new machine’s capacity and dimensions suit the way you do your laundry. The energy label also provides information on water use, cycle duration and noise under the conditions of the Eco 40-60 programme, as described by the European Commission.

What should you check before choosing?

Repairing and replacing are two separate decisions. Capacity and laundry habits can then help you compare new machines; they aren’t a third option.

Professional repair

Consider this: if the fault can be repaired and keeping the machine still meets your household’s needs.

Limitations: according to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus requires, among other things, an eligible fault, an appliance that’s out of warranty and not covered by insurance, and a QualiRépar repairer. It doesn’t apply to every repair.

Replacement

Consider this: if you decide against a repair, or if your old washing machine’s capacity, style or cycles no longer suit your needs.

Limitations: the durability score tells you about a model’s repairability and reliability, but not whether its dimensions and performance are right for your laundry needs.

What matters What to check Who it matters to
Whether it can be repaired Ask a QualiRépar professional to identify the fault and check the Repair Bonus conditions, including warranty and insurance cover. When my washing machine breaks down, I want to know whether I can keep using it after a repair rather than replacing it straight away. Around 46% of consumers would put the option to repair first.
Durability of a replacement Compare the durability score for the exact model and its detailed breakdown, including information about maintenance and spare parts. If I replace my machine, I want to assess its reliability and future repair options, not just go by the brand name. This would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Suitability for your laundry needs Check the capacity and dimensions against your needs, and read the energy label data under the conditions of the Eco 40-60 programme. My usual loads or the space available have changed. Above all, I need a machine that fits my home and laundry routine. This would be the priority for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every fault qualifies for the Repair Bonus

    According to ecosystem, eligibility depends on the appliance, any existing cover, the fault and the repair professional. Cosmetic work and certain types of damage caused by use or the surrounding environment are excluded.

    Give a QualiRépar repairer your washing machine’s model number and describe the fault so they can confirm eligibility before carrying out the repair.

  • Confusing the durability score with the energy label

    The score presented by ADEME combines repairability and reliability. The energy label provides information on energy and water use, cycle duration and noise under the conditions of the Eco 40-60 programme.

    Check both for the model you’re considering. Don’t use its energy rating alone to judge its durability.

  • Choosing capacity based only on the number of people in your household

    Load sizes, how often you wash and the space available can all affect what you need, even in households of the same size. A larger capacity doesn’t, on its own, tell you anything about durability.

    Make a note of your usual load sizes and measure the space, access points and clearance needed before choosing a model.

  • Assuming a feature applies to an entire brand

    Features, warranties and conditions of use can vary by model. A feature advertised for one model won’t necessarily be available on other washing machines in the range.

    Check the exact model and variant, its durability score, warranty conditions and any restrictions on the features you’re interested in.

Brands to consider when comparing models

Bosch

Worth considering if you’re comparing front-loading washing machines with different capacities and want to check the durability score for each model.

  • In its French information about this category, Bosch features front-loading models with capacities of 8, 9 and 10 kg.
  • Bosch’s claims about the robustness and repairability of its washing machines don’t replace checking the score and specifications of the model you’re buying.

Miele

Worth considering if features such as automatic dosing, steam or connectivity matter to you when choosing a front-loading washing machine.

  • Miele’s French range includes 9 kg models, with features that vary by model.
  • Check the features of the model you’re considering separately from its durability score and spare parts information.

Whirlpool

Worth considering if you’re comparing 9 kg models, particularly those with a feature designed for laundry left in the drum after a cycle.

  • Whirlpool’s product page for the FFDB9489BVFR lists a 9 kg capacity, a 1 400 tr/min spin speed and the FreshCare+ feature.
  • According to Whirlpool, FreshCare+ isn’t compatible with the Delicate and Duvet programmes. Its spare parts shop doesn’t guarantee that every part is available for every model, so check the one you’re considering.

Washing machines to compare on Joybuy

These washing machines are replacement options to compare against your load sizes and available space. Before choosing a model, also check its durability score and spare parts information. Buying a new machine doesn’t replace checking whether your current one can be repaired.

Candy BR 411BL9-S front-loading washing machine

Candy BR 411BL9-S, 11 kg front-loading washing machine

Worth comparing if your usual loads call for an 11 kg capacity.

The product name indicates an A rating. Check the dimensions, durability score and spare parts information for this model.

View on Joybuy
Haier X Series 11 HW100-BD14397PGU1 washing machine

Haier X Series 11 HW100-BD14397PGU1, 10 kg

Worth considering if a 10 kg capacity suits your usual loads.

The product name indicates 1 400 tr/min, an A rating, and AutoDose, steam and Wi-Fi features. Check the overall dimensions, durability score and spare parts information for the exact model.

View on Joybuy
Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S top-loading washing machine

Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, top-loading, 7 kg

Worth comparing if you want a top-loading machine and 7 kg is enough for your usual loads.

The product name indicates 1 200 tr/min, an A rating, steam and Wi-Fi. Measure the space needed to open the lid, and check the durability score and spare parts information.

View on Joybuy
CHiQ JW85883G front-loading washing machine

CHiQ JW85883G, 8 kg front-loading washing machine

Worth comparing if an 8 kg capacity suits your laundry needs and space is a key consideration.

The product name indicates 1 400 tr/min, 16 programmes and a steam feature. Check the full external dimensions, energy label and durability score for this model.

View on Joybuy
CHiQ JW105883G front-loading washing machine

CHiQ JW105883G, 10 kg front-loading washing machine

Worth comparing if your usual loads call for a 10 kg capacity.

The product name indicates 1 400 tr/min, 16 programmes and a steam feature. Check the dimensions, energy label figures, durability score and spare parts information before choosing.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does the Repair Bonus cover every washing machine fault?

No. According to ecosystem, the fault must be eligible, the household-owned appliance must be identifiable, out of warranty and not covered by insurance, and the work must be carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. Ask them to confirm these points for your appliance before the repair.

What does a washing machine’s durability score measure?

It combines repairability and reliability in a score out of 10. According to ADEME, each component makes up half of the score. Information from the ministry responsible for the ecological transition states that the score has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025. Compare the score for the exact model, but don’t treat it as a guarantee of how long the machine will last.

How can I look beyond the durability score?

Check the detailed information for the exact model and variant as well as the displayed score. The national framework published on data.gouv.fr provides for the publication of the data used to calculate the score. This lets you examine repairability and reliability separately.

Is the energy label enough to help me choose the capacity of a new washing machine?

No. Choose a capacity that suits your actual loads, and check the machine’s dimensions. The energy label lets you compare energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise under the conditions of the Eco 40-60 programme described by the European Commission. These figures don’t apply to every programme.