Before replacing a broken washing machine, ask for a diagnosis and a quote if a repair seems possible. According to ADEME, a fault doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the whole appliance. If you buy a new model, check its durability index, then choose a capacity and dimensions to suit your laundry loads and home.
You want to know whether the fault can be repaired and whether a professional is available before ordering another washing machine. ADEME points out that a fault doesn’t always mean the appliance needs replacing.
If you need to replace your appliance, you want to check the durability index for the specific model and find out about its maintenance and spare parts.
You need to get your laundry routine back on track, but your new appliance also needs to fit the available space, your usual loads and your noise requirements.
When to consider it: when the diagnosis suggests the washing machine can be back in use within a timeframe that works for your household.
What to bear in mind: it depends on the fault and whether a repairer is available. Check that you’re eligible for the Repair Bonus before the work is carried out.
When to consider it: when the appliance’s condition, the quote or the repair timeframe doesn’t meet your household’s laundry needs.
What to bear in mind: the durability index alone doesn’t guarantee that a specific part will be available locally or that the appliance will suit your installation.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for a diagnosis and a quote; check whether a warranty or insurance policy covers it and whether a repairer is available. | A fault has stopped me doing my laundry, and I want to know if my appliance can be put back into service without buying a new one. Around 31% of consumers would put repairability first. |
| Durability of a new model | Compare the durability index for each model you’re considering and find out about maintenance and spare parts. | If I have to replace my washing machine, I want to look at its reliability and repairability rather than relying on the brand name alone. Around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Suitability for your household | Measure the space and allow for clearance; choose the capacity to suit your usual loads. | The space I have and the amount of laundry I do determine which appliance I can actually use. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this above all else. |
| Everyday use | Check the noise level during the spin cycle, access to the filter and the details on the energy label. | If the machine is near a living area or runs frequently, I want to keep noise down and make it easy to maintain. Around 19% of consumers would put these practical considerations first. |
According to ADEME, the fault may affect a repairable component rather than the whole washing machine.
Ask for a diagnosis and a quote before ordering another appliance, then consider whether the proposed repair time works for your laundry needs.
Reported satisfaction with a brand doesn’t tell you the durability index, features or maintenance requirements of each model.
Check the index shown for the exact model and find out about its spare parts.
ADEME says a 7 kg capacity is sufficient most of the time and advises against running cycles with an underfilled drum.
Compare capacities with your usual loads and the bulky items you actually wash.
Spin-cycle noise and ease of maintenance, including access to the filter, were among the areas respondents said could be improved in UFC-Que Choisir’s survey, published in February 2026.
Check the noise level listed for your chosen model and make sure you’ll be able to reach the filter once the appliance is installed.
In its February 2026 survey of 4,350 newsletter respondents, UFC-Que Choisir shared opinions on washing machine brands. These results don’t establish the durability or repairability of any particular model.
A brand worth looking at model by model if you’re considering a replacement.
A brand to compare against the features of the washing machine you’re considering.
A brand to compare by looking at the exact model and your installation requirements.
A brand to include when comparing models suited to your household.
Another brand to assess using information about each individual appliance.
Yes, a washing machine may qualify for the Repair Bonus in France if it meets the scheme’s requirements. According to ADEME, the appliance must have been bought in France, no longer be covered by a warranty or insurance, and have an eligible fault. Check with an approved repairer before any work is carried out.
Yes. According to ADEME, new washing machines sold in France have had to display a durability index since April 2025. Check the index for the model you’re considering rather than using the figure for another model from the same brand.
Choose a capacity that suits your usual loads and how often you do laundry. ADEME says a 7 kg washing machine is sufficient most of the time, but you should compare this guideline with your household’s actual needs, particularly for bulky items.
Check the dimensions and connections, then compare the details on the energy label, the spin-cycle noise level and access to the filter. These points are especially important if the appliance is near a living area or you want to make routine maintenance easy.