If your washing machine can still be repaired at a reasonable cost, compare the quote with any applicable cover or support schemes before replacing it. If you’re buying a new one, check the durability index for the exact model, then look separately at its repairability criteria, spare parts and maintenance requirements: a good score is no guarantee of a specific lifespan.
You want to avoid choosing based on capacity alone. Look at the components that make up the index and the maintenance requirements, without treating the score as a promise of years without a breakdown. ADEME describes the index as a guide to durability; UFC-Que Choisir points out that it is calculated using information supplied by manufacturers.
You’re looking for spare parts, documentation and a machine that can be dismantled. Compare the information and sub-criteria for specific models rather than relying on a brand’s general reputation. The DGCCRF explains what information must be provided about spare-part availability.
Your decision depends on the washing machine’s condition, the repair quote, any applicable warranty and whether the repair qualifies for support. The Ministry of the Economy and ADEME set out the conditions for the repair bonus.
Worth considering: if its condition and the repair quote make it reasonable to keep using it.
Check: a warranty or insurance policy could affect your decision, and the repair bonus is subject to certain conditions.
Worth considering: if replacement is justified and you want to compare eligible models using a common benchmark.
Bear in mind: the score combines reliability and repairability criteria; it does not predict how many years you’ll use the machine or how much a repair will cost.
Worth considering: if being able to repair a future fault is a particularly important factor in your choice.
Check: a stated availability period doesn’t mean that every part is accessible to everyone at the same price or within the same timescale.
In France, the durability index has been displayed for eligible washing machines since 8 April 2025; the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Service Public explain which products are covered. ADEME says the reliability and repairability sections each account for 50% of the final score.
| What matters | What to check | Who cares most about it? |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability and maintenance | The reliability score and detailed criteria for the exact model, plus the maintenance instructions in its manual. | After a machine has worn out prematurely, I want to keep using a reliable appliance without mistaking a score for a promise of longevity. Around 36% of consumers put reliability and maintenance first. |
| Repairability and spare parts | The sub-criteria for dismantling and documentation, as well as the parts covered and how to order them. | If I’m worried about a future breakdown, I want to know which parts and documents are genuinely accessible for the model I’ve chosen. Around 29% of consumers prioritise repairability. |
| Repair or replace | The machine’s condition, the repair quote, any applicable warranty or insurance and the conditions for the repair bonus. | If my washing machine breaks down, I want to compare the repair options with replacement before making a decision. Comparing a repair quote with the cost of a new machine is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Capacity and use | A capacity and dimensions suited to your loads and available space, plus the energy label to compare stated consumption. | To choose a machine that suits my household, I consider our usual loads and the space available, without confusing capacity with durability. Around 14% of consumers put this suitability first. |
The index brings together declared reliability and repairability criteria; it doesn’t directly measure how long the machine will last in your home.
Compare both sections and the model’s detailed information sheet, then check the terms of any applicable warranty.
Stated availability periods, the parts covered, who can access them and delivery times aren’t interchangeable. A part or repair may still be expensive, even if availability is stated.
For the exact model, check which part is covered, how to order it and the relevant terms.
An active warranty or a repair that qualifies for the bonus could affect your decision; the right choice also depends on the fault and the repair quote.
Check what your machine is covered for and get a quote before deciding. The repair bonus requires, among other things, that the repair is carried out by an approved repairer while the appliance is out of warranty.
Compare the repair quote with the replacement you’re considering, taking any delivery and installation arrangements into account.
Bosch France’s range of front-loading washing machines includes durability index information for selected models.
Beko publishes information about its indexes and a calculation sheet for the B5WFU58418W model.
Miele’s W1 range and information about its spare parts may interest buyers who want to check stated availability.
Whirlpool models feature in a GuideTopten.fr selection of washing machines dated November 2025.
These front- and top-loading washing machines let you compare capacities, features and some of the stated information about spare parts or repairability. Always check the product details for the exact model before choosing.
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Its stated 14 kg capacity can be compared with your household’s usual loads.
Front-loading washing machine with a stainless steel drum, 16 programmes, a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm and energy rating B.
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Its 7 kg capacity can be compared with your usual loads; the product description also gives a repairability score and a stated spare-part availability period.
Front-loading washing machine with a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm and energy rating A. The description gives a repairability score of 8,6/10 and 11 years of spare-part availability; check which parts are covered and the applicable terms.
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Consider the top-loading design and 6 kg capacity in relation to your available space and usual loads.
The product information lists 17 programmes, including Drum Clean, and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm. It also mentions Night Wash and AI Weight Sense.
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Compare its stated 10 kg capacity with your household’s actual loads. The product description also provides information about the durability index and spare-part availability.
Front-loading washing machine with 16 programmes, a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm, energy rating A and dimensions of 595 × 681 × 850 mm. The description gives a durability index of 8,5 and 14 years of spare-part availability; check the detailed product information and the terms that apply to this model.
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Compare the 10 kg capacity with your usual loads; the description states that the motor is covered by a replacement guarantee, so check the terms.
Front-loading washing machine with energy rating A-30 %, a 530 mm drum, a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm and 16 programmes. The description mentions a 12-year motor replacement guarantee.
Yes. For eligible new domestic washing machines sold in France, the index must be displayed on pages linked to online purchases. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Service Public say it has been displayed for eligible washing machines since 8 April 2025. It doesn’t replace the energy label.
No. A stated period doesn’t necessarily apply to every part or every buyer. For parts covered for domestic washing machines, the DGCCRF states that there is an additional minimum period of ten years after the last unit of the model is placed on the market. Also check ordering terms and information for the exact model.
Washing machines are among the categories that may qualify, subject to the scheme’s conditions. The Ministry of the Economy says, among other things, that the repair must be carried out by an approved repairer while the appliance is out of warranty. Check whether your appliance and repair qualify before factoring the bonus into your decision.
ADEME advises against using too much detergent, as this can cause build-up in the machine and lead to unpleasant smells. Also follow the maintenance instructions in your model’s manual.
The DGCCRF reminds retailers of the principle of free ‘one-for-one’ take-back of equivalent used equipment when a new product is sold. Ask the retailer how take-back works in practice, and distinguish it from any paid installation service.