Fridges

In our review of more than 80 fridges, these models were the standout performers in the 'large' category, based on our lab tests, for food freshness, temperature stability and evenness, and more. 

But if you're considering other models, do exercise caution – our experts have tested plenty of mediocre models on the market, including one with a CHOICE Expert Rating of just 39%! See our full fridges test reviews. 

Highest-rated large fridge models (451–525 litres)

• Fisher & Paykel 519L french door fridge – 80%
• LG 454L freezer on bottom fridge GB-455UPLE – 80%
• Fisher & Paykel freezer on bottom fridge RF522BRPW6 – 79%
• Westinghouse 496L freezer on bottom fridge WBE5300SC – 78%
• Fisher & Paykel 519L french door fridge RF522ADUB5 – 76%

Mattresses

If you're looking for a better night's sleep, these are the mattresses that topped our tests. We rate key factors like actual firmness, comfort (both now and in eight years), sagging, sweat resistance and more to ensure you'll always wake up on the right side of the bed. 

More than half of the queen-sized mattresses we test fall in a 'mid' price range of about $1000–2000. This is because when we select mattresses for testing, we check current market figures to see what's selling well and focus on the highest-selling big-brand models. We try to include products that fit within the budget of average consumers. 

"Mattresses aren't exactly cheap, but we found that models around this price point often strike a good balance between price, quality and performance," CHOICE mattress expert Peter Zaluzny says.

"However, mattresses that cost less than $1000 do earn a mention from time to time." And, regardless of the price tag, always haggle when buying a mattress – we regularly see that you can knock a huge percentage off the retail price, particularly at sale time. See our full mattress test reviews (note that while Emma mattresses score the highest in our review, we are currently unable to recommend their products). 

Highest rated models

• Breeze Firm Queen Mattress  – 79%
• Ikea Ånneland – 77%
• Origin Hybrid Mattress – 77%
• Sleep Republic Mattress – 77% 
• Zenna Latex – 77%

Barbecues

Looking to beef up your barbecue game this summer? When our food experts aren't testing wall ovens, they're turning up the heat on barbecue units to find the best burners for your next sausage sizzle. 

In this category, cult favourite Weber grilled all rivals, impressively taking six of the spots in our top 10 in our test of more than 40 popular models. If you want to see how other brands fare, see our full BBQ test reviews. 

Highest rated models

• Weber SPIRIT II E310 – 87% 
• STC Japanese Korean Ceramic Hibachi BBQ Table Grill – 86%
• Weber Q+ Premium Q2800N+ – 86%
• Weber Traveler LPG BBQ & Propane Cannister – 84%
• Weber Baby Q Premium Q1200N – 83%

Coffee machines

We know coffee lovers are a passionate bunch, which is why our espresso machine tests are judged by coffee industry veterans and our in-house experts. In their quest for the perfect cuppa, they assess key criteria including taste, temperature consistency, milk frothing, ease of use and cleaning. 

We test a variety of coffee machines, including manual, semi-automatic, automatic and capsule machines, all which offer different ways to help you get that all-important caffeine hit.

If you're after a manual or semi-automatic machine, here are the ones that topped our tests. Also see our full review of manual/semi-automatic machines and automatic machines.

Highest rated models

• Profitec Pro 300 – 85%
• ECM Casa V 80045AU – 84%
• San Remo Cube R CL1A1B2A1C – 84%
• Bezzera BZ10 – 82%
• Breville the Bambino BES450 – 82%
• Breville the Barista Express BES870 – 82% 
• Sunbeam Mini Barista EM4300 – 82%

Stick vacuums

A good stick vac makes quick cleans a breeze. But they're not cheap, so it's important to make sure you're spending your money wisely. 

Dyson takes out all two podium positions in our stick vacuum review, followed closely by LG, but there are other brands worth considering too. Check our website to find the best stick vacuum before you buy. 

Highest rated models:

• Dyson Gen5detect Absolute – 87%
• Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute – 85%
• LG A9N-Multi – 84%
• LG A9T-Ultra – 84%
• Samsung Bespoke Jet VS20A95943B_SA – 84%
• Shark Shark Cordless Apex Pro X2 Pet Vacuum – 84%

Air fryers

The kitchen appliance du jour, air fryers are hot products year-round, but will be on many people's shopping lists this sales season. 

Some of the more expensive models have multiple functions, so you can air fry, cook rice, sous vide, and more to your heart's content. There's also now twin air fryers and super sized options to cater to more families' cooking needs.

If you're not keen on spending $500+ though, there are plenty of excellent options at lower price points: here are the best air fryers under $250. 

Highest rated models

• Ninja Foodi 11-IN-1 6L Multi Cooker OP350ANZ – 85%
• Breville The Air Fryer Chef LAF500BLK2IAN1 – 83%
• Instant Pot Duo Crisp AF8 Multi use pressure cooker and airfryer – 81%
• Tefal Easy Fry & Grill XXL FlexCook EY801D – 81%
• Nutribullet XXL Digital NBA07100 – 80%

Washing machines

Facing a mountain of endless laundry and need a machine you can count on? 

Our lab experts are tougher on washers than you'll ever be, testing them on key factors including dirt removal, rinse performance, gentleness, energy and water use, and more. 

If you're hitting the sales, these are the frontrunners to look out for. And what are some hot-fire tips from our experts to keep in mind while you shop? Don't pay for features you're not going to use, and don't worry too much about capacity. You probably only wash about 3.5kg at a time, so don't stress about paying more for a 10kg machine over a 9kg. 

Front loaders generally perform better than top loaders and are more energy- and water-efficient, but they do cost more upfront, and remember you'll have to bend down to use them.

If you want more results, see our full washing machines test reviews.

Highest rated models

• Bosch front loader WGA244U0AU – 83%
• Miele front loader WWD120 – 83%
• LG front loader WV9-1412W – 83%
• Miele front loader WCA 020 – 83%

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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