Before replacing a broken washing machine, get a diagnosis and a quote. According to the French Ministry of the Economy and ecosystem, the Repair Bonus may apply to an appliance that is out of warranty if the fault is eligible. If you decide to replace it, compare new models by capacity, durability rating and energy label. For a refurbished appliance, check that the description and warranty terms apply to the specific item being sold, as the DGCCRF advises.
A diagnosis and quote will help you compare getting your machine working again with replacing it. The French Ministry of the Economy and ecosystem say that eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends, among other things, on whether the appliance is still under warranty and whether the fault qualifies.
Compare the capacity with the size of your usual loads, and check each model’s durability rating, energy and water use, and noise levels. The energy label described by the European Commission includes figures per cycle or per 100 cycles, among other details.
If you’re considering a refurbished appliance, ask the professional seller for a description of the specific item being sold, the checks carried out and the warranty terms. The DGCCRF says the technical and cosmetic information must relate to the refurbished product, not the original new product.
Worth considering: if the fault can be diagnosed and a quote will help you decide whether to get the machine working again.
Limitation: according to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus requires, among other things, that the appliance is out of warranty and the fault is eligible; it won’t tell you on its own whether the quote is worthwhile.
Worth considering: if you decide to replace your appliance and want to compare the capacity and features of specific models.
Limitation: a durability rating doesn’t guarantee that a machine won’t break down; dimensions, how you use it and the warranty terms matter too.
Worth considering: if a professional seller clearly describes the condition and features of the appliance on offer.
Limitation: according to the DGCCRF, the description must relate to the refurbished product itself; check the delivery and warranty terms for that specific item too.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Ask for the fault, the part involved, labour costs and timescale to be confirmed. According to ecosystem, check before the work begins whether the out-of-warranty appliance and the fault qualify for the Repair Bonus. | I’d like to understand the actual terms for getting my appliance working again before replacing it. |
| Durability of a new appliance | For eligible front-loading or top-loading washing machines in France, check the rating and how it is calculated for the exact model. The French Ministry of the Economy says this rating has applied to these appliances since 8 April 2025, both in shops and online. | I want to compare specific models without treating a durability rating as a guarantee against breakdowns. |
| Capacity and usage | Match the capacity in kg to the size of your usual loads, and check the dimensions and installation space. The energy label presented by the European Commission also shows cycle duration and noise emissions. | The size of my loads and the space I have at home matter just as much as the listed features. |
| Water and energy | Compare the energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle on washing machine energy labels. Take note of the programme duration shown in the comparison too. | I want to consider the stated consumption figures for how I’ll use the appliance, rather than choosing based on the energy class alone. |
| Condition of a refurbished appliance | Ask for the model reference, cosmetic and technical condition, checks carried out and accessories included, as well as the delivery and warranty terms. The DGCCRF says the description must relate to the refurbished appliance being sold. | If I buy a refurbished appliance, I want to know exactly what I’ll receive and on what terms. |
The symptoms don’t tell you what work is needed. According to the French Ministry of the Economy and ecosystem, some repairs may qualify for the Repair Bonus, subject to conditions.
Before comparing your options, ask for a diagnosis and a quote that sets out the part, labour costs, timescale and warranty for the repair.
The rating gives information about durability based on defined criteria; it doesn’t replace checking the capacity, installation requirements and terms specific to the model.
Check the rating for the exact model, then compare its energy label, dimensions and information about parts and warranty.
The DGCCRF says that the technical and cosmetic information provided must describe the refurbished product. Its condition and accessories may therefore affect your decision.
Ask for details of the checks carried out, any defects, the accessories included, delivery and the warranty terms for the specific item being sold.
According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, used washing machines are handled through a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment. You’ll need to arrange for yours to be taken away.
If you’re buying an appliance of the same type, ask the retailer about take-back on a “one-for-one” basis and how it works; otherwise, arrange suitable collection.
Miele S.A.S publishes durability rating data for washing machines on data.gouv.fr.
Electrolux France publishes durability rating data for washing machines on data.gouv.fr.
Beko France publishes durability rating information for eligible washing machines on data.gouv.fr.
These front-loading washing machines are options if you’re considering replacing your appliance with a new one. Compare their capacity with the size of your loads, then check the durability rating and terms for the specific model before choosing.
Image unavailableCompare its 11 kg capacity with the size of your usual loads. The product title lists an A energy class; check the model’s durability rating, dimensions and warranty terms to make sure it suits your installation.
Image unavailableCompare its 10 kg capacity with the size of your usual loads. The model name mentions steam, TimeSave and an Inverter motor; also check the durability rating and warranty terms for this model.
Image unavailableIts 8 kg capacity offers another size to compare with your usual loads and the space you have available. The product title lists SensiCare, a steam function and a spin speed of 1 400 rpm; check the dimensions, durability rating and warranty for the exact model.
Image unavailableConsider the 10 kg capacity in relation to the size of your loads. The product title lists a 530 mm drum, 16 programmes, steam and a spin speed of 1 400 rpm; check the external dimensions, standardised consumption figures, durability rating and scope of any warranty advertised.
For eligible front-loading or top-loading washing machines in France, look up the rating and how it is calculated for the exact model, either in store or on the online product page. According to the French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF, these washing machines have had to display the rating since 8 April 2025; information that applies only to the brand isn’t enough to compare two models.
Yes, subject to conditions. The French Ministry of the Economy and ecosystem say, among other things, that the appliance must no longer be covered by a warranty and the fault must be eligible. Before any work begins, ask a participating repairer to confirm the applicable conditions and request a quote so you can decide whether the repair itself is worthwhile.
Ask for the model reference and a description of the technical and cosmetic condition of the specific item being sold, as well as details of the checks carried out, accessories, delivery and warranty terms. The DGCCRF says the information provided must relate to the refurbished product, not just the new model it came from.
If you’re buying an appliance of the same type, ask the retailer about take-back on a “one-for-one” basis; alternatively, arrange suitable collection for electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition explains this take-back service linked to a purchase and notes that such equipment must go through a dedicated waste treatment scheme.