Choice - February 2025 AU
Choice - February 2025 AU
Winning
serve
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appliance
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Insurance
229
products
options for
your pets
TESTED
Kettles
Toasters
Wall ovens
Washing machines
Baby monitors
Pet monitors
Barbecues
Hedge trimmers
& more
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WARRIORS
Back-to-school tech
Plus Grocery prices, car insurance, Ask the Expert & more
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CHOICE
CHOICE gives you the power to choose the best goods based on lab tests, expert assessments and consumer
and services, and avoid the worst. Wherever possible, surveys. We also research a wide range of consumer
we pay full price for the products we test, so we remain services, reveal the truth behind the facts and figures,
100% independent. We don’t take advertising or and investigate their quality and claims. 3()&
freebies from industry. We’re not a government body BECOME A MEMBER To review the full range PEFC Certified
and our consumer publishing and advocacy is almost of membership options and benefits go to 3DSHU IURP
VXVWDLQDEO\ PDQDJHG
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access to services such as CHOICE Help and the Voice MEMBERSHIPS/RENEWALS Call 1800 069 552 SHIFDXVWUDOLDRUJDX
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30
22
4 Checkout 38 Pet insurance 64 Pet cams
News, views and sneak peeks Is self-insurance an option, Check on your furry friends
or is a policy best? from afar
14 Ask the Experts
72 Index 67 Latest flames
16 Your Say Gas, electric and
76 Hard Word charcoal barbecues
18 Far out pricing
The cost of groceries TESTS 70 Garden art
in remote Australia The best hedge trimmers
44 Form plus function
22 Bot says what? Kettles to match your kitchen
Product recommendations:
AI versus CHOICE 48 How much bread
for a toaster?
26 Power shopping Price vs performance
The best electrical
appliance retailers 52 Oven extras
Do you need an
30 Top of the class air fryer function?
How to choose
a student laptop 56 Which washer?
Top loaders vs front loaders
34 A lifetime on the road
HOT
Car insurance for young 60 Watch over me LOOKS
and old The latest baby monitors P44
IMAGES: GETTY / KITCHENAID
CHOICE magazine provides a selection of our top product reviews. We can’t always include all the models we’ve
tested, but you’ll always find the products that scored the best. To view complete results for all our tests, go to
choice.com.au, or call Customer Service on 1800 069 552 to add full online access to your membership package.
JARNI BLAKKARLY
LOGITECH MX KEYS
S COMBO FOR MAC
PRICE $399
CONTACT logitech.com/en-au
No strings attached
T he Logitech MX Keys S Combo for Mac is
a wireless keyboard and mouse bundle that can
seamlessly switch between a computer, smartphone
The full-sized keyboard (with separate number
pad) is responsive and comfortable, with short travel
between keys. As well as the usual function keys such
or tablet and even your TV. How, you might ask? as brightness, volume and so on, there are a couple of
Through the use of simple, effective, shortcut keys. modern touches. These include a ChatGPT shortcut,
There are three unique keys for jumping between an emoji key, and a surprisingly effective voice-to-text
devices on the top right of the keyboard. All you need function – a great feature if you happen to be using the
to do is run the initial Bluetooth pairing process on combo in a messaging app.
supported phones, computers or other devices, as you The mouse is the very comfortable MX Master 3S,
would with a pair of headphones. Then, the keyboard which delivers pinpoint accuracy, and offers several
can quickly connect with the press of these buttons. button and scroll combinations to move your cursor
It’s not bound by a single ecosystem or operating quickly wherever it is needed.
system either. You can switch from MacOS to Sometimes, you just don’t want to deal with a
Windows, or iOS to Android, for example, with touchscreen or your TV’s wand-like remote. Though set-
some light adjustments. Both mouse and keyboard up can be a tad fiddly, this keyboard and mouse combo’s
move across to the new device when switching effortless device-switching largely solves these problems.
from the keyboard, which is also a nice feature. DENIS GALLAGHER
Bangin’ buds
G oogle’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are
a set of premium and pricey
wireless earbuds that deliver great
mode lets in just enough sound,
such as conversation, so you can
hear what’s going on around you
There’s a lot to like about Google’s
latest update to its flagship earbuds.
Android users, especially those with
sound quality with a big dose of tech while listening to your favourite track. a Pixel phone, should consider them.
wizardry. You can learn to use these The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 can ELIAS PLASTIRAS
buds in such a way that your sense when you’re wearing them
phone rarely has to leave and when you’re not, and
the pocket or bag. they can be controlled
Default sound You can by touch – tap
quality is excellent; enable the them to turn up
there’s great warmth, Google Assistant the volume or skip
crispness, impact, and ask your earbuds a track. This ability
and detail, with a lot of the usual to control with a tap,
most musical genres stuff you’d ask common with many
represented well. But your phone of the latest earbuds,
they’re best suited to can be irritating when
users of Google Pixel you’re just trying to adjust
or other Android-based the fit. However, you quickly
smartphones. iOS users won’t get learn where to hold the buds for
the most out of the features on offer. adjustment and tap to either pause FIRSTK
The tiny buds fit comfortably and a track or take a phone call. LOO
at only 62 grams can be worn for If you’re comfortable with the
long periods without any discomfort. use of a voice assistant, you can
Combined battery life of the buds enable the Google Assistant and
and carry case (which supports ask your earbuds a lot of the usual
wireless charging) will comfortably stuff you’d ask your phone or home GOOGLE PIXEL BUDS
get you a full day’s use. smart speaker, such as directions, PRO 2
Active noise cancellation, combined weather forecasts, translations, PRICE $379
with the snug fit, gives you a really or to call someone. It’s a handy CONTACT store.google.com
effective seal against environmental addition for users who are already
sounds. Alternatively, transparency in Google’s ecosystem.
will regulate buy now, hardship and being left respond to any requests
pay later (BNPL) as worse off by BNPL. for hardship assistance
a credit product. The new laws for BNPL O make reasonable assessments
be closed for more than five years. Australian Financial Complaints those who like to use it.
In that time, BNPL services have Authority and allow customers TOM ABOURIZK
Compensation for
Cambridge Analytica victims
R emember the Cambridge Analytica scandal
back in 2018? The personal information of
around 50 million Facebook users was disclosed
to the This is Your Digital Life app on the platform,
and then the data was allegedly used, among other
things, to affect the outcome of the US election.
Well, it seems the wheels of digital justice turn
slowly, but in December last year, the Office of the
Australian Information Commissioner announced
that it had agreed to a $50 million payment
program from Facebook owner Meta to settle
legal proceedings in Australia. The money will
go to affected Facebook users in Australia.
The settlement “represents the largest ever
payment dedicated to addressing concerns
Superannuation funds need about the privacy of individuals in Australia,”
customer service standards says Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd.
The fund Cbus made headlines recently when it was 2013 and 17 December 2015;
hit with court action by ASIC over massive death benefit O were present in Australia for more than 30 days
and insurance claims-handling delays. But to pursue this during that period; and
case, the regulator has had to invoke a very broad legal O either installed the This is Your Digital Life app
duty, because of the lack of clear relevant laws. or were Facebook friends with an individual who
Super Consumers Australia is calling on the government installed the app.
to mandate standards for super funds – not just around ANDY KOLLMORGEN
claims handling, but all aspects of member services.
First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse
communities are especially impacted by poor practices
that don’t account for cultural differences.
And if timely claims handling is indeed a factor for you
when deciding between funds, you won’t find data to
compare. We’re calling on ASIC and the financial services
regulator APRA to collect this information and make it public.
“Mandatory standards plus public accountability are
the only way to stop the distressing experiences we hear
about so often,” says Super Consumers Australia advocacy
manager Susan Quinn.
ANTOINETTE DYCE
T hey borrowed
our brains –
without asking –
tutors is something
new. This is something
off the charts.
It goes without saying
that the exchange usually
goes the other way.
to train their bots. How were they The bots are constantly
This has to be listening? Well, they anticipating what we’re
the crime of the bugged our TVs, trying to say, correcting
century. That said, our cars, of course us before we’ve had
I acknowledge our computers and a chance to say it. I speak
that resistance is futile. Big Tech devices, probably It just seems here of auto-correct and
pulled one over on us, and artificial even our toasters. fair that we auto-fill, where you start
intelligence (AI) is here to stay. It just The point is that we should get some to type something, and
seems fair that we should get some don’t know all the royalties or the machine falls all
royalties or kickbacks or something places Big Tech is kickbacks for over itself filling in the
for training the machines to destroy getting information training the blanks ahead of you.
us – or maybe just take our jobs. from us. They don’t machines to This is where I have
As we went about our business, want us to know. It’s taken my stand. Dear
destroy us
they were listening in – heck, looking impossible to talk about readers, I propose to you
in – on our every utterance, our every this stuff without sounding that auto-correct can destroy
move. They learned from our collective like a conspiracy theorist – your spelling skills, and I say this based
style of writing, of speaking, of being, probably because it is a conspiracy! on personal experience. The principle
and spat it all back out to us in the One thing I’ve noticed lately, though, is simple – use it or lose it. So, I don’t let
form of services we probably don’t is that the bots may not always be the machine finish spelling the word or
need. And we gave it away for free! that bright. Just the other day, Google completing the sentence for me. Not
Somebody call the police. flagged a word I typed as not existing. anymore. Which is how I’ve discovered
I guess the lesson here is that if It wasn’t a fancy word, but of course that my spelling skills have atrophied
there are no laws against something I had to second guess myself, since to a level that compromises my self-
and the profit motive is chugging the Google gods had weighed in. Yes, respect. I taught the bots, and then
along, companies are going to do this it was definitely a valid word. I overrode they took over and I let them! I’m going
sort of thing. But the scale of what’s the bot’s guidance and added it to my to go out now and buy a notebook and
happened with AI inventing and dictionary. Hopefully it won’t happen some pens and practice my spelling.
reiterating itself with us as its unwitting again. You’re welcome, Google. ANDY KOLLMORGEN
IMAGES: GETTY
Q In deciding
which home
thousand addresses for nationally
available policies. Because each
insurance policy insurer handles risk differently,
to buy, I used CHOICE insurance expert there are going to be scenarios
your tool to
assess an
A Daniel Graham: I totally
understand your confusion, but
where an insurer with a good price
score quotes a higher premium
insurer I was rest assured there is a lot of logic than one with a poor price score,
considering but behind Honey’s lower cover score. as you have experienced. For
didn’t know much about – Honey The biggest factor is that Honey example, in our latest comparison,
Insurance. I compared Honey (unlike Australia Post) does not Honey was cheaper than Australia
to three other insurers including have an underinsurance safety Post in 27% of quotes – it looks
your top recommendation, Australia net. We think this is an important like you’re in that
Post. I then got quotes from all four feature for a home insurance policy, 27%. This is why
insurers myself. Your comparison as it can protect you from being we always advise
tool showed quite minor differences substantially out of pocket in the people to obtain
between Honey and Australia Post event of a total loss. For this reason their own quotes
(and in some cases Honey is better), the safety net is the most heavily to compare
yet Honey scores a much lower weighted part of the cover score. policies.
cover score – why? And my quote The other points of difference
for Australia Post was double appear small individually but are
Honey’s price even though it has numerous and are mostly related
a better price score. So, my own to how each policy handles sublimits.
fact check throws doubt on your Areas where Australia Post outscores
expert rating, cover score and Honey include cover for legal liability,
price indication – can you explain? temporary accommodation and
CHOICE Help is our in-house advice service for CHOICE members. We’ll arm
you with the information and tools you need to tackle your consumer issue
and help you work towards a solution.
CONTACT US at choice.com.au/choicehelp.
YOUR SAY
If you’ve had a bad experience, been ripped off or scammed, tell us and help
CONTACT US!
Email us at
other CHOICE members avoid the same traps. If you’ve had a great response
[email protected]
to a complaint you’ve taken to a manufacturer or retailer, our members want
to know about that too! Letters may be edited for length and clarity. or write to Your Say,
CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road,
Marrickville, NSW 2204.
Running on empty
Groceries cost more than twice as much in remote First Nations
communities, an investigation by Jarni Blakkarly reveals
ike many people on the prices, I didn’t realise it was that much
“I usually spend over about $300 There are usually two ways to get of aisles, the prices for everyday
to $500 for grocery shopping to keep to the Tiwi Islands: a short flight from essential items are high. We found
us going. It’s meant to keep us going Darwin on a small plane, or a longer tins of canned tomato soup, which
two weeks, but it lasts us for a week SeaLink ferry ride. When CHOICE would sell for $2.50 at a major
due to the amount it costs for the visited the community in September supermarket in a capital city, priced
food,” says Rosie. 2024, the ferry was out of service at $7 here. A tin of spam meat which
Towards the end of the fortnight, and had been for weeks. A barge usually sells for $6.80 in a capital
Rosie says it’s common for her to go arrives in town twice a week bringing city was $11.
around town asking family and friends in food supplies and other The labels sometimes
for money to help feed the boys. heavy goods. didn’t match the item
“It feels kind of embarrassing when Flying in, the
“You on the shelf, and other
you have to ask for help. You want stunning blue waters want to be products, including
to be independent, but you can’t give way to idyllic independent, but some fruit and
because the prices at the shops white sand beaches you can’t because vegetables, didn’t
are really high,” she says. and mangrove forests. the prices at the have price labels at all.
But the beautiful water shops are really Unlike many
High prices and here hides dangers. high” remote First Nations
limited choice Saltwater crocodiles lurk communities, which
Only 80km from Darwin, beneath, making the beaches have one store in the town,
Wurrumiyanga is the biggest unsafe to swim and escape the Wurrumiyanga has two stores.
community in the Tiwi Islands oppressive heat and humidity. But Bernard Tipiloura, one of the
and was home to 1400 residents On the main street in town many Traditional Owners and Elders
at the last census, over 85% of locals gather in groups and sit in the of the community, says both have
whom were Aboriginal or Torres shade under the large trees to stay high prices and the competition
Strait Islander. cool. Card games are hasn’t helped much.
a popular pastime. “We want to protest about high
The Old Shop has price, because high price is not
a shaded area as good ... Also it’s not healthy food,
well where people those foods there some of them
gather. A big yellow are not good for us,” he says.
sign reads ‘No Card
Games permitted, Prices compared
No smoking, No The issues of food insecurity and
fighting on premise’. high prices are not limited to the
In the small shop Tiwi Islands. Boandik woman Bettina
with just a handful Cooper, a financial counsellor with
Mob Strong Debt Help, says the
Old Store, high prices seen in communities
The Wurrumiyanga ands.
low, Wurrumiyanga in the Tiwi Isl on the Tiwi Islands are felt around
and be
the country.
“When we’re traveling to remote
communities there’s often only one
choice of a local store. So whatever
price is there is the price you pay,”
she says.
To gather a sample of the price
IMAGES: JARNI BLAKKARLY
reflect the actual cost of living $150 at the shop, you will have
in extremely remote communities. roughly a $30 charge for freight on
“There has got to be an appetite the barge, but then the same goods
from whoever is in government, may cost $400 in the shop here, so
because the current system that’s it will save a lot of money.”
in place now is just not working,” Despite offering to set up online
she says. accounts for his clients, he says there
Rating game
With the rise of all things AI, Liam Kennedy looks
at whether it’s safe to trust a chatbot to recommend your
next purchase
Considering we see cheaper but anyone using it could be hard- AI chatbots gave these
robot vacuums performing better pressed to hear the person speaking products the thumbs up.
on both metrics, we won’t be joining on the other end. Our expert testers give them
ChatGPT in singing the praises of this Its sound quality score of 40% the thumbs down.
particular sucker. put it among the bottom five of
2. AN AIR FRYER THAT DOESN’T 18 models on this metric in our latest
DO A GOOD JOB ON CHIPS review. It was also one of the more
It’s the primary purpose for more difficult devices to install, with
than a few home ovens, so you’d instructions that failed to mention
think an air fryer would be decent you might have to go online to get
at cooking the humble frozen chip. support to finish the job.
Our air fryer testers check how 4. A BASSINET THAT MAY BE
good each model is at cooking DANGEROUS FOR BABIES
popular foods, and while the Ninja The Stokke Sleepi Mini V3 crib
Air Fryer Max AF160 holds its own was one of Meta AI’s top picks when
on some dishes, it falls short on we asked the Facebook-affiliated
frozen chips. It scored just 60% chatbot to recommend bassinets.
when we ran it through its It’s an endorsement we would
paces with 700g of never give.
straight-cut fries – the The Stokke was
third-worst performer The Ninja air one of several
of all 37 models fryer’s poor potato models we found
in our latest test. performance makes that could pose
The Ninja air ChatGPT’s crowing a suffocation risk
fryer’s poor potato about its “great to babies, and it
performance crispiness” all the therefore failed to
makes ChatGPT’s pass our in-house
more bewildering
crowing about its safety test. When
“great crispiness” all the placed in the bassinet,
more bewildering. the required mattress
Beyond just chips, we found is insufficiently firm at areas
we had to turn on the device’s max where the covering is puffed at the
crisp function to get good results on sides and ends – a suffocation risk
most frozen foods. if a baby rolls face first into them.
This $150 appliance didn’t It’s worth noting that at the time
come last on overall performance, of testing last year, there was no
but its mid-range status and the fact Australian standard for bassinets,
that better air fryers are available but there is one being phased in now.
for less means we find ChatGPT’s We used our own in-house method
recommendation questionable. that considers whether the bassinet
3. A VIDEO DOORBELL WITH meets what we consider to be key
POOR SOUND QUALITY safety requirements.
Hello? Hello? What did you say? Following our verdict, Stokke
You might find yourself saying had the mattress retested by an
this more than you’d like with the accredited third-party lab, where the
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell. sample passed. CHOICE stands by
Also recommended to us by its results on the model we tested.
ChatGPT in response to our query: 5. A PORTABLE COT THAT POSES
“What are five good smart doorbells A SUFFOCATION RISK
IMAGE: GETTY
We found
AI chatbots
have a tendency to
recommend brands
The problems with asking in general instead
AI for product recommendations of specific
products
1 2
standards. We operate our
Poor-performing Potentially own in-house accredited lab
appliances dangerous items and stand by our results.
3 4
list. These include a tendency
Goods that aren't Brands instead of to recommend brands in general
widely available specific models instead of specific products and,
if a prompt isn’t specific enough,
naming models that aren’t widely
available in Australia.
Why AI isn’t good at a product’s own manufacturer, “Consumers are facing new risks
recommending products social media, internet forums and as AI platforms grow in popularity,
The AI chatbots we consulted in some for-profit comparison sites. ranging from minor inconveniences
this investigation did occasionally When we asked Meta AI to serious harms,” he says.
surface good products. But the how it recommends “Fortunately, the
fact that they can just as quickly bassinets and government has started
recommend poor performers portable cots, to look at ways to
“Consumers are
makes it hard to trust these a spokesperson address these
facing new risks as AI
platforms when settling on what indicated it was risks, including
could be a significant purchase. solely relying
platforms grow in reviewing the law
While ChatGPT and Meta AI on retailer’s popularity, ranging from to see if it can be
do have disclaimers admitting they own websites. minor inconveniences modernised to
make mistakes and advising users In response to serious harms” include mandatory
to verify information themselves, to our questions guardrails on the use
the increasing ubiquity of these about the problems we of high-risk AI across
tools means consumers could be found with their platforms’ our economy.”
pushed toward unsatisfactory and recommendations, Meta didn’t Unlike the recommendations
even dangerous products. comment beyond drawing attention you might get from AI, CHOICE Expert
So why is AI spruiking these to its disclaimer. OpenAI, the Ratings and product reviews are the
items? To find out, we went straight developer of ChatGPT, did not result of extensive independent
to the source and asked ChatGPT respond to requests for comment. product testing by industry experts.
and Meta AI where they get their Our testers scrutinise popular items
recommendations from. How CHOICE combats across a range of key criteria, including
ChatGPT explained it looks misinformation performance in different areas, ease
at performance, customer reviews, CHOICE senior campaigns and of use, privacy and, of course, safety.
brand reputation and safety features policy adviser Rafi Alam says the We buy all the goods we review
when recommending products penetration of AI as a relatively ourselves, are independent from
IMAGE: GETTY
such as robot vacuums, air fryers unregulated and experimental manufacturers and retailers, and don’t
and smart doorbells. However, its information source into our lives preferentially score a product just
sources for this information included could be highly problematic. because it’s from a certain brand.
W
hen you’re in the For online stores, we asked much
market for a new the same, but added ease of using
washing machine or the website, payment options, the NEED TO KNOW
TV, do you like the ease returns process and level of product } Over 3500 CHOICE
that comes with buying online from details. We included results for stores
supporters answered our
the comfort of your own home? Or do that had over 50 responses.
you prefer the experience of shopping survey on the best and
instore and sizing up the products Instore shopping worst electronics retailers
in person before you commit? OVERALL SATISFACTION in Australia.
With the current cost of living, BEST: E&S TRADING } Appliances Online has
good value for money is a major E&S Trading took out our coveted the best online shopping
selling point. But which stores have top spot for instore shopping,
experience, three surveys
the widest range of products? And with many people praising its after-
which ones can you count on for sales service, range of products and in a row.
good customer service? brands available, and delivery service. } E&S Trading has the best
We asked more than 3500 CHOICE E&S Trading’s after-sales service was instore shopping experience,
supporters about their experiences the retailer’s stand-out criteria. with Retravision, Winnings
buying appliances in the past A downside is that E&S Trading and Betta not far behind.
12 months, and whether they were is not nationally available, with
satisfied with the stores they visited. showrooms primarily in Victoria,
For physical stores, we asked and just one in the ACT. brands didn’t rate quite as well as
participants to rate the range of Retravision, Winning Appliances E&S Trading and Winnings.
products and brands, value for money, and Betta also scored well overall. WORST: BIG W, KMART, MYER
customer service, delivery, after-sales Retravision’s value for money and Department stores Big W, Kmart and
service, deals and discounts offered customer service ranked high, Myer consistently rated lower than
and also store appearance. though its range of products and other stores in almost all categories
in our survey. Big W had low scores since the products in budget that they usually only shop at Myer
for its range of products and brands department stores are often own- during sales time to get better prices.
and value for money, and many of our brand and not sold elsewhere.
survey respondents said it was difficult CUSTOMER SERVICE
to find customer service instore. Myer VALUE FOR MONEY BEST: E&S TRADING, RETRAVISION,
shoppers were not impressed with the BEST: E&S TRADING, WINNING APPLIANCES
value for money. Kmart respondents RETRAVISION These three clearly come out on top in
rated the range of products, customer In our survey, the smaller retailers this area, coming in three percentage
service and layout of the store lower. E&S Trading and Retravision beat points ahead of Betta, which earned
out the big-box stores such as Kmart, fourth place. Comments in our survey
RANGE Big W and Myer when it came to often referred to the staff being very
BEST: E&S TRADING, offering value for money and more helpful and knowledgeable, and if
WINNING APPLIANCES deals, specials and discounts. there were any problems with the
Almost all the major electronics WORST: BUNNINGS, products, staff members were quick
stores had good scores for product HARVEY NORMAN, BIG W, to resolve them.
and range availability, but E&S OFFICEWORKS, MYER WORST: ALDI, KMART, BIG W
Trading and Winnings topped the list. People may decide to buy products Our survey respondents complained
WORST: ALDI, KMART, BIG W at higher prices from some stores, about not being able to find staff
While their prices are cheap, survey such as Myer, based on service in these stores, and when they did,
respondents reported that the range they’ve received in the past (even the staff didn’t have knowledge
of products and brands at Aldi, Kmart though their customer service scores about the products they were selling.
and Big W is limited. It’s also difficult in our survey are average). Some Some people considered these
to compare prices across retailers, survey respondents commented ‘self-help stores’, while others
complained about store layout.
RANGE
BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE,
AMAZON
Both Appliances Online and Amazon
have a great range of products and
brands available, according to our
survey respondents.
Extended warranties
INSTORE PRESSURE sold online using pre-selected check automatically add
We received more than a few boxes – a deceptive web design, it on at the point
comments around extended sometimes also called a dark pattern. of purchase.
warranties and how salespeople The ACCC has picked up on this sort The only stores
push them, particularly at Harvey of behaviour, flagging the problem as online that don’t push
Norman. In recent years at CHOICE, an area where new rules are needed unnecessary and
we’ve researched terms and to protect consumers. poor-value extended
conditions on extended warranties When even the airlines succumbed warranties are Amazon,
and in many circumstances found to pressure to stop pre-selecting eBay and Myer. Having said
they were useless, offering no more checkboxes, you have to wonder that, Amazon tries to manipulate
than the rights you already have for what some online stores like consumers into signing up for
free under the Australian Consumer Appliances Online are thinking. an Amazon Prime account on
Law. Take a look at the T&Cs before While it’s not against the law, at the way through, just like Kogan
you commit to anything. If you feel CHOICE we think it’s dodgy practice does with their Kogan First
you’ve been unduly pressured into for any industry to use these sorts of subscription. Other online retailers
accepting an extended warranty, deceptive practices to try to impose offer extended warranties but don’t
you can lodge a complaint with additional expenses on consumers. default to having the option ticked.
the ACCC. Given Appliances Online comes Learn more about extended
ONLINE SHADINESS off so well in our survey, we’d expect warranties, and what to do if you have
IMAGE: GETTY
We were disappointed to see how more from them. At least their sister problems with a product or service,
many extended warranties are being site, Winning Appliances, doesn’t at choice.com.au/yourrights.
laptop screens are storage or an external hard drive. iPad or Android tablet (mid-range
13–15 inches, which A machine with 256GB leaves a lot or above) will probably be fine.
of software is subscription-based
nowadays, such as Adobe Creative
IMAGES: GETTY
Provisional drivers
If you’re a P-plater
and only drive How to save on car insurance
your parent’s car for young drivers
occasionally, check
with the car insurer O Shop around – premiums for listed young drivers and young drivers
if you’re covered or whether you driving their own car can vary widely.
need to be listed on their policy. O Choose a car insurance policy recommended by CHOICE – it’ll be
If you have your own car or you’re cheaper and have better features (see CHOICE Oct 24).
the main driver of a parent’s car, O Buy your car insurance online to make use of online discounts.
then the car needs to be insured O Don’t buy a high-performance car as it’ll be more expensive to insure.
in your name. If you insure it in your O Pay your full annual premium if you can – some insurers charge you
parent’s name to save money and more if you pay monthly.
not because you’re the primary driver, O Don’t modify your car.
this could be seen as insurance fraud, O Sometimes you can get discounted premiums if you install an anti-theft
meaning your car insurance policy device such as an alarm or immobiliser.
could be invalid and your claims O Some insurers, like AAMI, will give you a discount if you do their skilled
might be knocked back. driver training course.
Large excesses O Increase your excess – but be aware of any extra young driver excesses
If you have an accident when that may apply.
driving your parent’s car, you may O Depending on the value of your car, it may be worth taking out third-
be up for a large additional excess. party cover instead of more-expensive comprehensive car insurance.
There are a number of excesses
that may apply, depending on your
policy, including:
O standard excess
PAYING MONTHLY O Buy your car insurance online of the people who can drive
Paying your insurance monthly helps to make use of online discounts. your vehicle. Insurers may
with budgeting. Many insurers will O If you can, store your car in reduce your premium if you
charge you more if you can’t pay your a secured, locked garage. restrict your car insurance to
annual premium upfront, but not all Sometimes you can also save drivers 25 and over, for example.
do. Some of the insurers that let you by installing an anti-theft device O Increase your excess.
pay your premium monthly at no such as an alarm or immobiliser. O Depending on the value of
extra cost include Allianz, CGU, O If you have a seniors card, your car, it may be worth only
National Seniors, NRMA and RAA. mention it – some insurers give taking out third-party cover
LOW KM DISCOUNT seniors card holders a discount, instead of comprehensive
If you don’t need to drive to work, for example RAA, Australian car insurance.
you might drive your car less.
Some insurers offer a pay as you
drive discount for low kilometres. How much does car insurance cost?
These include:
O AAMI
O Apia
O Australian Seniors
O Budget Direct
O Coles
O GIO
O Suncorp
O Woolworths Everyday.
Australian-owned.
O Australian Seniors (Hollard):
for-profit, foreign-owned.
O National Seniors Australia (Allianz):
Medical assessment
driver rules apply
Driving test
Pet project
Is pet insurance worth it, or are you better off putting aside savings to cover the cost
of veterinary care? Marg Rafferty and Daniel Graham look at your options
aving a new pet is exciting, choose pet insurance to give Pros and cons
payments can
or unexpected bills arise.
However, amid ongoing
cost-of-living
many owners
pressures,
may see
of pet insurance
According to the Australian
Veterinary Association
(AVA), financial protection and peace
of mind are just two of the benefits of
and years ahead. be easier to the high cost of pet pet insurance. Access to advanced
According to manage than insurance premiums care and its use as a budgeting
ASIC’s Moneysmart sudden large vet as an expense they aid are others. “Regular premium
website, pet owners can do without. payments can be easier to manage
bills”
can expect to pay In that case, than sudden large vet bills,” they say.
upwards of $3200 a year could self- CHOICE has been closely
to care for a dog and $1715 insurance – monitoring the costs and restrictions
a year to care for a cat, and putting aside of pet insurance over the years and
that doesn’t include the cost savings our insurance experts note that there
of veterinary bills should your to cover have been improvements to policies
pet be injured or become ill. unexpected in recent years. “The pet insurance
Knowing that veterinary costs costs – be a market has come a fair way since
can quickly add up, some pet owners better idea? 2019, when we gave the whole sector
a Shonky for their uncompetitive things, make sure you choose (Though bear in mind that even if you
rules around pre-existing conditions,” a policy that offers this cover and have insurance, you’re still likely to be
says CHOICE pet insurance expert be aware premiums will be higher. hit with upfront and out-of-pocket
Daniel Graham. O If you have an older animal it costs should an emergency arise.)
“You can now get cover for can be hard to get cover – only Another downside is that building
pre-existing conditions after a handful of policies are available up significant savings takes time.
serving a waiting period, but to animals over eight years of age Even one large vet bill could leave
only if the condition doesn’t flare and these will usually only cover your savings depleted for the next
up during that time. That compares accidents, not illness. unexpected illness or accident.
poorly to human health insurance, O Remember there will be an excess And you need to be disciplined.
where you just need to serve a to pay with most policies, so you’ll Cost-of-living pressures and other
waiting period to get cover,” he says. still be out of pocket if your pet financial emergencies may mean
But like most insurance products, requires veterinary care, and many your savings are needed elsewhere
pet insurance can be complicated, policies have a $300 limit on and it can be tempting to spend
which makes it difficult to figure veterinary costs. money saved for possible future
out whether a policy represents O Be aware that many policies will veterinary bills.
good value. only cover a portion of the cost of
“Almost all policies have an annual any vet bills, and that percentage How much do you
benefit limit, which caps what the may get smaller as your pet ages. need to self-insure?
insurer will pay for treatment your If you do decide to self-
pet gets over the policy period. Limits Pros and cons insure your pet, a good
range from $5000 to $30,000, but of self-insuring starting point when thinking about
of course with all things insurance “In certain situations, how much to save is to consider
it’s never that simple,” says Graham. self-insuring, or regularly regular vet care costs such as annual
“Most insurers also place limits on putting money aside to cover vaccinations and check-ups. Bear in
how much of each bill they will cover. potential future veterinary costs, mind you’ll also need to pay for these
Some will only rebate you as little as can be a viable alternative to pet services even if you have insurance,
60% of the bill, although 80% is more insurance,” an AVA spokesperson as most policies won’t cover them.
common. So if you have a $20,000 tells us. Benefits include retaining You’ll also need to set aside funds
limit with 80% cover, you’ll be at least access to and control over funds for emergencies and illnesses.
$4000 out of pocket by the time when needed, and if pets remain COSTS OF COMMON
you’ve claimed the full annual limit.” healthy, some owners will find regular VETERINARY TREATMENTS
You should also consider what saving more cost-effective than Here are the average costs for
is covered and what features are shelling out for insurance premiums. some common veterinary treatments
excluded. Here are some factors On the other hand, veterinary according to PetSure’s 2024 Pet
to consider: emergencies can be unexpected and Health Monitor report.
O Most standard policies won’t cover costly. Without sufficient savings, pet O Foreign body ingestion (dogs):
routine check-ups and vaccinations. owners might struggle to cover all the $1064 without surgery and
If you want coverage for these expenses required to treat their pet. $5067 with surgery.
O Foreign body ingestion (cats): $1808
treatment aren’t included. with your vet about the particular develops gastro again a few years
In a typical claim, you’ll pay an health risks your pet is likely to face. later for a different reason
excess (around $100), as well as
a co-payment (usually 20–35%
of the vet bill) and your insurer will Can you get an old dog a new policy?
cover the rest. Excesses are usually If you’re shopping around to insure annual renewal). Conceivably, the
charged per condition, so if you need a pet older than eight years, you’ll policy you sign your kitten up to
to make multiple claims for the same find yourself restricted to just a might look very
condition, you’ll only pay the excess handful of comprehensive policies different to
once a year. or seniors’ products and accident- the one
AMOUNT OF COVER only policies. covering
You should approach this from two The reason given by insurers your old
angles. Firstly, consider the maximum is that this keeps premiums moggy
annual benefit a policy offers – the under control and encourages 15 years
total amount the insurer will pay out pet owners to get insured when later.
each year. The second thing to look their animal is young and healthy
at is the range of features on offer. (so your premiums can subsidise
Identify policies with features older pets’ healthcare needs).
you’re likely to need. Will your pug’s This restricts the customer’s
IMAGES: GETTY
Previously your only option While not every insurer O comprehensive cover for illnesses
was to pay the entire vet bill and has real-time claiming, some will (with the exception of dental illness,
submit a claim to the insurer. After still make direct payments to the vet. which is often limited to certain
several days they would send you a This may be on a case-by-case basis, conditions)
rebate, but in the meantime you could so check with both the insurer and O cover for accidental injury (although
be thousands of dollars out of pocket. your vet before treatment. some limit cover to a list of common
Fetch and Petsure (which TELEHEALTH SERVICES accidents, such as bone fracture
underwrites most of the brands Many insurers now offer their or snakebite)
in our review) are two insurers that customers free telehealth vet O total cover amount of at least
now have systems for on-the-spot services. In most cases you can $12,000 a year.
SPECIFICATIONS
Quick claims
Routine care
Telehealth
Issued by
Product
Illness
Injury
Australian Seniors Top Cover Petsure 8 80% 12,000 9 (D) Op Op 9 9
Bow Wow Meow Nose-To-Tail Cover Petsure 8 70, 80 or 90% 30,000 9 9 $2000 (Op) (E) $2000 (E) Op 9 9 9
Budget Direct Plus Auto & General 8 80% 25,000 9 9 Op
Bupa Ultimate Petsure 8 80% 20,000 9 (D) $500 (Op) $1000 (Op) Op 9 9 9
CBA Plus Cover Petsure 8 80 or 90% 30,000 9 (D) $2000 (Op) (E) $2000 (E) Op 9 9 9
Coles Premium Guild 8 80 or 100% 15,000 9 9 $800 (Op) Op 9
Everyday Insurance Comprehensive Petsure 8 80% 30,000 9 (D) Op 9 9 9
Fetch Pet Insurance Pacific International 9 80, 90 or 100% 30,000 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Guardian Platinum Petsure 8 80% 12,000 9 (D) Op Op 9 9
Guide Dogs Premium Care Petsure 8 85% 20,000 9 (D) Op Op 9 9
HCF Pet Premium Petsure 8 80% 12,000 9 (D) $2000 (Op) Op 9 9 9
Knose Pet Insurance Pacific International 8 70, 80 or 90% 25,000 9 9 Op Op (F) 9 9
Kogan Pet Luxury Cover Petsure 8 80% (A) 15,000 9 (D) Op Op 9 9 9
Mad Paws Deluxe Plan Pacific International 9 70, 80 or 90% 15,000 9 9 $500 Op
Medibank Pet Max Petsure 8 90% 30,000 9 (D) $2000 $2000 Op 9 9 9
Pet Circle Pet Insurance Pacific International 8 70, 80 or 90% 30,000 (B) 9 9 Op (E) Op (E) 9
Pet Insurance Australia Petsure 8 80% 30,000 9 (D) 9 Op 9 9 9
Major Medical Cover
Petbarn Total Petsure 6 100% (A) No limit (C) 9 (D) $750 $500 9 9
Petcover Superior Sovereign 7 100% (A) 20,000 (B) 9 9 9 $4000 9
Petinsurance.com.au Platinum Cover Petsure 8 80% 30,000 9 (D) $1000 Op Op 9 9 9
PetsOnMe Deluxe Plan Pacific International 8 80% 15,000 9 9 9 9
Petsy Pet Protection Plus Pacific International 8 80 or 90% 25,000 9 9 Op (E) Op (E) 9
Prime Sovereign Petsure 8 85% 14,000 9 (D) $2000 Op Op 9 9
RAC Pet Insurance RACQ 8 80% 12,000 9 9 Op Op
RACQ Pet Insurance RACQ 8 80% 12,000 9 9 Op Op
Real Insurance Premium Petsure 8 80% 12,000 9 (D) Op Op 9 9
RSPCA Ultimate Plus Petsure 8 80% 20,000 9 (D) Op Op 9 9
Trupanion Pet Insurance Hollard 13 90% No limit 9 9 9 Op 9 9
Vets Choice Elite Guild 8 80% 15,000 9 9 $800 (Op) Op 9
TABLE NOTES Op Optional. Cover is available up
to the limit given, otherwise up to the annual limit.
(A) Benefit drops to 65% as the pet ages. (B) Lower
for cats. (C) No overall policy limit, but almost every
claimable condition falls under a combined $1500
“condition limit”. The policy covers about 35 other
conditions that have separate limits between $500
and $6000. (D) Only covers a limited list of injuries.
(E) Bundled with other optional extras, with a
combined sublimit if applicable. (F) Insurer sells
IMAGE: GETTY
Tea
& toast
They may look good on your kitchen bench, but is it a good idea to
buy a matching kettle and toaster? Alice Richard spills the tea
hile there are plenty of Perfectly paired? “Stainless steel items are usually
The chances
worry too much about having
the same brand,” says
CHOICE appliance
expert Kim Gilmour.
bought either as a set, or individually or unique colours or of finding the “Or you could
from the same collection. metallic shades to go perfect kettle and get different branded
Is it better to mix and match with your kitchen. But toaster in the same appliances that
brands to find the best performers? if you opt for classic set are slim, but are inspired by
Or is a matching set going to bring styles, you might find not impossible the same look, and
balance to your kitchen? We’ll talk a close enough match are cheaper and/or
you through the pros and cons for your kettle and toaster better performing.”
of buying aesthetically pleasing while still having the freedom to Which brings us to the next
kitchen appliances. buy the brand and model you prefer. point – looks aren’t everything.
“Think of quality as well,” says difficult to find a replacement, significantly decrease the pool you
Gilmour. “If a toaster looks good but especially if they were sold as have to choose from. Whereas if
doesn’t rate well, are you prepared a set. You also might not find the you’re happy to just go with a kettle
to sacrifice style for functionality?” same model if that particular and toaster that are approximately
Appliance purists will be inclined to series is discontinued. the same style, then you’ll be spoilt
choose performance over prettiness. O Less choice: If you’re committed for choice and can find exactly the
“Performance is the most important to a particular brand or range, right appliance for your needs.
thing to me,” says CHOICE expert then that limits your options. If, Of course, that does
tester Adrian Lini. “I would always for instance, you really love that mean you’ll have
aim to get a simple design like Smeg kettle and want to have to do more
stainless steel or black so that a matching set, then that will research!
it’ll match with everything.” If one appliance
PROS dies before the
O Discounts: Because other, it could be
you’re buying two products difficult to find a
at once, you might receive replacement
a discount off the recommended
retail price that you won’t get if
you purchase separately.
O Aesthetics: This is an obvious
years to keep up with trends. a toaster is less important to you. performing kettle and toaster,
O Availability: If one appliance If you’re just using your kettle to regardless of whether they match?
dies before the other, it could be
COUPLE GOALS Pairing up?
See our
toaster
$219 $259 review, p48
77% 75%
Kettle: Toaster:
KitchenAid Electric Kettle KitchenAid 2 Slice Toaster
1.7 Litres 5KEK1835AOB 5AKMT223OB
Both recommended by CHOICE experts, these two KitchenAid appliances are
great performers. The kettle in particular impressed our testers, who couldn’t
find any bad points about its performance to mention. Depending on your
decor, you can select from a range of colours, including red, cream, white,
black and grey. These products aren’t cheap, but if you’re looking for a kettle
and toaster set that deliver on performance and aesthetics, then this is it.
$249 $400
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Energy efficiency
Boil performance
Warranty (years)
Noise score (%)
CHOICE Expert
Recommended
Weight when
Boiling time
Capacity (L)
Noise (dBA)
Ease of use
empty (kg)
Rating (%)
score (%)
score (%)
score (%)
(min:sec)
Price ($)
Lid type
Material
Breville The Smart Kettle BKE825 (A) 200 82 84 80 77 84 54 3:12 SS (B) H 1.0 1.7 2
9 Russell Hobbs Montana Kettle RHK142 70 81 84 80 71 86 53 3:22 SS H 0.9 1.7 2
9 Russell Hobbs Quiet Kettle RHK26330 60 81 85 80 69 81 50 3:25 SS H 1.0 1.7 2
9 Healthy Choice 1.7L Glass Kettle GK700 70 78 87 70 66 85 55 3:30 G H 1.2 1.7 1
9 Big W Contempo Kettle 1.7 Litre Plastic K511CN 15 77 85 70 65 84 60 3:31 P H 0.8 1.7 2
9 KitchenAid Electric Kettle 1.7L 5KEK1701AAC 219 77 82 70 76 87 60 3:13 SS H 1.4 1.7 2
9 Nero Urban 1.7L Kettle 740088 80 77 83 70 72 88 56 3:20 SS H 0.9 1.7 1
9 Dualit Classic 72790 249 77 82 70 74 86 59 3:16 SS H 1.2 1.7 2
9 Russell Hobbs Brooklyn Kettle RHK92COP 110 77 84 70 66 85 59 3:30 SS (B) H 0.9 1.7 2
9 Anko 1.7 Litre Fluted Kettle JK-154-2200 35 76 83 70 64 85 59 3:33 P R 0.9 1.7 1
9 Kambrook Pour With Ease 1.7L BPA Free Kettle KKE280 45 76 85 70 62 81 59 3:37 P H 0.6 1.7 2
9 Russell Hobbs Paddington Kettle 18941 60 76 83 70 62 87 58 3:37 SS H 0.9 1.7 2
Breville Crystal Luxe BJE765BTR 249 74 85 60 77 82 62 3:11 G H 1.6 1.7 2
Morphy Richards Equip 1L Stainless Steel Kettle MREK1SS 50 74 85 60 73 88 61 3:19 SS H 0.7 1.0 2
Sunbeam Alinea Select Temperature Select Kettle KE2800K 159 74 83 60 77 88 60 3:11 SS R 1.5 1.7 1
Breville The Soft Top Pure BKE700 130 74 86 60 75 81 62 3:15 SS H 1.0 1.7 1
Breville The TempSet Kettle LKE842 160 74 84 60 78 86 64 3:10 SS H 1.2 1.7 1
Anko Clear Variable Temperature Kettle LD-K1045 69 74 85 60 71 87 62 3:21 G H 1.6 1.5 1
Sunbeam Capri Glass Kettle KE6150 70 74 86 60 66 85 64 3:30 G H 1.2 1.7 1
Sunbeam New York Jug Kettle KE4430KB 179 74 85 60 72 83 65 3:20 SS (B) H 0.9 1.7 1
Sunbeam Simply Shine 1.7L Jug Kettle KEP4007BK 90 74 84 60 78 84 63 3:10 P H 0.8 1.7 1
Anko 1.5 Litre Clear Kettle LED LD-K1046A 45 73 85 60 61 84 61 3:38 P H 1.3 1.5 1
Brabantia Cordless Kettle BBEK1001A 119 73 81 60 79 83 60 3:09 SS H 1.1 1.7 2
Russell Hobbs Colours Plus Black Kettle RHK2041BLK 60 73 79 60 81 88 65 3:05 SS H 0.9 1.7 2
Sunbeam Black Classics Glass Kettle KE6450K 100 73 87 60 61 83 62 3:38 G H 1.3 1.7 1
Breville The Compact Kettle Pure BKE395 110 73 82 60 80 84 64 3:07 G H 0.9 1.0 ns
Breville The Crystal clear BKE750CLR 130 73 85 60 70 82 64 3:23 G H 1.1 1.7 1
Breville The Soft Top Luxe BKE735BSS 209 73 85 60 69 81 65 3:25 SS H 1.3 1.7 2
Breville The Soft Top White BKE625 75 73 85 60 68 81 62 3:27 P H 0.9 1.7 1
Anko 1.7L Stainless Steel Kettle LD-K3030C 24 73 84 60 66 87 65 3:30 SS H 0.9 1.7 1
Sunbeam Arise 1.7L Kettle KEM5007SS 100 73 83 60 77 84 63 3:12 SS H 1.1 1.7 1
Sunbeam Brightside Kettle KEP1007 50 73 86 60 69 81 61 3:25 P H 1.0 1.7 1
Sunbeam Kyoto City Collection Kettle KEM8007 179 73 83 60 76 82 60 3:13 SS H 1.1 1.7 1
Sunbeam Maestro Dual Wall Glass Kettle KE9750 119 73 83 60 71 82 64 3:22 GP H 1.5 1.7 1
DeLonghi Eclettica Electric Kettle 1.7L KBY2001.BK 149 72 82 60 67 85 63 3:28 SS R 1.2 1.7 1
Pronti 1.7L Kettle KTL017-GST 76 72 83 60 65 85 61 3:32 SS R 1.2 1.7 1
Big W Contempo Stainless Steel Kettle 1.7L OP-KT1210A 24 72 82 60 64 86 63 3:34 SS H 0.7 1.7 2
Breville The MultiTemp Kettle LKE755 120 72 83 60 64 84 63 3:34 SS H 1.2 1.7 1
Kambrook Purely Perfect 1.7L Kettle BPA Free KKE630 70 72 83 60 67 84 61 3:28 SS H 0.8 1.7 2
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend kettles with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 75% that also score at least 80% for ease of use. Member feedback and
reliability may also be a factor in deciding which products are recommended. Price Recommended retail price as of November 2024. CHOICE Expert Rating Made up
IMAGE: GETTY
of ease of use (40%), noise (40%), boil time performance (10%) and energy efficiency (10%). Material SS Stainless steel, G Glass, P Plastic, GP Glass inner, clear plastic
outer. Lid type H Hinged, R Removable. (A) Not recommended as many members have complained about its long term reliability after 1–2 years of use. (B) Coated.
ns Not stated. All models are made in China.
Serious dough
We’ve tested several toasters that cost hundreds of dollars,
but are they worth it? Alice Richard slices the data
hey say breakfast is the A high price for your slice They’re expensive for quite
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (cm, L x W x H)
High-lift carriage
Warranty (years)
Number of slots
(mm, L x W x H)
Recommended
Assisted cooking
Air fryer function
Recommended
volume (L)
Fan-assist
Half-grill
Price ($)
Origin
9 AEG BPK742320M 2999 474 86 94 75 84 85 P 9 9 9 9 5 69 Germany
Asko OP8687B 3199 533 84 94 69 na na P, S 9 9 9 9 9 5 69 Slovenia
Miele H2861BP 3399 559 84 92 71 90 90 P 9 9 9 9 9 5 73 Germany
Neff B59CR72Y0A 3499 463 84 91 74 91 92 P 9 9 9 9 9 4 66 Germany
Bosch HBA574EB0A 1899 413 83 92 69 89 87 P 9 9 9 9 5 64 Poland
Westinghouse WVEP6716DD 1599 489 83 91 71 82 81 P 9 9 9 9 9 5 64 Australia
Beko BBO6851MDX 1049 521 82 93 66 na na C, S 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 68 Turkey
Beko BBO6852PDX 1899 528 82 90 69 na na P 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 67 Turkey
Electrolux EVEP619DSE 3699 474 82 89 71 74 82 P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 71 Australia
Fisher & Paykel OB90S9MEPX3 4699 781 82 87 75 82 83 P 9 9 9 4 80 Italy
Ikea KULINARISK 504.210.60 1399 463 82 88 73 na na P 9 9 9 9 5 62 Italy
Miele H7260BP 4199 542 82 86 75 90 90 P 9 9 9 9 9 (A) 5 67 Germany
Miele H7464BP 6799 520 82 86 75 90 90 P 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 73 Germany
Bosch HBA534ES0A 1299 475 81 92 64 89 87 C 9 9 9 5 66 Poland
Samsung NV7B5755SAS 1999 489 81 91 65 na na P, S 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 69 Malaysia
Miele H7860BP 9499 521 80 84 75 90 90 P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 73 Germany
Haier HWO60S14EPX4 1299 410 79 87 66 na na P 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 60 Turkey
Bosch HBA172BB0A/72 1599 447 77 83 69 89 87 P 9 9 9 9 5 67 Spain
Fisher & Paykel OB60SD11PLX1 1999 478 77 81 71 82 83 P 9 9 9 9 6 66 Thailand
Fisher & Paykel OB60SD16PLX1 2799 497 76 81 69 82 83 P 9 9 9 9 9 6 68 Thailand
Ikea BRÄNDBO 905.576.50 899 486 76 87 60 na na na 9 9 9 5 68 Italy
Ikea FXJM6 MATTRADITION 699 437 76 86 61 na na na 9 9 5 60 Poland
Smeg SFA63M3TVX 1790 519 74 84 58 84 77 S 9 9 9 5 62 Italy
Smeg SOPA6301TN 2290 546 74 84 59 84 77 P 9 9 9 5 62 Italy
Omega OBO6011AM 799 446 73 83 58 na na na 9 9 9 9 9 5 63 Italy
Bosch HBF133BS0A 999 493 71 78 60 89 87 na 9 5 62 Turkey
Electrolux EVE614DSE 1299 521 71 75 65 74 82 na 9 9 9 9 5 58 Australia
Haier HWO60S7MB4 659 370 71 79 58 na na na 9 5 57 ns
Inalto IO60XL5M 499 446 70 76 61 na na na 5 76 China
Smeg SOPA6102TB3 2790 531 70 76 60 84 77 P 9 9 9 9 9 5 67 Italy
Ilve OV60SLKMP/SS 2999 507 68 74 59 na na na 9 9 9 5 55 Italy
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend ovens with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at
least 85%. Price Recommended retail as of November 2024. Running costs Based on running
the oven at 170°C for one hour, three times a week at 40c/kWh over 10 years. CHOICE Expert
Rating is made up of cooking performance (60%) and ease of use (40%). Brand reliability
and satisfaction scores are from our 2021 product reliability survey and apply to brands, not
individual models. Self-cleaning type P Pyrolytic, C Catalytic, S Steam. Telescopic runners
Some may be optional extras. Assisted cooking lets you cook certain dishes without having to
enter the temperature or time required thanks to pre-programmed settings. (A) Called Moisture
IMAGES: GETTY
Plus. na Not applicable or not available. ns Not specified. All models are 60cm wide ovens
except for the Fisher & Paykel OB90S9MEPX3, which is a 90cm wide oven. All models except
the Haier HWO60S7MB4 and the Ilve OV60SLKMP/SS have a fan grill setting.
56
Up top or
in front?
When it comes to washers, there are two main types to choose from:
top loaders or front loaders. Matt Steen and Alice Richard compare the pair
f you’re in the market for a new Efficiency Finally, top loaders also use more
Upfront cost
BEST: TOP LOADERS
Front
loading washing is because they need As a general rule, front-
machine. You loaders can enough water to make loading washing machines tend to
might already use up to your clothes float to be a little bit more expensive than
have a preference clean them – unlike top loaders. This is because there’s
70% less water
based on your front loaders, which more materials in them: ballast,
previous washer, than top loaders use gravity to tumble rubber seals, and importantly,
laundry space, or of a similar your clothes. a heater.
even your mobility, And even though But while you might pay more
size
but it’s always worth top loaders usually at the cash register, a front loader
examining why one or the take less time to wash your will help you save on electricity
other might suit you best. Some clothes, they use more energy to and water bills, so could end up
of the differences between the two do it since they have to heat all costing about the same or even
might surprise you. that water. less over the machine’s lifetime.
to a front loader.
We explain this in more detail
in our previous washing machine
review in CHOICE Feb 2024.
Out-of-balance correction
Claimed dimensions
Brand reliability (%)
hand washable)
Tap connection
Recommended
(cm, H x W x D)
Capacity (kg)
Extra rinse
(% points)
Price ($)
FRONT LOADERS
9 LG WV9-1610W (A) 1299 560 78 78 84 65 85 70 88 47 88 0 9 9/ 9 9 H&C 10 85 x 60 x 62
9 Miele WCA 020 1549 601 76 83 91 72 88 79 86 41 158 7 9 9/ 9 Cold 7 85 x 60 x 64
9 Miele WWH860 WCS 2999 727 76 85 96 65 86 78 86 45 183 8 9 9/ 9 9 H&C 8 85 x 60 x 65
9 Westinghouse WWF9024M5WA 1199 712 76 81 95 64 75 71 na 65 110 3 9 9/ – Cold 9 85 x 60 x 66
Beko BFL7510W 949 702 75 84 89 56 81 67 79 54 132 4 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 7.5 84 x 60 x 64
9 Bosch WGA254U0AU 1699 736 75 86 97 61 80 77 90 56 159 7 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 10 85 x 60 x 65
9 Electrolux EWF8024Q5WB 999 730 75 82 96 60 75 71 82 65 120 4 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 8 85 x 60 x 66
Fisher & Paykel WH1160F2 1899 790 75 79 97 55 74 73 82 66 111 3 9 9/ 9 9 H&C 11 85 x 60 x 68
Haier HWF95AN1 899 528 75 73 86 66 82 60 na 52 58 0 ns –/– Cold 9.5 85 x 60 x 66
9 LG WV9-1412W 1499 1263 75 87 96 63 82 68 88 52 278 8 ns 9/ 9 9 H&C 12 85 x 60 x 66
9 Miele WWD120 2049 692 75 84 96 63 85 76 86 48 160 8 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 8 85 x 60 x 65
Miele WWD164 WCS 2299 749 75 84 97 58 85 84 86 46 185 8 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 9 85 x 60 x 65
Miele WWG660 2799 761 75 85 96 57 84 78 86 49 158 7 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 9 85 x 60 x 65
Asko W2084CW 1999 476 74 72 77 59 89 74 79 40 73 0 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 8 85 x 60 x 59
Asko W4086P.W.AU 2399 508 74 73 75 63 87 77 79 43 75 0 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 8 85 x 60 x 59
Bosch WGG244ARAU 1799 747 74 86 93 58 85 76 90 46 221 8 9 9/ 9 9 Cold 9 85 x 60 x 64
Electrolux EWF1041R9WB 1749 793 74 82 96 56 75 76 82 65 137 5 9 9/ 9 Cold 10 85 x 60 x 66
9 Electrolux EWF7524D3WB 849 684 74 76 95 63 77 79 82 61 127 4 9 –/– 9 Cold 7.5 85 x 60 x 58
Fisher & Paykel WH1160HG1 2999 930 74 79 97 55 71 75 82 72 111 3 9 9/ – 9 H&C 11 85 x 60 x 67
9 Fisher & Paykel WH8060J3 999 694 74 78 93 62 78 69 82 59 124 4 9 –/– 9 Cold 8 85 x 60 x 59
TOP LOADERS
9 LG WTL9-12B 1499 754 73 80 81 37 77 80 88 62 90 0 9 –/– 9 H&C 12 107 x 69 x 73
9 LG WTG1434VHF 1499 836 71 80 85 35 73 79 88 69 91 2 9 –/– 9 H&C 14 103 x 69 x 73
Fisher & Paykel WL1068P1 1499 887 70 71 91 46 58 73 82 95 55 0 9 –/– H&C 10 106 x 69 x 70
Fisher & Paykel WL8058G1 999 889 68 71 92 48 54 59 82 103 61 0 9 9/ – 9 H&C 8 104 x 58 x 60
Fisher & Paykel WL9058G1 999 850 68 71 90 46 56 60 82 99 60 0 9 9/ – 9 H&C 9 102 x 58 x 60
LG WTG7520 799 873 67 70 93 41 56 56 88 98 58 0 9 9/ – 9 H&C 7.5 96 x 59 x 61
Fisher & Paykel WA8560G1 1099 1026 66 65 96 49 45 69 82 119 43 0 9 9/ – H&C 8.5 108 x 60 x 60
Haier HWT09AN1 1099 888 66 65 90 52 53 59 na 104 57 0 ns 9/ – 9 H&C 9 102 x 58 x 59
LG WTL3-09G 799 1027 66 73 91 47 42 54 88 125 54 0 9 –/– 9 H&C 9 102 x 64 x 67
Fisher & Paykel MW513 899 1168 65 65 96 54 35 68 82 137 41 0 9 9/ – H&C 5.5 103 x 56 x 56
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend front loaders with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70% and 75% for dirt removal, with no other score below 60%. We
recommend top loaders with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70% and 75% for dirt removal. Price Recommended retail, as of November 2024. Running costs Approximate
cost over 10 years for one daily load on a ‘normal’ cycle, based on 40c/kWh for electricity and $2 per 1000L for water. Excludes detergent. CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of
dirt removal (40%), rinse performance (20%), gentleness (15%), water efficiency (15%) and spin efficiency (10%). Long cycle time penalty Applies to the CHOICE Expert Rating
only for washing machines with cycles taking 90 minutes or longer. The longer the cycle time, the greater the penalty. Brand reliability, where we have statistics, is taken from
our 2021 Brand Reliability Survey, but doesn’t contribute to the CHOICE Expert Rating and refers to the brand only, not that particular model. Differences of 3% or more between
brands are significant. Tap connection Cold Machine connects to cold water only. H&C Machine has both hot and cold water connections (required for top loaders to perform a
warm wash). Dimensions are for the smallest box that fits around the machine, as stated by the manufacturer. (A) Units produced after 23/08/24 deliver a much faster wash cycle
(they will have a serial number starting with 408PNxxxxxxx). The model we tested delivers the improved wash cycle time of under 90 minutes. na Not available. ns Not stated.
Cot cams
Need help keeping an eye on your little one at nap time?
Peter Zaluzny helps you choose the best baby monitor
ith the help of a baby Most models offer both audio Audio-based baby monitors are
baby’s sound and movements. Dedicated monitor you need to find a place to put them
Meanwhile, the carer’s phone lets vs smartphone app that’s in earshot. It can be easy to
you keep an eye and ear on them As far as performance, picture and forget the carer’s unit if you duck
from anywhere in the house. sound quality go, we’ve come across upstairs or head outside for a while.
If your baby makes a sound during good and bad apps and carer’s
restless sleep, or they start crying, units across the board. Additional Using a smartphone
then the microphone will pick up functions and features are also as camera
the audio and send it your way. fairly comparable. And both types Installing the app on two smartphones
Some video monitors will also connect to a dedicated camera in (or tablets) is a viable, and potentially
alert you with audio if they detect the child’s room. cheap, option if you have an old phone
movement, or conversely if they APP PROS AND CONS kicking around the house. But there
detect no movement for a significant Monitors that use an app are typically are a few considerations:
period of time. cheaper as you don’t need to cover O The phone must have a good-
A few apps even offer remote the cost of a proprietary carer’s unit. quality camera and microphone.
access outside the home, so you can The app may cost a little extra on top O The phone must be plugged into
receive updates at work or when out of the monitor, but this is rarely more a power point so it can monitor
and about, while somebody else is at than ten dollars. your baby 24/7.
home with the baby. You’re also likely to have your phone O You have to find and install a stand
CONNECTION AND nearby at all times and it can switch or mount to position the phone
PERFORMANCE to mobile data if the Wi-Fi towards the sleeping area.
A Wi-Fi unit is usually drops out. Almost all phones position the
the best option if you Installing But older phones may charging port at the bottom, which
have good internet the app on not support the latest can make mounting tricky. Wireless
coverage in your versions of the carer’s charging can get around this, but
home, particularly
two smartphones app, so double check this feature isn’t very common and
from something (or tablets) compatibility before typically reserved for more expensive
like a mesh is a viable, and you buy. models of smartphone.
network. But potentially cheap, Baby monitoring Also, picture quality in dark lighting
some baby monitors apps can also drain conditions can be very poor unless
also offer connection
option your phone’s battery. The you turn on the phone’s light, which
via radio frequencies, last thing you want is your could disturb baby’s sleep.
a proprietary signal, or phone to shut down when you’re
mobile networks such as 4G or 5G. relying on it as a baby monitor.
The baby monitor should be able CARER’S UNIT PROS AND CONS
to maintain quality sound and picture, Carer’s units are designed to work
even when you’re at the other end of with the included camera out of the
the house. The monitor should also box, so you won’t need to worry about
be able to pick up and reproduce soft compatibility issues. They typically
sounds. Build quality is a big part of use physical controls (which you may
this, but you also need to consider prefer over a touch screen) and come
interference from other devices. with mounts or kickstands for easy
Monitors that use common radio access while in use.
frequencies may pick up signals But these units are usually larger
and interference from other nearby than phones and most pockets, so
devices (including those of your
neighbours) such as cordless phones,
microwaves, or other baby monitors.
However, some monitors let you
choose from several frequencies
to minimise this, while others that
IMAGE: GETTY
use DECT (digital enhanced cordless You can choose between a dedicated
communication) are more private carer’s unit (left), or an app on your
and offer less interference. smartphone (above).
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Country of origin
Motion detection
Recommended
Two-way audio
Night light
Price ($)
based on the smartphone used for testing. * Immunity from interference for sound by a microwave oven or digital cordless phone. (A) Optional extra. (B) Uses light on
smartphone. (C) China/Thailand. ns Not stated. All models in this table have both audio and video capabilities. Some product names have been condensed to fit. For full
names, visit choice.com.au.
Watch dog
Need to keep tabs on your furry friend while you’re out of the house?
Kim Gilmour helps you choose the right pet camera
f you have an anxious pet, a pet on top of the unit’s purchase price,
Budget barbie
How much do you need to spend to get a good barbecue?
Alice Richard grills our expert and gets some good news
f the cost of living has curtailed that’s recommended by our experts Australia’s harsh climate. But it is
upper end of the market, there in a barbecue because they are Don’t be tempted to buy the biggest
are also plenty of more affordable most likely stored outdoors in the barbecue your money can buy – go
models. You can pick up a barbecue elements, so they need to withstand for quality over quantity.
“Bigger doesn’t always mean at cooking. If you choose wisely, results. They’re generally cheaper
better: sometimes the grill plates you can get more bang for your than gas barbecues and, as an added
on larger barbecues, particularly buck with a smaller, better quality bonus, they’re often more compact
if they’re cheaper ones, don’t heat barbecue than a big one.” and portable.”
evenly, so you’ll be left with cold And it’s worth thinking outside
spots and your food won’t all finish the box: you don’t necessarily have
cooking at the same time,” says Mair. to buy a traditional gas barbecue.
“Our tests often show that smaller “Some of the charcoal and electric
hooded barbecues are more efficient barbecues we test deliver great
Side burner
Fuel type
Hot plate
Price ($)
TRAVEL
9 STC Japanese Korean Ceramic Hibachi BBQ Table Grill C 110 1381 86 92 76 85 90 nt nt 100 na 80 9.4 0.10
9 Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube C 229 812 81 88 70 85 90 nt nt na na 70 7.3 0.07
Weber Traveler Compact Portable Gas Barbecue (LPG) Pr/L 599 242 78 82 71 85 80 60 80 80 na 70 18 0.17
Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill TFT18KLD P 900 356 73 91 46 95 90 nt nt 95 85 50 9 27 0.12
BALCONY (A)
9 Weber Baby Q Premium Q1200N L 399 259 83 90 73 90 90 nt 90 100 80 70 (B) 11 0.17
9 Weber Lumin E 649 80 83 93 69 90 100 80 90 90 na 70 16.5 0.16
9 Breville The AdjustaGrill™ & Sear LGR350 E 190 44 82 90 70 80 100 70 100 90 na 60 9 4.4 0.07
9 Weber Q Q2000N L 539 339 82 89 72 90 100 nt 80 80 85 70 (B) 14.5 0.23
9 Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force L 1099 358 80 84 73 85 90 nt nt 70 90 80 9 ns 0.24
9 Cuisinart Griddler & Deep Pan GR-5XA (BBQ mode) E 269 109 79 87 68 80 90 nt nt 90 na 60 9 5.4 0.13
9 Breville The Smart Grill BGR840BSS E 499 nt 78 83 70 85 85 nt nt 80 na 60 9 8.8 0.14
9 Weber Pulse 2000 E 759 172 78 81 73 80 85 nt nt 85 75 70 (B) 19.6 0.19
9 DeLonghi MultiGrill 1100 CGH1112DP (BBQ mode) E 349 90 76 78 73 80 80 nt nt 75 na 60 9 7.3 0.16
Ziegler & Brown Ziggy Classic Triple Grill ZG3GCPLUS L 1048 424 76 79 71 90 60 80 70 90 75 70 (B) ns 0.30
Masport X-Grill 553350 L 999 443 75 81 65 70 90 nt 90 65 100 65 9 34 0.30
Beefeater BB18226 Bugg Portable BBQ L 599 320 74 83 60 75 80 nt nt 90 85 55 9 ns 0.22
BACKYARD
9 Weber Spirit II E310 LPG L 999 505 87 98 71 90 100 nt nt 100 100 70 9 na 0.36
9 Weber Q+ Premium Q2800N+ L 599 360 86 95 73 90 100 nt 80 90 100 70 (B) 17 0.23
9 Weber Slate Premium Griddle 30” L 1399 633 84 88 77 100 85 100 90 80 na 70 9 na 0.36
9 Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Fusion BBQ E/C 1099 1405 82 90 70 95 90 nt nt 90 85 75 na 0.16
9 Everdure by Heston Blumenthal HBG3O Furnace L 1399 465 82 88 72 65 85 nt nt 100 100 80 9 na 0.30
9 Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Hub E/C 1999 2839 82 88 73 85 95 nt nt na 85 75 na 0.33
9 Weber Family Q+ Premium Q3200N+ L 899 459 82 88 73 90 90 nt 80 70 100 70 (B) na 0.28
IMAGES: GETTY | WEBER | EVERDURE | BARBEQUESGALORE.COM.AU
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)
Warranty (years)
Recommended
Noise at user’s
position (dBA)
Weight (kg)
be rotated
time (min)
Price ($)
Origin
Type
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend models with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%. All the battery models we tested score less than 80%, but some
are still worth considering. Price Includes battery, if there is one. Type E Electric, B Battery. CHOICE Expert Rating consists of performance (50%) and ease of use (50%).
(A) Tested in 2016. na Not applicable. ns Not stated.
INDEX
USING THE INDEX All articles are from the past 12 months.
* Indicates a correction or clarification (see Checkout).
HOME & LIVING Toilet paper Mar death benefit nominations Sep
Air conditioners Jul Vacuum cleaners First Nations missing super Mar Meal delivery kits Dec/Jan
portable Mar barrel & upright May insurance in super Nov Ready-to-eat meals Apr
Air fryers May, Oct Dyson V15s Detect Submarine retirement bonus Oct Reducing food waste Apr
Air purifiers Mar Mar Tax-time tech buys Jun Seafood, sustainable Apr
Bathroom cleaners Sep robot vacs Sep Tea bags May
Blenders Nov, Dec/Jan stick vacs Apr, Dec/Jan CONSUMERS & DATA
Ninja Blast portable blender Washer dryers Nov Data broking Jun HEALTH & BODY
Dec/Jan Washing machines Jul, Feb Romance scams May Electric shavers Nov
Cooktops Toyota data tracking May Electric toothbrushes Aug
induction Apr ELECTRONICS Fitness trackers Mar
Cookware, pots and frypans Jun & TECHNOLOGY BABIES & KIDS Hair dryers Jul
Dehumidifiers Jul Apple iMac computer May Baby monitors Feb
Dishwashers Mar, Sep Best and worst Button battery safety Aug SHOPPING
Dishwasher detergents Dec/Jan electronics retailers Feb Change tables Aug AI product recommendations Feb
Dishwashing liquid Jun Digital goods, ownership rights High chairs Aug Appliances, lifespan Jun
Dissolvable cleaning products Sep Nappies Aug Cinema savings Mar
Sep Digital radios Apr, Jun* Strollers Aug Discrimination explainer Oct
Dryers Jun Headphones May Temu button battery failures Energy price confusion Sep
Dyson WashG1 Jul Dyson Zone Absolute+ May Dec/Jan EOFY sales explainer Jun
Electric blankets Jul Hubbl TV & streaming box Aug Toys safety Aug First Nations consumer
Electric heaters Jul Laptops Jun, Jul, Feb champion Bettina Cooper Jul
Espresso machines Jul, Oct Managing screen time Aug TRAVEL Green marketing Apr
Fridges May, Oct Mobile phones for kids Aug Fake customer service social Grocery shopping
Dyson WashG1 Jul Mobile phones for seniors May media accounts, scam Sep bulk buying guide Dec/Jan
Heating costs Jul Printers Apr Luggage, carry-on Jun ditching major supermarkets
Home heating systems Jul QR code scams May Travel insurance Dec/Jan Oct
Irons and steam stations Nov School tech guide Aug, Feb Travel money guide Dec/Jan fresh vs frozen vs tinned Oct
Keeping warm in bed for less Jul Smartphones Mar, Dec/Jan remote grocery prices Feb
Kettles Feb Soundbars May, Dec/Jan OUTDOOR swaps to save Sep
Kitchen knives Oct Streaming devices Nov Barbecues Feb HelpPay investigation Jun
Laundry detergents Nov Translation devices Dec/Jan Hedge trimmers Feb Misleading pricing Jun
Mattresses Jun, Aug TVs Mar, Jul, Dec/Jan Lawnmowers Apr Non-disclosure agreements May
Microwaves Apr, Oct Leaf blowers Sep Op shopping guide Mar
Mops Sep INSURANCE & MONEY Line trimmers Mar Receipts, digital Nov
Multi-cookers Aug Bank accounts, switching May Pet monitors Feb Refillable products Apr
Multifunctional appliances Oct Car insurance Oct Pool cleaners Nov Refunds for faulty products
Ninja Extended Life for seniors and young drivers Portable power stations Apr Dec/Jan
Ceramic Frypan Oct Feb Sales, avoiding the hype Jun
Ovens Oct, Feb Health insurance Mar, Jul HOME IMPROVEMENT Shonky Awards 2024
Refrigerators – see fridges for tax purposes Jun Security cameras May Nov, Dec/Jan*
Rice cookers Nov Home contents insurance Aug Solar panels Sep Temu investigation Mar
Slow cookers Jul Kids’ banking apps Aug
Soda makers Oct Pawnbroking investigation Nov FOOD & DRINK TRANSPORT
Stain removers May Pet insurance Feb Cheese slices Oct Bicycles, budget Apr
Steam mops Sep Remote access scam Jul Chicken nuggets Aug Dash cams Apr
Surface cleaners Sep Saving on appliances Jun Frozen chips Aug Electric bikes Jul
Sustainable cleaning tips Sep Saving money, tips Mar Choc chip cookies Nov Electric vehicle tips May
Toasters Feb Superannuation Fruit & veg, saving money Mar Fuel, saving money Dec/Jan
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Golden
years
Home, health &
IMAGES: GETTY
finances in retirement
Silverwater, NSW 2128, in 2025 for the publisher, CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville 2204.
ISSN 0009 496X. Print post approved 100000729. Wholly printed in Australia by IVE Group, 83 Derby Street,
HOLD THE PHONE
Talk about underselling a bargain.
OFF WITH
THE DAIRIES
SPELLS TROUBLE Either way, you’re still
This ad was spotted by two readers. Eeeew! getting protein.
HARD WORD
Our long-serving rogues’ gallery of dodgy ads, toe-curling typos and
misadventures in marketing, as sent in by you – our tickled, angered and
bewildered readers. And thanks to the timeless shonkiness of so much
advertising, you’re always spoilt for choice – so keep ’em coming. Email
high-quality unedited photos to [email protected].
This month, thanks go to Roger Anderson (Hold the phone), Jim Clavarino
and Will Howard (Spells trouble), M. Saunders (More or less?) and Brian
Wolff (Off with the dairies).
Compiled by Daniel Wynne