Frequently asked questions
Currently, our experts test front loaders and top loaders from brands including: AEG, Asko, Beko, Bosch, Euromaid, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Kogan, LG, Miele, Panasonic, Samsung, Simpson, Speed Queen and Whirlpool.
Our priority is testing the models you'll see in stores and major online retailers. To do this, we check current market data to see what's most popular. We'll also test models that a lot of members have requested.
We have our own on-site laundry lab, equipped with precisely-calibrated measurement tools and reference machines to test and compare products. Every model is tested with a standardised laundry load, cloth swatches embedded with specific amounts of dirt, fray swatches and specific detergent. These align with Australian and International Standards.
Our experts assess key test criteria including: dirt removal, rinse performance, water and spin efficiency, gentleness on clothes, and noise levels, plus many more.
Our expert testers – Petr Valouch, Mohamed Jawir and Graham Byrne – have over 50 years' combined experience in reviewing products. Additionally, some of them sit on industry standards committees, both national and international.
Unlike other product review sites, we don't accept free test models from manufacturers. This allows us to be independent and review without interference. Instead, we buy products anonymously from a variety of retailers, then bring them into our labs. This means we get what you'd get, and can be sure the model has not been potentially 'tweaked' for better performance.
Every four to six weeks, usually in batches of six. We do this because manufacturers are constantly releasing new front load and top load machines into the market.
The labels' star ratings are calculated using a full load, warm wash, as specified by the Australian Standard. However, CHOICE has found most consumers actually use a 3.5kg cold wash, so we use this in our testing to truly reflect real use at home.