How much does appliance repair cost in United Kingdom?
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.
Key takeaways
- Most appliance repair jobs in United Kingdom land between £45–£450 — known locally as appliance repair (white goods repair).
- General appliance repair is unregulated in the UK, but anyone working on gas appliances must by law be on the Gas Safe Register, and refrigerant handling requires F-Gas certification. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods that fail prematurely may be the retailer's responsibility for up to 6 years.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Appliance Repair prices by job size in United Kingdom
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor repair Door seal, hose, motor brushes, thermostat | £70 | £100 | £150 |
| Mid-size repair Drain pump, heating element, motor | £110 | £170 | £260 |
| Major repair Drum bearings, control board, compressor | £200 | £300 | £450 |
| Diagnosis only Call-out + fault diagnosis | £45 | £65 | £100 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| call-out charge | £45 | £65 | £100 |
| per hour (labour) | £40 | £55 | £80 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in United Kingdom typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a appliance repair pro in United Kingdom
- Note the model number and any error code before requesting quotes
- Confirm the call-out charge (£45-£90 is typical) and whether it includes the first 30-60 minutes of labour
- For gas cookers, hobs or gas dryers, only use a Gas Safe registered engineer — check the register at gassaferegister.co.uk
- For fridge/freezer regas or sealed-system work, use an F-Gas certified engineer
- Check reviews on Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders or TrustATrader rather than relying on a leaflet
- Ask whether parts are genuine manufacturer parts and what guarantee covers parts and labour (aim for 12 months on parts)
- If the appliance is under 6 years old and faulty, consider your Consumer Rights Act claim against the retailer before paying for a repair
Red flags
- Engineer working on a gas appliance who cannot show a Gas Safe ID card
- Quotes 'free call-out' but builds it into an inflated first-hour labour rate
- Cash-only, no invoice, no guarantee
- Won't give a call-out price on the phone
- Charges a second full call-out fee for returning to fit an ordered part
- Condemns the machine without opening it up
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to GBP, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/washing-machine-repair-cost/; https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/appliance-repair-cost/; https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/finding-a-tradesperson/article/how-much-do-domestic-appliance-repairs-cost-aBT5I4I4ObLg.
Frequently asked questions
Do appliance repair technicians need a license?
It depends on the appliance and country. Work on gas appliances (cookers, gas dryers) and refrigerant circuits is legally restricted to certified technicians in most countries. General electrical appliance repair is usually unlicensed, so vet insurance, brand training, and reviews instead.
Why does my dryer take forever to dry clothes?
Ninety percent of the time it's airflow: a lint-clogged filter, blocked external vent, or kinked duct. Clean the filter and vent first — a blocked dryer vent is also a fire risk. If airflow is clear, the heating element or thermostat may be failing, which is a moderate-cost repair.
Do repair technicians charge more for built-in or integrated appliances?
Often yes, by 10-30%. Integrated appliances take extra time to de-panel and extract from cabinetry, and access is tighter. Mention that the appliance is built-in when booking so the quote and time estimate are realistic.
Is it worth repairing an appliance or should I replace it?
Use the 50% rule: if the repair quote exceeds 50% of the price of a comparable new appliance, and the machine is past half its expected lifespan (about 10 years for washers, 12-15 for fridges), replacement usually wins. Under warranty or for premium brands, repair almost always wins.
Why is my fridge not cooling, and is it expensive to fix?
Cheap causes: blocked vents, failed door seal, dusty condenser coils, or a faulty thermostat. Expensive causes: compressor or refrigerant leak — sealed-system repairs need a certified refrigeration technician and often cost more than a mid-range replacement fridge. Get a diagnosis before assuming the worst.
What is a typical appliance repair call-out charge in the UK?
£45-£90 for most white goods, with London and the South East at the top of the range. Many firms fold the first 30 minutes of labour into the call-out. Total washing machine repairs average around £125, ranging roughly £70-£400 depending on the part.
Do I need a Gas Safe engineer to repair my gas cooker?
Yes — any work on a gas appliance must legally be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Check their ID card (it lists which appliance types they're qualified for) or verify them on the Gas Safe Register online. Using an unregistered fitter is illegal and voids most home insurance.
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.