A breakdown doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace your washing machine. Find out whether it can be repaired, and take the timescale and your needs into account. If you decide to buy a new appliance, first check its size and capacity, then look up the durability rating that applies to the model and the information available about its parts.
Your washing machine has broken down and you want to avoid rushing into a replacement. ADEME recommends considering a repair; also check whether your appliance is covered by a guarantee and ask a professional to assess it.
For your next appliance, you want to be able to check information about its durability, maintenance and parts. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains the durability rating, while the DGCCRF sets out the information available about the availability of certain parts.
You need to keep your current layout, so dimensions, whether the door or lid can open and usable capacity matter more than extra features. The specifications of a particular model, such as those Electrolux lists for its EW6T5612BA top-loading washing machine, won’t apply to every appliance.
Start by getting the appliance assessed for repair. Then check your installation and laundry needs before comparing durability information for new models.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | Check whether a guarantee applies, ask a professional to assess the appliance and compare the estimated repair time with your needs. | If I can avoid replacing an appliance that could still meet my needs, I want to know what my options are before deciding. Around 26% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Durability and repairability | Check the rating that applies to the exact model, its breakdown, the information available about parts and the scope of any guarantees. | If I want to maintain or repair my next appliance, I look beyond its overall score. Around 26% of consumers prioritise future repairability. |
| Installation and dimensions | Measure the space, check the room needed to open the appliance, ensure there’s access for delivery and read the installation instructions. | When an appliance needs to fit into an existing space, I check that it can be installed and opened properly. Around 21% of consumers are mainly concerned about where it will go. |
| Capacity and consumption | Compare the capacity in kg and the stated consumption figures, taking into account which programme they refer to. | If I want the capacity to suit my usual laundry loads, I also compare consumption figures on a like-for-like basis. Around 16% of consumers prioritise these criteria. |
| Cycle time, noise and maintenance | Check programme times, spin noise levels and the model’s maintenance instructions. | If my schedule or home makes noise and cycle times important, I check these details as well as how easy it is to access the filter. Around 11% of consumers prioritise cycle comfort. |
A breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean the whole washing machine needs replacing. Your appliance may also be covered by a guarantee.
Check your rights with the retailer and ask a professional to assess the repair and provide an estimated timescale.
The durability rating combines reliability and repairability criteria; it doesn’t guarantee that your appliance will last a certain number of years without breaking down.
Check the score breakdown, information about parts and guarantee terms separately.
The availability of certain parts doesn’t mean that replacing them or the labour will be free. Eligibility conditions also apply to the repair bonus.
Check which parts are covered and the conditions that apply. For your broken appliance, ask for a written assessment of the work.
A top-loading washing machine and a front-loading model open differently, and won’t necessarily fit the same space.
Measure the space and clearance needed to open the appliance, then check the dimensions and installation instructions for your chosen model.
Choosing the wrong format may mean rearranging the delivery or adapting the installation.
The BM3WFT38451A is an example of a front-loading washing machine listed with an 8 kg capacity and a durability rating for this model.
The PerfectCare range includes the EW6T5612BA top-loading model, an example of a format that may suit a compatible space.
The Série 6 WGG244F1FR is an example to consider when looking at a front-loading washing machine listed with a 9 kg capacity and the scope of a motor guarantee.
This selection includes washing machines and washer-dryers to suit different capacity and installation needs. Check the specifications of the exact model, including the durability rating that applies to it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance that combines washing and drying.
Wash capacity: 11 kg; drying capacity: 6 kg. Class A. Wi-Fi and SmartThings are listed for this model.
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Worth considering if you want washing and drying in one appliance, with the stated capacity for each function.
Wash capacity: 10 kg; drying capacity: 6 kg. Class D. The description mentions steam, Air Wash and Wi-Fi.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a top-loading washing machine and the stated capacity suits your laundry loads.
Capacity: 6 kg. 17 programmes, 1,400 rpm, Class B, an Inverter motor and Wi-Fi are listed in the product name.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a front-loading model whose stated depth may suit your space.
Capacity: 8 kg; stated depth: 470 mm; spin speed: 1,400 rpm.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg front-loading washing machine and the listed features suit your needs.
Capacity: 8 kg; spin speed: 1,400 rpm. The product name mentions Steam Hygiene and SensiCare.
No. ADEME reminds consumers that repair can be considered before replacement. Ask a professional to assess the appliance and take the timescale and your needs into account; a breakdown alone isn’t enough to determine the right solution.
The Ministry of the Economy states that, within the scope of the scheme, the durability rating has applied to domestic front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. Check the rating shown for the exact model and read the breakdown.
Yes, under the exception for a model placed on the market before the relevant order came into force and not placed on the market again afterwards: the old rating may remain on display until the last unit is sold. The apparent age of a model reference isn’t enough to confirm that this exception applies.
Not for the period described by the DGCCRF. For certain parts covered by the rules, availability lasts while the model is on sale and for ten years after it was last placed on the market. Check which parts are covered and how to access them; some are intended for professional repairers.
Service Public describes a free ‘one-for-one’ take-back service when your purchased washing machine is delivered, if you want to get rid of the old one. Arrange this with the retailer when you place your order.