From washing machines to steam mops, coffee grinders to cars, health insurance to hotel booking sites – there aren't many products or services that haven't been put through their paces during our independent tests. We test so we can bring you the best unbiased advice on what to buy.

What's coming up soon

April and May

At CHOICE we test for you, not brands – so tell us what you want us to put through its paces. Is there a particular model or new brand you're thinking of buying? Get in touch and let us know

Here at CHOICE we've built our reputation on the strength of our rigorous and scientific testing of goods and services.

Our testing process is what we're famous for and the key to Australians' trust in us. So, as you can imagine, we take our testing seriously.

• We have a dedicated team of 13 testers, many of them experienced scientists.
• We pay retail price for all the items tested.
• We use a range of metrics such as price, durability and ease of use.
• Our tests are completely independent and transparent.

And although we might be famous for testing washing machines, we put more than just whitegoods under the microscope. Our testing team tackles food products, medicines, financial services, sporting goods, holidays and much, much more.

Have you ever wondered how CHOICE tests hundreds of products every year? From pushing strollers along hundreds of kilometers of rugged road to cooking up a storm in the test kitchen, we have a unique facility where most products we review are tested on site.

Intrigued to see just how we do it? Why not book in to come along on one of our lab tours?

The tours are held at the CHOICE headquarters in Marrickville in Sydney's inner west. They kick off with a morning tea with our CEO Alan Kirkland followed by a presentation about our past and present projects. After that you'll be taken on a fully guided tour of our eleven labs to see them in action and have the opportunity to chat with some of our testers.

All our tour guests will receive a CHOICE goody bag which is full of special gifts and information about our unique organisation.

What you need to know

Timing: CHOICE lab tours start at 10.30am with morning tea in our boardroom, a brief presentation about our past and present projects, and an opportunity for you to ask us some questions. The tour of the labs starts at 11.00am and finishes at approximately 12.30pm.

Cost: Lab tours are free for CHOICE members. Not a member? Visitor lab tours are available for a small fee.

2015 tour dates:

• Monday 16 February
• Wednesday 15 April
• Friday 12 June
• Wednesday 26 August
• Friday 9 October