How much does appliance repair cost in the UK?
Appliance repair in the UK is generally far more cost-effective than replacement for major household appliances. Here are typical repair costs for 2025–2026.
Typical appliance repair costs (2025–2026)
| Appliance / repair type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Call-out / diagnostic fee | £50 – £100 |
| Washing machine — pump replacement | £80 – £180 incl. parts |
| Washing machine — motor / control board | £150 – £350 incl. parts |
| Fridge/freezer — thermostat or door seal | £60 – £150 incl. parts |
| Fridge/freezer — gas recharge (compressor OK) | £100 – £200 |
| Fridge/freezer — compressor replacement | £250 – £550 incl. parts |
| Dishwasher — pump or spray arm | £80 – £180 incl. parts |
| Oven — element replacement | £60 – £150 incl. part |
| Oven — thermostat replacement | £50 – £120 incl. part |
| Gas hob — ignition repair | £50 – £100 |
| Tumble dryer — heating element | £60 – £150 incl. part |
What affects the price?
- Parts availability. Spare parts for older appliances or less common brands can be slower to source and may need to be ordered in, adding cost and lead time.
- Brand. Premium brands (Bosch, Miele, Smeg) have more expensive parts than budget brands (Hotpoint, Indesit, Beko). Parts availability and repairability vary a lot between brands.
- Age of appliance. A general rule: if the repair costs more than 50% of the replacement cost and the appliance is over 7 years old, replacement is often better value.
- Fault complexity. A single faulty part is straightforward. Multiple failing components, particularly a damaged control board on a modern appliance, can make repair uneconomical.
- Gas appliances. Any repair to a gas hob, cooker, or oven must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer — this is a legal requirement, not just good practice.
Repair vs. replace
A useful heuristic: if the repair quote is less than 40% of the cost of a comparable replacement, repair is almost always the better choice. Between 40–60%, consider the appliance's age and energy efficiency — an older fridge can cost noticeably more per year to run than a modern efficient model. Over 60% of replacement cost, or if this is the second major repair in two years, replacement is usually wiser.
Tips for getting a fair price
- Ask for a written diagnostic report before authorising the repair — this protects you if you decide not to proceed.
- Confirm whether the call-out fee is deducted from the repair cost if you go ahead, or charged separately regardless.
- Ask for a minimum warranty on parts and labour — reputable technicians stand behind their work.
- Don't pay in full before the repair is done. TruePro's payment protection holds your payment securely until the appliance is working correctly.