Consumer group CHOICE has revealed the top five most searched products from choice.com.au that Australians are purchasing in the upcoming EOFY sales - and expert tips on how you can save money on big ticket items throughout your product's lifetime.

"The end of financial year sales can be a great time to find a bargain on products you've had your eye on. But if you aren't doing your research, you might not be saving yourself much money in the long run," says CHOICE Editor Margaret Rafferty. 

"We've rounded up the five most popular product searches on choice.com.au in the leadup to the end of financial year sales, and our experts have given their top tips on what to look out for when buying these products."

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The most popular EOFY sales buys* are:

1. Dishwashers

2. Washing machines

3. Mattresses

4. Air fryers

5. Fridges

*Top product reviews on CHOICE.com.au from June, 2021

Here's CHOICE's advice on how to make the most of your EOFY purchases (or you can read the full article on our website):

1. Dishwashers

"Dishwashers are built to be efficient, so they'll save you money and time in the long run when compared to hand washing. Take your time to research a size and rack configuration that suits your household to ensure it will serve you well into the future. There's no point buying a new dishwasher that's too hard for you to stack or have trouble fitting your dinnerware into," says Rafferty.

2. Washing machines

"There's a lot to look for when buying a washing machine, but the first decision you'll have to make is between a top-loader and a front-loader. Both types have pros and cons, but front-loaders perform better in our tests and save you money in the long run. They're a little more expensive upfront which makes them a perfect pick during the EOFY sales," says Rafferty.

CHOICE also suggests avoiding washer-dryer combos as they use more water and have a tendency to break down more often.

3. Mattresses

"When it comes to mattresses, always ask for a better deal, even if it's already on sale. We've found many retailers have wiggle room when it comes to price. In the last batch of mattresses CHOICE purchased we managed to negotiate a cheaper price more than half the time, in one case knocking almost 50% off the recommended retail price," says Rafferty.

4. Air fryers

"Don't buy an air fryer if you think it's going to make your fried food healthier. They're essentially just a mini oven," says Rafferty.

"If you are looking for an air fryer, your top priorities should be how well it performs and how easy it is to use. Consider the size and how much food you can fit in it, how easy it is to clean and where you'll fit it on your countertop. Some models have pre-set cooking functions and timers that will likely cost you more, but may be useful to you in the long run."

5. Fridges

"When buying a fridge, set a price range and consider things such as size, energy efficiency and whether you really need those fancy extra features. Don't buy a bigger fridge than you need, as a bigger fridge is more expensive to run. Prioritising energy efficiency is also important, as fridges and freezers are the most energy hungry appliances in your kitchen, accounting for about eight percent of an average home's energy use. If you're really keen to save money, skip the extra features like an ice-maker or a fridge with a wifi connection," says Rafferty.

Read the full article on our website here.

Media contact: 0430 172 669, media@choice.com.au

Editor's notes:

Smart shopping tips to live by
Looking to find a bargain while dodging the duds? Here are CHOICE's smart shopping tips for the EOFY sales and beyond.

• Expensive doesn't mean better. Our tests regularly disprove the age-old adage that 'you get what you pay for'. Our experts often see very pricey products underperform, while cheaper, lesser known ones shine. That's why it pays to do your research and check our reviews.
• Don't buy on brand alone. Our tests show that brands can boast some of the best performing products in a category... and some terrible ones too. It all depends on the build quality and design of each product, which is why individual reviews are so vital. 
• Scope out the competition and factor in additional costs. Delivery costs and time can vary between retailers and you could end up paying a higher price than a competitor is offering. Play the field and do your research to find the best deal for you.