Appliance repairs: what's the real cost?

We rely on our appliances more than we realise.

The washing machine that saves your Saturday. The fridge that keeps everything fresh. The coffee machine that gets you going in the morning.

So when something breaks? It’s not just inconvenient - it can quickly turn into an unexpected expense. Understanding the real cost of appliance repairs (and when it makes more sense to replace instead) can help you stay one step ahead.

Average appliance repair costs

If something goes wrong, repair costs can vary depending on the fault, the model, and how complex the fix is.

Here’s a rough guide to what you might expect (according to figures from Checkatrade)

Appliance

Typical repair cost

Notes

Washing machine

£70 - £400

Complex drum or motor issues push costs higher

Dishwasher

£115 - £300

Leaks and pump failures are common culprits

Fridge

£60 - £400

Gas leaks or motor failure = expensive

Oven

£50 - £300

Heating element repairs are fairly frequent

Tumble dryer

£50 - £400

Costs depend on the model and fault

Vacuum cleaner

£10 - £100+

Repairs may exceed the value of cheaper models

Coffee machine

£50 - £150+

Bean-to-cup machines often require specialists

Don’t forget: most engineers charge £60 - £150 call-out fees, and labour can range from £40 - £80 an hour – even for small jobs.

Repair vs replacement: what’s the better option?

Sometimes, repairing an appliance is the obvious choice. Other times, replacing it makes more sense.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Repair: if the appliance is relatively new, and the fault is minor.
Replace: if repairs are frequent, or the appliance is nearing the end of its lifespan

Potential cost of replacing your appliance

• Washing machine: £300 - £800

• Fridge freezer: £400 - £1,200

• Dishwasher: £300 - £600

• Oven: £350 - £1,000

• Bean-to-cup coffee machine: £250 - £1,000+

• Tumble dryer: £250 - £500

How appliance cover protects you

• You’re protected from sudden mechanical/electrical breakdown bills

• We’ll help repair or replace your appliance depending on the situation (the amount we’ll pay towards a replacement depends on the age of your appliance)

• You’ll get access to qualified professionals without the stress of searching around

• You avoid last-minute, out-of-pocket expenses

Whether your oven stops heating just before a big family dinner, or your coffee machine gives up when you need your morning pick-me-up – we’ve got your back. Appliances rarely break at a convenient time, so be ready when they do.

Keep your home running smoothly

From washing machines and fridge freezers to ovens, coffee machines and even smart home devices, most homes rely on more appliances than ever before. When one stops working, it can quickly disrupt your day — which is why it’s worth thinking ahead about how you’d handle a breakdown. If you’re dealing with issues now, you might also find our guides on washing machine problems, fridge cooling issues or common dishwasher faults useful.