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.

The post Best microwaves that can air-fry 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.

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.

The post The best bottom-mount fridges appeared first on CHOICE.

An oven is likely one of the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen, and there’s also a good chance it’s one of the most expensive. 

Not to mention that how well your oven performs can mean the difference between turning out beautiful cakes versus disastrous bakes!

We test and review a wide range of wall ovens to help you avoid buyer’s remorse and nab yourself an appliance that will go the distance (and hopefully help you nail that perfect sponge cake or ultimate roast dinner with ease).

An oven should last you up to 15 years, so if you choose well you’ll have many happy years of cooking ahead of you. 

But choose the wrong one and your dreams of airy sponge cakes and succulent roasts could go up in smoke. That’s why CHOICE experts recommend you check our detailed oven reviews before you buy.

Choosing an oven

“To get the best out of any oven you need to become familiar with it,” says CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair. 

“An oven with a low performance score in our testing may just require a little more trial and error to get better results.”

Fiona advises that when buying an oven, you should think about what you like to bake and what functions you’ll need to achieve the best results.

“Most ovens are multifunctional, so choose one that has the functions that will best suit your needs. Don’t just look at the brand name or price, as you may be disappointed.” 

Hot tips for buying an oven

According to Fiona, most ovens cook well, but it’s ease of use that separates the average from the outstanding. She recommends checking the controls, shelf design and internal surfaces instore before committing to a purchase.

“Make sure the controls are clearly labelled and easy to understand,” she says.

“Try pulling the shelves and trays in and out to see if they run smoothly and that there are stoppers to prevent spills.

“Finally, check the visibility through the door and look for awkward gaps in the door or internal surfaces that will be tricky to clean.”

Also, look for an oven that has the accessories you need. Fiona recommends at least two shelves, a baking tray that slides into the shelf supports, and a grill rack. 

The lowest scoring ovens in our tests

Smeg SOPA6102TB3

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 70%
• Price: $2690

Despite the fact it’ll set you back almost three grand, this Smeg was the worst performing of all the ovens we looked at in our latest batch. 

It does have an air fryer function, which is a feature that’s popular in new ovens, and it performed quite well when we tested its air fryer capabilities. 

However, our experts aren’t convinced that it’s worth seeking out an oven with this function: if your oven has fan grill mode, you can use that and still get similar results. 

While the Smeg scored quite well on a number of our tests, it was let down by its grilling abilities in particular – it left large areas of bread unevenly toasted, so it was rated as “borderline” for grilling by our experts. 

It’s also difficult to see food cooking under the grill due to the oven’s design, so grilling could be a very hit-and-miss process.

This oven scores one percentage point lower than a $699 Ikea oven for ease of use, which just goes to show that spending more won’t guarantee you an easier ride. 

Not only will you be paying more upfront, you’ll also have to work a lot harder, as it’s very confusing and difficult to use. Our kitchen experts have more than 35 years’ experience between them, so if it confuses them, regular home cooks will likely have a very hard time using this oven.

There are plenty of other ovens around this price and cheaper that actually perform well, so we suggest you spend your money elsewhere.

Read the full Smeg SOPA6102TB3 review.

Electrolux EVE614DSE review

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 71%
• Price: $1299

A score of 71% isn’t terrible – it’s technically classed as “Good” under our rating scale – but when the top performers sit around 85% and higher, it puts this Electrolux’s score into perspective. 

Another oven with a grill that’s far from brill, it’ll also disappoint when cooking roasts. 

Not to mention that if you’re cooking something heavy, the shelf can tilt, so your Sunday roast could end up on the floor if you’re not careful. 

And to add to your disappointment, you may end up with a sad-looking roast chook – our experts found the oven didn’t crisp the skin and the browning was patchy.

If you like to have a clear view of the food cooking in your oven, then the Electrolux isn’t the best choice, with the visibility through the glass panel and internal light being marked down by our experts.

Instructions are important when buying a new oven, but unfortunately this model only comes with a quick-start guide. You’ll need to go online to download and print the full manual if you want all the details. 

Read the full Electrolux EVE614DSE review. 

Bosch HBF133BS0A

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 71%
• Price: $1049

This model didn’t exactly wow our experts – but it’s not a dud either. We just think there are better ovens for the price.

It did get excellent scores for low-temperature baking, so it’ll turn out lovely meringues. But its high-temperature cooking score was less than stellar at 50%, which means pizza without the crispy base (truly a culinary crime). 

It has catalytic liners, but only on the back wall, which means you’ll still need to scrape and scrub the ceiling, walls and floor of the oven to keep it clean – which kind of defeats the purpose of having catalytic liners. 

(Not sure what catalytic liners are? We explain all about pyrolytic and catalytic ovens.)

It’s not really a pleasure to operate either, with our experts noting that the controls were only OK to use, the manual temperature dial may not be accurate, and the function symbols are small. 

It doesn’t have telescopic runners, and the shelves move out loosely, plus the door can slam shut when almost closed – all things that can add up to a ruined roast or a crummy cake. 

Read the full Bosch HBF133BS0A review. 

The post Wall ovens to avoid buying appeared first on CHOICE.

How much would you pay for the fridge of your dreams? What if we told you that you could pick up a similar product for less that’ll perform just as well – or even better? 

Our fridge experts test around 50 fridges every year, putting each product through rigorous testing in our labs, so we see past the marketing hype and judge each model on its merits.

Our reviews show you which fridges deliver champagne performance on a beer budget.

And this is why a CHOICE membership is such a good investment: for less than $100 a year, you can save yourself hundreds because you’ll know which expensive products to avoid, and which cheaper products are a better bet.

With the money you save on a new fridge, you could treat yourself to an air fryer, update your dishwasher, or even just pocket the cash for a rainy day (or spend it on something more fun than appliances!).

Here, we reveal two fridges that both disappointed in our testing, despite one costing $800 more than the other – showing that spending more doesn’t always buy you more.

And exclusively for CHOICE members, we’ll show you which cheaper French-door and bottom-mount models are better buys than ones costing hundreds of dollars more.

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

Why pay more for the same poor performance?

Splurge:

Haier HRF680YZC

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 45%
• Capacity: 601L
• Price: $3399

Save:

Bosch KFN96AXEAA

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 45%
• Capacity: 605L
• Price: $2599

There’s an $800 price difference between these two fridges. Is it worth it?

According to our test results, no. 

Neither fridge is an especially strong performer – they’re the equal second-lowest scoring fridges in the extra-large, French-door category – but comparing these two really highlights why high prices don’t always equal high quality.

They both bombed out on our temperature stability test, which measures how much the temperature fluctuates. They received two of the worst scores: 6% for the Bosch and 0% for the Haier. 

For this kind of money, you’d expect that a fridge could at least keep your ice cream from melting and re-freezing – that’s not much to ask of a fridge, right?

With scores like that, it’s not surprising that they also didn’t impress our experts with their ability to keep food fresh, scoring 45% (Bosch) and 50% (Haier).

The Haier does have a water and ice dispenser, but you need to connect the fridge to your plumbing, so it’ll cost you even more if you have to get a plumber in. That doesn’t sound like good value to us.

Researching before rushing out to buy can save you from disappointment, and from wasting your money.

The cheaper buys that outperform expensive models

While both the fridges profiled above are best avoided, there are also plenty of high performing cheap fridges that outperformed models costing hundreds, or even $1000 more.

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

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

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which cheaper fridges outperformed expensive models in our expert testing.

The post Splurge vs save: The cheaper fridges that rival expensive ones appeared first on CHOICE.

A crispy, melted toastie is a long-standing culinary delight – basic but delicious, quick to prepare and effortlessly indulgent.

You can create a toastie with your favourite fillings and even experiment with different types of breads as well. A traditional sandwich press can be bulky to use and a chore to pull out of the cupboard, so once the novelty has worn off you may not use your toastie-creating appliance as often as you’d like.

Enter the Kmart Anko Microwave Toastie Maker. A small, microwave-compatible gadget that can create a toasted sandwich without the fuss of using a sandwich press or jaffle maker. At first glance it looks a bit like a school lunchbox – but don’t be fooled, this compact design can create a toastie in next to no time.

We put it to the test, in our labs and at home with some toastie-loving kids to see if this sandwich-shaped gadget can replace a traditional sandwich press to give you a comfort food hit from your microwave.

On this page:

• What is it?
• The Kmart Microwave Toastie Maker vs traditional methods
• How does it perform?
• How easy is it to use and clean?
• Should you buy the Kmart Anko Microwave Toastie Maker?

What is it?

The Kmart Microwave Toastie Maker consists of two non-stick coated plates on the interior surfaces and a soft silicone exterior casing.

Simply make your sandwich, place it inside the toastie maker, close the two halves and clamp the silicone latches together (much like a sandwich container).

Put it in the microwave to get a crispy toasted sandwich in minutes.

It can be placed in the dishwasher for cleaning, and Kmart claims it’s made from BPA-free materials.

Kmart is selling it for $15 (also available at Target), but you can also pick up similar models from places like Big W, Harvey Norman and Bunnings and online from Amazon.

The Kmart Microwave Toastie Maker vs traditional methods

Wondering how the toastie maker measures up against using a traditional sandwich press or jaffle? We’ve weighed up the pros and cons.

Sandwich press

Sandwich presses come in two sizes – two-slice or four-slice. They generally have flat hot plates, but in some cases you may find ones with ribbed plates which give a more “char-grilled” look.

Pros

• You can cook more than one sandwich at once (if you have a 4-slice you can cook up to 4 sandwiches).
• If it has a lockable top plate you can also cook things like eggs, bacon and pancakes.
• More versatility in the types of breads you can use.
• Some multi-function presses have a top plate that opens flat to create larger cooking surfaces and can be used to barbecue meats.

Cons

• They take up space on your benchtop.
• Can be bulky to store.
• They require more cleaning time.
• Need to preheat.

Jaffle maker

Unlike a sandwich press that has plates to press and toast a sandwich, jaffle makers have grooves on the top and bottom hotplates that clamp and seal the edges to create a closed toasted sandwich.

Pros

• Usually more compact than a sandwich press
• You can cook more than one sandwich at once

Cons

• Limited bread types can be used.
• Overfilling can cause messy spills.
• Cleaning can be more fiddly and difficult.
• Need to preheat.

Kmart Microwave Toastie Maker

The microwave toastie maker looks more like a jaffle maker, but without the electrical cord and bulkier footprint.

Pros

• Compact in size.
• Quick and easy to use.
• No preheating required.
• Easy to clean.
• Easy to store.
• Comparatively inexpensive.

Cons

• Limited bread types can be used.
• Only accommodates standard bread slices.
• Might not get the crispy and crunchy results you’d get from a sandwich press or jaffle maker.

How does it perform?

CHOICE kitchen lab test

CHOICE home economist, Fiona Mair, put the microwave toastie maker to the test, making a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich.

The instructions say to cook in the microwave for two and a half minutes (for a 1000W microwave) and then flip the toastie maker and cook for a further one minute.

Fiona found doing this gave a good result; the bread was evenly toasted but it wasn’t very crunchy and the filling wasn’t oozing.

But she found cooking for two minutes on each side yielded the best result – the bread was evenly toasted with a slightly crunchy texture and oozing centre.

Fiona says, “To get the best results, you’ll need to make sure you flip the toastie maker. By doing this you’ll achieve even crispness on both sides of the sandwich.”

“You may need to experiment with cooking times as it will depend on your microwave wattage as well as the type and amount of fillings used. It’s also best not to overfill the toastie maker.”

Fiona checked how it performed without flipping and found the bread to be unevenly toasted with a soggy texture and filling that wasn’t oozing.

She also says “it’s best to eat the sandwich as soon as possible after the filling has cooled slightly, as the texture can become soggy if left too long and the bread can become chewy”.

CHOICE tip: Remember to butter the outside surface of the bread. This will help to achieve ideal browning and extra golden results.

Home test

To get another perspective, I decided to try the toastie maker at home to see if it lived up to the expectations of my toastie-loving kids.

My 10- and 7-year-old enjoyed the novelty of the toastie maker but it didn’t produce a sandwich that was “crunchy enough” for their liking.

My husband, on the other hand, was pleasantly surprised by the results and particularly liked how quick it was to use and that it would take up much less space than our bulky 4-slice sandwich press.

How easy is it to use and clean?

The Kmart Microwave Toastie Maker is very easy to use and clean.

The silicone exterior doesn’t get hot, so it can be safely handled without gloves when you need to flip it and remove it from the microwave.

The silicone can also be easily wiped over. The hot plates are easy to remove and then reinsert into the silicone sleeves and can be cleaned either in the kitchen sink or in the dishwasher.

As an added bonus, the toastie maker is compact and very easy to store.

Should you buy the Kmart Anko Microwave Toastie Maker?

If you’re looking to create crispy, melted toasties without the fuss of using a bulky sandwich press or jaffle maker, then the Kmart Anko Microwave Toastie Maker could be worth buying. It’s easy to use, cheap to buy and takes up next to no space in your kitchen.

However, it struggles to produce a crispy and crunchy texture – you’ll need to experiment with cooking times and be sure to flip the toastie maker during cooking to get the best results.

It also doesn’t have the versatility of a traditional sandwich press –  if you like to use different types of breads with lots of fillings you could be disappointed. The microwave toastie maker works best with standard bread and simple fillings.

The post Is the $15 Kmart Microwave Toastie Maker any good? appeared first on CHOICE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to choose the right fridge for your family

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

Expert tips

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

Choose the right type

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look for flexibility

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

Think twice about ice

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

The best fridges for big families

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most fridges with ice and water dispensers are either French-door or side-by-side models, which are generally at the more expensive end of the market.

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

A fridge with a water dispenser is likely to cost you a minimum of $1269 for a freezer-on-bottom model, and as much as $4500+ for a French-door fridge. Add in an ice dispenser as well and costs goes up even further: $2199 for a side-by-side model and over $5000 for a French-door fridge.

(Prices based on the fridges in our current review.)

Do you want to give up the freezer space?

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

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

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

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

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

Can’t plumb? 

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

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

These models typically offer only water or ice. Some can do both, but that’s not as common. We note which fridges offer these features without plumbing in our test results.

Tight on space? Options may be limited

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

In our entire fridges review of more than 100 products, 19 fridges have both ice and water dispensers, 11 have a water dispenser only, and four have ice dispensers but not water dispensers.

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

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

On the upside, single-width fridges cost less to run than French-door or side-by-side fridges. The 10-year running costs for French-door fridges in our current test range from $1248 to $2276. 

By comparison, the 10-year running costs for top- or bottom-mount fridges in our current test range from $612 to $1560. 

Australia’s best fridge brand

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

Here’s how the brands compare.

Best fridge brand 2025: Mitsubishi Electric

Best fridge brand 2025 scores:

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

What are the best fridges with water and ice dispensers?

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

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

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

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

There are a staggering number of fridges on the market – all with different features, finishes and sizes. Not to mention the huge range of prices, from hundreds to many thousands of dollars. 

It’s a big investment, and if you choose badly you could be stuck with a dud for years. That’s why CHOICE has been methodically testing fridges for decades: to help you find the best fridge for your needs.

Our lab experts assess key criteria including how fresh they keep your food, whether they maintain a stable temperature, how much energy they use, and how much they’ll cost to run.

Over the years, they’ve uncovered some impressive fridges alongside some seriously poor performers that scored below 50%. Not only do some of them cost thousands of dollars, they’ll also struggle to keep your food fresh, costing you even more over the years.

We’ve reviewed more than 100 popular fridge models in our accredited labs to cut through the advertising spin and help you decide which to buy.

Past contenders

In the past, we’ve warned consumers to avoid a number of subpar fridges.

Some lowlights include:

• Smeg FAB38RCRAU, known as “the worst fridge we’ve ever tested”.
• Smeg FAB32RRDNA1, which failed its energy check and scored just 34% overall.
• Ikea Nedkyld fridge, which took out a CHOICE Shonky Award.

Fortunately, these fridges have been discontinued since we named and shamed them. 

The fridges to avoid buying

Unlike the fridges listed above, these low-scoring models are still on the market – so make sure you steer clear.

Hisense HRSBS649SW

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 40%
• Temperature stability score: 21%
• Price: $1599

This is the lowest scoring fridge in our review. Not exactly a sought-after accolade – and a fridge you should definitely avoid at all costs.

It fails to rise above mediocrity in almost all aspects of our test, with particularly troubling temperature fluctuation and evenness results.

Individual performance results aren’t the absolute worst we’ve seen but collectively, they point to an incredibly average fridge with no notable redeeming features.

Not only does the overall temperature of the fridge and freezer fluctuate, there are also warmer and colder spots throughout. Your ice cream and fresh produce will really feel the heat (or cold), depending on where you put them.

Read the full Hisense HRSBS649SW review.

Bosch KFN96VPEAA

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 43%
• Temperature stability score: 13%
• Price: $3299

In a previous review, we found a $2198 Bosch fridge that scored just 45% overall and rated just 5% for temperature stability.

This time it’s a $3300 French-door model that’s marginally better on temperature stability, but only just: it scored 13% in our test and couldn’t hold a stable temperature in the freezer or fresh food compartment. 

It performed worse than a number of cheaper French-door fridges, so avoid making a $3000 mistake by checking our detailed fridge reviews before you buy. 

Read the full Bosch KFN96VPEAA review.

Haier HRF420BHC

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 43%
• Temperature stability score: 6%
• Price: $1399

This fridge received one of the lowest temperature stability scores of all the fridges in our review.

For context, the best fridges we tested scored 90% on this metric – so 6% isn’t just bad, it’s shockingly bad.

Our lab experts rigorously assess each fridge, measuring the temperature at 12 different points in the fresh food compartment over a period of seven days to get an accurate picture of how much the temperature changes.

These kinds of wild variations mean the fridge doesn’t do its one and only job: keep your food cold (or frozen). To keep your food safe, your fridge needs to stay between 0°C and 4°C. But if the temperature rises higher than 4°C, you’re entering the food “danger zone” where bacteria can multiply.

And if the temperature in your fridge dips below 0°C, your food could freeze and then thaw again, leaving you with limp lettuce and soggy cucumber. In your freezer, temperature changes can shorten the lifespan of your frozen food and – even worse – ruin your ice cream.

We’ve found plenty of other fridges around the same price as this Haier that will actually keep your food cold, so check our review to find the best fridges for your budget. 

Read the full Haier HRF420BHC review.

Smeg FAB32RPB5AU

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 43%
• Temperature stability score: 0%
• Price: $4290

Smeg’s done it again with another second-rate fridge. To give credit where it’s due, this one is slightly better than its predecessors – but not much.

While you’d think the company would’ve improved upon the poor temperature stability that sealed its fate as manufacturer of the “worst fridge ever”, it seems Smeg hasn’t bothered: the FAB32 scored 0% for temperature stability.

The temperature is also not evenly distributed, with the top shelf section recording significantly warmer temperatures than the bottom.

Between the sketchy temperature stability and warm patches, your food is likely to go off faster, adding extra dollars to your grocery bill – which many of us can ill afford with today’s cost of living.

And it has a huge price tag for a fridge this size: over $4000 for a fridge we classify as “small”. So, you’re not getting much bang for your buck in terms of size or performance with this fridge.

Read the full Smeg FAB32RPB5AU review.

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