Households looking to avoid replacing an appliance too soon
After a breakdown, you want to look into the repairability, maintenance requirements and parts availability of a new appliance, rather than rely on a general promise of long life.
Who is this choice for?
People weighing up a repair against buying new
You want to get your washing done again, but also find out whether the fault can be fixed and whether a QualiRépar-approved repairer can apply the Repair Bonus.
Shoppers who care about warranties and after-sales service
You want to distinguish your legal rights from a commercial warranty, then check which components and repairs it actually covers.
What should you check first?
After a breakdown, first find out whether the appliance can be repaired. If you’re buying new in France, the DGCCRF says the durability index has applied to both front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. Then check the details for each model and make sure its dimensions will fit.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Repair before replacing | Ask for the fault to be diagnosed and check the Repair Bonus terms with a QualiRépar-approved repairer. | If the fault can be fixed, I’d rather keep my appliance than replace it straight away. Repair would come first for around 36% of consumers. |
| Compare durability | Check the score out of 10 and what lies behind it, including the repairability and reliability criteria outlined by the DGCCRF. | To avoid choosing based on a simple promise of long life, I want to compare the criteria for models that suit my needs. Around 29% of consumers would put this comparison at the top of their list. |
| Plan for future repairs | Check the information available about the model’s parts and the scope of any commercial warranty. The guidance from the ministry responsible for the Ecological Transition sets these out separately in the index details. | If another fault occurs, I want to know which parts to look for and what cover I can rely on. The ability to repair the appliance would be a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Make sure the appliance suits your home | Measure the space, access routes and connections before choosing between a front-loading and a top-loading model. | I need to be able to install the appliance at home. If my main priority is drying clothes indoors, I’ll need to look at drying options separately. For around 14% of consumers, finding an appliance that suits their home would come ahead of other criteria. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the overall durability score
The same score doesn’t tell you, on its own, which criteria contributed to a washing machine’s rating. The DGCCRF and the guidance from the ministry responsible for the Ecological Transition distinguish between factors such as repairability and reliability.
Open the index details and look at the criteria that matter to you, such as access to parts or maintenance.
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Confusing a motor warranty with your legal guarantee
A commercial warranty may cover just one component and come with activation requirements. The DGCCRF distinguishes this optional cover from the legal guarantees that apply.
Before you buy, read which components are covered, check the exclusions and find out what you need to do to make a claim. Then keep your proof of purchase.
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Replacing the appliance without looking into a repair
According to the ministries responsible for the environment, the Repair Bonus is applied directly by an approved repairer when the conditions are met. However, it doesn’t mean every repair is possible.
Ask for a diagnosis and confirm that your appliance and the fault are eligible before deciding to replace it.
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Choosing between front-loading and top-loading before measuring
The type of loading alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit through your access routes or into the space you have.
Measure the space and check the installation requirements. If drying clothes indoors is your main priority, compare drying options separately.
Brands to consider for parts and warranties
Bosch
A brand to consider if you want to search for parts using the washing machine’s exact model reference.
- Bosch Home Appliances says parts for its washing machines are generally available for 15 years and offers a search by E-Nr reference.
- This statement from the brand doesn’t guarantee that every part will be available for the model you choose, or that the model will be reliable overall. Check the reference and the part you need.
Beko
A brand to consider if the stated parts availability period is a factor in your decision.
- Beko France says it keeps parts for repairable large domestic appliances for 15 years from the first consumer purchase.
- The brand says this information should be checked for each product. It doesn’t prove that a particular washing machine will be durable.
Miele
A brand to consider if you’re interested in specific commercial cover for the motor.
- Miele France offers an additional 25-year warranty on the motors of certain domestic laundry care appliances, subject to purchase, usage, registration and service area conditions.
- This warranty doesn’t automatically cover other components. Miele also says that its tests simulating 20 years of use don’t guarantee the durability of every appliance.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the durability index guarantee that a washing machine won’t break down?
No. According to the DGCCRF, this score out of 10 combines repairability and reliability criteria. It can help you compare the models covered, but it doesn’t guarantee the lifespan of a particular appliance or that it won’t break down.
Can you check the index details when buying online?
Yes, for the washing machines covered that are sold in France. The DGCCRF says the information must also be available on retail websites. Check the details behind the criteria, not just the score shown.
Can the Repair Bonus apply to a broken washing machine?
Yes, if the appliance and fault are eligible, the appliance is no longer covered by a warranty, and the repair is carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer. According to the ministries responsible for the environment and ecosystem, the Bonus is then deducted directly from the repair cost.
Does an extended commercial warranty replace your legal guarantee?
No. The DGCCRF distinguishes the legal guarantees that apply from an optional commercial warranty. Check the terms of the latter, but don’t confuse it with your rights when buying from a professional seller.
What if drying clothes indoors is also a priority?
Look into this separately before choosing a washing machine. The requirements of a tumble dryer, clothes airer or washer-dryer can’t be summed up by the loading type or a washing machine’s durability index.