Coffee machine, vacuum cleaner, blender — almost always repairable
Calcified, clogged, broken switch: The most common defects in small appliances are surprisingly simple to fix.
Small household appliances are the category with the highest disposal rate in Europe. Yet, repairing them is often cheaper than a weekend grocery shop.
Typical defects
- Coffee machine: calcified (descaling, 5 €), pump defective (60–120 €). - Vacuum cleaner: filter clogged (10–30 €), weak motor. - Blender: carbon brushes worn out (15–30 €), leaky seal. - Kettle / Toaster: heating element, thermostat.
Repair or replace?
For appliances with a new price over 100 €, a repair is almost always worth it.
Three tips
1. Descale the coffee machine every 2 months. 2. Clean vacuum cleaner filters monthly. 3. Never overload the blender.
Your rights
Vacuum cleaners, coffee machines, and many small appliances are covered by the Ecodesign regulations.
The best device is the one you already have.