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COMMENT

Onwards
Facing 2021 with optimism

T
his time last year most
of us were looking forward
to holidays. And while the
bushfire season was already
well underway on the east coast,
few could have imagined just how
devastating that summer would
come to be.
Many communities, especially
along the coast, were thrown into
disarray as fires worsened from late
December. Many lost their homes.
Some holiday-makers were trapped in
fire-affected communities while others
had to flee from danger. The skies
were filled with smoke for days on
end. Many firefighters spent months
on the job because that’s how long it
took to stamp out some of the fires.
Little did we know that this was
just training for what 2020 had in
store for us. The country was locked
down in response to COVID-19 and
we all grappled with the challenges
this entailed, whether it was losing
a job, being unable to visit loved ones,
or struggling to balance work with
home-schooling children. In Victoria,
of course, these challenges stretched
on for much longer than in the rest
of the country.
But lest you think this is a tale of
the woes that we’ve all lived through,
the point of this is to say that I’m
ending 2020 on an optimistic note.
The Bureau of Meteorology has
advised that after a series of dry
summers we’re now experiencing
a La Nina event, with the hope
of increased rain across central,
eastern and northern Australia.
Hopefully that also means lower risk
of fires. Country communities that
had their tourist trade shut down
by bushfires and then COVID-19
restrictions are now brimming with Doing more meetings via phone
people, with accommodation booked and video has allowed us to connect
out. We’re starting to get a sense of with people – such as our colleagues
what a ‘COVID-normal’ life may look in the consumer movement – more
like, as restrictions gradually ease frequently. We’ve found creative
across the country. ways to hold events like our annual
Meanwhile, promising results Shonky Awards, with great results.
from vaccine trials suggest that As I start to think about 2021,
most of the experiences we’ve gone I look forward to a year where we
without may ultimately be possible can continue the best of these
again. While this suggests that life experiences as part of our new
may return to something like what normal. Until then, best wishes
we previously considered normal, to you and those close to you for
I’d like to think we’ll keep some a safe and happy summer.
of the positive changes that have
come out of this experience.
At CHOICE, we’ve embraced
workplace flexibility, allowing staff
to nominate how they would like to Alan Kirkland, CEO
work and accommodating it where Email: alan@choice.com.au
we can – which is most of the time. Twitter: @AlanKirkland

CHOICE
CHOICE gives you the power to choose the best goods
and services, and avoid the worst. Wherever possible,
we pay full price for the products we test, so we remain
100% independent. We don’t take advertising or
freebies from industry. We’re not a government body
and our consumer publishing and advocacy is almost
entirely funded by membership. Memberships include
online access and services such as CHOICE Help.
CHOICE product ratings are based on lab tests, expert
assessments and consumer surveys. CHOICE staff
also research a wide range of consumer services.
They reveal the truth behind the facts and figures,
and investigate the quality and the claims.
BECOME A MEMBER To review the full range
of membership options and benefits go to
choice.com.au/signup.
MEMBERSHIPS/RENEWALS Call 1800 069 552
or email us at ausconsumer@choice.com.au.

2 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 26 CONTENTS

36 21
4 Checkout 32 Sound’s good 57 TVs
News, views Watching TV with hearing How good would a $30,000
and sneak peeks aids and headphones TV be? Get the full picture

14 Ask the Experts 72 Index 60 Smartphones

Our picks for the 5G rollout
16 Your Say 76 Hard Word
64 Best brands of 2020
18 Season’s eatings TESTS We combine lab results with
Our mouthwatering guide members’ feedback
to a yummy Yuletide 36 Mosquito repellents
Keep the blighters at bay PREPARE
21 Spray-on sunscreen THE FEA
Sacrificing protection 39 Stain removers ST
for convenience? Which leave their mark?
P18

26 Holiday hell 42 Home cooling

Trip cancelled with no refund? Find the best way to
Here’s how to fight back beat the heat at home

28 No-interest credit cards 50 Ovens

Beware these wolves Not all the hottest features
in sheep’s clothing are worth shelling out for

30 Still too slapdash 54 Dishwashers

Why MySuper dashboards Pint-sized models for
aren’t up to speed the snugger space

We update more tests than we can fit in the magazine. Online this month: lawnmowers, strollers, playpens,
laptops, TVs and more. For access to any of these tests, call Customer Service on 1800 069 552.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 3

4
CHECKOUT The latest consumer
news in brief
IN THIS ISSUE:
p6 Australians lose $8.8m
to threat-based scams in 2020
p7 CBA fined for
irresponsible lending
p8 How we feel about
differential pricing
p9 $8.5m fine for iSelect’s
misleading comparisons
4 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
Button batteries continue
to cause serious harm
I n late October, devastating news broke of another
death caused by button battery ingestion. Three-
year-old Brittney Conway from Queensland died after
swallowing a button battery which became lodged in her
oesophagus, burning a hole through to her main artery.
Brittney had been complaining of a sore throat and a pain
in her chest and also suffered vomiting and a nosebleed.
Despite multiple presentations to medical services, none of
the doctors who examined Brittney suspected button battery
ingestion and she was mistakenly diagnosed first with food
poisoning, then a virus.
Nine days after Brittney first complained of a sore throat,
her parents found her unconscious in a pool of blood. She
was rushed to hospital where she underwent surgery to
try to repair the damage, but died of her injuries days later.
Brittney is the third child known to have died in Australia since
2013 after ingesting a button battery. Many more have been
seriously injured. We’ve been calling for a mandatory standard
for button batteries and products containing them to reduce
the risk of these dangerous products slipping into the hands of
young children. We expect the federal government to announce
the introduction of a mandatory standard by Christmas.
AMY PEREIRA
SA bans single-use plastics
S outh Australia has become the first Australian state
or territory to ban single-use plastic products such
as straws, cutlery and beverage stirrers. The ban has passed
parliament, but its introduction is delayed until 2021 because
of the impact COVID-19 has had on businesses, particularly
in the hospitality industry. Single-use plastic products will
continue to be available for people with a disability who rely
on them.
The state plans further bans of single-use plastic
takeaway containers, coffee cups, and fruit and vegetable
bags. Meanwhile, the ACT and Queensland are also about
to introduce laws banning single-use plastics.
Our ever-growing consumption of plastic has long been
recognised as a threat to our environment. It’s estimated
that by 2050 there will be more plastic, by weight, in our
oceans than there are fish. Those plastics may take
hundreds or even thousands of years to break down.
An alternative to single-use plastic containers are
durable plastic food containers – see our review in
CHOICE Nov 20, p46.
UTA MIHM
 CHECKOUT

Need for food relief soars

T he coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us,

but especially people who were already struggling.
A new report by the charity Foodbank explains that
early in the pandemic, many
vulnerable people struggled
to get enough food, as basic items
disappeared from shelves or only
expensive alternatives were left.
COVID-19 has gone on to impact
young people the most, the report
says, because they’re more likely to
be working casual jobs. Many have
lost some or all of their income.
Foodbank surveyed 1000 Australians who’d
experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months, and
500 charities, which have seen a huge rise in the need
for food relief. In 2019, 15% of Australians experiencing
food insecurity were seeking food relief at least once
a week. In 2020, this has doubled to 31%.
The report notes that before COVID-19, the main
groups accessing food relief were families
living on a low income, unemployed
people, single-parent families, homeless
people and people with mental illness.
While the pandemic has made life even
more difficult for many of these people,
it has dragged others into food insecurity
for the first time. Of those Australians
experiencing food insecurity in 2020,
28% had never experienced it before
COVID-19. Along with members of the casual workforce,
charities have seen more international students in need
of food relief as a result of the pandemic.
SAIMI JEONG

CHOICE archived by
US Library of Congress
T he US Library of Congress is including
part of the CHOICE website “in the
historic collection of Internet materials
related to the Coronavirus Web Archive”.
The URL, choice.com.au/topics/
covid-19-coronavirus, features the
COVID-19 related stories we’ve done
since the outbreak of the pandemic,
starting around mid-March.
“We consider your website to be an
important part of this collection and the
historical record”, the Library of Congress
says, adding that the goal of the project
is “capturing information that could
otherwise be lost” in order to “foster
education and scholarship”. That
certainly sounds like a worthy
objective to us.
Many of the stories on the webpage,
it’s worth pointing out, wouldn’t have
been possible without the many tip-offs
from CHOICE members and supporters.
“The Library hopes that you share its
vision of preserving Internet materials
and permitting researchers from across
IMAGES: GETTY

the world to access them,” the message

from Washington reads. We certainly do.
ANDY KOLLMORGEN

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 5

6

Scammers preying on instinct

to ‘comply with authority’
S ome scammers pretend to be officials – from
government departments, the Australian Tax Office
or the police, for example. They tend to conduct their
scams over the phone and rely on fear, intimidation
and people’s instinct to comply with authority. So far
this year, Australians have lost more than $8.8 million
to threat-based scams, with certain groups suffering
the highest losses.
People aged 24 and under reported losing more than
$4.1 million to threat-based scams, and women reported
losses three times higher than men. “These losses can
be devastating and they can also lead to a loss of trust in
authority, meaning victims of threat-based scams may be
less likely to seek help or advice from legitimate agencies
in the future,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard says.
Scamwatch has received more than 18,000 reports
of these scams so far this year, an increase of 40%
compared to the entire year of 2019. Chinese-authority
scams made up 74% of the losses – more than $6.5 million.
These scams target Mandarin-speakers in Australia and
impersonate authorities such as the Chinese embassy,
police or other government officials.
“Threat-based scams disproportionately affect people
Term deposits offer less with English as a second language, including foreign
students, who may not fully understand Australian law,”
than high-interest accounts Rickard says. “If you’re not sure whether a call is legitimate,

I n the past, term deposits offered higher interest rates

than high-interest savings accounts, particularly over
longer terms. But term deposit interest rates have fallen.
hang up and call the organisation directly by finding their
details through an independent search.”
SAIMI JEONG
Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a term deposit
rate higher than the best rates offered by high interest
savings accounts.
High interest savings accounts are also more
convenient: you can access your money at any time
and don’t have to pay a break fee as you do with a term
deposit. But a term deposit could still be a good option
if you want to set aside money and lock it away so you
can’t touch it.
So here are our top three tips for term deposits:
O Look for specials. Financial institutions sometimes

decide to promote a specific term for their best rates.

For example, when we looked in October 2020, ANZ
offered 0.75% for a 10-month term deposit but only
0.6% for nine or 11 months.
O Watch for ‘blackboard specials’ outside branches.

O Don’t let your term deposit roll over as it might lock

your money away at a very low interest rate. Always

check for the best rates available even if you don’t
want to switch banks.
UTA MIHM

6 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


CBA cops $150,000 irresponsible lending fine
U ntil fairly recently, banks could increase your credit
card limit without your say-so. The idea, it seems,
was to get you to spend more and pay interest over the
long term instead of paying off the balance right away.
In a case that came to light during the banking royal
commission, the cardholder was a problem gambler, and
an increase in the amount he could spend on credit from
$27,100 to $35,100 was the last thing he needed.
ASIC thought so too, and took the case to the Federal
Court. The credit limit increase was given despite the
customer informing CBA “that he was a problem gambler
Help CHOICE protect safe lending laws
I n September 2020, the federal government
announced plans to axe responsible lending laws.
These important consumer protections were
introduced after the scandals of the global financial
crisis (GFC) to stop lenders from selling credit to people
that would trap them in a cycle of ongoing debt.
Responsible lending laws are essential to evening
out the power imbalance between lenders and their
customers. The GFC and the banking royal commission
showed us how people’s lives were marred by banks
selling them risky loans. Commissioner Kenneth Hayne
IMAGES: GETTY
recommended the laws be enforced, not wound back.
Now CHOICE has united with community organisations
CHECKOUT
and did not wish to increase his
credit limit until he was able to
get his gambling under control”,
ASIC said in a statement. A Federal
Court decision in late October this
year slapped the bank with a $150,000
fine for the aggressive tactic. Under the
National Credit Act, lenders are required to take
steps to ensure borrowers have the means to repay
a loan without falling into substantial financial hardship.
ANDY KOLLMORGEN
to protect these laws. Fiona Guthrie, CEO of Financial
Counselling Australia, says: “There is significant profit
to be made in pushing borrowers to the edge. Removing
responsible lending obligations will free banks up
to aggressively push credit onto their customers.”
The law hasn’t yet passed through Federal
Parliament. We need to let them know that winding
back consumer protections during a global pandemic
will hurt people and the economy.
Join CHOICE’s campaign to email your state
senators and let them know you support safe lending
laws at choice.com.au/responsiblelending.
PATRICK VEYRET
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 7
8

Taking Aussies’ pulse on the pros and cons of differential pricing

I n our latest nationally representative Consumer Pulse

survey, we asked Australians for their thoughts on
being charged different prices to what other people are
but using gender (89%) and sexual orientation (88%)
are perceived as the most unfair.
There’s a little less certainty when it comes to income
charged. The responses show most people (69%) don’t and wealth, with 14% saying
think differential pricing is fair, while 18% think it’s fair it’s fair to charge people
only if a company is transparent about it. on higher incomes
One in five people also think there are laws or rules more than those on
in place to stop the practice, and the lower incomes, and
majority (78%) think there 13% saying it’s fair to
should be rules or laws in charge people living
place. But in fact, charging in wealthier areas
people different prices more than those
for the same product is in less wealthy
common and, in many areas. But most
cases, lawful. Think respondents believe
student transport fares these practices are unfair
or haggling at a market. (74% and 77%, respectively).
The practice may be Interestingly, about a quarter
unlawful if it’s based of Australians (26%) would be happy
on unjust or prejudicial to pay a different price based
treatment of different groups. on the use of personal
Most people think it’s unfair information if the pricing
to charge different prices benefits them.
based on any characteristics, SAIMI JEONG

Millions relying on BNPL services like Afterpay just to get by

A ustralia’s biggest buy now, pay

later (BNPL) lender, Afterpay,
would have you believe its products
are designed and used “to help
Australians budget for life’s little
extras”, not for making ends meet.
The service, the company says, “is
geared around financially healthy
customers with responsible
spending patterns”.
Other BNPL lenders have taken a
similar line. But our latest Consumer
Pulse results suggest these fintechs
are glossing over the issue. It turns
out that a little more than one in ten
Australians (12%) have used a BNPL
service in recent months to cover
a cash shortfall until payday – more
than the number of Australians
who’ve used a credit card (9%)
to make ends meet.
And the survey results reveal
a significant age and gender skew:
twice as many women (16%) have
used a BNPL app than men (8%);
and one in five people aged
between 18 and 34 have used
a BNPL service, compared with
less than one in ten in that age
range who’ve used a credit card.
ANDY KOLLMORGEN

8 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 CHECKOUT

One in five still buying extended warranties for electronic goods

I n 2013, a team of CHOICE staff mystery shopped

for a big-screen TV priced around $2500 at 80 Harvey
Norman, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi stores across
It was troubling but not surprising that 85% of the
salespeople we talked to said ‘no’ when we asked if
the store had any responsibility if a big-screen TV priced
every state and territory. We wanted to see if the major around $2500 broke down after the manufacturer’s
electronics retailers were adhering to the Australian one-year warranty period. And every salesperson tried
Consumer Law, which says stores must offer to replace, to sell us an extended warranty.
repair or refund your money in the case of a major fault Our latest Consumer Pulse survey reveals that about
with a product, regardless of any warranty period. one in five Australians (18%) have purchased extended
warranties in the past two years,
mostly for electronics and
appliances. As the ACCC puts
it, “you should make sure
that the extended
warranty provides
value for money
and benefits
greater than what
you automatically
receive under the consumer
guarantees”.
ANDY KOLLMORGEN

iSelect ordered to pay $8.5m for misleading comparisons

H undreds of thousands of
people visited the comparison
site iSelect between November 2016
ACCC chair Rod Sims says
almost two in five people who
compared electricity plans with
retail partners were only available
via their call centre and were not
available through their online
and December 2018, presumably iSelect at that time may have comparison service.
to find the best deal on utilities and found a cheaper plan if they’d The Federal Court has ordered
finance products. Unfortunately shopped around or used the iSelect to pay $8.5 million in
for those who compared electricity government’s comparison site penalties for making false or
providers, it turns out iSelect was Energy Made Easy. The company misleading representations, as well
lying to them. also failed to properly disclose as part of the ACCC’s legal costs.
The company recently admitted that cheaper plans from their SAIMI JEONG
that when they said they would
compare all electricity plans offered
by their partners and recommend
the most suitable or competitive
plan, they didn’t really do so. In fact,
iSelect’s commercial arrangements
with partner electricity retailers
restricted the number of electricity
plans those retailers could upload
onto iSelect. That means the
recommended plans were not
necessarily the most suitable
or competitive. iSelect then got
IMAGES: GETTY

commissions from retailers when

people selected a plan via the
iSelect website or call centre.
10

CHOICE calls for fairer

funeral pricing
I n November, CHOICE awarded InvoCare, the company
behind the national funeral brands Simplicity Funerals
and White Lady Funerals, a Shonky for failing to display
itemised prices for its funeral services online or in-store in
all states apart from NSW, where it is a legal requirement.
This bad behaviour inspired us to launch a campaign
to make upfront pricing for funerals the norm across
Australia, so that grieving people aren’t left in the dark
when they’re at their most vulnerable.
Currently, most funeral providers do not display
itemised price lists of their services online or in store.
This makes costs hard to identify, understand and
compare, in what is already a stressful and time-sensitive
period. A CHOICE survey found that one in five people
who organised a funeral in the past five years could not
access a price list without repeatedly asking.
That’s why CHOICE is calling for a requirement in all
states and territories for funeral providers to display basic
pricing information – a practice that’s common in most
other sectors. This will help grieving Australians more
easily consider and compare funeral options and make
decisions that best suit their needs and preferences.
AMY PEREIRA

COVID-19 boosts online messaging

M ore and more, Australians are turning to online messaging
to keep in touch with each other, mainly using services
provided by the digital giants Facebook and Apple.
The ACCC’s first Digital Platform Services Inquiry interim
report shows a significant rise in online private messaging
during the COVID-19 pandemic, as workplaces and schools
moved online for remote access.
Facebook Messenger had about 14.7 million monthly active
users in Australia in June 2020, the report says, while Facebook-
owned WhatsApp had an estimated 8 million monthly active users.
Apple iOS makes up about half of the mobile operating systems
used in Australia, and Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime come pre-
installed on iPhones as the default messaging and video call apps.
ACCC chair Rod Sims says people commonly use the
biggest providers because their friends, family, colleagues and
acquaintances are more likely to use them, and because most
online messaging services don’t let you send or receive messages
to users of different services. “This means the big players have
a significant competitive advantage over small entrants,” he says.
New research for the report confirms many digital platforms that
provide online messaging and advertising services are able
to extensively track users’ online activities, including on apps.
SAIMI JEONG

10 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 CHECKOUT

Budget targets dud super funds

T he 2020 Federal Budget included new measures
aimed at reducing duplicate super accounts,
making it easier for people to compare super funds
and targeting underperforming funds. The changes
will be introduced in 2021.
The first change means your super account will be
‘stapled’ to you as you move from job to job unless you
choose otherwise. This targets duplicate accounts,
a major problem in the Australian super system. Super
Consumers Australia director Xavier O’Halloran says the
change is a positive step towards reducing the billions
wasted on fees and insurance on these accounts.
The ‘stapling’ reform, on its own, won’t stop
people being defaulted into dud funds. This is where
YourSuper comes in. This online comparison tool
will rank MySuper products by investment returns
and fees, helping people identify which funds are
performing well.
There will also be a crackdown on underperformers.
All MySuper products will have to pass a performance
test. If a fund fails, it will have to let its members know
it’s underperforming and refer them to the YourSuper
tool. If a fund fails two tests in a row, it’ll be banned
from accepting new members until it improves.
“These changes are a good start and Super
Consumers Australia looks forward to working with
the government to implement these improvements,”
says O’Halloran.
DANIEL HERBORN

Donating to CHOICE
I n October, we let you know about a change to how you We’ll never use fundraising
O

can support our work: members like you can now make methods that hurt people.
a donation alongside your membership to keep CHOICE This means you’ll never receive
strong for decades to come. an unsolicited call or a knock
Since then, more than 200 members have chosen on your door from us – just
to make contributions, both big and small. If that includes the occasional update here
you, thank you! Your generous support will mean more in the magazine or online.
deep investigations, lab testing and advocacy in the O We’ll always remain

uncertain year ahead. transparent. We’ll report on all

CHOICE exists to protect all consumers, so we hold results in our annual report and always remind you
ourselves to the highest of standards in protecting the that donations to CHOICE are not tax-deductible.
members and donors who make our work possible. O The CHOICE board – made up of voting members

That’s why we’ve developed four key guardrails – will review donations each year to make sure we act
to govern any donations we receive: according to the highest ethical standards.
O We won’t be accepting any donations from corporations, If you’re passionate about the work CHOICE does and
IMAGES: GETTY

governments or political parties. This means all funding are able to donate, please go to choice.com.au/donation.
comes from individuals. JESSICA KIRBY

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 11

12
THE MEMORY HOLE
1981
Tasmania votes on the controversial Franklin Dam, Muhammad Ali loses his
last-ever fight, and the CIA begins secretly helping Contra rebels in Nicaragua.
It’s December 1981.
T his month we put oysters
under the microscope to test for
bacteria contamination. The industry
was still recovering from an outbreak
of food poisoning in 1978 – sewage
overflow after heavy rains polluted
Sydney’s Georges River, where a
quarter of the country’s oysters were
then grown. Over 2000 people fell ill,
and the state government began to
roll out a compulsory purification
program on NSW oyster farms.
We focused on Georges River
oysters, since these were the only
ones yet included in the mandatory
purification regime. We bought 900
of them from all along the supply
chain: whole shell oysters from
growers, and bottled and half-shell
oysters from fish markets and
specialist oyster openers. Following
the method set by the National
Natio Health
and Medical Research
Council, tests
t for
E. coli tu
turned up
no red flags,
sug
suggesting
ei
ith a clean
either
growing environment or a successful
purification process.
A plate count to check the total
amount of mico-organisms present ovens go from room temperature to
showed consistently high bacteria 235°C in 25 minutes. This proved an
counts for the half shell oysters we impossible task for the E421, which
bought at the fish market. Batches only ever made it to 227°C, despite
we bought directly from the growers being set on 275°C.
all passed. “The further we went If you can only get it to fit, a vinyl LP
down the line, the greater likelihood makes for a great Christmas stocking
of finding oysters with high bacterial stuffer. Lacking the lab facilities to
counts,” we wrote. We called for objectively test the best piece of music,
better labelling laws to allow people we turned to outside professionals
to trace oysters to their source. for their recommendations. Music
Ahead of our electric stove test
we asked you to write in about the
features you use (or
journalists and record store owners
submitted ten surefire album choices
from their genre speciality
hate to use) in your – whittling down the
own kitchen. We list of options to a
were overwhelmed manageable 190 titles.
by the number of With a recent major
letters, “crammed label release setting you
with detailed back $10 ($40 today), it
advice on stoves, was important to get the
their special choice right. You could,
features and of course, make the
cooking”. Some correct decision and skip
took an extra straight to the New Wave
credit task upon list, buying everything
themselves and from Devo to Ultravox
provided data – otherwise there were
on how often they recommendations from
used each feature. experts in jazz, country,
As for the test folk, rock and pop.
itself, one model We also submitted
especially stood out, a list of 136 popular
and not in the way its classical pieces to our
manufacturer would expert panel for their
hope. The Pacific by Gorenje E421 was take on the best recording of each.
a $319 “disaster” ($1273 today). It failed No more arguments over which version
several tests, including getting hot and of Nutcracker Suite is the best!
staying hot. The standard required DANIEL GRAHAM
 CHECKOUT

RANTS AND RAVES

Hot take: It’s better to feel cool, than look cool

I f you believe
the marketing
hype of real estate
agents and big
fancy furniture
companies,
enjoying an Australian home in
summer is as simple as folding
back that set of bi-fold doors and
letting the breeze flow through. In this
picture-perfect scenario, there is nary
a flyscreen in sight. And that’s where
it all becomes pure fantasy.
Because nothing interrupts the
perfectly styled serenity of an indoor/
outdoor flow quite like a blowfly
that won’t quit. Then there are the
mosquitoes that move freely
through the aesthetically
pleasing opening, and
play the long game on
your bedroom ceiling until
2am. There’s nothing like
the high-pitched buzz-saw THE SUMMER
ISSUE
of a dive-bombing mosquito grab a towel and sweat a raked ceiling. Which is to say,
in the early hours to have you out your toxins. it doesn’t do much for the straight
calling ‘Screens R Us’ at 9am the Which is why, after enduring lines and symmetry of my interiors.
following morning. To hell with a long hot summer in my west-facing Then there’s the outside bit, the bit
the open-flow aesthetics. kitchen/dining area, I finally capitulated you kind of forget about when you
There’s also the old ‘dinner out to the aesthetic evils of a split-cycle consider an air-con unit for your home;
on the deck’ fantasy. Because, let’s air-conditioning unit. the giant humming generator box that
face it, if those marketing images I consulted the CHOICE air- needs to go … somewhere outside. In
had a smell, it would be the scent conditioner reviews (of course I did) a hasty consultation with the installer
of Bushman insect repellent with and ordered my unit. It’s a doozy. Not I decided to mount mine high up on
a smoky side kicker of mozzie coil. only is it larger than I was expecting the driveway side of the house. Now,
My point is, summer in Australia is but its ideal perch (the only spot with every morning as I reverse out, I see
glorious, until it’s not. And our homes an exterior wall) was wedged beneath the goitre that is my cooling solution:
are not designed to service both the a daily reminder of the fact that I
aspirational lifestyle aesthetics and sometimes make poor decisions
the realities of bugs and the when standing in my driveway
3pm western sun sweatbox with installation men.
effect. Because when the I’m not saying I’m proud
mercury heads to 40, ain’t of it, but now I can sit in my
nobody sitting in their glass- dining room after 3pm, and I can
walled living areas looking crisp cook dinner without expiring from
IMAGES: GETTY

and cool. 3pm is sauna time in heat stroke. Put that in your fancy
my kitchen/dining area; there’s lifestyle magazine.
nothing else to do but strip off, PENNY FLANAGAN

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 13

14

ASK THE EXPERTS

Got a niggling question our team can help with?
Q We booked
to stay at the
than a year ago. Unfortunately
the carnival was cancelled due to
Plantation Resort COVID-19 just 21 days before it was
at Rainbow Beach, to start, which meant we no longer
Queensland to wished to stay that weekend. The
attend a surf life resort did not let us rebook for
saving carnival. another weekend, and they took
We booked more the 50% deposit. Later we found
out the resort was fully booked
that weekend (they had rebooked
our room and still taken our 50%
deposit). While this is in their terms
ASK US
Email your question to
asktheexperts@choice.com.au
or write to Ask the Experts,
CHOICE, 57 Carrington Rd,
Marrickville, NSW 2204.
You can also tap into the ‘brains
trust’ at www.choice.community.
the following from the ACCC’s Travel
and Accommodation guide:
O A fair deposit should not be more

and conditions, it does seem that than 10% of the total cost of the
they are being greedy. Is there accommodation. A higher amount
anything we could do? may be seen as a pre-payment, and

A Travel expert Jodi Bird:

We suggest you complain to
Plantation and inform them that you
pre-payments are refundable.
O If you rebook the accommodation

for the same price, it may be

intend to escalate a dispute to your state difficult to argue that you have the
consumer affairs body if you don’t get a right to impose a cancellation fee.
satisfactory outcome. In your complaint For more information, see
to Plantation, you may want to point out choice.com.au/travelagentrefunds.

Q It seems
all the
supermarkets
I shop at,
except Aldi,
label pre-
packaged
fruit and veg
with ‘packed on’ dates. A large
percentage of Aldi’s fruit and veg
is pre-packaged, so it’s buy at your
own risk with no idea of freshness.
I recently bought capsicums from
Aldi in a mesh bag. When I got
home and opened them, I found
them to be withered and old.
I wrote a complaint to Aldi about
my experience and their lack of
date labelling. Aldi apologised
for the poor quality of the goods,
and said I could get a refund if
I took the packaging back with
my receipt to one of their stores.
I did that. But they made no
mention of their lack of date
labelling. How can they get away
without providing this information?
A Food expert Rachel Clemons:
As long as whole or cut fresh
fruit and vegetables (other than seed
sprouts or similar products) are in
a package that doesn’t obscure the
nature or quality of the food, then
they’re exempt from standard food
labelling requirements (including
date markings such as best before/
use by) as per Clause 6 of Food
Standard 1.2.1. Essentially, the
packaged fruit and veg is treated
in the same way as loose fruit and
veg, which also don’t have date
markings. The benefit of loose
is that you can pick and choose
which pieces to buy. The benefit
of packaged is the convenience
of not having to pick and choose.
Supermarkets that label ‘packed on’
dates for their packaged fruit and
veg are going beyond requirements.
That said, a ‘packed on’ date has
no bearing on when the fruit or
vegetables were harvested, so
it won’t necessarily help you
choose the freshest produce.

14 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 ASK THE EXPERTS

Bone of contention
C HOICE member Andrew bought what was described as a dog washer
from the Karcher website. The product description said it was battery-
operated with a long battery life. When he received it, he found it had a battery
life of 15 minutes, and it took 180 minutes to recharge. Andrew wrote to Karcher
to say he believed it was not fit for purpose, as it takes longer than 15 minutes
to wash a dog. When he didn’t hear back, he called Karcher and repeated his
request to be allowed to return the product and get his money back.
The customer service operator was adamant that what Andrew was
describing was a change of mind, which they would not refund on. She also
told Andrew that he could have looked at the operating manual, available
on their website, before buying the product to learn about the battery life.
Andrew didn’t think he should have to go through the operating manual
to find where it says that maximum battery life is 15 minutes, when in the
product description it says “long battery life”.
We told Andrew that under the consumer guarantees of the Australian
Consumer Law, goods bought come with automatic guarantees that they
are ‘fit for purpose’ and match the descriptions made on packaging and
labels and in advertising. If a good fails to meet this guarantee, a consumer
is entitled to receive a remedy of either a repair, replacement or refund.
We suggested Andrew contact Karcher again, stating that he believes the
dog washer doesn’t meet the consumer guarantees of being ‘fit for purpose’
and doesn’t ‘match the descriptions made in advertising’, and that he would
like a refund under the consumer guarantees of
the Australian Consumer Law. We suggested it
might be helpful to send screenshots of the

Q Could you
let me know
advertisement, and to include that if they
didn’t respond, he’d seek the assistance
what the legal of Tasmania Consumer, Building and
stance is on any Occupational Services, and that as
business that a CHOICE member we were taking
won’t accept an interest in the outcome of
cash for payment the complaint.
of goods or Andrew let us know that Karcher’s
services? A store recently refused customer care manager assigned to
to take my cash, which I was quite the case was “very receptive in
annoyed about. Can they refuse every way. The complaint was
to take cash? soon resolved and I am to

A CHOICE investigative journalist

Andy Kollmorgen:
I expect you may see more stores opting
receive a full refund”.

out of handling cash while the pandemic

continues. Yes, businesses can refuse to
accept cash, as long as they have a sign
saying this is the case. The Reserve
Bank of Australia says sellers are “at
liberty to set the commercial terms CHOICE Help is our in-house advice service for CHOICE members. We’ll arm
upon which payment will take place” you with the information and tools you need to tackle your consumer issue
IMAGE: GETTY

before the purchase, “and refusal and help you work towards a solution.
to accept payment in legal tender
banknotes and coins is not unlawful”. CONTACT US at choice.com.au/choicehelp.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 15

16

YOUR SAY
If you’ve had a bad experience, been ripped off or scammed, tell us and help
CONTACT US!
Email us at
other CHOICE members avoid the same traps. If you’ve had a great response yoursay@choice.com.au
to a complaint you’ve taken to a manufacturer or retailer, our members want
or write to Your Say,
to know about that too! Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road,
Marrickville, NSW 2204.

I’ve had the

Feature letter same pair of
our October issue featured sunglasses for over
Y microwave hacks and food
dehydrators. It is mango madness time
10 years. As a heavy-
vehicle driver, good
in Darwin and I dry my mango in a microwave. sunglasses are a
Just put thinly sliced mango onto baking paper and requirement. These
dab dry with kitchen paper. Microwave on ‘defrost’ have photochromic
for about 50 minutes and you have perfect dried lenses, costing
mango. Much faster than a dehydrator. Just try around $400, often
not to eat it all at once! Put some in the freezer used by airline pilots
to last until the next season. and drivers. After working
Anne Hayward, Darwin, NT extra hard the last few
months, I felt it was time to buy
a new pair and was delighted with my
purchase. However, after only a month
they got knocked off my head by my
over-excited poodle, and slid across
I’ve spent 16 months pursuing to installation, he lost his home/ the pavers, leaving a scratch right
a warranty matter through LG. business (and the PCB) in the bushfires. across the lens. I returned to the shop
Our 7.0kW air conditioner developed He offered to repurchase it but I to see if they could be repaired. The
a thermostat fault inside the five-year couldn’t expect him to do that and said salesman called the manufacturer
warranty period. While a replacement I’d pursue it again with LG. LG showed (Serengeti) and said the cost of repair
thermostat was fitted, it did not rectify no empathy and dealing with customer was $280 and they may need to be
the fault and the service agent sought service has been torturous, having sent overseas. But the manufacturer
authorisation from LG to replace the to constantly re-explain the issue, not instructed the salesman to offer me
primary control board (PCB) under being transferred to the case manager, a replacement pair of sunglasses at
warranty. LG refused and despite and being promised return calls that cost price if I was happy to swap out
numerous inspections by the service don’t eventuate. LG has now advised my damaged glasses to be sent back
agent and a report recommending that the case is closed and they will to the manufacturer. I took the offer of
a new PCB, LG claimed, without not be replacing the PCB based on the a new pair at cost price. While I would
inspection or proof, that it was not service agent’s report. This contradicts have liked to have the repair (we need
a manufacturing fault but rather the copy of the report the service less rubbish in landfills), I was happy
an ‘environmental’ issue. The agent, agent provided me, so I requested to still have glasses – and will be more
frustrated by LG, said he’d cover the proof of LG’s evidence. They claim careful when greeted by my dog.
PCB and labour costs. But just prior they are unable to provide this as the Ric Stumpf-Potter,
report is company property. I will now Queanbeyan, NSW
have to pursue the matter through
arbitration and will never recommend
or purchase an LG product again.
Ian Ramm, Gowrie, ACT

16 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


I have
been
using a portable
induction cooktop
instead of a
modern gas
cooktop for more
than a decade. It’s
cleaner to maintain
and I can position it where spatter is
easier to prevent, or near a window
for smell/smoke. Induction heats
the same volume of water faster than
gas, even at only 2000W. It’s also
more efficient than electric element
cooktops. The only issues I have had
is tripping due to overheating with
extended cooking, precision on
low settings for simmering, and
the annoying fan – although it’s not
as annoying as an exhaust extractor.
The safety factor is beyond reproach.
Australia seems years behind, and
it’s difficult to fathom why.
Richard Piech, Sans Souci, NSW
I received a partial refund
from the RACV of my
Emergency Roadside Assist Total
Care/Extra Care cover due to the
restricted travel of five kilometres
in my area of Victoria. I appreciate
this very much. Thanks RACV.
Marion Wells, Kilsyth, Vic
Hi. I just wanted to give a
shout out to Mazda Australia.
Our Mazda 3 is eight years old and nd
the dash cover was starting to lift.t.
After contacting Mazda Australia
and going to Sunshine Coast
Mazda to check the dash, Mazda a use, and better for the environment.
Australia agreed to replace the
dash cover at no charge without
delay. This was done by Sunshine e environment. Buy cloth nappies
IMAGES: GETTY
Coast Mazda and our car looks
new again. Very happy customer.
Q
Martin Turner, Golden Beach, Qld
CHOICE SOCIAL MEDIA
online. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our own forum, CHOICE
Community. This month: plastic containers, pest control and price drops.
Community
choice.community
How long do your plastic
food containers last?
@mikeandglenda: I buy the ones that
are sold in supermarkets and keep
them for several years, but I do have a
niggling worry that perhaps I shouldn’t
keep them that long for storing food.
@mungclarke: My oldest plastic is
a tupperware cereal container which
I have had more than 25 years.
@GregDarcy: Containers don’t get
thrown away until they are broken
beyond usefulness.
Facebook
facebook.com/
choiceaustralia
@choiceaustralia: What’s the best
pest control for cockroaches?
Naomi R: Pick it up and
put it outside. Simple.
Gary C: A spray with
Windex and they scram!
Rod T: Is the foot with
thong on considered
natural pest control?
Tatyana E: Advion cockroach
gel works really well. I treated my
property
rop about a decade ago and
pretty much haven’t
ha seen a roach
since (apart from the odd oneon here
and there during summer).
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 17
YOUR SAY
Join the conversation
Twitter
twitter.com/
choiceaustralia
@choiceaustralia: We saw an ad
in a recent paper for a price drop
that occurred in October 2016. While
it’s good that the price has remained
low, does promoting such old price
drops help? How long should
a price drop be promoted?
@Daumen_pouce: I’m a sucker for
discount tickets on the aisles instead
of catalog, so I get duped by these
all the time. They aren’t specials.
@Fraser_inAu: And has the package
size remained the same? A lot of
products are now in smaller package
sizes than they were a few years ago.
Curiously the price does not drop
or drop as much as the size.
@GalaxyGroves: I tend to ignore
these as just normal price changes
and only pay attention to the actual
specials. I’m sure there are more
price rises than drops!
Instagram
instagram.com/
choiceaustralia/
@choiceaustralia: What are
your baby budgeting tips?
@melissa.brown_
counsellor: Toy library
membership instead of
buy
buying the toys; cheaper,
sa
safer, more choice, removed
if broken, updated and rotated,
c
cleaned and maintained after every
@studonmc: Disposable nappies
are expensive and shocking for the
and save hundreds of dollars.
@kwilliewinkley: We have purchased
lots of items from Gumtree.
18

Host with
the most
CHOICE home economist and kitchen test coordinator
Fiona Mair shares sage advice with Kylie Matthews

W
hen it comes to cooking
and kitchen appliances,
there’s no greater
authority than Fiona
Mair. She’s been CHOICE’s home
economist and kitchen test coordinator
for 23 years and also cooks a decadent
Christmas lunch for the whole
organisation every December.
Described by her colleagues as
“the secret ingredient of CHOICE”,
Fiona’s extensive knowledge on the
best cooking methods and appliances
stems, in part, from the many years
she has dedicated to testing in our
kitchen labs.
Here, she offers up some expert
tips on how to plan, prepare and
execute your festive feast this year.

Choose the right appliance

Having spent more than two decades
testing well over 3000 appliances
in our kitchen labs, Fiona knows that
the tools you have at your disposal will
make or break your Christmas feast
preparations. Her number one advice?
Use a food processor.
“A food processor is your helping
hand in the kitchen for chopping,
slicing and mixing, especially when
you’re catering for large numbers,”
she says.
“And a blunt knife is frustrating to use
and slows you down, so make sure
they’ve been sharpened ahead of time.”
THE SUMMER
ISSUE
18 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

“If you have an oven with fan-forced
mode, you can cook on multiple
shelves in the oven but ensure you
have enough roasting trays. For
barbecue cooking, use large
aluminium barbecue roasting trays.”
Fiona also recommends using
a meat thermometer and cooking
timer. “This will take the guesswork
out of knowing when your meat
is cooked and ensure you don’t
overcook anything,” she says.
Sizing up
The size of your appliance can also
make a real difference when it comes
to cooking for a crowd.
“If you’re catering for a large
number of people you might want to
invest in a second fridge or freezer
to store the food,” Fiona says.
“You don’t want to leave meats
and other perishables sitting out
on the bench all day to spoil, this
could cause people to get sick.”
Another option is to use an esky
or cooler, making sure you fill as much
empty space as possible with ice
and keep it in a cool spot.
And instead of letting those bottles
of sparkling wine and beer take up
valuable space in the fridge, “have a
few plastic tubs around for drinks – but
don’t forget to buy some ice for them
on Christmas morning,” says Fiona.
If oven space is at a premium, Fiona
suggests taking some of the cooking
outside – a hooded barbecue is an
ideal backup appliance for cooking
Christmas lunch.
“If you have a four-burner
urner barbecue
with a hood, I suggest cooking your
meats in there, which will leave room
in the oven for you to cook
ook your roast
vegetables,” she says.
Have a practise run cooking
ooking a roast
on the barbie before the e big
day to get an idea of how w
well your barbecue heats ts
and how long it may
Keep food
IMAGES: GETTY
take to cook. “Cooking safety in mind
the meat in the – don’t give your
barbecue indirectly
guests the gift of
salmonella
CHRISTMAS COOKING
will take around three to four hours Once your menu is set, write
so get it cooking in time,” adds Fiona. a detailed shopping list. “Try not
to go overboard and only buy
Plan ahead the quantities required because
Start planning remember, you’ll have to store
your Christmas the food somewhere,” says Fiona.
ONE celebrations at She also recommends a practise
MONTH the beginning of run of any recipes you haven’t
BEFORE December. Work out cooked before.
exactly how many “Clean out your
guests are coming and what their fridge to make
dietary requirements are to determine space, ensure
ONE WEEK
how much food you’ll need – plus your oven is
BEFORE
seats, plates, cutlery and platters. clean and that
“You’ll need to order your turkey, your barbecue’s
ham and seafood early for pick up gas bottle is full,” says Fiona.
just before Christmas,” says Fiona. Now is also a good time to
“The butcher or fishmonger can give make a large amount of chicken
you an idea what size to order for stock and freeze. Defrost on the
the amount per serve you’ll need.” day and use to make gravy.
Fiona’s tips for cooking meat and seafood
Whether you’re cooking turkey, ham, chicken,
seafood or all of the above, do your research
to determine how long to cook them for.
“Remove meat from the fridge at least an
hour before cooking as this will take the chill
off – a ‘cold’ turkey will require longer cooking
time,” she says. “Add some water to the
bottom of the dish to help steam the meat,
and to prevent the meat from drying out, keep
topping this up during the cooking.
“For the first hour of cooking any meat,
cover completely with foil to help steam the
meat then remove the foil for the duration
of cooking, only shielding wings legs. Then
re-cover any cooked foods with foil again
to keep it warm.”
Cooking meat on the barbecue? Fiona has
you covered. “Preheat
Preheat tthe barbecue on the
highest setting (240°C), cook for the first hour
on high then reduce
redu the temperature to
a medium heat (180°C) for the duration
of the cooking time,” she suggests.
“Refrain from opening the
barbecue hoodhoo too often as you’ll
lose heat, which will make the
cooking time longer. Once
cooked, rest the meat for
cooked
at least
leas an hour to allow
the juices
jui to settle.”
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 19
 Fiona “Christmas Eve is also the time
recommends to pick up your seafood, which “A food
TWO DAYS
hitting the needs to be kept cold at all times processor is
supermarket so store it in the fridge.” your helping hand
BEFORE
two days before If you’re cooking roast ham or
Christmas so your turkey, you can do some of the prep ... especially when
ingredients are as fresh as possible. work now. “Remove your turkey from catering for large
When you get home, wash your the packaging, rinse, dry and then
numbers”
vegetables, peel if needed and cut add seasonings and stuffing and
into portions before covering and smother with butter,” says Fiona.
storing in the fridge. “For the ham, remove the skin layer,
On the day of score the fat, glaze and add cloves Keep food safety in mind, as the last
Christmas Eve, as needed and then cover it ready thing you want is to give your guests
make salad for roasting the following morning.” the gift of salmonella.
ONE DAY
dressings and Knowing how long “Keep washing your hands
BEFORE
parboil any each dish takes to throughout the preparation and don’t
vegies you cook will help you leave meats and proteins sitting out
ON THE
plan to roast. stay on schedule. on the bench all day,” says Fiona.
DAY
“Any vegetables that have “Write a to-do list, “And make sure you don’t cross-
longer cooking times, such as red including cooking contaminate meat with vegetables.”
cabbage sauerkraut, can also be times and when foods should be
cooked the day before. This will placed in the oven and or prepared,” The day after
free up your stove top on Christmas says Fiona. “Ticking each one off when Once the meal has been eaten and
day,” Fiona says. completed is such a good feeling.” the dishes done, pack those leftovers
in containers and pop them in the
fridge for a bonza Boxing Day meal.
Christmas dessert “Leftovers the next day are
alternatives delicious without doing much to
Christmas pudding is a staple for many, them. Serve with a salad for an easy
but not everyone is a fan of the next-day meal,” Fiona says.
traditional dessert so consider “Remove any meat from the bone
offering alternatives. and place it in an airtight container.
“Make a chocolate pudding Any vegetables and leftover gravy
or, as it’s summer, you can’t go can also be stored in a container.
past a pavlova with fresh fruit,” A ham will last more than a week
Fiona says. in the fridge if stored correctly.”
“I like to make a peppermint But if you’re in the mood to do
bark with dark and white a little more cooking, you can always
chocolate and I always have make a Christmas-leftover pie.
Lebkuchen on the table, “Preheat the oven to 200°C, then
which is a traditional chop leftover meat and vegies into
gingerbread cookie 2cm pieces and place in a bowl with
with lemon icing … some frozen peas and fresh herbs
the kids love them.” like parsley and thyme,” says Fiona.
“Add enough gravy to cover the
mixture, or make up the difference
with a white sauce. Pour filling into a
greased pie dish lined with shortcrust
pastry, then cover with puff pastry
and brush with an egg wash.
“Bake for 40 minutes or until the
pastry is golden brown, then serve
with leftover salad or vegetables.”

20 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


Aerosol sunscreens seem convenient, but as Karina Bray reports,
they might not provide effective protection
T
hey’re promoted as a fast
and easy way to apply
sunscreen, especially
to wriggly kids and hard-
to-reach places like your back. But
do aerosol sunscreens provide the
same level of protection as creams
and lotions?
Application concerns
Part of the appeal of aerosol
sunscreens is how quick and easy
they are to apply. But most people
underestimate the amount they need,
giving a light spray much like they
would with insect repellent.
Due to concerns that people don’t
IMAGE: GETTY
use them properly, and therefore
won’t achieve the stated SPF, the
Cancer Council doesn’t recommend
It’s how
you
spray it
} Aerosol sunscreens
are quick and easy to
apply, but most people
don’t apply enough.
} We recommend using
a cream or lotion (including
those in pump spray
packs) rather than
aerosol sunscreens.
} If you do choose to
use an aerosol sunscreen,
make sure you apply
it correctly.
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 21
SUNSCREEN
THE SUMMER
ISSUE
the use of aerosol sunscreens, and
discontinued their own range in 2017.
Our own investigations have found:
O you need almost half a can
to protect an adult’s body
O they’re difficult to test off
the shelf, so SPF claims can’t
be independently verified
O it’s much more expensive
than regular sunscreen.
They’ve also been linked with other
safety issues including flammability
and inhalation hazards.
You need to use… how much?
The average adult needs to use about
35g of sunscreen to cover their entire
body, and the average spray contains
about 172g. However, this weight also
includes the propellant.
 Tips for applying
aerosol sunscreen
AVOID USING THEM ON KIDS
Kids are more at risk of accidentally inhaling aerosol
sunscreens, or moving so it’s sprayed in their face. If you
have no other option, spray aerosol sunscreen onto your
hands first and then apply it to your child’s skin.
APPLY 15 TO 30 MINUTES
BEFORE ANY SUN EXPOSURE
This gives the sunscreen time to interact with your skin.
We also recommend reapplying it just before you go out
as you’re more likely to get the stated SPF benefit.
DON’T SPRAY DIRECTLY ON YOUR FACE
This increases the chance of inhaling
potentially dangerous ingredients. Instead,
spray it on your hands and then rub it in.
SPRAY GENEROUSLY
Aerosol sunscreens make it hard to see
how much you’re applying. We recommend
spraying for at least 10 seconds to cover one
limb or the back or front of your torso.
RUB IT IN THOROUGHLY
This helps ensure you get an even layer
of coverage and don’t miss any spots.
DON’T USE SPRAYS ON WINDY DAYS
You’re more likely to miss the areas you’re trying
to protect and it’s easier to accidentally inhale.
DON’T USE NEAR OPEN FLAMES
Aerosol sunscreens contain flammable propellants
which can ignite when used near open flames.
REMEMBER TO REAPPLY
Reapply sunscreen at least once every
two hours and after swimming or exercise.
BE SUNSMART
Wear a broad-brimmed hat, a dense-
weave shirt and sunglasses, and try to
avoid the sun in the middle of the day.
22 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
To find out roughly how much
of the can is sunscreen and how
much is the propellant, we did some
tests in 2017 and discovered only
40–60% of the can was sunscreen.
So when you spray out 10g, about
4–6 grams of sunscreen actually ends
up on your skin. You may lose even
more to overspray, especially if it’s
windy or you’re spraying a small area.
That means you need almost half
a can of aerosol spray for one full-
body application. And you still need
to reapply it every two hours.
So how can you tell if you’re
applying enough? The spray we
tested released about one gram per
second – or half a gram of sunscreen
per second. So to cover one limb, or
the back or front of your torso, you
need to spray for 10 seconds.
However, different sprays release
at different rates, and some have
been found to be slower than this –
so you may need to spray for longer.
Spraying money around?
Popular brands of aerosol sunscreens
cost around $15–18 per can, which
works out to about $9–11 per 100g.
At first glance these prices may
seem comparable to sunscreen
lotions and creams. But remember,
only half the weight of the can is
sunscreen – the rest is propellant –
whereas a tube or bottle of sunscreen
cream or lotion, or even a pump-spray
product, is all sunscreen. So doubling
the cost per 100g of aerosol spray will
give you a more realistic price.
Testing spray sunscreens
When we tested sunscreens in 2015,
we planned to include some aerosol
products. But testing them wasn’t
as straightforward as for creams
and lotions.
Manufacturers test spray sunscreen
for SPF before it’s canned. Once it’s
canned, it’s much harder to test – you
have to get the product out of the can
and on to the subjects’ backs at a rate
 SUNSCREEN

of 2mg per square centimetre, as and titanium dioxide, which are less clear. Some have been found to
per the standard. Try measuring that often found in sunscreens, have endocrine disrupting effects;
while you spray! and often in nanoparticle that is, they can interfere with
The Australian standard doesn’t form. However, when hormonal systems. But
specify a method for testing aerosol we surveyed the market Australia because these products
products once they’re canned, making in 2017, there were no don’t readily penetrate
has one of the
it difficult to independently verify SPF aerosol sunscreens the skin, they’re not
claims. Various ways include spraying with these ingredients highest skin considered a risk to
the product into a cup and applying on sale in Australia, cancer rates in humans. That might
the correct weight from the cup, or and this still seems not be the case when
the world
degassing the cans and testing the to be the case. it comes to inhalation,
remaining sunscreen fluid. INGREDIENTS however there’s little
In addition to testing the sunscreen As for other sunscreen research to demonstrate
prior to canning, the manufacturer ingredients, the answers are safety or danger.
of the spray sunscreens we planned
to include also had them tested
afterwards as a consumer should
use them – sprayed ‘liberally’ on the Are you using enough
skin. Whether consumers would sunscreen?
spray so liberally is debatable.
You need to apply:
A protocol in the standard for
testing aerosol spray sunscreens
as packaged for sale would allow
for improved post-market testing
of these popular products.
2 for arms 1 for the head & neck
Safety concerns (1 each arm)
IGNITION
The dangers of spray sunscreens
made headlines in 2012 with reports
of people in the US suffering serious 2 for
burns when their sunscreen caught the torso
fire after it was applied.
While the sunscreens contained
flammable propellants which could
ignite if used near an open flame,
in these cases the sunscreen had
been applied away from any flame.
The problem was a faulty bottle
releasing the mixture too fast so
the sunscreen was still wet on the
skin, which caused it to be ignited
by a barbecue flame, citronella 2 for the legs
candle or cigarette. (1 each leg)
INHALATION
Our US counterpart Consumer
Reports has warned that inhaling
the ingredients in spray sunscreen
could cause lung irritation, and they
advise not to use sprays on children. EQUIVALENT TO 1 TEASPOON

There are also concerns about This gives a safety margin to

potential effects of inhaled zinc oxide ensure you’re properly covered.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 23


Top tips for
using sunscreen
Cancer Council Australia research
has found that sunscreen has
prevented thousands of cases of
skin cancer. But when sunscreen
isn’t used properly – which usually
means not using enough of it, or
not reapplying often enough –
people may not be getting the
protection they expect.
O Put it on clean, dry skin 15 to
30 minutes before you go out
in the sun to allow it time to
interact with your skin. Then
reapply it just before you go
out – you’ll increase the amount
applied and be more likely to
get the stated SPF benefit.
O Cover all parts of the body not
protected by clothing (don’t
forget your ears, the back of
your neck, the backs of your
hands and the tops of your feet).
O Apply it evenly, and don’t rub it
in excessively. Most sunscreens
absorb into the outer layer of
skin and don’t need to be
rubbed in vigorously.
O Reapply at least every two
hours and after swimming
or exercise.
O Think beyond the beach
and pool – use sunscreen
whenever you go outdoors
for a significant amount
of time, such as to the park,
a lunchtime walk to the shops,
playing sports or gardening.
O Store your sunscreen at a
temperature of less than 30°C.
If you leave it in the glovebox
of your car or in the sun, it may
lose its effectiveness. Keep it in
the esky with the drinks, in the
shade or wrapped in a towel.
O Don’t use sunscreens that
have passed their expiry date
as they may have lost their
effectiveness.
24 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
Don’t rely on sunscreen alone
Sunscreen is only a secondary and partial defence against UV radiation. First
and foremost, you should avoid the sun in the middle of the day. If you do go
out, wear a broad-brimmed hat, a dense-weave shirt, and sunglasses. And
finally, look for natural or man-made shade to provide refuge from the sun.
The Cancer Council slogan should help you remember: slip (on clothing),
slop (on sunscreen, at least 30+), slap (on a hat), seek (some shade) and
slide (on some sunglasses).
What to look for when buying a sunscreen
O SPF 50+ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen O Products for children and people
for maximum benefit. with sensitive skin It’s best to
O Price All sunscreens on the market keep babies out of the sun (where
must be listed with the Therapeutic the UV index is 3 or more) as much
Goods Administration and tested as possible for the first 12 months,
and rated according to Australian and Cancer Council Australia
standards. So the cheapest 50+ recommends avoiding sunscreen
sunscreen should provide the same on babies younger than six months.
protection as the most expensive. The Cancer Council also reports
One advantage of a cheap one that around one percent of people
is that you’re likely to use it more suffer reactions to sunscreen.
freely. On the other hand, more Some sunscreens are marketed
expensive ones may feel nicer on specifically for toddlers, infants
the skin, encouraging you to use and children – they may contain
them more. more physical blockers and fewer
O Water resistance If you’re going chemical filters. They may therefore
swimming, look for a product that also be more suitable for adults
says it’s water resistant. Don’t be with sensitive skin – consult your
misled by labels that say “4 hours dermatologist about the best
water resistance” – it may stay on options for you.
your body for this amount of time,
but you should apply sunblock at
least every 2 hours if you or your
child have been in the water.
O Skin sensitivity Chemical
sunscreens can cause
irritation and in rare
cases allergies, including
photoallergy, or sensitivity
to sun. Some of the more
allergenic ingredients are butyl
methoxydibenzoylmethane,
oxybenzone and
4-methylbenzylidene camphor
(4-MBC). If you’re trying a new
sunscreen and have sensitive skin,
do a patch test on your inner arm
and leave it for 24 hours to see
if there’s any reaction.
 BUY RIGHT &
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
THIS SALE SEASON
Plus, expert tips for gift giving,
entertaining, saving money,
travel and more.

choice.com.au/holidays
26
Cancelled
by COVID-19
Your trip’s been cancelled
and you didn’t get any
money back from your
travel insurance. Jodi Bird
explains your next steps
L
ockdowns have dashed
intrepid Aussie travellers’
dreams this year. We’ve been
navigating airline conditions
of carriage, travel-agent fine print and
convoluted insurance claims when
we should’ve been exploring the
Andes or lounging by resort pools.
With everyone in Australia cancelling
or rescheduling their holidays, the
timeline to get a refund or process
a travel-insurance claim has gone
haywire. Many of us who cancelled
a holiday in the first half of the year
are either still battling to get their
money back, or have given up trying.
But if your travel insurer has
knocked back your claim, you
may still have recourse to at least
a refund of your premium, if not more.
COVID-19: a ‘known event’?
In our April issue of CHOICE
magazine, we explored the question
26 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
of whether or not travel insurance
covers COVID-19. The short answer
is that if your insurer excludes
pandemic or epidemic, you’re not
covered – and insurers that do cover
pandemic announced cut-off dates
for COVID-19 cover from around
21–31 January 2020. If you buy
a policy after that date, they said
at the time, it’s a “known event”
and you won’t be covered.
In a recent dispute ruling, however,
the Australian Financial Complaints
Authority (AFCA), the external
ombudsman for the insurance
industry, stated that the insurer
couldn’t rely on articles published
on a website that announced cut-off
dates for COVID-19. AFCA also said
that the known-event exclusion in the
insurer’s policy related to whether
the policyholder was aware of the
COVID-19 event, and whether any
potential claims could arise from it.
} If your travel insurer
denied your claim, it may
not be the end of the road.
} You can dispute their
decision or ask for a refund
of your insurance premium.
The policyholder in question argued
that although COVID-19 was in the
media when they bought the policy
(on 4 February), they couldn’t have
anticipated it would lead to a global
travel ban six weeks later – just as
previous virus scares such as SARS
and swine flu hadn’t. In other words,
they couldn’t have anticipated that
they’d make a claim on the grounds
of COVID-19 when they bought the
policy – and AFCA agreed.
 TRAVEL INSURANCE

So even though the insurer – Mitsui has said it will also take into account
Sumitomo, provider of InsureandGo the relevant legislation, which states
and Tick Travel Insurance – sought that an insurer can’t deny your claim
to deny that person’s claim because if you decided not to travel because
they deemed COVID-19 to be of concerns for your safety.
a known event, AFCA directed In another recent AFCA dispute,
them to pay. some travellers cancelled a trip to
The takeaway message? If your Great Britain and Ireland on 5 March
insurer has denied your claim amid increasing concerns about
because they deemed COVID-19 COVID-19. Their Auto and General
to be a known event, it’s worth (provider of Budget Direct and other
lodging a dispute. travel insurance products)
The policy covered epidemic,
Can you get policyholder but the insurer denied
a refund on your argued that they their claim on the basis
travel insurance couldn’t have that there was no
premium? travel ban in place
anticipated that
Travel insurance at that time – the
it would lead to
policies have a 14-day Australian government
a global travel
cooling-off period. If you travel ban didn’t come
change your mind during ban into effect until 25 March.
this window, you can cancel The travellers were aged
your policy and get your money in their 60s, making them potentially
back from the insurer. more vulnerable to serious ill health
Several travel insurers let people if they caught coronavirus COVID-19.
reschedule their travel insurance, or AFCA ruled that the policy covered
cancel it and claim a credit towards epidemic and that the travellers’
a future premium. But some insurers decision to cancel the trip was
may decline to refund, reschedule necessary for their safety. This means
or give you a credit for unused travel the Insurance Contracts Act doesn’t
insurance premiums. allow the insurer to decline the claim.
However, AFCA considers a credit
or refund of your premium a fair
outcome where:
O you got a refund or credit from
Should you get travel
all of your travel providers, so for domestic travel?
there’s nothing left to claim Domestic travel insurance is unlikely
on your travel insurance to cover you for COVID-19 or travel
O your travel insurance policy has bans related to it. There are other
a COVID-19-related exclusion that events that could interrupt your
If your travel insurance policy
covers pandemic or epidemic but
you’ve had a claim denied for similar
reasons, raise a complaint with your
insurer, citing section 54(5)(a) of the
Insurance Contracts Act.
To add a rather disheartening
footnote, Auto and General travel
insurance policies no longer cover
pandemic or epidemic.
Your travel insurer declined
your COVID-19 claim.
What now?
Read your travel insurance
product disclosure statement
(or PDS). In the first instance, it’s
up to you as the policyholder to
establish that you have a valid
claim under the policy terms and
conditions. That generally means
handing over lots of documentation.
Then it’s up to the insurer to decide
if your claim is valid and there are no
policy exclusions it should apply.
If you disagree with your insurer’s
decision, raise a complaint through
its internal dispute-resolution service.
If you don’t get a satisfactory result
this way, then it’s time to escalate
your complaint to AFCA.
insurance
floods. So travel insurance for
an Aussie summer holiday may
be worth considering if you’re:
O spending a lot of money on your trip

prevents you claiming on the policy. holiday, though. Remember the O carrying expensive equipment,

So ask your travel insurer what they bushfires that extinguished our such as custom-made surfboards
can do for you. If they’ve knocked summer holidays last year? Well, Ohiring a car, as some travel

back your request for a credit or this year, the Australian Bureau insurance can cover
refund, lodge a dispute with the of Meteorology is predicting the damage excess. 
insurer, using AFCA’s approach
as your guide.

Protecting your safety

Some insurers are very good at
IMAGE: GETTY

producing policy fine print to deny THE SUMMER

your claim. But in the context of ISSUE
COVID-19 travel insurance, AFCA
28

} New credit cards from

CBA and NAB charge
monthly fees instead
of late fees.
} Paying late or defaulting
will be reflected on your
credit report.
} Despite their low
limits, the $1000, $2000
or $3000 credit cards can
still spell financial trouble
for borrowers.

fell to 18.7%, but the dollar amount

climbed to $46.1 million. Afterpay

No interest, and its competitors are exempt

from responsible lending laws,
which require a creditor to assess

no worries? a customer’s ability to take on

and pay back debt.
It’s an issue that’s put Afterpay and
Banks offer young Australians a whole new way its kind on the watchlist for consumer
to fall into debt, writes Andy Kollmorgen rights organisations, including
CHOICE, although the company says
it’s taking steps to reduce the number

W
ith all the no-interest But Afterpay isn’t the only lending of customers that end up paying late.
loan options on app out there, and retailers have been The new CBA and NAB cards don’t
offer from financial launching their own BNPL platforms. charge interest or late fees. Instead,
technology (fintech) (EB Games recently partnered with the they charge monthly user fees.
startups disrupting the banking white-label BNPL provider Limepay.)
sector, it’s no surprise banks want According to financial services giant No more than $3000 on offer
part of the action. FIS, about two million Australians Both cards have a maximum limit of
Commonwealth Bank’s used a BNPL platform such as $3000, which would seem to appeal
‘Neo Mastercard’ and Afterpay, Zip, PayRight and to younger borrowers who might not
NAB’s ‘StraightUp’ card Klarna (which has funding qualify for a standard credit card.
look like the big banks’ These new from CBA) in 2019. (Research by Roy Morgan released
response to the fintech forms of credit Afterpay and other in September 2019 says people aged
sector’s growing lending platforms charge 25 to 34 “are nearly twice as likely to
market share. (The CBA
still have traps late fees if you don’t pay be using a buy now, pay later system
card is due to launch on time, and it looks like as the average across the whole
“later this year” according the banks are targeting this population”.)
to the bank, but you can as their point of difference. Interest-free products like these
register your interest now.) can be powerful enablers for people
Founder of buy now, pay later No interest, no late fees tempted to spend first and pay
(BNPL) platform Afterpay, Nick Afterpay made 24.4% of its income later. Both cards can be seen as an
Molnar, reportedly became Australia’s in late fees in financial year 2018, or invitation to start spending money
youngest billionaire in July (he’s 30). $28.4 million. In 2019, the proportion you don’t have. CBA in particular has

28 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


a history of trying to lock customers
in early, most notably through
its Dollarmites program, which
aims to turn school children into
long-term customers.
All credit comes with risk
Katherine Temple, director of policy
and campaigns for Consumer Action
Law Centre, says the new bank cards
are clearly not aimed at helping
consumers who are already in debt.
“People who are having problems
with debt will never solve those
problems by taking out more loans,”
says Temple.
Unlike Afterpay and the like, banks
are required to conduct responsible
lending checks, but Temple is
sceptical about the banks’ motives for
entering the no-interest card market.
“I have no doubt this is a ploy from
the banks to lure younger people to
their products, and to normalise the
use of credit for everyday expenses.”
Fiona Guthrie, chief executive
of Financial Counselling Australia,
agrees the requirement to make sure
the borrower can afford the product
puts the new bank cards in a different
league than the lending platforms that
are exempt from these rules. But the
Neo Mastercard and StraightUp card
are still enticements to borrow money
rather than limit spending to what
you already have in the bank.
“All credit comes with risk,
particularly credit card debt,” says
Guthrie. “But at least these new
products are being provided within
a responsible lending framework
and that means it is a safer product.
“But these new forms of credit
still have traps. People think that
their future self will have no problem
in finding the money to make the
repayments and cover the account
fee, but life happens and that isn’t
always the case. Young people have
seen the problems that credit cards
IMAGE: GETTY
have caused for their parents, and
they are rightly turning away from
them in droves.”
New no-interest
credit cards from
NAB and CBA
CREDIT LIMITS, MONTHLY FEES, MINIMUM REPAYMENTS
$1000 credit limit
$2000 credit limit
$3000 credit limit
Bank will conduct responsible
lending check
No interest or late fees
No fees charged if you don’t use
the card over the statement period
and have no outstanding balance
Monthly fees stop once a
cardholder is 180 days overdue
on a payment
Missing the minimum payment by
the due date could lead to your
card being suspended*
Late or missed payments will likely
show up on your credit report
Fees can go up or new fees can
be added with 30 days’ notice
What the bank says about
overdue payments
* This could also be seen as a plus, since it protects cardholders from continuing to spend.
CREDIT CARDS
NAB ‘STRAIGHTUP’ CARD
• $10 monthly fee
• $35 minimum monthly
repayment
• $15 monthly fee
• $75 minimum monthly
repayment
• $20 monthly fee
• $110 minimum monthly
repayment
PROS
CONS
“Customers who have not made
their minimum payment within
three days of the payment
due date will receive an SMS
notification reminding them of
their payment due date and
amount (it’ll come straight out
of your account if you’ve set up
direct debit). When customers
have missed a payment, they will
be alerted and contacted by NAB
as with our existing products.
There’s a lot we can do to help
and urge customers to contact
us as soon as possible if they are
struggling to meet payments.”
CBA ‘NEO MASTERCARD’
• $12 monthly fee
• $25 or 2% of your closing
balance monthly repayment
(whichever is greater)
• $12 monthly fee
• $25 or 2% of your closing
balance monthly repayment
(whichever is greater)
• $22 monthly fee
• $25 or 2% of your closing
balance monthly repayment
(whichever is greater
(unless you
can demonstrate
financial hardship)
“For all CommBank credit cards
we have trigger notifications to
remind and prompt customers
about payment being due in the
lead up to and following their
statement due date. If customers
need further support, we
connect them with our financial
assistance team. If a customer is
in financial hardship, our financial
assistance team will work
constructively with customers to
better understand their personal
situation and recommend
solutions that may be suitable for
them on a case by case basis.”
30
Can a dashboard
drive you to
better super?
Experts say information portals aren’t helping people
compare super. Daniel Herborn investigates
E
ach super fund with
a MySuper product (the
‘default’ most Australians
are automatically placed
in) has to have an online ‘dashboard’
– a guide to the key features of the
fund and how it performs.
Funds are legally required to
provide certain information, such as:
O fees and costs
O level of investment risk
O return for past five financial years
O return target
O comparison between return target
and returns for previous years.
30 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
These dashboards were introduced
to allow people to easily compare
products and make informed choices.
But it hasn’t quite worked out that way.
A recent Twitter poll by CHOICE
found the majority of respondents
never use the dashboards.
There’s also currently no central
online location for dashboards, and
their location on a fund’s website
varies from fund to fund.
And because different funds
present this information in different
ways, it can be time consuming
to unpack how they compare.
NEED TO KNOW
} MySuper dashboards were
supposed to help Australians
compare super funds.
} The Productivity
Commission found they’re
not simple or clear enough.
} Super Consumers Australia
says more research needs
to be done to present the
information in a way that will
help people make the most
of their super.
It’s often difficult even to tell
which product you’re looking at.
Some funds have dozens of similarly
named products displayed together
on the same dashboard.

Another complication is lifecycle
products, which can have different
fees and investment strategies
depending on the member’s age.
At least one fund has a different
dashboard for each year of age.
And funds that offer products
you can choose (rather than simply
products that are a default option
only) currently don’t have to have
a dashboard at all. This makes it even
harder for those members to weigh up
how their MySuper fund is performing.
In theory, if people could easily
see this information, they’d be better
equipped to switch. This would then
put pressure on underperforming
funds to work harder to keep their
members. But the sector as a whole
suffers from a lack of competition.
How people use
MySuper dashboards
Susan Thorp, professor of finance
at the University of Sydney, was
part of a group that looked at
how people compare super funds.
“In terms of investment performance,
the [MySuper] dashboard was
not very useful for distinguishing
between different funds,” she says.
“You can have a situation
where you have a super fund that
is persistently underperforming
relative to other funds, and people
will not necessarily pick that up
from the dashboard alone.”
Being with an underperforming
super fund can drastically reduce
a person’s retirement savings – in
IMAGE: GETTY
some cases by more than $500,000.
Dashboards include the risk level
of the super product, and ‘return
SUPERANNUATION
target’ information, but there’s no to them and that they feel comfortable
evidence that this information is easily using, they will be better equipped to
understood by consumers, or that change funds and put pressure on
it helps them make better decisions underperformers to do better with
about their super. their retirement savings.”
Dud super funds Building a user-friendly tool
Perhaps it’s too much to expect fund “The important thing is not just to
members to interpret the data and test how much people understand,
act on it.? but how they then use
“I am skeptical of the information that
whether the regulator The they’ve been given,”
[ASIC] can achieve says professor
much by making
sector Susan Thorpe.
data more public, as a whole The Productivity
largely because suffers from Commission
members aren’t recommends that
very well informed
a lack of ASIC, “seek to revise
and often don’t react,” competition the content and format
says Geoff Warren, an of dashboards to simplify
associate professor at the them and provide more
Australian National University. easily comprehensible metrics”.
“Informed monitoring of funds They also recommend this
by APRA is more effective than be done in consultation with
trying to create competition at the independent experts and
consumer level.” consumer organisations.
Many experts point to the difficulties Further, they recommend
in gauging the performance of super ASIC bring the dashboards together
funds, even when the information to a single website that could prompt
is presented consistently and clearly. members to compare funds and
“How to pick a portfolio strategy offer them an easy way to switch.
in super is not a trivial decision In the 2020 Federal Budget,
if you’re not an expert in finance,” the government announced the
says Carsten Murawski, a professor implementation of a ‘YourSuper’
at the University of Melbourne. tool to rank funds on performance
However, Xavier O’Halloran, and fees.
director of Super Consumers Australia, “The ‘Your Future, Your Super’
says that while the regulator removing reforms are a good start to ensuring
the worst performing funds would that all Australians get a fair deal
help, more refined tools would from our superannuation system,”
benefit members. says O’Halloran. “We look forward
“If people have information to working with the government
presented in a way that makes sense to implement these reforms.”
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 31
32

Watch and listen

Home entertainment for the hard of hearing – Peter Zaluzny and Adrian Lini
look at how to use hearing aids with TVs and headphones

I
f you’re hard of hearing or require
a hearing aid, you don’t need
to crank your TV speakers just
to enjoy a movie. Modern home
entertainment tech offers plenty of
ways to connect headphones, or your
hearing aid, to the TV so you can set
the mix and volume to suit your ears.
Most hearing aid users face at least
one of these questions:
O Can I connect my hearing aid
to the TV?
O Can I use headphones with
my hearing aid?
O Can I use headphones in place
of my hearing aid?
O Can I watch TV with my partner,
friends and others at different
volume levels?
The answer to all of these is that don’t support the technology.
yes, and most scenarios aren’t These connect via outputs such
too difficult to set up. If you have as RCA, auxiliary or optical (aka
a hearing aid, we suggest you TOSLINK) then wirelessly send the
speak to your audiologist TV audio to your headphones
before buying anything to or hearing aid.
make sure your choice Though convenient,
Home
matches your Bluetooth isn’t perfect.
specific needs.
entertainment It can reduce quality,
tech offers plenty cause latency and
All about of ways to connect lip-sync issues, and it’s
Bluetooth your hearing aid pretty power hungry,
Bluetooth is the most to the TV which can put a strain
common connection on headphone and
method. It’s built into almost hearing aid batteries.
all modern TVs and wireless You can also buy dongles or
headphones as well as many mounts that transmit audio using
digital hearing aids. Bluetooth audio radio frequency, infrared, Wi-Fi or
‘dongles’ are available for older TVs induction loops for older hearing aids.

32 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


This includes headphones that
come with a special mount to
transmit audio via a unique signal.
Wired headphones are an option
if you prefer, but you’ll need to buy
a long auxiliary cable unless you sit
uncomfortably close to your TV
or you have a cable connecting
a headphone amp to the TV next
to you.
Connecting your
hearing aid to the TV
Many digital hearing aids made
in the last few years either support
Bluetooth, or offer Bluetooth as an
optional extra for a slightly higher
price. If you have an older model,
ask your audiologist about buying
an infrared, telecoil or induction loop
dongle. They can recommend the
right product and help you set it up.
Using headphones
with your hearing aid
This can be a quick, simple solution
depending on the size and shape
of your hearing aid. Receiver-in-canal
(RIC) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing
aids are typically small enough
to accommodate on or over ear
How to set up Bluetooth
on your TV
There are two steps. First, you
need to turn on Bluetooth in the
TV’s settings, at which point it will
automatically scan for devices
or require you to manually do it.
Next, set the headphones to
scanning mode and you should see
them appear in the list of devices on
your TV. Select them from the list and
they’ll pair with the TV. The specific
location in your TV, and the buttons
you need to press on the headphones,
will be in the instruction manuals.
IMAGE: GETTY
Bluetooth adaptors for older TVs
without Bluetooth built in are exactly
headphones, often known as ‘cans’.
Some behind-the-ear (BTE) models
are suitable too. Gemma Cooper,
clinical leader commercial clinical
services at Hearing Australia, says
that using headphones with your
hearing aid is generally fine, provided
you consult with your audiologist
first. She recommends using
over-ear headphones if possible.
“For most hearing aid wearers, the
over-the-ear style headphone suits
the majority of hearing-aid styles,
which are BTE and RIC,” she explains.
“In-the-ear and in-the-canal hearing
aids wearers can also use on-the-ear
headphones. But they don’t provide
a great acoustic seal, meaning
ambient noise often leaks in.”
“You want to look for headphones
with a good adjustable headset
so you can ensure they sit exactly
where you want them to and don’t
pull down or put weight on the ear
or hearing aid,” she added. “They
may also generate
a higher risk of
feedback or
whistling
because
of the
the same.
But you
need to plug
them into
the TV before
telling it to send
audio through
that output
in the audio
or sound settings.
Before buying,
make sure the adaptor’s inputs
match the TV outputs otherwise
it won’t connect. For example, many
new TVs may not include RCA or
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 33
HEARING AIDS & TVs
proximity of the headphone
earpiece to the hearing aid.”
Unfortunately, feedback isn’t
a consistent issue. It depends on
where the hearing aid mics are
in relation to the mics in noise-
cancelling headphones or even
the headphone itself. Bluetooth
won’t cause any similar issues.
In terms of hearing safety, the
same rules apply to hearing aid
users as anyone else. Take frequent
breaks (every one to two hours)
and keep the volume as low as
possible. You’re not going to
damage the hearing aid but
you can damage your hearing
if you crank the volume.
You should consider your type
of hearing loss and try to find
headphones that let you adjust
settings to compensate for that.
The right model may allow bass,
treble and volume for each ear
to be tweaked to suit your needs.
auxiliary inputs, and some adaptors
only support these. Hearing aid
dongles and headphones with radio,
loop transmitters etc. are the same.
Using headphones in
place of your hearing aid
You may be able to remove your
hearing aid and use headphones
if you have low to moderate hearing
loss. This includes earbuds that
wouldn’t normally fit with a hearing
aid in place. But turning up the
volume to compensate for this
can still put your hearing at risk,
according to Cooper.
“Hearing aids have a limited
output range, so when a sound
enters the hearing aid it’s only
amplified for the wearer to a safe
level,” she says, adding that this
level of protection is removed
34 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
if you swap your hearing aid
for earbuds. “[Also], combining
headphones with a hearing loss
means that the wearer is much less
aware of sounds around them, such
as hearing the smoke alarm.”
SPECIALTY EARBUDS
Earbuds specifically designed
for home entertainment are
available, mainly for people who
are hard of hearing but don’t
use a hearing aid. These connect
via a dongle and let you tweak
things like bass, treble,
volume for each
ear and so on,
to compensate
sounded flat
with limited bass claimed to amplify
and muddy
for your hearing loss. Some
specifically amplify dialogue, such
as TV VoicePro Air headphones.
Headphones sound quality
We noticed some important
differentiators when we looked
at affordable, mid-range and high-
end headphones in the context
of hearing assistance.
Movies, TV shows and so on
are basically nothing without the
dialogue (aside from silent films)
so we looked for headphones
that delivered a dynamic
Cheaper sound with clear, crisp
models speech clarity. This
included the VoicePro
Air headphones which
dialogue for hard
dialogue of hearing users.
Overall, cheaper
models sounded flat with
limited bass and some muddy
dialogue, while more expensive
models had the dynamic range
required to let the dialogue come
through, even in loud action scenes.
Meanwhile, the TV VoicePro Air
headphones lived up to the
advertising claims. They clearly
amplified dialogue by increasing
mid- and high-range frequencies,
at the expense of bass.
Sennheiser makes a number
of wireless headphones specifically
designed for TVs that use dedicated
transmitters. The best known
models are the 120 IIs and 175s.
We didn’t notice a difference in
sound quality between Bluetooth
and headphones that used
proprietary signals, but the 120 II’s
exhibited a light buzz. Meanwhile
the 175s dropped out every minute
or so.
The thing is, these have hung
around from a time before Bluetooth
was widespread. There’s no real
reason to use them in place of
Bluetooth headphones connected
to your TV or a dongle.
 HEARING AIDS & TVs

Headphones and We looked at three new TVs specifically supports dual audio
ease of use from LG, Samsung and Sony with Bluetooth.
We bought a few low-end, mid- (the three main TV brands in Things get a lot more complicated
range and high-end wireless and Australia), all similar models which when you add a soundbar or home
specialty headphones to broadly had recently been through our TV cinema to the mix. This is because
gauge which ones are the easiest test labs, to see which offered the the TV needs to pass through to two
to use. We also considered which most streamlined set-up. Of these, external devices, which they often
ones would be best suited to users the LG and Samsung supported can’t do. We faced similar problems
that are hard of hearing. dual audio with Bluetooth with dongles. The LG and Samsung
Play/pause, volume and Bluetooth headphones and TV speakers. couldn’t do it, and while the Sony
sync buttons are usually built into The LG was easy to set up, with could, it was only supported while
the side of the cans or attached clear text that indicated which using optical cables.
to the cable that holds earbuds outputs were active. In this case,
together. Some have a separate it was “Bluetooth surround sound + Try before you buy?
remote, however, as do specialty TV”. The Samsung was a little more Many retailers don’t let you try
devices with their own transmitters, difficult due to the convoluted menu. on headphones due to health and
which is very handy. We couldn’t find any way to set safety reasons. And they generally
Earbuds often rely on touch up dual audio directly from the Sony don’t accept returns unless they’re
commands, such as “hold the TV. However, the manual suggests faulty, as retailers can’t resell
left earbud for three seconds to that you can set up passthrough ‘used’ models.
pause”. This is a little bit harder to go to a Bluetooth dongle and Unfortunately, this puts buyers
as it requires more dexterity, and the TV speaker at the same time, in a bit of a tough spot. The best
you can accidently activate other but we couldn’t confirm this. All advice we can give is to try to
settings if you move your finger three dual audio options introduced borrow headphones from a friend
too quickly. latency and the LG was the only or relative, similar to those that
Models without onboard controls TV with settings to fix this. you’re considering, to gauge fit
may require you to adjust them If you’re in this situation, and comfort – especially if you wear
from an app on your make sure you check a sizeable hearing aid. Also, always
smartphone or even Many the specifications or consult your audiologist before
use voice commands. manual or ask the buying as they may have sample
So, if you’re not
retailers don’t retailer if the TV products you can try.
tech savvy or let you try on
you don’t own headphones due
a smartphone, stick
to headphones with
to health and
onboard controls or safety
a remote.

‘I’m hard of hearing

but my partner is not’
This is where dual audio
output or “passthrough” in your
TV’s settings comes in handy.
Many models let you send audio
to the built-in speakers and
another output at the same
time, such as Bluetooth, HDMI
or optical for example. Then,
your friend, housemate, partner
etc. can watch TV at a suitable
IMAGE: GETTY

volume using the speakers, while

you can set your own levels in
the headphones.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 35

36
Beat the bites
Which repellents are most effective at providing long-lasting protection
against mosquito bites? Matthew Steen investigates
N
othing shuts down
a balmy summer BBQ
or ruins the romance
of an exotic tropical
holiday quicker than an army
of mosquitoes out for blood.
And then there’s the dreaded
experience of waking up in the middle
of the night because the buzzing
from a blood-sucking bug has roused
you – and knowing it’s there, just
waiting for you to fall asleep before
it resumes its feeding frenzy.
The active ingredients
Repellents can be produced using
synthetic chemicals or natural
products and are available as
aerosols, creams, pump sprays,
wipes and wearable devices such
as wrist bands. The concentration
of the active ingredient in a mosquito
repellent determines how long
the repellent will protect you.
36 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
CHEMICAL PRODUCTS
The most common active ingredients
used are diethyltoluamide (DEET)
and picaridin. These are effective
at preventing bites, but picaridin
is odourless and so considered
to be more pleasant to use.
NATURAL PRODUCTS
Plant-derived ingredients like
melaleuca oil and citronella are also
sometimes used. Natural repellent
sprays and roll-ons are considered
a safer alternative to chemical products
that use DEET or picaridin, but in
most cases they’re not as effective.
Some companies also make wrist
band mosquito repellents. When
CHOICE tested mosquito repellents
in the past, the wrist band we looked
at was relatively useless.
Are mosquito repellents safe?
Generally, mosquito repellents are
safe for adults and children over three
THE SUMMER
ISSUE
NEED TO KNOW
} We test 18 mosquito
repellents to determine
their effectiveness.
} All of them perform well,
it’s for how long that differs.
months of age. For bubs older than
three months, look for child-specific
insect repellent or those that have
a low concentration of DEET or
picaridin (less than 10%).
Insect repellents sold in Australia
must be registered with the Australian
Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority (APVMA). This government
authority assesses products for their
effectiveness and safety, and the
APVMA number must be labelled
on the product along with the active
ingredients and their concentration.
 MOSQUITO REPELLENTS TEST

WHAT TO BUY

HOW WE TEST
Each product is applied liberally to the forearm
of a human volunteer between the wrist and the
elbow. Lotion and cream formulations are then
$4.77 $10.99 $6.67 spread evenly after application. We get the lab
/100mL /100mL /100mL
to test each product four times.
98% 98% 98% Repellency testing is conducted in cages
Aerogard Bug Grrr Bushman 40% constructed out of clear plastic for easy
Tropical Off Natural Deet Heavy viewing, and fine polyester netting for ventilation.
Approximately 40 unfed, five- to ten-day-old
Strength Spray Spray Duty Spray
female mosquitoes are introduced to each cage.
The mosquito used is the Aedes aegypti, which
can spread dengue fever.
We assess before applying the repellents
and then at 5, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 240 and
360 minutes after application. During each
post-application assessment, arms are exposed
to caged mosquitoes for three minutes and
the number of ‘attempted’ landings and
‘successful’ landings are recorded.

$9.33 $2.67 Aerosol vs roll-on

/100mL /100mL
If the products have the same contents, they
98% 97% should perform similarly. The main difference
Bushman Plus Coles Personal we can see between a roll-on and an aerosol
20% Deet With Insect Repellent is that with an aerosol you can apply a lot more
Sunscreen Tropical product in one go than with a roll-on. And
coverage may be better with an aerosol.
Spray Strength Spray

Top tips for using mosquito repellents

1 Apply it evenly to all
areas of exposed skin.
A spray here and there or
3 Reapply frequently
if you go swimming
or sweat heavily.
outdoors, a low-
concentration
repellent will
applying repellent to your
clothes or belongings isn’t effective. 4 Don’t use repellents on
children under three
do, but if
you’re off on

2 Don’t apply aerosols

or pump sprays
directly to your face –
months old. Stick to using
netting on prams, cots and
play areas to avoid bites.
a bushwalk or
fishing trip you’ll need a higher
concentration repellent.
spray them onto your
5 Consider how long
6 Perfumes and dark clothing
IMAGE: GETTY

hands first and rub on evenly, avoiding you need to be attract mosquitoes, so
contact with your eyes and mouth. protected. For a short trip avoid if possible.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 37

 COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Claimed repellency (hours)

CHOICE Expert Rating (%)
Price per 100g/mL ($)

Delivery method
Recommended

240 min (%)

360 min (%)

150 min (%)
120 min (%)

Size (g/mL)
60 min (%)

90 min (%)
30 min (%)
5 min (%)
Price ($)

9 Aerogard Tropical Strength Spray 7.15 4.77 98 100 99 99 99 99 99 98 96 6 P 150

9 Bug Grrr Off Natural Spray 10.99 10.99 98 99 99 98 98 98 99 98 97 6 S 100
9 Bushman 40% Deet Heavy Duty Spray 15.00 6.67 98 98 100 100 100 99 98 99 96 8 P 225
9 Bushman Plus 20% Deet With Sunscreen Spray 14.00 9.33 98 98 99 100 99 99 99 100 97 7 P 150
9 Coles Personal Insect Repellent Tropical Strength Spray 4.00 2.67 97 98 98 99 98 98 98 98 95 6 P 150
Rid Antiseptic Chamomile + Vitamin E Spray 6.99 6.99 97 98 99 99 99 99 99 98 93 4 P 100
Cancer Council Repel Sunscreen Plus Insect Repellent Lotion 10.69 9.72 96 89 94 98 95 93 98 98 94 2 L 110
Rid Tropical Strength + Antiseptic Spray 7.50 5.00 96 97 97 97 98 98 97 96 92 6 P 150
Rid Kids Antiseptic Neutral Scent Roll On 5.99 11.98 95 98 98 98 99 99 96 93 90 2 R 50
Aerogard 40% Deet Heavy Duty Highest Strength Spray 11.00 7.33 94 100 99 99 99 99 99 93 88 ns P 150
Community Co Shoo Tropical Strength Spray 4.60 3.07 94 98 99 99 97 99 98 95 87 6 P 150
Rid Insect Repellent & Sunscreen Combo SPF50+ Lotion 11.99 11.99 93 93 99 99 97 96 98 93 87 4 L 100
Off! Tropical Strength Spray 7.30 4.87 92 95 95 97 97 97 97 87 86 6 P 150
Radius Tropical Strength Spray 4.00 2.67 91 97 96 97 98 97 93 92 81 6 P 150
Aerogard Odourless Protection Low Irritant Spray 7.15 4.77 90 97 96 96 96 95 94 89 82 4 P 150
Off! Skintastic Familycare Spray 7.21 4.81 89 95 96 97 95 95 94 88 79 4 P 150
Ego Naturals Moov Insect Repellent Spray 7.50 6.25 87 99 97 97 98 94 97 80 75 3 S 120
Thursday Plantation Walkabout Roll On 6.49 12.98 83 97 90 94 92 90 90 81 72 ns R 50
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend mosquito repellents that had a CHOICE Expert Rating of 95% or more, and that could maintain a score of 95% or more
for 6 hours. Price As at September 2020. CHOICE Expert Rating Based on repellency at different intervals, weighted as follows: 30 min (5%), 60 min (5%), 90 min (10%),
120 min (15%), 150 min (15%), 240 min (20%), 360 min (30%). The first reading taken at five minutes post-treatment wasn’t taken into consideration in the CHOICE Expert Rating.
Products performed excellently at five minutes. Delivery method P Pressurised spray, S Spray pump, L Lotion, R Roll on. ns Not stated. All products were made in Australia.

38 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


Stain
solutions
The right stain remover will lift stubborn stains
but some are just a waste of money,
says Rebecca Ciaramidaro
F
or some stains, using
a laundry detergent alone
just won’t cut it. Whether
} When you have stubborn you’re tackling sweat, food,
stains to lift you need makeup, blood, or grass and mud
a quality stain remover stains, you’ll need the right stain
to get your clothes back remover to get your clothes back
to pristine condition. to a stain-free condition. The
recommended stain removers from
} Paying more doesn’t
this test are good allrounders, but if
guarantee a better you find yourself treating the same
product – the priciest stains time after time, take a look at
in our test was also one our individual results to find the best
IMAGE: GETTY
of the lowest scoring. product for the type of stain you
commonly tackle. If you’re treating
coloured fabrics, make sure your
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 39
STAIN REMOVERS
$0.25
/100mL
75%
Aldi Di-San
Oxy Action
with Enzymes
Pre Wash Stain
Remover with
Eucalyptus Oil
$0.26
100mL
70%
Coles Ultra
Pre Wash
Stain
Remover
These two supermarket brands
stand out from the other spray stain
removers and consistently perform
well in our test. Aldi’s Di-San Ultra
Degreaser with Enzymes Pre Wash
Stain Remover Lemon Fragrance
follows closely behind, with
a CHOICE Expert Rating of 69%
but it’s not quite enough to meet
our recommended criteria.
stain remover is colour-safe – the
majority of products we tested
claim that they are.
Most of the products we tested
worked well on grass/mud and
tomato stains, but when it comes
to the rest they can be a bit hit
or miss. Some products are simply
best left on the supermarket
shelves. Using laundry detergent
alone performed better overall
than using the OzKleen Prewash
Power, and plain water scored
higher for removing baby food
stains than some of the poorest
performing products.
 POWDER STAIN REMOVERS
If you’d prefer to use a powder stain remover the following options would be worth considering. Keep
in mind that while they can be added to your load of washing, we’ve tested them as pre-treaters. They
all performed poorly for removing blood stains and most weren’t very effective at removing mineral-oil
stains either. The two Vanish products will also cost you more than 60c per 100g compared with others that cost as
little as 25c per 100g.

67% 66% 66%

Aldi Di-San Aldi Di-San Woolworths
Oxy Laundry Oxy Sensitive Clean Boost
Soaker and In Laundry In-Wash
Wash Booster Soaker and In Booster,
Wash Booster Soaker and
Stain Remover

66% 65% 65% 65%

Vanish Aldi Di-San Coles Vanish
Gold Pro Oxy Ultra Laundry NapiSan
NapiSan White Pre Booster Oxi Action
Oxi Action Treater and In- Crystal
Colour Soaker Wash White
Safe Soaker

STAIN NO GO
The following products came in at the bottom of the pack – you’d be better off saving your money and using laundry
detergent alone. When it comes to cleaning baby food stains, three out of four were worse than using water alone.
They aren’t cheap either – the StainGo Spot and Prewash Stain Remover will set you back $4.50 per 100mL.

59% 58% 58% 55%

Earth Choice Pre-wash Sard Wonder Deo & StainGo Spot and OzKleen
Stain Remover Sweat Stain Remover Prewash Stain Remover Prewash Power

40 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 STAIN REMOVERS

COSTS PERFORMANCE

Chocolate ice-cream score (%)

CHOICE Expert Rating (%)
Size of pack tested (mL/g)

Perspiration score (%)

Collar grime score (%)

Price per 100mL/g ($)

Grass/mud score (%)

Mineral oil score (%)

Baby food score (%)

Make-up score (%)

Olive oil score (%)

Tomato score (%)

Blood score (%)
Recommended

Price ($)
Type
9 Aldi Di-San Oxy Action with Enzymes Pre Wash Stain Remover with S 1.25 0.25 500 75 70 80 75 80 80 75 68 70 76 72
Eucalyptus Oil
9 Coles Ultra Prewash Stain Remover S 1.30 0.26 500 70 65 75 70 74 79 69 63 67 76 67
Aldi Di-San Ultra Degreaser with Enzymes Pre Wash Stain Remover S 1.25 0.25 500 69 63 77 72 69 79 63 63 66 72 67
Lemon Fragrance
Aldi Di-San Oxy Laundry Soaker and In Wash Booster P 3.49 0.35 1000 67 65 79 58 34 82 47 80 98 57 73
Aldi Di-San Oxy Sensitive Laundry Soaker and In Wash Booster P 3.49 0.35 1000 66 65 79 56 27 82 52 63 92 61 72
Woolworths Clean Boost In-Wash Booster, Soaker and Stain Remover P 3.50 0.35 1000 66 61 77 54 45 84 50 85 100 53 73
Vanish Gold Pro NapiSan Oxi Action Colour Safe P 11.00 0.61 1800 66 63 75 63 32 82 46 72 96 60 72
Aldi Di-San Oxy Ultra White Pre Treater Soaker P 3.49 0.35 1000 65 64 79 56 26 83 36 64 93 59 75
Coles Laundry Booster and In-Wash Soaker P 2.50 0.25 1000 65 61 76 60 29 81 58 62 90 55 70
Vanish NapiSan Oxi Action Crystal White P 13.00 0.65 2000 65 62 78 56 24 83 48 62 91 62 75
Woolworths Clean Boost Enzyme Power Pre-Wash Fabric Stain S 2.79 0.56 500 64 62 70 66 58 77 56 59 40 69 64
Remover Floral Fragrance
Sard Wonder Oil & Grease Stain Remover S 4.00 0.80 500 64 69 73 56 70 80 39 46 34 76 66
Sard Wonder Ultra Whitening Stain Remover P 6.99 0.70 1000 64 62 77 55 23 81 50 61 81 61 71
Vanish Gold Pro NapiSan Oxi Action Crystal White P 13.00 0.72 1800 64 64 74 52 25 85 45 73 98 60 73
Coles Ultra Oxy Action Laundry Booster and In-Wash Soaker P 3.50 0.35 1000 63 59 75 56 31 81 53 68 94 50 71
Vanish NapiSan Oxi Action Amazing Stain Removal + Gentle P 7.00 0.70 1000 63 63 75 54 24 83 42 66 85 62 70
Woolworths Clean Pre-Wash Fabric Stain Remover Lemon Scented S 1.30 0.26 500 62 63 73 53 77 79 45 52 42 63 64
Woolworths Clean Laundry Soaker and In-Wash Booster P 2.49 0.25 1000 62 60 72 55 25 80 59 57 81 54 70
Sard Wonder Power Stain Remover Eucalyptus S 4.00 0.80 500 62 63 74 54 72 79 40 45 43 72 66
Sard Wonder Super Power Stain Remover P 6.99 0.78 900 62 60 74 56 25 84 51 58 77 60 67
Vanish NapiSan Oxi Action Colour Safe P 13.00 0.65 2000 62 61 74 54 23 80 47 62 86 59 69
Vanish Preen Oxi Action Greasy and Oily Stains S 3.99 1.06 375 62 63 78 51 30 82 41 49 48 77 70
Vanish Preen Oxi Action Everyday Stains S 5.00 1.33 375 62 62 79 51 38 81 38 50 56 80 68
Vanish Preen Oxi Action Gold Pro Our Gold Standard Stain Remover S 3.50 0.78 450 62 60 73 53 54 82 37 50 61 76 67
Sard Wonder Super Power Stain Remover S 4.00 0.89 450 61 62 74 52 71 81 35 45 41 74 66
Sard Wonder Power Stain Remover P 6.99 0.70 1000 61 62 72 55 23 82 39 52 75 62 66
Vanish Preen Oxi Action Eucalyptus Fragrance S 5.00 1.33 375 61 61 75 53 34 82 42 49 58 76 65
Vanish Preen Oxi Action Gold Pro Our Gold Standard for Whites S 3.50 0.78 450 61 64 78 51 25 81 36 49 52 78 70
Earth Choice Pre-wash Stain Remover S 4.15 1.04 400 59 60 72 48 78 80 38 46 30 59 65
Sard Wonder Deo & Sweat Stain Remover S 4.00 0.95 420 58 60 74 49 32 80 36 44 40 73 63
StainGo Spot and Prewash Stain Remover S 9.00 4.50 200 58 60 66 53 62 77 33 40 44 63 57
Laundry detergent only (with water) P 7.00 0.39 1800 56 57 67 46 66 78 31 55 33 57 63
OzKleen Prewash Power S 5.50 1.10 500 55 60 67 46 43 80 33 45 35 59 59
Water only (no detergent) na na na na 37 35 50 30 15 60 20 40 43 30 30
IMAGE: GETTY

TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend stain removers with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 70%. Price Retail price as of September 2020. CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of
perspiration (25%), grass/mud (20%), olive oil (cooking oil) (20%), blood (5%), tomato (5%), mineral oil (5%), chocolate ice cream (5%), baby food (5%), make-up (5%) and collar grime (5%). S Spray,
P Powder. na Not applicable. .

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 41

42
EASY BREEZY
Keeping cool needn’t be complicated or burn a hole
in the budget, says Denis Gallagher
I
n a perfect world, all homes would
have split-system air conditioning
for both heating and cooling, as
it’s the most effective and efficient
solution (we’d also throw in solar
panels with a wall of batteries).
But a perfect world is not always
a realistic one. Renters may find their
request for air conditioning falls on
deaf ears, or homeowners may
simply not be able to afford the
significant cost to buy and install split
system air con. If you live in a milder
part of Australia, you may only
experience the occasional hot day
and can’t justify the investment.
While they can’t compete with a split
system air conditioner for efficiency or
42 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
THE SUMMER
ISSUE
performance, ceiling fans, portable air
conditioners and pedestal/tower fans
are viable options to help provide relief
on hot days at home.
When thinking about the cost of
cooling you need to consider running
costs. We base the annual running
cost of a portable air conditioner on
using it for four hours a day for three
months. But if you only use it for a few
hours on just the hotter days of the
year, your costs will be less. Our
running costs for pedestal/tower
fans are based on up to 10 hours’ use
on maximum and minimum speeds for
three months. Ceiling fans are less of
a concern as they cost just a few cents
a day to run for several hours a day.
} Ceiling fans have been
around since the 1800s and
continue to be one of the
most efficient ways to feel
cooler in summer. Emerging
smart technology is making
them even more useful.
} A portable air con isn’t
the most efficient, cost-
effective or environmentally
friendly way to keep cool.
But sometimes it’s the best
option to get some relief on
those hot days and nights
of summer.
} Pedestal and tower fans
are mostly cheap to buy and
run, and offer the ultimate
in portability. Just don’t
expect to cool a big space.
} A few simple changes
around the home can also
help you keep your cool.
 HOME COOLING

CEILING FANS
CEIL
We’ve tested ceiling fans with between
two anand five blades, and with blade
mater
materials ranging from wood to stainless
steel aand plastic. Models with a 132cm
(52-inc
(52-inch) diameter are the most common
choice for the average room but we
also looked
lo at models that are larger
(up to 60-inch) and smaller (48-inch).
New
Newly tested models for this summer
are marked
m with an asterisk in the table,
includ
including a couple that didn’t make it to
our re
recommended list that may still be
suitab
suitable for your needs and budget. All
the re
recommended models deliver the
range of speeds and air flow you need
for a ggood night’s sleep in the bedroom,
and arare also able to deliver strong air flow
in the living areas of the home. Choosing
the right
rig fan for your home will depend
on factors
fac such as blade design, available
colou
colours and whether you want a model
with or
o without a light, along with other
factor
factors such as open-plan living (opt for
a large
larger fan) and humidity levels (people
in very humid locations should choose
a trop
tropically rated fan).
Winter warming
We know it’s early to be
talking about winter, but it’s
helpful to know that once the
temperatures drop you can
continue to use your cooling
appliances to help keep
yourself nice and warm.
Reversing the direction
of your ceiling fan draws air
upwards rather than downwards,
aiding in moving warm air around
without creating a downward breeze
in the room. All the DC models in our table
can be set to reverse on the remote, but you
may come across some models that require
a switch to be selected on the motor, which
can be a hassle to reach and reset when summer
comes around again.
Basedon previous tests, almost all split system air conditioners
available today are reverse-cycle, offer heating as well as cooling, and
are better than other heating options such as unflued gas heating.
Portable air conditioners are often packed away at the end
of summer as they can take up valuable space in the home,
but a few of the models in the latest test also pull double duty
as a heater. However, they aren’t as efficient as split systems
and can be noisy.

SMARTER CEILING FANS

Most ceiling fan manufacturers are introducing ‘smart’
models with Wi-Fi support. You can control your fan via
an app or even voice commands if your home has a
smart speaker, or you can use your mobile phone’s
voice assistant. Simply say something like ‘Hey Google
I’m hot’ and the fan would understand it would need to
turn on at a certain speed.
The Brilliant
Bahama WiFi
ceiling fan supports
both Google Home
and Alexa. The fan
can be automated
to turn on at a certain
speed when the a motion sensor recognises someone walking into
humidity or temperature the room.
in the home reaches a certain Companies such as Big Ass, Aeratron and Hunter
level. Support for IFTTT also means Pacific are also introducing wall controls and Wi-Fi
IMAGE: GETTY

you can get creative and have the modules that can be installed into the light switch
smart fan and light turn on when fitting to smarten up ceiling fans you already own.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 43

AFFORDABLE AEROTRON
$599
87%
Aeratron FR3
The two top-scoring fans, the
Aeratron AE2+ and AE3+, now
cost almost $200 more than they did
last year (CHOICE Nov 19, p47). The
distributor suggests that COVID-19
is the cause of the price rise due
to difficulty in delivery and parts.
We’ve noted variable prices with
some other models too, so it may
be worth shopping around for
whichever model you select as
you may be able to get a good
deal on last year’s stock.
A $200 price hike makes our top-
performing models less attractive in
terms of value for money. The more
affordable Aeratron FR3 is a better
buy if you’re looking for the same
modern styling in a fan that still
performs well.
This model delivers a very
modern design with black, white
and woodgrain finishes available.
We tested the 126cm (50-inch) blade
model but you can also get them in
109cm (43-inch) and 152cm (60-inch)
blade lengths.
The remote doesn’t have an LCD
screen but is still easy to use, and you
can add a 10W LED light (available
in warm white and dimmable) when
ordering or get the light kit later.
TROPICAL DELIGHT
$299
87%
Hunter Pacific Polar
This DC fan is quiet and cheap
to run, with a tropical rating to
deal with humid environments.
It has an integrated 18W LED
light which you can dim and
change the colour of using
the remote. You can make
the light warm white, cool white
or daylight colour temperature.
This fan is a good option for
smaller rooms or bedrooms in
the home. Your choices include
a model with or without a light,
but you can’t add a light kit
later on so be sure about your
selection before you buy.
HOW WE TEST
Living room performance
rates the ability of the fan
to move air at high speeds
– a setting more likely to be
used in a larger area during
the day. Models with more
than three settings will allow
more flexibility in the airflow
to suit your needs.
Bedroom performance
rates the ability of the fan
to move air at the lowest
setting, the most likely
setting to be used at night
when a quiet environment
is needed for a good
night’s sleep.
Almost all the DC models
have very low air delivery
on the lowest setting, but
one of the next few settings
SMART ON A BUDGET
$219
76%
Arlec Grid Connect
While this model didn’t make it into
our recommended list, its overall
performance is good and represents
good value. It’s also a smart fan,
which is an indication of what’s to
come for ceiling fans in the modern
home. This model performed well
overall and is the most affordable
DC fan with a light (available from
Bunnings). It can also be controlled
over a home Wi-Fi network and
supports Google Assistant and Alexa.
The light is dimmable and available
in cool, standard or warm white light
settings that can be controlled using
a mobile smart app.
will comfortably deliver the
required optimum air delivery
for the bedroom.
Ease of use includes clarity
of installation instructions,
use of the fan control, and the
ability to reverse the rotational
direction of the fan. We also
look at issues such as moving
from one fan speed setting
to another.
Noise (dBA) is measured
with a sound level meter
positioned one metre below
the centre of the fan on the
medium setting. While the
sounds a fan makes may seem
loud or quiet, it’s the type of
noise produced that people
often find distracting, and
these noises can be produced
at levels that are still very low.
 HOME COOLING

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Power use on high setting (W)

Noise on medium speed (dB)
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Weight of blades (grams)

Yearly running cost ($)

Number of fan speeds

Living room score (%)

Motor type (DC or AC)

Ease of use score (%)

Balance kit provided

height from floor (m)
Recommended min.

Blade diameter (cm)

Winter mode access

Bedroom score (%)

Fan blade material

Number of blades

Light kit available

Country of origin
on tested model
Tropically rated
Recommended

Integrated light
Fan control /
Price ($)

9 Aeratron AE2+ 749 8 90 90 90 89 33 DC P 2 2.3 126 510 R 6 19 9 Taiwan

9 Aeratron AE3+ 749 8 90 90 90 89 32 DC P 3 2.3 126 460 R 6 18 9 Taiwan
9 Atlas Irene 3H 669 14 89 90 90 85 41 DC W 9 3 2.3 132 357 R 6 32 (A) China
9 Atlas Irene 5H 749 14 89 90 90 86 40 DC W 9 5 2.1 132 315 R 6 33 (A) China
9 Big Ass Fans Haiku I 1245 11 89 90 90 85 43 DC P 9 3 2.1 132 509 R 7 25 9 9 Malaysia
9 Big Ass Fans Haiku L 795 11 89 90 90 83 41 DC P 9 3 2.3 132 453 R 7 26 9 9 Malaysia
9 Milano Slider Junior 599 13 89 90 90 86 33 DC W 3 2.1 132 430 R 6 9 30 (A) Taiwan
9 Brilliant Concorde II 539 14 88 90 90 81 39 DC P 9 3 2.1 147 563 R 6 9 31 9 Taiwan
9 Fanco Wynd 399 12 88 85 90 91 36 DC W 3 2.1 137 520 R 6 9 28 China
9 Aeratron FR3 599 10 87 90 90 76 36 DC P 3 2.3 126 415 R 6 23 9 Taiwan
9 Atlas Irene 3 539 11 87 90 90 73 40 DC W 9 3 2.1 132 386 R 6 25 China
9 Hunter Pacific Polar* 299 11 87 85 90 86 38 DC P 9 3 2.1 122 296 R 6 26 9 (A) China
9 Lucci Airfusion Climate 369 14 87 85 90 83 43 DC W 4 2.1 132 181 R 6 9 33 9 Taiwan
9 Lucci Airfusion Radar 449 16 87 90 90 75 47 DC W 9 3 2.1 132 258 R 6 36 9 Taiwan
9 Milano Elite* 389 11 87 90 90 73 36 DC W 9 4 2.1 132 287 R 6 9 26 (A) Taiwan
9 Milano Slider Full Moon 649 13 87 90 90 75 36 DC W 3 2.1 132 567 R 6 9 29 9 (A) Taiwan
9 Fanco Urban 2 399 14 86 85 90 80 41 DC W 4 2.1 132 271 R 5 9 31 9 (A) China
9 Hunter Pacific Aqua IP66 449 9 86 80 90 89 39 DC P 9 3 2.1 132 470 R 6 9 20 9 9 China
9 Brilliant Cayman 325 12 85 80 90 84 40 DC P 9 3 2.1 137 416 R 6 9 27 (A) China
9 Hunter Pacific Revolution 2 399 20 84 80 90 78 41 AC P 4 2.1 132 470 R 6 46 China
9 Brilliant Tempo* 299 10 83 80 90 77 39 DC W 9 4 2.1 122 211 R 5 9 23 9 (A) China
9 Mercator City 299 13 83 90 90 53 40 DC P 9 3 2.1 132 432 R 6 9 30 (A) China
9 Mercator Manly 299 14 82 90 90 52 49 DC P 9 3 2.1 132 437 R 6 9 33 (A) China
9 Aeroblade Trident 579 13 81 90 70 85 41 DC P 3 2.1 142 635 R 6 9 30 9 (A) Taiwan
9 Airborne Storm* 379 12 81 90 70 86 39 DC P 9 5 2.1 132 364 R 6 27 (A) China
9 Fanco Infinity-i 349 12 81 70 90 83 33 DC P 3 2.1 120 404 R 6 9 27 9 (A) China
9 Fanco Origin 659 14 81 90 70 84 44 DC P 3 2.1 144 935 R 6 9 31 9 China
9 Hunter Pacific Next Creation* 349 12 81 90 70 86 40 DC P 9 4 2.1 132 386 R 6 27 9 (A) China
9 Hunter Pacific Radical 2 479 16 81 90 70 84 40 DC P 3 2.1 152 674 R 6 36 (A) China
9 Mercator Grange 399 8 81 80 90 67 41 DC W 9 4 2.1 132 242 R 6 9 19 (A) China
9 Milano 399 10 81 70 90 84 40 DC W 4 2.1 132 224 R 6 9 23 Taiwan
9 Early Settler Madeira 299 17 80 70 90 81 41 DC W 3 2.3 132 357 R 5 9 38 (A) China
9 Fanco Eco Silent 299 12 80 70 90 79 44 DC W 4 2.1 120 222 R 5 9 28 9 (A) China
Arlec Grid Connect* 219 9 76 80 70 79 41 DC P 4 2.1 130 313 R 6 20 9 (A) China
Brilliant Mercury* 299 20 75 80 70 75 31 AC W 9 3 2.3 132 510 S 3 9 46 China
Brilliant WiFi Bahama* 450 13 75 80 70 76 37 DC P 9 3 2.1 132 413 R 5 9 29 9 (A) China

TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend ceiling fans with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%, and score more than 70% for both bedroom and living room
performance. Price Recommended retail, as of November 2020. Running cost Based on eight hours of use per day for six months a year – 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. CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of living room performance (40%), bedroom
performance (40%) and ease of use (20%). Fan blade material A Aluminium, P Plastic, W Wood. Fan control / Winter mode access R Remote, S Wall switch. * Newly tested
models. (A) You can’t add a light kit, but there’s a version available with a light.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 45

PORTABLE AIR
CONDITIONERS
It’s all very well to suggest that
portable air conditioners are
relatively inefficient and not as good
as a split system air conditioner. But
what if you’re renting? What if you’re
working from home and stuck in the
room without air conditioning? Or,
maybe there’s just a few days in the
summer months when you find the
heat unbearable, and you don’t want
to pay several thousand dollars
for a split system air con?
So with all these solid reasons for
getting a portable air conditioner,
what do you look for to ensure you
get the most cool for your dollar?
Noise level is particularly
important to consider, especially
if you intend to use it in a small
room or home office. And if you’re
planning to use it in a bedroom,
think about whether it will affect
your ability to sleep.
Many of the models we tested
are quite noisy, especially when
cranked up too high. While it didn’t
earn a recommended score, the
Polocool PQ10 Whisper is the
quietest model we tested – 50dB
when run at the highest level, and
it’s easy to use.
The other important consideration
is mobility. If you’re planning to move
your portable air con unit around the
home, make sure it’s not too heavy
and that it’s easy to manoeuvre.

How to install a portable HINGED WINDOW

air conditioner
Portable air conditioners suck in
warm, humid air, then cool and
dehumidify it and blow it back into the
room. The heat that’s been extracted
from the air is blown back outside via
an exhaust vent. You need to install
this vent in an open window. Most
portable air conditioners are supplied
with a window kit which seals off the
rest of the window to stop the cold air
getting out and the hot air getting in.
SLIDING OR SASH WINDOW
This is the easiest kit to work with
as in many cases the template or
Hinged windows are a little more
difficult to accommodate. Hinged
window kits are not usually included
with the unit as standard but are
readily available to buy online.
Installation checklist
O Power Make sure the cord is long
enough to reach the power point
nearest to where you want to set
up the air conditioner. Using an
extension cord with a portable
air conditioner poses a potential
overheating or fire risk.
O Vent pipe Check that the exhaust

cut-out piece can fit nicely into the vent pipe is long enough to reach
bottom of the opened sash window. from the unit to the window or door
Simply open the window, place the you plan to vent it through.
window kit plate at the bottom and O Circulation Portable air

close the window onto it to create conditioners need enough space

a seal. The plate will have a hole that around them to allow for good air
will attach to the end of the exhaust circulation. Allow at least 50cm
pipe from the portable air conditioner between the unit and the wall.
and you are ready to get cool! O Location Portable air cons need

If your window is a non-standard to be placed on a flat, even floor.

width, you may have to put in an O Wi-Fi Some models let you control

additional block or cutout to fill any the appliance through an app or

gaps, but most of the kits provide even smart speaker. This may be
some level of adjustment for width, useful if you need to turn the unit
if not height. on or off when you aren’t home.

TABLE NOTES (see table, right) Recommended We recommend models that score 70% or more. Price Recommended retail as of November 2020. Shop around, as many
are sold below RRP. Running cost Based on operating the unit at average power consumption used in our tests, for four hours a day for three months in hot weather at 30c/
kWh. CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of cooling (40%), energy efficiency (30%) and ease of use (30%). Claimed cooling capacity isn’t comparable between portable
air conditioners and split-system air conditioners. Measured power consumption is the average power consumed in one hour during cooling tests. Fan noise on high
Comparative, depends on the environment. At this level (high), most models interfere with normal conversation. Operating modes Some models may automatically add
one or two degrees to the temperature during sleep to aid comfort and save energy. na Not available. All models have a remote control except the Dimplex DC09Mini.

46 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 HOME COOLING

Clearer guidance at last

Any single-duct (one hose)
portable air conditioners
imported or manufactured
from 1 April 2020 now require
a “zoned” energy efficiency
label to be clearly shown
on the product.
By their nature, single-duct
portable air conditioners are not
energy efficient and often get no
energy stars at all. But the label
shows other useful info such as
noise level, annual kWh use,
cooling capacity and energy
efficiency according to where
you live (zone). There’s a transition
period for existing stock to either
run out or be registered with
the regulators.

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Claimed heating capacity (kW)
Claimed cooling capacity (kW)

Max. length of window kit (cm)

Dimensions (cm, H x W x D)
Energy efficiency score (%)
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Noise of fan on high (dBA)

Measured cooling power

temperature adjustment
Sleep timer / With auto
Ease of use score (%)

consumption (kWh)

Length of cord (cm)

Length of duct (cm)

Cooling score (%)
Running costs ($)
Recommended

Fan-only mode

Fan speeds

Weight (kg)
Dry mode
Price ($)

Wi-Fi

9 Teco TPO41CFWCT 899 159 71 76 54 81 4.1 na 1.5 63 9 9 9 3 + Auto 9 / 9 30 72 x 44 x 37 150 150 97

9 Dimplex DC15RCBW 778 157 70 73 60 75 4.4 4.4 1.5 64 9 3 9/ 9 31 76 x 30 x 55 200 140 139
9 Kogan 899 131 70 67 65 79 4.1 1.4 1.2 63 9 9 9 3 9/ – 29 83 x 44 x 37 190 150 132
KAPRA14WFGA
DeLonghi PAC CN86 649 86 68 59 80 68 2.5 na 0.8 55 9 9 3 9/ – 27 75 x 44 x 40 150 120 119
Silent
Honeywell MM14CCS 999 153 66 71 57 68 4.1 na 1.4 61 9 9 3 –/– 36 86 x 47 x 40 150 120 122
Excelair EPA16 759 164 65 68 53 74 4.7 na 1.5 63 9 3 + Auto 9 / 9 32 82 x 43 x 38 220 150 152
Rinnai RPC35WA 699 129 65 64 57 73 3.6 na 1.2 59 9 9 3 9/ 9 32 80 x 48 x 43 120 170 129
Polocool PQ10 795 91 64 52 62 83 2.9 na 0.8 50 9 9 2+ Auto 9/ 9 32 78 x 45 x 38 180 140 124
Whisper
Dimplex DC18 1300 199 63 78 43 64 5.3 na 1.8 64 9 9 3 + Auto 9 / 9 37 84 x 53 x 34 220 130 122
+ Turbo
DeLonghi 849 90 62 56 69 63 3 na 0.8 60 9 9 3 + Auto 9 / – 30 80 x 44 x 40 150 110 96
PACEX120BK
Dimplex DC09Mini 499 82 62 56 77 54 2.6 na 0.8 65 9 1 –/– 24 49 x 35 x 45 190 130 93
Dimplex DC10RC 699 97 61 55 59 71 3 3 0.9 64 9 3 + Auto 9 / 9 26 62 x 53 x 31 240 130 119
Rinnai RPC41WA 849 170 61 66 45 69 4.1 na 1.6 63 9 9 3 9/ 9 33 80 x 45 x 40 110 190 126
Polocool PC-44BP/C 1095 140 60 62 52 65 4.4 na 1.3 64 9 9 3 + Auto – / – 40 80 x 37 x 57 240 150 129
Polocool PC-58AP/C 1395 193 60 66 42 69 6 na 1.8 56 9 9 3 + Auto 9 / – 45 79 x 37 x 58 240 150 132

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 47


5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME
COOL, AND SAVE MONEY
These simple strategies will help you beat the heat
and save on energy bills.
1
Turn down the air con
You'll generally get better efficiency from
your air conditioner if you aim for a maximum
temperature differential (the difference
between inside and outside your home) of around
8°C. So on a 32°C day, set your air con to no more
than 24°C.
On scorching days, most people will still want
a cooler temperature, but for best energy efficiency,
try not to go too far beyond the 8°C difference – each
degree cooler adds about 10% to your air conditioner's
running cost.
2
Use a fan instead of air con
Ceiling fans make your body feel cool
(although they won't lower the actual
room temperature) and so the effect is
very immediate, focused, efficient and cost-effective.
Pedestal fans are less effective but sometimes the
only option – and you can choose exactly how and
where to position them to maximise their effect.
3
Work with the outside temperature
Use an indoor-outdoor thermometer to
monitor the temperature difference inside
and outside your home. If it's cooler outside
than in, open up all the doors and windows; if it's hotter
outside, close everything up to keep the heat out.
4
Lights out
Turn off the lights if you're not using them
– not only do they use energy to create
light, they also create heat, which your air
conditioner has to work harder to remove. Replacing
halogen downlights with LEDs can help keep the
temperature down and reduce your power bills too.
5
Run appliances overnight
Kitchen appliances can generate lots of
heat, so if you wait until bedtime to turn
on the dishwasher (or delay the cycle), you
won't have to deal with the heat in the kitchen. You
can also turn your slow cooker on overnight so you’re
not heating the house during the day – and have
a delicious cooked lunch ready to pack in the morning.
48 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
PEDESTAL AND TOWER FANS
Pedestal and tower fans don’t chill the air like an air
conditioner, but they’ll still cool you down (through the
effect of evaporating perspiration) at a fraction of the
running cost. Most could run 24/7 all summer and you’d
only pay about $30 or less for the electricity used. And
they generally aren’t expensive to buy, though there
are some very expensive models out there.
The other benefits of pedestal and tower fans are that
you can choose exactly how and where to position them
(unlike with ceiling fans), and they’re handy when you
want to clear the air in a room due to damp carpet, wet
paint, or smoke from a burnt dinner.
Pedestal or tower?
It all comes down to where you’ll use the fan and what
sort of air flow you want – direct or indirect.
Pedestal fans sit on a (usually) height-adjustable
stand, and can be useful when you want air directed
at a height above ground or at a certain spot in the room
– for example, to blow directly onto your face, across
a bed’s surface, or angled up toward the ceiling for an
indirect breeze.
Tower (or column) fans have a long rectangular air
outlet that usually sits closer to the floor, although their
upper section can still blow air at a reasonable height
and some have louvres to direct the air flow up or down.
They’re often best suited to a large living area.
Key features to look for
Noise The quieter the better, especially if you’re using
the fan on a low speed at night while you sleep. Ask
to hear the fan in the shop before you buy; check
for thrumming, whining or buffeting noises.
Adjustable height and angle These features will give
you more options on how and where you can use the
fan. Angling the fan head allows you to create an indirect
breeze, which can be useful if the fan speed is too
powerful for a direct breeze.
Fan modes Some fans have a mode (usually called
‘natural’ or ‘sleep’ mode) which varies the fan speed to
simulate a natural breeze. Some also have a reduction
mode, which switches the fan to the next lowest speed
after 30 minutes. This is handy if you use the fan at
night in your bedroom; on a hot night you might want
to go to sleep with the fan on, but you won’t want
it to be too noisy.
Remote control Handy for changing settings from
across the room.
Timer Switches the fan off after a set period.
Display Some have electronic indicators to show
fan settings.
 HOME COOLING

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum noise (dB)

Minimum noise (dB)

Horizontal sweep (°)

CHOICE Expert

Remote control
Recommended

Power cord (m)

(cm, H x W x D)
Dimensions
Weight (kg)
Rating (%)
Price ($)

Timer
PEDESTAL FANS
9 Goldair 45cm Black Chrome Pedestal Fan GCPF265 129 88 53 61 80 6.7 1.5 127 x 51 x 40
9 Kambrook 40cm DC Motor KPF849 169 88 35 54 9 85 9 7.7 1.8 138 x 45 x 41
9 Excelair High Velocity Fan EHVP4590 119 86 49 56 0 7.1 1.8 125 x 54 x 50
9 Sunbeam Infinity FA8900 139 86 37 55 9 70 9 8.1 2.8 134 x 44 x 40
9 Mitsubishi Electric Pedestal Fan 16” (40cm) LV16S-RU-P 199 85 42 51 9 70 9 8.4 2.8 141 x 47 x 42
9 Goldair 46cm Pedestal Fan GCPF120 60 83 38 50 85 3.5 1.4 132 x 70 x 70
9 Kmart Anko 40cm Wi-Fi Pedestal Fan HEGSM40 89 83 31 49 9 80 9 6.4 1.8 140 x 46 x 41
9 Heller 45cm Chrome Metal MPF45C 69 82 53 60 70 7.0 1.6 133 x 50 x 45
9 Kambrook 40cm High Velocity Pedestal Fan KFA423 100 81 50 54 0 6.8 1.9 125 x 51 x 41
9 DeLonghi 360° Oscillation Fan DEAPF40.WH 169 80 40 52 9 360 9 8.6 2.0 138 x 45 x 41
9 Kambrook Arctic 40cm Pedestal Fan KFA413 50 80 37 43 80 2.7 1.8 122 x 63 x 63
9 Kambrook 46cm Gunmetal Pedestal Fan KPF449GUN 130 80 55 59 70 7.6 1.8 133 x 52 x 45
Goldair 40cm Pedestal Fan GCPF150 45 78 38 45 9 80 9 2.8 1.4 122 x 63 x 63
Heller 40cm Pedestal Fan White PF40 30 78 43 50 90 2.4 1.5 114 x 61 x 61
Omega Altise 40cm Pedestal Fan with Remote Control OP40R 52 78 39 46 9 70 9 4.9 1.7 127 x 44 x 40
Omega Altise 40cm Pedestal Fan OP408R 159 77 39 49 9 80 9 6.8 2.0 131 x 45 x 43
Vornado Whole Room Circulator 683DC-AU 329 77 20 58 0 3.4 2.3 97 x 49 x 47
Heller 40cm Black Pedestal Fan with Remote Control HF40BRG 50 50 39 45 9 85 9 2.5 1.4 116 x 61 x 61
TOWER FANS
9 Dyson Cool AM07 548 78 37 53 9 80 9 2.9 2.1 102 x 23 x 23
Dyson Hot+cool Jet Focus AM09 575 74 37 50 9 65 9 2.8 1.8 61 x 21 x 21
Dyson Pure Cool TP04 799 74 33 51 9 350 9 (A) 5.3 2.0 107 x 23 x 23
Omega Altise 120cm Tower Fan OT120W 139 74 42 48 9 75 9 3.6 1.9 121 x 33 x 33
Sunbeam Loft Oscillating Fan with Handle FA7450 159 74 36 45 9 70 9 4.5 2.7 100 x 29 x 29
DeLonghi DETF115 139 73 48 55 9 60 9 3.4 1.9 121 x 32 x 34
DeLonghi Dual Oscillation Tower Fan DETF122.WH 199 73 36 45 9 80 9 4.6 1.9 97 x 29 x 29
Kambrook 90cm Tower Fan KFA837 99 73 34 44 9 70 9 3.3 2.1 98 x 32 x 32
Sunbeam Super Slim FA7550 149 73 43 51 80 9 3.1 1.6 122 x 32 x 32
Sunbeam Neo FA7250 111 72 39 49 9 75 9 3.6 1.8 92 x 31 x 31
Goldair 81cm Tower Fan GCTF150 50 71 36 44 65 2.1 1.6 82 x 28 x 28
Omega Altise OT803RW 79 71 41 48 9 55 9 2.3 1.5 80 x 23 x 23
Omega Altise 80cm Tower Fan OT803MW 68 71 40 47 50 9 2.2 1.5 81 x 23 x 23
OTHER
9 Ronson 45cm High Velocity Fan Antique Grey RHVFFG16 69 87 53 57 0 5.7 1.8 56 x 61 x 25
IMAGE: GETTY

Vornado Room Air Circulator 660 249 74 36 54 0 3.4 1.9 39 x 35 x 29

TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend pedestal fans with an overall score of at least 80% and tower fans with an overall score
of at least 75%. Price Recommended or typical retail price as of October 2020. Overall score is made up entirely of airflow performance.
Noise Comparative only, as what you hear depends on the environment. (A) Timer via app only.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 49

50

OVEN HITS
Today’s ovens have plenty of innovative features that make them easier to use
and clean, but some of these features are still hit and miss, says Kim Gilmour

he kitchen has arguably with its built-in ‘AirFry’ mode to see The roast pork failed to get a crispy

T become more important

than ever in 2020, now that
we’re living and entertaining
more at home. Oven manufacturers
such as Westinghouse are jumping
how this function fared. The setting
works by using the oven’s top heating
element and fan-forced mode to
circulate hot air. There’s a mesh tray for
air circulation, supposedly to remove
crackling, and homemade French fries
scored poorly. The bulky tray isn’t
non-stick either, so cleaning off all
the baked-on food is difficult. Several
of the standalone air fryers we’ve
ies

on such trends as air fryers, which are
a benchtop appliance that boomed
in popularity during lockdown.
Our experts assessed the
Westinghouse WVEP617DSC
the need to turn the food. But we still
needed to do so during cooking for
an even result, as the top element was
still stronger than the heat circulating
underneath the food.
tested perform better than n this oven
in AirFry mode, so don’tt buy it solely
on the basis of this function
ction (it still
performs very well in our regular
gular
cooking tests).

50 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


THAT’S A NEFF
$2899
88%
Neff B57CR22N0B
This Neff is still our top-rated oven.
It has some great features, including
an ‘easy clean’ option to soften dirt
in the cavity if you don’t want to go
into full pyrolytic cleaning mode, and
‘Slide&Hide’, a fully retractable oven
door that gives better access when
manipulating food and removing
the oven tray. The black glass finish
won’t show up fingerprints, and it’s
the only current model that gets 100%
in all our performance tests. However,
the telescopic runners are an optional
extra that will cost you $199.
IMAGES: GETTY
SMOOTH OPERATOR
$2049
87%
Fisher & Paykel OB60SD11PX1 Siemens HB875G8B1A
This versatile oven has a soft-close
door, six shelf positions, and two
sets of telescopic runners that are
attached to the shelf itself, making
it easy to move them to other shelf
positions. The shelves move out
smoothly – far enough to manipulate
the food, and the overall cooking
performance score is excellent.
OVENS TEST
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
$3199
87%
An excellent performer in our cooking
tests, this model comes with three sets
of telescopic runners, a universal pan
and baking tray, and a soft-close door.
A handy information button informs you
of the recommended shelf position and
guidelines about each function. On the
downside, there’s no audible sound to
tell you when the oven’s preheated and
it doesn’t come with a grill rack.
 GUIDED COOKING PYRO POWER BEST BRAND BUYS

$2599 $2319 $2699

86% 85% 85%

AEG BPK742320M
This model has automatic cooking
functions to help you take the
guesswork out of creating your
favourite dishes, and in-built recipes
across eight food categories. It comes
with three pairs of telescopic runners,
a baking tray and a roasting pan with
grill insert. Cooking performance
is excellent overall. Touch controls
are fairly easy to use, but some
symbols may not be self-explanatory.
TTY
ETTY
GETTY
ET Y
Electrolux EVEP616DSD Miele H 2760 BP
This pyrolytic oven has an excellent
cooking performance score and good
ease of use overall. The large cast iron
roasting pan slides into the shelf
supports. There’s excellent visibility
through the glass door, and easy-to-
understand touch-button controls
on a digital screen.
$2699
85%
Miele H 2860 BP
Miele continues to be our best
oven brand overall. Results are
similar for both of these top-scoring
models, but the H2860 BP did better

when cooking pizza and roasting,

E: G
GE:
IMAGE:

while the H2760 BP did better

AG
IIMA
MA
MA

in our grilling toast test. It’s easier

to view food on the top shelf of the
H2860 BP, but there’s better visibility
through the door of the H2760 BP.
The trays and wire shelves for both
are easy to clean and they have
pyrolytic cleaning.
We reviewed high end, internet-
enabled Miele models such as the
H7860 BP ($8199; 80%) and think
there’s still a way to go in terms
of functionality.

52 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 OVENS TEST

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Performance score (%)

10 year running cost ($)

Brand satisfaction (%)

Ease of use score (%)

Smokeless grill tray

Brand reliability (%)

Telescopic runners
Pyrolytic cleaning

Assisted cooking

Number of shelf
Recommended

Steam function
CHOICE Expert

Fan-forced
Fan assist
Rating (%)

positions
Price ($)

Fan grill

Origin
9 Neff B57CR22N0B 2899 348 88 100 70 na 90 9 9 (A) 9 9 9 4 Germany
9 Fisher & Paykel OB60SD11PX1 2049 435 87 95 75 77 82 9 9 9 9 9 9 6 Thailand
9 Siemens HB875G8B1A 3199 331 87 95 75 na 90 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
9 AEG BPK742320M 2599 355 86 94 75 82 87 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
9 Electrolux EVEP616DSD 2319 379 85 93 73 78 81 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 Australia
9 Miele H 2760 BP 2699 394 85 92 74 90 90 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
9 Miele H 2860 BP PureLine Pyrolytic 2699 413 85 95 70 90 90 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
AEG 60cm SteamCrisp Oven BSK774320M 3599 355 84 90 75 82 87 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Asko OP8687B 2999 399 84 94 69 na na 9 9 9 9 9 5 Slovenia
Fisher & Paykel OB60SD9PX1 1699 362 84 94 69 77 82 9 9 9 9 9 9 6 Thailand
Smeg SFPA6300X 2090 396 84 94 69 72 79 9 9 9 9 5 Italy
AEG 60cm SenseCook PyroLuxe BPK842320M 3599 346 83 89 73 82 87 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Bosch HBG6753S1A 2749 302 83 92 70 88 87 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Electrolux EVE616DSD 1749 410 83 93 69 78 81 9 9 9 9 9 5 Australia
Fisher & Paykel OB60SC7CEX2 1088 366 83 96 63 77 82 9 9 9 9 6 Thailand
Smeg SFPA6604NX 4990 366 83 95 64 72 79 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 Italy
Ikea KULINARISK 999 347 82 88 73 na na 9 9 9 9 9 5 Italy
Miele H7464BP 5699 390 82 86 75 90 90 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Bosch HBA534ES0A 1299 357 81 92 64 88 87 9 9 9 5 Poland
Bosch HBG633BS1A 1799 323 81 93 64 88 87 9 9 5 Germany
Bosch HRG675BS1B 2999 336 81 88 70 88 87 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Ikea EFTERSMAK 749 334 81 93 64 na na 9 9 5 Italy
Miele H 2265 BP 1999 346 81 91 65 90 90 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Fisher & Paykel OB60SL11DEPB2 2399 505 80 87 70 77 82 9 9 9 9 9 9 6 Thailand
Miele H7860BP 8199 391 80 84 75 90 90 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 Germany
Omega OO6AX 1399 320 80 87 69 na 68 9 9 9 9 5 Europe
Westinghouse WVEP617DSC 1400 356 80 86 71 78 79 9 9 9 9 9 5 Australia
Blanco BOSE665X 899 314 79 88 65 na 75 9 9 5 Italy
Fisher & Paykel OB60SC5CEX2 1099 425 79 91 61 77 82 9 9 9 6 Thailand
Haier HWO60S7EX1 689 385 79 91 60 na na 9 9 9 5 China
Miele H2267-1 B 1899 386 79 88 66 90 90 9 9 9 5 Germany
Chef CVE612SA 799 399 78 84 70 79 74 9 5 Australia
Electrolux EVE614DSD 1299 367 78 86 66 78 81 9 9 9 9 5 Australia
Chef CVE602SA 598 356 77 82 70 79 74 9 9 5 Australia
Fisher & Paykel OB60SDPTDB1 4171 441 77 82 70 77 82 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 6 Thailand
Haier HWO60S10TX1 939 378 77 85 64 na na 9 9 9 5 China
Asko OP8637A 2199 428 76 83 66 na na 9 9 9 9 5 Slovenia
Ikea FXJM6 MATTRADITION 599 328 76 86 61 na na 9 9 9 5 Poland
Westinghouse WVE613S 1019 340 76 83 65 78 79 9 9 7 Australia
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend ovens with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 85% or more. Price Recommended retail or typical retail price as of October 2020.
IMAGE:S GETTY

Running costs Based on running the oven at 170°C for one hour, three times a week for 10 years at 30c/kWh. Scores The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of cooking
performance (60%) and ease of use (40%). Brand scores Brand reliability and owner satisfaction scores are from our 2018 survey. Scores apply to brand, not individual
models. (A) Optional extra. na Not available. We’ve tested more than the products featured here but these are the best. For the full range, see choice.com.au/ovens or call
customer service for a digital subscription.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 53

54

} Don’t let their small

footprint fool you –
compact, slimline
and even benchtop
dishwashers can still
deliver on performance.
} A benchtop dishwasher
can be a great option
if you’re renting – you
don’t need to modify
your kitchen and you
can take it with you
if you move.

Dishwashers for all

If you’ve got a cosy kitchen, a typical dishwasher might not fit. Luckily, there
are pint-sized alternatives that punch above their weight, says Ashley Iredale
he single life has its perks, such as a smaller less capacity though – they’ll typically fit around eight

T environmental footprint – you consume less,

generate less waste, and have fewer dishes to
wash than larger households. But the trade-off
is half the spending power of a two-income household,
so your home (and kitchen) is likely to be, well, cosy.
place settings – but they perform just as well as their
full-sized siblings. As with any dishwasher, measure
carefully before buying – some vary in width, so make
sure a model will fit before parting with your cash.

But being unable to fit a full-sized dishwasher DishDrawer dishwashers

needn’t deny you the time, water and energy
savings they afford. Enter slimline, benchtop
and micro dishwashers – diminutive devices
democratising dishwashers’ ease and
convenience across even the most
modest abodes.
Slimline dishwashers
While a typical dishwasher is 60cm wide to fit your
cabinetry, slimline or compact dishwashers are around
45cm, making them ideal for smaller kitchens, as you
cede less precious cupboard space. Less width means
Star
Exclusive to Fisher & Paykel, ‘DishDrawers’
ratings on are different to conventional drop-door
a double dishwashers; rather than sliding out a rack,
DishDrawer are you slide out the whole tub like a kitchen
drawer. And while they’re still 60cm wide,
for one drawer,
a single DishDrawer is half the height of
not both a conventional dishwasher – ideal if you’re
short on kitchen space and useful for people
with accessibility issues as you can install them
higher in your cabinetry.
DishDrawers are available as either single or double
drawers, the latter the equivalent size and capacity as

54 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


BEST OVERALL BEST ON A BUDGET
$1799
83% 79%
LG XD3A25MB Haier HDW13V1W1
a conventional dishwasher. You can run each drawer
separately, which is handy when you’ve only got a few
plates to wash. But be warned, the star rating labels
on a double DishDrawer are for one drawer – run both
and you’ll use double the energy and water claimed
on the label.
Benchtop dishwashers
A benchtop dishwasher sits on top of your kitchen
bench, which makes it a good option for renters or the
mechanically disinclined as it doesn’t require kitchen
modifications beyond a bolt-on adaptor for your kitchen
tap. They’re also a breeze when moving as there’s nothing
to ‘make good’.
Benchtop dishwashers only fit six place settings or less,
but some deliver impressive performance. And, as they’re
IMAGE: ISTOCK
incredibly versatile, you can move them out of the way to
maximise bench space for that epic meal prep, then whip
them out again for the washing up.
DISHWASHERS TEST
BEST COMPACT
OR SLIMLINE
$629 $959
78%
Haier HDW9-TFE3WH
Micro dishwashers
These are an emerging technology that take the compact
dishwasher to a new level, fitting just two or three place
settings. They offer even more flexibility than a benchtop
dishwasher, with an onboard water tank that means you
don’t even need to connect it to your tap, and can be easily
packed away into a cupboard after use.
There aren’t many micro dishwashers around and we
haven’t tested any yet, but there are several in development
and pre-production including the retro-looking Bob from
Dann Tech, the sleek Tetra from Heatworks, and the ultra-
tiny WeeWash, all of which we’re keen to put through their
paces when they hit the market.
With such small capacity you might
wonder why you’d need one – how
hard is it to wash a few items? But
they use less water than washing
by hand – and some of us REALLY
hate doing the dishes!
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 55
 COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Washing performance score (%)

Drying performance score (%)

Height-adjustable top basket

Dimensions (cm, H x W x D)
Energy efficiency score (%)

Cutlery basket, tray or both

CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Brand reliability score (%)

Running cost/10 years ($)

Water used / cycle (L)

Water connection
Cycle time (min)
Recommended

Place settings
Noise (dB)

Fast wash
Eco wash
Price ($)

Colour
Type
STANDARD SIZE
9 LG XD3A25MB 1799 1249 83 79 96 72 76 17 162 48 T 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 C rec. 15 FW B
9 AEG FFE83800PM 2399 1225 82 77 98 71 na 12 152 44 T 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 57 Cold 14 BI SS
Asko DBI654IBS 2199 1584 81 80 91 59 80 17 208 45 Bt 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 56 H or C 15 BI SS
9 AEG FFB72600PW 1399 1426 80 78 90 64 na 12 156 48 B 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 61 Cold 14 FW W
9 AEG FFB72746PW 1599 1417 80 76 96 64 na 12 157 47 T 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 61 H or C 15 FW W
9 Bosch SMU66MS02A 1899 1397 80 79 87 66 84 15 164 48 Bt 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 58 H or C 15 BI SS
Fisher & Paykel DD60DDFB9 2399 1429 80 80 88 57 72 18 114 47 B 9 9 82 x 60 x 58 C rec. 14 DD B
Bosch SMU46GS01A 1299 1346 79 77 88 67 84 15 161 48 B 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 58 H or C 14 BI SS
Haier HDW13V1W1 629 1607 79 80 84 58 na 15 139 54 B 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 61 Cold 13 FW W
ARC ADW14S 849 1461 78 79 82 63 na 16 110 52 Bt 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 Cold 14 FW SS
Asko DWCBI241S 2499 940 77 75 80 82 80 13 118 47 B 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 56 H or C 14 BI SS
Bosch SMV88TX02A 2399 1274 77 76 84 70 84 13 149 46 Bt 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 55 Cold 15 FI na
Miele G4930SCU 1899 1234 76 78 74 71 86 13 145 45 T 9 9 9 81 x 60 x 57 H or C 14 BI SS
Beko BDF1630X 1099 1331 75 76 74 67 na 13 165 46 Bt 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 Cold 16 FW SS
Neff S215M60S0A 1599 1280 74 70 85 69 na 12 154 46 Bt 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 58 H or C 15 BI SS
Westinghouse WSF6608KXA 1249 1352 74 72 84 66 74 11 110 49 T 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 15 FW SS
Beko BDF1410W 699 853 73 77 59 85 na 14 136 51 B 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 Cold 14 FW W
Smeg DWA6314X2 1490 1406 72 73 74 64 72 10 99 48 Bt 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 14 FW SS
Fisher & Paykel DW60FC6X1 1049 1283 71 72 71 69 72 12 144 44 T 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 15 FW SS
Electrolux ESF6767KXA 1399 879 70 68 68 83 na 10 76 47 Bt 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 15 FW SS
Smeg DWIFABNE-1 2190 1142 70 75 56 75 72 15 159 48 B 9 9 9 82 x 60 x 59 C rec. 14 BI B
Westinghouse WSF6606XA 999 810 70 74 54 87 74 12 153 45 B 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 15 FW SS
Fisher & Paykel DW60FC4W1 999 1355 68 69 65 67 72 16 115 49 T 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 15 FW W
Inalto IDW604S 699 759 68 73 46 88 na 10 183 50 B 9 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 Cold 12 FW SS
Kogan KAGDWS15CTA 900 690 67 76 32 91 na 11 156 49 T 9 9 85 x 60 x 60 H or C 15 FW SS
COMPACT / SLIMLINE
Haier HDW9-TFE3WH 959 854 78 77 85 68 na 12 115 53 B 9 9 85 x 45 x 60 Cold 9 FW W
Fisher & Paykel DD60SDFTX9 1849 723 73 70 86 58 72 9 115 44 B 9 9 48 x 60 x 58 Cold 7 DD SS
Kogan KABNCHTPDWA 500 481 73 78 60 77 na 7 138 48 B 9 9 44 x 55 x 50 Cold 6 BT W
Bellini BDW96W-F 512 604 65 72 39 81 na 9 107 48 B 9 9 85 x 45 x 60 H or C 9 FW W
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend dishwashers with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 80% or more, that also achieve at least 75% for washing performance and 80% for drying.
We don’t recommend any dishwasher with any weighted scores under 60%. Price Recommended retail, as of December 2020. Running costs An estimate of how much the dishwasher will
cost over 10 years for water and electricity if you wash a full load every day using a normal or auto-sensing cycle, based on 30c per kWh for electricity and $2 per 1000L water. We don’t include
standby energy costs in calculations. CHOICE Expert Rating Made up of washing performance (65%), drying performance (25%) and energy efficiency (10%). Washing performance Based
on the number of food specks left on dishes or the area of larger stains. Drying performance Based on the number of drops and/or streaks left on the dishes half an hour after the end of the
wash. Energy efficiency Based on the amount of energy used per place setting by the dishwasher on the tested program. The less energy used, the better the score. Noise is measured 1m
away and 1m up from the dishwasher, placed within cabinetry. A difference of 3dB is noticeable to the human ear. Brand reliability scores are taken from our 2018 Brand Reliability Survey.
Scores refer to brands, not particular models. na means there weren’t enough respondents with that brand to be scored. Water connection H or C You can connect the dishwasher to hot or
cold water. Connecting to hot water is likely to shorten the cycle time, but you may lose program versatility; Cold Can only connect to a cold tap; C rec Can be connected to hot or cold water, but
cold is recommended for best performance. Type FW Freestanding with a worktop (can generally be inbuilt as well); BI Built-in – might not have top or side panels, and must be enclosed and
anchored; DD DishDrawer; FI Fully integrated – built-in with the whole front matching your kitchen and the controls inside the door; BT Benchtop – a self-contained unit that sits on your bench
and does not need to be built into cabinetry. Colour SS Indicates any metallic or metallic-look finish, not all models are actually stainless steel; B Black; W White.

56 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE


Night out at the movies – at home
In a challenging year, when almost everyone has been asked to stay at home,
keeping entertained has never been more important, says Denis Gallagher
T
he worldwide COVID-19
pandemic has forced
the movie industry to
reconsider its aversion to
a ‘streaming first’ release schedule.
Some of the biggest movies of 2020
hit the TV screens rather than the
cinema screens.
Although some movies such as
Marvel’s Black Widow and James
IMAGE: GETTY/LG.COM.AU
Bond caper No Time to Die have
been delayed until 2021, other movies
have been, or are being, released to
streaming services in an attempt
to find an audience.
The Disney animated blockbuster
Mulan and Universal’s Trolls World
Tour were among the first movies to
be released to a streaming service
earlier in the year, followed by Tom
Hanks’ naval epic Greyhound. Apple
TV+ bought the distribution rights
for a whopping $98 million after
COVID-19 forced cinemas to close
around the world. The audience
numbers watching in homes
reportedly broke traditional
box-office expectations.
So until we all get used to the ‘new
normal’, sit back, grab the popcorn
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 57
TVs TEST
NEED TO KNOW
} A range of blockbuster
movies are being released
for streaming on TV first
because of COVID-19.
} You can still buy 2019
TVs, but make sure you
get a great deal.
and enjoy the best that Hollywood
has to offer – at home, on your
very own big ‘small screen’.
LARGE TVS
STUNNING PERFORMANCE …
BUT HOW MUCH?
$29,995
86%
LG OLED77ZXPTA
LG is hoping that at least a few homeowners
in Australia will have enough room for this 77-inch,
8K monster – and pockets deep enough for the
privilege. If there was ever a TV made for watching
movies at home, this is it.
It performed as well as you’d expect of a TV
that costs the same as an average family car –
it brought high-quality video such as Blu-ray and
4K video to life. The sound quality from the large
case is also one of the best we’ve ever heard.
But the most impressive aspect of this TV may
well be its ability to deliver a watchable, even
immersive, SD picture on its almost two-metre
screen. It delivers stunning 8K video, but we
didn’t include an assessment of this resolution
in the CHOICE Expert Rating because there
isn’t really any content to enjoy at this quality
– although there are now a significant number
of 4K movies out there.
So, to sum up, if you’re willing to meet the
eye-watering price tag (yes, you did read it right),
you can enjoy one of the best possible cinema
experiences in your own home.
Others to consider
Although LG OLED models continue to perform
best overall, the LG 65NANO80TNA offers the
best big-screen performance for the price, closely
followed by the Hisense 65Q8, which has very
good HD and 4K video performance.
The TCL 75C8 has good overall performance
and very good sound performance.
58 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
MEDIUM-SIZED TVS
BEST BUY
$795
77%
Hisense 58S5
The Hisense 58S5 is a standout as far as good overall
performance and great value go. The 58-inch display gives
you a bit more screen real estate compared with a 55-inch
TV. The 4K performance isn’t fantastic, with some judder
in some scenes, but it delivers good video performance for
SD and HD content. All in all, it’s a good affordable option
for video streaming, as well as DVD and Blu-ray movies.
Others to consider
If you’re willing to pay double the cost of the Hisense 58S5,
or more, there are several high-performing mid-sized TVs
available from LG and Sony, including a 2020 OLED TV
from Sony (KD55A8H) and a 2019 model (Sony KD55A8G).
The Samsung QA55Q70TAWXXY and Samsung
QA55Q80TAWXXY TVs deliver good-quality video and
strong smart-TV performance. But the simple remote,
which relies heavily on either voice assistance or the
onscreen TV menus, may not be as good an option for
those who prefer a remote with buttons that are clearly
spaced and easy to identify.
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend models that get a CHOICE Expert Rating
of at least 75% and also score at least 70% for SD and HD resolution. Price Recommended
retail as supplied by manufacturers or indicative price found online or instore up to November
2020. Yearly running cost ($) is calculated with a user profile of the TV being active for 10
hours a day and in standby mode for 14 hours a day. CHOICE Expert Rating is made up
of picture quality for HD (30%), SD (20%) and 4K/UHD (5%), user interface (10%), smart TV
(10%), remote control (10%), EPG (5%), sound quality (5%) and energy use (5%). Standby
energy score We apply the Energy Standard calculation for the amount of power a TV
uses when in standby mode. All the TVs in the tables support 4K/UHD video and all have
composite video inputs, stereo RCA inputs, a LAN connection and digital-audio or Toslink
outputs. All TV speakers automatically turn off when connected to a home theatre system
or soundbar. All support Wi-Fi, although some don’t support the 5GHz (802.11ac) band. All
except the Sony KD55X7000G and Philips has Bluetooth support.
 TVs TEST

COSTS PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

HD picture quality score (%)

SD picture quality score (%)

CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

User interface score (%)

Sound quality score (%)
Yearly running cost ($)

Weight with stand (kg)

Smart TV score (%)

Amazon Prime key

4K/UHD score (%)

Remote score (%)

Country of origin
Display size (cm)
Energy score (%)

Google Play key

Recommended

Record to USB
EPG score (%)

HDMI (inputs)

Headphones
YouTube key
Display type
Price ($)

LARGE (MORE THAN 160CM, 64")

9 LG OLED77ZXPTA 29,995 296 86 86 88 95 92 85 71 65 90 91 OLED 195 43 4 9 9 9 Korea
9 LG OLED65CXPTA 4995 151 86 86 91 95 92 70 74 73 90 91 OLED 164 33 4 9 9 9 Indonesia
9 LG OLED65GXPTA 5495 157 85 85 86 95 92 65 74 72 90 91 OLED 164 30 4 9 9 9 Korea
9 LG OLED65BXPTA 3995 139 84 84 83 85 92 75 74 75 90 91 OLED 164 25 4 9 9 9 Indonesia
9 LG 65NANO80TNA 1721 125 80 76 80 85 92 60 74 77 95 91 LCD 164 25 4 9 9 Indonesia
9 LG 65NANO91TNA 2995 122 80 76 79 70 92 60 74 78 100 91 LCD 164 26 4 9 9 Indonesia
9 Hisense 65Q8 1995 156 79 81 71 85 92 65 73 72 80 84 LCD 164 25 4 9 9 9 China
LG 65SM8100PTA 1495 129 78 69 76 85 92 75 74 76 100 91 LCD 164 26 4 9 9 Indonesia
9 Sony KD-65X9500H 2995 218 78 80 76 85 85 75 61 64 80 86 LCD 164 24 4 9 9 Malaysia
9 LG 65UN7300PTC 1395 137 77 70 74 75 92 60 74 75 100 91 LCD 164 22 3 9 9 Indonesia
9 TCL 75C8 1995 180 77 72 70 80 85 85 76 75 80 88 LCD 190 35 3 9 China
Samsung QA65LS03TAW 3149 166 74 73 69 85 90 70 56 70 70 91 LCD 163 26 4 9 9 Vietnam
Samsung QA65Q70TAW 2295 128 74 71 70 85 90 65 56 76 70 91 LCD 163 25 4 9 9 Vietnam
TCL 65C715 1695 143 74 69 72 70 85 60 76 74 80 88 LCD 165 19 3 9 9 China
Samsung QA65Q80TAW 2995 230 73 73 66 85 90 60 56 63 70 91 LCD 163 28 4 9 9 Vietnam
Samsung QA75Q60RAW 2895 213 73 70 70 85 92 60 56 71 70 92 LCD 190 39 4 9 9 Vietnam
Samsung UA65TU8000W 1595 128 73 68 73 85 85 65 56 77 70 91 LCD 165 21 3 9 Vietnam
Sony KD75X8000G 2295 208 73 65 73 90 83 65 70 72 80 84 LCD 189 33 4 9 9 9 Malaysia
Hisense 65RG 1095 100 72 67 69 75 85 60 65 83 80 86 LCD 165 25 3 9 9 9 9 China
MEDIUM (121–160CM, 48–63")
9 LG OLED55CXPTA 3495 120 85 85 84 95 92 80 74 71 100 91 OLED 139 23 4 9 9 9 Indonesia
9 LG 55NANO86TNA 1995 95 80 75 80 80 92 60 74 76 100 91 LCD 139 19 4 9 9 9 Korea
9 Sony KD55A8H 3400 147 80 80 86 95 85 70 61 66 80 86 OLED 139 19 4 9 9 Malaysia
9 LG 55NANO80TNA 1595 100 79 73 78 80 92 60 74 75 100 91 LCD 139 18 4 9 9 Korea
9 Sony KD55A8G 2995 145 79 84 77 90 72 80 70 66 80 86 OLED 139 20 4 9 9 9 Malaysia
9 Sony KD-55X8500G 1395 119 79 81 78 85 87 70 61 71 80 86 LCD 139 20 4 9 9 Malaysia
9 LG 50UN7300PTC 1199 94 78 73 73 85 92 60 74 72 100 91 LCD 126 12 3 9 9 Indonesia
LG 55UM7400PTA 895 111 78 69 77 85 92 65 74 73 100 91 LCD 139 16 3 9 9 Indonesia
9 Sony KD-55X9000H 1695 129 78 80 81 85 85 55 61 69 80 86 LCD 139 18 4 9 9 Malaysia
9 Hisense 58S5 795 89 77 75 76 65 93 60 73 80 90 84 LCD 146 14 3 9 9 9 9 China
9 Samsung QA55Q70TAW 1927 122 76 78 70 90 87 70 56 71 70 91 LCD 140 19 4 9 9 Vietnam
9 Samsung QA55Q80TAW 2295 166 75 78 71 80 90 65 56 63 70 91 LCD 138 21 4 9 9 Vietnam
9 Sony KD55X8000H 1495 128 75 74 76 90 87 50 61 69 80 86 LCD 139 17 4 9 9 Malaysia
IMAGE GETTY

Samsung UA55TU8000W 1195 113 74 75 69 85 88 65 56 72 70 91 LCD 138 14 3 9 Vietnam

Samsung QA55Q95TAW 2995 166 72 73 63 85 88 65 56 63 70 91 LCD 138 24 4 9 9 Vietnam
Sony KD55X7000G 1195 125 72 65 68 85 85 65 70 70 80 82 LCD 139 17 3 9 9 9 Malaysia

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 59

60
5G is coming – ready or not
5G mobile networks are spreading throughout Australia,
but some people will wait longer than others, says Denis Gallagher
T
he latest development
in smartphones for 2020
and the year to come is
the increase in new models
that support the latest 5G network.
Although there have been some
general timelines, the rollout of 5G will
probably progress at a similar rate as
the decline of the existing 3G network,
before the start of the shutoff in 2024.
Also, expect the 5G rollout to reach the
major cities and regional centres first,
before heading out to remoter areas.
From 3G to 4G
Unless you’re using an Apple iPhone
4S or older, or an Android smartphone
that’s several years old, your existing
smartphone should work fine on the
4G network after the 3G shutdown.
If you do want to keep your old
smartphone and it only supports
3G, you could consider switching
to Vodafone or Optus, as neither
company has announced when it
60 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE
will shut off its 3G network – unlike
Telstra, which has already pencilled
in a shutoff date of June 2024.
Unfortunately, owners of simple
or senior phones are in a confusing
situation, as mobiles that only
support the 3G network are still
on sale, which means they can only
be used for a few more years before
becoming obsolete.
Just how fast is 5G?
Potentially, it’s incredibly fast
– eventually as fast as 10 gigabits
per second (Gbps), which is 100
times faster than the fastest NBN
plan available right now. Although
speeds of 10Gbps won’t happen
for some time, and in reality would
be very hard to achieve, the speeds
promised on 5G will lead some
to consider it as an alternative to
NBN for home internet use.
The biggest issue for 5G as an
NBN alternative, aside from sporadic
NEED TO KNOW
} More affordable 5G
smartphones are starting
to appear.
} Quick charging can ensure
your mobile is always ready
for action, even if you forgot
to plug it in the night before.
speed delivery, is the cost. Although
NBN offers unlimited data plans,
mobile network plans can vary
between 20GB to 200GB a month,
which could be an issue if you like
streaming video, as this can burn
through as much as 300GB or more.
Optus has started offering home 5G
plans with unlimited data for use with
a 5G home internet device, although
your home would of course need
to be in a 5G network area.
 SMARTPHONES TEST

Quick-charge champs
Given the amount of time most Time in use (hours) with a 15 min quick a standard
of us are spending at home these charge, indicates how well the phone 5W charger.
days, smartphones are probably can take a big hit of energy in a short In contrast,
getting a good work out – playing time with the supplied charger. the Apple
music, controlling the lights, ordering The in-use times after a 15-minute iPhone 11 Pro
food and so on. All these activities charge range from two hours all the and iPhone 11 Pro Max
drain the power, so having a phone way up to 12 hours for the Realme 6 deliver excellent in-use times because
with good battery life and the ability bargain-priced phone. they come with a fast charger.
to charge quickly is more important TWO BAD APPLES? PHONES WITH THE LONGEST
than ever. The notably poor OPERATIONAL TIME AFTER
BATTERY SIZE performers in the latest A 15-MINUTE CHARGE
The size of the battery test include the Apple O Realme 6–12 hours
(shown as Battery iPhone 11 and iPhone SE. O OnePlus 8–11 hours
capacity mAh in the table on page 63) Both these phones support O OnePlus 8 Pro, Oppo Find X2 Pro,

gives a good indication of the battery fast charging and should deliver Samsung Galaxy A71, Samsung
life you can expect. Also, fast-charging much better performance with a Galaxy S20 Plus, Samsung Galaxy
performance, shown in the table as fast charger, but they only come with S20 Ultra – all nine hours.

HOW WE TEST
Best smartphone brand We rate each phone for its still and video camera
CHOICE Best Brand helps guide you capabilities in different lighting conditions, as well as
T BRAN
when choosing a product – with the
ES the quality of the display and touchscreen. We rate call
B

knowledge that the brand has not quality from the speaker and sound quality through the
only performed well overall in our speaker and headphones. We also look at processor
lab testing throughout the year, speed, RAM and storage, and measure GPS
but is also well regarded by performance for speed and accuracy.
CHOICE members for customer To assess the phone’s physical durability we simulate
satisfaction and reliability. falls from a table or out of a shirt pocket up to 25 times;
we store it in hot, damp conditions; and we carry out
Best smartphone brand – Samsung a rain test.
Samsung is the best smartphone brand for the past 12 months. Our privacy and security tests determine
We give Best Brand recommendations to companies how easy it is to reset the phone and
that have a clear lead over their competitors during the wipe personal information,
test period. But please note that although Samsung clearly and whether the
led overall, it wasn’t the top performer in our reliability or phone comes with
satisfaction surveys. an easy-to-read
Ts & Cs document
Reliability and customer satisfaction when you set it up
Samsung (82%), Oppo (82%) and Motorola (81%) had above for the first time. We
average reliability with less than 20% breaking down in the also check whether
last year. Meanwhile, Apple customers had the highest level the automatic update
of customer satisfaction (89%), followed by Google (87%) process is transparent,
and Motorola and Samsung (86% each). and whether you opt in
Though Google had the second highest level of customer rather than out of app
satisfaction, survey results indicated that its phones are the least requests and promotions.
reliable (74%). Apple smartphones are not much better at 77%. Finally, we assess battery
Other brands such as Sony, LG, Nokia, OnePlus and performance and charging,
IMAGES: GETTY

Realme are not included as we did not receive enough and the phone’s ease of use
reliability and satisfaction feedback from our members. for camera operation, browsing
and general use.
BEST VALUE
5G OPTION
76%
Oppo Find
X2 Lite (5G)
(128GB)
Right now,
there are few
5G smartphones $649
as affordable
or as well-featured
as the Oppo Find
X2 Lite.
The quad camera system delivers
good image quality for the main
camera and OK quality for the
selfie camera. The 6.4-inch OLED
screen is very good, as is the
touchscreen performance.
The phone’s very good ease of use
makes it the perfect first smartphone.
It would also appeal to someone
who is on a budget and wants fast
performance, a big screen and good
battery life. A 15-minute charge with
the 30W fast charger will give you
several hours of use.
It’s a phone well worth considering
if you’re being forced to upgrade from
your 3G-only model.
LARGEST 5G
SMARTPHONE
83%
Samsung
Galaxy S20
Ultra (5G)
(128GB)
It’s hard to keep track
of all the Samsung
$1999
Galaxy series models,
but the Samsung
Galaxy S20 Ultra is
basically the largest and most expensive
Samsung Galaxy with a screen that
doesn’t flip or fold. It’s big, fast, delivers
fantastic photos – and costs a bomb. The
6.9-inch AMOLED display is excellent
and the camera performance is among
the best we’ve tested for general photo
taking. It’s also an excellent front ‘selfie’
camera for parties and close-ups.
You won’t have to worry about your
Ultra running out of juice, with its
impressive fast-charging performance,
delivering about nine hours’ use with
a 15-minute fast charge. The phone
may not be as robust as some of the
other top-performing mobiles, but
with that price tag, you’d want to buy
a good protective case anyway.
BEST APPLE IPHONE
(But don’t buy at this price)
84%
Apple iPhone
11 Pro Max
(256GB)
At the time of writing,
the Apple iPhone 11
Pro Max remains $1995
one of the best
smartphones in our
test for performance,
screen quality and overall ease of
use. That said, it’s hard to recommend
it at this price because of its lack of 5G
support and the availability of the Apple
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro range
(not to mention the smaller and cheaper
Apple iPhone 11 Pro). In fact, Apple has
removed the 11 Pro range phones from its
local site, although you can still buy them
at many other local and online retailers.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
(256GB) with its 6.7-inch display was
announced as we went to print and is
available for about the same price as
the current iPhone 11 Pro Max. So if
you do want to pick up the 11 Pro Max,
you might want to wait a bit – the price
should drop to about $1500 or lower.
 SMARTPHONES TEST

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Time in use (hours) after 15-min charge

Front camera selfie resolution (MP)
Standard headphone jack (3.5mm)

Main camera resolution (MP)

Security / privacy score (%)
CHOICE Expert Rating (%)

Calling sound score (%)

Selfie camera score (%)

Battery capacity (mAh)

Performance score (%)

Touchscreen score (%)

Internal memory (GB)

Ease of use score (%)

Display size (inches)

5G network support
Durability score (%)
Camera score (%)

Memory card slot

Display score (%)

Battery score (%)

Sound score (%)
Video score (%)
Recommended

GPS score (%)

Weight (g)
Price ($)

9 Apple iPhone 1995 84 96 56 85 82 82 84 77 80 89 91 81 80 87 6.5 256 12, 12, 12 3969 7 223

11 Pro Max 12
9 Samsung 1999 83 96 71 86 95 75 83 88 90 89 85 46 82 70 9 9 6.9 128 108, 40 5000 9 220
Galaxy S20 Ultra 12, 48
9 OnePlus 8 Pro 1599 83 99 71 84 72 60 85 88 80 93 82 83 73 83 9 6.8 256 48, 48, 16 4510 9 201
8, 5
9 Samsung 1499 83 96 75 81 95 77 81 88 90 89 82 78 68 70 9 9 6.2 128 12, 12, 10 4000 8 163
Galaxy S20 64
9 Samsung 1349 82 96 72 81 95 77 83 88 90 89 84 40 73 70 9 9 6.7 128 12, 12, 10 4500 9 186
Galaxy S20 + 64
9 Apple iPhone 1795 81 96 55 85 82 82 83 77 80 89 90 38 67 87 5.8 256 12, 12, 12 3046 7 188
11 Pro 12
9 OnePlus 8 1299 81 99 73 73 72 64 82 77 80 84 82 81 85 83 9 6.6 256 48, 16 4300 11 182
16, 2
9 Oppo Find X2 1599 78 99 73 83 60 72 81 88 80 92 79 70 41 75 9 6.7 512 48, 48, 32 4260 9 220
Pro 13
9 Google Pixel 1429 78 94 66 74 79 68 85 77 80 83 87 67 59 85 6.3 128 12.2, 8 3700 6 192
4 XL 16
9 LG Velvet 899 78 89 72 75 60 63 79 88 90 86 71 58 85 70 9 9 9 6.8 128 48, 16 4300 6 179
8, 5
9 Apple iPhone 11 1249 77 96 61 79 82 80 84 66 80 76 89 76 40 87 6.1 256 12, 12 12 3110 2 194
9 Oppo Find 649 76 94 74 70 61 65 68 99 80 88 81 27 74 74 9 9 6.4 128 48, 8, 32 4025 7 181
X2 Lite 2, 2
9 Samsung 2999 75 99 74 81 72 76 87 77 90 67 81 31 58 62 9 7.3 512 12, 16, 10, 4235 5 277
Galaxy Fold 12 10, 8
Google Pixel 4 1199 74 94 70 74 79 68 85 77 80 79 86 39 36 85 5.7 128 12.2, 8 2800 4 163
16
Samsung 749 74 87 73 73 59 59 72 66 90 80 81 30 91 70 9 9 6.7 128 64, 12, 32 4500 9 179
Galaxy A71 5, 5
Motorola Edge 899 72 90 60 76 61 60 81 44 80 77 78 27 72 84 9 9 9 6.7 128 64, 25 4500 7 182
16, 8
Realme 6 469 72 88 68 63 60 47 70 77 80 68 69 63 92 74 9 9 6.5 128 64, 16 4300 12 197
8, 2
Apple iPhone 929 71 92 55 65 61 76 81 55 80 74 68 79 39 85 4.7 256 12 7 1821 3 148
SE new
Samsung 599 71 78 67 64 50 57 69 44 90 84 77 68 83 70 9 9 6.4 128 48, 12, 32 4000 5 169
Galaxy A51 5, 5
TABLE NOTES Recommended We recommend phones that get a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 75%. Price Recommended retail as of November 2020. CHOICE Expert
Rating is made up of: display (15%), performance (15%), battery life (10%), main camera (10%), sound quality (5%), video quality (10%), touchscreen (5%), selfie camera (5%),
IMAGE: GETTY

calling sound quality (5%), GPS (5%), ease of use (5%), durability (5%), and privacy and security (5%). All smartphones in this test have 4G network support, use a Nano SIM, and
capture 4K video. They all have a gyroscope, compass and NFC, as well as Bluetooth 5. None has a user-removable battery. All Apple iPhones use the Lightning USB connection,
the rest use USB-C. All support the Wi-Fi connection of 802.11 ac (WiFi 5). Some support the fastest and latest ax (WiFi 6) protocol.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 63

64

FIRST AMONG EQUALS

We combine your feedback with our lab results,
and find the best brands of 2020

E
very year, we survey
thousands of CHOICE
members about the
products they’ve
bought in the past few years.
This is because all the lab tests
in the world still can’t cover every
real-world experience. It’s the
kind of information that only an
owner can gather after years of
hands-on time with particular
products and brands. Our product
reliability and customer satisfaction
surveys tell us which brands give
good service to customers, and
also have products that are likely
to last the distance.
But when we combine this
member feedback with our lab
test results, we get a picture
of which brands are best in
a product category.
Our test results will still tell
you which particular models are
worth buying, but our Best Brand
findings identify those brands
with proportionately more
recommended models and higher
average test scores over the year,
that also get the thumbs up from
our members who own that brand’s
fridge, dishwasher, laptop, oven,
cooktop, TV, vaccum, espresso
machine, and more.
WHY ARE SOME
BRANDS MISSING?
Best Brand eligibility is
tough. For a brand to be
considered, we must have
tested a minimum of five
models from that brand, and
the brand must have received
a minimum of 50 responses in
the CHOICE member survey.
So, if a brand is missing from our
tables (including brands with
models in our tests), it means it
didn’t get the minimum number
of responses to be considered.

64 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 T BRAN
ES
D
ALL ABOUT
OUR RESULTS
We determine Best Brand
on the basis of average
test score, brand reliability,
customer satisfaction and
recommended ratio.
AVERAGE TEST SCORE
This is an average of
the CHOICE Expert Rating
(our overall score) for all
the brand’s models that
we tested. It accounts
for 40% of the Best
Brand score.
BRAND RELIABILITY
This is based on member
feedback from our reliability
survey. It accounts for 30%
of the Best Brand score.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
This is based on member
feedback from our satisfaction
survey. Even if a brand has
low average test scores
or reliability, it’s still possible
to have a high satisfaction
score if members are happy
with their product. Perhaps
the company has customer
service that goes beyond
expectations, or the product
is an outstanding performer,
despite a few quirks. This
score accounts for 20%
of the Best Brand score.
RECOMMENDED RATIO
This represents the
percentage of products
that CHOICE recommends
for each brand. The greater
the number of models that
earn a recommendation, the
higher the recommended ratio
score. This accounts for 10%
of the Best Brand score.
BEST BRAND
FRIDGES
CHOICE BEST BRAND:
FISHER & PAYKEL
Fisher & Paykel is the top fridge
brand of the past 12 months,
which is a strong indicator of
how well its fridges are likely
to perform. In fact, it has won
Best Brand since 2016. Our
readers rate its fridges very
highly for reliability and
satisfaction, too. That said,
individual Fisher & Paykel
fridges had a wide range of
scores in our test, from 82%
all the way down to 45%, so
not all are recommended.
Mitsubishi also performed
well, attaining above-average
test scores and reliability, and
the highest owner satisfaction.
Electrolux fridges had high test
scores, but only average reliability,
and low owner satisfaction.
How do we calculate
average test score?
The average test score, which
is an average of the CHOICE
Expert Rating, accounts for
40% of the Best Brand score.
Number of models tested
It’s based on the 230 fridges
Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)
Satisfaction score (%)
we’ve tested over the past
Best Brand score (%)
Reliability score (%)
five years. These tests cover
temperature fluctuations, the
range of temperature settings
and how consistent they are, the
impact of external or ‘ambient’
temperatures (for example, Fisher & Paykel 78 72 88 85 63 48
during winter and summer), Electrolux 76 74 85 84 38 8
and the recommended settings. Mitsubishi 76 70 86 89 39 23
LG 75 73 83 87 36 36
Reliability and
Westinghouse 68 60 86 84 15 33
owner satisfaction
More than 3500 members took Samsung 66 65 74 80 17 18
part in our yearly CHOICE survey TABLE NOTES For the brand reliability scores, differences of 5%
or more between brands are significant. If we haven’t tested at least
of whether they’re satisfied with five models in our labs, or if fewer than 50 people reported
their fridge overall, and whether on reliability or satisfaction, we don’t include the brands in the table.
To be recommended, a fridge must get a CHOICE Expert Rating
they’ve had any problems with of at least 75%, and at least 60% for all aspects of temperature
it in the past 12 months. performance, except the recommended setting.
CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 65
DISHWASHERS
DISHWASHE
CHOIC
CHOICE BEST BRAND: MIELE
Miele is the best dishwasher brand of the past
12 months, as it has been for the past two years, and
has lots of recommended models in our test. It’s also
received the highest reliability and satisfaction feedback.

How do we calculate average test score?

The average test score, which is an average of the

TVS
CHOICE Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best
Brand score. It’s based on the 175 dishwashers we’ve
tested in our labs in the past five years. These tests cover
washing performance (how well your dishwasher cleans CHOICE BEST BRAND: LG
food particles and soiling from your crockery), drying LG is the best TV brand of the past 12 months.
performance (how many water droplets remain on your Its TVs have performed well in our labs over the past
plates at the end of the wash cycle), and energy efficiency. year and LG owners are very satisfied, according to
our brand-reliability survey.
Reliability and owner satisfaction Although LG has the highest average score and more
More than 3800 members took part in our yearly CHOICE recommended models than the other brands, Panasonic
survey of whether they’re satisfied with their dishwasher had the highest reliability score (note that Panasonic no
overall, and whether they’ve had any problems with it in longer sells TVs in Australia). Hisense, Samsung and Sony
the past 12 months. earned the same reliability score as LG.
TABLE NOTES For the
brand reliability scores, How do we calculate average test score?
Number of models tested
Recommended ratio (%)

differences of 5% or more
The average test score, which is an average of the
Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

Best Brand score (%)

between brands are

Reliability score (%)

significant. If we haven’t CHOICE Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best
tested at least five models in Brand score. It’s based on the 96 models we tested in the
our labs, or if fewer than 50
people reported on reliability past two years. In our tests, we assess picture quality in
or satisfaction, we don’t standard definition, high definition and 4K; sound quality;
include the brands in the
table. To be recommended, ease of use; the remote control; and energy consumption.
Miele 79 78 86 90 41 29 a dishwasher must get a
CHOICE Expert Rating of at Reliability and owner satisfaction
LG 77 80 76 80 63 8 least 80%, and at least 75%
for washing performance More than 3500 members took part in our yearly CHOICE
Bosch 74 77 84 87 8 26 and 80% for drying survey of whether they’re satisfied with their TV overall
Asko 73 78 80 87 0 13 performance.
and whether they’ve had any problems with it in the past
Fisher & Paykel 67 73 72 81 0 19 12 months.
Smeg 65 68 72 79 0 15
TABLE NOTES For the brand
Number of models tested

reliability scores, differences of

Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

5% or more between brands

Best Brand score (%)

Reliability score (%)

are significant. If we haven’t

tested at least five models in
our labs, or if fewer than 50
people reported on reliability
or satisfaction, we don’t include
the brands in the table. To be
recommended, a TV must get
a CHOICE Expert Rating of at
LG 85 81 86 88 88 26 least 75%, and at least 70% for
Panasonic 82 76 91 87 71 7 standard- and high-definition
picture quality.
Sony 81 76 86 87 73 15
Samsung 77 75 86 87 33 21
Hisense 75 73 86 82 36 11
 BEST BRAND

FRONT-LOADING
WASHING
MACHINES
CHOICE BEST BRAND: MIELE
Miele is the best front-loading washing machine
brand of the past 12 months. Its front-loading washing
machines have performed consistently well in our
tests, scoring between 73% and 83%. All models
are recommended, except one.
Bosch and LG machines also have good test scores

Number of models tested

and reliability and satisfaction results, but not as many

Recommended ratio (%)

Average test score (%)
TABLE NOTES

Satisfaction score (%)

Best Brand score (%)
recommended models as Miele does. In fact, Miele is

Reliability score (%)

For the brand reliability
ahead of other brands in our Best Brand assessment scores, differences of
5% or more between
by a significant margin. Miele also won in 2018 and was brands are significant.
joint winner, with LG, in 2019. If we haven’t tested at
least five models in our
labs, or if fewer than
Where are the top loaders? 50 people reported on
We evaluate top and front loaders separately for Miele 86 81 87 92 88 8 reliability or satisfaction,
we don’t include the
CHOICE recommendations and Best Brand because Bosch 81 80 88 89 50 8 brands in the table.
of the different performance thresholds for the two LG 81 80 88 87 50 10 To be recommended,
types of washer. But even within the lower threshold a front loader must
Samsung 80 79 82 85 64 11 get a CHOICE Expert
for top-loading washing machines, none of them Rating of at least 80%,
Fisher & Paykel 76 78 86 87 20 10
performed well enough for us to recommend it. and at least 80% for
Electrolux 73 78 76 83 29 7 dirt removal.
And if we can’t recommend a single top-loading
washing machine, we can’t in good conscience
award a Best Brand of top loader to any manufacturer. O Front-loading washing machines generally cost more
to buy than top loaders, but perform better and use less
How do we calculate average test score? water and energy.
The average test score, which is an average of the O Top-loading washing machines are generally cheaper

CHOICE Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best
Brand score. It’s based on the 70 front loaders we’ve
tested in the past four years. In our tests, we assess
dirt removal, rinse performance, water efficiency, spin
efficiency and gentleness to clothes.
Reliability and owner satisfaction
More than 4000 members took part in our yearly
CHOICE survey of whether they’re satisfied with their
washing machine overall and whether they’ve had any
problems with it in the past 12 months.
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
to buy, weigh less and wash a lot faster than front
loaders. But they also use much more water, are harsher
on your clothes, and generally don’t wash quite as well.
Our members’ survey shows no real difference in reliability
between top and front loaders, but front-loader owners
are generally more satisfied with their machine.
Are washer-dryer combos worth buying?
No, is the short answer. A jack-of-all-trades machine like
this may seem like a great idea, but they can be expensive,
more prone to breaking down, and many of them take
a very long time to dry a load of clothes. Some even

Should you choose a front or top loader?
These results are only for front-loading washing
machines, although they’re not the only available
option. The main differences between these
and top loaders are:
use more water to dry your clothes than to wash them!
Granted, the technology is improving all the time, but
combos still don’t perform as well as a dedicated washer
or dryer. Only consider if space is an issue or you’ll only
use the dryer as a last resort.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 67

LAPTOPS
LAP
CHOI
CHOICE BEST BRAND: APPLE
Appl is the best and most reliable laptop brand of the past
Apple
12 months by a significant margin. It’s also the only manufacturer
to score above 90% in our customer satisfaction survey. That said,
all brands in our survey earned similar average test scores based TABLE NOTES For

Number of models tested

on assessments in our labs. Apple laptops typically cost more the brand reliability

Recommended ratio (%)

Satisfaction score (%)
scores, differences of

Best Brand score (%)

than PCs with comparable specs, so keep that in mind if you’re

Reliability score (%)

7% or more between

Average score (%)

shopping for a new laptop on a budget. brands are significant.
If we haven’t tested at
least five models in our
How do we calculate average test score? labs, or if fewer than
The average test score, which is an average of the CHOICE 50 people reported on
reliability or satisfaction,
Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best Brand score. we don’t include the
It’s based on the 85 laptops we’ve tested in the past three Apple 77 74 84 91 43 7 brands in the table.
Microsoft 70 73 71 87 25 8 To be recommended,
years. In our tests, we assess ease of use, battery life, general a laptop must get a
performance, display-screen quality and audio quality. Asus 69 71 75 82 20 15 CHOICE Expert Rating
of at least 75%.
Acer 67 70 74 76 17 12
Reliability and owner satisfaction Lenovo 67 69 74 80 13 8
More than 2800 members took part in our yearly CHOICE survey
Dell 66 69 68 81 13 16
of whether they’re satisfied with their laptop overall and whether
HP 66 69 75 82 0 19
they’ve had any problems with it in the past 12 months.

MICROWAVES

Number of models tested

Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

Best Brand score (%)

Reliability score (%)

CHOICE BEST BRAND: LG
LG is the best microwave brand for the past 12 months by a large margin. In fact,
all LG microwaves we’ve tested in the past five years have been recommended.
It also has excellent reliability and very good owner satisfaction scores.
In fact, all brands that received enough responses in our member survey are LG 89 87 92 83 100 7
very reliable. It’s a similar story for customer satisfaction – only Samsung fell Sharp 79 78 90 83 36 11
below average in this regard. Breville 77 79 88 80 29 7
Panasonic 77 77 92 83 15 13
How do we calculate average test score?
Samsung 73 76 91 79 0 6
The average test score, which is an average of the CHOICE Expert Rating,
accounts for 40% of the Best Brand score. It’s based on 80 models tested TABLE NOTES For the brand reliability scores, differences
of 5% or more between brands are significant. If we haven’t
in our labs over the past five years. In our tests, we assess: tested at least five models in our labs, or if fewer than 50
O the microwave’s performance (by doing reheat, defrost and cooking tests) people reported on reliability or satisfaction, we don’t include
O the convection microwave’s extra capabilities (by doing extra cooking tests)
the brands in the table. To be recommended, a microwave
must get a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80% and an
O how easy the controls are to use ease-of-use score of at least 70%.
O the quality of the instructions

O the effectiveness of the light and viewing window

O how easy the microwave is to clean

O how noisy its beeping alerts and cooling fans are.

Reliability and owner satisfaction

More than 3400 members took part in our yearly CHOICE survey
of whether they’re satisfied with their microwave overall and
whether they’ve had any problems with it in the past 12 months.

68 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 BEST BRAND

OVENS
CHOICE BEST BRAND: MIELE
Miele is the best oven brand of the past 12 months,
as well as the most reliable brand, with a high degree
of customer satisfaction based on member feedback.
Bosch is a close second in the Best Brand assessment
and reliability survey. Both Bosch and Miele are ahead
by a significant margin in this respect. Bosch is also
COOKTOPS
above average in our customer-satisfaction survey.
CHOICE BEST BRAND: BOSCH
How do we calculate average test score? Bosch is the best cooktop brand of the past 12 months.
The average test score, which is an average of the Although Miele has the highest Best Brand score by one
CHOICE Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best percentage point, it has a below-average reliability score.
Brand score. It’s based on the 135 models we tested This means it’s ineligible to be CHOICE’s Best Brand.
in the past five years. In our tests, we assess how well the Fisher & Paykel is also ineligible for this reason, despite
oven performs over a range of temperatures, times and earning the same Best Brand score as Bosch.
functions. We also look at how easy it is to use the grill and Previous winners of the Best Brand title include Bosch
shelves, read the labels, and clean the inside and outside and Electrolux, which were joint winners in 2018, and
of the oven. Miele, which won in 2019.

Reliability How do we calculate average test score?

and owner The average test score, which is an average of the CHOICE
satisfaction Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best Brand score.
More than 3000 It’s based on the 130 cooktops we’ve tested in our labs over
members took the past five years. In our tests, we assess performance on
part in our yearly low and high heat settings, turn-down capacity, ease of use,
CHOICE survey ease of cleaning, and the element size, type and positioning.
of whether they’re
satisfied with their Reliability and owner satisfaction
oven overall and More than 1700 members participated in our yearly
whether they’ve CHOICE survey of whether they’re satisfied with their
had any problems cooktop overall, and whether they’ve had any problems
with it in the past with it in the last 12 months.
12 months.
TABLE NOTES For
TABLE NOTES the brand reliability
Number of models tested

Number of models tested

scores, differences
Recommended ratio (%)

For the brand reliability

Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

of 5% or more
Average test score (%)
Best Brand score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

scores, differences of
Best Brand score (%)
Reliability score (%)

Reliability score (%)

4% or more between between brands

brands are significant. are significant. If
If we haven’t tested we haven’t tested
at least five models at least five models
in our labs, or if fewer in our labs, or if
than 50 people fewer than 50 people
reported on reliability reported on reliability
or satisfaction, we or satisfaction, we
Miele 81 82 90 90 36 11 Miele 83 85 81 88 67 12 don’t include the
don’t include the
Bosch 79 80 88 87 33 15 brands in the table. brands in the table.
Bosch 82 83 88 90 43 14 To be recommended,
To be recommended,
AEG 77 83 82 87 17 6 a wall oven must get Fisher & Paykel 82 84 83 86 64 11 a ceramic or gas
a CHOICE Expert cooktop must
Electrolux 76 83 78 81 33 6 Electrolux 81 84 80 84 67 9 get a CHOICE
Rating of at least 85%,
Westinghouse 76 82 78 79 38 13 and a freestanding Expert Rating of
Westinghouse 81 84 89 84 42 12 at least 80%, and
oven at least 80%.
Fisher & Paykel 75 82 77 82 31 13 AEG 79 82 87 85 29 7 induction cooktops
at least 90%.
Smeg 68 78 72 79 0 12 Omega 73 81 79 76 20 5

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 69

ESPRESSO
MACHINES
CHOICE BEST BRAND: BREVILLE
(SEMIAUTOMATIC AND MANUAL MACHINES)
Breville’s semiautomatic and manual machines top our
Best Brand assessment. Customers are also very satisfied
with their machine, according to our member survey. On
the downside, Breville Nespresso capsule machines rank
TABLE NOTES For
at the bottom of our Best Brand results.

Number of models tested

the brand reliability

Recommended ratio (%)

Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

scores, differences of

Best Brand score (%)

Reliability score (%)

How do we calculate average test score? 5% or more between
brands are significant.
The average test score, which is an average of the If we haven’t tested at
CHOICE Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best least five models in our
labs, or if fewer than
Brand score. It’s based on 150 models we’ve tested over 50 people reported on
the past eight years. In our tests, we assess the coffee’s reliability or satisfaction,
taste, temperature and consistency; and the machine’s we don’t include the
Breville (semiautomatic 76 71 81 87 62 13 brands in the table.
milk-frothing ability and ease of use. and manual machines) To be recommended,
an espresso machine
Sunbeam 75 72 78 84 62 13 must get a CHOICE
Reliability and owner satisfaction Expert Rating of at
DeLonghi (manual and 70 68 78 85 26 19
More than 2700 members took part in our yearly automatic machines) least 70%, a taste score
whether they’re satisfied with their
CHOICE survey of whe of at least 70%, and
DeLonghi Nespresso 69 65 83 84 18 11 a milk-frothing score
overall and whether they’ve had
espresso machine over of at least 54%.
Breville Nespresso 67 62 85 84 0 10
any problems with it in the past 12 months.

TRADITIONAL VACUUMS
CHOICE BEST BRAND: MIELE
Number of models tested
Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

Miele is the best and most reliable brand of vacuum cleaner, and the
Best Brand score (%)

Reliability score (%)

one with the highest degree of customer satisfaction by a large margin.

Dyson, Hoover and Electrolux all earn similar results to each other.
Miele is the only brand in our survey to score 90% or above for
reliability and customer satisfaction. The remaining manufacturers
hovered around the high-70s and low-80s marks. Our survey covered
Miele 83 77 93 90 67 9 both barrel and upright vacuum cleaners.
Dyson 73 72 79 83 38 8
How do we calculate average test score?
Hoover 73 74 81 78 33 6
The average test score, which is an average of the CHOICE Expert
Electrolux 72 75 78 81 23 13
Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best Brand score. It’s based on the
TABLE N NOTES For the brand reliability scores, 75 models we’ve tested in our labs over the past three years. In our
differences of 4% or more between brands are
differenc tests, we assess performance (picking up dirt and pet hair from carpet),
significant. If we haven’t tested at least five models
significan
in our labs,
lab or if fewer than 50 people reported ease of manoeuvrability across a floor, and ease of use when emptying
on reliability
reliab or satisfaction, we don’t include
brands in the table. To be recommended, a
the brand Reliability and owner satisfaction
traditional vacuum must get a CHOICE Expert
traditiona
Rating of at least 75%, and scores of at least 70% More than 1600 members participated in our yearly CHOICE survey
for both quick
q and thorough carpet cleaning. of whether they’re satisfied with their traditional vacuum cleaner
overall and whether they’ve had any problems with it in the past
12 months.
 BEST BRAND

AIR
CONDITIONERS BBQS
CHOICE BEST BRAND: CHOICE BEST BRAND: WEBER
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Weber has held the position of best barbecue brand for
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the best split-system air the second year in a row. It has also topped the customer-
conditioner brand of the past 12 months. It also has a high satisfaction survey by a significant margin. The company
level of owner satisfaction. Mitsubishi Electric is the most also has excellent reliability feedback from our members.
reliable brand, according to our members. But test results Interestingly, those CHOICE members who own Everdue
generally show that Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners by Heston Blumenthal barbecues are less satisfied with
are less efficient. their purchase, despite the brand’s high reliability results.
Note that although each brand shares the Mitsubishi Their biggest complaints are low flame output and uneven
name, they are in fact separate, autonomous and cooking. Beefeater fell well below the competition in both
competing companies. surveys, as well as in our Best Brand assessment.
Each company in our table earns similar Best Brand
results, but they still fall down in one way or another. How do we calculate average test score?
Panasonic and LG each has below-average reliability The average test score, which is an average of the CHOICE
and satisfaction results. Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin and Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the Best Brand score.
Fujitsu don’t do as well in our evaluation. It’s based on the 60 models we’ve tested in our labs over
the past seven years. In our tests, we assess the barbecue’s
How do we calculate average test score? ability to cook various foods, but we also look at how easy it
The average test score, which is an average of the is to turn the food. We also test how easy the barbecue is to
CHOICE Expert Rating, accounts for 40% of the move and clean, how easy the controls are to use, and how
Best Brand score. It’s based on the 200 models we’ve easy it is to fit the gas bottle (if required).
evaluated. In our evaluation, we look at cooling and
heating efficiency, as well as the range of airflow from Reliability and owner satisfaction
various available speeds. More than 2400 members participated in our yearly
CHOICE survey of whether they’re satisfied with their
Reliability and owner satisfaction barbecue overall and whether they’ve had any problems
More than 1700 members took part in our yearly with it in the past 12 months.
CHOICE survey of whether they’re satisfied with their
air conditioner overall and whether they’ve had any
Number of models tested
Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)

Satisfaction score (%)

problems with it in the past 12 months.

Best Brand score (%)

Reliability score (%)

TABLE NOTES
Number of models tested

For the brand

Recommended ratio (%)
Average test score (%)

reliability scores,
Satisfaction score (%)
Best Brand score (%)

Reliability score (%)

differences of 3%
or more between
brands are
significant. If we
haven’t reviewed at
Weber 89 84 91 91 100 10
least five models, Everdue by Heston Blumenthal 86 81 92 81 100 5
or if fewer than 50
people reported Ziegler & Brown 74 75 89 84 0 6
Mitsubishi Heavy 71 61 90 94 4 28 on reliability or
Beefeater 70 74 84 76 0 7
Industries satisfaction, we
don’t include TABLE NOTES For the brand reliability
Panasonic 70 63 86 87 14 7 the brands in
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

scores, differences of 5% or more between

Daikin 68 57 88 91 3 38 the table. To be brands are significant. If we haven’t tested at
recommended, least five models in our labs, or if fewer than
LG 68 67 79 80 17 12 an air conditioner 50 people reported on reliability or satisfaction,
must get a CHOICE we don’t include the brands in the table.
Mitsubishi Electric 68 55 94 90 0 52 Expert Rating of at To be recommended, a barbecue must get
Fujitsu 67 57 88 88 5 19 least 80%. a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%.

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 71

 INDEX
USING THE INDEX All articles are from the past 12 months.
* Indicates a correction or clarification (see Checkout).

HOME & LIVING Rangehoods Apr INSURANCE & MONEY

Air conditioners Mar, Jun Refrigerators – see fridges Afterpay Sep
portable Dec/Jan Robot vacuums Jul Car insurance Oct
Air fryers Feb, Nov Saucepans Sep Company collapse, your rights FOOD & DRINK
Air purifiers May Slow cookers May Sep Baked beans Aug
All-in-one kitchen machines Jun Stain removers Feb*, Dec/Jan Credit cards Chicken soup Jun
Auto espresso machines Feb Steam mops Jun long-term debt Aug Christmas food tips Dec/Jan
Batch cooking May Toilet cleaners May high interest Jul Dark chocolate Nov
Beds, Revitalife Nov Toilet paper Jul no interest Dec/Jan Food delivery services –
Blenders Mar, Sep Vacuum cleaners Oct Financial help, COVID-19 May Uber Eats, Menulog Jul
Breadmakers Mar Wall ovens Apr Health insurance Food labelling Feb
Casserole pots May Washing machines Jun, Nov COVID-19 May Hemp in food products Aug
Ceiling fans Dec/Jan extras Mar Hot chocolate Jun
Cleaning cooktops & ovens Aug ELECTRONICS hospital Mar Hot cross buns Apr
Cleaning for COVID-19 May & TECHNOLOGY loyalty programs Feb Meal delivery services Jul
Cleaning products Aug Back-to-school tech Feb restricted funds Feb* Nitrates and nitrites Feb
Cooktops, induction Oct Cameras, digital Feb, Jul Home and contents insurance Pesto Sep
Dishwashers Jul, Sep, Dec/Jan Cordless phones Apr Jun Preserving food Jul
Dishwasher detergent Mar, Nov Google Nest Audio Home loans May Ultra-processed foods Oct
Dryers, clothes May smart speaker Nov Superannuation Vegemite taste test Mar
Dutch ovens May Google Pixel 4a Nov COVID-19 May Water bottles Feb
Electric blankets Jul Headphones COVID-19 scams Sep Yoghurt pouches Oct
Electric heaters Jul noise-cancelling May fossil fuel-free Mar, Apr*
Espresso machines Apr, Nov Realme Buds Air Truly junk disability insurance Jul HEALTH & BODY
Fabric softeners Feb Wireless Headphones Aug MySuper dashboards Dec/Jan Cosmetics, misleading labels
Food dehydrators Oct Home office, setting up Jun Travel insurance (see TRAVEL) Nov
Food processors Oct LED smart lights Mar Fitness trackers Feb
Freezers Feb LG 77-inch OLED TV Sep BABIES & KIDS Funerals
Fridges Mar, May, Oct Personal alarms May, Nov Baby monitors Feb are prepaid funerals worth it?
Juicers Apr Printers Sep Feb
Kettles Aug School tech for kids Feb TRAVEL the future of funerals Mar
Laundry detergents Oct Smartphones Aug, Dec/Jan Car rental services Oct restricted, COVID-19 Jun
Mattresses Aug with the longest Refunds for cancelled Hand sanitiser Feb
Microwaves Oct lasting batteries Mar travel, COVID-19 Dec/Jan Mosaic Brands Sep
hacks Oct for seniors Apr, Nov Timeshare schemes Oct test of 29 brands Oct
Mould, how to deal with Aug Soundbars Mar, Jun, Sep Travel money options Apr Hearing aids & watching TV
Multicookers May Streaming services Jun, Oct Dec/Jan
Instant Pot Duo Novo Aug TCL MoveTime Family Watch OUTDOOR OTC medications Apr
Non-stick frypans Jul Apr Mosquito repellents Dec/Jan Roche blood glucose monitors
Ovens Aug, Dec/Jan Tinder online dating, prices Sep Pressure cleaners Feb Sep
Pedestal & tower fans Dec/Jan TVs Mar, Jun, Dec/Jan Running shoes Feb
Plastic containers Nov Video conferencing apps HOME IMPROVEMENT Sunscreen Dec/Jan
Portable air con Dec/Jan Jun, Aug Tesla Powerwall battery Mar Thermometers Nov

72 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

 JUNE 2020

Sttta
Staying
S ayyyiing
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Shopping
and washingng
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during a
pandemic c

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Setting
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conditione
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machines
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conferencing
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& more
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Comforting
mfo
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win
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and
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soup,
JULY 2020

Pl
Plus Save on heating costs, home insurance & more
01 Cover.indd 1

235
products
JAM
SESSION
The art of
pickling and
TESTED preserving
Toilet paper
Dishwashers
Non-stick frypans
Electric blankets
Electric heaters
Robot vacuums
Cameras
& more

SHOPPING THE PRODY

SAFET
ISSUE
UCT
MEALS
ON WHEELS
Dinner services
that deliver

CHOICE Best Brand wrap-up

Mar, Dec/Jan UY
BU ER B
YER
YE BE WAR
EWA RE
han
secon hand
second
in second- goods
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safety
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The safet trap in
fety traps AUGUST 2020
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Consumer rights Sep lus

lu
Plu
Pl
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letter
lett s, Ask the Experts,
ur letters,
toppling
toppling furnit
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g furniture m
17/6/20 5:29 pm

Danger of tip-over furniture Jul

HIDDEN CRISIS
Energy retailers How credit card debt
is wrecking lives
T im
i e to
avoiding bill shock, COVID-19 CLEANING
PRODUCTS
A definitive guide shine Your spring clean
Jun EAT YOUR
GREENS
Is hemp in food
good for you?
startss here

switching Mar SEPTEMBER 2020

280
Fur, fake or real? Nov products

Grocery prices Oct

TESTED
Video-conferencing
software
Cleaning products
Car GPS & apps
Smartphones
Baked beans
Mattresses
CONTACT US
Toasters

Overseas products, risks Feb

Kettles
WHAT PRICE
g
Tinder chargin
older users more
LOVE?
CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville, NSW, 2204
Price gouging, COVID-19 Aug Plus Your letters,
ers, Ask
Assk
27cts
1produ
the Experts, wonders
of vinegar & more MOST
Email ausconsumer@choice.com.au
RELIABLE

Product reliability survey Sep TESTED

Printers
Blenders
Saucepans
Soundbars
BRANDS
As chosen by
you
Customer Service 1800 069 552
Dishwashers

Recalled goods, sold online Jul & more

(Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST or AEDT)
Be
UNSAFE
HANDS

Shonky Awards 2020 Nov A sanitiser

scandal

60 Years of CHOICE Apr

he ar d WEBSITE ACCESS
THE ER
SUM
CON S ISSUE
TS
IGHT
RIGH
R
RIG

Supermarkets Use your con

ssumer clout
su
To browse all our test reports and reviews, when and as
Expertts & more
online grocery delivery Jun Plus Best pesto, super
scams, Ask the
20/8/20 10:38
am

often as you like, contact Customer Service to add website

shopping safely, COVID-19 Jun access to your membership package.
TRANSPORT CHOICE HELP
Car warranties and
dealership services Aug Do you have a problem with a product or a service? Find
GPS devices & apps Aug out what your rights are at choice.com.au/choicehelp.
Petrol price apps Mar If you need more advice, email our Customer Service team.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE

ISSUES BY THEME
February 20 The health issue Spoil someone special – Customer Service can organise
March 20 The energy issue a gift membership for you.
April 20
The 60th anniversary issue
CHOICE SHOPPER
May 20 The money issue CHOICE members get free access to our CHOICE Shopper
June 20 The winter issue service. CHOICE Shopper shops and negotiates on your
July 20 The product safety issue behalf to help you find a great deal. Call 1300 360 655 with
August 20 The cleaning issue the name and model number of the product you want to buy,
September 20 the price you want to beat, and your Membership number.
The consumer rights issue
October 20 The food issue View the CHOICE Privacy Policy:
November 20 choice.com.au/privacy-policy.
The Shonkys issue
December 20 / January 21
The summer issue

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 73

 CHOICE TEAM
Chief Executive Office Alan Kirkland (CEO), Alana O’Sullivan, Nikki Jamett Commercial & Finance Tristan Ye (Director),
Thelma Bracken, Samuel Gunawan, Jing Jin, Amy Lawrance, Chau Nguyen, Sera Raicama, Masami Tanaka, Kelly Yang,
Phyo Zin Campaigns & Communications Erin Turner (Director), Eleanor Barz, Jonathan Brown, Katelyn Cameron,
Rebecca Curran, Justina Hanna, Daniel Herborn, Jim Hook, Andrea Johnson, Andrew Kelly, Jessica Kirby, Brendan
Mays, Xavier O’Halloran, Matthias Oldham, Amy Pereira, Dean Price, Julia Steward, Emily Swanson, Patrick Veyret Data
& Technology Ashwin Sridhar (Chief Data and Technology Officer), Matthew Barry, Andre Becker, Jie Chen, Graham
Cox, Bohdan Dubik, Camilo Forero, James Green, Evan Hughes, Andrea James, Farrukh Khan, Sal Khan, Simon Miller,
Ehsan Razavi Nejad, Wahida Nusrat, Hemma Paramabuddhi, Rathan Pathuri, Sunil Polimera, Jun Sun, Mitch Thompson,
Jason Tran, Peter Vien, Michelle Walker, Mars Xu, Jimmy Zhu Editorial & Investigations Margaret Rafferty (Editorial
Director), Jane Bardell, Daniel Davies, Tracy Ellis, Wendy Evans, Erin Farrugia, Genna Houteas, Rachel Hynes, Saimi
Jeong, Andy Kollmorgen, Marianna Longmire, Ren Matthews, Danny Wynne Growth & Experience Ian Morgan (Director),
Amanda Adams, Soraya Asmar, Amanda Audze, Jodie Di Cristo, Adam Barnwell, Nikki Campbell, Sarah Coombs, Guy
Bennett, Marina Bennett, Ivone Bozzi, Steve Connolly, Chris Coward, Lesley Davenport, Siobahn Donohoe, Uli Eichhorn,
Pru Engel, Clarizza Fernandez, Peter Giles, Mel Moran-Gonzalez, Christina Hofmann, Isabel Lam, Tom Mauger, Lisa
McKenzie, Clarissa Meffan, Gianna Nashar, Jen Paterson, Helen Raadts, Preksha Rathore, Banhi Ray, Alice Richard,
Silvana Ristevska, Jason Treuen, Rachel van Zanten, Corryn Webb, Emily Williams, Yana Wolf People & Culture Stacy
Gershberg (Director), Graham Byrne, Anh Hrincu, James McCay, Kathleen Redenbach, Kate Renton Reviews & Testing
Matthew Steen (Director), Alex Angove-Plumb, John Ashes, Chris Barnes, Jodi Bird, Antonio Bonacruz, Kate Bower,
Ben Bridges, Sharon Cauduro, Rebecca Ciaramidaro, Rachel Clemons, Narelle Cornelius, Chantelle Dart, Steve Duncombe,
Denis Gallagher, Kim Gilmour, Daniel Graham, Ines Gruber, David Hill, Corinna Horrigan, Ashley Iredale, Mohamed
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Shadab Parvez, Elias Plastiras, Gene Ross, Sonja Scodeller, Christine Shaday, Melanie Stopic, Norbert Suto, James
Thomson, Matthew Tung, Petr Valouch, Peter Zaluzny.
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CHOICE™ is a trademark of the Australian Consumers’ Association Ltd. All information, artworks, photographs,
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Directors must be free from conflicts of interest and have clear lines of responsibility. Board Chair Sandra Davey Directors
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Secretary Sarah Coombs.
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Registered office: 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204, Australia.

CHOICE editorial guidelines

Accuracy: Our journalists use sources
from trusted institutions with a reputation
for careful and unbiased research.
Our verifiers check articles and reviews
before publication, to make sure facts
and quotes are accurate and data has
been interpreted correctly.
Corrections: If we’ve made an error
in CHOICE magazine, we include the
correction in the next available issue
(usually in the Checkout section of
the magazine). If you think we’ve got
something wrong, please email
factcheck@choice.com.au.
Reviews and testing: Our testers put
products through their paces in our
own NATA-accredited laboratories.
We use test methods based on
Australian standards and develop
our own to match the way consumers
use a product in their homes. We buy
most products we test, maintaining
our independence from manufacturers
and so we know what you’re faced with
in the shops. We’ve checked the models
are available at the time we publish.
Our recommendations are based on
a product’s quality and performance,
with no hidden bias.
See choice.com.au/editorialguidelines.

74 /// DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 CHOICE

NEXT
ISSUE
HEALTH
Reviews, advice
& inspiration
for your most
valuable asset

Health insurance Air purifiers Barbecues

The bad value policies Fad, or a breath Bring a plate to our
from the big funds of fresh air? backyard feast

Plus Pool cleaners, fridges, e-readers, trampolines & more

CHOICE DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 /// 75
 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
HARD WORD
Our long-serving rogues’ gallery of dodgy ads, toe-curling typos
and misadventures in marketing, as sent in by you – our tickled,
angered and bewildered readers. And thanks to the timeless
shonkiness of so much advertising, you’re always spoilt for
choice – so keep ‘em coming. Email high-quality unedited
photos to hardword@choice.com.au. This month, thanks go to
John Cade (Shear terror), Erin Carr (Enough said), Ian Jarratt
(Treat or trick?) and Mary Williams (Slice of history).
Compiled by Daniel Davies

IMAGE: CALUM MACAULAY / AUSTRALIAN BAKERS GROUP

Silverwater, NSW 2128, in 2020 for the publisher, CHOICE, 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville 2204.
ISSN 0009 496X. Print post approved 100000729. Wholly printed in Australia by Bluestar Web, 83 Derby Street,
SLICE OF
HISTORY
Mary Williams, 16, spotted this miraculously
well-preserved loaf in her supermarket.

TREAT OR TRICK?
Anyone would think Woolies just picked the highest
price from the past five years to puff up the discount.

SHEAR TERROR ENOUGH SAID

We can only hope the toe and clippers Why every greeting card company
aren’t to scale… Now hold still, please. should be uncompromising in proofreading.