It's that wonderful time of year when retailers are keen to offload their old stock and your inbox is pinging daily with the latest deals. The end of financial year (EOFY) is a great time to pick up a bargain, whether you're after a new fridge, stick vac, TV, coffee machine or any other sparkling new appliance.
And while there are definitely some buys we recommend you avoid, there are often sales on a whole host of products that are highly rated by our CHOICE experts.
We've put together a members-only EOFY buying guide outlining the brands and models that have topped our most popular product tests. Plus, some handy expert advice.
Brands and models can vary wildly in quality, so it pays to do your research.
Smart shopping tips to live by
Before you hit the sales with credit cards blazing, there's some key things to keep in mind if you want to shop smart and dodge a dud.
1. Expensive brands don't always perform better
Our product test results 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 homework and check our reviews. Check out products to avoid in the EOFY sales for further proof of expensive fails.
2. A brand's product range can vary dramatically in quality
It's another revelation our experts see all the time in their tests. A brand 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.
3. Be critical of sale offers
Sure, one site is offering 20% off its usual price, but was it more expensive to start with compared to others? Before you 'add to cart', it's worth playing the field and sizing up the best deal and assessing delivery costs and times too.
Check out more expert shopping tips.
The best buys in popular categories
Some of the most searched products on our website in the EOFY period are dishwashers, washing machines, mattresses, air fryers, stick vacuums, coffee machines, TVs and fridges.
CHOICE members can see the top-rated products for each category in one easy-to-read rundown below. Happy shopping! If you're not a member, join CHOICE to access thousands of independent reviews, or check out our free buying guides.
Unlock this article and more
- Information you can trust
- See the best brands
- Avoid the worst performers
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.