A-Z Guide

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Wardrobes

IKEA PAX AURLAND wardrobe mirror glass recall

Falling mirror can shatter, posing a risk of laceration injury.

4 Nov 2011 | IKEA is recalling PAX AURLAND wardrobe mirror glasses sold between the 1st August 2009 and the 1st April 2011.

Warranty

CHOICE's guide to your shopping rights

CHOICE encourages you to know your consumer rights!

15 Mar 2013 | This guide outlines common traps to be wary of, as well as offering tips on smarter shopping.

CHOICE guide to renovating your home

The CHOICE Guide to renovating your home will help you save time, money and heartache.

12 Mar 2013 | Home renovation will be one of the biggest and costliest challenges of your life. But with our help, it can also be one of the most rewarding.

CHOICE's guide to your shopping rights

Get savvy with this CHOICE guide

8 Mar 2013 | This guide outlines common traps to be wary of, as well as offering tips on smarter shopping.

CHOICE's guide to your shopping rights

Get savvy this summer with the latest CHOICE guide.

21 Dec 2012 | This guide outlines common traps to be wary of, as well as offering tips on smarter shopping.

New consumer law

CHOICE campaign on consumer law has helped make significant changes implemented in the new consumer law.

1 Feb 2011 | New laws coming into effect give Australians the same consumer rights regardless of which state they live in.

When a company goes under

How you pay for goods will often determine whether you get your purchases when a company goes under.

28 May 2010 | Consumer Action Law Centre warns customers against buying goods from Clive Peeters unless they take them away on the day.

Know your rights

We look at nine common scenarios and show you how to assert your rights.

12 Jan 2010 | What can you do when you know you’re getting a raw deal, but don't know what to do about it? Read on.

Getting the most from product warranties  

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.

Extended warranties

Consumers are being pressured into purchasing extended warranties.

25 Nov 2008 | When purchasing big-ticket items it's common to be offered an extended warranty. This may seem like a good option, but many consumers are not adequately informed of what the warranty actually covers.

Extended warranties

Are you being served or served up when offered an extended warranty?

12 Nov 2008 | To find out if people are being pressured by retailers into buying extended warranties, CHOICE and the NSW Office of Fair Trading conducted an online survey and shadow shop of electrical retailers.

A warranty for your investments

What is an investment warranty and does it mean your money in a mortgage trust is safe?

3 Jun 2008 | You wouldn’t buy a telly without a warranty … so why would you invest without one?

Home warranty insurance

In most states it only gives you protection in extreme circumstances.

26 May 2008 | The insurance is currently compulsory in all states and territories and adds approximately $1500 to $2000 to the cost of building a new home.

Your shopping rights

All goods for sale must meet basic standards.

29 Oct 2007 | How to deal confidently with retailers, know when you're entitled to a refund, write a letter of complaint or seek redress through a fair trading authority.

Washing machines

Washing machine reviews  

We’ve tested more than 50 washing machines, including models from Samsung, Fisher & Paykel, LG and Midea.

10 May 2013 | Find out which washers compare favourably when assessed for dirt removal, rinse performance and water and energy efficiency.

Appliance reliability survey

Our 2013 update reveals how our members rate common technology products and appliances for reliability.

18 Mar 2013 | CHOICE regularly surveys our members, asking them about how reliable they've found their appliances.

Laundry powder reviews

We've tested powders, liquids, pods and gels to find which laundry detergents perform the best.

6 Feb 2013 | We've compared the top-selling laundry detergents for both top- and front loaders - 64 in all - to find which are the best at removing stains.

Shonkiest shonky - vote now!

The results are in! Which of the 8 CHOICE Shonky Award winners was voted the Shonkiest?

6 Nov 2012 | The results are in! The winner of the People’s Choice Shonkiest Shonky is Nature’s Way Kids Smart Natural Medicines, with 44% of the vote.

The 2012 Shonky Awards  

CHOICE's awards for the shonkiest products and shoddiest services are back.

30 Oct 2012 | Our annual Shonky awards recognise and reprimand misleading claims, false advertising, lack of transparency, faulty goods and/or poor service, awarding lemon gongs to the 'winners'.

Washer/dryers buying guide

A washer/dryer combo is a tempting option when you've limited space, but there are some drawbacks.

1 Jul 2012 | Combined washing machine and dryer units sound like the ultimate laundry convenience — you put dirty clothes in and take out clean, dry clothes.

Water efficiency scheme strengthened

CHOICE welcomes the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme update.

29 Jun 2012 | Consumers purchasing water-usage products can now have greater confidence in the star system used to rate energy efficiency.

Absurd whitegoods features  

Do the special features on your washing machine actually mean anything?

13 Jun 2012 | Often the special functions on your washing machine and dryer are just marketing hype.

OMO Pods first look

OMO says these liquid capsules contain its ‘most advanced liquid ever’ – but does it deliver?

6 Oct 2011 | CHOICE finds out whether these water soluble pods are any different to a standard liquid detergent.

Laundry powders vs liquids review

Liquid or powder? CHOICE determines which detergents give you the best clean.

15 Jul 2011 | We compare laundry detergent concentrates to find out which perform better, give the best value for money and are better for our environment.

Washing machines buying guide  

Front loader or top loader? CHOICE tells you what to look for in a new washing machine.

1 Jul 2011 | Use our quick buying guide to decide which type is right for you and what features you need.

CHOICE Awards 2011

Read which products and services were voted best of the best in our second annual CHOICE Awards.

31 Mar 2011 | The CHOICE Awards recognise companies developing innovative, quality products and services.

Energy efficient home guide

We look at energy savings everyone can make.

30 Mar 2011 | We've used our CHOICE testing to bring you a comprehensive list of energy-efficient products for your home.

What you need to know about washing machines  

Here are five things you need to know about your washing machine.

8 Oct 2010 | Martha Psiroukis reveals the surprising truth about efficiency ratings, temperature, detergent amounts and fabric softener.

Drycleaning

CHOICE finds out the truth behind your drycleaning disasters and your rights when things go wrong.

8 Oct 2010 | Inaccurate care labels could be at the heart of many drycleaning mishaps.

Washing-machine-recall

A number of Electrolux and Simpson washing machines could cause electric shocks.

15 Dec 2009 | See the list of washing machines that are being recalled.

Concentrated laundry detergent doses review

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?

Laundry liquid detergents

Laundry liquids don’t wash as well as the best powders but they’re better for greywater.

24 Apr 2008 | CHOICE tests regularly show that the best washing powders give a better wash than liquids, but many people prefer to use liquids.

Appliance reliability survey 2007

See how your appliances rate for reliability.

25 Aug 2007 | Based on your responses, the most reliable appliances are digital cameras and televisions, while the machines most likely to need repairs are dishwashers and lawnmowers.

LG steam WD1248RD washer dryer

The LG uses more water to dry clothes than to wash them.

8 Jun 2007 | If you’ve listened to the marketing, you might be thinking the LG Combined Steam Washer and Dryer makes wash day more environmentally friendly.

Waste reduction

Excess packaging

As online shopping takes off, so does the amount of packaging in the system.

24 Nov 2011 | The amount of packaging material in the postal system is piling up as more and more people do their shopping online.

Food waste

Aussie households bin close to three million tonnes of food each year.

28 Jun 2011 | CHOICE explains how you can do your bit to reduce household food waste, save money and help the environment in the process.

Household waste management guide

A staggering 24 million tonnes of waste material goes into Australian landfill each year. You can help reduce that figure.

14 Apr 2011 | Reducing household waste can be as easy as altering household disposal systems. CHOICE shows you some ways to make your home greener.

Excess packaging investigation

Is all that empty space in our food packaging really necessary?

1 Jul 2010 | Any trip to a supermarket, pharmacy or department store finds plenty of products packaged with lots of empty space. CHOICE asks manufacturers to explain why.

Drowning in e-waste  

As digital TVs replace analog sets and more TVs end up in landfill, what can be done about recycling?

5 Aug 2009 | Approximately 1.5 million obsolete TV sets are sent to landfill each year and this number is to set to escalate as the digital network rolls out, according to Tipping Point: Australia’s E-waste Crisis, a report by the Total Environment Centre (TEC).

Rebates for going green

Use our guide to ensure that going green doesn’t cost the earth.

24 Apr 2009 | With climate change in mind, more Australians are installing power- and water-saving equipment. As this can mean significant upfront costs, governments are offering a range of rebates.

Reduce product packaging

Most of the goods we buy need to be protected by packaging. But how much is too much?

17 Oct 2007 | From gourmet chocolates to beauty products, an increasing number of consumer goods are buried in layers of packaging these days.

Water

Water-efficient showerheads

CHOICE staff member Ros Page and her family test several water-efficient showerheads.

19 Apr 2013 | Our home tester and her family trialled several water-efficient showerheads - how did they go with the low flow?

Exercise hydration

What and how much should you drink when exercising?

7 Jan 2013 | The simple act of drinking when thirsty has become complicated by science and pseudoscience. CHOICE investigates.

Wacky water

We take a look at the science behind various "enhanced" waters on the market, including hexagonal water and sports waters.

7 Jan 2013 | The market is awash with "enhanced" waters making claims about their superior chemistry. But do they offer any advantages over normal water?

Water efficiency scheme strengthened

CHOICE welcomes the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme update.

29 Jun 2012 | Consumers purchasing water-usage products can now have greater confidence in the star system used to rate energy efficiency.

Fruit juice popper reviews  

Is there a place for fruit poppers in your child’s lunchbox?

30 Apr 2012 | We review 100 different varieties of fruit juice poppers available in major supermarkets and found a few factors worth considering before you pop one in your kids lunchbox.

Microfibre cloth reviews

Keep your regular household cleaning simple and green with a microfibre cloth and a spray of water.

11 Dec 2009 | Microfibre cloths minimise the need for chemical cleaners, so they're good for the environment and the hip pocket.

Car cleaners

How can you save water while washing your car? CHOICE investigates.

28 Nov 2008 | Whether you wash your car with a sense of pride or dread, you need water to do it effectively. And living in the world’s driest inhabited continent, a strong sense of conservation is also essential.

Water filters review and compare

A water filter may improve the taste or smell of your tap water, but be aware of the problems and cost involved.

19 Oct 2008 | Filtering the water at the tap is one way of removing the taste of additives. CHOICE looks at the pros and cons of purchasing a water filter.

Rainwater tanks buying guide

It’s time we stopped wasting precious drinking water on the garden and for toilet-flushing.

1 Jul 2008 | Australia is the driest inhabited continent and predictions are that the future is likely to get hotter and drier.

Water efficiency label

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.

Pool maintenance

If you have a swimming pool, cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep the water safe.

3 Mar 2008 | From collecting leaves to keeping the chlorine levels stable, there is a huge range of tricks, tools and products to keep your pool in tip top shape.

Rainwater tank pumps review and compare

To get best use out of your rainwater tank, you need a good pump.

19 Oct 2007 | There's a wide range of brands and types of pumps available. Which ones deliver the best water flow?

Making the most of used water

Saving water is important, but re-using waste water will help too.

20 Mar 2007 | Greywater is the waste water from showers, baths, hand-basins, laundry tubs, washing machines, dishwashers and kitchen sinks. Using greywater on your garden could help save hundreds of litres of water a day.

Fluoride

Is fluoride good for your teeth, or a slow poison? We look at the most recent evidence.

23 Feb 2007 | There’s now solid scientific evidence that fluoride added to drinking water helps to protect your teeth from decay.

Are you drinking enough water

We’re told to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy. But is that really enough? And does it have to be water, or do other fluids count?

30 Sep 2001 | Thirst is an emergency response — by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

Water filters

Water filters review and compare

A water filter may improve the taste or smell of your tap water, but be aware of the problems and cost involved.

19 Oct 2008 | Filtering the water at the tap is one way of removing the taste of additives. CHOICE looks at the pros and cons of purchasing a water filter.

water-damage

Liquipel treatment review  

Can you protect your mobile devices from water damage?

14 Sep 2012 | A new treatment for mobile devices promises to make them "water safe" - but how well does it work?

Water-efficient showerheads

Water-efficient showerheads

CHOICE staff member Ros Page and her family test several water-efficient showerheads.

19 Apr 2013 | Our home tester and her family trialled several water-efficient showerheads - how did they go with the low flow?

Water efficiency scheme strengthened

CHOICE welcomes the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme update.

29 Jun 2012 | Consumers purchasing water-usage products can now have greater confidence in the star system used to rate energy efficiency.

Saving water at home

Making your home water-efficient needn’t cost a fortune. You can do a lot with a few dollars, and even more with a few hundred.

14 Feb 2011 | While we may have experienced plenty of rain during the summer just past, there are still plenty of environmental and cost advantages to saving water.

Water heaters

Hot water systems buying guide

Don't wait till your hot water system goes, review your options and plan your next purchase now.

20 Jun 2011 | By researching the options and choosing the best system for your needs, you could save money and the environment.

Waterproof

Liquipel treatment review  

Can you protect your mobile devices from water damage?

14 Sep 2012 | A new treatment for mobile devices promises to make them "water safe" - but how well does it work?

HD Hero2 first look

HD video for extreme action.

17 Feb 2012 | The HD Hero2 is the camera for people who like to live life on the edge.

Waterproof cases

HD Hero2 first look

HD video for extreme action.

17 Feb 2012 | The HD Hero2 is the camera for people who like to live life on the edge.

Water safety

Water filters review and compare

A water filter may improve the taste or smell of your tap water, but be aware of the problems and cost involved.

19 Oct 2008 | Filtering the water at the tap is one way of removing the taste of additives. CHOICE looks at the pros and cons of purchasing a water filter.

Bodyboards buying guide

Bodyboards are more affordable, less tiring, safer and easier to transport than surfboards.

29 Oct 2007 | Bodyboards are a great way to hit the surf without going through the hard yards of learning to surf.

Web browsers

Web TV grows up

The age of streaming TV over the internet is here. How do you take advantage of it?

2 Aug 2011 | More and more TV content is becoming available over the internet, both via browsers and direct to your TV with new hardware.

Online storage reviews

Online backup could be the quick and free storage solution you've been looking for.

21 Feb 2010 | Finally, anybody can have offsite backup. We test 10 services that offer secure online storage of all your important information.

Web browser software review and compare

Our browser showdown reveals performance winners.

11 Feb 2010 | Is bigger really better? We test five leading web browsers for speed, safety and versatility.

Google Chrome review

Google polishes up its web presence.

1 Oct 2008 | Do we need another web browser, when we already have Interet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera and others to choose from?

Webcams

Gadget gift guide for Christmas

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.

Christmas gift guide

We've trawled our test results to bring you a range of great gift ideas.

16 Nov 2011 | From digital cameras to kitchen gadgets, our gift ideas cater to all budgets.

HD webcam reviews

The world wide web is your stage with these eight high definition webcams.

9 Nov 2011 | Thanks to the Internet age, creating and sharing video content is as simple as talking to a camera on top of your PC.

Webcam reviews

Webcams are handy for instant messaging, video chats and quick snaps.

30 Jul 2008 | They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so a moving picture must surely be even more valuable — which is probably why webcams have become so popular for personal communication.

Weber

BBQ reviews  

We test 23 barbecues priced between $179 and $2200 for performance and ease of use.

13 Nov 2012 | CHOICE reviews portables, balcony sized, and large four to six burners to suit most situations.

Gift ideas for the kitchen

These gift ideas will please any budding amateur chef.

29 Nov 2011 | CHOICE picks the kitchen gadgets that will make great Christmas presents for anyone who loves to cook.

Christmas gift guide

We've trawled our test results to bring you a range of great gift ideas.

16 Nov 2011 | From digital cameras to kitchen gadgets, our gift ideas cater to all budgets.

Webjet

Flight comparison websites

Don't assume you'll always find the cheapest flights on the most well-known sites.

9 Aug 2011 | We surfed more than a dozen Australian flight comparison websites and found savings of up to $369 for flights leaving to and from the same destination on the same dates.

Weddings

Wedding shadow shop  

Our investigation confirms higher quotes go hand in hand with the W-word.

10 Dec 2009 | This year Australian couples are expected to spend an estimated $3.7 billion on their big day - but can you be sure you're paying what you should?

Weight Control Doctor

Diet clinic shadow shop

We investigate diet programs and uncover confusing advice as well as aggressive sales tactics.

6 Mar 2012 | We put diet programs from Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Cohen's Lifestyle Clinic, and Weight Control Doctor under the microscope.

Weight loss

Stevia-sugar-substitute

Will low-kilojoule sweetener stevia revolutionise the way we flavour our food?

26 Mar 2013 | Stevia is hailed as a zero-kilojoule natural sweetener that will help reduce the amount of sugar we consume. But just how natural is it?

Diet clinic shadow shop

We investigate diet programs and uncover confusing advice as well as aggressive sales tactics.

6 Mar 2012 | We put diet programs from Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Cohen's Lifestyle Clinic, and Weight Control Doctor under the microscope.

The 2011 Shonky awards  

CHOICE's awards for the shoddiest services and the shonkiest products.

24 Oct 2011 | CHOICE's annual showcase of the worst of the worst consumer products and services.

SensaSlim sues Ken Harvey

Weight-loss spray still on the market while consumer champ Dr Ken Harvey battles in court.

21 Jun 2011 | A behind-the-scenes look at the defamation lawsuit by SensaSlim against consumer-health advocate Dr Ken Harvey reveals a deep flaw in TGA regulations.

Weight loss pills

Can slimming be as easy as popping a pill?

2 May 2011 | We look at the so-called "active ingredients" in weight loss pills to see if they live up to their claims.

Weight-loss-myths

Is your “miracle” weight-loss strategy actually expanding your waistline?

20 Jan 2011 | CHOICE looks at problematic myths and misconceptions, as identified by our in-house experts and a survey of professionals.

CHOICE-summer-guide

Be proactive about your New Year's fitness resolution with this round-up of tips and recommended products.

20 Jan 2011 | We've put together the CHOICE summer guide to help you get the best start to 2011.

Stay slim strategies

A huge US survey by our sister organisation reveals six diet and exercise secrets of the slim.

22 Jun 2010 | Are there key eating and exercise strategies that are trademarks of the slim? Learn the secrets of those who never get fat.

Sweeteners

In today’s world of over-consumption and health issues, can the industry really justify ‘better for you’ sugar?

22 Apr 2010 | In the past half-century we’ve increasingly sweetened our food supply. But are we eating too much sugar and is it affecting our health?

Weight-loss-surgery

As a last resort, it can be an effective way to drop the life-threatening kilos.

19 Jan 2010 | Gastric banding is promoted as a safe, easy and effective way for obese people to lose weight. CHOICE investigates the claims.

Body fat scales reviews

Body fat scales can be a better indicator of overall health than their conventional cousins. CHOICE weighs up the options.

10 Dec 2009 | We tested 12 bathroom scales that measure body fat percentage as well as weight. But can they make you appear healthier than you really are?

Glycaemic Index

CHOICE investigates whether our national waistline can benefit from new research on the glycaemic index.

2 Jun 2009 | Low-GI diets have been shown to help people with diabetes and pre-diabetes, but they may also help those who need to lose weight.

Varicose veins

A new treatment for varicose veins looks promising but there’s a danger unqualified operators could benefit at the expense of patients.

26 May 2009 | Varicose veins can be painful, uncomfortable and lead to serious health consequences if left untreated.

Unfair gym contracts

CHOICE reveals the pressure tactics gyms use to lock you into their contracts.

29 Apr 2009 | It's a common scenario: you decide it's time to do something about your health and fitness and head to the nearest gym, keen to change some bad habits.

Pharmacy diet plans

A growing number of pharmacies are getting into the weight-loss business, but how do these diet plans weigh up?

20 Jan 2009 | Pharmacy diet plans may help to shed extra kilos quickly, but most fail to deal effectively with the complex broader issues around weight loss.

Exercise myths busted

There’s a lot of misleading information about exercise — we take a look at fitness facts and fictions

2 Sep 2007 | There are many myths about exercise — fictions which are endlessly perpetuated and validated through sheer repetition.

Xenical

CHOICE is concerned the weight loss drug is being sold inappropriately.

14 Feb 2007 | The National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee has withdrawn permission for Xenical to be advertised directly to consumers. However, it did not change Xenical's status to a S3 'pharmacist only' drug.

Slimming pills

Can losing weight be as easy as popping the latest pill?

5 Dec 2005 | If you read the ads and are left with the impression that simply popping a few pills could be the answer to all your weight worries.

Gyms

It’s a jungle out there and our gym survey discovered plenty of pitfalls for the unwary.

12 Jul 2004 | Interested in discovering the scope and prevalence of consumer issues with regard to gyms, CHOICE conducted an Australia-wide online survey.

A quick guide to weight loss

Quick-fix diets are never the solution to sustainable weight loss. We give you healthy tips to help you lose weight.

15 Nov 2000 | Coming to grips with your own body and making the best of what you’ve got is a safer bet than yet another failed diet.

Weight watchers

Diet clinic shadow shop

We investigate diet programs and uncover confusing advice as well as aggressive sales tactics.

6 Mar 2012 | We put diet programs from Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Cohen's Lifestyle Clinic, and Weight Control Doctor under the microscope.

Wertheim

Expensive vacuum cleaner reviews

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.

WESC

Headphones and earphones reviews

Headphones have become a fashion accessory, but there’s a lot more to them than whether they match your threads.

10 Apr 2013 | CHOICE reviews 16 pairs of headphones, priced from $198 to $300, including models from Beats, Bose, Fanny Wang and Ultrasone.

Western Digital

Portable storage drive reviews  

We test 10 portable storage drives including 2.5 inch hard drives and solid-state drives.

26 Mar 2012 | CHOICE tests 10 super-fast high capacity portable storage drives to see how they compare.

Westfund

Health insurance comparisons

Our health insurance reviews are a prescription for painless health cover.

13 Jun 2013 | We review 20 open funds in Australia, with recommendations to suit a variety of people in different life stages.

Guide to switching health insurers

Have you been slugged by the recent rise in premiums? It might be time to review your cover, switch and save.

28 Mar 2013 | As health insurance premiums went up by 5.6% on average, now’s a good time to check that the amount you’re paying is justified by what you’re getting in return.

westinghouse

Electric built-in oven reviews

We've reviewed 56 electric wall and underbench ovens, including models from Westinghouse, Miele and Electrolux.

11 Jun 2013 | Find out which models we recommend and how they stack up when it comes to cooking performance and impressive features.

Dishwasher reviews  

We take the guesswork out of buying your next dishwasher, with models from Asko, Bosch, Miele and Westinghouse among those on test.

9 Apr 2013 | We've rated 20 dishwashers on their washing and drying performance, energy and water efficiency.

Gas cooktop reviews

We've tested 11 new gas cooktops, including Blanco, Bosch, Electrolux and Miele models.

14 Mar 2013 | We have test results for 39 gas cooktops ranging in price from $329 to $3389. Which are the best performers?

Fridge reviews  

We put the major refrigerators through their paces in our laboratories.

8 Feb 2013 | See performance results for fridges from major brands including Westinghouse, Fisher and Paykel, Electrolux, LG and Samsung.

Ceramic cooktop reviews

Ceramic cooktops have the looks, and they perform well too.

2 Oct 2012 | Ceramic cooktops have easy-to-clean surfaces and a mid-range price tag. Which ones perform best?

Induction cooktop reviews

Fast heating and safety are big pros for this kitchen appliance.

14 Feb 2012 | The initial purchase price is high but the features of an induction cooktop might make it worth your while.

Microwave reviews

A flatbed microwave is convenient but it's those with the turntables that still dominate the list.

19 Dec 2011 | We review 27 microwaves priced from $109 to $490 to find out which models perform the best, and are the easiest to use.

Dual fuel 90cm stove reviews

These sleek stoves are designed for use as either freestanding units or to fit between cabinets.

14 Oct 2011 | CHOICE reviews dual fuel freestanding 90cm stoves, with test results for 6 dual-fuel ranges priced from $1999 to $3699.

Westnet

ISP satisfaction survey

CHOICE's latest survey reveals the ISPs worth celebrating.

27 Oct 2011 | The survey results show which internet sevice providers performed best, how satisfied users were with service, speed, costs and billing, and trends in our use of the internet.

Westpac

Mortgage debt

Australian households have experienced a spike in debt over the last two decades.

12 Apr 2013 | We look into the trend of a rising debt-to-income ratio in Australia. What's behind it, and what can you do to minimise your own mortgage debt?

Kids' bank accounts review

Changes to tax rules mean little savers can be hit with a big tax bill.

15 May 2012 | We review ten savings accounts designed for children and teenagers, including products offered by ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac.

Thousands to farewell the big four banks

On World Consumer Rights Day, we're calling on all Australians to join the global Move Your Money campaign.

15 Mar 2012 | We're marking World Consumer Rights Day by delivering a giant farewell card to the big four banks on behalf of thousands of Australians.

Move your money

Help shift the balance of power in banking back towards consumers.

14 Mar 2012 | Sign the Move Your Money petition and deliver a message to the ‘big four’ bank CEOs that enough is enough.

Credit card travel insurance reviews

Can you trust the complimentary travel insurance that comes with your credit card? We decipher the small print.

13 Dec 2011 | Many gold and platinum credit cards offer travel insurance, but the cover can vary.

whirlpool

Washing machine reviews  

We’ve tested more than 50 washing machines, including models from Samsung, Fisher & Paykel, LG and Midea.

10 May 2013 | Find out which washers compare favourably when assessed for dirt removal, rinse performance and water and energy efficiency.

Dishwasher reviews  

We take the guesswork out of buying your next dishwasher, with models from Asko, Bosch, Miele and Westinghouse among those on test.

9 Apr 2013 | We've rated 20 dishwashers on their washing and drying performance, energy and water efficiency.

Clothes dryer reviews

We put 24 clothes dryers to the test, including vented, condenser and electric heat pump condenser models, and one gas dryer.

3 Apr 2013 | We put the latest clothes dryers through rigorous tests in our labs. Find out which are the best performers.

Gas cooktop reviews

We've tested 11 new gas cooktops, including Blanco, Bosch, Electrolux and Miele models.

14 Mar 2013 | We have test results for 39 gas cooktops ranging in price from $329 to $3389. Which are the best performers?

Fridge reviews  

We put the major refrigerators through their paces in our laboratories.

8 Feb 2013 | See performance results for fridges from major brands including Westinghouse, Fisher and Paykel, Electrolux, LG and Samsung.

Microwave reviews

A flatbed microwave is convenient but it's those with the turntables that still dominate the list.

19 Dec 2011 | We review 27 microwaves priced from $109 to $490 to find out which models perform the best, and are the easiest to use.

White Wings

Cake mix reviews

Cake mixes are convenient, but making a cake from scratch can be just as easy.

9 May 2012 | We taste-tested 19 chocolate and eight vanilla cake mixes, including varieties from White Wings, Betty Crocker and Coles.

Whole grains

Breakfast cereal reviews  

Which cereals make the nutritional grade?

4 Oct 2012 | We look beyond the names and claims to uncover the breakfast cereals that provide the most nutritious start to your day.

Multigrain bread reviews

Multigrain breads can be top scorers for taste and texture, and rate well nutritionally.

6 May 2010 | We size up the main varieties you'll find at your supermarket.

Whole grains

There are five good reasons to include more wholegrains in your diet.

7 Aug 2008 | Wholegrains have become a marketing tool food companies use to convince us to buy one product over another.

Bread and superbread

Can bread really make you brainier?

15 Sep 2006 | Claims that certain breads keep you regular, are good for your heart, or make your kids brainier are mainly marketing hype. The healthiest breads are those made from whole grains — plain old wholemeal and multigrain.

Windows

Desktop search tools

Missing some files? These hard drive hunters could find what you're looking for.

22 Apr 2013 | Desktop search tools offer faster search speeds, content searches, and time-saving features not found in the default Windows tools. We put six to the test.

Technology reliability survey

Just how reliable are your tech devices?

13 Nov 2012 | The CHOICE technology reliability survey reports on what types of problems can go wrong with common computer devices.

Windows 8 preview

We take a look at the key features of the Windows 8 OS update.

26 Oct 2012 | This is the biggest change to the operating system in a very long time, and it’s certainly not going to be to everyone’s liking.

Windows Surface RT tablet first look

The future of Windows computing - Windows 8 and the Surface tablet.

26 Oct 2012 | We take a look at Microsoft's first "Surface" tablet computer, with the special Windows RT operating system.

Karcher Window Vac first look

Now there's a vacuum cleaner for windows too.

31 Jul 2012 | The Karcher Window Vac WV 70 promises - and delivers - streak-free window cleaning.

Mobile World Congress 2012  

We check out some of the latest mobile and wireless technologies at the MWC in Barcelona.

2 Mar 2012 | On day four of the MWC we check out 4G technology, QR codes, and Windows' latest operating system for smartphones.

Consumer Electronics Show 2012  

We head to Las Vegas to check out some of the innovative products shaping consumer technology.

11 Jan 2012 | We take a look at some of the latest gadgets, gizmos and technologies at CES 2012.

Windows Mobile

Smartphone car GPS apps review

Which mobile GPS apps can you rely on to direct you from point A to point B?

26 Mar 2013 | We've tested 17 apps for iPhone, Android and Windows, priced from $0-70 to guide your decision.

Windows 8 preview

We take a look at the key features of the Windows 8 OS update.

26 Oct 2012 | This is the biggest change to the operating system in a very long time, and it’s certainly not going to be to everyone’s liking.

Mobile World Congress 2012  

We check out some of the latest mobile and wireless technologies at the MWC in Barcelona.

2 Mar 2012 | On day four of the MWC we check out 4G technology, QR codes, and Windows' latest operating system for smartphones.

Wine

Sparkling wine and champagne reviews  

We pop the cork on 60 champagnes and sparkling wines.

19 Dec 2012 | CHOICE's wine experts tested 60 of the best-selling sparkling wines, including champagne. Some of the best buys cost under $10.

Supermarket wines

We investigate the sale and marketing of private label wines at Coles and Woolworths.

17 May 2012 | There’s no easy way for consumers to know who makes their wine, short of searching online or checking the Australian trademark database.

New poll shows bottle half full for Australia drinkers

Two thirds of Australian drinkers underestimate what a standard drink is

23 Apr 2012 | Two thirds of Australian drinkers underestimate the number of standard drinks in a bottle of wine, according to the results of a new poll.

Wine fridge reviews

Are your precious bottles collecting dust in the corner of your garage? There are other options available.

17 Apr 2012 | There are different types of wine fridges, but you might find that better options in your house are available.

Cider taste test

Move over beer and wine, it's the summer of cider.

31 Jan 2012 | Whether you’re after sweet, sparkling, English-style or other, there’s a cider out there for everyone, as results of our blind taste test show.

Wine taste test

Australian and New Zealand sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs go head to head.

23 Nov 2011 | Australian and New Zealand sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs go head to head in this year’s wine taste test.

Wines 2010

CHOICE's wine experts serve their verdict on the best wines to buy for the festive season.

13 Oct 2010 | CHOICE's wine experts rated popular red and white wines and tell you their favourites.

Wine awards

We’ve done the research to guide you through the wine medal jungle.

30 Sep 2008 | Are all these medals just a marketing ploy? Or are they a genuine indicator of a good quality wine?

Sticky wines taste test

CHOICE’s expert tasters found some heavenly dessert wines that don’t cost the earth.

18 Aug 2008 | The right dessert wine can add that special touch to a dinner party, and leave you with money left over for the perfect dessert to accompany it.

Alcopops  

Sweet, sexy, and deceptively alcoholic. Almost a third of CHOICE’s teenage testers couldn’t detect the alcohol in a Vodka Mudshake.

26 Feb 2008 | Alcopops are very appealing to younger people, and contribute to underage and binge drinking.

Breathalysers review and compare

Can you rely on a personal breathalyser to tell when you're over the legal limit?

9 Dec 2005 | While this was a small trial, based on its results we wouldn't recommend buying any of the six tested models.

Wine fridges

Wine fridge reviews

Are your precious bottles collecting dust in the corner of your garage? There are other options available.

17 Apr 2012 | There are different types of wine fridges, but you might find that better options in your house are available.

Wine taste test

Australian and New Zealand sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs go head to head.

23 Nov 2011 | Australian and New Zealand sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs go head to head in this year’s wine taste test.

Wines 2010

CHOICE's wine experts serve their verdict on the best wines to buy for the festive season.

13 Oct 2010 | CHOICE's wine experts rated popular red and white wines and tell you their favourites.

Wine awards

We’ve done the research to guide you through the wine medal jungle.

30 Sep 2008 | Are all these medals just a marketing ploy? Or are they a genuine indicator of a good quality wine?

Wireless

Headphones and earphones reviews

Headphones have become a fashion accessory, but there’s a lot more to them than whether they match your threads.

10 Apr 2013 | CHOICE reviews 16 pairs of headphones, priced from $198 to $300, including models from Beats, Bose, Fanny Wang and Ultrasone.

Novelty phone handsets

We've checked out a number of novelty handsets for designed for use with a mobile phone. But how well do they work?

4 Mar 2013 | We put five retro handsets and one bluetooth glove designed for use with a mobile phone through their paces.

Parrot AR.Drone first look

We take a look at this battery-powered quad-copter controlled with a smartphone app.

11 Sep 2012 | This remote control flying device has an in-built high definition camera, and is controlled via an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Asus Eee Pad Slider first look

Another tablet comes out from ASUS, this time with the keyboard attached.

23 May 2012 | If you’re keen on an Android tablet but can’t do without a physical keyboard all the time, the Asus Eee Pad Slider is for you.

Dual-band wireless router reviews

Is it time to ditch your trusty old single-band router?

15 May 2012 | We test 15 top dual-band models to see which ones can give you greater Wi-Fi freedom.

Mobile World Congress 2012  

We check out some of the latest mobile and wireless technologies at the MWC in Barcelona.

2 Mar 2012 | On day four of the MWC we check out 4G technology, QR codes, and Windows' latest operating system for smartphones.

Wireless headphones reviews

Cutting the cord can help keep harmony in the home.

15 Apr 2011 | Wireless headphones mean any household members can listen to TV or music at the best possible sound level.

Networking 101

CHOICE guide to setting up a home network.

20 Aug 2010 | Share data and internet access between all your computers and devices, whether by cable or wireless. These basic principles will help you set up your own.

FutureSwitch quick review

Two energy savers claim to help navigate your path to power salvation.

7 Jul 2009 | These two devices save you reaching behind your audio-visual gear or all the peripherals around your computer to turn off the power switch, in turn saving you money on your energy bill.

Wireless networking at home

Wireless networking allows you to access the web anywhere in the home.

7 May 2009 | CHOICE reveals the issues you need to consider before you incorporate Wi-Fi into your home networking environment.

Using bluetooth

Bluetooth lets gadgets talk to each other wirelessly.

5 Jun 2006 | Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets gadgets and computers talk to each other. The most complex part of Bluetooth is pairing your devices.

Women

Women's razor reviews

Which women's razors shed those unwanted hairs and leave your skin silky smooth?

23 Nov 2012 | We have test results for 13 women's razors from Gillette Venus, Schick and Bic, priced from $0.70 to $16.

Super-for-women

Women face special challenges when it comes building a strong super account.

26 Sep 2012 | Despite the advances in equitable pay, women face a number of hurdles if they want to grow their superannuation independently.

Body fat scales reviews

Body fat scales can be a better indicator of overall health than their conventional cousins. CHOICE weighs up the options.

10 Dec 2009 | We tested 12 bathroom scales that measure body fat percentage as well as weight. But can they make you appear healthier than you really are?

Woolworths

Woolies and Coles global ranking

Coles and Woolworths rank among top 20 retailers worldwide for revenue.

17 Jan 2013 | A recent report from Deloitte called “Global Powers of Retailing” reveals that Coles and Woolworths have a pretty good showing worldwide.

Woolworths slammed for selling "baby juice"

The Bebi fruit drink range claims to be the world’s first infant suitable beverage.

23 Nov 2012 | Parents are angered that Woolworths is stocking the Bebi brand juice to infants as young as six months old.

Breakfast cereal reviews  

Which cereals make the nutritional grade?

4 Oct 2012 | We look beyond the names and claims to uncover the breakfast cereals that provide the most nutritious start to your day.

Where are supermarket products sourced?

More and more of our groceries are coming from overseas.

6 Sep 2012 | Coles and Woolworths say they're committed to sourcing their private label products from Australia, but this isn't necessarily the whole story.

The rise of private labels in supermarkets

Supermarkets are back in the headlines - for all the wrong reasons.

6 Jul 2012 | The supermarket price war has hit the headlines again today, with more stories of suppliers being squeezed by the big two.

Supermarket wines

We investigate the sale and marketing of private label wines at Coles and Woolworths.

17 May 2012 | There’s no easy way for consumers to know who makes their wine, short of searching online or checking the Australian trademark database.

Copyshop

And the winner is...

1 May 2012 | We shortlisted four Coles and four Woolworths products that we believe mimic their branded equivalents and asked you to vote. The results are in.

Fruit juice popper reviews  

Is there a place for fruit poppers in your child’s lunchbox?

30 Apr 2012 | We review 100 different varieties of fruit juice poppers available in major supermarkets and found a few factors worth considering before you pop one in your kids lunchbox.

Frozen fish product reviews

We trawl the supermarket freezers to find your best frozen fish options.

21 Mar 2012 | We review over 100 frozen fish products, including uncoated, seasoned, battered and crumbed varieties to uncover your best options.

Supermarkets set for scrutiny

The ACCC will be focusing on supermarket practices this year, according to Chairman Rod Sims.

21 Feb 2012 | ACCC Chairman Rod Sims has announced supermarkets will be a priority for the Commission in 2012.

The bigger story behind cheaper fruit and veg

Coles drops prices of fruit and veg but what are the wider ramifications?

31 Jan 2012 | While we welcome cheaper food and groceries and greater competition in the supermarket sector, CHOICE also believes consumers need to consider potentially wider costs.

Sustainable seafood labelling

We take a look at the implications of weak labelling requirements for sustainable seafood.

20 Dec 2011 | Are the big supermarkets’ sustainable fish-sourcing strategies bona fide or merely a marketing hook?

Abode Multi-Functional Blender recall

If damaged, the rubber seal may possibly mix with food and pose an ingestion hazard.

12 Oct 2011 | Big W is recalling Abode Multi-Functional Blenders sold nationally between 25th April 2010 and 6th October 2011.

Woolworths Ltd Australian beef mince premium recall

Woolworths Ltd recalls Woolworths Australian Beef Mince Premium sold in QLD

2 Aug 2011 | Woolworths Australian Beef Mince Premium in a polystyrene tray, sold in Deception Bay, QLD, on 27th July 2011 has been found to be contaminated. Should not be consumed.

Work-from-home-scams

Work-from-home scams

Far from dying out, work-from-home scams are more dangerous than ever.

29 Nov 2011 | Work-from-home offers can be tempting, but they can make you vulnerable to identity theft. We reveal the top five scams, and explain how to protect yourself from them.

Worx

Lawn trimmer reviews

Petrol, cordless or electric? We outline which lawn trimmer is best for your backyard.

7 Sep 2012 | We test 28 petrol, electric and cordless lawn trimmers (also known as whipper snippers), ranging from $49 to $399.

Hedge trimmer reviews

We check out cordless battery-powered and electric hedge trimmers priced from $59 to $299.

27 Aug 2012 | Electric and battery-powered hedge trimmers are handy for keeping wayward hedges at bay - but which type should you go for?

Wot-flights

Flight comparison websites

Don't assume you'll always find the cheapest flights on the most well-known sites.

9 Aug 2011 | We surfed more than a dozen Australian flight comparison websites and found savings of up to $369 for flights leaving to and from the same destination on the same dates.