Cooking with your oven should be a simple and enjoyable experience – no battling with difficult control panels, dealing with uneven cooking and burnt spots, or stubborn grease buildup. 

Whether you’re baking sweet treats, making a Sunday roast or rolling up your sleeves to get it sparkling clean, knowing how to get the most out of your oven will help to make cooking and cleaning a breeze. 

Our kitchen experts have tested the latest innovations in oven technology and share their tips and tricks to help you get the best results from this essential kitchen appliance.

1. Preheating your oven is important

Sounds pretty self explanatory, but how many times have you turned on your oven and whacked your food in before it’s been given a chance to preheat?

It’s a simple step but it’s essential in getting the best results. Preheating allows your oven to reach the correct temperature before food goes in, giving it the best chance to cook evenly.

If you bypass this step you might find your food takes longer to cook and could cook unevenly, leaving you with burnt edges and undercooked centres. 

Hack tested: Using the grill to preheat

If you don’t like waiting for your oven to preheat, try turning on the grill for a few minutes first, before switching over to conventional oven mode. The idea behind this hack is that the grill jump-starts the heating process so the preheating process is faster.

When we gave this hack a whirl, the grill heated the oven interior to 190°C in just under four minutes – half the usual time. Models do vary, so it’s worth experimenting.

2. Keep the door closed during cooking

Ever heard the phrase “a watched pot never boils”? It’s the idea that the more you anxiously wait for something to happen, the longer it seems to take. The same idea applies to using your oven. 

As tempting as it may seem to constantly check your food during cooking, you’ll get the best results if you keep the door closed. 

Each time you open the oven door, heat escapes and the temperature inside can drop significantly (depending on how long the door stays open). This can have a detrimental effect on certain baked dishes that rely on constant heat, and it will generally slow the cooking process. 

CHOICE kitchen expert Chantelle Dart says “if your oven has a good internal light you can view cooking progress through the window, rather than constantly opening the door”. 

“Keeping the glass clean will also go a long way to improving visibility through the door,” she adds.

3. Give your oven a steam clean

Not many people look forward to oven-cleaning time. But Chantelle suggests a little ongoing maintenance goes a long way and can help you ditch harsh cleaning chemicals, too.

“Get into the habit of wiping down your oven surfaces after each use, once it’s cooled. This will keep the grease and grime at bay, so there’ll be no need for toxic, highly caustic cleaning solutions,” she says.

“Placing a bowl of steamy hot water in the oven while it’s still warm after cooking will loosen the grime and do most of the cleaning for you. A good-quality, fibre-tech cloth designed to remove grease will do the rest.

”If there are crumbs in your oven after cooking (especially if you have an oven with air frying function), or lots of ash after a pyrolytic clean, try using your vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool attached (but only once your oven has thoroughly cooled down, of course).

4. De-grease grills and oven racks

Grill trays and oven racks can get pretty grubby, and cleaning these large and bulky accessories in a domestic kitchen sink can be a messy and awkward experience. 

For a minimal-fuss solution, Chantelle suggests soaking them in a laundry tub with hot water and an enzyme-based detergent for a few hours, or even overnight.

“The enzymes in the detergent ‘eat away’ the built-up grease and food that’s burnt onto the grills,” she says.

“It almost just wipes off with a sponge. Visit our laundry detergent review and choose one of the products our experts recommend that has enzymes in it.” 

If you have a large 90cm oven and your racks don’t fit in your laundry tub, use your bath instead.

5. You dont need an ‘air-fry’ function to air fry

Air fryers are the game changing kitchen appliance that keeps on giving. It’s become such a must-have appliance that manufacturers are now adding the functionality into all sorts of kitchen appliances. 

Ovens are essentially air fryers on a larger scale, but manufacturers are still adding “air-fry” functions to their latest releases and almost all the new ovens that come through the CHOICE labs now have this feature.

But the truth is, if you love to air fry, you don’t need a dedicated function in your oven to achieve the same results. 

Chantelle says: “if your oven has a fan-grill setting, using that will give you a similar result to using an oven that has a dedicated air fry mode”.

6. Make stacks of snacks

For a bigger cooking yield when making homemade chips, Chantelle suggests stacking oven-safe cooling racks on top of your oven trays to create more surface area. 

“Stack cooling racks, each layered with food,” she says. “You’ll get bowlfuls for the whole family and not just a handful to fight over.”

We sliced sweet potatoes with a mandoline for even, thin rounds, then coated them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Once we’d layered everything up (baking paper will prevent sticking), we baked our chips at 100°C fan-forced for two hours, turning once. 

7. Bring stale bread back to life

If you’ve got a loaf that’s past its best, here’s how to revive it in a flash.

Lightly dampen it, then pop it into a warm oven (about 150°C), straight on the rack, for roughly five minutes. The water will turn to steam and help rehydrate the bread, while also firming up the crust. 

We tried this hack on a rather sad sourdough, and found it came back to life beautifully.

8. Get your glass door gleaming

Glass oven doors get smashed with all sorts of grime. Your best bet is to wipe it down after every use, but if you’ve left the grime to build up, it’s likely more elbow grease is needed to get it back to pristine condition.

While an oven cleaner is the obvious choice for this task, many people don’t like the strong chemical fumes these products give off.

If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean, Chantelle suggests creating a paste with bicarb soda and water (and sometimes a dash of white vinegar) and applying it to the glass for up to 30 minutes before scrubbing with a non-abraisive sponge. 

“The combination of these ingredients will go a long way to help lift stubborn grease,” she says.

Hack tested: Using a dishwasher tablet

Using a dishwasher tablet to cut through your oven door’s baked-on grease is one of the latest viral cleaning hacks. Dishwashing tablets are incredibly alkaline – which allows them to eat through grease – but they’re not quite as alkaline as oven cleaner and if there’s grit on the glass, you risk scratching it. 

But a dishwashing tablet does have the advantage of not being an aerosol, which means you won’t inhale any oven-cleaning fumes. So provided you wear gloves, it probably won’t hurt. Keep in mind that it will almost certainly be less effective than a proper oven cleaner though.

We were pleasantly surprised by the results when we gave this hack a go. First, snap on some rubber gloves. Then, dip a powder-based tablet into warm water and rub it across the interior pane. Keep dipping and rubbing until the tablet has fully dissolved (don’t be alarmed by the brown sludge that forms). Use kitchen paper or a microfibre cloth to remove the residue. Repeat until your glass is sparkling.

In many cases, the oven door or glass can also be removed for cleaning, which can be helpful. However, some are easier to remove and replace than others.

9. Crisp up your crumbed food

Love crispy fried foods but hate all the oil? CHOICE home economist Fiona Mair suggests turning your oven into a supersized airfryer – as long as it has a fan-forced setting. 

“Use a cake rack or place food directly on the oven shelf to cook crumbed foods – just use an oil spray first for golden browning,” she says. 

“This method reduces the amount of oil used and allows heat to circulate the food, so there’s no need to turn it during cooking.”

10. Use your oven to prove your dough

As any bread baker will tell you, “proving” – when the fermentation action of yeast causes the dough to rise – is a vital part of the baking process. 

For a successful prove, yeast needs a warm, humid environment – experts suggest 24–32°C. 

If your oven doesn’t offer this temperature, try Fiona’s workaround for stand-alone ovens or wall ovens that sit below a benchtop: “Turn your oven on the lowest possible temperature, leave the door ajar and place the bowl of covered dough above the door,” she says. 

You could also try popping your container of dough on the middle rack of your (cold) oven, then putting a half-filled loaf tin of boiling water at the bottom. Keep the door closed – and let the warmth and steam work their magic. 

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But they’re only worth buying if they actually do a good job. While CHOICE experts are generally big fans of multi-cookers, for example, when we put wall ovens with an air fryer functions through their paces we got mixed results.

But what about microwaves that promise the benefits of air-frying?

We’ll explain what they are and how they’re different to regular air fryers. 

Plus, for CHOICE members only, we’ll reveal the top scoring convection microwaves with air-frying capabilities. 

If you want to find out which convection microwaves that can air fry come out on top, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

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

What is a convection microwave that air fries?

If you’ve been eyeing off an air fryer with its handy crisping capabilities but you also appreciate the reheating and cooking power of a microwave, then a convection microwave that combines the two could be the space-saving answer you’re looking for. 

CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair says: “We’re seeing more and more convection microwave models on the market that double as air fryers.”

“In addition to their standard functions, they have an air fryer mode that can be used to brown, crisp and reheat frozen foods.” 

Many of these appliances will also come with air fryer-style accessories such as racks or an air fryer basket, which you’ll need to use in order to get the most out of this function.

Because they are smaller than conventional ovens, convection microwave ovens are ideal for smaller spaces, such as kitchenettes, caravans, campervans, holiday homes and granny flats.

They would also suit smaller households, people cooking smaller quantities of food, or large families that need extra oven space.

“If you choose a convection microwave over an air fryer, you’ll have a microwave, grill, air fryer and oven all in one, so it’s very versatile,” Fiona says.

Convection microwaves vs air fryers

The main difference between a regular air fryer and a convection microwave is that an air fryer has the element and fan positioned on the top of the unit whereas with a convection microwave, they’re on the back wall. 

Convection microwaves can cook similar foods to air fryers, but they have a slightly larger capacity than many standard single-compartment air fryers so you can cook larger quantities in one go.

“They do take up a bit more bench space and you will need a dedicated permanent spot with good ventilation around it,” says Fiona.

“Running costs may also be slightly higher than with an air fryer, but why have more appliances in your kitchen than you need?”

Although convection microwaves can be slightly more expensive to buy than air fryers, there are options to suit different budgets.

You can pick up an air fryer for under $100 but the top-of-the-range models cost around $500 or more.

The cheapest convection microwave with air fryer function that we’ve tested is an Kmart model for $199, while other models go all the way up to $1799.

As with many appliances we review, our testing of convection microwaves has found that spending more doesn’t necessarily always get you the best performing product, so be sure to check our reviews before you buy.

What are the best convection microwaves with air-fryer functionality?

The sheer range of microwaves on the market can make it hard to pick the right one – but that’s where we come in.

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

Only members can access our detailed microwaves testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which convection microwaves with air fryer functionality we rate as the pick of the bunch.

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But a dud dehumidifier will only extract one thing: the dollars in your bank account.

Not only can dehumidifiers be expensive to buy, they can be pricey to run, so choosing a poor-performing model will see you losing money twice over.

One dehumidifier in our review scored just 6% for water removal.

With a score that poor, you might find that a better use of your cash is to use a fan or a cheap product like DampRid.

Priced between $200 and $419, the four worst performing products in our test fall at the cheapest end of the price range for dehumidifiers and, unfortunately, we’ve found that cheaper models don’t always perform as well.

However, if you can stretch your budget a bit, you’ll have more luck: five products recommended by our experts cost $600 or less (see our review to find out which models they were).

Breville LAD208WHT

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
• Water removal score: 15%
• Price: $419

This dehumidifier received one of the lowest water removal scores – just 15% – which hurts considering it costs $419.

It fares well for energy efficiency, which means you’ll save a bit of money on its running costs.

(Though that’s arguably not that helpful if it’s not actually doing the job you bought it to do).

If you can stretch your budget a little further, our review has uncovered other models that will give you much better overall performance for your money – in fact, we recommend a few models that cost less than $450.

Don’t write the brand off completely though – other Breville models fared better in our testing, so do your research to ensure you buy the right one.

Read the full Breville LAD208WHT review.

Kogan KADEHUM6LFA 

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
• Water removal score: 6%
• Price: $200

This Kogan klutz scored just 6% for water removal, which was the lowest score of all the models we tested.

In fact, two of the three Kogan dehumidifiers we tested make this list to avoid, and the other only narrowly missed out on being included by a few points, so you’ll probably want to avoid the brand altogether if you’re in the market for this kind of appliance.

Not only do they not perform well, but they also offer only a poor one-year warranty, which suggests that the manufacturer doesn’t have much confidence in the product. 

It did receive a rating of “very good” for energy efficiency and is easy to use, but how beneficial is that if it can’t do the one job you need it to do well? 

Read the full Kogan KADEHUM6LFA review. 

Kogan 2 in 1 Dehumidifier and Air Purifier KAS2IN1DAFA

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 53%
• Water removal score: 22%
• Price: $330

This Kogan option will give you a dehumidifier and an air purifier in one.

It might sound great to have a space-saving 2-in-1 appliance but not if it can’t get the job done – as we found with this model.

It may be energy efficient and easy to use but it rated “poor” for where it matters most, scoring only 22% for water removal.

Read the full Kogan 2 in 1 Dehumidifier and Air Purifier KAS2IN1DAFA review.

Dimplex GDDE25E 

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 59%
• Water removal score: 49%
• Price: $389

This dehumidifier from Dimplex is very energy efficient, but that doesn’t make up for the fact that it doesn’t score well for water removal, scoring only 49%.

It’s not the worst performer in our review for this test, but 49% is far from a good score.

You’d be disappointed if you spent almost $400 on this model to find it’s not great at the one job you need it to do. If you can spend a little more, there are other options that we’ve tested that’ll give you better performance.

Read the full Dimplex GDDE25E review.

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After a run of wet winters, the 2026 cold season is forecast to be a relatively dry one, thank goodness, but no matter the weather outside, there’s still always a chance of humidity inside your home.

High levels of humidity create the perfect environment for mould, mildew and dust mites to flourish, which can trigger asthma and other health problems, and the humidity can also cause damage to your home and your belongings.

If you have persistent problems such as rising damp, poor ventilation or ongoing high humidity, or if your home has been hit by a flood, leak or other water damage, a dehumidifier can help set things right.

Here’s what you need to know about how a dehumidifier can help you this winter.

• Is a dehumidifier worth it?
• How do I know if I need a dehumidifier?
• How can a dehumidifier help in winter?
• What can I use instead of a dehumidifier?
• Will a dehumidifier help after a flood, leak or water damage?
• Which type of dehumidifier should I get?

Is a dehumidifier worth it?

“Dehumidifiers are a good option if you have persistent humidity or dampness problems, or if your home has been affected by a flood or leak and you’re trying to dry it out,” says CHOICE household expert Chris Barnes.

But a good dehumidifier isn’t cheap: the models that CHOICE experts have tested range in price from $200 to $1700.

“They’ll also add to your electricity bill as they can use a fair bit of power, which will add up if you have to run them for long periods of time,” says Chris.

So is the money worth it? It largely depends on how big your property is, how big your damp problem is, and how big your budget is.

“Yes, they can be expensive to buy and run, but if you can afford one it may save you from costly repairs or health problems in the long run.”

How do I know if I need a dehumidifier?

Obviously you’ll be well aware if your house has had a major leak, been flooded, or had some other kind of water ingress.

But if you suspect your home has other damp issues, these are the signs to look out for:

• Condensation on windows and walls
• Musty smells
• Mould
• Mildew

And if you’re allergic to mould or dust mites, you might notice an increase in your allergy symptoms.

The National Asthma Council Australia says that the humidity in your home should ideally be between 30% and 50%. 

Humidity levels above 70% are perfect for dust mites and mould (although mould can grow anywhere above 55%), so bringing the humidity down with a dehumidifier can help keep them under control.

You can use an instrument called a hygrometer to check the humidity levels in your home if you’re concerned that they might be too high.

How can a dehumidifier help in winter?

Chances are you’ll be keeping windows and doors shut to keep the cold out this winter, but unfortunately it’ll also keep the humid air in. 

Many of our winter habits can mean more moisture inside our homes, so even if you didn’t already have issues with dampness, you might find that they start to crop up in winter due to these factors.

Here are some things that can bump up the humidity:

• Using the clothes dryer more often, especially if you have a vented dryer that pumps hot, moist air back out into the room
• Hanging your laundry indoors because it’s too cold or wet for it to dry outdoors
• Using unflued gas heaters which release water vapour into the air (they can also affect indoor air quality by releasing pollutants into the air, so they’re not a great idea anyway)
• Having longer, hotter showers

In an ideal world, you could carry out renovations to improve air flow and prevent moisture building up, but if you can’t afford to or if you’re renting, a dehumidifier is your best weapon against the wet.

Dehumidifiers are helpful for reducing overall humidity inside your home, but they can also serve another purpose that you might not know about.

If you’re drying your laundry indoors, a dehumidifier can help your clothes dry faster and reduce or prevent the buildup of mould and dust that can result from drying your laundry indoors.

Most of the models in our latest dehumidifier review have a specific laundry setting for this purpose.

This laundry function helps dry washing more efficiently by pulling excess moisture from the air. They’re no match for tumble dryers, but they’re still a great option if you don’t have outdoor drying space, especially during colder months.

“The moisture has to go somewhere, and if your home doesn’t have good airflow to let moist air escape, you can end up with damp walls and furniture – perfect conditions for mould,” says Chris.

What can I use instead of a dehumidifier?

If you can’t afford to buy a dehumidifier, there are a few things that’ll help bring down air humidity levels in your home. Unfortunately they won’t be as effective, but they’re better than not doing anything at all.

If you do have a dehumidifier, you can also use these tricks to boost its effectiveness.

Air conditioning

If you’ve been paying attention to CHOICE experts, you’ll already know that reverse-cycle air conditioning is the most efficient way to heat your home in winter. (And if this is your first time here, now you know!)

But it’s also helpful to keep moisture levels in your home down, too.

Many air con units have a “dry” mode which you can run when things get steamy, both in summer and in winter. Dry mode is a mild cooling mode that focuses on dehumidification, and works best when the indoor air is humid but not too hot or cold.

If you’re dealing with persistent damp problems, you may need a separate dehumidifier as well to run in rooms that aren’t air conditioned.

“Heating mode doesn’t specifically remove moisture, but by warming the air it lowers the relative humidity, which makes the air able to hold more water,” Chris says.

“This will make the air feel drier and more comfortable, but the airborne water is still there. You may still need ventilation or dehumidification.”

Fans

Anything you can do to improve air flow will help minimise mould and mildew, so if you can’t afford a dehumidifier, running ceiling fans or pedestal fans is worth a shot.

(Hot tip: turning your ceiling fans to reverse mode will help push the warm air down, making your heating more efficient.)

An exhaust fan in the bathroom is vital for removing humid air, and a rangehood that vents air outside will get rid of any moisture created from cooking, and especially from gas cooktops (read our guide to switching from gas to an induction cooktop if you’re looking to improve you kitchen air quality).

Unfortunately recirculating rangehoods will just blow the humid air back out into the kitchen, so a ducted rangehood is a much better option.

DampRid

If you’re dealing with low-level damp problems or just a small area in your house, you could try a desiccant product like DampRid. It’ll set you back around $6.50 per pack, rather than the hundreds of dollars that dehumidifiers cost.

We put DampRid to work in a chamber about the size of a closet that was set to 80% humidity (with a fan for air movement) to see how it fared, and it didn’t do too badly: in three days it had collected nearly half a cup of water and reduced the humidity to 43%. 

It’s certainly no match for a dehumidifier (even one that doesn’t perform well), but it could be a more affordable solution for occasional or low-level damp problems, even if you need to buy a few packs.

Will a dehumidifier help after a flood, leak or water damage? 

A dehumidifier can certainly help after a flood or a water leak in your home. They won’t pump water out of the house, but they will help remove water from the air, to keep the indoor humidity down to a comfortable level. 

If your home furnishings have been soaked by floodwater, then running a dehumidifier in the room will help to dry them out faster.

You’ll want a model with a large water collection tank, since it’ll be pulling a lot of water from the air (be prepared to empty the tank frequently), or one with continuous drainage (with a drainage hose connected to empty straight into a drain).

But be warned – any carpet or furniture that’s been badly water damaged will probably be beyond the powers of the dehumidifier to help.

Which type of dehumidifier should I get?

There are two main types of dehumidifiers: refrigerants and desiccants. 

Refrigerant dehumidifiers

“These use the same technology as a fridge,” says Chris. “They draw in air, cool it to condense the water it contains, then warm it and blow it back out. 

“This process works better with warm air, so you’ll see the best performance in moderate or warmer climates. However, the warmer air they release might be undesirable in hot climates.”

Refrigerant models tested in our dehumidifier product reviews were more energy efficient than desiccant models, had larger tanks and better water removal. But they were also larger, heavier and noisier.

Desiccant dehumidifiers

“These models use a slowly rotating disc or belt of material that absorbs moisture from the air,” says Chris.

“The damp section then moves through a drying process, which evaporates the water and collects it in a tank.”

Desiccant models tend to perform similarly no matter what the air temperature is, so they can be a better option in cooler climates, where a refrigerant model may struggle. 

The desiccants we tested typically had a higher running cost and smaller tanks, but tended to be lighter, more compact and more portable.

The post Should you buy a dehumidifier this winter? appeared first on CHOICE.

On this page:

• Heating options: Lowest to highest running costs
• How much do different heaters cost to run?
• Choosing the right model matters
• Tips to hack your heating

Household bills are hitting everyone hard right now: 97% of Australians reported in a CHOICE survey that their household bills and expenses have increased over the last 12 months, the highest number in over 10 years. 

And more than three quarters of Australian households are specifically concerned about the cost of electricity. For those who use gas for cooking, heating and other household needs, 71% are concerned about costs.

With chilly winter days looming, an issue that’s no doubt front of mind for many of us is: “how much is it going to cost us to heat our homes?” 

CHOICE experts say that the type of heating you choose can make a big difference to your energy bills.

For example, running a portable electric heater over winter can cost around twice as much as heating your home using a reverse-cycle air conditioner. And using a different form of keeping warm, such as an electric blanket or electric throw, can be much more affordable.

It’s important to note that when it comes to choosing a heating appliance, the cheapest in the short-term versus long-term can be two very different things.

To help you understand where your cash is going, CHOICE experts break down the costs associated with different types of heating and share helpful tips to help you save money on those household heating bills. 

Heating options: Lowest to highest running costs

1. Air conditioning

If your home has reverse-cycle air conditioning installed, or you’re a homeowner and you have the money available to get it installed, we have great news: air con is by far the cheapest way to heat your home. 

Our estimates show that running a reverse-cycle air conditioner for 12 months can cost less than running an electric heater for just three months over winter. 

But (and it’s a big but), if you don’t already have it installed, the upfront cost of air conditioning is much, much higher. You’ll also need to factor in installation time before you can bask in the warmth of your AC.

“On average, you can expect to pay about $2000 for a new split-system air conditioner, but the price range is anywhere from $600 up to $5500, and you also have to factor in at least a few hundred dollars for installation costs,” says CHOICE heating expert Chris Barnes. 

“A ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning system costs at least $9000, including installation. 

“For a typical freestanding house, the cost of installing ducted air con can easily reach $10,000 or more, depending on the size and type of system you choose. For a large or multi-floor home, you’re looking at $15,000 or more.”

But an added advantage of a reverse-cycle air conditioner is that it’ll keep you cool in the warmer months, too – something an electric heater definitely can’t do!

2. Gas heating

Gas heating is the next cheapest option to run (at the moment, at least). But gas heaters aren’t suitable for every home – you’ll need to have gas already connected or set up an LPG system. You can’t use them in bedrooms and confined spaces like bathrooms, and some require a flue to vent outside your house (which can be another added cost if you need to install one).

Many people are moving away from using gas heating entirely. Gas is associated with potential health and safety risks in the home and is a polluting fossil fuel that creates greenhouse gases.

Gas heaters aren’t cheap to buy, either. You’re looking at anywhere from $500 up to over $1000. And then they need to be serviced regularly, so that adds to the cost. 

The price of gas is increasing too, so while it may be a relatively cost-effective way to heat your home now, you could end up paying more over time than if you opted for an electric alternative such as air conditioning or a portable electric heater. 

Find out more in our gas heater buying guide.

3. Portable electric heating

If you’re renting, or simply don’t have a spare couple of thousand to install air con, then an electric heater is your best option. They’re definitely a quick and easy fix when the cold snap hits: they can be cheap to buy, they’re widely available, and they don’t need to be installed.

Portable electric heaters are best suited to use in small spaces and for short periods of time. They’re a great option for renters or strata apartment owners who may not be able to install air conditioning.

Of all the different types of electric heaters, oil column heaters are the cheapest to run – but only by a very slim margin. And they take longer to warm up, so you’ll need to rug up until they’ve heated the room.  

A portable electric heater can cost two to three times as much to run on average than a reverse-cycle air conditioner. You’ll likely see a hike in your energy bills, particularly if you’re running multiple heaters in different rooms.

The cost of running an electric heater over winter can vary by more than $300 between models, depending on the brand, size and design of heater (based on an estimated 500 hours of use and an electricity price of 40c/kWh).  More models will soon be added to our electric heater reviews so watch this space and check reviews to compare models before you buy.

How much do different heaters cost to run?

Every home is different and your heating requirements will vary depending on the climate in your area, room size, insulation, and many other factors. But, we’ve crunched some numbers to give you an idea of the price difference between each heating type. 

Here’s a comparison of various heating options for a small room:

Air con

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZSXA-WF reverse-cycle air conditioner

• Upfront cost: $1250 (plus installation)
• Running costs over winter in an average climate zone: $128* 

Gas heater

Rinnai Dynamo 15 portable gas heater

• Upfront cost: $1379
• Running cost over winter: $317.50*

Portable electric heater

Dimplex DHCHR20D tower electric heater

• Upfront cost: $130
• Running cost over winter: $413*

*Based on 500 hours of use: 6 hours a day for 3 months, with peak pricing at 40c/kWh for electric appliances or 4c/MJh for gas.

So, for the first four years, the reverse-cycle air conditioner will cost more than the electric heater, factoring in purchase price plus running cost. But after that, the air conditioner becomes the far cheaper option. And note that the air conditioner mentioned above is a more powerful heater than the portable model, so it’s able to heat a bigger space.

On the other hand, a cheaper electric heater with slightly higher running costs may be a more feasible option than dropping thousands of dollars on a reverse-cycle air conditioning system if you’re balancing the cost of living month-to-month (or even week-to-week). 

Just remember, though, that you’ll see a hike in your electricity bill, particularly if you’re running multiple heaters in different rooms. And if you’re working from home, you’re likely to have your heater on for longer each day.  

“The more you use your heater, the more important it is to make sure that it is the most efficient type you can get, and also that you’re using it as effectively as possible,” says Chris.

Choosing the right model matters

So if you’re buying an electric heater, how can you keep those power bills as low as possible while still staying warm? Our testing shows you don’t necessarily need to buy a top-of-the-line electric heater.

“Purchase price isn’t always an indicator of better performance or cheaper running costs,” says Chris. 

“Among the electric heaters we’ve recommended in the past, some have cost less than $100 and others more than $400, yet their winter running costs tend to be similar at around $300 – and we’ve found other models with similar prices and running costs but which perform much worse.”

However, a cheap purchase price and low running costs don’t mean much if your heater isn’t effective – a smaller electricity bill in three months’ time is cold comfort if you’re freezing right now.

“Purchase price and running costs are important, but it’s also important that the heater does a good job of spreading the heat effectively throughout the room,” says Chris. 

You can view a range of models in our electric heater review, with more models to be added in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. 

Tips to hack your heating

There’s more to reducing your heating costs than just buying an efficient heater and using it judiciously. A high electricity bill can be a sign that you need to make some changes to how you heat your home. 

“If you need to run an electric heater all day, every day to stay warm, it’s a sign that your home is really not thermally efficient,” says Chris. 

Try these tips to save money on your heating costs this winter.

1. Ensure your home is properly insulated

While popping on an extra jumper is an easy way to warm up, having a well-insulated home will make the biggest difference to keeping your house warm. 

You can lose as much as 35% of your home’s warmth if it’s not insulated, which means that you can rack up the biggest electricity bill ever but still be chilly throughout the winter. Insulation will also keep your home cooler in summer, so it’s worth the investment. 

Of course, if you’re renting or can’t afford insulation then you’ll need to look at other options to keep warm – check out our 6 practical DIY tricks for staying warm this winter. 

Things like sealing draughts, covering floors with rugs and using curtains can all help to keep the heat in and the cold out. 

2. Heat the human before the home

“Wearable heating” is a rapidly expanding trend, with many affordable personal heating products – such as heated throws and blankets, electric blankets, water bottles and even handwarmers – available for people who are feeling the chill but are wary of the big energy bills that come from running an electric heater 24/7.

Based on our calculations, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than $48 per season to run a single bed electric blanket (with many costing a lot less than this). This includes pre-heating and leaving it on overnight, every night, for three months. Our electric blanket reviews list running costs for each model. Heated throws are even more economical: for the models we tested, running costs ranged from just $12 to $18 over a few months.

As with any powered product, ensure you follow safety instructions and never leave them unattended.

3. Use your ceiling fan on reverse

You can use a ceiling fan to hack your heating. Modern ceiling fans have a reverse switch, which will make the blades turn clockwise. Since hot air rises, this will push the warm air back down towards the floor. 

It’s also important to make sure the warmth from your heater can circulate around the room. As tempting as it might be, that means not sitting on top of the heater (or directly in front of it). And if you’re drying laundry inside, move it back from the flow of hot air so the heater can warm the room more effectively. 

4. Be smart with your air conditioner settings

If you have air conditioning installed and you’re using it to heat your home, you’re already one step ahead. Be wary of cranking it right up, though, or you could still find yourself landed with a large electricity bill. 

Setting your air con to the optimal temperature will ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Chris says: “Avoid the temptation to heat a room any more than you need to, so don’t crank it up to 30 degrees. The comfortable sweet spot is about 18-20°C. Every extra degree increases your heating energy use by up to 10 per cent.”

And don’t forget to only heat the rooms you’re actually using and shut the doors to others. Also ensure your air conditioner is clean and well-maintained, to ensure it’s operating as efficiently as possible.

5. Take advantage of the sales

If you haven’t already bought a heater, you could try to hold out until the end of financial year sales (or pick up a more efficient model to replace your existing heater).

If you’re thinking of going for air conditioning, don’t wait until it’s freezing cold or steaming hot to get an air conditioner installed – shop in the off-season.

“If you’re looking to install an air conditioner for your winter heating, it’s a good idea to organise installation ahead of the peak cold season; if you wait until the cold snap really hits, you might have to wait longer,” Chris says. 

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The post What’s the cheapest way to heat your home this winter? appeared first on CHOICE.

Aussies love a good cuppa, but there’s more to a kettle than just boiling water. 

New models on the market are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with features such as temperature control, constant boil and noise reduction, plus a range of pretty finishes and vivid colours.

But if a kettle drips and dribbles, is far too loud or just hard to hold, all the bells and whistles in the world won’t make your tea break the relaxing ritual it should be.

It’s impossible to test a kettle’s mettle just by looking at one instore or online. 

That’s why our lab experts put more than 70 popular models through a range of tough tests – from boil time and noise levels, to ease of use and more – to ensure you get the best cuppa you can.  

Our tests found some great kettles, both budget and high-end, alongside some really mediocre models that were truly off the boil.

Bugatti Jackie 02-JKCRNU

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 65%
• Price: $529

No, that’s not a typo: this kettle costs more than FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

And what does your money get you? A kettle that looks like one of those 90s handbags that have come back into fashion. But it’s noisy and is a pain to use.

This Bugatti isn’t from the makers of the wildly expensive car brand (it’s an entirely different company, apparently), but it’s certainly priced as though it is.

In case you thought this was the most expensive kettle you’ve ever seen, think again. This is the cheaper version; the more formally-named Jaqueline sells for over $800. 

It doesn’t look vastly different to the Jackie but connects to a Bugatti app, so you can set it to boil for every tea break you have through the day. We haven’t tested it, but based on the performance of its “cheap” cousin, we wouldn’t take the risk.

Why did the Bugatti Jackie receive such a low rating from our experts?

First of all, it’s noisy: it registered at 62 decibels when we measured it from 50cm away. By comparison, the quietest kettles we tested boil at around 50 decibels.

It might not seem like much difference, but you’d hope that a kettle this expensive would be whisper-quiet. 

Or maybe you’d actually want it to make a racket so guests can’t help but notice your swanky new appliance!

Aside from bringing the noise, our experts noted that it’s difficult to see the indicator light, and the water level markings are inside the kettle, rather than on the outside, so you need to remove the lid to see how much water is inside.

And in a clear case of form over function, despite the Jackie’s supposedly sophisticated design, it’s actually quite awkward to use: the kettle only fits into the base in two configurations, so you need to line it up before you put it back on the base.

Considering that you could buy an entire coffee machine, not just a kettle, for the price, we think it’s very much not worth your money. (You should also avoid the Bugatti Volo toaster for similar reasons.)

Check out the best coffee machines for less than $600 or if you’re curious, read the full Bugatti Jackie review.

Fellow Clyde Electric Tea Kettle ECLMB-AU

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 65%
• Price: $199

This kettle sure looks stylish sitting on your countertop, with its vintage-style design and sleek stainless steel finish.

But if you like to make your tea in peace, be aware that it’s very noisy. CHOICE experts measure the noise at the halfway point when boiling a litre of water, and this kettle received the equal-lowest score in our test (alongside six other models).

It’s also not particularly fast, taking 3 minutes and 25 seconds to boil a litre of water, with a Boil Performance score of 69%. Our experts also noted there is no audible noise to let you know the boiling process is complete, so you’ll have to keep checking in to see if it’s ready.

If you’re willing to fork out a couple of hundred dollars for a good-looking kettle, we won’t judge. But there are plenty of cheaper models our experts rated better in our testing, including ones that will give you a quieter (and faster) start to the day.

Read the full Fellow Clyde Kettle review.

Sunbeam Quantum KE6310

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 66%
• Price: $80

Another noisy kettle, this Sunbeam boils very loudly at 65.3 decibels.

When it comes to ease of use (which makes up 40% of our CHOICE Expert Rating), it’s a mixed bag.

On the upside, it’s easy to pour and you don’t have to tilt it much at the end, so it’s easy on the wrist. 

On the downside, the water level markers are difficult to see and the indicator light is quite faint, which makes it hard to see in a bright room.

Our testing found Sunbeam makes some great kettles – this just isn’t one of them.

Read the full Sunbeam Quantum review.

DeLonghi Argento KBX2016.W1

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 66%
• Price: $139

It might have the style, but unfortunately this DeLonghi doesn’t back it up with substance. 

Our testers found it awkward to use: from removing the lid, to pouring the water, to checking the water level and replacing the filter, it isn’t a great experience. 

If you’re not irritated by those aspects, the noise will probably get to you. Our experts classify its 65dB mid-boil reading as “Very noisy”.

Read the full DeLonghi Argento review.

The post Electric kettles to avoid buying appeared first on CHOICE.

“Essentially a fan with a filter inside, air purifiers suck in air and pass it through a filter, trapping floating particles. This can improve air quality and filter out irritants that you’d otherwise be breathing in,” says CHOICE expert Chris Barnes.

If you’ve started researching models, you’ve likely noticed there is a huge variety of sizes and types available across a broad range of prices. You could spend anywhere from $150 for somewhere from Ikea, Kogan or Aldi or splash out several hundreds of dollars – up to $1000 or more – on a premium model from brands such as Dyson, Samsung, Philips or InovaAir.  

But what are you really getting for your money, and how do the cheaper models compare to the more expensive ones?

CHOICE experts dish the dirt on air purifiers

Our air purifier review looks at 50 different models. We give each air purifier a CHOICE Expert Rating based on how each model performs on aspects such as dust removal, smoke removal and removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

In our review you can also find out which models are the most energy efficient, the quietest and the easiest to use. 

Chris says there’s no guarantee that buying a more expensive air purifier will give you better performance than a cheaper model. He says there are air purifiers in our review that cost $800 or more that recorded disappointing results. However, our testing does generally show that the lowest scoring models do tend to be the cheaper ones.

“The cheaper models, say those under $350, tend to be smaller, which means they may struggle to deliver the same air purifying power as a larger model, which could be an issue depending on the size of the space you’re using it in,” says Chris.

Air purifier features you shouldn’t compromise on

No matter how much you want to spend, Chris recommends looking for one with a HEPA filter, and he also says you should consider buying one that’s designed for a slightly larger room than the one you plan to use it in.

“A HEPA filter traps very small particles. It’s one of the most important features, but not all air purifiers have one, so make sure you check the product specifications,” he says.

“And check the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) – that’s the measure of how much air it purifies per hour. You want to ensure that it’s high enough so it circulates the full volume of air in your room, otherwise it won’t be doing the job you bought it for.

“These features may mean you need to pay a little more, but if you can afford it, they’re well worth the extra money.”

How do air purifiers under $350 rate in CHOICE testing?

The sheer range of air purifiers on the market can make it hard to pick the right one – but that’s where we come in.

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

Only members can access our detailed air purifier testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which affordable air purifiers we rate as the pick of the bunch.

The post Air purifiers under $350 – are they any good? appeared first on CHOICE.

Whether you’re looking for ways to save on your heating bill, or you just love the thought of jumping into a warm and toasty bed every evening, an electric blanket could be the answer. 

But, if this is your first foray into the cosy world of electric blankets, figuring out how much you need to spend to get the best blanket can quickly send you diving under the doona in frustration. The array of products and price tags varies wildly, and while you can pick up an electric blanket for as little as $55, other models stretch to over the $400 mark. 

CHOICE staff and testers love to find a more affordable product that performs well, so we were keen to find out how the $79 Kmart Anko Electric Heated Topper rated against the Breville Bodyzone Antibacterial Fitted Heated Blanket, which is a pricey piece of bedding at $249.

We put both blankets to the test in our labs, looking at factors such as how fast they warm the bed, how safe and durable they are, and how easy they are to use and clean.

Our full reviews, including for all the products we tested from additional brands such as Sunbeam, Dreamaker and Dimplex, are available to CHOICE members, but we’ve summarised some of our findings on the Kmart and Breville blankets below to help kick off your research. 

How did the blankets perform in our lab testing?

Breville sells a few different types of electric blanket in their Sleep Sound and BodyZone ranges. We have reviewed three of their latest products in the queen-sized versions – the Breville BodyZone Antibacterial Fitted Heated Blanket ($249), the Breville the Sleep Sound Fitted Electric Blanket ($160) and the Breville Sleep Sound Quilted Fitted Electric Blanket ($219) and they were all amongst our top performers. With prices ranging from $160–$249 however, they are also some of the more expensive options in our tests. 

If you can’t quite stretch to hundreds of dollars to keep your toes toasty in bed, you may be considering Kmart’s electric blankets which are the cheapest we looked at. We’ve reviewed two Kmart Anko products: the Kmart Anko Fitted Electric Blanket ($55) and the Kmart Anko Electric Heated Topper ($79).

They don’t score as highly in our performance test as the Breville products. They take longer to warm to 40°C than the more expensive models, and have fewer heat settings and no timer, however if you’re just after a cosy bed, they give good performance for a significantly lower price tag.

At-home trial of a Breville Bodyzone electric blanket 

As well as putting a range of electric blankets to test in our labs, CHOICE expert, Adrian Lini trialled an earlier model of the Breville Bodyzone blanket (older than the one we have in our current review) at home on his own bed, and said that the range of variable heat settings and the timer are useful features.

“Not surprisingly, it’s incredibly comfortable jumping into a nice warm bed before going to sleep. And the higher settings can also feel quite nice for a short time on your back or stomach if you’ve got sore muscles or joints,” he said.

“Compared to an electric heater in the bedroom while you sleep, the electric blanket is faster and more direct. It’s also cheaper to run since it’s often only on for a short time and, unlike an electric heater, it doesn’t dry out the air in the room.

“The more expensive blankets usually also have a timer, which lets you decide when the blanket will turn off, and the Breville Bodyzone options range from 1–9 hours. This makes it easy to turn it on and drift off to sleep knowing that the blanket will turn off automatically soon after.”

Adrian did note some downsides to the exxy blanket, questioning whether the BodyZone feature that allows you to adjust the temperature for your upper and lower body is really worth paying more money for.

“I didn’t use any of the BodyZone features – I just set both the feet and the body to the same temperature. My girlfriend does enjoy the BodyZone changes though and will sometimes set the feet section to be warmer. Unless these features are really important to you, though, I wouldn’t spend extra money to get them.” 

“The cables are also quite big and can make the area around the bed look messy and make it more awkward when vacuuming. But this would apply to many electric blankets and not just this one.”

Find out how the Breville BodyZone Antibacterial Fitted Heated Blanket performed in rigorous testing in the CHOICE small appliance labs.

The $79 Kmart Anko Electric Heated Topper

Another CHOICE staff member tested the Kmart Anko Electric Heated Topper on their own bed at home and said: “With our heating bills steadily creeping higher, it’s becoming an expensive exercise to leave our heaters on overnight, so I was very keen to give an electric blanket a go as a cheaper way to stay warm.

CHOICE testers measure how much each electric blanket will cost you to run every night over winter on its lowest setting and this Kmart blanket will cost just $12 to operate.

“I don’t love the idea of dropping a few hundred dollars on another blanket, as my linen sheets are expensive enough as it is. So I was keen to find out if the cheaper Kmart blanket did the job.”

“It’s obviously a basic blanket – it has two controls for each side of the bed and three heat settings, but no timer or variable body zones like the fancier Breville blanket.

“One of the key selling points for me is the removable top cover, which will make it easier to clean. 

“A downside is that it doesn’t have a timer, so there have been a couple of occasions when I’ve gone to sleep with the heat turned up high and forgotten to turn it off, resulting in a rude, sweaty awakening a short time later.

“You can feel some of the wires through the blanket but when we have thick flannelette sheets on the bed it’s still pretty cushy. The tangle of cords that have now appeared beside our bed aren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing but it’s a price I’m willing to pay. 

“I’m not a fan of buying cheap products that won’t last, and of course I have no idea how long the lifetime of this blanket will be – and the controls and buttons do feel quite light and flimsy compared to the controls of other blankets we looked at.

“Plus, there’re no raised buttons or satisfying ‘click’ to help you if you’re changing settings blind in the middle of the night – something I’ve noticed you get on pricier blankets. 

“But, the removable cover is a big plus and it certainly does the job, so for under $100, I’d say it’s a good buy that’ll keep you cosy and help you save on heating bills.”

Find out how the $75 Kmart Anko Electric Heated Topper performed in rigorous testing in the CHOICE small appliance labs.

Cheap vs expensive: Are budget electric blankets just as good?

As we always say at CHOICE, price isn’t necessarily an indicator of performance, and when considering which electric blanket is best, it’s a good idea to look beyond the price tag and consider the features that are really important to you (as well as how well the product performed in CHOICE testing). 

In this instance, the Kmart and Breville blankets both do the job they promise. Our lab testing showed that the Kmart takes a little more time to get there, taking 8 minutes to heat up to 40 degrees as opposed to the Breville which gets there in 4 minutes.

But as long as you remember to switch it on before you go to bed, 8 minutes isn’t exactly a long time to wait. The other features that contribute to the Breville blanket’s high price tag are things such as the timer, a greater range of heat settings, and customisable heat zones.

Many of these features will be found only on the more expensive blankets, while handy features such as a removable topper for ease of cleaning may just as likely be found on cheaper blankets like the Anko option. 

Top tips for finding the electric blanket of your dreams

If you just want the cheapest electric blanket that does the job, here are the features to look for, according to our expert tester Adrian.

A removable topper that can be easily cleaned and protects the wired blanket is extremely useful. The topper also makes the wires and cables less noticeable when lying on the bed. 

High wattage allows the blanket to heat up quicker and reach a higher top temperature. However, more wattage equals more energy use.

A timer lets you decide when the blanket will turn off, usually with options ranging from 1–9 hours. This makes it easy to turn it on and drift off to sleep knowing that the blanket will turn off automatically soon after.

Out-of-way cable placement helps you feel more comfortable, not like you’re laying on an extension cable as you sleep. A blanket where the cable connection is closest to the top edge and hides under the pillow, or even its own topper, is preferred. This makes it feel as though you’re just sleeping on a standard sheet.

The post Kmart vs Breville electric blankets – how do they compare? appeared first on CHOICE.

Brands like Sunbeam, Breville, Jason and Kmart have released electric throw blankets onto the market and CHOICE experts have put them to the test in our labs, checking for safety, durability, pre-heat performance and ease of use, in a similar way to how we test electric blankets.

Our results can help you decide if it’s worth racing to the store to buy one.

On this page:

• What is a heated throw blanket?
• A cost effective way to stay warm
• Do heated throw blankets really work?
• What are some useful features to look for?
• Are electric heated throws and blankets safe?
• Heated throw vs hot water bottle
• Should you buy a heated throw blanket?

What is a heated throw blanket?

As the name suggests, a heated throw blanket is a type of heated blanket. It has built-in heating elements, and once it’s plugged into an electrical socket, the elements heat up the blanket to keep you nice and warm.

Unlike electric blankets, which are designed to warm your bed, an electric throw is portable (although its range depends on the power cord length) and can be used throughout the day. So whether you’re working from home or lounging around on the couch, you can keep warm without necessarily having to heat the whole room.

This year we’re even seeing the release of wearable heated blankets. These products come with hoods or fasteners to make them easier to wear, with some looking similar to the famous oodie. Kmart is selling one for $49 which comes with a removable hood, four heat settings and an auto-off feature after 45 minutes. CHOICE content editor, Grace Smith recently put it to the test at home – stay tuned to see what she thought about it. 

A cost effective way to stay warm

Who needs an electric heater running non-stop when you can cosy up under a heated throw blanket? The electric heaters we’ve tested range in price from $39 to $1199. By comparison, the blankets in our latest review range in price from $35 (for the Anko Heated Throw available from Kmart and Target) to $199 for the Sunbeam Feel Perfect Heated Throw Blanket and can be a cost-effective way to keep warm during winter for many reasons.

A heated throw is portable and can be used where you are, whether it be on the couch or at the table (providing you have a power source nearby), and can save you from heating the whole house. They use significantly less energy than other heating appliances and can reduce your overall energy consumption during winter. With rising electricity costs, a cost-effective heating solution is a welcome addition to many households.

The heated throw blankets we tested will cost you only $12 to $18 in running costs if you use them quite frequently during the chilly season. They can keep you warm while you’re awake and then you can slip into bed and stay warm with an electric blanket at night for a 24-hour, cost-effective heating solution. While we measure running costs for electric blankets differently (and they’re not really comparable, seeing as you generally use them overnight, not during the day), the models we tested can cost you up to $50 for the whole winter if you were to use one on low for eight hours each night.

By comparison, when we tested electric heaters and measured their running costs, we calculated that they can cost you anywhere from $188 to $491 in electricity costs to run throughout winter.

“If you want to save on your power bills, a heated throw can be a worthwhile investment,” says our lab expert Matthew Tung.

Do heated throw blankets really work?

Much like an electric blanket for your bed, a heated throw isn’t complicated to use. Simply connect it to your wall power socket, get comfortable and wait to feel nice and warm.

The blankets we tested are quick to heat up and most were able to reach 40 degrees in two to three minutes. The slowest took 12 minutes to reach 40 degrees.

What are some useful features to look for?

All the blankets we tested come with an auto-off feature and light up controls, as well as removable controls for cleaning. Other useful features include: 

Heat settings: All models we tested had a number of heat settings, so you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs. Even the cheapest model we tested had nine settings to choose from.

Timer: This allows you to automatically set the blanket to turn off after a certain amount of time. Most of the blankets we tested had various timer settings.

Cord length: Consider where you’ll likely be sitting when you’re using the blanket and whether you have a power outlet nearby. Our experts measure the length of the power cord to help you determine if it will be long enough for your needs. The models we tested range in length from 2.5 to 4 metres in length.

Are electric heated throws and blankets safe?

Our testing showed that heated throw blankets are safe and the models we reviewed passed our durability tests too. However, there’s always a risk when electricity is involved, and accidents can happen.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, don’t plug the heated throw into a power board or extension cord, and don’t let young children use them. If you find any issues with the electrical cord, controls, or wiring in the blanket, stop using it immediately.

Are they easy to clean?

Our ease of use score takes into consideration how easy the blankets are to clean. First we check if the controller is removable and how easy it is to remove. Then we check if the blanket must be hand washed or if it can be put in the washing machine and whether it can be put in the dryer or needs to be line dried.

Only a couple of the heated throws we tested can be cleaned in the washing machine and most need to be line dried, so check the instructions before cleaning them.

Heated throw vs hot water bottle

Hot water bottles are a cheap way to warm up in winter. You can pick one up with a plush cover from places like Kmart for as little as $10. But do they work? And how do they compare to a heated throw blanket?

Cost: A hot water bottle is cheap to buy, and other than the tiny cost of the hot water used to fill it, doesn’t cost anything to run.

Heating: Hot water bottles heat up immediately after you add the hot water, whereas you’ll have to wait a few minutes for a heated throw. However, heated throws have setting controls to adjust the heat and offer continuous heating, whereas a hot water bottle will gradually lose heat.

Matthew tested a hot water bottle alongside the heated throws. After adding water at roughly 50°C, the surface temperature of the hot water bottle was about 30°C. After two hours the surface temperature was 27°C.

Portability: A heated throw blanket requires a power source whereas a hot water bottle doesn’t and is extremely portable.

Ease of use: Heated throw blankets can be time consuming to clean but are relatively easy to use – simply plug in and select the heat setting. On the other hand, hot water bottles can be tricky to fill and care needs to be taken to avoid spills and burns. If you’re using a cover, it’ll need to be on the bottle when it’s being filled, which means it may get wet in the process which can be annoying. Instructions warn users not to use boiling water when filling a hot water bottle.

Should you buy a heated throw blanket?

If you’re looking for a safe and cost-effective way to stay warm during winter, then a heated throw blanket might be just the ticket.

If you spend long periods of time sitting, whether it be watching TV, reading a book or working from home, a heated blanket can be a cosy companion when days are cold.

“Provided you have a power source nearby, heated electric blankets are quick to heat up and have simple but useful features to keep you warm,” says Matthew.

The post Heated throw blankets: What are they and should you buy one? appeared first on CHOICE.

A bottom-mount fridge bends the rules of fridge design and turns the traditional ‘freezer on top, fridge on the bottom’ form on its head (quite literally) to make it easier to grab those fridge faves that you reach for multiple times a day.

If you’re considering flipping the script fridge-wise, our resident expert shares the pros and cons of bottom-mount models and reveals the dud that rated lowest in our review.

Plus, for CHOICE members only, we’ll reveal the four best bottom-mount fridges from our rigorous lab testing. 

If you want to find out which bottom-mount fridge comes out on top, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

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

Why buy a bottom-mount fridge?

It’s probably important to acknowledge upfront that the term ‘bottom-mount fridge’ may be a bit confusing.

It really means a fridge with a bottom-mounted freezer – so the fridge on top, freezer on the bottom – but for better or worse, that’s been shortened to ‘bottom-mount fridge’.

Now, if you grew up with the old-fashioned freezer-on-top fridges, you might be wondering what the point is of a fridge with a freezer on the bottom. Well, it’s all about convenience.

Think about how many times a day you open your fridge to get out the milk, vegies, cheese and the like. 

How many times do you open the freezer? Nowhere near as many, right?

In a bottom-mount fridge, the things you reach for most are much closer to eye level, making them easier to find and pick up.

You’ll pay slightly more for a bottom-mount fridge – both to purchase and to run – but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience.

Bottom- and top-mount fridges tend to have around the same freezer capacity. But freezers on the bottom are generally built with sliding drawers, whereas freezers up the top generally have shelves, which can make it harder to access frozen goods buried deep at the back of the freezer.

Ultimately, which one is best comes down to personal preference.

The bottom-mount fridge not to buy

Have your heart set on a retro-style fridge? 

Despite its good looks, we recommend you avoid the Smeg FAB32RPB5AU – a sibling of the worst fridge to ever come through our labs, the Smeg FAB38RCRAU. 

The older FAB38 model received a CHOICE Expert Rating of 22% overall and a score of 0% for temperature stability. (Yes, zero percent).

Fortunately it’s been discontinued since we named and shamed it, but Smeg’s follow-up fridge is another flop.

For a cool $4290, the FAB32 is marginally better than its predecessor – but not by much. 

It rated 43% overall, but was also roasted by our experts, scoring 0% for temperature stability due to its tendency to fluctuate by a huge 8.4°C in the fresh food compartment. 

And with a total capacity of just 331L, that’s a heck of a lot to pay for a small fridge that won’t keep your food fresh. 

If you’re looking for a similarly sized fridge that’ll actually do the job, check our list of expert-recommended models below. 

What are the best bottom-mount fridges?

The sheer range of fridges on the market can make it hard to pick the right one – but that’s where we come in.

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

Only members can access our detailed fridge testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which bottom-mount fridges we rate as the pick of the bunch.

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