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Choice - February 2025 AU

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views76 pages

Choice - February 2025 AU

Uploaded by

wrichter968
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 76

FEBRUARY 2025

Winning
serve
Your favourite
appliance
retailers

Insurance
229
products
options for
your pets
TESTED
Kettles
Toasters
Wall ovens
Washing machines
Baby monitors
Pet monitors
Barbecues
Hedge trimmers
& more

KEYBOARD
WARRIORS
Back-to-school tech

Plus Grocery prices, car insurance, Ask the Expert & more
COMMENT

A New Year’s resolution


How do you make these things stick?
elcome to 2025. a decade earlier. I can’t remember

W New year, new me,


am I right?
Actually, if history
serves, I’m probably not right.
New Year’s resolutions and new
exactly what was on that list but
it was a fun mix of stuff that was
hilariously stupid in hindsight, and –
thankfully – a few things I’d actually
achieved in the decade since.
beginnings almost always devolve Sometimes resolutions pay off.
into “same old story” within months But in my many years of delving
(or sometimes even weeks). into self-improvement, I’ve found
I should know: when it comes a few things that seem to work. If a newly established habit
to New Year’s resolutions and Top of the list is habits. Instead becomes integral to my everyday
self-improvement, I’m as big of creating big, scary, impossible existence, I’m more likely to do it.
a sucker as anyone. goals for yourself, it’s usually If it’s a conscious act I have to will
myself into, I’ll probably give up at
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions and some point.
self-improvement, I’m as big a sucker as anyone I think about the quote in author
James Clear’s Atomic Habits all
I’m always writing lists, packed more effective to identify the the time: “You don’t rise to the level
full of silly little goals. I’m also a huge habits that can get you there, of your goals. You fall to the level of
spreadsheet fan, adding a menagerie and the ones that hold you back. your systems.”
of daily tasks and boxes to tick. If you can somehow replace bad And that, folks, is why I eat a
“Drink 3 litres of water”, “hit 10,000 habits with good habits, you’re gigantic bowl of sugary cereal
steps”, “do some yoga”, “meditate”, on your way. every time I watch TV after putting
that sort of thing. Sometimes it I’ve also found that if you try the kids to sleep! My systems are
sticks, but usually it falls by the to change too many of those hot garbage. Hopefully yours are
wayside after a month or so. habits at once, you’re more likely more effective.
I once found a dusty old wallet to fail. One or two habits at a time Have a great 2025 and good luck
inside an abandoned cupboard is plenty. And then once those with all your resolutions!
in a dark corner of my bedroom. habits are established, move on
Next to the expired credit cards to the next ones.
and old driver’s licences was a filthy, Another important thing I’ve Mark Serrels
folded-up piece of paper: a five-year learned: willpower is finite and CHOICE Editorial Director
plan I’d scribbled together around you can’t rely on it. Email: [email protected]

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
entirely funded by membership. Membership includes choice.com.au/signup. IRUHVWV DQG FRQWUROOHG
VRXUFHV
access to services such as CHOICE Help and the Voice MEMBERSHIPS/RENEWALS Call 1800 069 552 SHIFDXVWUDOLDRUJDX

Your Choice research program. Our product ratings are or email us at [email protected].

2 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


34 CONTENTS

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 3


4

The latest consumer


news in brief
IN THIS ISSUE:

p8 Online florist pays $1 million


fine for pretending to be local

p9 First look: Google Pixel


Buds Pro 2 WA retirement village
reforms on the way
R etirement village residents are often in for a rude
shock when it comes time to leave the village.
Most have handed over a huge lump to secure a unit,
and village operators all have their own rules for how much
residents will get back. The amount will likely be reduced by
numerous exit costs, which is bad enough. But even worse
is that it can take a very long time to get what’s left over.
The WA government recently announced it’s moving
forward on reforms that would require village operators
p10 First set of Privacy Act to return exit entitlements to former residents within
amendments pass in Parliament 12 months. That this is considered a big improvement
shows you how bad the situation had become. Some
WA residents had waited for two or three years to receive
what they were owed. The new timeframe is due to come
into effect in December 2025.
Other WA retirement village reforms slated to take effect
this year include new disclosure requirements so incoming
residents will have a clearer picture of the financial aspects
of what they’re getting into; a requirement that operators
help with aged care costs while former residents are
waiting for their exit entitlements; and more transparency
p12 Meta pays Australians $50m around who’s responsible for village maintenance.
for Cambridge Analytica breach ANDY KOLLMORGEN

4 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CHECKOUT

Meta comes around to better scam protections for Australians


C riminals who infiltrated social
media platforms stole $95 million
from Australians in 2023, up 249%
Advertisers targeting
Australians with financial
services offers will have
since 2020. And 76% of those 2023 to take several steps to
losses happened because victims demonstrate that they’re
clicked on a scam ad on a Meta- not scammers, including
owned platform, such as Facebook providing their Australian
or Instagram. Things got better financial services licence
in 2024, but are still far from good number and uploading
enough. Between January and business documents.
September 2024, Australians had Facebook users
reported losses of $35 million from will be able to review
social media scams. these materials before
A recent announcement raises engaging with the ad.
hopes that scammers will find it
harder to target victims, at least
“Meta’s move to finally
turn on such a simple protection
SCAM
when it comes to financial services against investment scams is overdue,”
scams. Meta says it will introduce says CHOICE campaigns director
an advertiser verification system Rosie Thomas.
in Australia to take effect this month. ANDY KOLLMORGEN

Bunnings facial recognition program ruled illegal


A CHOICE investigation in 2022 found that
Bunnings, Kmart and The Good Guys were
capturing biometric information on customers
through facial recognition technology in stores,
largely without customers’ knowledge or consent.
Our findings caught the attention of the Office
of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC),
which launched an investigation. The Good Guys
immediately paused its trial of the technology
following our report. Just over a month later, in July
2022, both Bunnings and Kmart announced they
would halt their use of facial recognition technology.
But the OAIC investigation went forward.
In November last year, OAIC announced the
results regarding Bunnings, saying the company
had breached Australia’s Privacy Act. Privacy
Commissioner Carly Kind said the facial recognition
cameras that were in use in 63 Bunnings stores in
Victoria and New South Wales between November
2018 and November 2021 likely captured the
faces of hundreds of thousands of customers.
“Just because a technology may be helpful or
convenient, does not mean its use is justifiable,”
she says.
IMAGES: GETTY

JARNI BLAKKARLY

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 5


6 FIRS
LOOKT

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

Six out of 10 migrant workers exploited


I n a survey late last year of 959 migrant workers
conducted by the Victoria-based Migrant Workers
Centre, 62% of respondents reported experiencing at
a Department of Home Affairs spokesperson told us in
December last year.
New reporting protections mean visas won’t be
least one form of exploitation. Topping the list was being cancelled for non-compliance “if there is a connection
short-changed on wages or having to work in unsafe between that non-compliance and workplace exploitation”.
conditions. More than three out of 10 reported being ANDY KOLLMORGEN
injured at work. Much of this happens in food services jobs.
Until recently, for a worker to report that they were being
compelled to work more hours than allowed would have
been an act of self-sabotage. That’s because reporting
it means you’re doing it, regardless of the reasons. And
overstepping work restrictions would have been a visa
violation under Section 235 of the Migration Act, punishable
by visa cancellation. In July 2024, the Migration Act was
updated through the Migration Amendment (Strengthening
Employer Compliance) Act 2024. Section 235 was repealed
and new whistleblower protections were added.
Section 235 “was identified as a barrier, preventing
temporary migrants from reporting issues of exploitation
or otherwise asserting their rights under workplace laws”,

6 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CHECKOUT

CHOICE supporter evidence in ACCC Supermarket Inquiry


I n November 2024, the Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission (ACCC) held hearings as part
of its Supermarket Inquiry. Aldi, Coles, Metcash and
ACCC is also suing Coles and Woolworths for allegedly
deceiving customers with fake discounts.
Last year was a pivotal year for our supermarkets
Woolworths faced questioning by ACCC counsel Naomi campaign, and we couldn’t have done it without the
Sharp SC over a wide range of topics including ‘land help of CHOICE supporters like you.
banking’, competition, issues in remote stores, member- BEA SHERWOOD
only pricing, membership data, pricing practices, supply
chain issues, shrinkflation and private-label products.
A significant moment came when
both the Coles and Woolworths
CEOs were shown examples of
potentially dodgy price tags that
had been sent in by CHOICE
supporters. Your contributions
ensured that the supermarkets
were forced to confront the public’s
questions and concerns around
supermarket pricing practices.
The ACCC Supermarkets Inquiry
final report is due to the Treasurer
by the end of this month, and will
include findings and recommendations
to address the multitude of problems in
the supermarket sector. Separately, the

REDcycle soft plastic stockpiles still unprocessed


I n December last year the ACCC signalled that
it was willing to allow Coles, Woolworths and Aldi
to continue collaborating on recycling stockpiled soft
progress has been made on reducing the stockpiles,
the rate of progress is still significantly limited by
the available processing capacity of soft plastic
plastics and keep their pilot instore collection program processors,” says ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh.
running until 31 July 2026. The ACCC first authorised “We understand the outlook for processing a larger
the supermarket collaboration in June 2023 following share of the soft plastics stockpile is improving as more
the collapse of REDcycle, which operated a soft processors are due to come online in 2025, and we
plastics collection and recycling program. propose to grant authorisation to enable continued joint
“It is very concerning that the vast majority of the management of the stockpile without further delays.”
stockpiles left over from REDcycle have not been The supermarkets will be required to provide
processed almost two years later. While some limited the ACCC with quarterly progress reports and
minutes of each meeting of the supermarkets’
Soft Plastics Taskforce.
ANDY KOLLMORGEN
IMAGES: GETTY | LOGITECH
8

Big fine for misleading ‘local’ online florist


O nline florist Meg’s Flowers has
been slapped with a $1 million
penalty by the Federal Court for
a corrective notice on its website,
and contribute to the ACCC’s costs.
It’s not the first time a florist
making misleading representations has been caught in the ACCC’s
in a case brought by the ACCC. crosshairs. In 2022, the
The company admitted that it regulator acted against
breached Australian Consumer United Florists, and in
Law by advertising itself as a local 2024, Bloomex, a prior
florist in towns and suburbs on CHOICE Shonky award
156 different websites and in 7462 winner, was slapped with
Google advertisements. a similar $1 million penalty
“By making misleading claims by the courts.
about the location of the florists, JARNI BLAKKARLY
Meg’s Flowers denied some
consumers the opportunity
to make an informed decision to
support a local business, and likely
denied truly local businesses the
opportunity to make a sale to those
consumers,” ACCC Commissioner
Liza Carver says.
The florist must now establish
a compliance program, publish

HSBC Bank no help as scammers steal $23 million


I n August last year, we reported that four out of five
of the 280 scam victims we surveyed received no
warning from their bank before transferring money
losses of about $23 million, according to ASIC. Almost
$16 million of this occurred in the six months from
October 2023 to March 2024. The bank allegedly took
to a scammer. About half of these scam victims told an average of 145 days to investigate scams reported
us that when they did receive some form of support by its customers.
from their bank, it didn’t come close to helping them ANDY KOLLMORGEN
get their money back.
Cases of banks being held to account when they’ve
inadvertently enabled a scam are rare, but it does
happen. In December last year the Australian
Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
took HSBC Bank to court for knowing that
scam transactions were likely taking place
and doing very little about it.
“We allege that from at least January
2023, HSBC Australia was aware of the risks
of unauthorised transactions occurring and
that there were gaps in their fraud controls.
This resulted in some customers getting
scammed out of $90,000 or more,” says
ASIC deputy chair Sarah Court.
Between January 2020 and August 2024,
HSBC received approximately 950 reports of
unauthorised transactions, resulting in customer

8 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CHECKOUT

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.

Buy now, pay later to be regulated as credit


O n Parliament’s last sitting day
of 2024, the government
finally passed laws that
become more popular, but there
have been consistent signs that
many users were in financial
to have their complaints heard
by an ombudsman
O reasonably consider and

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

BNPL was will come into effect in about whether a person is


designed to fall June 2025, and will likely to be able to repay the
within a technical require providers to: amount they are borrowing
loophole in our national O retain a credit licence before opening an account
credit laws. CHOICE and and provide data to ASIC or increasing a credit limit.
other consumer groups have about their lending practices We expect these laws to make
been calling for this loophole to O retain membership to the BNPL a fairer, safer product for
IMAGES: GETTY

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

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 9


10

Crypto exchange dealt whopping fine


T he corporate regulator ASIC has won legal
proceedings in the Federal Court against
Bit Trade, which operates the Kraken cryptocurrency
exchange, for illegally issuing credit to more than
1100 Australian customers.
The court ruled that the crypto platform’s
“margin extension” product acted as a credit
product, which Kraken did not have the correct
target market determination to offer. As a result,
the company breached its design and distribution
obligations each time it offered the product – which
amounts to thousands of times.
The court ordered Bit Trade to pay $8 million along
with ASIC’s costs for the proceedings.
“Target market determinations are fundamental
in ensuring that investors are not inappropriately
marketed products that could harm them,” ASIC
chair Joe Longo says.
“Bit Trade issued its margin extension product
to over 1100 Australians who were charged fees
and interest of more than US$7 million without
considering if the product was appropriate for them.
Those customers Bit Trade targeted suffered trading
losses of more than US$5 million, including one
investor who lost almost US$4 million.”
JARNI BLAKKARLY

First set of Privacy Act


amendments pass in Parliament
A fter years of consultation, the Federal Parliament
has finally passed the first amendments to the
Privacy Act to modernise protections over our personal
information. These reforms went through in the final sitting
of Parliament in 2024 that saw 32 bills pass in a whirlwind
day. Key amendments in this package included letting
individuals sue people or businesses that engage in
serious invasions of privacy, expanding the penalty
powers of the privacy watchdog, enabling a Children’s
Online Privacy Code, and transparency requirements for
goods and services using automated decision-making.
There’s still more to do – a second tranche of
amendments will hopefully include much-needed
laws to put obligations on businesses to use our data
fairly and responsibly, an expansion of the definition of
“personal information”, and the removal of the exemption
to small businesses. CHOICE has been a leading voice
in consultations on privacy reform and will continue
to represent consumers as these new laws are drafted.
RAFI ALAM

10 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CHECKOUT

Google’s 94% market share


under the microscope
I t probably won’t come as a surprise that
Google dominates the search engine market.
In December last year, the ACCC reported that
Google had a market share of nearly 94% as of
August 2024. Its nearest rival, Bing, had just 4.7% of
the Australian market. These are the kinds of statistics
that raise concerns for competition regulators.
One big reason that Google continues to be the
default search engine on the majority of browsers
is because it has arrangements with third parties
for it to be pre-installed on devices. In August
2024, a US District Court ruled in favour of the
US Department of Justice that Google had illegally
maintained its monopoly in search and search
advertising through its exclusive distribution
agreements. It remains to be seen whether
similar legal action will happen in Australia.
Meanwhile, the ACCC is also looking into how
artificial intelligence (AI) affects search results.
“We are at a critical inflection point where generative
AI tools are enabling technological innovations
across a range of digital platform services,” says
ACCC Commissioner Peter Crone. “While some
consumers may find the generative AI search
experience more useful and efficient, others may
Webjet’s flight offerings be concerned about the accuracy and reliability
of AI-generated responses to search queries.”
land them in court ANDY KOLLMORGEN

I n late 2024, the ACCC commenced proceedings


in the Federal Court against online travel booking
site Webjet for allegedly making false and misleading
representations about flight prices and bookings. The
ACCC alleged Webjet advertised “flights from $X” when
the price quoted didn’t include compulsory servicing fees
and other fees unavoidably added on to the booking. It
is alleged the misleading advertising occurred at various
points between November 2018 and November 2023.
They say the fees were not disclosed on social media
posts by the company and were hidden in the fine print
of emails and on the Webjet site.
“We know how much Australian consumers value air
travel to stay connected for work, leisure or to visit family.
During this time of cost pressures, many consumers are
carefully considering travel arrangements and seeking to
save money. A statement about the lowest price must be
a true minimum price, not a price subject to further fees
IMAGES: GETTY

and charges before a booking can be made,” ACCC chair


Gina Cass-Gottlieb says.
JARNI BLAKKARLY

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 11


12

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.

W hen you choose a super fund, performance and fees


might be high priorities. But what about customer
service? There are currently no mandatory standards for
Meta is expected to appoint a third party to
administer the payment scheme this year. The
payment scheme will be open to individuals who:
how funds interact with members and process claims. O held a Facebook Account between 2 November

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

12 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CHECKOUT

RANTS AND RAVES


We gave it away to the bots

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

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 13


14

ASK THE EXPERTS ASK US


Email your question to
Got a niggling question our team can help with? [email protected]
or write to Ask the Experts,
CHOICE, 57 Carrington Rd,
Marrickville, NSW 2204.
Q When I
use my
likely, your microwave is using
the same 2.4GHz frequency band
You can also tap into the ‘brains
trust’ at www.choice.community.
microwave as the Chromecast. Try connecting
while casting the Chromecast to your router’s
something to my 5GHz frequency band, to see if it
TV via Google helps. If you have a first-generation contents in the open air. As you’ve
Chromecast, Chromecast it may not support noted there are a couple of features
the stream cuts 5GHz, in which case you might in which Honey outperforms Australia
out almost every time. There need to get a Post, such as cover for landscaping,
aren’t any walls between my new microwave visitors’ contents and food spoilage.
microwave and my TV (open plan (or Chromecast), We assess 140 product dimensions
kitchen and living room). The or avoid casting when calculating the cover score,
microwave is very old – do I need when it is in use. so many small differences can add
a new one or is this normal? up to a sizable gap when the final
CHOICE small appliances scores are calculated.
A expert Kim Gilmour: We’ve
had that question a few times
As for the prices, having a good
price score does not automatically
over the years, and it does tend mean that the insurer will be cheaper
to affect older microwaves. Most in all situations. The price score
is the outcome of many individual
price comparisons, using up to ten

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

14 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


ASK THE EXPERTS

Q I have a question about


canned goods. I had a recipe
CHOICE Help
that called for 400g of chickpeas, Dude, where’s
so I bought a 400g can. But when
I drained away the liquid the
my car?
chickpeas themselves weighed a hen CHOICE member
lot less than 400g. Is it appropriate
that the weight seems to include
W Lori ordered a new
Kluger from a Toyota dealer
liquid that is to be discarded? in the ACT in August 2023, she
CHOICE Customer Service: understandably expected she’d
A Unfortunately there’s currently
no requirement in Australia for
be getting the model she had
picked out. She had purchased
manufacturers to label the drained several cars from the dealership
weight of food in cans. The label over the years as well as made
states the net weight, which is the use of its finance services.
weight of the contents (both solids Lori put a hefty deposit down should
and liquid) minus the packaging. and was told the car would arrive expect to
For foods packaged with liquid, by December. But December came receive the car
the weight of the food alone isn’t and went. It seems someone at she ordered at the price she
going to be the same as – and may the dealership had forgotten to had agreed on.
not even be close to – the weight process the order. We told her she had two real
on the label. When that got straightened choices: to demand redress and
If you’re likely to consume both out and the car finally arrived in compensation from the dealership
the food and the liquid, such as with Australia in July 2024, a new problem or, failing that, to escalate the matter
canned tomatoes or sliced peaches, emerged: it wasn’t the car she had to her state’s fair trading agency.
for example, then this isn’t really ordered, and this model cost $3300 The next step would be to take the
an issue. more, something she belatedly matter to the state tribunal.
But there are many types of discovered after paying the balance Lori then began a campaign of
canned foods where you’ll likely on the invoice. It was also missing setting things right that included
drain off and discard the liquid the floor and cargo mats that were letting the dealership know she’d
– chickpeas as you’ve mentioned, included in her original purchase made CHOICE aware of the issue
but also things like tuna in spring invoice. She was told that invoice no and was prepared to lodge a
water or corn kernels. longer applied, since the car she’d complaint with the ACT office of fair
To find out how much food you’ll ended up with was a different car. trading. She also made clear that
be getting before you open the can, The Toyota dealership apologised, she would refinance her vehicle
you need to check the percentage but when Lori asked that the extra with another provider, have her car
labelling in the ingredients list $3300 be refunded, the response serviced elsewhere, and never buy
(for example, it may say chickpeas was that they would look into it. a car from the dealership again.
(60%), water (40%)) and then do your This turn of events did not sit well Lori’s campaign paid off. In the
own calculations based with Lori – an engaged consumer – end the dealership came around
on the net weight and she wrote to us to ask if the way and offered Lori a refund of $1650
to work out the Toyota had acted was reasonable. plus free servicing for the life of the
drained weight. We told Lori that unfortunately five-year warranty, which would
we’ve heard similar stories from more than cover the other $1650.
other buyers of new cars. We said They also threw in the missing mats
it was totally reasonable that she for free.

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 15


16

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.

Credit cold shoulder


have been a client of Citibank,
I using their credit facility, since
September 2001 – almost a quarter
We purchased a 65-inch
LG TV recommended by
of a century. I have been very the Citibank credit card; notably CHOICE. It was 19 months
happy with the service up until the rewards points (we use out of warranty when horizontal
recently. In June 2022, NAB our credit card extensively and lines appeared halfway across
purchased the credit card section collect between $300 and $400 the TV screen. We contacted
of Citibank. My yearly credit fee worth of rewards per year) and LG Care and sent photos of
increased three-fold, from $99 a the complimentary international the fault and purchase invoice.
year to $299. At the same time, my travel insurance (though I have After a couple of days their
‘interest-free period’ was reduced never needed to make a claim). service people arrived to collect
from around four weeks to two. When I contacted customer the TV. It was repaired and
I always pay within the interest- service, they were quick to explain returned in under four hours!
free period and I’ve made profitable how I could cancel my card. Paul Laurie,
use of the ‘bells and whistles’ that There was no hard sell, no plea Mooloolah Valley, Qld
have accompanied for me to stay nor explanation
of the dramatic increase and
decrease. Clearly they don’t
want me as a customer;
I am just not profitable.
Grant Gavin,
Lake Macquarie, NSW

We have a Samsung four-door French


fridge with icemaker and sparkling
water dispenser, bought in November 2017.
The icemaker failed recently. The fridge was
well out of warranty. I telephoned Samsung
customer assistance and was promised the
local service people would contact me within
48 hours and repairs be completed within
seven days, if repairable. I got a call the next
day, and a technician came within the week
and replaced the faulty parts. Samsung
provided this service entirely free of charge,
the technician was delightful, and we now
have ice.
Giles Coakes, Broadmeadow, NSW
YOUR SAY

Our almost new Glacier


DC ceiling fan developed
CHOICE SOCIAL MEDIA Join the conversation
online. We’re on Facebook, Threads, Instagram and our own forum,
an annoying clicking noise and
CHOICE Community. This month: Appliance retailers, stick vacs and more.
a small piece of metal fell from
the fan. After a warranty inquiry,
the company contacted us
quickly and advised that the fan Community Threads
would be replaced. As soon as a choice.community @choiceaustralia
fan was available it was promptly
installed by their electrician. What is your preferred Do you own
Great customer service. appliance store? a stick vacuum?
Julie Banks, Wellington Point, Qld @gary2: In South Australia, I’ve had @steveaney: Yes, one Bosch and one
good service and competitive prices Dyson. Switching away from Dyson
from JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, as they don’t last. Been through too
but when it comes to whitegoods many so trying another brand.
and household appliances, Spartan @secondmouse: Yep. Love the HEPA
Electrical lead the pack. filter and all the little doo-dads. I also
@SueW: Appliances Online (owned like not having to do the ‘power point
by Winning) every time. They aren’t shuffle’ or waste time doing the rounds
always cheapest (in which case one of the vacuum specialty stores trying to
A while ago, my daughter waits for a price drop), but they have buy vacuum bags to fit my old second-
presented me with a Smeg great service. I like that I can get hand, $20 garage sale relic.
toaster. The warranty was for two free shipping, next-day delivery, free @thomas.o.lodge: I own a vacuum
years. The toaster failed to function removal of old appliances… all of on a stick.
after two-and-a-half years. Being which incur a separate cost with @jerseyboy121: I also own a dog
a one-person household and often many retailers. mop! He licks the floor clean!
away for long periods, I believe that @PhilT: For travellers to Victoria where
toaster’s use was below normal. there is an E&S, you almost owe it to Instagram
I read up on Australian Consumer yourselves to visit one. The one on @choiceaustralia
Law and several CHOICE articles Chifley Dr (Preston) is awesome and
about similar issues. Subsequently, with impeccable sales service. A real estate agency
I decided to contact Smeg, stated @Windyhill: In the Winning published a renter’s personal
my case and asked for a free repair Appliances store they will match the information in an act of retaliation.
or replacement. I was directed Appliances Online prices and any of What are your thoughts?
to Smeg’s ‘diamond service the online offers. @my.travel.tapestry: How
IMAGES: GETTY | VENTAIR | SMEG

department’, and the response unprofessional. The agent might have


was immediate and positive. Facebook been upset with the review, but I don’t
A new toaster, the same model @choiceaustralia think this is the way to handle it.
and colour, arrived a few days later @my_lips_to_gods_ear: Wow, it’s
at my doorstep. How do you measure scary the data that’s handed over.
Axel H. Leonhardt, and choose the right TV size? @kirraleaf: At my last inspection, [the
Hastings, Vic Craig R: Simple rule. Buy the biggest agent] brought this weird camera that
one you can afford. she set up on a tripod in every part
Adam H: I have three TVs. All 50 or of the house, even the hallway, and
55-inch. Crazy that the most popular took 3D 180-degree photos of every
size is 65-inch. That’s huge. inch of the house including personal
Steve E: I bought a 75-inch in a Black photos and books. I felt uneasy about
Friday sale as my 42-inch had died. this. I contacted the RTA [Residential
Sitting just over 2.5m away, I find the and Tenancies Authority] afterwards
picture big enough I don’t have and they said this is a complete
to bother wearing glasses. breaking of code due to my right
to enjoy peaceful privacy.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 17


18

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

L Tiwi Islands in the Northern


Territory, Rosie Woolley
and her partner Denis
Coolwel, pictured above,
know what it is like to
to support a little family,” Rosie says.
“Their favourite food is curry,
so I make curry sausages,
chicken or steak, but
when I’m low on money
go hungry. They often skip I just use whatever
The young parents meals for several I have in the house,
of twin three-year-old like noodles.”
days to make sure
boys say their Like many
their kids are fed
Centrelink income remote First Nations
rarely lasts them two communities around
weeks and they often the country, there are few
skip meals for several days to options for food in town. The
make sure their kids are fed. exorbitantly high prices for what is
“The boys were born in 2021, that’s available combined with low incomes
when my life changed. With the shop leads to widespread food insecurity.

18 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


GROCERY PRICES

“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

gap between urban centres and


remote First Nations communities,
CHOICE mystery shopped four
remote community stores – two
in Western Australia and two in
the Northern Territory.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 19


The Western Australian stores take for granted. Food and the “When we’re talking about
were in the Great Sandy Desert options of healthy, affordable Closing The Gap, we’re talking
and the Pilbara, while the Northern food is one of them,” he says. about closing the gap so that First
Territory shops were in the West Nations people have equity in the
Daly region and on Tiwi Islands. What are the solutions? ability to keep their family and live
In each of the four communities The National Indigenous Australians long healthy lives,” says Cooper
we bought a list of nine basic items Agency (NIAA) is currently in the from Mob Strong.
– many of which could be deemed process of developing a National “A core part of having a healthy life
“essentials” – and compared the Strategy for Food Security in Remote is being able to afford and purchase
cost of the basket to identical items First Nations Communities, which good food to feed your family three
from capital cities around Australia. is expected to be finished in 2025. square meals a day. If food isn’t priced
The basket of items cost on “The Australian Government correctly, then you don’t know that
average $44.70 when averaged is committed to addressing food you can afford to do that and you
out across Woolworths, Coles, Aldi insecurity in remote Aboriginal might end up not being able to feed
and IGA and across all capital cities. and Torres Strait Islander your family for the whole week or
The average price in the four remote communities, and recognises the whole day,” she adds.
First Nations community’s stores access to nutritious affordable Another recommendation to
was more than double that at $99.38. food is critical to improving health address high supply chain costs
The highest price we found was in outcomes in remote communities is that the government consider
the West Daly region where the same and building better futures,” the the role of subsidies for freight of
basket cost a whopping $110.82. agency says. essential food and grocery items.
Alan Gray, managing director CHOICE, along with First Nations In Far North Queensland, freight
of financial counselling nonprofit organisations including Mob Strong subsidisation is already in place in
Bush Money Mob, describes the Debt Help and the Indigenous some 30 remote communities on
health impacts of the poor food Consumer Assistance Network the mainland and in the Torres Strait
options he sees in the remote (ICAN), has made a range of
Western Australian communities recommendations in a joint
he visits as an “unfolding tragedy”. submission to the NIAA. These
“Once you get away from the include exploring price caps on
Prices at the major
bitumen, people living in remote essential items in consultation supermarkets
Aboriginal communities get very few with community and mandatory Separate to our remote grocery
services that mainstream Australians pricing information on all items. investigation, and as part of our
quarterly supermarket survey, in
June 2024 CHOICE visited 104
Prices compared supermarkets across the country,
The average price including Aldi, Coles, Woolworths
$44.70 across Woolworths, and IGA, and recorded the prices
Coles, Aldi and IGA. of 14 common grocery items.
Here are some of our key findings
on how prices vary between
The average price in supermarkets in different states.
the four remote First Aldi: The best prices for Aldi
$99.38 Nations community were available in ACT and NSW.
stores we visited. Woolworths: Prices were
highest at Woolworths in WA.
Coles: Prices were highest
The highest price in WA and lowest in Tasmania.
$110.82 we found was in the IGA: The size of the store makes
West Daly region. a big difference. The same
basket of goods is vastly more
NOTE: We bought a basket of nine basic items from four remote community stores in
expensive for shoppers at the
August 2024, and compared the cost to the average price of a similar basket from major smaller IGA stores in NT.
supermarkets in Australia’s capital cities.

20 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


GROCERY PRICES

hasn’t been much uptake, something


Denis Coolwel and Rosie Woolley spend up to $500 on he puts down to the fact that many
groceries for their small family. It’s supposed to last two people don’t have money to plan
weeks, but usually only lasts one. ahead for next week’s shop. Low
levels of internet connectivity and
online literacy are also factors.
Shane Kerinaiua, an Elder in the
community, says everyone in the town
is doing it tough because of high food
prices. He says they often want to
go out and do traditional hunting
of seafood and fish, but even this
is made difficult because the price
of petrol for the boats is above three
dollars a litre.
“I see the Elders and the youngens’,
on both islands, across the three
communities, it doesn’t get any
better,” he says.
Despite the challenges, Shane
says the community will always
through Community Enterprise Online shopping come together when they can.
Queensland (CEQ), a state slow to take off “Most people will share food in
government scheme. According The CatholicCare NT building in the community, it’s the way that
to CEQ, basket pricing comparisons Wurrumiyanga is raised on stilts on the we live, we share food.”
of fruit and vegetable items at their second floor and sits just across from Jester Carbone, a financial
stores have found prices to be on the old historic church built in 1941. counsellor with CatholicCare
average $10 cheaper than those Inside, on a hot afternoon, Gerald NT, says most people living in
of other remote grocery stores. Kaggwa, who has been living on the big cities have no idea how
ICAN, which works extensively the island for two years, expensive it is in remote communities.
throughout Far North explains how he tries “I met some people who came from
Queensland, told “Most people to encourage local down south and they were shocked
CHOICE that will share food residents to buy at how expensive things are here,” he
communities like in the community, their groceries online says. “It’s a different level of poverty.
Wujal Wujal, where it’s the way that we from Woolworths Whatever you can get in Darwin they
a new CEQ store live, we share or Coles in Darwin deserve to get it and be able to afford
recently opened, are and get it delivered it here too.”
food”
experiencing better food via the barge.
prices than in the past. “We help people
Lynda Edwards, a to open online accounts
Wangkumara and Barkandji and then they do online
woman from Financial shopping. They can
Counselling Australia, says access shops in Darwin
policymakers should also which have cheaper-
consider increasing social priced products,” he
security benefits to better explains. “If you spend
IMAGES: JARNI BLAKKARLY / GETTY

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

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 21


22

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

n the two years we’ve had AI recommendations based on

I easy access to AI (artificial


intelligence) chatbots, they’ve
captured attention with their
ability to simplify everyday tasks.
ChatGPT, launched in 2022,
CHOICE reviews and expertise.
AI is changing all the time and
the following results are drawn from
recommendations these chatbots
gave us in October 2024. Here are
} We asked Meta AI and
ChatGPT to recommend
products to buy based
has been followed by a flurry of five of their most dubious suggestions: on a few basic queries.
competing services from rivals such 1. A ROBOT VAC THAT FLUNKED } The suggestions
as Meta and Google. All deliver quick, OUR TESTS
included items our
succinct and personalised responses In a warning to anyone hoping that
to queries and are predicted to play an ChatGPT could help them find a way expert testers have
expanding role in our lives, especially to clean up after their pooch, one found to be poor
in areas such as customer service. robo vac “highly recommended” to performers or unsafe.
But how reliable is the information us by the chatbot is actually unlikely } CHOICE thoroughly
and advice these platforms put out? to impress in a hairy situation. and independently tests
ChatGPT claims the Samsung Jet
5 poor-performing products every product we review,
Bot AI+ robot vac has strong suction
recommended by AI power, implying it’s good at picking so our verdict is (a lot)
We asked the free versions of two up debris. But our real-life test results more reliable than AI.
popular AI chatbots – ChatGPT tell a different story.
and Meta AI – to suggest five good CHOICE experts evaluate robot
products we could buy across vacuums on how good they are at 25% – equal second-worst in our
household appliance categories removing real pet hair from a real latest review. And its carpet cleaning
that included robot vacuums, carpet, and this model with a score, which measures how good it
air fryers and portable cots. We recommended retail price (RRP) of is at removing dirt, was almost as
then assessed the quality of the $1699 came back with a score of poor – just 33%.

22 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


AI PRODUCT REVIEWS

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

to buy in Australia?”, this model When we asked Meta AI to


placed middle of the pack when suggest some good portable
we tested the wire-free version, cots, it again recommended
a product CHOICE expert
testing has found to be
potentially dangerous.
It told us to consider
Kmart’s Anko 3-In-1 Portacot,
but this model recorded what
we consider to be a serious
safety failure when we tested
it for our latest review. We
found its mattress wasn’t
firm enough, creating a
possible suffocation risk
if a baby rolls onto their
side or front.
Our safety tests measure
portable cots against the
requirements of the latest
safety standard.

We found
AI chatbots
have a tendency to
recommend brands
The problems with asking in general instead
AI for product recommendations of specific
products

Kmart disagreed with our


25% results, showing us reports from
other third-party labs, indicating
that their products pass safety

1 2
standards. We operate our
Poor-performing Potentially own in-house accredited lab
appliances dangerous items and stand by our results.

Other issues with


AI recommendations
Beyond dodgy product
suggestions, we found AI
chatbots have several other
flaws that make them less than
ideal for helping you compile
your next homewares shopping

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.

24 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


AI PRODUCT REVIEWS

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 25


26

Stores that score


When buying electronics and appliances, a smooth shopping and after-sales experience
is key. Matthew Steen reveals who does it best, according to CHOICE readers

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

26 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


APPLIANCE RETAILERS

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.

Best instore shopping for appliances 2024 DELIVERY


BEST: E&S TRADING
E&S Trading 89% E&S Trading received some glowing
recommendations for its delivery
Retravision 84% service. A few people acknowledged
that even though they had issues
Winning Appliances 83% with delivery, they still gave the store
Betta 80% a good rating because of the way
customer service resolved the issue.
Bing Lee 78%
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
The Good Guys 73%
BEST: E&S TRADING
JB Hi-Fi 71% E&S Trading was by far the best
performer when it came to
Harvey Norman 70% after-sales service. Though there
were no respondent comments,
Bunnings 68%
we can assume these results are
Ikea 68% based on staff efforts to continue
to deliver good service even after
Officeworks 68% customers have made a purchase.
Aldi 67%
OTHER
Myer 65% Commentary around the after-sales
service from some retailers mentioned
Kmart 64% products failing after a short period of
IMAGE: GETTY

time, and sometimes people just didn’t


Big W 62%
feel the need to return those products
NOTE: Betta includes both Betta Electrical and Betta Home Living. as they were so cheap.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 27


WORST: MYER assistance, and the ease
When it comes to product range, of navigating its website.
there’s a stark disparity of some While there were no terrible
17 percentage points between the websites according to our
top rated and lowest rated electronic respondents, Kogan scored
appliance stores. Myer has been 17 percentage points below
known for having a big range of Appliances Online, just behind
diverse products, but this seems Harvey Norman and Officeworks.
to be changing over time.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
VALUE FOR MONEY BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE
BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE No store did poorly in payment
Online shopping Commentary for Appliances Online options, which you’d expect for
Despite some pandemic-fuelled reflected an emphasis on value ecommerce platforms in 2024.
growth in the past two years, online for money. Survey respondents
shopping is yet to eclipse shopping mentioned the company’s willingness DELIVERY
instore as the preferred way to buy, to price match, or to have competitive BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE
with over 60% of people still making prices online. Commentary about Appliances
the trek to physical shops to buy their WORST: HARVEY NORMAN, Online’s delivery was almost always
new appliances and electronic goods. OFFICEWORKS favourable, with some glowing
But for those who do prefer the Unfortunately the same cannot be said recommendations and bouquets for
online shopping experience, our survey for Harvey Norman and Officeworks. delivery drivers, as well as being able
uncovered some strong feelings about Commentary about prices seldom to select a delivery window online.
which stores deserve your business. being discounted reflected the WORST: HARVEY NORMAN,
retailer’s score in this criteria. THE GOOD GUYS, OFFICEWORKS,
OVERALL SATISFACTION KOGAN, EBAY
BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE WEBSITE EASE OF USE The problems our survey respondents
Appliances Online topped every online BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE reported in relation to deliveries from
category in our survey. We’ve had Appliances Online had great Harvey Norman and The Good Guys
plenty of good feedback for Appliances feedback on its online chat seemed endless. There were
Online anecdotally in recent years, and
for a relatively young company (it was
founded in 2005) to have gained so
much ground over the past decade is
an impressive thing. Though it no doubt
helps that its parent company, Winning
Group, has been an appliances fixture
in Australia for over a century.
WORST: KOGAN
At the other end of the spectrum,
Kogan scored 27 percentage points
lower than Appliances Online. While
there were a few comments around
a good experience, mostly the
feedback was negative.

RANGE
BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE,
AMAZON
Both Appliances Online and Amazon
have a great range of products and
brands available, according to our
survey respondents.

28 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


APPLIANCE RETAILERS

complaints about delivery time and


cost, delivery windows of a whole Best online shopping for appliances 2024
day rather than hours, problems with
breakages in deliveries (if products Appliances Online 86%
arrived at all), and installation issues.
We think these stores need to take Amazon Australia 78%
a long hard look at this aspect of their Bing Lee 73%
logistics. If other companies can get
it right, there’s definitely a skills gap JB Hi-Fi 73%
at their franchises.
Officeworks, Kogan and eBay Myer 72%
deliveries were sometimes slow, eBay Australia 69%
according to respondents.
Officeworks 69%
RETURNS PROCESS
BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE, The Good Guys 66%
AMAZON AUSTRALIA Harvey Norman 64%
We had glowing recommendations
for both of these online retailers when Kogan 59%
it comes to returns, with very few
negative comments.
WORST: EBAY AFTER-SALES SERVICE WORST: KOGAN,
We didn’t receive enough survey BEST: APPLIANCES ONLINE THE GOOD GUYS, EBAY
responses to cover most of the The only retailer to score in the 70s for Kogan scored the lowest
competitors, but those we did cover this criteria, Appliances Online rated in the after-sales service
were always quite a few percentage well for after-sales service (though we category, followed
points behind Appliances Online. didn’t get enough survey responses by The Good Guys
eBay, however, was notably lower. to cover several of its competitors). and eBay.

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 29


30

Left to their own devices


Does your child need a laptop for school? Alex Angove-Plumb
and Peter Zaluzny have advice on what to look for before you buy
f you’re at the stage where your The best laptops for school or hobbies, you’ll need to buy

I child needs a new laptop or tablet


to use in the classroom, it can
be tricky deciding what to buy.
Your child may
be encouraging
Almost any laptop currently available
instore or online will meet the minimum
requirements for schools. The starting
RRP for a basic model is around
$500. After that, as the
a mid- to high-end laptop.
A lot of schoolwork also takes
place in the cloud these days,
which includes educational video.
A good-quality basic laptop, or
(pressuring) you price increases, so does affordable mid-range model, will
to buy the most Photo and video performance (to a point). ensure that cloud-based content
powerful machine editing, design, You shouldn’t need to and programs load and run without
around, or you may drawing and pay more than $1500 issues (such as lag, broken images,
be tempted to grab animation require for a student laptop. video that loads slowly etc.).
whatever happens more computing Creative tasks that Ideally, a laptop should last at least
to be on sale. But power involve photo and video four years, but software requirements
before you buy, it’s editing, design, drawing can quickly outpace the performance
worth understanding and animation require offered by low-end laptops, especially
exactly what your school’s more computing power and as students move into high school. In
requirements are, and how a better-quality screen. If your child this case, a higher upfront cost may
your child will be using the device. is interested in any of these subjects be cheaper in the long run.

30 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


SCHOOL LAPTOPS

Basic laptops Mid-range laptops High-end laptops


Cost: ~$500–700. Cost: ~$1000. Cost: ~$1500 and above.
In this range you’re looking More than suitable for running office A high-end laptop is worth
at low-end hardware that can software, cloud-based programs and looking into if your child is
handle basic tasks as required web browsers. You may also be able interested in creative projects.
by most schools. They’re capable to do some basic image and design They have enough power for
of note taking, web browsing work (e.g. Photoshop) and maybe all but the most intensive design
(including cloud-based work), a bit of video and audio editing. and video work. There should
working with spreadsheets, But large file sizes in creative even be enough grunt for
reading PDFs and video programs can 3D-modelling/rendering and
streaming. The cheapest options slow a mid- high-end professional tools such
are pretty sluggish. You’ll have range laptop as engineering software. Laptops
to wait a bit for websites to load, down. like these go well beyond what’s
software may lag and they’ll needed for scholarly or office
have trouble running more than work such as online research
one program concurrently. and writing essays.

General specifications explained


There’s a lot that goes into is suitable for schoolwork. You more leeway and is the better
picking the right laptop for your can get 10- and 11-inch screens but option. Creative work will require
kid’s needs, but the main things they can feel crammed. Consider a lot more storage – aim for 512GB
to think about are: a larger screen, 15-inch or above, or more. Most manufacturers or
Laptop vs tablet: if your child is interested in design, retailers may give you the option to
A traditional laptop, image editing etc. pay a little extra for more storage.
also known as a Battery life: Look Some laptops have SD and
clamshell, is a better option than for devices that have microSD slots to easily and cheaply
a tablet with detachable keyboard. eight hours or more of add more storage. Look for one with
Performance is generally better for advertised battery life, and don’t a slot that allows the card to sit
the price and they’re easier to use. go below six. Our tests found that all the way in, rather than poking
Apple Mac most school-appropriate laptops halfway out (it may get damaged).
vs Windows: have five to six hours of actual RAM (aka memory):
Almost all the battery life (typically less than Computer programs and
main software your child will what’s advertised), so your child the operating system
be using is available for Mac and may need to take a charging cable need memory to run. More memory
Windows. Apple products tend with them. equals smoother performance,
to be more expensive, however. Storage: Accessible broadly speaking. 4GB of RAM is
Weight: Schools (usable) storage is always the recommended minimum but
recommend a maximum lower than advertised. 8–16GB will improve efficiency and
weight of 2kg, but there Many low- to mid-range laptops performance. Creative work requires
are lots of appropriate laptops that only have a minimal amount – 8GB or more, but 32GB is overkill.
are 1.5kg or less. Thinner, lighter 100GB or less. This should be iPads and Android tablets
laptops tend to cost more. suitable for office or research work don’t have the same memory
Screen size: Most if used in conjunction with cloud requirements. Any relatively new
IMAGE: GETTY

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 31


Avoid devices that are more than a
few years old. Performance probably
won’t be up to scratch and they may
not work with the latest software
required for school. Older operating
systems don’t receive regular, or any,
security updates after a certain point.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD A
NEW DEVICE FOR YOUR CHILD?
If you aren’t in a financial position
to purchase a new or second-hand
device, or you don’t currently
own one that fits your school’s
specifications, approach your school.
There may be programs or devices
available for loan.
BYOD policies may also have
support schemes that can partly
cover the cost of a new laptop. State
governments can also offer heavily
discounted or free one-off software
licences to students for some apps.
How to save money Otherwise, ask the salesperson Manufacturers and retailers can
on a laptop for school what their best price is and push also help. Retailers may provide
Dropping $1000 on a laptop is a big for a better discount if you’re feeling student discounts when asked,
upfront expense, not to mention the confident. Remember to shop around for example, even if they aren’t
cost of accessories, software and so and bust out the old price-match too. advertised. Microsoft’s Shape the
on. Fortunately, tech products tend REFURBISHED COMPUTERS Future program allows qualifying
to have a lot of leeway in the A number of manufacturers, such primary and secondary educational
recommended retail price. as Apple and Dell, sell refurbished establishments to buy devices with
DISCOUNTS AND DEALS models direct to public at discounted Windows licences.
Microsoft offers a discount. They may Most charities can point you in
discounted prices You can be slightly older but the right direction as well. There are
for education use, more than likely should still have a number of third-party organisations
and some retailers, talk down the specs suitable that refurbish older, donated laptops
such as Harvey overall cost if for schoolwork. for people in need, including students.
Norman and JB Hi-Fi, you bundle your Check all the info These are either available for free or
offer education device with some before buying just sold at a heavy discount.
BYOD discounts for to be sure. And if you have a device that you
accessories
specific devices. Key SECOND-HAND no longer require, consider donating
sales periods such as end- SHOPPING
of-financial-year (EOFY) and You might be able to find
Black Friday sales are also a great a cheap, used laptop online, but be
time to pick up discounted models extra careful of private purchases –
if you can plan that far ahead of the always inspect the goods carefully
new school year. and try them out before you buy.
BUNDLES AND HAGGLING Also, make sure it has been factory
Retailers love an upsell. You can reset or you may find yourself
more than likely talk down the overall with a laptop locked to the previous
cost if you bundle your device with owner. And look up the make
some accessories and programs in and model online to confirm its
the one sale. specifications match your needs.

32 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


SCHOOL LAPTOPS

it to one of these organisations. You can get specialty insurance


You could really help a family out. for your laptop direct from an insurer,
from the retail store where you buy
Do I need insurance? the laptop, or from an ‘on-demand’
A laptop or tablet can take a insurance provider, which is typically
battering in the school bag, even an app on your phone where you can
if you do have good protection for turn the insurance cover on and off.
it (which is essential). Kids are also POLICY EXCLUSIONS
prone to losing things. If you’ve spent Yes, you do need to read the fine
a fair whack on a device, it’s print. Pay particular attention
worth looking at insurance. to who is ‘insured’ by the
You can insure policy. If it’s your name
your laptop by: on the policy, will the
O taking out portable Internal hard laptop be covered if
contents cover drives can fill up other family members
on your home quickly, especially such as your children
insurance, or if your child is doing take it to school?
O buying single-item creative work And like travel
insurance. insurance, portable
Most insurers offer contents cover will
portable contents cover as generally exclude cover for
an optional extra; some include loss or theft of items out of your
it by default. It usually comes with direct sight in a place accessible to
sublimits that can be anywhere from the public. Depending on how the Accessories you may need
$500 to $15,000. If the replacement insurer interprets this, it may include The laptop is just the first of many
cost of your laptop is more than your a workplace or a classroom. So if expenses you’ll likely need to budget
sublimit, then you can usually opt to the laptop goes missing from the for. A few laptop accessories, while
list it on your policy for an amount of classroom while your child is looking optional, are beneficial and may also
your choosing (though this of course in the other direction, some insurers be required:
comes with a higher premium). may deny a subsequent claim for loss. O Carry case/laptop case: These

are inexpensive and will help


protect the laptop from the
general recklessness of youth.
O External hard drive: Internal hard

drives can fill up quickly, especially


if your child is doing creative work.
A one- to two-terabyte drive should
provide enough extra storage to
safely back up files should the
laptop get damaged or lost.
O Keyboard and mouse: The

keyboard and mouse on a laptop


can be small, cramped and difficult
to use for long periods. A USB or
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
can be more comfortable.
O Software subscriptions: Lots

of software is subscription-based
nowadays, such as Adobe Creative
IMAGES: GETTY

Cloud. You may need to factor in


these ongoing fees depending on
your child’s needs.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 33


34

Talkin’ ’bout my generation


Whether you’re a newly minted young driver or you have years of experience,
Uta Mihm and Daniel Graham can help you choose the right car insurance policy
n the world of car insurance, and theft policy offers additional on average across Australia are

I experience on the road is highly


valued. This means that younger,
less experienced drivers will
generally be paying higher premiums,
while older drivers will usually be
cover for theft or fire damage.
Comprehensive policies offer
all these protections, plus they
cover damage to your car caused
by natural disasters, vandalism
Rollin’, RACT, RAC and NRMA.
Note: Our price ratings are based
on average premiums. They may
not be reflective of your situation.
We recommend you get at least
enjoying a slight discount. and accidents, even five quotes, starting with your
But there are large if you’re at fault. regular insurer, and look at policy
differences in the Third-party Comprehensive inclusions, features and excesses.
premiums and policies might insurance policies DRIVING A
conditions car are more popular PARENT’S CAR
insurers have, so it
make more sense because they
pays to shop around. for a young driver offer more cover, Learner drivers
Here are some tips with an older, but third-party It’s important
and useful information lower-value car policies are a lot that parents talk
if you’re shopping for cheaper and might to their car insurer
insurance for someone make more sense first to make sure
under 25 or 60 and over. For if you’re a young driver their car is covered
our latest full review of car insurance with an older car that’s worth before they use it to start teaching
policies, see CHOICE Oct 24. less – at least until you have more a learner driver.
driving experience and qualify for Some car insurers, including
Drivers under 25 cheaper premiums. Budget Direct, require adding
If you’re under 25, you’ll be slugged CHEAPEST INSURERS a learner driver to the policy, while
with the highest possible premiums FOR YOUNG DRIVERS others like NRMA, AAMI and GIO
for car insurance. That means it’s Third-party insurance don’t require any changes to the
very important to choose the right might be the best choice for some car insurance for supervising a
level of cover for your needs. young drivers, but if you drive an learner driver.
Third-party insurance covers expensive car and want to take out If the learner driver is the registered
damage done to other people’s cars comprehensive car insurance, the owner of the car, the car insurance
and property, while a third-party fire cheapest insurers for young drivers policy needs to be in their name.

34 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CAR INSURANCE

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

O young driver excess – can apply

to drivers up to 24 years of age Average premium for young drivers


and may be more expensive
for drivers under the age of
21 (this often does not apply
to learner drivers)
O inexperienced driver excess –

usually for drivers with less than


two years’ driving experience
on a full licence (time as a learner
driver or P-plate driver doesn’t
count). It may only be applied
if the driver is over 25 (when
a young driver excess no
longer applies)
O unlisted driver excess

O learner driver excess.

More than one excess might


apply. For example, if a 20-year-old
has an accident, is not listed on
the policy and is still on their Ps,
an excess of up to $2800 can
apply, which might include:
IMAGE: GETTY

O $800 standard excess

O $1200 young driver excess

O $800 unlisted driver excess.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 35


Drivers 60-plus
Car insurers value experienced
drivers, which is why premiums get
cheaper the older you get. But that
changes once you hit 70, when
premiums increase slightly again, How to save on car insurance
although they’re still lower than the for seniors and age pensioners
premiums for under 25s. Even with O Shop around – premiums for Seniors and RACQ (home
lower premiums, car insurance can car insurance vary widely. and contents insurance only).
be a big expense. O Choose a policy recommended You may also be eligible for
When you’re retiring or working by CHOICE – you’ll get better discounts on car registration
fewer hours, saving on car insurance features and save money (see and driver’s licence renewal.
becomes more important than before. CHOICE Oct 24). O If you can, restrict the age

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.

Not all insurers advertise their


low-kilometre discount, so it’s always
worth asking.
OVER-50S ONLY
There are three car insurers that sell
car insurance exclusively to over-50s.
When shopping around, it might be
a good idea to include them to see
if they offer value for money for you.
O Apia (Suncorp): For-profit,

Australian-owned.
O Australian Seniors (Hollard):

for-profit, foreign-owned.
O National Seniors Australia (Allianz):

nonprofit and Australian-owned


(though Allianz is neither).

36 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


CAR INSURANCE

Driving restrictions for seniors


In the section below we outline state-by-state restrictions and
conditions for older drivers on a standard driver’s
licence. There are different rules depending
on what type of licence you hold. You need to
Regardless of your age, for all states notify your
you need to notify your motor authority motor authority if
if you develop a medical condition that
could affect your driving. You may be
you develop a
required to undergo medical assessment medical condition
and driving tests. that could affect
your driving

RESTRICTIONS FOR SENIORS BY STATE


Age from which older

Medical assessment
driver rules apply

Driving test

ACT 75 From 75 years of age – annually na


NSW 70 From 70 years of age if recommended From 75 years of age if recommended
by doctor, otherwise from 75 years of by doctor, otherwise from 85 years of
age – annually age – every two years (B)
NT na (A) If requested by a health professional na
Qld 75 From 75 years of age – annually na
(every 13 months)
SA 75 From 75 year of age, self-assessment If requested by doctor
– annually
Tas na Only if you receive a request from Only if requested after medical
Registrar of Motor Vehicles assessment
Vic na na na
WA 80 From 80 years of age – annually If requested by doctor
NOTES (A) Vision test every five years for drivers of any age. (B) Drivers aged 85 years and
over who don’t want to do a driving test can instead choose a modified licence with distance
restrictions that will allow them to drive in their local area to be able to do their shopping and
attend community activities and medical appointments. Greater distances are allowed if you
live in a country area.

OTHER CONDITIONS MAY APPLY


The state-by-state breakdown above is a general guide, but
it’s also important to note:
O Stricter rules may apply for a heavy vehicle licence.

O Different rules apply if you have a medical condition such

as dementia or are on any medication that could affect


your ability to drive.
O Many drivers have conditions on their licence such as the
IMAGE: GETTY

requirement for an eye test or vehicle modifications for


people with a disability.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 37


38

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

H but being a pet owner


means considering
the veterinary
costs you’re likely to
have in the months
“Premium
them peace of mind should large

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

38 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


PET INSURANCE

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

without surgery, $4951 with surgery.


O Cruciate ligament surgery: $5500.

O Hip replacement: $12,300 per hip.


There will
O Heart conditions: $1446 in dogs,
be an excess
$1409 in cats.
to pay with any O Kidney disease: $1589 (cats).
policy, so you’ll still O Cancer in dogs: $1514 without

be out of pocket if surgery, $2812 with surgery.


your pet requires O Cancer in cats: $1931 without
IMAGES: GETTY

veterinary care surgery, $3600 with surgery.*


Again, even if you have insurance
there will likely be gaps and excesses

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 39


to pay. It’s also worth noting that or cremation costs. These can What pet
many policies will have maximum also cost hundreds of dollars. owners say
benefits of $10,000–30,000, When deciding whether or not Many pet owners believe
with some paying as little to self-insure, it’s vital that you also pet insurance to be good
as $5000. This is why factor in the pet’s breed and value. For Teresa, whose three-year-
it’s imperative to check age. Studies have shown old labrador developed allergies early
the limits of a policy Understanding that some breeds are in life, insurance has more than paid
before you buy, the particular more susceptible for itself. “It’s definitely helped us
to ensure it’s to certain conditions. afford allergy treatments,” she says.
right for you. risks your pet Pet Sure’s 2024 For Samir and his family, the value
See our table might face can Pet Health Monitor of pet insurance became clear when
on page 43 to help you budget gives the example their aging German shepherd, Jasper,
compare policies. accordingly of golden retrievers, developed a condition that required
AVERAGE COSTS which can be prone regular treatment at a specialised vet.
JUST THE START to eye problems; While Jasper was uninsured for his
In all of the examples given miniature dachshunds, first seven years, the family wanted
above, maximum treatment which could suffer spinal disease; to be sure they could cover vet bills
costs can be many times and German shepherds, which as he grew older, and were glad they
greater than these averages. could experience arthritis and did take out insurance. “We realised
For example, the highest gastrointestinal complaints. how lucky we were to have the
treatment cost for toxin and Understanding the particular insurance. We would not be able to
foreign body ingestion in cats risks your pet might face can afford the bills without it,” he says.
was $19,444 and in dogs it was help you budget accordingly, Other pet owners decided
$41,671. And, as painful as it is and your vet should be able insurance wasn’t such good value.
to consider, you should also factor to assist with these calculations. Wendy looked at getting insurance
in the cost of euthanasia, which You should also consider for her young cat but decided it
may be required if your pet’s quality these issues when choosing wasn’t worth the cost. She calculated
of life deteriorates and treatments pet insurance so you can be sure that for her cats she’d have spent
aren’t an option. You may also your policy covers the problems roughly $35,000 on insurance in the
decide you want to factor in burial your pet might encounter. 13 years since she first investigated
the option, assuming the premiums
didn’t rise, which of course they
would have.
“I’ve maybe spent $8000 on vet bills
over their lives so far and $5000 of that
was a three-day emergency stay, so
at this point I’m significantly ahead.”
Chris, whose cat Adi was already
a senior when he adopted him, also
believes pet insurance would not
have been good value.
“I’ve never had pet insurance,
and have had to pay out a fair bit
for various treatments – probably
$2500 over the past four years.
I suspect I probably wouldn’t have
been ahead overall with pet insurance,
as he was an old boy when I got him
– about 14 years old – and I expect
policies would have been limited
and premiums high. So I don’t really
regret not having insurance,” he says.

40 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


PET INSURANCE

Dental illness is a common


exclusion, so it’s also good to speak
to your vet about that. If your pet’s
breed is susceptible to tooth
problems, you should consider
a policy with a high limit for dental
illness. Some policies allow optional
cover for dental illness, if it isn’t
covered as standard.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
One major issue with pet insurance
is that you could be locked into
your current policy if your pet
develops a chronic health condition.
If you decide to switch insurers,
any pre-existing conditions that
aren’t fully cured won’t be covered.
A pre-existing condition refers
Pet insurance: What Annual benefit levels range from to any illness or injury your pet
you need to know $3000 to unlimited. Many policies had before you took out the policy
If you decide that a pet set sub-limits for the treatment of or switched to a new one.
insurance product is the tick paralysis, dental illness and Most insurers will cover new
best option for you, the next step is cruciate ligament injury. customers for pre-existing conditions
choosing a policy. These usually fall Treatment costs vary between if those conditions are fully cured (the
into two categories: accident-only animal and breed. For example, pet will usually have to be symptom-
cover, and comprehensive accident treatment for tick paralysis – a free for a period of time), while
and illness cover. While pet insurance common and serious ailment among chronic conditions are not covered.
covers surgery, hospitalisation and animals in the bush – might cost up to Examples of pre-existing health
medicines, in many cases dental several thousand dollars if emergency issues that could get covered are:
care, vaccinations and preventative hospitalisation is required. Consult O your puppy has gastro and

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

hereditary conditions be covered? ability to switch (while the insurer


Do you really need public liability can change the policy with each
insurance for your chihuahua?
O a new unrelated injury on a claims processing, if your vet clinic text or call a vet at any time, who
previously broken leg that chooses to participate. can give you general advice or talk
was healed O Petsure claims its GapOnly system through concerns you have. It can be
O a different type of lump after a can assess a claim in around five a no-cost and stress-free alternative
previously benign (not cancerous) minutes while you’re still at the vet to a local vet visit, although the
lump has been successfully clinic. Once the claim is approved, providers make it clear that their
removed. you simply pay your share of the bill. service is a complement to, not a
As long as the new health issue O Fetch claims a 15-minute handling substitute for, in-person treatment.
is not related to or caused by the time with its Fast Claims system,
pre-existing health condition, which you need to opt into Choosing a policy
and other conditions when you first sign up. Use our table at right to
are met, the illness As with GapOnly, Fetch find a pet insurance policy
would be covered Many insurers pays the vet directly that’s right for you. For space
in most cases. now offer their and you pay the gap. reasons we’ve included one plan
REAL-TIME Both services are per insurer – we’ve selected the
CLAIMING
customers free available during the policy with the highest level of
Pet insurance is telehealth vet insurer’s operating cover, but the table isn’t ordered
catching up with other services hours; outside by performance. The policies
insurances when it these you can submit all offer:
comes to claims handling. a regular claim. O cover for cats and dogs

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.

42 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


PET INSURANCE

SPECIFICATIONS

Max. age for new cover (yr)

Maximum annual limit ($)


Portion of bill covered

Direct payment to vet


Alternative therapies
Dental illness

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

pet care plans separately, rather than as an


insurance add-on. Compare more policies at
choice.com.au/petinsurance.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 43


44

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

W individual toasters and


kettles that’ll start your
day off right, you can
take your kitchen appliance game to
the next level with a matching pair –
You may be inclined to stick with
matching products if they have
very distinctive patterns
(for example, a ‘diamond’
design on a kettle)
similar looking so you needn’t

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.

44 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


KETTLES TEST

“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

one! Matching appliances can


really lift the look of your kitchen
and complement your interior
design. For aesthetes, this is more
than worth spending a little extra
money on.
O Fewer options: For the indecisive

among us, this can actually make


life easier. When you have your
heart set on a matching pair, that
will rule out a fair chunk of the
market – which will make it easier
for you to choose. (Well, as easy
as these things get for those who
struggle to make decisions!)
CONS
Questions to ask yourself
O The trade-off: To buy What size do you really need? make basic cups of tea throughout
the kettle of your dreams Don’t buy the bigger set if you the day, but you have a family
in a set, you might need to don’t really need it – a four-slice of six to feed every morning for
settle for a less-than-perfect toaster toaster for a two-person household breakfast, then a good toaster
– or vice versa. The chances of might just be overkill. Some brands is probably more useful.
finding the perfect kettle and will offer a two-slice and a four- How important is it to you to have
toaster in the same set are slim, slice toaster in the same range, a matching set? So important that
but not impossible. so you can choose whichever one you’d sacrifice performance for
O Changing fashions: That matching works best for your situation. aesthetics? (No judgement – it’s a
retro pastel set with rose gold What’s most important to you? totally valid choice.) Or would you
finishes might be fashionable now, If you’re a coffee or tea nerd, be happy with a kettle and toaster
but what about in a few years’ time? then buying a kettle with special that are similar enough that you
You don’t want to have to replace features should be high on your probably won’t notice in a week or
your appliances every couple of list of priorities – but perhaps two? Or do you just want the best
IMAGES: GETTY

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.

’TIL DEATH DO US PART

$249 $400

Shop Ethical rating


77% 70% BRAND RATING
Kettle: Toaster: Dualit NewGen 2 Slice Anko C

Dualit Classic Classic Toaster D2VMHA AU Big W C


Breville D
72790 (4-slice version $525)
DeLonghi D
If you’re looking to make your kitchen more sustainable, you could opt for
Kambrook D
a Dualit duo. The 2-slice NewGen toaster in chrome looks very neat with the
KitchenAid D
Classic kettle, while the 4-slice can match with the kettle in either copper or
chrome. The kettle has a replaceable element, designed to extend its lifespan, Morphy Richards B
while the toasters are designed to be fully repairable (read more on p48), Russell Hobbs D
so if you invest in this set you can expect it to last a long time. In terms of Sunbeam F
performance, while the kettle impressed our testers, the toasters fell slightly NOTE: Other brands in our review not men-
tioned here don’t have a Shop Ethical rating.
short of the mark and missed out on a recommendation. But if you’re looking For more on Shop Ethical ratings and what
for a sustainable combo, this is still a good option. they mean, see p73.

46 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


KETTLES TEST

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 47


48

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

T most important meal of the


day, but how much would
you pay to have your bread
perfectly toasted every morning?
$50? $100? What about $400?
We’ve tested a few expensive toasters
in our labs. There’s the retro-styled
Dualit NewGen that retails for $400
for a two-slice model and
$525 for the four-slice The
different reasons. The Dualit and
Milantoast models are designed to
be completely repairable, so they’ll
supposedly last a lifetime.
They aren’t quite the
No, really. Our experts have put version, while the more Dualit and Ferraris of the toaster
several toasters that cost upwards unassuming two-slice Milantoast are world – although with
of $400 in the hot seat to see Milantoast costs $490. designed to be prices that high you
if their performance is on par with Then there’s the completely could be forgiven for
their price tag. unusual-looking repairable so they’ll thinking so. Rather,
The verdict? In some cases the 2-slice Bugatti Volo supposedly last they’re more like
answer is a firm “no”; in others it’s that costs $439 for a the Teslas of toast:
a lifetime
a solid “maybe”, depending on your white model, and $799 environmentally friendly,
priorities. for a gold-coloured exterior. but a big upfront investment.

48 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


TOASTERS TEST

Keeping with the car theme, Repairable toasters


the Bugatti toaster sounds like The Dualit NewGen and Milantoast
it’s made by the excruciatingly models we tested are expensive,
expensive car brand, but it’s actually but they are designed so that
an entirely different company that every component can be replaced
makes kitchen appliances and or repaired.
other kitchen products. So instead of having to chuck your
With the Bugatti, you’re paying toaster when the element dies or the
more for… well, we’re not sure lever stops working, you can just have
really. The aesthetic? (Questionable.) the part replaced or repaired, and then
The brand? (It’s not that Bugatti.) continue on your merry toasty way.
Or the cred of owning an $800 Both brands claim the toasters will
toaster? (Some people must be last a lifetime, so you’ll be preventing
impressed by that kind of thing.) the tens of toasters you’d otherwise
You might notice the Milantoast buy over the years from ending up
and Bugatti models are missing from in landfill. It’s the equivalent of buying
our table on page 51. That’s because good-quality clothes and repairing
despite their premium price tags, them rather than buying fast fashion
they didn’t score high enough to and throwing things out when they
be included (we’ve only published inevitably wear out sooner than
the better scoring models for space). they should.
With a CHOICE Expert Rating So are these toasters worth 500
of just 54% and 56% respectively, bucks? The Milantoast model – no,
the Milantoast and Bugatti Volo due to its poor performance. The two
2-slice toasters were among Dualit NewGen toasters both scored
No set and forget
the lowest scoring toasters in 70% overall in our review. Not high The Dualit NewGen toasters
our review, outclassed by even enough to be recommended (we use analog controls, meaning
a $7.50 Anko toaster on virtually typically recommend toasters with they use an old-fashioned timer
every test we conducted. a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75% or dial. When toasting is complete,
you’ll need to manually raise the
toast out of the carriage using
a lever (although this does help
keep it warm).
The toasters’ simplicity is
a big drawcard in that it makes
them easy to repair, but it can
also be a drawback. The manual
design means that you’ll have to
be more involved in the toasting
process, and our testers also
noted some parts were
“significantly difficult to clean”.
“Getting good results with
IMAGES: MILANTOAST / DUALIT / BUGATTI

a manual toaster like this


requires a lot of trial and error
– and probably plenty of under
or overcooked toast,” says
CHOICE appliance expert
Kim Gilmour. “You can get
better results but you’ll need to
persevere. It’s a learning curve.”

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 49


more and that pass our safety toaster will likely need to be replaced
checks), but still a good result. every two years, so over your toaster-
When you add up how much you buying lifetime, it’ll add up to $750*.
could spend on toasters in When you look at those
your lifetime, $400–500 When figures, a $500 toaster
actually doesn’t sound you add up starts to look like a
like much. You’ll have how much you reasonable price to
to factor in the cost could spend on pay – especially when
of replacement parts toasters in your you consider how
and labour, but you lifetime, $400–500 many toasters won’t
could still end up actually doesn’t be going into landfill.
ahead if you invest in sound like (*These numbers
a repairable toaster. will vary based on
much
Let’s say you’re buying market circumstances.
toasters for around 50 years of For instance, inflation might
your life. If you buy a mid-range toaster push those numbers higher, or they
at $100, it should last you around four could go lower if toasters become Are cheap toasters
years, so that’s $1250. A cheap $30 cheaper to manufacture.) any good?
Three of the six toasters we’ve
recommended in our table at right
cost less than $100, so clearly you
don’t need to spend a fortune to get
great results. However, there’s no
guarantee that cheaper appliances
will last a long time, which means
you may have to replace them after
a couple of years. That’s a lot of
toasters going into landfill!
According to our research, a regular
toaster will last anywhere from two
to six years, depending on how much
you spend – higher-end toasters do
tend to last longer, while cheaper
ones often have a shorter lifespan.
(This is just a rough guide: even
expensive toasters can fail before
their time, and cheaper ones can
kick on for years.)

Shop Ethical rating


BRAND RATING
Anko C
Breville D
DeLonghi D
Kambrook D
KitchenAid D
Russell Hobbs D
Smeg B
Sunbeam F
NOTE: Other brands in our review not mentioned here don’t
have a Shop Ethical rating. For more on Shop Ethical ratings
and what they mean, see p73.
TOASTERS TEST

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Measured toasting time (min:sec)


Toasting consistency cycle after
Toasting evenness score (%)

Dimensions (cm, L x W x H)

Bread carriage dimensions


CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Separate carriage control


Frozen bread score (%)
Performance score (%)

Single-slice score (%)


Ease of use score (%)

Multigrain score (%)

High-lift carriage

Warranty (years)
Number of slots

(mm, L x W x H)
Recommended

cycle score (%)


Price ($)
4-SLICE TOASTERS
9 Russell Hobbs Addison RHT514BLK 100 78 79 74 75 70 80 75 90 4:11 4 9 9 27 x 29 x 19 140 x 25 x 115 2
9 Breville The ToastSet LTA842DKB 170 77 75 80 80 70 60 75 90 4:09 4 9 9 29 x 30 x 20 160 x 36 x 140 1
Sunbeam Kyoto City Collection TAM8004BK (A) 199 76 74 80 75 70 70 55 90 2:44 4 9 9 28 x 33 x 20 141 x 35 x 125 1
Breville The Lift & Look Pro BTA730 (B) 180 75 70 86 40 50 80 75 90 3:00 2 na 9 40 x 19 x 20 255 x 30 x 125 1
9 Russell Hobbs Legacy RHT455WHI 80 75 80 64 85 80 80 55 90 4:30 4 9 9 29 x 30 x 19 140 x 30 x 115 2
Smeg TSF02BLAU 299 74 72 80 60 50 70 85 90 4:25 2 na 41 x 21 x 22 260 x 35 x 110 1
Sunbeam New York Collection Black Bronze 179 74 72 80 85 40 80 55 90 2:55 4 9 9 27 x 33 x 20 141 x 35 x 132 1
TA4440KB
KitchenAid 5KMT4109APT 279 73 74 72 75 70 70 45 95 3:23 4 9 9 31 x 30 x 21 145 x 40 x 140 2
Breville The Smart Toast BTA830 219 71 65 84 48 40 60 100 80 3:35 2 na 40 x 18 x 20 250 x 40 x 140 2
Russell Hobbs Colours Plus RHT2836BLK 80 71 73 65 58 60 70 85 90 2:40 4 9 9 29 x 30 x 18 135 x 35 x 130 2
Laura Ashley Elveden VQ_SBT583 180 71 69 74 70 50 60 75 90 3:40 4 9 9 26 x 29 x 19 140 x 35 x 140 2
Breville The ‘A Bit More’ Plus BTA440BSS 110 71 71 71 58 60 70 90 75 2:55 2 na 9 39 x 15 x 19 260 x 30 x 110 1
Breville The Lift & Look Plus BTA380WHT 110 71 71 71 65 50 80 90 70 2:45 2 na 9 40 x 17 x 20 260 x 30 x 110 1
Sunbeam Alinea Collection TA2740K 139 71 69 74 63 70 60 55 90 2:57 4 9 9 30 x 30 x 20 140 x 38 x 125 1
Dualit NewGen D4VMHA 525 70 76 57 60 70 80 90 75 2:30 4 9 9 20 x 34 x 22 150 x 30 x 165 5
DeLonghi Eclettica CTY4003 169 69 64 80 65 60 60 65 70 3:01 4 9 9 34 x 31 x 21 140 x 35 x 135 1
2-SLICE TOASTERS
9 Kambrook Textured KTA220 59 78 77 80 73 70 70 65 100 3:30 2 na 9 28 x 18 x 19 150 x 40 x 135 1
9 Kambrook The Smarter Choice KTA120WHT 39 76 73 82 75 50 70 65 95 3:00 2 na 9 28 x 17 x 19 135 x 30 x 120 1
9 KitchenAid 5AKMT223OB 259 75 75 75 75 60 80 75 80 4:15 2 na 28 x 19 x 21 145 x 42 x 150 2
Anko TA1420-SA 25 74 74 74 75 60 80 55 90 3:56 2 na 9 26 x 17 x 19 140 x 40 x 135 1
Breville The ‘A Bit More’ Plus BTA435BSS 80 73 72 74 73 60 80 35 95 3:11 2 na 9 31 x 15 x 20 145 x 40 x 135 1
Smeg TSF01PBAU 269 73 67 86 65 80 60 45 75 3:00 2 na 32 x 19 x 20 145 x 30 x 125 1
Breville The Lift & Look Plus BTA360WHT 75 72 69 80 83 40 80 35 95 3:10 2 na 9 28 x 17 x 20 148 x 39 x 138 1
Russell Hobbs Classic RHT12BRU 60 71 74 63 75 70 80 75 70 2:10 2 na 9 27 x 17 x 20 170 x 35 x 140 2
Dualit NewGen D2VMHA AU 400 70 72 66 60 50 80 90 75 2:03 2 na 9 25 x 26 x 22 155 x 31 x 135 5
Kambrook Perfect Slice KTA270 69 70 69 71 70 60 70 75 70 2:12 2 na 9 28 x 17 x 20 135 x 30 x 110 2
Kambrook Scandi Chic KTA290 90 69 64 80 63 70 70 25 75 3:00 2 na 9 30 x 19 x 19 140 x 35 x 130 2
Laura Ashley Elveden SBT582 119 69 67 74 68 70 50 45 95 3:07 2 na 9 28 x 17 x 19 140 x 35 x 140 2
Breville The Toast Select Luxe BTA735SHY 209 69 67 74 58 70 50 65 90 4:07 2 na 9 34 x 17 x 19 140 x 35 x 125 1
IMAGES: KITCHENAID / RUSSELL HOBBS

Anko Stainless Steel Toaster LD-T7007 24 69 66 77 70 50 70 55 80 2:35 2 na 9 25 x 17 x 19 131 x 35 x 120 1


DeLonghi Eclettica CTY2003 149 67 61 80 65 50 50 65 75 3:00 2 na 9 34 x 19 x 21 140 x 35 x 135 1
Anko Retro Toaster LD-T7005 29 67 68 65 58 70 60 55 90 3:00 2 na 9 29 x 19 x 19 140 x 40 x 135 1
Anko Toaster TA01106-SA 7.50 66 63 74 73 40 50 60 90 2:30 2 na 26 x 15 x 18 130 x 25 x 110 1
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend toasters with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 75% and a safe exterior temperature. Price Recommended retail as of
November 2024. CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of 70% performance and 30% ease of use. Performance Toasting evenness and consistency of results, cycle after
cycle (50%), multigrain bread (20%), single slice bread (15%) and frozen bread (15%). Ease of use How easy is it to operate the controls (40%), remove crumbs (30%) and
clean the exterior (30%). Toasting time We use white bread for this measurement. (A) Exterior temperature too hot for this toaster to be recommended. (B) Many members
have complained about this toaster’s long-term reliability, so we’ve withdrawn our recommendation. na Not applicable.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 51


52

Really big air fryers


Ovens with air fryer mode… gimmick, or great idea?
Alice Richard finds out
hey say imitation is the So it’s no surprise that oven stick to a regular oven plus an

T sincerest form of flattery


and, in the world of
kitchen appliances,
everyone’s trying to cash
in on the air fryer If you
manufacturers such as Westinghouse,
Electrolux and Fisher & Paykel are
jumping on the trend. And it
makes sense, given that
air fryers are effectively
air fryer on the bench?

Air fryer mode explained


You probably wouldn’t be able to
tell an oven with an air fryer mode
phenomenon. have fan-grill mini ovens. Why not apart from a regular oven. There’s
First there was mode, adding an take an air fryer and no secret air-frying compartment,
the simple air fryer. air fryer basket can supersize it? and no separate door – nothing that
Then came the twin- effectively turn your If you’re an air fryer gives away its secret superpower.
basket air fryer. Then oven into a giant lover who’s looking You’ll find the main difference
the benchtop oven air air fryer to take things to the inside, with the addition of a
fryer. Even multi-cooker next level, you might special air fryer shelf – a shallow
manufacturers are now be eyeing off an oven that mesh basket that sits in a rack.
releasing models with air-frying can do it all, including air frying. (You’ll need to place a tray
capabilities. (One boasts 14 functions!) But is it a good option, or should you underneath it to catch the drips.)

52 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


WALL OVENS TEST

The oven will also have a specific


air-fry mode, which is essentially
an oven setting that switches on
the top heating element and the fan,
circulating hot air through the oven,
but that’s not a new concept.
“You could create a similar effect by
using the fan-grill setting on a regular
oven,” says CHOICE kitchen expert PERFORMANCE
Chantelle Dart. Since ovens with
“Not all ovens have fan-grill mode, air fryers are a relatively CLEANING
but almost every model in our current new phenomenon, we Regardless of how well an oven
wall ovens review and freestanding haven’t tested many of them. cooks in air fryer mode, if cleaning
ovens review does.” But in our most recent test, seven of up afterwards is a pain, you’ll
So, if you have fan-grill mode, the eight models we tested came with probably avoid using the air-fry
adding an air fryer basket made an air fryer function. The brands were function altogether. And unfortunately,
for ovens can effectively turn it into Miele, Omega, Westinghouse, Neff, cleaning is where these air fryer
a giant air fryer (depending on what Smeg, Haier and Samsung. Their air- ovens fall down.
you’re cooking). You could pick up frying capabilities varied, with some Firstly, the air fryer basket can be
a tray for around $9 from Kmart, scoring perfect marks for particular difficult to clean and may stain and
$30 from Amazon, or splash out and foods and some bombing out. discolour over time. Then there’s the
spend over $100 on a fancy Miele one. “The Haier HWO60S14EPX4 rack that the basket sits in, and the
and Omega OBO6011AM were only drip tray that catches crumbs and oil.
Is it worth it? OK when we tested them in air fryer “Some manufacturers will supply
Our experts always assess an oven’s mode, but the Miele H2861BP, Neff the air fryer basket or tray, which is
cooking performance, but we also B59CR72Y0A and Westinghouse usually made from stainless steel,”
look at another important aspect: WVEP6716DD had very good says another CHOICE kitchen expert,
ease of use. An oven may cook air-frying capabilities,” says Dart. home economist Fiona Mair.
perfectly, but if it’s a pain to clean Getting used to an air-frying “These types can be difficult
and use, it’s definitely not a good buy. oven may take a bit of trial and error. to clean and may stain. However,
So how do air-frying ovens compare Our experts have found that using two ovens came with an enamelled
with standalone air fryers in terms different shelf positions and higher perforated tray, and we found
of performance and cleaning? temperatures can give better results. cleaning them much easier.”
And depending on what you’re
cooking, you might need to clean
the whole oven afterwards to get the
food splatters off. Unless your oven
has a pyrolytic cleaning function, it’s
a big job – a much bigger job than
just popping the basket from your
benchtop air fryer in the dishwasher.
IMAGES: WESTINGHOUSE / ELECTROLUX / BOSCH

If you skip cleaning your oven


after air frying, the build-up of oil
and fat can cause the oven to release
smoke and unpleasant smells when
you use it next.
“If you’re considering an oven
with an air fryer function, we suggest
you look for one that also has a
pyrolytic cleaning function. It’ll make
the clean-up process much easier
and save you time,” says Mair.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 53


How much do ovens with
air fryer mode cost?
Ovens with air fryer mode tend to
also have plenty of other bells and
whistles, so they’re often at the more
expensive end of the scale. Of the
models we’ve tested, prices range
from $799 to $3699 for a 60cm
wall oven and from $5499
to $7399 for a 90cm
freestanding oven with An oven
an induction cooktop. gives you a bit
“Ovens with an more room to
air-fry function can move in terms
cost you around $200 of air-frying
more than comparable
larger items
models. You can pick
up a good air fryer for
that amount, or even
less,” says Dart.

Should you just


buy an air fryer?
Are you better off opting for a more
affordable oven plus a good-quality
air fryer? Yes and no.
“Some ovens with air-fry function
need to be preheated before you Cooking in an air fryer oven your oven isn’t really any extra
use them, whereas air fryers generally You can cook all your air fryer faves work. (Unless you have a benchtop
don’t need to be preheated, so an using air fryer mode in an oven: think air fryer with a rotating basket, which
air fryer can save time,” says Dart. frozen chips, chicken nuggets, pork takes care of the turning for you.)
“But an air fryer has a much smaller belly, marinated chicken wings and
capacity than an oven, so if you’re more. However, you can only air fry
cooking larger amounts of food you’d on one shelf of the oven, so bear Shop Ethical rating
need to cook in batches. In an oven that in mind if you’re planning an
BRAND RATING
you could cook the same amount air-fried feast.
AEG C
of food in one go.” On the flip side, an oven gives you
Then there’s the cost factor. Ovens a bit more room to move in terms of Asko F
can use more energy than air fryers, air frying larger items such as a whole Beko C
especially since they need to be chicken or roast, which may not fit in Bosch C
preheated – so instead of running a smaller benchtop air fryer. Electrolux C
your oven for an hour to make “For some ovens with air fryer Fisher & Paykel F
a batch of nuggets, you might only mode, the instructions state that Haier F
have your air fryer on for 20 minutes. you don’t need to shake or turn your Ikea C
If you weigh up the energy costs of food as the basket helps to promote Miele B
running a large appliance just for a air flow,” says Dart. Neff C
single tray of air-fried food, you might “However, we don’t always find Samsung F
find that an air fryer comes out ahead. this to be the case and you may Smeg B
What works for one household may get a better result by turning the Westinghouse C
not work for another, so you’ll need to food to encourage even cooking.”
NOTE: Other brands in our review not mentioned here don’t
weigh up the pros and cons for your This is no different to using a have a Shop Ethical rating. For more on Shop Ethical ratings
particular situation. benchtop air fryer, so air frying in and what they mean, see p73.

54 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


WALL OVENS TEST

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Brand satisfaction score (%)


CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Number of shelf positions


Brand reliability score (%)

Measured internal baking


Top and bottom element

Steam cooking function


10-year running cost ($)

Performance score (%)

Ease of use score (%)

Bottom element only


Telescopic runners
Self-cleaning type

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

I washer, the first step in narrowing


down your choice is to decide
whether you’d prefer
a front-loading washing
machine or a top-
BEST: FRONT LOADERS
Front loaders can use up
to 70% less water than top loaders
of similar size. The reason
top loaders are so thirsty
detergent than front loaders – a cost
that can really add up over the years.

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.

56 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


WASHING MACHINES TEST

Gentleness Spin cycle placed inside) at any point, whereas


BEST: FRONT LOADERS performance front loaders lock during the wash
Top loaders clean your BEST: FRONT LOADERS cycle to prevent the door from being
clothes by rubbing them against Front loaders tend to have much opened. Some models do have an
each other, whereas a front loader faster spin cycles than top loaders “add item” feature that allows you to
cleans by tumbling: it uses gravity – up to 1600rpm in some models. open the door after the wash cycle
to pick up and drop the clothes into A faster spin cycle means more has begun, but this is only possible
the soapy water over and over. water removed from the clothes. at certain points in the cycle.
The front loader method results And the less moisture in your Top loaders are also generally
in less damage to your clothes clothes when they come out of lighter than front loaders, so they’re
over time – so even though the machine, the faster they’ll dry easier to move (front loaders need
you’re likely to pay more upfront – saving you time and potentially a heavy weight to help keep them
for the appliance, you won’t be money (if you use a clothes dryer, balanced). And you may find adding
having to replace your clothes it won’t have to work as hard). clothes to top loaders without having
as frequently. The only downside to the faster to bend down is more comfortable,
spin cycle is that it can increase although you can always mount your
Cleaning creases and flatten the pile on your front loader on the wall if you’d like
performance towels, which can make them less it to sit higher.
BEST: FRONT LOADERS soft. But you can dial down the spin Finally, top loaders are the quieter
Despite top loaders using far speed if that’s a problem. of the two options, which may be
more water per wash, they actually important to you if your washing
don’t clean clothes quite as well Convenience machine is near your living area
as water-thrifty front-loading BEST: TOP LOADERS or bedroom. Front loaders average
machines. According to our test As previously mentioned, around 61dBA, compared to an
results, front loaders generally top loaders have faster cycle times average of 58dBA for top loaders.
do a better job at getting your than top loaders, but that’s not
clothes clean. the only way they can be more
Front loaders also have more convenient. Top loaders can also
programs and higher temperature be opened at any point
options, allowing you more options during their cycle so Top
to choose from to get the right you can add extra loaders
clean for your load. clothes (or retrieve
. something that has
have faster
Cycle times been accidentally cycle times and
BEST: TOP LOADERS can be opened at
Because front loaders
use less water, they have to work
any point during
harder to get your clothes clean their cycle
– and they do this by running
for longer. One machine we’ve
tested took more than four hours
to complete a cycle!
On average, a front loader will
take about 144 minutes to wash a
full load, compared with an average
of 59 minutes for a top loader, so
you’ll need to factor the longer cycle
time into your schedule if you switch
IMAGE: GETTY | LG

to a front loader.
We explain this in more detail
in our previous washing machine
review in CHOICE Feb 2024.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 57


5 signs it’s time for a new washing machine
Wondering whether it’s time to it’s either off balance or the shock you might need to call for a repair
upgrade your washer? Here are absorbers have failed. person or even start looking for a
some signs it’s time to hit the shops. If the machine is off balance, it’s new machine.
IT’S MORE THAN a pretty easy fix: first, use a spirit level IT’S STAINING YOUR CLOTHES
1 SIX YEARS OLD
Once your machine is more than six
to check if your machine is level and
adjust the feet accordingly if it’s not.
5 You might not realise that the
washing machine drum is rusty
years old, a major failure usually Then make sure you’re loading until you start seeing rust stains
means you’ll need to buy your machine evenly by on your clothes. There are many
a new one because alternating between things that can cause rust spots
any repairs will be large and small items, in your washing machine, including
expensive. And with
You might and not overloading damage to the drum, but even
older appliances find that repairs or wrapping laundry leaving damp laundry in the machine
you’ll need to weigh are cheaper than around the agitator. can cause rusting.
up the risk that, after If the shock If it’s just surface rust, you should
paying to fix one
you’d expect absorbers are broken be able to get rid of it by simply
problem, something it can be an expensive running another couple of wash
else may break. fix. You’ll need to weigh cycles to flush it out. But if you
If you have a front loader, up the cost of having it continue to see rust stains on your
once it hits 12 years of age, it’ll repaired, the age of the machine and clothes, the issue probably runs
likely be cheaper to replace it than how much a new machine will cost. deeper and you’re likely going to
repair it, even for more minor failures. IT’S GETTING NOISIER need a new machine.
For a top loader, that figure drops to
seven years.
3 If your machine has developed
new noises or has become much
But – and this is a big but! – it’s louder than it used to be, it’s probably Shop Ethical rating
always worth trying to repair an older time to have it serviced, repaired BRAND RATING
washing machine, particularly if it’s or replaced. Asko F
still within the life expectancy range. IT’S LEAKING
You might find that repairs are
cheaper than you’d expect – and
4 There are all kinds of causes
for washing machine leaks – some
Beko
Bosch
C
C
Electrolux C
some of them you might even be benign, like a tap connector that’s
Fisher & Paykel F
able to DIY. not tightened properly, and others
Haier F
IT’S ON THE MOVE more serious, like a coin or key getting
2 If your washing machine likes
to ‘walk’ around the room during
in between the washer’s two drums,
punching a hole in the outer drum.
LG
Miele
C
B
Westinghouse C
a cycle, it could be time for a repair If you’re finding small puddles
or replacement. There are two main of water on the floor, check all the NOTE: Other brands in our review not
mentioned here don’t have a Shop Ethical
reasons why your machine is never connections first before you panic. rating. For more on Shop Ethical ratings and
where you left it before a cycle: But if the puddles are more like lakes, what they mean, see p73.

58 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


WASHING MACHINES TEST

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Cycle time – normal cycle (min)


Water used – normal cycle (L)
Rinse performance score (%)
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Water efficiency score (%)

Out-of-balance correction

Woolens cycle (machine /


10-year running costs ($)

Spin efficiency score (%)

Long cycle time penalty


Dirt removal score (%)

Gentleness score (%)

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 59


60

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

W monitor, you can hear


and see your
bub, or
even transmit soothing
sounds to them, from
Audio-
based baby
and video monitoring these days.
While some have stuck
with a dedicated
monitoring unit (such
as a tablet), others
essentially a walkie-talkie between
you and your baby’s room. These
were common for decades, but have
been almost entirely replaced by
audio/video systems.
virtually anywhere. monitors have use smartphone apps, Video-based baby monitors send
These devices are been almost which can reduce a video feed from a camera in your
handy if you have entirely replaced the overall price. child’s room to a tablet-like viewing
a large home where We can help you device (also known as a carer’s unit),
your child’s room may
by audio/video decide which option or to your smartphone via an app.
be out of earshot, but systems is right for your home. A few apps let you use another
remember that Red Nose smartphone or a tablet instead of
Australia recommends your How baby monitors work having to buy a monitoring camera.
baby sleeps in the same room as Baby monitors fall into two broad The ‘child’ unit uses the device’s built-
you for at least the first six months. categories: audio or video. in microphone and camera to check

60 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


BABY MONITORS TEST

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).

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 61


What to look for O Wall mount: Includes fittings LULLABY MODE
There are plenty of features and to drill the camera into the wall. A baby monitor with this feature
functions to consider, whether you The most versatile models offer a can play a tune into the room to
go for a camera with a dedicated combination of these mounts, giving relax a restless baby or send them
carer’s unit or smartphone app. you the freedom to place the camera gently off to sleep.
MOVEMENT MONITOR pretty much anywhere you want. NIGHT LIGHT
This sounds an alarm when the baby is CAMERA VIEWING ANGLE Some models include a night light
restless, or when there is no movement A shallow viewing angle will only for babies who don’t like to sleep
after a specific length of time. This time really show what’s directly in front in the dark.
limit will be noted in the instructions. of the camera. This isn’t a bad option BATTERY POWER
INFRARED CAMERA if you’re able to position the monitor A back-up option that can keep
This is useful if the baby’s room gets in front of the baby in such a way the camera rolling if the mains
quite dark or if you’re monitoring them that it can’t move out of frame. die or the camera is accidentally
at night, though the image will show Cameras with a wider angle will unplugged.
up as black and white and can have capture more of the room, which VIDEO RECORDING
poor contrast. is useful if placement is restricted You can record footage from the
SOUND INDICATOR LIGHTS or you need to keep an eye on video baby monitor in some models,
The visual sound indicators will two or more kids. Some cameras though this isn’t a standard feature.
light up to alert you when bub cries. can be controlled remotely with pan If it’s available, then you’ll need to
They allow you to ‘see’ the noise your and zoom functions so you can keep buy an SD card to store the footage.
baby makes rather than just hear it. better track of what’s going on. Check the instructions and make
CAMERA MOUNT TYPE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION sure you buy a card that’s compatible
There’s a range of camera mounts This puts a speaker in the baby with the monitor, particularly the
available that let you place the monitor so you can communicate with class type.
camera in a variety of locations. your child from another room. MULTI-CAM SUPPORT
It’s very important to consider this, It can help when the baby Gives you the option
especially if you’re in a rental property is restless, but you Cameras to connect additional
where you may not be able to screw don’t want to risk with a wider cameras to the
the camera into a wall. waking them up by angle can be same account.
O Flat surface: For placing the going into the room. You can place
camera on a surface such as a ROOM
useful if you need to these in the same
chest of drawers, changing table TEMPERATURE keep an eye on two room or multiple
or windowsill. This is the most MONITOR or more kids rooms if you need
common mount type. This lets you set an to monitor two or
O Clamp: Lets you attach the camera alarm that activates if the more kids. Security
to something like the side of a baby’s room temperature cameras usually allow
bookshelf, the top of a bassinet goes above or below the limits this through a single app, within
or a floor lamp, for example. you’ve chosen. the same manufacturer.

Protecting your privacy


Audio-only baby monitors password. If you don’t change your potential security loopholes (the
operating on public transmission camera’s log-in password from instructions should tell you how
frequencies mean that anyone the default (which is often blank), to do this), and also make sure that
with a receiver (such as a two-way you risk leaving your connection any associated smartphone apps
radio, walkie-talkie or another vulnerable are up to date.
baby monitor) could listen in to to hackers.
conversations you have near the Make sure your
baby monitor. Be aware of this. Wi-Fi monitor is
If you’re using a Wi-Fi-enabled upgraded to the
baby monitor, set it up with a secure manufacturer’s
login password known only to you latest firmware
and separate to your local Wi-Fi version to close
BABY MONITORS TEST

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Sound sensitivity and quality score (%)


Interference protection score (%)*
Sound performance score (%)

Room temperature monitor


Dim light picture score (%)
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Daylight picture score (%)


Overall picture score (%)

Sound range score (%)


Dark picture score (%)
Ease of use score (%)

Country of origin
Motion detection
Recommended

Two-way audio
Night light
Price ($)

9 Uniden BW6101R Type


399 Camera and carer unit 91 96 81 94 90 90 80 100 88 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 Uniden BW6101R (app mode) 399 Camera and app 91 96 83 93 90 85 70 100 90 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 VTech RM5766HD (app mode) 319 Camera and app 91 96 82 94 90 90 80 100 90 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 VTech RM7764HD (app mode) 389 Camera and app 91 95 85 91 85 70 70 100 83 90 9 9 9 China
9 Owlet Cam 2 OC2A 250 Camera and app 89 95 77 92 80 80 70 100 85 90 9 9 9 China
9 CuboAi Plus Angel Smart Baby Monitor 499 Camera and app 88 95 74 91 85 75 65 100 83 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 iBaby Care i2 160 Camera and app 88 94 75 94 90 90 80 100 78 90 9 9 9 China
9 Lollipop Smart Baby Camera CABC- 319 Camera and app 88 95 74 93 85 85 75 100 83 90 9 (A) 9 Taiwan
LOL03AUPK01
9 Oricom Smart HD Skyview OBH650P 399 Camera and app 88 91 79 93 90 75 75 100 63 90 9 9 9 9 China
(app mode)
9 Owlet OC2A Owlet Monitor Duo 650 Camera and app 88 95 77 91 80 75 65 100 83 90 9 9 9 (C)
9 VTech BM2800 99 Camera and carer unit 88 93 81 87 60 55 55 100 90 90 9 9 China
9 VTech RM5766HD 319 Camera and carer unit 88 91 77 94 90 90 80 100 83 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 Dormi Baby Monitor for Android (App) 9 App only 87 96 77 85 70 75 5 100 90 90 9 9 (B) ns
9 iBaby Care i6 299 Camera and app 87 92 74 92 80 80 70 100 68 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 Oricom OBH36T Nursery Pal 225 Camera and app 87 94 75 90 80 70 60 100 80 90 9 9 9 China
Premium (App)
9 Oricom Smart HD Dual Camera 329 Camera and app 87 90 77 92 80 80 70 100 58 90 9 9 9 China
(OBHDUAL)
9 Arjona Software BabyCam 3 App only 86 87 82 87 85 85 5 100 60 90 9 (B) ns
9 Maxi-Cosi Connected Home Bundle 499 Camera and app 86 93 70 94 90 90 80 100 75 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 Oricom OBH500 Nursery Pal (App) 349 Camera and app 86 89 76 93 90 80 80 100 63 90 9 9 9 9 China
9 VTech RM7764HD 389 Camera and carer unit 86 85 87 86 85 70 70 90 75 90 9 9 9 China
9 TappyTaps Baby Monitor 3G 9 App only 85 87 79 87 85 80 5 100 45 90 9 (B) ns
Uniden Smart Baby Monitor BW140R 150 Camera and app 84 86 72 92 80 75 80 100 70 90 9 9 9 9 China
Uniden Smart Baby Monitor BW150R 180 Camera and app 82 83 70 91 75 70 75 100 75 90 9 9 9 9 China
Vava VA-IH006 Baby Monitor 259 Camera and carer unit 82 81 81 84 75 65 55 90 80 90 9 9 China
VTech BM3350N 190 Camera and carer unit 82 81 84 81 55 50 50 90 78 90 9 9 9 China
MobiCam 70196-SK Pan and Tilt 41 Camera and app 81 77 74 93 90 80 70 100 60 90 9 9 ns
Vigi Limited Cloud Baby Monitor 8 App only 81 82 80 81 40 50 5 100 63 90 9 9 (B) ns
DGTEC DG163BMBL Smart Baby Monitor 99 Camera and app 78 67 78 91 80 70 70 100 45 90 9 9 9 9 China
VTech BM3800 159 Camera and carer unit 77 82 86 61 60 50 50 90 83 90 9 9 9 China
Oricom OBH500 Nursery Pal 300 Camera and carer unit 76 66 78 86 80 70 70 90 58 90 9 9 9 China
Oricom OBH36T Nursery Pal 349 Camera and carer unit 74 62 74 90 80 70 60 60 58 90 9 9 China
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend models that score 85% and above. Price recommended retail price as of November 2024. CHOICE Expert Rating for
audio/video products is made up of picture performance (30%), sound performance (40%) and ease of use (30%). Performance results for app-only baby monitors are
IMAGE: GETTY

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 63


64

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,

I camera could give you peace


of mind when you’re away from
home. Or perhaps you’re simply
curious to know what they get
up to when you’re not looking!
while others are just a one-off cost.
Here we outline how to choose the
model that’s right for you.

Why not just use a security


} Most pet cameras let
you watch, interact with,
and treat/feed your pet.
Pet cameras connect to an app camera or baby monitor?
on your smartphone, so you If you just want to keep an eye
Many will also alert you to
can log in and observe your on what your pet gets up certain events like barking.
pet from afar to make sure to while you’re away, } Several CHOICE trialists
they’re happy and safe. a security camera or and an expert tester
Owners of anxious Many models baby monitor could looked at three treat-
dogs might be have special very well do the job.
dispensing pet cameras
reassured by models alerts for barking These generally let
and one smart pet feeder.
with two-way audio (or in some cases, you view a livestream
that alert you to any “excessive of your home, use
distressed barks and meowing”) two-way audio, and
let you talk to your pet alert you when motion If you already have a security
to calm them down. is detected. So if all you camera in the area where your pet
People worried about their want to do is see, hear and spends a lot of its time, you could
pet being bored may enjoy a model talk to your pet throughout the day, certainly use it for pet monitoring.
that lets you throw treats toward a security camera or baby monitor Some models even have motion
them, and some models even have with those features might do the detectors that can differentiate
laser pointers for a game of chase! trick (see our baby monitor review between humans and animals
Some pet cameras do require you on page 50 – all models in the table (although you may have to pay
to pay for an additional subscription have two-way audio). extra for that feature).

64 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


PET CAMERAS TEST

The most important difference “nice-to-haves”, such as barking LASER POINTERS


between pet cameras and baby or alerts, an online vet chat service, Some pet cameras have laser
security cameras is the inclusion or the ability to store videos of your pointers that you can activate
of some pet-specific features you pet in the cloud. In those cases, look remotely, so cats can play chase
may find handy. for a free trial and cancel before it via a dot on the floor.
Firstly, all four of the models we expires if you don’t want to commit. CAT VS DOG SPECIFIC
looked at have the ability to dispense PRIVACY AND SECURITY Most pet cameras are designed to
food for your pet – three throw treats If you’re worried about sensitive be used for both cats and dogs, but
for entertainment and reassurance, data being kept in the cloud, make Furbo has two models, virtually the
while one model dispenses regular sure the services encrypt it, or same in every way except the cat one
pet food. choose a model that instead stores has a feather wand for them to bat.
Secondly, many models have data on the camera.
special alerts for barking (or in some As with smart devices generally, Pet camera reviews
cases, “excessive meowing”), and you’ll have to set up an account We looked at four pet cameras to see
one model we looked at even claims that will require some personal how they performed. All models let
to be able to alert you if your pet has information (such as your name, you dispense treats or food, hear and
vomited (these features may require email address or payment methods). talk to your pet and view a livestream.
a subscription). Furbo’s privacy policy states it Many have additional features that
“may also collect video and audio can only be accessed if you pay for
Features to look for information of individuals when they a subscription, such as bark alerts
STORAGE pass in front of the camera or speak and the option to download videos.
Pet cameras generally ping your when the Furbo Camera is on”. HOW WE TEST
phone when your pet is in view, so VIDEO QUALITY Our expert tester Matthew Tung
you can view a real-time livestream Look for pet cameras with 1080p looked at the cameras’ ease of
of them in action. full HD video quality. The models use (including camera/app set-up
Some models capture the footage we tested all have this level of detail and general use). He also assessed
for later viewing, while cheaper and we rated the videos excellent, video quality in daylight, dim light
models might let you save real-time with smooth movement. Some units and darkness, looking for excellent
footage when you’re logged on to the have infrared night vision capabilities, depth, contrast and field of view.
camera. Footage will be saved onto which is handy, and detail was good Finally, he rated sound quality and
the unit via a built-in memory card, on the models we checked. sensitivity for each camera.
which means you’ll need to regularly MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS We also got a panel of CHOICE
transfer it elsewhere to free up Some units allow several logins staff, all pet owners, to test the
storage if you want to keep the from more than one device, and/or cameras in their own homes for
footage. Some will upload content to the ability to share footage with a real-life experience and report
a cloud account (usually subscription- other people. back after using it for several days.
based) and hold it for a certain
amount of time before it gets deleted.
EXTRA FEATURES
(WITH EXTRA COST)
Some subscription-based services
will provide extra features such
All four of the
as Furbo Nanny’s “vomit alert”,
or the ability to ask questions
models we looked
in a virtual chat, such as when at have the ability
the pet was last at its feeding to dispense food
bowl or what certain behaviour for your pet
might mean. Smoke, fire or broken
glass might also trigger alerts.
IMAGES: GETTY

Petcube models require a


subscription to access locked or
additional-tier features that may be

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 65


O Easy to clean CONS:
O No subscription costs to access O Noises must be over 65dB to
features trigger a noise alert (could also
O 16GB local storage be seen as a positive)
O Automatically records snippets O Monthly subscription to access
of activity (like barking or motion) all features (though the $359
O Flicks treats at varying distances standalone camera model has
CONS: basic features like barking alerts)
O Lots of alerts as the camera fails
Arlec Smart Pet Feeder to distinguish between human Petcube Bites 2 Lite BL10US
and animal activity
with Camera PFC002HA O The option to set a “pet activity Cost: $249 plus $8.49 per month
Cost: $149 zone” on the app to restrict for Optimal plan (or $65.88/year
Field of view: Not stated notifications to movements in that if paid annually)
(doesn’t rotate) area didn’t work as expected for Field of view: 160° (doesn’t rotate)
Type: Pet feeder our trialist Type: Treat dispensing
Bark alert: No O Fish-eye lens distorts objects that Bark alert: Yes (subscription-only)
PROS: are close or far away PROS:
O Dispenses dry food in 10–15g O One trialist found some features O Easy to set up
portions (5L total capacity) glitchy and the instructions O App is easy to use
O Keeps record of when food insufficient O Dispenses treats
is dispensed and how much O Easy to clean
O Alerts when food is running low Furbo 360° O Good video quality
O Bowl easy to clean Dog Camera O Alerts for barking
CONS: O Can download videos
O No automatic video storage
plus Dog O Cloud storage available
O Poor set-up instructions Nanny CONS:
O Both trialists had difficulty Cost: $149 plus O Subscription to access alerts,
pairing unit with app $9.99 monthly storage and smart features
O App not intuitive to use subscription O One trialist found the video laggy
O Need to manually save Field of view: – there’s no option to lower the
videos and screenshots 360° bandwidth of the video
O Hopper difficult to clean Type: Treat O Noises must be over 55dB to
and may attract ants dispensing trigger a noise alert (could also
O No alerts for barking Bark alert: be seen as a positive).
O Fish-eye lens caused Yes
some distortion PROS:
O Easy to
Eufy Dog set up
Camera D605 O App easy to use
O Alerts for “abnormal or
Cost: $500 concerning behaviour such as
Field of view: chewing, continuous howling,
170° but can rotate excessive weeing and pooing,
up to 270° to track vomiting, continuous barking/
and follow your pet meowing, and home emergencies
Type: Treat (for example, breaking glass,
dispensing fire alarms or human movement)
Bark alert: Yes O Dispenses treats
PROS: O Cloud-based storage
OGood audio O Excellent video quality in
and video all lighting

66 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


BARBECUES TEST

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

I some of your leisure activities,


you’re probably spending more
time at home. Buying a few key
appliances can take the sting out of
missing out: a decent coffee machine
for $600 or less.
We explain how to make your
money go further when you’re buying
– and using – a barbecue.
possible to find a decent barbecue
at a decent price if you do your
research.”
If you only have the funds for
a budget barbie but you still want
to replace barista-made brews, an Are cheap barbecues to get your grill on, Mair has a few
air fryer so you can cook your own any good? pointers that’ll help your barbecue
top-notch fish and chips, and a Can you pick up a good barbecue last the distance.
barbecue so you can socialise at on the cheap? Maybe, but it’s “If you clean your barbecue each
home instead of going out. important to choose wisely, time you use it, it can really extend
But since you’re says CHOICE kitchen the lifespan of the grill plates and
on a budget, does “Build expert Fiona Mair. keep other parts in good condition,”
that mean you quality is “As a general rule, she says.
need to settle for a important in a we find that cheaper “And if you have room, store it
substandard model barbecue because barbecues often aren’t undercover in between uses –
just to save money? they are most likely made from quality especially over winter when you most
Not necessarily. stored outdoors in materials, and aren’t likely won’t be using it often or at all.”
While many of the the elements” well constructed,”
best-scoring barbies she says. How to make your money
from our tests are at the “Build quality is important go further
IMAGE: GETTY

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 67


68

“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

What size barbecue do you need?


When it comes time to buy a new BALCONY (OR PORTABLE) BBQ
barbecue, consider the size of your These small to medium-sized
entertaining area, as well as how barbecues are perfect for smaller
many people you’re likely to most balconies. Though larger than travel
often be barbecuing for. barbecues, they’re still appropriate
There are three size categories, for camping and easy to move
but a few barbecues have functions around so you can free up the
and features that can cross over balcony as needed.
between the categories. They bridge the gap between BACKYARD BBQ
TRAVEL BBQ travel barbecues and something The big players of the barbecue
Small, lightweight and mobile, travel a bit more permanent for your world have a lot of surface area to
barbecues are designed to be easily backyard. They typically have two to cook on, usually with four or more
transported to a campsite, beach three burners and can accommodate burners. This make them great for
or park. They’re just big enough for cooking for around four to six people. entertaining and big family dinners,
home use too, though your guests Most models come with a and the extra space gives you
may need to be patient as they can detachable trolley; you’ll need bench enough room to try offset cooking
only cook for a couple of people space for ones that don’t. However, or basic smoking using a smoke box.
at a time. they generally have side handles, As you can imagine, you’ll need
They typically only have one so they’re easy to lift and move ample space to accommodate them.
burner or charcoal compartment. around. Some offer all the features They often have a large trolley with
Many can accommodate a small of larger barbecues, such as a hood, big side tables, a storage cupboard
propane gas bottle, and may have chargrill plate, solid hotplate and and a side burner, which takes up
travel-friendly features such as foldable side tables. As an added extra space.
locking lids, collapsible trolleys bonus, they often come mostly Though technically mobile, they’re
and wheels. pre-assembled – just unpack and hard to move about. The lids can
They’re generally available in LPG, place on a trolley or bench. also be relatively heavy to open
propane, or charcoal*. Some are They’re available in charcoal*, and close.
suitable for natural gas. LPG, electricity or propane. Backyard barbecues may also
be tricky and time-consuming to put
together. Some retailers
can assemble and deliver
them for a fee.
They’re available in
all fuel types: charcoal*,
LPG, natural gas,
electricity or propane.
* Charcoal is not suitable
for use on balconies.
PETER ZALUZNY

68 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


BARBECUES TEST

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Evenness – heat recovery score (%)

Evenness – pita bread score (%)


Cooking performance score (%)

Evenness – high fat score (%)

Low temperature score (%)


CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Total cooking area (m2)


Weight if portable (kg)
Ease of use score (%)
Evenness score (%)

Roasting score (%)

Cleaning score (%)


Running cost ($)
Recommended

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

9 Weber Spirit EX-335 Smart Barbecue (LPG) L 1599 289 80 83 76 75 85 nt nt 85 85 75 9 9 na 0.42


Everdure Hayman Series E4TB (Black) L 899 931 79 83 72 65 100 nt nt 85 80 70 9 9 na 0.29
Ziegler & Brown Turbo Classic 2 Burner L 1879 488 79 86 69 75 90 nt nt 100 80 65 9 9 na 0.24
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 4K HBCE4KG C 2799 1690 74 83 60 80 90 nt nt 85 75 70 na 0.16
Ziegler & Brown Turbo Classic 4 Burner L 2499 925 74 75 72 70 75 nt nt 80 75 65 9 9 na 0.32
Beefeater 1600 Series Four Burner BBQ with Trolley L 1899 978 73 75 70 100 55 100 70 60 85 65 9 9 na 0.35
BMG1641DA
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend models with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 80% and above (or 70% and above for electric). Fuel type C Charcoal, E
Electric, L LPG, P Pellets, Pr Propane. Price RRP as of November 2024. Running cost Based on using the barbecue three times a week for 30 minutes over six months
of the year, at an average cost of $4.12/kg of LPG gas (or 40c/kWh for electric models). CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of cooking performance (60%) and ease of
use (40%). Evenness – heat recovery score A large, 2cm rump steak is cooked on the centre of a hotplate (or chargrill if the BBQ doesn’t have a hotplate). We look
for how well the steak responds when turning over, and if the BBQ can maintain enough heat to evenly brown both sides. Evenness – pita bread score We cover the
hotplate and grill with pita bread to see if any areas aren’t heated enough, or get too hot and burn the bread. (A) Balcony models in this table are also portable. (B) Optional
extra. na Not applicable. ns Not stated. nt Not tested.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 69


70

of a constant power source (unless


there’s a power outage, of course).
Make sure your extension cord
reaches your power point and it
meets the correct requirements
for outdoor use (check the manual).
If your hedge is more than 30m from
your house, these are not suitable,
as extension leads won’t reach that
far. Take care when un-snagging
cords from ladders or foliage.
PETROL
Petrol models
are usually fuelled
by two-stroke engines that
require a lubricant and petrol
mix (though four-stroke engines
are also available). They’re a good
option for professionals as well as
homeowners with tough hedges
to maintain as they tend to be

Throwing shapes more powerful than models with


a battery-powered engine.
While good for thicker branches
If you’ve got hedges to trim, you’ll need the right tool for and large amounts of hedging (due
the job. Kim Gilmour and Chris Barnes help you choose to their longer runtime), they can be
noisier, more polluting (with fumes
edges can look spectacular BATTERY POWER near your face) and heavier than

H when they’re all neat and


tidy, but they do require a
fair amount of maintenance
to keep them looking schmick. And
with the mixture of heights,
Battery hedge trimmers
are great for most households
and many brands have batteries that
are compatible with other power
or garden tools. They’re
electric or battery types.

How much should I pay


for a hedge trimmer?
Electric and cordless hedge trimmers
odd angles, a heavy light, relatively quiet and range from around $139 to $599 plus
weight and very Hedge you can always have a battery pack, which could add up
sharp blades, hedge trimmers with a spare battery on to $200 for some models – though
trimming can be a a constant hand if your power the battery may be interchangeable
potentially dangerous power source depletes. However, with other garden or power tools.
experience, so you’ll will generally some models can feel Petrol models can also be found in
need to make a note perform better underpowered when this price range, but for a heavy-duty
of safety features when cutting thick branches, petrol model you should expect to
you’re shopping for one. and a greater load will pay a fair bit more. (Note: CHOICE
deplete the battery faster. no longer reviews petrol models.)
Types of hedge trimmer Battery hedge trimmers generally
You will see from our results that run at full power, so their cutting What to consider
we only recommend one model, and performance should stay the same WEIGHT
it’s the only electric (corded) model until the battery runs out and the The battery hedge trimmers we
in the test. Although battery-powered trimmer shuts off. tested can weigh from 2.2–4.7kg.
models might be fine for most typical ELECTRIC The balance of the trimmer is also
gardens, hedge trimmers with a Electric (AC) hedge important, so try one out in the store
constant power source will generally trimmers are light and or borrow one from a friend to see
perform better. handy, and there’s the advantage how it feels.

70 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


HEDGE TRIMMERS TEST

TEETH GAP SAFETY are around 50cm which is good for


Will you need to cut through thick A hand guard will help prevent debris most general jobs. Longer hedge
branches or do simple trimming of being thrown back towards the user. trimmers with poles (which can be
leaves? If there is significant cutting A good safety feature to look for is a telescopic or fixed) are suitable for tall
involved you’ll need a more powerful safety switch on both handles, so the hedges and will give you extra reach.
model. Generally, models with larger trimmer won’t start or run unless both
tooth gaps (at least 2cm) are more handles are gripped. This keeps your Maintenance
suitable for heavy-duty hedging. hands out of harm’s way. After each use, clean off debris from
BLADES TIP PROTECTOR the blades with a dry brush and use
Can be laser-cut for increased This is located at the end of the a spray lubricant. Over time, the
accuracy and longevity. cutting head, and prevents the blades blades will become blunt and won’t
WRAP-AROUND FRONT HANDLE from damage in case you accidentally cut as effectively. Some brands may
A loop-shaped handle makes it easier hit a hard surface while trimming (like have blades that can be removed
to handle the tool when trimming the wall or ground). and sharpened either professionally
horizontally, vertically or at an angle. LENGTH (contact your local dealer) or at home.
Rear handles may also rotate for The cutting length can vary from about But very cheap models may not have
vertical or horizontal trimming. 40–75cm. Most of the models we test serviceable parts.

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Claimed battery charging


Gap between teeth (cm)
Performance score (%)
Ease of use score (%)

Noise at 7.5m (dBA)

Battery voltage (V)


Blade length (cm)

Cutting head can

Warranty (years)
Recommended

Noise at user’s
position (dBA)

Weight (kg)

be rotated
time (min)
Price ($)

Origin
Type

9 Stihl HSE 61 (A) 329 E 83 90 75 90 68 4.2 50 2.2 na na 9 Germany ns


Husqvarna Aspire H50-P4A 269 B 76 80 72 88 69 3.1 50 3.1 18 60 China (body, charger); 5
Hungary (battery)
Ego HT2601E Power+ 529 B 74 80 68 88 68 4.6 66 3.8 56 50 9 China 5
Makita LXT DUH507CT 369 B 74 70 77 75 57 3.0 50 2.8 18 110 China (body, charger); 5
Vietnam (battery)
Stihl HSA 56 AK System 429 B 74 80 67 84 64 3.7 45 2.3 36 95 Austria 2
Stihl HSA 66 598 B 74 80 67 88 63 4.7 50 3.0 36 60 Austria ns
Victa 1697418 139 B 74 70 78 77 58 2.6 51 2.5 18 80 China 5
Ryobi ONE+ RHT1840Li20 199 B 73 70 75 83 64 2.8 40 2.2 18 80 Vietnam (body, 6
battery); China
(charger)
AEG A18FHTR14 Fusion Brushless 429 B 72 70 73 84 63 3.8 55 3.8 18 ns 9 Vietnam (body); China 6
(charger, battery)
Black + Decker BCHTS3625L1 Power Command 349 B 69 70 67 84 66 3.3 55 3.0 36 115 China 2
Black + Decker GTC1845L20-XE 189 B 66 60 72 86 65 2.6 45 1.8 18 50 China 2
Ozito PXCHTK-218 Power Xchange Cordless Kit 119 B 62 50 73 84 65 2.3 46 1.9 18 150 China 5
DeWalt DCMHT563P1 XR 299 B 60 50 70 82 63 3.6 55 3.3 18 75 China 3
IMAGES: GETTY

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.

CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 71


72

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


72 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


Shop Ethical ratings Shop Ethical
rates the environmental and social
impact of companies (not products)
using independent sources. Where
available, we publish Shop Ethical ratings
in CHOICE magazine for the brands
whose products we test. This rating
is not included in our own scoring. If a
brand doesn’t appear in our Shop Ethical
tables, it means there’s no rating for that
company. Shop Ethical regularly reviews
its ratings, but those that appear in
CHOICE are correct at the time we went
to press. For more, visit ethical.org.au. POW
PLAY
Un
energy
pricing

RATING KEY
plans

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74
CHOICE TEAM
Chief Executive Office Ashley de Silva (CEO), Christine Narramore, Alana O’Sullivan, Gabriel Jones Operations
Louise Austin (Director), Graham Byrne, Sarah Coombs, Vanessa Cruz, Greg Cullen, Tracy Dang, Edward Mao,
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(Director), Tom Abourizk, Rafi Alam, Erin Barton, Katelyn Cameron, Jordan Cornelius, Andrew Kelly, Brendan
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(CEO), Antoinette Dyce, Katrina Ellis, Julian Peters, Susan Quinn, Brad Ruting, Rebekah Sarkoezy.

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use. You can help us by asking for permission to use the Materials or reporting anything you think breaches this
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by licensed parties must be approved by CHOICE before publication. The Board The Australian Consumers’ Association
is governed by an honorary and independent board elected by financial and voting members. Board directors give
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Board Co-Chairs Anita Tang and Nic Cola Directors Samantha Challinor, Kat George, Fiona Guthrie, Fiona Jolly,
Melissa King, Jamie Pride, Amanda Robbins Company Secretary Sarah Coombs.

The Australian Consumers’ Association is a not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee. ACN 000 281 925 ABN 72 000 281 925.
Registered office: 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204, Australia.

CHOICE editorial guidelines


Accuracy: Our journalists use sources (usually in the Checkout section use a product in their homes. We buy
from trusted institutions with a reputation of the magazine). If you think we’ve most products we test, maintaining
for careful and unbiased research. Our got something wrong, please visit our independence from manufacturers
verifiers and subject matter experts check choice.com.au/contactus. and so we know what you’re faced with
articles and reviews before publication, to Reviews and testing: Our testers put in the shops. We’ve checked the models
make sure facts and quotes are accurate products through their paces in our are available at the time we publish.
and data has been interpreted correctly. own NATA-accredited laboratories. Our recommendations are based on
Corrections: If we’ve made an error We use test methods based on a product’s quality and performance,
in CHOICE magazine, we include the Australian standards and develop with no hidden bias.
correction in the next available issue our own to match the way consumers See choice.com.au/editorialguidelines.

74 /// FEBRUARY 2025 CHOICE


NEXT MONTH

Golden
years
Home, health &
IMAGES: GETTY

finances in retirement

Hospital insurance Big chill Ceiling fans


The best policies Large household? How to choose the right
for all life stages Super-size your fridge model for any room

Plus Fitness trackers, dishwashers, stain removers & more


CHOICE FEBRUARY 2025 /// 75
FEBRUARY 2025
MORE OR LESS?
This ad is really mucking with our minds.

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

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