You can't judge a book by its cover – what about food by its label?
20 Jan 2009 |
Food labelling can be a minefield of confusion and misinformation. Labelling legislation offers some relief, but often isn't sufficiently enforced.
Save water and money by choosing water efficient products.
15 Mar 2008 |
The water efficiency label allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products.
Check the label - your choice can influence your energy bill for years.
8 Jan 2008 |
Choosing an energy-efficient model will save you money. And because most electricity generation produces greenhouse gases, it’s better for the environment too.
If you buy free-range, how do you make sure you get what you pay for?
6 Mar 2007 |
Free-range can mean a variety of things — the only common bottom line is that the general welfare requirements under state-based animal welfare acts and codes must be met.
How do your desktop and laptop, printer and digital camera stack up?
13 Jan 2009 |
The results for this year’s reliability survey are in — the good news is there's been an improvement for some products, but there are a few disappointing figures too.
Buy the laptop you need at the price you can afford.
26 May 2008 |
Our report explains all you need to know about processors, memory, hard drives and more, and helps you match your needs with certain specifications.
Super-concentrated laundry detergents are one step towards a cleaner, greener environment - but they're not the total solution.
1 Feb 2010 |
Most laundry detergents now claim to be “two times concentrate”, meaning you use half as much. But do they give you the same number of washes?
Use our recommendations to get great performance and value for money.
1 Feb 2010 |
We put 49 washing machines through the paces in our labs to give you independent buying advice and real comparisons.
Water from washing machines could end up harming your precious plants.
21 Oct 2009 |
Using grey water on your garden could save hundreds of litres of water per day. We tested wash and rinse water for potentially harmful chemicals.
Do small packets of super-concentrated laundry detergent give the same wash as their bigger brothers?
21 May 2009 |
But as the scoops supplied in both packs look similar, does less detergent mean we’re getting less wash runs for our dollar?
Front loader or top loader? CHOICE tells you what to look for in a new washing machine.
1 May 2009 |
Use our quick buying guide to decide which type is right for you and what features you need.
A six star energy-efficient dryer is now on the market, but you’ll have to dig deep upfront.
2 Apr 2009 |
Miele claims this technology saves up to 46 percent of energy used in comparable condensor dryers.
We put 17 dryers, including a couple of gas models, through their paces.
20 Feb 2009 |
To help you make the right decision, we go out and buy the most popular clothes dryers on the market, bring them back to our laboratories and test them for six weeks.
A rainy day solution or an expensive clothes rack?
16 Jun 2008 |
An unheated-clothes rack obviously costs nothing to run but you may find your clothes left to dry overnight are still damp when you need them in the morning.
Ironing can be a tedious task, but a good iron will at least make the job easier — and safer.
26 May 2008 |
Our tester conducted a series of safety tests to see if any of the irons posed a hazard to consumers.
Super-concentrated laundry detergents are one step towards a cleaner, greener environment - but they're not the total solution.
1 Feb 2010 |
Most laundry detergents now claim to be “two times concentrate”, meaning you use half as much. But do they give you the same number of washes?
Water from washing machines could end up harming your precious plants.
21 Oct 2009 |
Using grey water on your garden could save hundreds of litres of water per day. We tested wash and rinse water for potentially harmful chemicals.
Do small packets of super-concentrated laundry detergent give the same wash as their bigger brothers?
21 May 2009 |
But as the scoops supplied in both packs look similar, does less detergent mean we’re getting less wash runs for our dollar?
Mulcher mowers can give you a greener lawn and greener environment.
15 Oct 2009 |
CHOICE tested 11 petrol-powered mulcher mowers that keep your lawn looking its best. Three have a self propelled drive mechanism and the others are propelled by the user.
What type of mower for you? Petrol, electric, battery?
17 May 2009 |
What type of mower for you? Petrol, electric, battery? Generally petrol have the best cutting performance, though many electric models now come close.
Which mower will not only cut your grass well but also have the least environmental impact?
29 Sep 2008 |
CHOICE tested both types of mowers for their performance and ease of use and checked the noise and safety of the petrol mowers as well.
Compare TVs to find the best product.
29 Jan 2010 |
Get unbiased test results for LCD televisions with an 81cm screen priced from $799 to $1499.
Don’t be swayed by the latest tech-speak when shopping for a new TV – just look at the picture.
19 Nov 2009 |
Our viewing panel was impressed with the luminescent quality of the recommended TV displays and the strong colours and detail in the shadow areas.
Large screen HD plasma and LCD televisions on test. Review and compare models to find the best TV.
25 Nov 2008 |
We take the guesswork out of buying the major television brands by putting them through their paces in our specialised laboratories.
Extra-large HD plasma and LCD televisions on test.
18 Aug 2008 |
Two of the models in our test stood out as using about a quarter of a watt in standby mode, which is a very good result.
Buy the best TV. Find information on picture and sound quality, screen type, size and ease of use.
20 May 2008 |
Plasma or LCD TV? Buying a TV in the 21st century is no mean feat. CHOICE suggests some things to consider before you buy.
Use our tools to insist on your rights when products don’t work as they should. And help us pressure retailers to sign our Fair Warranty Charter.
3 Dec 2009 |
You have a legal right to ask your retailer to repair or replace faulty goods – or give you a refund.
When you need to see a solicitor, how do you know if you’ve been overcharged – and what can you do about it?
11 Aug 2009 |
CHOICE outlines what you can do to minimise the risk of legal overcharging and the steps to take if you suspect you’ve been ripped off.
Lenders will check your credit report when you apply for credit.
9 May 2007 |
If you plan to apply for credit in the near future - for example, if you’re looking to buy a house - it’s a good idea to check your credit file.
Home owners who locked in their loans 12 months ago now pay about 30% more interest than those on variable rates.
6 Feb 2009 |
Fixed rates have now come down to about their lowest point in the past 10 years.
Find the best mortgage. Here's how to save thousands on your home loan.
2 Oct 2008 |
The best savings were achieved by switching to a credit union or an online subsidiary of a major bank – and you can’t get any of those loans through mortgage brokers.
Use our tips to negotiate the mortgage maze.
19 May 2008 |
For some people, flexibility and peace of mind are important, and there are a range of home loan options that offer such benefits.
How to avoid the traps and get the most from a mortgage broker when shopping around for a home loan.
21 Apr 2008 |
If brokers’ advertisements and claims are to be believed, they’re the answer for anyone seeking a loan to suit their circumstances.
The best way to own your home sooner is to get a cheap loan and make higher payments, more often.
1 Mar 2008 |
Extra repayments can have a huge effect. Our case studies were amazed at how modest extra payments could save tens of thousands in interest.
Borrowing to invest can make your money work harder but it's a risky strategy in a volatile market.
7 Feb 2008 |
The margin loan is secured against the investment you make with it and/or other investments you have.
We expose the traps of new types of loans, including 40-year mortgages and no-deposit home loans.
5 Jan 2008 |
With first homes averaging $430,000 and housing affordability at a record low, new types of loan may seem tempting — but are they safe?
Our shadow shop revealed poor advice and information from reverse mortgage sellers.
27 Feb 2007 |
Originally reverse mortgages were sold directly by the lender, but in the last few years mortgage brokers have started to offer these products.