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.
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.
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.
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.
Pressure retailers to support consumer warranty rights, send a letter to your preferred retailer asking them to sign the Fair Warranty Charter!
30 Nov 2009 |
One of the key obstacles consumers face in exercising their warranty rights is retailers’ lack of awareness of their warranty obligations.
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.
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?
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.
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.
There are many things to consider when choosing a washing machine. CHOICE runs through the main factors for you.
11 Jan 2012 |
In our updated test we put 45 washing machines through their paces in our labs to give you independent buying advice.
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.
Liquid or powder? CHOICE determines which detergents we should be going home with.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A washer/dryer combo is a tempting option when you've limited space, but there are some drawbacks.
1 Jul 2010 |
Combined washing machine and dryer units sound like the ultimate laundry convenience — you put dirty clothes in and take out clean, dry clothes.
Front loader or top loader? CHOICE tells you what to look for in a new washing machine.
1 Jul 2010 |
Use our quick buying guide to decide which type is right for you and what features you need.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
You can save water and money, but can you get a decent shower?
2 Mar 2007 |
Sixteen trialists each tested all 15 showerheads; they weren’t told the showerheads were water-efficient.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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?
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHOICE puts the major refrigerators through their paces in our laboratories.
18 Nov 2011 |
Fridges are becoming more energy efficient, but is it at the expense of healthy food storage?
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.
Our test rates 50 dishwashers on washing and drying performance, energy and water efficiency.
10 Oct 2011 |
We take the guesswork out of buying the major dishwasher brands by testing them in our specialised independent laboratories.
There are many things to consider when choosing a washing machine. CHOICE runs through the main factors for you.
11 Jan 2012 |
In our updated test we put 45 washing machines through their paces in our labs to give you independent buying advice.
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.
Our test rates 50 dishwashers on washing and drying performance, energy and water efficiency.
10 Oct 2011 |
We take the guesswork out of buying the major dishwasher brands by testing them in our specialised independent laboratories.
CHOICE finds most cereals still have too much sugar to be considered healthy.
23 Dec 2010 |
We compare cereals to find out which ones make the nutritional grade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHOICE’s wine experts give their verdict on the best bubblies.
8 Dec 2009 |
CHOICE's wine experts tested 68 of the best-selling sparkling wines, including champagne. Some of the best buys cost under $10.
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?
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.
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.
They may be a better option than a corner of your garage, but the ones we tested are far from perfect, especially when it comes to energy consumption.
29 Oct 2007 |
There are different types of wine fridge, ranging in price from quite low to extremely high. So how can you tell which ones will do the job right?
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.
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.
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.
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?
They may be a better option than a corner of your garage, but the ones we tested are far from perfect, especially when it comes to energy consumption.
29 Oct 2007 |
There are different types of wine fridge, ranging in price from quite low to extremely high. So how can you tell which ones will do the job right?
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.
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.
Performance can vary, even with the new level set by the N standard.
13 Aug 2010 |
We test 12 routers designed to be simple enough for a non-technical home user to set up.
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 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.
CHOICE tests noise-cancelling earphones.
7 Feb 2009 |
Noise-cancelling technology, which has been around since the 1950s, uses frequencies of opposite polarity to the unwanted sound to reduce or negate its effects.
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.
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.
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?
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 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.