Shoppers looking for a durable appliance
You’re replacing a worn-out machine and want to understand what the rating says about reliability and repairability, without mistaking it for a guarantee against breakdowns.
Who is this guide for?
Households with demanding laundry needs
Your usual laundry loads, drying needs, noise levels or available space may narrow down your options. You’ll need to weigh the rating against washing features and the energy label.
Owners weighing up their options after a breakdown
You want to know whether it’s better to have your appliance repaired, choose a reconditioned model or buy a new washing machine.
What to compare
The breakdown and the appliance’s condition will help you decide between repair, reconditioned and new. For a new model, the durability rating is another useful measure, but it doesn’t replace the features that matter for your laundry and installation.
Repair your existing appliance
Consider this if: a diagnosis can identify the fault and a quote makes getting the appliance working again worthwhile.
Weigh up: the actual cost of the repair against the cost of a replacement. Eligibility for a repair bonus depends on the type of repair and using a certified repairer.
Choose a reconditioned washing machine
Consider this if: you’re happy to buy an appliance that’s been used before and can check the information provided for the specific item being sold.
Weigh up: its condition and the checks carried out. These can’t be inferred from the rating given to the new model.
Buy a new washing machine
Consider this if: a repair isn’t worthwhile or you need to replace the appliance.
Weigh up: the durability rating and its criteria alongside the dimensions, capacity and information on the energy label.
In France, the durability rating has replaced the repairability rating for washing machines covered by the scheme since 8 April 2025. It provides information about reliability and repairability. The French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) recommends checking the energy label separately to compare factors such as water and electricity use, spin performance and noise.
| Feature | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability and repairability | For a new washing machine covered by the scheme, check its rating out of 10 and the criteria behind it, including reliability and repairability. | If I’m replacing a worn-out machine, I want to understand how reliable and repairable it is without treating a score as a promise of how long it will last. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the durability of a new appliance. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual laundry loads, and check the load limits for the programmes you use. | If my household often has large loads of washing, I look for a suitable drum size rather than automatically choosing the largest. Around 22% of consumers prioritise washing capacity. |
| Energy use and spin performance | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and spin-drying efficiency class on the energy label. | If I’m keeping an eye on electricity and water use, or need to dry my washing, these details help me compare models. Around 17% of consumers put energy use and spin performance at the top of their list. |
| Dimensions and noise | Measure the space available and the clearance needed to open the door. For models that will fit, compare the stated noise level during the spin cycle. | If space is limited or the machine will be near rooms in use, I check its size and noise level before choosing. Around 17% of consumers prioritise the space needed or noise level. |
| Repair or reconditioned | For a faulty appliance, ask for a diagnosis and quote. For a reconditioned one, check the inspections, stated condition, seller and guarantees. | After a breakdown, I want to compare my options before buying new. Around 17% of consumers prioritise weighing up repair, reconditioned and replacement options. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Treating the durability rating as a promise of years without breakdowns
The rating brings together reliability and repairability criteria; it doesn’t predict how long the individual appliance you receive will last.
Compare the breakdown of the score for models that suit your needs, without turning it into a guaranteed lifespan.
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Choosing the biggest capacity or highest rating without checking the installation
A capacity or dimensions that don’t suit your laundry or the space available could make installation difficult or leave you with cycles that don’t meet your needs.
Start with your usual laundry loads, measure the space and check the clearance needed to open the door before comparing labels and product details.
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Applying a new model’s rating to a reconditioned appliance
A reconditioned appliance has already been used. Its condition and the checks carried out need to be assessed for the specific item being sold.
Ask what checks and repairs have been carried out, check the stated condition, and find out who the seller is and which guarantees apply.
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Ruling out repair after the first breakdown
A diagnosis can identify the cause of the fault and show whether getting the appliance working again is an option.
Ask for a quote before comparing repair with replacement. Any repair bonus depends on the work and eligibility conditions.
A few brands to consider
Bosch
The WGG244F1FR is a useful point of comparison if you’re looking for a large-capacity front-loading washing machine. Bosch lists a 9 kg capacity and dimensions of 845 × 598 × 588 mm for this model.
- Bosch advertises a 10-year motor warranty for this model.
- This advertised warranty doesn’t prove how long the entire range will last. Check the model’s detailed durability rating before comparing it.
Miele
The WEA125 WCS and WED385 WCS are examples of W1 range configurations with 8 or 9 kg capacities.
- Miele’s product details set out the capacity and spin speeds for these specific models.
- Miele’s claim that its appliances are “tested to last 20 years” is a brand statement, not a guaranteed lifespan for the appliance you buy or an independent comparison.
Whirlpool
The TDLR 6247 FR/N is worth considering if you’re looking for a top-loading model. Whirlpool lists a 6 kg capacity and a width of 40 cm.
- The stated width could be a useful comparison point if space is tight.
- Check that the capacity suits your laundry loads. The manufacturer’s programme descriptions aren’t independent test results.
Electrolux
The French range includes 8 kg washing machines to consider if this capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
- The 8 kg range gives you a point of comparison for this capacity.
- The availability of models with this capacity doesn’t tell you how durable or reliable any particular model is. Compare its product details and full rating.
Washing machines available on Joybuy
These models let you compare capacities and usage figures for different laundry needs. If a model is new and covered by the French scheme, check its durability rating and the details behind it.
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Haier X Series 11 HW100-BD14397PGU1, 10 kg
Its stated 10 kg capacity can be compared with your usual laundry loads. Check that the dimensions will also fit your space.
- Stated capacity: 10 kg
- Spin speed: 1 400 rpm; spin-drying efficiency class B
- Energy rating A; stated consumption: 41 kWh/100 cycles and 48 L/cycle
- Stated dimensions: 850 × 595 × 611 mm
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg
The stated 8 kg capacity gives you a useful benchmark for everyday laundry loads. Check the stated depth against the space available.
- Stated capacity: 8 kg
- Spin speed: 1 400 rpm; spin-drying efficiency class B
- Energy rating A; stated consumption: 33 kWh/100 cycles and 38 L/cycle
- Stated noise level during the spin cycle: 72 dB
- Stated depth: 470 mm
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 410B10-S, 10 kg
Compare its stated 10 kg capacity with the size of your laundry loads and the dimensions of the appliance.
- Stated capacity: 10 kg
- Spin speed: 1 400 rpm; spin-drying efficiency class B
- Energy rating A; stated consumption: 31 kWh/100 cycles and 46 L/cycle
- Stated noise level during the spin cycle: 72 dB
- Stated dimensions: 85 × 59,5 × 68,1 cm
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 412B8-S, 12 kg
Compare the stated 12 kg capacity with your actual laundry loads and the space needed to install the appliance.
- Stated capacity: 12 kg
- Spin speed: 1 400 rpm; spin-drying efficiency class B
- Energy rating A; stated consumption: 44 kWh/100 cycles and 45 L/cycle
- Stated noise level during the spin cycle: 72 dB
- Stated dimensions: 850 × 595 × 681 mm
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Electrolux EW6FI4805AW, 8 kg
Its stated 8 kg capacity can be compared with your usual laundry loads. Check the dimensions and stated noise level during the spin cycle too.
- Stated capacity: 8 kg
- Spin speed: 1 400 rpm; spin-drying efficiency class B
- Energy rating A; stated consumption: 47 kWh/100 cycles and 43 L/cycle
- Stated noise level during the spin cycle: 75 dB
- Stated dimensions: 847 × 596 × 576 mm
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find details of the durability rating for a new washing machine covered by the scheme when buying online?
In France, the details must be available on the same page as the rating, close to it. The scheme has applied to the washing machines it covers since 8 April 2025, when the durability rating replaced the repairability rating for this category, according to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition.
Does the durability rating include energy use and noise?
No. It covers reliability and repairability criteria. To compare water and electricity use, spin performance and noise, check the washing machine’s energy label separately, as recommended by ADEME.
What should I check before installing a replacement washing machine?
Check the dimensions, the clearance needed to open the door or lid, and the connections and instructions in the manual for the model you choose. The maximum load can also vary by programme, so check the limits for the cycles you usually use.
Is a reconditioned washing machine bought from a retailer covered by the legal guarantee of conformity?
Yes. In France, this guarantee can be claimed for two years from delivery when you buy from a professional seller. For a second-hand or reconditioned item, the presumption that the defect existed at the time of sale lasts for one year, compared with two years for a new item. This doesn’t mean that the guarantee itself lasts for only one year, according to the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance.
Does the repair bonus automatically apply to every washing machine repair quote?
No. The repair must be eligible and carried out by a certified repairer. If the conditions are met, the discount is deducted from the bill. Check the requirements before comparing the quote with the cost of a replacement.