Quick summary:
- Refurbished means 20 to 50 per cent savings with a minimum 12 month warranty.
- Used is the cheapest option but comes with no warranty or quality check.
- New still makes sense for latest models, intensive use and large families.
- The French refurbished market already tops 1 billion euros in 2025 according to ADEME.
Quick comparison of new, refurbished and used
| Criterion | New | Refurbished | Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price | 100 per cent | 50 to 80 per cent | 20 to 40 per cent |
| Warranty | 24 months minimum | 12 to 24 months | None |
| After-sales service | Yes | Yes | No |
| Delivery included | Often | Often | Rarely |
| Estimated lifespan | 10 to 15 years | 7 to 12 years | 3 to 8 years |
| Environmental impact | High | Low | None |
Appliances: three buying options in 2026
Choosing a refurbished appliance over new or used is attracting more and more consumers. Rising energy and appliance prices, combined with growing ecological awareness, push buyers toward more economical and sustainable alternatives.
Each option has a different profile in terms of price, reliability and warranty. Understanding the differences is the first step to making the right choice. Our analysis draws on French market practices in 2026 and feedback compiled in our reviews of refurbished sites.
Why refurbished is gaining ground
According to ADEME (French ecological transition agency), the French refurbished market exceeded 1 billion euros in 2025. Appliances now account for 15 per cent of this market, growing 20 per cent per year.
New: when is it the right choice?
Buying new remains the preferred option for several concrete reasons. New guarantees an unused product, with the latest technology and a full manufacturer warranty.
Situations where new is essential
- Latest-generation technology: heat pump dryers, connected dishwashers, steam ovens.
- Intensive use: families of more than 4, professionals.
- Aesthetic requirements: new kitchen, matching design.
- Unconstrained budget: priority on peace of mind and maximum warranty.
New comes with a minimum 2 year legal warranty, sometimes extended to 5 or 10 years on key components (motors, drums). However, prices rose 8 to 12 per cent between 2023 and 2025 according to INSEE.
Refurbished: the winning compromise
Refurbished means an appliance restored by a professional after initial use. The process includes disassembly, component testing, faulty part replacement, cleaning and packaging. The appliance is then resold with a minimum 12 month warranty.
The three refurbished grades
French marketplaces have harmonized a common three-tier classification:
| Grade | Appearance | Functionality | Typical discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Visible marks | 100 per cent functional | 30 to 50 per cent |
| Good | Light marks | 100 per cent functional | 20 to 30 per cent |
| Excellent | Like new | 100 per cent functional | 15 to 25 per cent |
The warranty advantage
Unlike used, refurbished comes with a 12 to 24 month warranty depending on the seller, plus after-sales service for breakdowns. This warranty covers all failures except normal wear or misuse.
Used: for tight budgets
Buying used between individuals (eBay, Craigslist, Facebook groups) delivers the biggest savings, often 60 to 80 per cent off new. This option comes with high risks.
The risks of used
- No legal or commercial warranty.
- Impossible to check internal condition (limescale, worn parts).
- No delivery contract, transport at buyer’s cost.
- Limited recourse for early breakdowns.
Expert citation
“The used market between individuals remains huge, but 35 per cent of resold appliances fail within 12 months of purchase. Professional refurbishment cuts this rate by three.” — ADEME Study, 2024
Used remains relevant for small, low-cost appliances (microwaves, toasters) or buyers able to assess condition themselves.
Detailed comparison of the three options
The ecological criterion
A refurbished appliance avoids the production of a new one, saving an average 150 kg of CO2 for a large appliance according to ADEME. This is the number one argument for environmentally-conscious buyers.
How to choose based on your profile
Tight budget
Favor fair-grade refurbished on Back Market or Envie. Savings up to 50 per cent with warranty preserved. Used between individuals remains viable for small appliances.
Average household
Good-grade refurbished offers the best compromise. Sites like Back Market, Recommerce and Largo deliver reliable offers with 12 to 24 month warranties.
Demanding buyer
New remains the logical choice for those who want the latest technology, maximum warranty and perfect aesthetics. Purchases at big-box stores (Darty, Boulanger) also offer financing options.
Steps to buy refurbished with confidence
- Compare prices on 2 or 3 marketplaces before buying.
- Check warranty length (12 months minimum).
- Read customer reviews on the specific seller.
- Favor “good” or “excellent” grades for reliability.
- Keep the invoice to enforce the warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Refurbished, used or new: which appliance to choose?
Refurbished offers the best value in 2026, with 20 to 50 per cent savings compared to new and a minimum 12 month warranty. Used is the cheapest but comes with no warranty. New makes sense for latest-generation models or intensive use.
What is the difference between refurbished and used appliances?
A refurbished appliance has been tested, repaired and cleaned by a professional before resale, with a 12 to 24 month warranty. A used appliance is resold as-is, often between individuals, with no quality check or warranty.
How much can you save on a refurbished appliance?
Average savings range from 20 to 50 per cent compared to new depending on grade (fair, good, excellent) and age. A 700 euro new washer is typically 350 to 550 euros refurbished.
How do you ensure a refurbished appliance is reliable?
Buy from an audited professional (Back Market, Envie, Recommerce), check the warranty (12 months minimum), read customer reviews and favor “good” or “excellent” grades for peace of mind.
Can you still get the repair bonus when buying refurbished?
No. The French government repair bonus (10 to 60 euros depending on the appliance) applies only to repairing a broken appliance, not to buying a refurbished one. However, some marketplaces offer equivalent discount codes.