To book an appliance repair, use Find an Engineer on Whitegoods Help. Enter your postcode to compare checked, independent repair engineers who cover your area. Each one shows its checks (ID, insurance, qualifications), its reviews and its call-out price up front, so you can choose and contact the engineer yourself. Engineers cover washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs, fridges, freezers and more. Call-out fees typically range from £45 to £150 depending on where you live, and the average total cost of a washing machine repair is around £125.
Find a repair engineer near you
Compare checked engineers who cover your postcode, with their call-out prices shown first.
Which Appliances Can Be Repaired?
Engineers on Find an Engineer repair most household appliances. Choose your appliance to see engineers who repair it:
How to Book an Appliance Repair
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Enter your postcode. Find an Engineer lists the repair engineers who cover your area.
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Compare them. Each listing shows the engineer’s checks, reviews from customers and the call-out price, so you can see the cost of the first visit before you get in touch.
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Contact the one you choose. You arrange the repair directly with the engineer, including the date, the price of any parts and their guarantee.
How Much Does an Appliance Repair Cost in the UK?
Repair costs vary depending on the appliance, the fault, and your location. The figures below are based on surveys of UK appliance engineers conducted in late 2025 by Which? and Checkatrade. All figures are approximate guides – always confirm costs with your engineer before work begins.
| Appliance | Typical call-out fee | Average total repair cost | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | £45 – £150 | £125 | £70 – £400 |
| Tumble dryer | £45 – £150 | £150 | £50 – £400 |
| Dishwasher | £45 – £150 | £200 | £115 – £300 |
| Fridge freezer | £45 – £150 | £150 | £60 – £400 |
| Oven / cooker | £45 – £150 | £125 | £70 – £180 |
On Find an Engineer, every listing shows that engineer’s own call-out price, so you can compare the cost of the first visit in your area before booking.
Call-out fees are usually charged whether or not the repair goes ahead – they cover the engineer’s travel, time and diagnosis. Always confirm this upfront.
Parts are charged separately – the figures above are labour guides. If parts are needed, they are costed on top and should be confirmed before you agree to the repair.
London and the South East are generally dearer – call-out fees in particular vary a lot by region.
Check whether VAT is included – some engineers quote prices including VAT and some without, so compare like with like.
How to Choose a Repair Engineer
A good engineer is upfront about what they will charge and what they are qualified to do. Before you book, check:
- Their checks. Find an Engineer lists each firm’s checks, such as ID, insurance and qualifications. See our engineer standards for what each one means.
- Their reviews. Read what other customers said about the repair, not just the star rating.
- The call-out price and what it covers. Ask whether it includes the diagnosis and any labour, and whether VAT is included.
- Gas or electrics. Gas cookers and hobs must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Their guarantee. Ask how long the repair is guaranteed for, and whether that covers parts and labour.
- Your appliance and brand. Check they repair your type of appliance, and ask whether they are likely to carry common parts for it.
Is It Worth Repairing Your Appliance?
This is one of the most common questions – and there is no single right answer. It depends on the age of your appliance, the nature of the fault, and the likely cost of repair compared with replacement.
A widely used rule of thumb is: if the repair costs more than 50% of the price of an equivalent new appliance, replacement is usually the better long-term option. For premium or high-end appliances, this threshold can be stretched to around 70%.
| Repair is usually worth it when… | Replacement may make more sense when… |
|---|---|
| The appliance is less than 5-6 years old | The appliance is 8+ years old |
| The fault is minor or mechanical (e.g. blocked pump, worn seal, belt) | The fault is a major component (e.g. motor, compressor, control board) |
| The repair cost is under 50% of a new equivalent | The repair cost exceeds 50-70% of replacement cost |
| It is a reliable, repairable brand with widely available parts | Parts are expensive, scarce or the brand is poorly supported |
| The appliance is high-end (e.g. Miele, Bosch) and in good condition | It is a budget appliance that has already had previous repairs |
The average lifespan of a washing machine in the UK is around 10 years; dishwashers and fridge freezers typically last 10-12 years; cookers can last up to 15 years with good maintenance. If your appliance is approaching or beyond these milestones, a breakdown may be a signal that replacement is due even if the immediate repair is affordable.
Not sure yet? Use our fault finder and repair guides to understand the fault properly before committing to anything.
When Should You Call an Engineer?
Not every appliance fault means you need to book a repair straight away. Many common problems – blocked filters, incorrect settings, minor maintenance issues – can be fixed without professional help, and Whitegoods Help has free guides covering hundreds of them.
However, an engineer is the right call when:
- The appliance has stopped working completely and basic checks (power, fuses, settings) have not helped.
- There are error codes that keep coming back after your own checks.
- The appliance is leaking water – particularly if the source is unclear.
- It is making loud or unusual noises such as grinding or banging, or there is a burning smell.
- There are any electrical or safety concerns – sparking, tripping the fuse board, electric shocks.
- You have tried a DIY repair and the problem has not been fixed or has got worse.
If you are unsure, use our free appliance fault guides or error code pages to understand the problem better, or ask the Help Forum for free.
What Happens During an Appliance Repair Visit?
Knowing the process in advance helps avoid frustration. Here is what to expect:
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Booking. Contact the engineer you have chosen and agree a date. Ask what the call-out price covers.
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First visit – diagnosis. The engineer will assess the appliance, test components and find the fault. The call-out fee covers this visit.
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Parts. If replacement parts are needed, the engineer should tell you what is required and what it costs, and give you the chance to agree before anything is ordered.
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Repair or second visit. If the parts are on the van, the repair may be finished on the first visit. If they need to be ordered, a second appointment will be arranged.
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Guarantee. Ask for the repair guarantee in writing, so you know what is covered if the fault comes back.
Not every repair can be finished in one visit if parts need to be sourced. This is normal and does not reflect on the quality of the service. Ask upfront whether the engineer is likely to carry common parts for your appliance’s make and model.
Ready to book?
Enter your postcode to compare checked repair engineers who cover your area.
Not Ready to Book Yet?
If you are still unsure whether a repair is the right step, take a look at our free fault guides first. Understanding the fault properly before booking can save you money – and in many cases, the fix turns out to be something you can do yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appliance repair near me?
Use Find an Engineer: enter your postcode to see the repair engineers who cover your area, compare their checks, reviews and call-out prices, then contact the one you choose to arrange the repair directly with them.
How much does a washing machine repair cost in the UK?
The average total cost of a washing machine repair in the UK is around £125, based on surveys of engineers by Which? and Checkatrade in 2025. The full range is typically £70 to £400, depending on the fault and the parts needed. Call-out fees, which cover the first diagnostic visit, typically range from £45 to £150 depending on your region. Parts are charged separately.
Is it worth repairing a washing machine?
Generally yes, if the machine is less than 8 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new machine. Simple faults like blocked pumps, worn door seals or drive belts are usually worth fixing. Major faults such as a failed motor or control board on an older machine are less likely to be worthwhile. Our free fault guides can help you understand how serious the problem is before deciding.
Who carries out the repair?
The independent repair business you choose. Whitegoods Help lists the engineers and shows their checks, reviews and prices; you then arrange the repair, the price and the guarantee directly with the engineer.
Is my appliance still under warranty?
If your appliance is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, contact the manufacturer first, as the repair should be covered at no cost. Once it is out of warranty, an independent repair engineer is usually the quickest and most affordable option.
What if the engineer cannot fix my appliance on the first visit?
If parts are needed that are not on the van, a second visit will be arranged once they arrive. The call-out fee usually covers the first visit either way. You should be given a clear price for the parts and the second visit before you agree to go ahead.
Which appliances can be repaired?
Engineers on Find an Engineer repair washing machines, tumble dryers, washer dryers, dishwashers, ovens and cookers, hobs, cooker hoods, microwaves and fridge freezers. Check each engineer’s listing to see which appliances they cover.