If you’re buying a new washing machine in France, compare the durability rating of the models you’re considering, then look separately at their repairability and reliability. The overall score doesn’t guarantee that a specific part will be available if something goes wrong. If your current machine isn’t working properly, first check which guarantees apply. If it’s no longer covered, a diagnosis and quote can help you decide whether to repair or replace it.
You’re looking for a new washing machine to last for several years and want to look beyond capacity and programmes. A closer look at the durability rating can help you compare reliability, maintenance and repairability.
Before you buy, you want to know how to find parts and documentation for the exact model number, as well as what aftercare is available for that model.
You’re not sure whether to replace your machine straight away. Checking its guarantee first, then arranging a diagnosis or quote if needed, can help you decide whether a repair is worth considering.
When buying a new washing machine in France, start with the durability rating for the exact model, then check the features that matter for how you use it. If you already own a machine that’s broken down, look into repair options before comparing new models.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability of a new model | Note the rating out of 10 for each model number, then compare the repairability and reliability elements of the calculation separately. | I want to compare the stated durability of several models without focusing only on their washing capacity; around 36% of consumers put this overall rating at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Repairability and parts | Check the criteria for documentation, ease of dismantling and parts availability, then search for the full model number on the manufacturer’s website. | If something goes wrong in the future, I want to identify the right part and understand my repair options; this is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Routine maintenance | Check the manual and maintenance instructions for the model, including how easy it is to access the filter. | Between washes, I want to carry out the recommended maintenance without struggling to reach the right parts; around 21% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
| Repair or replace | Check which guarantees apply to your current machine. If it’s no longer covered, ask for a diagnosis or quote and check the terms of the repair bonus scheme. | My washing machine has broken down and I’d like to explore repair options before buying another one; around 14% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the rating combines repairability and reliability criteria. The overall score alone doesn’t show which criteria have influenced a model’s result.
Open the calculation details for each model you’re interested in and compare the two elements separately.
A manufacturer may offer a parts catalogue, but that doesn’t confirm that the part you need will be available for every model when something goes wrong.
Search for the full model number and check the information for any parts you might need to replace.
Waiting for the right part can leave your machine out of action.
A commercial guarantee is optional and may partly overlap with the rights already provided by the legal guarantee of conformity. The DGCCRF notes, for example, that some offers advertised as providing three years’ cover add only one year to this legal protection.
Compare the written terms: the additional cover period, faults covered, repairs, exclusions and how the offer works alongside your legal rights.
If the fault is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity, contact the retailer to request a repair or replacement. If the machine is no longer covered, you may be able to use the repair bonus scheme with a certified repairer, subject to the terms set by the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition.
Check the machine’s cover first. If it’s no longer covered, get the fault assessed and check whether you qualify for the repair bonus before deciding to replace it.
This information describes services or commitments stated by the brands. When choosing a washing machine, always check what applies to the specific model you’re considering.
Worth considering if you want to look for genuine parts for a washing machine from the brand.
Worth considering if the stated parts availability period is important to you.
Worth considering if you want to search an official catalogue that includes parts for washing machines.
Worth considering if you want to search for genuine parts using your appliance’s model number.
Worth considering if you want to find out about the repair process and parts access offered by the brand in France.
Yes. According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability rating has applied to relevant new washing machines since 8 April 2025. Scored out of 10, it replaces the repairability rating for this category and must be shown when the product is presented in shops and online.
Look separately at the repairability and reliability elements for the exact model. According to ADEME and the guidance from the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, these include documentation, ease of dismantling and parts, as well as resistance to wear and maintenance options. This can help you understand the score without treating it as a promise of how long your individual machine will last.
Not necessarily. A commercial guarantee is optional and should be compared with the legal guarantee of conformity available from the retailer. Read the written terms to find out what it really adds, which faults are covered and what the exclusions are; it doesn’t replace your legal rights.
If your machine is no longer covered by a guarantee, a diagnosis and quote can help you compare the cost of a repair with buying a new one. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition says the repair bonus is deducted from the bill when you use a certified repairer and meet the relevant conditions. Check that your appliance and repair qualify. If the fault is still covered by the legal guarantee of conformity, contact the retailer first.