We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s vital to find the right mattress for the best night’s sleep. But be careful – buy a middling mattress and it could turn into a nightmare. 

Choosing a mattress instore or online can be confusing and downright stressful, with so many types, builds, firmnesses, features and amazing ‘new technology’ claims being touted. Not to mention prices soaring into the thousands of dollars for some models. It’s enough to warrant a serious lie-down!

To help you choose, CHOICE has been testing popular mattresses for years – and no, it’s not just some lucky staff member sleeping on them all day. (We wish.)

Instead, our lab partners in Europe scientifically test the most important factors, including comfort for both male and female body types, stabilisation, sagging over time, sweat resistance and more. 

We’ve also looked at aspects relating to the sustainability and environmental impact of each mattress, including what materials it’s made from and how easy it is to clean and recycle. 

Members can view ratings for all these factors in our ‘Compare all’ table in our mattress reviews (though sustainability and environmental results don’t yet contribute to the overall performance scores). 

Why we don’t test Emma mattresses

While Emma products have previously performed well in our testing, we don’t include them anymore. 

In light of ongoing member complaints and ACCC allegations regarding misleading advertising, we’ve decided to remove Emma mattress reviews from our website. We may revisit this decision in the future. 

We remain committed to providing unbiased and impartial product reviews to our members and Australian consumers.

Six poor-performing mattresses to avoid

Here are six mattresses that didn’t perform well in our independent testing.

1. Original Mattress Factory Refresh

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 62%
• Comfort score when new: 54%
• Comfort score after eight years: 62%
• RRP: $2498 (Queen)

It markets itself as a ‘firm’ mattress, but scored a low 56% for sagging, which doesn’t bode well for how long it would maintain its firmness.

To assess longevity, we measure height and firmness (among other things) straight out of the box when the mattress is new, then again after a test that simulates eight years of use to note any differences. Mattresses with a higher score show less sagging over time, while lower-scoring mattresses show increased sagging.

Original Mattress Factory also charges a fee for returns and exchanges – and this even applies during the 30-day trial period. These costs are on top of any shipping expenses you may incur to replace the mattress during the free trial period.

And while some brands will provide a free pick-up of the mattress you want to return, don’t expect such luxury with this product: the cost of a pick-up will come out of your own pocket.

On other criteria, such as stabilisation, this mattress was on par with others reviewed by our testers, but did not perform noticeably well in any areas.

Read our full Original Mattress Factory Refresh review.

2. Slumberland Soho

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 65%
• Comfort score when new: 54%
• Comfort score after eight years: 94%
• RRP: $579 (Double)

The Soho may be cheap, but it’s definitely not cheerful: you’ll wake up feeling grouchy after a night sleeping on it.

It’s uncomfortable from the get-go, and it’ll stay that way, even after 8 years’ use. At least it’s consistent, right?

What you’ll save in money you’ll lose in poor sleep: it scored just 12% for stabilisation – the lowest of all the mattresses in our review. That means you’ll feel every single movement your partner makes while they’re asleep, so if they’re tossing and turning, you will be too.

It’s also likely to sag over time, so you’ll be stuck with a bed that’s uncomfortable, saggy and bouncy. 

That’s not the kind of Slumberland that anyone would want to visit.

Read the full Slumberland Soho review.

3. Suparest Affinity

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 66%
• Comfort score when new: 53%
• Comfort score after eight years: 88%
• RRP: $599 (double)

You’re unlikely to get a super rest on this Suparest: it’s uncomfortable, very bouncy and will soak up sweat over the years, leaving it smelly and damaged. (Not exactly a recipe for sweet dreams.)

Aside from the Soho above, it has the lowest stabilisation score of the mattresses in our test, so you’ll be in your partner’s bad books if you’re a restless sleeper.

At 22kg it’s nice and lightweight so it’ll be easier to make the bed – and to move it out of your room once you’re fed up with it.

While it’s affordable, there are plenty of other mattresses around this price and even cheaper that are far more comfortable – check our detailed mattress reviews to find the best for your budget.

Read the full Suparest Affinity review.

4. Clark Rubber Comfort Deluxe (100mm)

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 67%
• Comfort score when new: 50%
• Comfort score after eight years: 84%
• Price: $365 (Queen)

Clark Rubber may be overselling this mattress a touch, because it’s not very comfortable or particularly deluxe. That’s not totally surprising given that it’s really nothing more than a 10cm chunk of foam, but its name is the least of its problems.

For starters, the advertising is pretty muddled. On the one hand, Clark Rubber suggests that it’s best for occasional spare bed situations like “sleepovers [and] surprise guests”, which is fair. But the blurb goes on to say that it’s “an excellent choice for your more frequent overnight visitors”.

Occasional use may be fine, but based on our test results, this mattress is likely to dissuade guests from wanting to sleep over too frequently.

Comfort is the key issue. Our experts could feel the foundations (e.g. bed base, slats or the floor) through the mattress during our tests. And side sleepers will probably be particularly unimpressed, because this mattress provides very little lateral (a fancy word for side) support.

Overall performance is pretty middling too. It’s prone to sagging, it’s not very stable and though it’s pretty good at repelling sweat, it’s far from the best performer in this part of our test. The low price tag may be appealing, but we’ve tested much better mattresses that don’t cost much more.

Read our full Clark Rubber Comfort Deluxe (100mm) review.

5. Ikea Abygda

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 67%
• Comfort score when new: 65%
• Comfort score after eight years: 78%
• Price: $699 (Queen)

There are quite a few good mattresses at Ikea, but this is not one of them. Its CHOICE Expert Rating of 67% isn’t terrible, but we’ve tested a lot of Ikea mattresses over the years and not only do most earn higher scores, some are also much cheaper.

Stabilisation results are poor, so you might get bounced around in the night if you share a bed with a restless sleeper. It also holds onto a lot of sweat, which isn’t great if you run hot or live in a warmer climate.

Other performance results are fairly middle of the road, which wouldn’t be so bad if the Abygda was a bit cheaper. But it’s hard to give it a glowing review when the higher-scoring Valevåg mattress costs just $399, and when virtually every other cheaper mattress in our review performs better for less money.

Ignore the Abygda and spend your extra money on meatballs.

Read our full Ikea Abygda review.

6. Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewels Reims Flex

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 67%
• Comfort score when new: 59%
• Comfort score after eight years: 80%
• RRP: $8399 (double)

Another poorly-named mattress, the Crown Jewels Reims Flex is definitely not fit for a king.

It’s the most expensive mattress in our review by almost $3000. But while it might be priced for those on a royal budget, we managed to get it at half the RRP – and even then it’s well and truly overpriced.

None of its test scores are terrible per se; they’re just not great. For the cost of this mattress you’d expect superior comfort and the best night’s sleep of your life, but you won’t get it.

If you have this kind of money to spend on your bedroom, you could buy a mattress that’s recommended by our experts – none of which cost more than $2000 – and spend the rest on some new furniture.

Read the full Sealy Posturepedic Crown Jewels Reims Flex review.

The post The mattresses to avoid buying appeared first on CHOICE.

Ceiling fans can be one of the cheapest ways to beat the summer heat – if they do their job properly. 

A fan that doesn’t circulate the air enough can be frustrating, but a fan that blows too hard even on its lowest setting can be just as annoying, especially when you’re trying to sleep.

“When reviewing fans at CHOICE, we look at a number of key performance factors,” says CHOICE fan expert Denis Gallagher.

“A great fan will deliver a wide variety of air movement options to suit your particular requirements. 

“This includes a good range of high-speed settings for the living room as well as a couple of good breeze-like settings to help create an ideal sleeping environment.

“We also assess ease of use, which covers things like assembly and installation, as well as controls using the wall switch or remote.”

The lowest scoring ceiling fans in our tests

1. Hunter Pacific Majestic Coolah

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 53%
• Price: $219

Sadly, the ‘Coolah’ failed to live up to its name. 

On the highest setting, it didn’t deliver enough air movement for living areas, but on its lowest setting in the bedroom, it proved too strong to be comfortable. 

Is there anything it does do well? Er, not really. 

It does have a distinctive design and its blades are made of wood, and our experts rate it OK for ease of use. But its pull switch isn’t as easy to use as a remote or wall switch. 

Read the full Hunter Pacific Majestic Coolah review. 

2. Martec Elite

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 54%
• Price: $260

Like the Coolah, the Martec Elite also disappoints in the bedroom and in living areas, although it did score slightly better than the Coolah for high-speed cooling. 

On the upside, it is relatively cheap to run, with our experts estimating it will cost just $20 in power bills for a year.

Read the full Martec Elite review.

3. Hunter Carera

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 64%
• Price: $499

This AC fan has just three speed options for controlling airflow. And you really need to use the highest setting to get some good air movement going. Otherwise performance is pretty average and inconsistent.

Though air movement is very good on the highest setting for some spaces in your home, the Carera may be a bit too powerful for bedrooms. Even on the lowest speed, our testers found it to be pretty strong in that environment.

Running costs are relatively high compared to other high-performing fans as well.

Read the full Hunter Carera review.

The post Ceiling fans to avoid appeared first on CHOICE.

Vacuuming your home can really suck, so it’s no surprise many people are turning to robot vacs for reinforcement in the never-ending fight against festy floors. 

With just a push of an app button, these high-tech helpers will patrol your home and vacuum and mop as often as you program them to.

Ecovacs and Roborock are two big brands in the Australian robot vac market. Both manufacture in China, and have multiple models vying for your wallet at similar price points. Ecovacs released its first robot vac way back in 2007, while Roborock followed ten years later in 2017 (under the Xiaomi brand).

Given their popularity, we’ve compared these two big brands to help you pick the best one for you. Which brand wins on price and packs the most features? And most vitally, which one cleaned the best on different surfaces in our lab tests? 

We tapped CHOICE vacuum expert Adrian Lini to find out.

On this page:

• Ecovacs and Roborock’s robot range
• Prices compared
• Features compared
• Cleaning performance rated
• Our expert’s verdict

The Ecovacs and Roborock range

As long-time players in the robot vac market, both brands boast a big range of models sporting different price tags, features, and futuristic bells and whistles. 

The Ecovacs range includes different incarnations of Deebots including the N, T, X and Neo series, with various versions and bundles available within each (such as the Pro, Pro Plus, Omni and OmniCyclone). 

Roborock’s range encompasses the Q, S, Qrevo, Qrevo Curv and Saros series, with different sub-categories (such as the MaxV and Edge) reflecting different features, accessories and bundles.

“Both brands sell a lot of different models with similar names and sub-classes, so it can be confusing for shoppers,” says our tester Adrian. 

“With robot vacs in general, we’ve found brands often release new models quickly and discontinue others just as quickly, which can make it hard to keep track of. Retailers often stock older models, too – for example, Aldi sometimes sell discontinued Ecovacs in their Special Buy sales.”

Prices compared

Ecovacs and Roborock offer a variety of price points, starting with basic models selling for a couple of hundred dollars all the way to high-end units costing well over $2500. 

Ecovacs’ models range in cost from just over $250 (Deebot N20) to a hefty $3000 (Deebot X11 OmniCyclone), with multiple bots priced everywhere in between. 

Similarly, Roborock’s entry-level bots start at around $250 (Q7B), although its most expensive automaton (Saros Z70) sells for a lot more than Ecovacs’ with a price tag as high as $3999. 

Features compared 

In the past, robot vacs were relatively simple units consisting of a motorised brush, wheels and spinning side bristles, with an app available to control it from your phone. These days, almost all models will mop the floor as well as vacuum, and many come with more sophisticated upgrades if you’re willing to pay for it. 

“Usually, the more you spend on your robot vac, the more ‘intelligent’ it is and the more advanced features it comes with,” says Adrian. 

“Depending on the model and price point, both brands offer very similar things like auto-emptying docks, stair detection, fast charging, simultaneous vacuum and mop functionality and hot water mopping.”

More expensive machines come with multifunctional docks (with auto-mop cleaning and drying and dust compaction to make bags last longer), the ability to traverse thresholds like sliding door tracks (where previous models would get stuck) and variable mop water temperature to tackle difficult stains.

Roborock’s Saros Z70 even comes with a mechanical arm that the brand claims can pick up items like socks or shoes and put them away. Sadly, it can’t feed your pets or fetch you a cold drink just yet.

Comparing the feature sets of different models head-to-head can be tricky, especially when many of them boast hypey names that sound like they could belong to superheroes (please welcome Powerboost, OmniCyclone and HyperForce!).

For this reason alone, check out our full reviews to see their features in plain English and compare them side by side. 

Cleaning performance rated 

Whiz-bang features are all well and good, but in this robot vac rumble, the key question is: which brand actually cleans the best?

To date, our vacuum experts have tested 13 Ecovacs models including two in our latest round of testing – the Deebot T50 Max Pro Omni and X8 Pro Omni. They’ve also rated nine Roborocks over time, including the current Saros 10 and Saros Z70. 

This isn’t every model released by any means, but it does give our experts a fairly comprehensive cross-section of each brand’s products and performance track record. See our full reviews to see each model’s individual performance.

Hard floors and carpet cleaning

Our CHOICE lab experts test robot vacs by evenly sprinkling a measured amount of sand on designated hard floor and carpet areas and measuring the bots’ performance at intervals throughout (it’s extremely meticulous work!).

“In general, we find robot vacs across most brands do a pretty decent job on hard floors, but struggle on carpet as they don’t have the suction power or vacuum head agitation of a stick or barrel vac,” says Adrian.

“In our hard floor tests, we’ve found Roborock models consistently pick up more sand and perform better on hard floors than Ecovacs. Some Ecovacs models do score highly but others really let the team down.

“On carpet, models from both brands really struggled – none scored over 50% in that test – but Roborock’s bots do a slightly better job in that department.”

Pet hair pick-up and mopping

A good robot vac can be a godsend in the fight against flying pet fur. To test a machine’s mettle, our lab experts embed a specific amount of cat hair into our test carpet and run each model for six minutes to assess its performance. 

“Historically, both brands have done a fairly ordinary job picking up pet hair on carpet, although on average, Roborock does rate higher,” says Adrian. “That said, the two newer Ecovacs models we’ve tested performed strongly.”

CHOICE has only recently started testing robot vacs’ mopping skills as the function has become more common, but already Adrian has seen some wildly uneven results from Roborock and Ecovacs.  

“Both brands have had some models that have tested dismally for mopping, while others have performed very well. Interestingly, some cheaper units from each brand outscored their more expensive counterparts, which is a good reminder that a higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better clean and it pays to compare our full reviews.”

App connection and ease of use

You can have a great robot vac, but if the app to control it is confusing or a nightmare to program easily, chances are you’re going to use it less. 

That’s why Adrian and his team evaluate how easy it is to set up each model’s app and use it on a daily basis, assessing key functions like changing settings, creating cleaning schedules and saving room maps.

“On the app side, Ecovacs and Roborock rate equally well with apps that are well-designed, intuitive and easy to use when it comes to its main features,” says Adrian. “Personally, I favour Roborock’s app, but the Ecovacs app is also very solid so it’s hard to split the brands.”

Ecovacs vs Roborock: Our expert’s verdict

This battle of the bots is a close one, but Adrian says there’s one brand that definitely edges ahead .

“On paper, both brands’ products and specs look very similar and promise great results, but in our years of testing, Roborock has generally rated higher for cleaning hard floors and pet hair,” says Adrian.

“Both really underperform when it comes to carpet cleaning, but that is common across the category. As for mopping ability, we’re seeing some big variations in models across both brands so it’s probably too early to make a call just yet.

Overall, Adrian says that Roborock comes out on top, but if you can get a good Ecovacs model for a great price on sale, that could also be a smart option. 

“Just remember performance can vary between individual models, so it’s always best to check our test results before you buy.”

Consider becoming a CHOICE member to access our full robot vac reviews, plus hundreds of other products.

The post Roborock vs Ecovacs robot vacuums: Which brand cleans best? appeared first on CHOICE.

Are we doomed to live in a grubby, splotchy world until enough stains accumulate to call in the professionals? Spot removers would like a word.

They’re compact cleaners designed for removing small to medium-sized stains. Things like tracked in mud or a glass of red wine that goes flying during a particularly feisty episode of the latest competitive cooking show.

But are they really worth buying or is it best to rent, or even buy, a more expensive, powerful carpet cleaner?

• What are spot stain removers?
• How much do spot stain removers cost?
• Are spot stain removers hard to use?
• Buying a stain remover vs renting or buying a carpet cleaner
• What to look for in a spot stain remover
• How to recycle a broken spot stain remover

What are spot stain removers?

At their core, spot stain removers are basically an all-in-one steam cleaner and shampooer for carpets, upholstery (including car interiors) or hard floors.

The cleaning nozzle lifts small to medium stains by moistening and steaming the area, with the option to add a cleaning solution if water alone doesn’t work.

They all come with a hose and cleaning nozzle or brush head, so you can really scrub the stain and surrounding area. Most include a few extra specialised fittings for cleaning hard floors, removing pet hair or getting into crevices.

Cleaning performance is best when the stain is still wet or ‘fresh’, so to speak. But most of the models in our test do a decent job of cleaning old, dry and ingrained stains (though they may require a second or third pass with the hose).

Just don’t try to clean your whole home with one of these little devices. While you could scrub the carpet from head to toe, spot stain removers aren’t designed to clean areas much bigger than a couch cushion.

You’re just setting yourself up for a long, exhausting, backbreaking task that would be much more efficient with a carpet shampooer.

Can you clean clothes and linens with a stain remover?

No. Clothes, linens and towels are too delicate for spot stain removers and will almost certainly be damaged by the cleaning nozzle. You’re better off using a laundry powder or spray stain remover.

Do you need detergent?

Cleaning solutions and detergents are optional, you can just stick to steam and water. But adding a cleaning detergent does make a difference and ultimately leads to a better clean.

Most manufacturers suggest using their branded detergents which can be expensive, of course. This ongoing cost can quickly add up and is worth keeping in mind if you’re thinking of buying a spot stain remover.

There are cheaper, third-party options available. However, we used the recommended detergents during our test and can’t comment on the effectiveness of these generic alternatives.

But definitely don’t try to save money by using dishwashing liquid or floor cleaners. These can foam up and clog the insides which will break the motor and other mechanisms.

How much do spot stain removers cost?

The models in our test cost around $100 to $500, with most in the $200–300 range. Cleaning detergents can get quite expensive per litre of water. These start at about 40 cents but can cost as much as $5.75 per litre.

Are spot stain removers hard to use?

Though not overly complicated, there are a few physical considerations to keep in mind. For example, there’s a big difference between the weight of the unit when its empty and full. Some can be up to two kilograms heavier with full water tanks, for example, and we note this in our test results.

You’ll need to put in a little elbow grease to lift dry or ingrained stains, but higher-scoring stain removers require a lot less scrubbing. Poor-performing units can take longer to clean and may also leak from the water vessels

Remember to check the weight and dimensions, particularly if you have limited storage space at home. Though small and portable, some spot stain removers can be quite bulky.

Other things to take note of include:

• Cable length: look for longer power cables. Short cables can be a pain if you have large rooms or need to take the unit outside to clean your car.
• Hose length: it can be difficult to access stains in tight or concealed areas if the hose is too short. Longer hoses tend to be easier to use.

Buying a stain remover vs renting or buying a carpet cleaner

In this case, the best tool really comes down to the job. Spot removers are the best option for keeping on top of spills, dirt, pet stains and so on when they happen, whereas carpet shampooers are much more practical when it’s time to clean the whole room.

The top performing carpet shampooers clean much more effectively than the best stain removers in our test. If dirty carpets are a recurring issue in your home (toddlers and teenagers, we’re looking at you), consider a shampooer rather than a spot remover. Otherwise, rentals are fine for the occasional clean.

However, shampooers tend to be bigger, bulkier and harder to move around. Spot stain removers are much easier to use when it’s time to clean smaller, elevated areas like upholstery, pillows or mattresses.

What to look for in a spot stain remover

Other things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for the ideal spot stain remover include:

• Extra brush heads/fittings: whether they’re included in the box or sold as optional extras, a range of brush heads can make specific cleaning jobs much easier.
• Power supply: avoid battery-powered models as they don’t perform very well in our experience. Mains-powered spot cleaners are much better.
• Tank volume: smaller water tanks need to be emptied and refilled more often, which can be frustrating, but they take up less space and are lighter. Bigger tanks are convenient, but are heavier when full and require more room.
• Pet grooming attachments: some cleaners include (or sell as an optional extra) gentle fittings for pet grooming so you can clean the spots from your dog.

How to recycle a broken spot stain remover

Recycling Near You is the best database for finding drop-off points that accept home appliances.

Select the item (or type of item) from the dropdown list, enter your postcode and the website will list recycling locations in your area. It’s always best to call and ask if they’ll accept your items before heading down.

The Good Guys also accept small appliances and vacuums as part of its free e-waste recycling program. Spot removers aren’t specifically mentioned, but they do walk the line between appliances and vacuums. So, contact your local store and ask if they can take yours for recycling.

Otherwise, local council collections or drop-off events are your best bet. Check the website or download the local council app for a list of accepted items and drop-off/collection dates. This is the Inner West Council list (where CHOICE is located), for example.

The post How to buy a great carpet spot stain remover appeared first on CHOICE.

Our experts scrub coffee, soy sauce, red wine and more out of fabric for weeks at a time, to find out whether spot stain removers live up to their cleaning claims.

• How we choose which spot stain removers to test
• How we test spot stain removers
• Test criteria explained

How we choose which spot stain removers to test

Spot stain removers are a relatively new product, so we aim to test popular models from well-known brands with a strong market presence. Our market researchers find out what the most popular brands are on the market. They’ll survey manufacturers about their latest products, and ask them whether those products are likely to stick around beyond publication time.

How we test spot stain removers

Performance is assessed by removing wet and dry stains from strips of upholstery. Wet stains are removed immediately while dry stains are left to absorb and dry before cleaning. Tests are conducted on the front and back of each strip.

For each stain, the percentage cleaned is calculated by comparing the reflectivity of the cleaned stain with the reflectivity of the unstained fabric and the reflectivity of the stained fabric. The closer the cleaned fabric is to the original uncleaned fabric the greater the percentage cleaned.

Fluids used for testing are:

• Coffee
• Gravy
• Red wine
• Soy sauce

Ease of use

We look at setup, cleaning and storage. This includes assembling the stain removers, attaching and swapping the heads and filling the tanks.

Our experts consider how easy it is to use the cleaning wand while removing stains during the performance test. We look for models that feel light and easy to move around, with a precise, consistent water spray. Hose and power cable length factor in as well.

The storage test includes emptying dirty water from the tanks and stowing the hose and power cable. We check for extra storage features such as stowage for additional brush heads.

Noise test

We measure noise at the operator’s ear level. Some models in our test are loud enough to cause hearing damage when used for extended periods, so hearing protection is recommended.

Safety tests

This is a general electrical safety and insulation assessment to ensure each product meets the requirements to be sold in Australia.

Test criteria explained

The CHOICE Expert Rating for spot stain removers is made up of:

• Performance: 70%
• Ease of use: 30%

Performance scores are an average of all four wet and dry stain removal tests for each product.

Our test lab

Our labs are up to date with the latest reference machines and calibrated measurement tools to ensure we get the right results. The reflection of each stain is measured before and after cleaning using a spectrophotometer.

The post How we test carpet spot stain removers appeared first on CHOICE.

Owning one of these fridges represented having Made It In Life – if you had one, you’d reached the zenith of coolness (in more ways than one).

Fast forward to adulthood and owning a fridge with a water and ice dispenser is still a somewhat-achievable symbol of affluence that many of us aspire to. Plus, they’re genuinely quite handy.

Here’s what you need to know about fridges with water and ice dispensers. Plus, exclusively for CHOICE members, we’ll reveal which ones are worth the money.

If you want to find out which fridges with ice and water dispensers come out on top in our tests, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How much do I need to spend on a fridge with an ice or water dispenser?

Most fridges with ice and water dispensers are either French-door or side-by-side models. If this is a feature you’re fantasising about, you’ll already be looking at the more expensive end of the market.

And you will inevitably pay more for a fridge with fancy features – no surprises there.

A fridge with a water dispenser is likely to cost you a minimum of $1299 for a freezer-on-bottom model, and as much as $4500+ for a French-door fridge. Add in an ice dispenser as well and costs goes up even further: $2599 for a side-by-side model and over $5000 for a French-door fridge.

Do you want to give up the freezer space?

Those dispensers have to fit somewhere, and they’ll eat into the usable storage space in your fridge or freezer. 

An ice dispenser can take up almost 30% of your freezer space. For side-by-side fridges, this is an especially big issue because the freezer space is already quite narrow.

Ice trays aren’t that difficult to use: ask yourself whether an ice dispenser is actually a must-have.

Of course, if you fancy yourself as a home bartender, an ice dispenser may be a must-have for you.

If you want to get really fancy, you can now get fridges that make ‘craft ice’ – those huge spheres of ice you get in overpriced cocktails at trendy bars. LG makes these fridges, and some Samsung fridges make ice cubes in two different sizes.

Can’t plumb? 

Fridges with these dispensers need to get their water from somewhere. Most need to be hooked up to the plumbing, which pretty well rules them out for renters. But some models can work around this.

We’re seeing more and more fridges with water and ice dispensers that don’t require plumbing. Instead, they have an internal water reservoir that does the same thing. You just need to remember to top it up.

These models typically offer only water or ice. Some can do both, but that’s not as common. We note which fridges offer these features without plumbing in our test results. Only one of the models in our list of best performers below doesn’t require plumbing.

Tight on space? Options may be limited.

You can find a regular-sized fridge with a water dispenser, but they’re less common than French-door or side-by-side styles. 

In our entire fridges review of more than 108 products, we currently have 14 fridges with both ice and water dispensers, 11 that can only deliver chilled water and three that can make ice (but not deliver chilled water).

Of those with water dispensers, only five are single width (freezer-on-top or freezer-on-bottom style), and they don’t score as well the larger fridges. One of the three ice-only fridges is single width as well.

And if you’re looking for an ice-dispensing fridge for a small space, you’ll have even fewer options. Some freezer-on-top or freezer-on-bottom style fridges do come with an ice drawer, which is a good space-saving alternative that still allows you fast access to plenty of ice.

On the upside, single-width fridges cost less to run than French-door or side-by-side fridges. The 10-year running costs for French-door fridges in our current test range from $1280 to $2276. 

By comparison, the 10-year running costs for top- or bottom-mount fridges in our current test range from $620 to $1560. 

Australia’s best fridge brand

Which brand of fridge should you buy? By analysing our test results and taking member feedback into consideration, we’ve identified the best brands of the year. 

Here’s how the brands compare.

Best fridge brand 2025: Mitsubishi Electric

Best fridge brand 2025 scores:

• Mitsubishi Electric – 78%
• LG – 75%
• Samsung – 74%
• Fisher & Paykel – 71%
• Westinghouse – 71%

What are the best fridges with water and ice dispensers?

We independently test and review dozens of new fridges each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed fridge testing data is available exclusively for CHOICE members. If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

And don’t forget to measure your space – you don’t want to find that your new fridge won’t fit in your kitchen! Our fridge size and dimensions guide is a good place to start, plus our reviews list each fridge’s dimensions.

The post The best fridges with water and ice dispensers appeared first on CHOICE.

Is your fridge bursting at the seams trying to accommodate enough food for your large family? 

For families of five or more, and those who entertain regularly, you’ll probably need a fridge that’s at least 440L to comfortably fit in food and drinks for everyone. 

If you’re considering an extra-large fridge, you’ll need to start saving: they cost anywhere from around $1500 upwards. The most expensive fridge we’ve tested costs $18,999 (yes, really!).

When you’re dropping that sort of coin, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying something that will perform well and stand the test of time.

And the most expensive fridge isn’t always the best: seven of the best extra-large fridges we tested cost less than $3000 – so if you want a huge fridge but have a smaller budget, you don’t have to spend at the top of the range.

We’ll talk you through how to buy the best fridge for your household, and exclusively for CHOICE members, we’ll reveal the best extra-large fridges. 

If you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How to choose the right fridge for your family

Not sure what size you’ll need? Here’s our guide to choosing the right fridge capacity.

Expert tips

CHOICE fridge expert Denis Gallagher shares his tips for choosing a fridge for a larger family.

Choose the right type

Side-by-side fridges may seem like a good size for larger families, but we don’t usually recommend them because they’re not great for temperature evenness. 

Plus, the shelves are often quite narrow, which can make it hard to fit large items.

A ‘pigeon pair’ – a separate but matching upright fridge and freezer – gives you lots more room than other fridge styles, and you can put the freezer in a different room to free up extra space in your kitchen. 

They cost more than traditional fridge styles, but a set-up that suits your lifestyle could be worth the extra money.

A French-door fridge – a bottom-mount freezer with a two-door fridge – is a good option as it has good storage capacity, and both fridge and freezer are wide enough for large platters and bulk foods. 

Again, they cost more than standard fridges, but the extra will buy you more space and convenience.

All but one of the fridges we recommend for large families are French-door fridges – we think they’re the best option unless you have the budget (and space) for a pigeon pair.

Look for flexibility

A multi-use compartment improves your fridge’s flexibility – you can allocate that compartment as extra freezer or fridge space as you need it.

Think twice about ice

If you’ve got a large family but not much space, don’t get a fridge with an ice dispenser – it can take up almost 30% of your freezer capacity.

What are the best fridges for big families?

We independently test and review dozens of new fridges each year in our thermal lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed fridge reviews include information about each model’s performance, running costs, durability and features – all important factors to also consider when purchasing a fridge.

Only CHOICE members can access our detailed testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all our expert, independent reviews, from coffee machines and grinders, to kettles and cots, toasters and TVs, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which fridges are the top picks for larger households.

The post The best fridges for big families appeared first on CHOICE.

On this page:

• How do ceiling fans work?
• How to save energy with year-round use
• How much does a ceiling fan cost to run?
• Finding the right size fan for your room
• Ceiling fans with lights
• Can you install a ceiling fan yourself?
• How noisy are ceiling fans?
• How to dispose of an old ceiling fan

We give you the lowdown on what you should look for when buying a ceiling fan, including how to find the right sized fan for your room, installation and running costs, which features you should consider, and how to use your fan in winter.

How do ceiling fans work?

Unlike an air conditioner, a ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room, it cools the person in the room by moving air over the body. This air movement over the skin evaporates the sweat on your skin, which cools your body in the same way a breeze would on a hot day.

Ceiling fans can be an effective, low-cost alternative to air conditioners or even heaters during the cooler months.

Ceiling fan types

There are two broad categories of ceiling fan: alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). 

Within these two categories are a number of alternatives that use different materials, sizes and blades. Some include a built-in light, which is useful if you want to install a fan but only have a single fitting in the ceiling.

Ceiling fans with an AC motor used to be more common than they are now, so you’ll likely find this type in existing installations. They generally have cheaper options than DC fans, with more models under $200. 

Fans with a DC motor are now the most common type of ceiling fan. They might cost a bit more upfront, but are more efficient and therefore cheaper to run than AC motors. 

DC models also have more speed options, with up to seven settings compared to the three on AC models, giving you more control over air movement.

Note, there is no issue installing a DC fan in any home, as you would any other appliance. The fan has an internal rectifier so it’s compatible with normal AC electrical systems. But always use a licensed electrician to carry out the installation.

How to save energy with year-round use

Your fan can pull double duty and keep your home comfortable in winter by bringing the heat down to the living area without creating an uncomfortable warm draught.

Reversing the direction of the fan, from anticlockwise in summer to clockwise in winter, draws air upwards rather than downwards, moving warm air around in winter without creating a downward breeze in the room. 

This is useful on its own, or when used together with a heater or reverse-cycle air conditioner.

DC fans deliver up to seven speeds including reverse. But even if your fan can’t go in reverse, you may find one of the slowest normal speeds works well for you in winter by driving warm air down from the ceiling without creating a significant draught effect.

Optimise your home’s efficiency

Specifying ceiling fans in all rooms will not only help you meet the latest National Construction Code, it’s also required for the top rating (7 stars). Under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating, including more ceiling fans will also improve your comfort in summer and winter.

How much does a ceiling fan cost to run?

Our most recent ceiling fans test data found that DC fans are cheaper to run than AC fans, generally speaking.

The results are estimated based on eight hours of use a day for six months of the year, used in summer to keep cool and part of winter to help move warm air down to the living area. Electricity is priced at 30 cents per kWh.

Over this period, AC fans have an average running cost of $25 a year, with the cheapest starting at $15 and the most expensive maxing out at $44. DC fans have an average running cost of $12.87 a year, the cheapest being $8 while the most expensive is $17.

This isn’t too bad if you only have one or two fans operating regularly. But the costs can increase pretty quickly if you’re running a bunch across multiple rooms. 

Aim for the more energy-efficient models and remember to turn them off if the room isn’t in use – unlike air conditioners, ceiling fans are designed to make you feel cooler, not the room.

Finding the right size fan for your room

The first thing you need to figure out is the size of your room and your preferred operating speed range. If these don’t match up, the fan won’t suit your requirements.

Your best option is to measure your room, record the dimensions, then take them to the retailer or manufacturer’s website. Most provide a sizing chart that recommends optimal models based on the size of your room. 

A 52-inch (132cm) fan is considered the standard size, and if it has more than three speeds, it should deliver the air movement you need for a comfortable night’s sleep without blowing your bed sheets off. 

If your room is on the smaller side, then a 48-inch (122cm) fan will be a better choice. The smaller size may also give you a better chance at getting the air movement you want, even if you select a three-speed model.

Larger fans over 54-inches (137cm) are better for larger square rooms, around the 5x5m mark or bigger. Not only can they move air around the entire room, their proportions are appropriate to the space, so they’ll look good too.

However, long open areas that are more of a rectangular shape will benefit from multiple 52-inch models, as they can deliver a more consistent airflow throughout the area. In any case, you’ll likely run large fans like these at their lowest speed most of the time.

Does ceiling height make a difference?

Absolutely! Minimum ceiling height needs to be between 2.1 and 2.4m for the best performance. 

If your ceiling is significantly higher, around 2.7–3m or more, you’ll most likely need an extension rod to lower the fan to an optimal level. These are often included or available for an additional fee, though not with every model, so double-check before you buy.

Ceiling fans with lights

A fan with an integrated light can be a useful feature. If you rely on existing lights such as downlights mounted in the ceiling around the fan, you could end up with a strobe lighting effect – great for parties, less so for relaxing on a warm evening.

Some ceiling fans with integrated lights come with universal fittings, which means they accept bulbs with a standard Edison screw (E27) or bayonet (B22) mount, although you may need to select a light design that can fit into the light housing.

Models with proprietary LED lights that are provided as an all-in-one light kit are increasingly common. These kits typically cost more and you can’t simply replace a fitting with a standard light bulb. So always check the fitting before you buy.

Some fans are adaptable, which means you can buy a fan without a light kit and fit one later if you change your mind. 

However, this is becoming less common and can be confusing when making your purchase online, as many models are now available as a version with the light and one without, so you can’t add a light later or adjust the one that’s included.

A good way to confirm what model to buy if you want to add a light later on is to check out the accessory kit at an online retailer or the ceiling fan brand website. If a light isn’t among the options, you won’t be able to add a light to your ceiling fan later. 

This inability to add a light to an existing fan is becoming more common with the increased use of integrated LED kits in the ceiling fan design.   

Controlling the lights

It’s important to pick a fan that lets you control the lights with a separate switch. This can be a remote (including an app if you use smart bulbs) or a standard wall switch. That way you can turn it on/off or adjust the brightness without having to change speed settings.

Conventional dimmer switches, aka the round knob mounted on your wall, can cause the motor to hum in some ceiling fans with light mounts. 

If you want to connect the light to a dimmer switch, speak to the retailer or manufacturer first to make sure it doesn’t suffer from interference.

Do you need an electrician to change the bulbs?

You can replace standard screw (E27) and bayonet (B22) bulbs yourself, just like any light fitting. 

But if you have a fan with a light kit, and the fan is still under warranty, check the fine print first. Even though many of these kits involve no more than unplugging the LED panel and plugging in a replacement, the warranty may stipulate that the light kit must be replaced by an electrician. 

If you do have to get an electrician to change the light fitting, get your money’s worth and have some other jobs ready, as the whole process would take no longer than a few minutes.

Fortunately, it’s becoming more common to have user-swappable LED replacement kits for these types of fans.  

Can you install a ceiling fan yourself?

You may be able to DIY a pull-cord or remote control fan, but a fan with a wall switch will need to be professionally installed as it’s illegal to attempt it without an electrician’s licence. You’ll also void the warranty if you attempt to wire one up, and worse, there’s a chance you could electrocute yourself.

We had a look around and found that most electricians will charge between $100 and $200 per fan. You can probably negotiate a lower rate if you need a few installed at once. You’ll also have to pay a service fee which varies depending on who you hire.

How noisy are ceiling fans?

It’s no fun choosing between a hot room and a noisy one. If it’s possible to hear the fan in operation before you buy it, do it! Check the noise with the fan on ‘low’, particularly if it’s for use in a bedroom, and on ‘high’ for a living room setting.

That said it’s not generally the noise of the fan that most of us find irritating, it’s the distracting clicking or knocking sounds.

Why does my ceiling fan make humming or buzzing sounds?

Humming or buzzing sounds in ceiling fans are caused by ripple control signals sent through the electricity supply (to switch devices such as hot water systems on and off for off-peak tariff switching).

This is a known problem that’s unlikely to be covered by the fan’s warranty. Your electricity supplier may be able (or even required) to fix the problem, so contact them in the first instance to see how they can help.

Which ceiling fan blade is best: Plastic, wood or metal?

Ceiling fan blades can be made from plastic (ABS), wood, aluminium or stainless steel. Many fans that appear to have wooden blades are in fact plastic. Which type you choose is for the most part personal preference. 

Our testing over several years hasn’t revealed any particular material to be better for airflow. Fan performance is mostly determined by the design and shape of the blades and the quality of the motor. The number of blades also isn’t a factor, with high-performing models we’ve tested having two, three or four blades.

In terms of noise, fans with wooden blades have been found to be slightly quieter over years of testing, which make them more suitable for bedrooms. But the results are not conclusive, so don’t make the blade material your reason for buying or not buying a model.

If you live in an area with high humidity, such as North Queensland, then selecting a tropically rated fan may be a good idea. The blade materials will be able to deal with the humidity, and the motor will be sealed to help keep out moisture.

What to consider when buying a ceiling fan

Design

Ceiling fans can dominate your space, so depending on your decor and priorities, design might be a big factor in your decision. 

There are plenty of well-designed ceiling fans that can enhance the look of a room – a retro-style ceiling fan might suit your home much more than a bulky, wall-mounted air conditioning unit.

Controls and settings

• Pull-cord: Connected to the bottom of the fan, simply pull once for the lowest setting and again for the next highest.
• Wall switch: Usually combined with the light switch, wall switches are easy to use but require professional installation.
• Remote control: Also easy to use and allows for easier fan installation in situations that make it difficult to rewire to a light switch.
• Reverse mode: Being able to reverse the direction of your fan in winter will push warm air down. Not all models have this feature.
• App: Some newer models supplement their remotes by letting you control your fan through an app on your phone as well. 

Fan balance kit

This helps correct wobbles that can rob a fan of efficiency and create extra noise.

Smart fans

Smart fans can automatically start when the temperature reaches a certain point, or use a proximity sensor to turn on when someone is in the room (or off when not), via an app on your smartphone.

Natural breeze feature

In an effort to make a ceiling fan feel more like it is creating a natural, cooling breeze, some of the latest fans now have a ‘Breeze mode’, which simulates a natural breeze by changing the fan speed and direction at regular intervals. This feature is becoming more common with DC models due to the ability to vary speed capability. Some of the brands with models that have this feature include Eglo, Claro, ThreeSixty and Calibo.

Do you have a raked or angled ceiling?

Raked or angled ceilings can present a challenge for ceiling fan installation. Many ceiling fans can accommodate installation on an angle up to about 10 degree, but this is more to deal with inconsistencies in the ceiling or for very slight angles. These fans are likely to have a reasonable amount of distance between the ceiling mount and fan blades.

For ceiling fan installation on ceilings with significant angles of 20 to 40 degrees, you’ll most likely need to add a raked or angled ceiling kit to your fan.

This kit will replace the ceiling mount that was supplied with the fan, and will greatly simplify the installation process on raked, cathedral, pitched or vaulted ceilings. It allows further rotation in the ball joint within the mounting bracket, so the ceiling fan can hang parallel to the floor. You’ll also most likely need a longer down rod to ensure there’s enough clearance for the fan blades at the lowest point of the ceiling.

Ceiling fans with a low profile (mounted close to the ceiling) or those that appear to have no down rod may not be suitable for an angled ceiling. But there are exceptions. For example, the Aeratron series of fans are very low profile and yet have a range of extension rod rake kits available for angles up to 33 degrees. The best way to check if your fan can be installed on a sloping ceiling is to check the accessories available for that model.

How to dispose of an old ceiling fan

The good news when buying and using a ceiling fan is that its impact on the environment is relatively low and you’re most likely to use your fan for decades before you have to consider getting rid of it. 

While we’ve highlighted the improved efficiency of a ceiling fan with a DC motor compared to an AC motor, don’t get rid of your old fan just to save a couple of dollars a year. Almost all ceiling fans are an environmentally sound way to keep you feeling cool in summer and also warmer in winter.

But when it’s finally time to dispose of your fan, you can try Planet Ark or your local council with a separate e-waste pickup.

The post How to find the perfect ceiling fan for your space and budget appeared first on CHOICE.

If you’ve had enough of being hot in summer and cold in winter, you might be considering splashing out on an air conditioner. 

But between the big upfront and installation costs, absurdly long model numbers and confusing sizing advice, it can be hard to tell which is the best option for your particular needs. 

With household bills rising and a hot summer already underway, reverse-cycle air conditioners are a smart move for cooling your home.

They’re also a good option for winter, as they can be cheaper to run than gas or electric heaters. 

If you choose the right model, they can be an efficient and cost-effective way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. 

On this page:

• Poor performers for cooling
• Poor performers for heating
• What to do before you buy a reverse-cycle air conditioner

To help make choosing easier, our air conditioning experts crunch the data to compare more than 300 models each year, covering all the major brands on the market, including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, LG and more. 

They scrutinise all the ins and outs of each model to make your purchasing decision easier. And in our most recent air conditioning reviews, we encountered some excellent units and some poor performers. 

For this list, we’ve focused on small-size air conditioners (up to 4kW) as they’re the most popular type in Australia. We have more 120 models of this size in our latest review. 

If you’re after medium or large models, check out our full air conditioner reviews. 

(Note: it’s unfair to compare large units against small ones – they aren’t as energy-efficient, but they can heat or cool a much bigger space.)

“All these models have passed minimum energy performance standards to be registered and sold in Australia, so their cooling and heating energy efficiency scores are OK, but there are much better models out there,” says CHOICE household appliance expert Chris Barnes.

Good brands, ordinary products

Interestingly, the same brands that delivered air conditioners with the lowest heating and cooling efficiency also produced some of our review’s top scorers – a result we often see across product reviews. 

“The brands in this list aren’t bad brands,” says Chris. 

“It just goes to show that even a good brand can sometimes make some pretty ordinary products. 

“In some cases these air conditioners are older models that may be overdue to be phased out or replaced with more efficient lines.”

Poor performers for cooling

When summer rolls around, you’re going to want an air con unit that can keep you cool. So we suggest you avoid these air conditioners that scored the lowest for cooling efficiency in our latest review: 

• Fujitsu ASTH12KNCA (Cooling efficiency score: 55%)
• Fujitsu ASTH12CNCA (55%)
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries DXK12ZTLA-W (56%)
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries DXK12ZTLA-WFJ (56%)
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRR35ZS-W (57%)
• Haier AS35TBMCRA-SET (57%)
• Haier AS35TBMHRA-SET (57%)
• Haier AS25TBMHRA-SET (57%)

Of course, cooling efficiency is just one criteria for a great air conditioner. Our air conditioner reviews also assess heating efficiency, airflow, noise, key features and more.

Poor performers for heating

Reverse-cycle air conditioning is actually a very cost-effective way to heat your home. However, if you’re dreaming of a toasty warm home this winter, these models might leave you a bit cold. 

Here are the air conditioners that scored the lowest for heating efficiency in our review: 

• Haier AS35TBMHRA-SET (Heating efficiency score: 55%)
• Haier AS35PBDHRA-SET (55%)
• Mitsubishi Electric MFZKW35KIT (56%)
• Haier AS25TBMHRA-SET (56%)
• Samsung F-AR12BXECNWK1 (57%)

What to do before you buy a reverse-cycle air conditioner

Insulate your home

If possible, make sure your home is insulated – particularly the ceiling. This will help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, with or without air conditioning. 

Do your research

Before you buy, check out our expert air conditioner reviews and check the stars on the rating label – the more stars the better. 

And make sure the unit is suitable for where you live. A home in Tasmania is going to have different requirements to a home in Perth, so find out how the unit will perform in your region. 

“The zoned star-rating label gives more information about how the air conditioner performs in different parts of Australia and New Zealand, so you can pick a model to suit the region you live in,” says Chris.

Buy the right capacity

It’s important to find the right size air conditioner for the space you need to heat and cool. 

Don’t be tempted to undersize to save on the upfront cost, or to go for the biggest available unit in the hope that it will work better – they’re both false economies.

“Try to size the air conditioner’s heating and cooling capacity correctly for the room where it will be installed,” says Chris. “Models that are too powerful or too underpowered won’t run as effectively or efficiently.” 

See our article on how to find the right size air conditioner for your space. 

The post Reverse-cycle air conditioners to avoid appeared first on CHOICE.

Whether you’re upgrading an ageing microwave or buying one for the first time, this guide will help you find a model with the features you need.

On this page:

• Sizing up a new microwave
• How do inverter microwaves work?
• Key features to look for
• How much do microwaves cost?
• Australia’s best microwave brands
• Australia’s most reliable microwave brands

How does a microwave work?

A microwave is a handy kitchen appliance that cooks, reheats and defrosts food relatively quickly. As the name suggests, microwaves use a magnetron that produces microwaves. 

The microwaves are reflected inside the metal interior of the oven, which is then absorbed by the food and causes the water and fat molecules in the food to oscillate. This process generates the heat needed to cook, reheat or defrost your food. 

Will a microwave save you money?

A microwave can speed up your cooking time, but it can also help you be more sustainable and save you on your energy bill. Microwaves are more energy-efficient than stovetops and ovens in most types of cooking, and their running costs can be as low as $10 a year.

You can also save more money by switching off your microwave at the power point when you’re not using it. Yearly standby costs for microwaves aren’t high – generally only a few dollars (or less) – but it’s a simple way to reduce your household energy consumption. 

While microwaves are a great way to defrost frozen food, you can save even more energy by defrosting food in the fridge. It’ll take a bit longer and require some forward planning, but if you’re not in a rush it’s an easy change to make.

Sizing up a new microwave

Many kitchens now have a dedicated space for a microwave, so you’ll need to measure that gap and look for something that fits while still allowing space for air circulation. 

If you don’t have a spot carved out, the microwave is going to take up your precious bench space, so think about how much you’re willing to sacrifice. 

Most microwaves are around 50cm wide, 30cm high and 40cm deep. They’ll need about 10cm space around the sides for ventilation, and 20cm at the top where the vents are usually located. 

Interior dimensions are important, too. Will your microwave-safe dishes actually fit inside? Don’t be shy about taking them into the store to check.

Looking for a small microwave

If you’re looking for a small, compact microwave there are models available with capacities of 20L and under. If you’re going this small though, keep in mind that there are limitations in terms of the size of dishes that the turntable can accomodate.

If your dish has side handles you might find it causes the turntable to fall off the runner as the handles can hit the walls and the dish might not be able to turn. Dishes that just fit in these microwaves might be difficult to remove while also protecting your hands from the heat of the dish. 

If you’re looking at a compact microwave but don’t want these possible issues with the turntable, consider a flatbed microwave. The more compact models do have lower wattages (generally around 700–800W), so reheating and cooking times will be slightly longer.

Built-in microwaves and trim kits

Built-in microwaves

Having all your appliances integrated seems to be a trend for complete kitchen renovations and new builds at the moment, so you might be considering a built-in microwave.

Pros

• Can free up valuable bench space
• Can be installed at a height and location that suits you
• Gives a more streamlined look and can be teamed with other built-in appliances
• Usually comes with a grill

Cons

• More expensive than benchtop models
• May need hardwiring by a qualified electrician
• Fixed position. If it needs replacing, finding another model to fit may be difficult
• Cleaning and accessing may be difficult depending on the position

If you decide on a built-in microwave (which range in price from $500 to over $3000) it’s important to follow the cut-out dimensions recommended, as adequate ventilation is required. Some microwaves with a grill or convection function require hard-wiring by an electrician and may need to run on a 20 amp circuit.

Remember, if you ever need to replace your microwave you’ll need to consider the replacement size, as it needs to be the same dimensions with similar ventilation requirements and electrical capacity to avoid a major cabinetry replacement.

Trim kits

Microwave trim kits ($150–500) fit over the faceplate of the microwave and sit on a pedestal inside a cabinet to give you the look of a built-in. Rear ventilation is required and must reach the full height of the cabinet with no obstructions. 

Trim kits are model-specific so not all microwaves can accommodate one. Standard width is around 60cm, but the height may differ to fit different size cabinets. This is to match the width of a wall oven to give a uniform look. If you need to replace your microwave, you probably won’t be able to use the same trim kit.

How do inverter microwaves work?

An inverter microwave works by heating, reheating or defrosting food at a constant power level for the duration of the cooking time. A regular microwave on medium power will heat on full power for half the time, then turn off for half the time, whereas an inverter will continually heat using 50% of its power and won’t need to turn off.

Key features to look for

Controls

Look for easy-to-use controls and good instructions on the display. The best microwaves won’t require you to refer to the instruction manual. Some have a quick-access user guide inside the door, which can help.

Visibility

A bright interior light and large transparent viewing window will let you check your food as it cooks. Many models have poor visibility through the door. Where possible, ask the store to power up the microwaves you’re considering buying to make sure the visibility is good.

Cleaning

Check there aren’t too many gaps or crevices inside or outside the microwave that could trap food and grease. Control pads are easier to clean than dials and buttons. Stainless steel may look flash but it’s harder to keep clean.

Automatic defrost

Automatic defrost prompts you to enter the weight and type of food, and the microwave then calculates the defrosting time.

Sensor cooking

Sensor programs take automatic functions one step further by measuring vapours emitted by the food to control the cooking time. No weight required.

Quick boost/start

This is a single button that delivers a 30-second or one-minute burst of 100% power, which can be increased in increments – particularly handy for reheating.

Time adjust

This lets you increase or decrease the programmed time without stopping cooking.

Multi-stage programming

This setting performs a sequence of functions, such as defrost, cook and then leave to stand.

Child safety lock

This gives you a sequence of buttons to activate and deactivate the microwave.

Kitchen timer

The digital timer can be used to time other kitchen tasks or cooking times.

Noise

Keep in mind that all microwaves beep during or at the end of operation – and most keep on beeping till you open the door to remove your food. Some also have cooling fans that can continue operating when cooking has finished. A few microwaves give you the option to adjust the noise levels – we’ve started recording this feature in our most recent tests.

How much do microwaves cost?

In our latest microwaves review, models range in price from around $49 up to $1599, and up to $3199 for a built-in model. It’s a big price range, so what are you getting for those extra dollars? Usually it’s a brand name, a larger cooking capacity, and design elements.

If those are important to you, prepare to front up the extra cash. Of course, you don’t want it to fail in its first five years, so reliability is also important.

Australia’s best microwave brands

We identify the best microwave brands based on our test results for more than 90 microwaves over the past seven years and feedback from our members on satisfaction and reliability.

Our experts have tested microwaves and convection microwaves from the major brands, including Breville, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Westinghouse and more.

Best microwave brands for 2025: Panasonic and Sharp

Panasonic and Sharp are equal winners of our Best Brand for 2025, with strong scores in our test results in addition to being reliable brands with highly satisfied customers. Breville comes a close third, also with strong results. 

While Kmart Anko received strong scores in our testing (with 50% of the models being recommended) and performed well in terms of reliability, the customer satisfaction scores were below average, which disqualified the brand from obtaining Best Brand status.

Likewise, LG models performed well in our expert lab testing, but received below-average scores in both customer satisfaction and reliability.

It’s important to note that the performance of specific product models may vary quite significantly, so don’t assume that one brand’s products are the best across the many different features, functions and price points.

To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the ‘Recommended’ box in the filters section of our microwave reviews or convection microwave reviews.

Australia’s most reliable microwave brands

Our CHOICE Product Reliability Survey asks thousands of members about the appliances they own, what they think of them, and how well they’ve held up over time. 

The information they provide gives us a really good indication of how various microwave brands perform over time – something we can’t test in our labs.

The top performers

Most reliable brand: Panasonic

Highest owner satisfaction: Panasonic

Common issues

The most commonly reported problems respondents mentioned were about:

• the microwave’s light
• rust

Other issues include problems with the LCD display, uneven heating/cooking, being noisy, not heating/cooking, stopping working together and paint wearing off.

In our most recent survey, 1312 people told us about their microwave. Panasonic was the most popular brand, with 31% of our members saying they have a Panasonic microwave, followed by LG (21%) and Sharp (14%). Standard or conventional microwaves were far more common than convection or microwave ovens.

Are microwaves dangerous?

Microwaves are a safe method of food preparation if used correctly, and the food is just as nutritious (more so in some cases) as any other cooking method. The electromagnetic waves stop as soon as you cut off the power and open the door, and they don’t remain in the food and make it radioactive. 

The allowable limit for microwave leakage is 5mW/cm2 at a distance of 5cm, and the radiation leakage spot tests we’ve conducted on microwaves are well below this level.

All microwaves sold in Australia must pass specific requirements about leakage in accordance with relevant Australian standards. Leakage is possible if you have a poorly fitting or damaged door, so you should have it inspected by a qualified technician or return it to the manufacturer for repair.

If a microwave is in good working order, it should be perfectly safe, but it’s good practice to stand 30cm away from it when it’s in use.

How to clean a microwave

Microwaves can get dirtied with splatters and odours but the good news is you don’t need to spend too much time or elbow grease to get them clean. For regular cleans, you can wipe out the microwave with warm soapy water. For built-up grease, our home economist Fiona Mair says you can clean and deodorise your microwave in minutes using a lemon and the power of steam. 

Place a small, microwave-safe bowl of water with a few slices of lemon into the microwave and heat on high for two minutes. Then simply wipe the walls, door and ceiling of the microwave with a dry microfibre cloth.

How to dispose of your old microwave

If your microwave no longer works, and it can’t be repaired, it’s time for an upgrade. But don’t forget you can keep it out of landfill by recycling it. Useful materials in a normal microwave include glass, galvanised steel, copper, aluminium and ferrite, as well as trace metals. 

Microwaves that use inverter technology are generally lighter and use fewer materials (this is because they use an inverter circuit board instead of a conventional power transformer) but metals such as copper from these boards can also be recycled. Visit recyclingnearyou.com.au/whitegoods for locations near you.

The post How to buy a great microwave appeared first on CHOICE.