If a fault can be diagnosed, compare the repair quote, any applicable warranty and the overall condition of your washing machine before deciding to replace it. If you’re buying a new machine, start with a capacity and dimensions that suit your household, then look at the breakdown of the durability index and check compatibility, price and how to access spare parts separately.
You’re weighing up whether to repair or replace your appliance. A diagnosis, any applicable warranty and a quote will help you compare your options. ADEME recommends finding out what caused the fault before making a decision.
You want to check which parts are compatible with the exact model, whether they’re available and how to access them. Information from the French Ministry of the Economy and the European Commission explains which parts are covered and who can access them.
You’re replacing a machine that no longer suits the amount of laundry you do or the space in your home, so you need to consider capacity, dimensions and energy consumption data. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that meets your household’s needs.
In France, the durability index has applied to new front-loading and top-loading washing machines offered for sale since 8 April 2025. The French Ministry of the Economy says that the scoring breakdown must be accessible from the same page as the index and shown close to the price. Check the breakdown and spare-parts information separately.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | The diagnosis, full repair quote and any applicable warranty. | If your machine has broken down, you’ll want to know whether a repair makes sense before choosing a new appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise weighing up repair against replacement. |
| Access to spare parts | The part number, compatibility, price and ordering or fitting arrangements. | If you’re planning ahead for a repair, you’ll want to know whether the part you need will be accessible for your exact model. Around 31% of consumers prioritise future access to spare parts and their cost. |
| Durability index | The score and scoring breakdown for the exact model, without confusing them with the energy label. | If you’re comparing new models, you’ll want to understand what the index takes into account rather than relying on the score alone. Around 25% of consumers put the index breakdown first. |
| Laundry and living space | Usable capacity, dimensions and energy-label data, compared on a like-for-like basis. | If your laundry loads or available space create limitations, you’ll want an appliance that suits your everyday needs. Around 19% of consumers prioritise a good fit for their laundry and living space. |
The index brings together several criteria, including factors relating to spare parts and reliability. It doesn’t guarantee that the machine won’t break down or tell you how much a future repair will cost.
Check the scoring breakdown, then look into spare parts and repair arrangements for the model you’re considering.
Availability and access arrangements can vary depending on the model and type of part. Some parts or information are intended for professional repairers.
Search using the full model number, then check the specific part, its price and the ordering or fitting arrangements.
A larger capacity won’t necessarily suit your household’s usual laundry loads or the space available.
Compare the capacity, appliance dimensions and energy-label data with your actual needs.
Worth considering if you want to search for parts using the appliance’s E-Nr number.
Worth considering if you want to search for parts using the model and serial number.
Worth considering if you want to search for washing machine parts using the PNC product number.
These models offer a range of capacities and configurations for replacing your machine. For a new front-loading or top-loading washing machine sold in France, check the score and breakdown of the durability index on the product page, then check compatibility and spare-parts access arrangements separately.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 6 kg top-loading washing machine. Check that its dimensions suit your space.
Capacity: 6 kg; 1,400 RPM; energy rating B; 17 programmes and quick cycles from 14 to 59 minutes.
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Worth considering if a 10 kg capacity suits your laundry loads and the available space fits the stated dimensions.
Capacity: 10 kg; 1,400 RPM; energy rating A; freestanding; dimensions: 85 × 59,5 × 68,1 cm; 16 programmes and steam function.
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Worth considering if your usual laundry loads call for a 12 kg capacity and a front-loading machine suits your setup.
Capacity: 12 kg; 1,400 RPM; energy rating A; freestanding; front-loading; 16 programmes, steam and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity and front-loading design suit your needs and the available space.
Capacity: 8 kg; energy rating A-10%; BLDC motor; steam function and wool programme.
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Worth considering if a 10 kg capacity suits your laundry loads and the listed programmes match how you use your machine.
Capacity: 10 kg; energy rating A-10%; 16 programmes, a pet-hair programme, steam function and reload function.
For eligible new front-loading or top-loading washing machines, the durability index has replaced the repairability index since 8 April 2025. The French Ministry of the Economy says the scoring breakdown must be accessible from the same page as the index and shown close to the price. Check that the score and its details are clearly displayed for the model you’ve chosen.
No. The DGCCRF states that certain parts for domestic washing machines must be available for ten years after the last unit of a model is placed on the market. The European Commission distinguishes between parts available to everyone and parts and information intended for professional repairers. Check the arrangements for the part you need.
Start by finding out what caused the fault rather than immediately deciding to replace the machine. If it needs attention, note down the appliance’s model number and ask for a diagnosis or quote before comparing the repair with buying another washing machine.
No. When you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods under its own terms. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the period for claiming under this guarantee is two years for new goods; a commercial warranty has its own scope.
ADEME recommends avoiding too much detergent, as using too much can cause build-up in the appliance and lead to unpleasant smells. You should also follow the care instructions for your model.