We test high-end vacuum cleaners priced from $600 to $1099.
24 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE reveals which expensive vacuum cleaners earn their keep, and whether it's necessary to spend up to $1000 on a model.
You can buy a good quality vacuum cleaner for less than $300. Our newest test results include the latest models.
14 Jul 2011 |
Our test reveals some good, affordable choices and one model in particular that would hold its own against vacuums costing twice as much.
Our latest test of mid-price vacuums finds bag models take the lead over bins.
4 May 2011 |
Mid-priced vacuum cleaners offer some of the best value for their price.
Is the cost on this slick stick vacuum worth the reward?
1 Mar 2011 |
Dyson's latest stick vac is a top performer, but it has a price tag to match.
Put simply, this is the best-performing handheld vacuum cleaner CHOICE has ever tested.
16 Nov 2010 |
The Dustbuster Flexi easily and effectively tackles spot vacuuming tasks.
Vacuuming can’t yet be left entirely to the machines.
29 Oct 2010 |
Easy to use and clever at navigating around rooms, the NaviBot is still no replacement for a traditional vacuum cleaner.
These stick vacuums are handy around the home and most separate into a handheld vac as well.
12 Sep 2010 |
CHOICE tests nine stick vacuums, ranging in price between $50 and $350.
Has your vacuum cleaner bitten the dust? Before you buy a new one, check out our quick guide.
6 Jul 2010 |
You can’t go past a vacuum cleaner that is light, quiet, easy to manoeuvre, has a long cord and has a neat compact design for easy storage.
In 2007 this was the most effective - and most expensive - handheld vac we'd ever tested
23 Nov 2009 |
First Look: Dyson Radix 6 handheld vacuum cleaner
In 2007 this was the most effective - and most expensive - handheld vac we'd ever tested.
These handheld vacuum cleaners are handy for cleaning up small messes.
1 Feb 2009 |
Handheld vacuum cleaners have come a long way since CHOICE last tested them in 2000.
If you’ve got a messy workshop or patio — and plenty of time — the Dirt Dog might be your new best friend.
14 Aug 2008 |
We put the Dirt Dog to the test on a workshop floor scattered with sawdust, small nails, screws, nuts and washers.
A good carpet cleaner should get you out of trouble ... unless you live with a budding Pro Hart.
25 Sep 2007 |
We put the carpet spot cleaners to the test on two different types of cream-coloured carpet: nylon cut pile and wool sisal.
Don't let just anyone loose on your carpets.
10 Apr 2007 |
While you're more likely to wait until your carpets are covered in muddy paw prints before hiring a carpet cleaner, having your carpets cleaned at least once a year should prolong their life.
We found many vegetarian meat substitutes are alarmingly high in salt - and taste bland.
11 Apr 2011 |
CHOICE put a handful of vegetarian meat substitutes to the test, rating both nutritional value and taste.
A fresh and delicious salad.
2 Mar 2011 |
A delicious salad that quick and easy to make.
A tasty and fresh summer salad.
20 Jan 2011 |
A simple way to freshen your summer meals.
A tasty vegetarian dish.
14 Jan 2011 |
Cook's CHOICE cooks up a tasty vegetarian dish.
A tasty vegetable pasta with a touch of cinnamon.
14 Jan 2011 |
Eggplant and mushroom pasta with a touch of cinnamon, topped with parmasan cheese.
CHOICE recipe for a sweet and salty salad
25 Jun 2010 |
Ingredients that may not often go together makes a great salad
A simple way with beetroot
25 Jun 2010 |
A complex root vegetable is simplified via this recipe
CHOICE recipe for cauliflower au gratin
24 Jun 2010 |
Quick and easy way to make cauliflower very tasty.
CHOICE recipe for indian vegetable and chicken soup
24 Jun 2010 |
A delightful combination of chicken and spices create a hearty soup
Mushroom with a hint of sage make this great pasta dish
24 Jun 2010 |
A tasty mushroom pasta with a hint of sage.
CHOICE recipe for chicken, corn and brussel sprout soup
24 Jun 2010 |
An oft-maligned vegetable makes the core of this delicious soup
Add a little parsnip for a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes
24 Jun 2010 |
Instead of potato, why not parsnip? Just as tasty with a hint of sage.
CHOICE recipe for pea and ham soup, a perfect winter dinner
24 Jun 2010 |
A thick and tasty pea and ham soup
CHOICE recipe for pea and ham soup, a perfect winter dinner
24 Jun 2010 |
A thick and tasty pea and ham soup
A great accompaniment to any roasted meat
8 Jun 2010 |
Simple and naturally sweet, this recipe is a great partner.
Imported vegetables appear no more likely to be contaminated with pesticides than Australian produce.
5 Mar 2010 |
Our random test of common canned and frozen vegetables showed little cause for concern.
Are chemicals from plastic food containers and wrapping as safe as the industry and regulators claim or are they slowly poisoning us?
7 Jan 2010 |
There’s a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests some plastics are not as safe as we're led to believe.
CHOICE discovers some delicious varieties of tomatoes to look out for - and how to pick them.
7 Oct 2009 |
Tomatoes you find at the supermarket are often as hard and as tasty as cricket balls. But there are still some tasty tomatoes to be found.
Electric food steamers do what they claim, but which do it best?
7 Sep 2009 |
Are steamers any healthier than other ways to steam food? CHOICE tested 15, looking at their ease of use and performace.
Survival gardening is part of a shift in consumer demand for more nutritious and tastier food.
5 Sep 2009 |
As more people discover the savings and satisfaction of growing their own produce, CHOICE finds out how you can set up your own edible garden.
Some potato shapes that appeal to kids don’t make the nutritional grade.
7 Jul 2009 |
Chips, fries or wedges can be handy to keep in the freezer but what is the true cost of this convenience?
Should you trade in your supermarket trolley for food straight off the farm?
13 Feb 2008 |
There’s no legislation defining farmers' markets in Australia—each has its own charter which sets out what the market allows and doesn’t. So can you be sure that farmers and producers are the ones getting your custom?
Choosing organic food is easier than ever. But is it worth the extra money?
17 Jul 2007 |
Not too long ago you had to go to special shops if you wanted organic food. Now you can find plenty in supermarkets, but mostly you’ll pay a pretty high premium over the cost of standard produce. Is it really worth it?
Frozen vegetables can have higher levels of important nutrients, such as vitamin C, than fresh.
13 Mar 2007 |
We wanted to compare the vitamin levels in a range of fresh raw, fresh cooked, frozen and canned vegies to see which were more nutritious.
Our food in focus is oats, packed full of nutritional goodies, and yummy in our muesli recipe.
4 Dec 2006 |
This simple home made museli recipe is both delicious and healthy. It won't last long.
We take a look at the first mass-produced electric car available to consumers in Australia.
20 Jan 2012 |
We take the Mitsubishi i-MIEV for a spin and reveal how it feels to drive, and other first impressions.
The potential exists for the occupants of the vehicle to be exposed to exhaust gases, which are poisonous.
13 Jan 2012 |
Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited is recalling Fiesta Econetic vehicles sold nationally between 2nd September 2011 and 12th September 2011.
This vehicle has been recalled due to a potential manufacturing defect within fuel feed hose.
6 Dec 2011 |
Holden Epica 2.0L vehicles, are being recalled due to a potential manufacturing defect within fuel feed hose.
The engine may seize and the operator may not be able to restart the motor.
26 Oct 2011 |
Yamaha Motor Australia Pty Ltd is recalling Yamaha VMAX1700 vehicles sold nationally.
Our updated report looks at the latest HD plasma and LCD televisions.
2 Feb 2012 |
CHOICE puts the latest 102-107cm HD plasma and LCD televisions through their paces.
Getting a video file to play on these portable media players can be challenging.
14 Nov 2011 |
See how the Apple iPod compares with the latest mp3 and mp4 players.
Use the motion controller in the latest consoles to keep fit at home.
14 Apr 2011 |
We asked 17 people to try out a selection of fitness, party games and multi-player titles on three consoles.
These devices are a cheaper alternative to a digital video recorder – but you only get what you pay for.
22 Jun 2010 |
These products may save you money, but you'll have to compromise on features and performance.
CHOICE brings the new Samsung 3D TV into the lab for a quick once over.
24 Feb 2010 |
CHOICE gives its preliminary verdict on the new Samsung 3D TV, ahead of our full test of 3D models.
Nobody said we were perfect. And this video proves it.
17 Dec 2009 |
Some of the best (or worst, depending on your viewpoint) highlights from our 2009 CHOICE videos.
Turn your home movies into feature films.
4 Mar 2007 |
It takes time to find your way around video editing software.
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
We review 25 of the latest high definition camcorders priced from $399 to $2099.
7 Nov 2011 |
The latest digital camcorders tested offer more features and greater storage to help cope with the challenges of HD video.
You don't have to pay a lot for high definition video these days.
23 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE's latest pocket camcorder review has test results for 15 models priced from $179 to $499.
Compare test results, features and functions to find the best standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) camcorder.
20 Nov 2009 |
CHOICE reviewed 11 of the latest high definition (HD) and seven standard definition (SD) camcorders and our testers scrutinised every function and feature.
Don’t worry too much about picture quality when shopping for a digital camcorder — it’s mainly their sound quality that sets them apart.
1 Jun 2009 |
Whether it’s a holiday or your kids growing up, a digital camcorder can help you preserve your favourite memories in high, never deteriorating quality.
Turn your home movies into feature films.
4 Mar 2007 |
It takes time to find your way around video editing software.
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
A high-definition set-top box is an inexpensive way to upgrade to digital TV.
13 Oct 2011 |
We put 14 set-top boxes, priced from $80 to $150, through their paces, and find out which ones come out on top.
You don't have to pay a lot for high definition video these days.
23 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE's latest pocket camcorder review has test results for 15 models priced from $179 to $499.
Tired of having the TV networks tell you when to watch your favourite programs?
25 May 2011 |
We review eight of the latest DVRs, priced between $199 and $699.
Electronic program guides (EPGs) are supposed to help Australians record their weekly TV fix, but how reliable are they?
2 May 2010 |
CHOICE explains why electronic program guides fall short of the mark.
At last, the replacement for the venerable VCR has finally gone HD.
12 Oct 2009 |
CHOICE looked at the latest selection of digital solutions that not only record TV programs to an internal hard drive, but also play DVDs and record to a DVD.
What’s an electronic program guide (EPG) and do you need one?
11 Aug 2009 |
An electronic program guide is just a TV guide by another name. More than that, it's a useful tool for planning and organising your TV watching.
At first glance, the Beyonwiz DP-S1 seems to be an ideal PVR. But there are some issues that make it less than perfect.
4 Jan 2008 |
CHOICE reviews the Beyonwiz personal video recorder.
Are you getting enough vitamin D?
18 Jan 2012 |
Vitamin D deficiency has been described as a pandemic. We explain if you're at risk, and what you can do to get enough.
Are they essential, or just a pricey gimmick?
1 Sep 2011 |
There are plenty of specialist multivitamin on the market for conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Can they be beneficial or are they just a gimmick?
These products come with a ‘healthy’ dose of spin.
7 Jan 2011 |
For drinks that are essentially cordials with added vitamins, “nutrient-enhanced waters” are making a splash.
Electric food steamers do what they claim, but which do it best?
7 Sep 2009 |
Are steamers any healthier than other ways to steam food? CHOICE tested 15, looking at their ease of use and performace.
Are juices that contain extra antioxidants or supplements better for you?
26 Feb 2009 |
Fruit juices with exotic supplements have spread from juice bars onto the supermarket shelves. But are these juices with feel-good extras really better for you than straight juice?
Complementary medicines make a range of claims about their effectiveness, but these claims are not always backed up with sound evidence.
2 Dec 2008 |
In some cases, complementary medicines can harm consumers’ health. Current regulatory action does not do enough to protect consumers.
It’s a popular alternative treatment for osteoarthritis but does it really work?
8 May 2008 |
Does glucosamine help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis? The latest research casts some doubt on the matter.
Can juice from 'super' fruits — goji, noni, mangosteen or açai — really cure cancer?
16 Aug 2007 |
Forget about an orange or apple — distrubtors say if you really want to keep the doctor away, you need to knock back a daily dose of "superfruit".
Consumers have a right to know why some drugs are approved and some are not.
9 Jul 2007 |
The Therapeutic Goods Administration do not disclose why certain drugs have been approved and others have not.
It's the health tonic of the moment, but where’s the evidence for its benefits?
23 May 2006 |
If you believe the hype, wheatgrass can nourish the blood and detoxify poisons, purify the liver, rebuild the bloodstream and more — all before breakfast.
Been burning the candle at both ends?
5 Oct 2005 |
A week or two on a detox program won’t absolve you from a year of unhealthy eating, smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
Do you really need to take one?
6 Jan 2005 |
Research shows that a balanced diet is still the best way to get your vitamins and minerals, and that diets high in whole grains, vegetables and fruit reduce the risk of cancers and other diseases.
We test 11 landline phones with answering machines, priced from $60 to $230.
16 Jan 2012 |
We review a range of models that include digital answering machines.
Should you think about ditching your home phone altogether or is there life in the tried-and-true service yet?
9 Feb 2011 |
We look at existing landline and mobile options as well as some cutting-edge alternatives.
CHOICE uncovers the hidden traps with international prepaid phone cards and what their blaring posters don’t tell you.
25 Sep 2009 |
Extra costs, such as “service” fees that gobble up credit even when you’re not making calls are often not advertised on the posters or phone cards.
Can using VoIP with Naked DSL cut your phone bill in half?
21 Jan 2009 |
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and uses an Internet connection to make and receive telephone calls.
Using VoIP can save you money, but you need the right hardware to do it — so we put seven VoIP capable modem routers to the test.
21 Jan 2009 |
There’s a lot of talk about the cost advantages of moving to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), for both long-distance and local calls as well.
Cordless phones remain a fixture in most Australian homes.
5 Dec 2008 |
In an effort to keep cordless phones relevant, manufacturers have introduced extra features, such as support for SMS, Bluetooth wireless headsets and even the ability to make calls over the internet.
What to look for when buying a digital cordless phone.
25 Jun 2008 |
Digital cordless phones are about to push analogue models off the market. They provide better sound quality and encrypt your conversation, so eavesdropping is less likely to be an issue.
Saving money with internet telephony.
3 Apr 2007 |
Long-distance phone calls can keep you in touch with far flung friends and loved ones, but you don’t want to have to mortgage your house to pay for them.
Heard the buzz about VoIP and want to know what all the fuss is about?
4 Jun 2006 |
We’ve tested six headsets that can plug into your computer to make phone calls over the internet.