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 of microwaves that promise the benefits of air-frying?

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 appliance expert and home economist, Fiona Mair says: “We’ve reviewed a few convection microwave models 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 will have a microwave, a grill and an 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. Running costs may also be slightly higher than with an air fryer, but why have more appliances in your kitchen than you need?” says Fiona.

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 $600. The cheapest convection microwave we’ve tested is a Kmart model for $169 but other brands can cost $1000 or more. 

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.

The best convection microwaves with air-fryer functionality

When testing convection microwaves, our experts give each model a score that reflects its cooking performance as well as how easy it is to use. We perform some specific cooking tests to assess each appliance’s reheating and defrosting functions, by measuring how well they perform tasks such as cooking broccoli, melting chocolate, baking scones (at a high temperature) and roasting a chicken, as well as other tasks to assess each model’s baking and grilling capabilities.

We have only tested how well each model performs as an air fryer when it has a pre-set function or manual setting that aligns with our air fryer testing method. If we have results on the model’s air-frying abilities, they’re detailed in the profiles below.

Our detailed convection microwave testing data is available exclusively for CHOICE members. Below, CHOICE members can view the top performing convection microwaves in our review that have an air fryer functionality.

If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to our expert, independent reviews of microwaves and air fryers, plus hundreds of other products, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which microwaves with air fryer functionality are rated the best by our experts.

If you’re interested in stand-alone air fryers, you can view our air fryer reviews.

The post Best microwaves that can air-fry appeared first on CHOICE.

Here’s a guide to what you can and can’t safely wash in your dishwasher so you never have to wonder again whether your great-aunt’s silver-plated teaspoons will survive the cycle.

(Hot tip: you’re better off washing them by hand if you want them to stay silver.)

On this page:

• Dishwasher safe symbols explained
• Crockery, cutlery and tableware
• Cookware
• Appliance parts
• Baby and kids’ items

Dishwasher safe symbols explained

Unlike care labels on clothes, there’s no universally agreed-upon set of symbols to indicate whether something is dishwasher safe, so you may need to do a little detective work to find out if something can go in the dishwasher or not. 

The images above are some commonly used dishwasher-safe symbols that you might come across on your crockery or containers.

They’re not the only ones out there, but they’re all generally variations on a theme, so look for a picture of plates and/or glasses under drops of water or a shower.

Just to make things even more confusing, there’s no official definition of what ‘dishwasher safe’ really means. Manufacturers all have their own definitions and processes for determining whether something can be put in the dishwasher.

Bear in mind, too, that some items that are labelled ‘dishwasher safe’ can still degrade when washed in the dishwasher over long periods of time – they’ll just take longer to deteriorate than products that aren’t dishwasher safe.

Dishwasher safe – top rack only

Items on the bottom rack of the dishwasher sit just above the heating element, which means that they’re subjected to more heat than those on the top rack.

For plastic and glass, the top rack is a better option as it’s a lower temperature and has a less intense washing action.

Dishwasher safe glassware

Glass can be fragile and prone to breakage, so the dishwasher isn’t always the safest place for delicate glassware.

Plus, the harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergent can cause haziness.

The dishwasher safe glassware symbol means an item will stand up to the rigours of the dishwasher. 

Not dishwasher safe

A dishwasher safe icon with a line through it means an item cannot be safely washed in the dishwasher.

An illustration of a hand in a bucket of water, in the context of cutlery and crockery means the item should be washed by hand.

Can I wash it in the dishwasher?

It’s tempting to chuck every single thing in the dishwasher to save on handwashing, but unfortunately there are some items that won’t fare well in the dishwasher.

CHOICE kitchen experts weigh in on whether or not the following items can be washed in a dishwasher.

Crockery, cutlery and tableware

Everyday tableware

Dishwashers are great for pretty much all everyday plates, cups and cutlery, so given how much time and water savings you’ll save, racking them in the dishwasher instead of stacking them by the sink is a no-brainer.

And because your dirty plates are out of sight, you can wait a couple of days till the machine’s full before you run it for even more savings.

Plastics

A hot dishwasher can warp or damage some plastics, and squeezing plastic items into small spaces may also cause warping – so while you can put them in the dishwasher, they should go on the top shelf.

Plastics also have a low thermal mass, so they don’t dry especially well in your dishwasher.

Wine glasses

Fragile glassware can scratch or break easily. So if you value your stemware then wash it by hand instead. (And just to be on the safe side – and avoid breakages – maybe wash them the next morning if you’ve had a few glasses too many!)

Even durable drinking glasses can fall foul of the dishwasher and develop a white haze over time. 

Alkaline detergents slowly dissolve the glass itself (silicate filming and etching), leave tiny crystal formations (devitrification), and abrasives in the detergent can physically scour your glassware. (This gets worse with cheaper powder detergents).

If you’re washing in hard water then you may even find cloudy calcium deposits on your glass, though unlike other causes of hazing, this can be removed.

All that said, some manufacturers are going to great lengths to ensure their dishwashers are safe for delicate stemware, and some also include special racks to hold wine glasses safely, so we’re definitely seeing improvements in this area.

Sharp knives

Dishwasher-wise, your good knives don’t make the cut – carbon steel corrodes rapidly in your dishwasher’s harsh, alkaline environment, and bouncing around with other items will dull carefully honed cutting edges.

Plus, emptying the dishwasher is a far riskier proposition with a 12″ lobster-splitter somewhere inside.

Can you put lead crystal in the dishwasher?

Leave your nan’s lead crystal glassware in the display cabinet next to the teaspoons, because your dishwasher’s high temperature and alkaline detergent can convert the lead into a soluble form.

You don’t want to drink that down with your crème de menthe!

Crockery, cutlery and tableware: What can and can’t go in the dishwasher

Cookware

Don’t want to scrub that dirty baking dish? Fair enough. But before you put it in the dishwasher and cross your fingers that it’ll be fine, give this list a quick scan to make sure it will survive.

Pots and pans

Modern dishwashers do a surprisingly good job cleaning even heavily soiled stainless steel pots and pans and ceramic baking dishes. Combined with a good quality detergent, your dishwasher may clean away burned-on cheese and food particles that would pose a challenge when washing by hand.

Many dishwashers also have foldable or removable tines to make it easier to fit bulky pots, and some even have an intensive zone, designed specifically to give cookware an extra-thorough going over.

However, you should still handwash non-stick, cast-iron, copper and fine aluminium cookware because they can be damaged by the dishwasher.

Non-stick cookware

Non-stick coatings will deteriorate rapidly in your dishwasher – follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to extend their life. (And maybe ask yourself if they’re really non-stick, why is there anything to wash off in the first place?).

Cast iron

Your dishwasher won’t damage the cast iron itself, but it will strip off the layers of precious seasoning that protect your pan from rust and make it virtually non-stick.

But your skillet shouldn’t go near the sink either – just wipe it out with paper towel to clean it, and remove stubborn cooking remnants with salt and elbow grease.

Cookware: What can and can’t go in the dishwasher

Appliance parts: What can and can’t go in the dishwasher

Can you put your Thermomix parts or air fryer baskets in the dishwasher? Check the table below to find out.

Baby and kids’ items: What can and can’t go in the dishwasher

Let’s face it: kids can be messy. Can a dishwasher help make cleaning up easier?

Here are the baby and kids’ products that are okay to put in the dishwasher, and the ones you shouldn’t.

The post Can you put it in the dishwasher? appeared first on CHOICE.

While air fryers have just one job – air frying your food – multi-cookers have a whole host of features, allowing you to roast, grill, slow cook, saute, pressure cook, steam and cook rice. Sounds a bit like one of those TV infomercials, right?

But wait, there’s more: some multi-cookers now also have an air fryer mode!

That’s right – for the low, low price of $500 to $700, you get one machine that replaces up to 14 different kitchen appliances, including an air fryer. 

And if you buy one today you’ll also get a cupboard full of accessories, including a cook and crisp basket, steaming basket, grill tray, trivet, measuring cup, serving spoon, condensation cup and more!

But what if you don’t want something that complicated? A straightforward air fryer can cost much less (under $50 for a Kmart Anko cheapie) and may do exactly what you need it to – and nothing you don’t.

So is it worth paying the extra for a multifunctional marvel? Or are you better off just buying an affordable air fryer and sticking with your existing appliances?

We’ll tell you everything you need to know to decide if a multi-cooker (with air fryer mode) or a standalone air fryer is the right appliance for you.

What do multi-cookers and air fryers do?

Multi-cookers

Perhaps a better question would be: what doesn’t a multi-cooker do? 

Some boast as many as 14 functions, from air frying and baking through to more niche functions like yoghurt making and sous vide cooking. 

But do you really need that many functions? Or will you end up only switching on your whizz-bang new appliance when you need to air fry?

Depending on exactly what you want to do with it and how much you want to pay, you could opt for a model with fewer functions – after all, just how often do you think you’ll be making yoghurt from scratch or dehydrating your own jerky?

But the flipside is that a multifunction machine can replace multiple appliances, giving you your cupboard space back and streamlining your kitchen. 

“Multi-cookers can replace appliances such as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sous vide, air fryer, and oven for roasting meats and vegetables. Some can also grill and sear and can be used instead of a cooktop,” says CHOICE home economist Fiona Mair.

“The type of functions available will vary between models, so choose one that has functions that suit your style of cooking.”

Air fryers

Some air fryers now have multiple functions, too.

“We are starting to see air fryers with a steaming function which is perfect for steaming vegetables, chicken, fish, dumplings, and more,” says Fiona. 

Even without a steam function, air fryers aren’t just for cooking chips and nuggets: you can use them to make banana bread, soft-boiled eggs, pizza, roasted nuts and chickpeas, and more. 

Here are seven weird air fryer recipes that we trialled to see if they work.

Air fryers: Pros and cons

Pros:

• Quick to heat up so you can have dinner on the table faster
• Simple to use
• Good for smaller households
• Can be used as an alternative to an oven for very small kitchens, caravans, granny flats, etc
• No bulky accessories to store
• Smaller models take up less space than multi-cookers

Cons:

• May not have a large enough capacity for bigger households
• Can be tricky to clean
• Not set and forget: you need to regularly shake the food for maximum crispness
• Depending on the configuration, they may not fit as much food as you expect
• Larger models can take up a lot of bench space

“If you’re wanting to replace your oven with an air fryer or reduce the amount of cooking in the oven then I would recommend you invest in a larger air fryer, perhaps with dual drawers so you can cook different foods at the same time,” says Fiona.

“Air fryers that have shelves and look like little ovens are great for one-shelf cooking but are not the best for food that requires shaking unless it has a rotating basket. This type is harder to clean and can come with accessories that are annoying to clean and store.”

Multi-cookers: Pros and cons

Pros:

• Versatile
• Replace multiple appliances
• Larger capacity
• Can be left unattended in slow cook mode
• A good multi-cooker can do lots of tasks well
• Many models come with air fryer mode so can replace a standalone air fryer

Cons:

• Can be tricky to clean – especially the steam valve for the pressure cooker
• Lots of accessories to store
• Large footprint
• Heavy and bulky
• Steeper learning curve, especially when using pressure cooker mode

“A multi-cooker isn’t the nicest-looking bench appliance, so you may want to store it away when not in use,” says Fiona.

“However, if you think you’ll use the air fryer function often, then it might be easier to leave out on the bench – they’re not easy to haul in and out of the cupboard every time you want to use them.

“While you might like the idea of an appliance that can do everything, have a think about whether an all-in-one multi-cooker is the best option, or whether you’d be better off having a standalone air fryer that stays on the bench plus a multi-cooker that doesn’t air fry in the cupboard.

“There are pros and cons to both scenarios.”

Do multi-cookers with air fryer mode work as well as standalone air fryers?

Some product mash-ups have been wildly successful – think phones and cameras, and touchscreen laptops that double as tablets. Others are more questionable: ever heard of the Evian water bra? There’s a reason for that. 

And the jury is still out on the Dyson Zone Absolute+, which is an unusual combination of headphones and an air purifier. (Rumour has it that the company had to clarify that the product was not, in fact, an April Fool’s joke.)

So is combining air frying with yoghurt making a good idea, or will you just end up with an appliance that does both poorly?

Fortunately these multifunction machines are one of the good mash-ups. 

“We’ve found the results to be very good to excellent,” says Fiona. “They tend to perform just as well as any standalone appliance.”

And while they might cost more upfront than single-function appliances, it could actually save you, too. 

“When you consider the cost of these appliances separately, you could be paying a lot more,” says Fiona. “And you’d have to find room to store all the standalone appliances if you buy them separately.”

A tale of two appliances

Having an air fryer or a multi-cooker in your kitchen will make life easier – but what about having both?

“I have a Ninja multi-cooker with an air fryer function which does about a hundred things and also works great as an air fryer, but it is very heavy and bulky,” says Pru, CHOICE’s audience and engagement editor and busy parent of two.

“I don’t want to leave it on my benchtop but it’s annoying to get in and out of the cupboard.

“To me, the best aspect of an air fryer is having food that’s perfectly cooked and ready to go quickly, so I wanted a smaller air fryer I could just keep on the bench and pop things in while I’m cooking dinner for the kids.”

Pru uses her multi-cooker more often in winter for pressure cooking, slow cooking and as a rice cooker, so she says it doesn’t make sense to keep it on the bench year-round.

“I bought a smaller, lighter air fryer and it just lives on our bench. It’s much easier to move around and clean, and is great for chips and nuggets for the kids, fish fillets, drumsticks, crispy kale and cauliflower, and more.”

What to consider when buying a multi-cooker or air fryer

Just as every household is different, so is every home cook. Make sure you’re clear on what you want from a kitchen appliance before you start looking for something that does everything under the sun. 

Here’s what Fiona suggests you ask yourself before you buy.

1. How many people are you cooking for?

Air fryers can be great for singles and small households, but may not have the capacity for cooking for crowds. (And if you need to make big batches, you already have a large air fryer in your kitchen: your oven.) 

Multi-cookers hold a lot more, so if you’re a one- or two-person household, they might be overkill for air frying small quantities of food.

2. How do you like to cook? 

You can only cook one meal or one type of food at a time in a multi-cooker, so think about whether that suits how you tend to cook. 

For instance, if you’re using your multi-cooker to slow cook a meal for eight hours, you won’t be able to whip up a batch of chicken nuggets to feed the kids until it’s done.

It’s much the same for air fryers, though: you can only really cook one type of food at a time, unless you have a dual-drawer air fryer (like this Kmart twin air fryer) or one with a flexi zone that lets you cook using two different times and temperatures. But obviously an air fryer has far fewer functions than a multi-cooker.

3. How big is your kitchen? 

Multi-cookers are generally quite large, and their round shape can make them awkward to store. Plus, you’ll need somewhere to keep the accessories, some of which can be quite bulky. 

However, they can replace multiple appliances so you’ll need much less storage space than if you had a standalone slow cooker, air fryer, pressure cooker and so on.

Some air fryers do have large footprints, but if space is at a premium you can opt for a smaller size, or even a stacked two-drawer model like the Ninja DoubleStack XXXL.

4. Where will you put it? 

Multi-cookers can be large and heavy, so they’re not the kind of appliance you’ll want to haul in and out of the cupboard every time you want to cook. 

You can pick up an air fryer that’s lighter and smaller than a multi-cooker if you want something to use every day. But if batch-cooked meals are in high rotation in your household, you might decide that your multi-cooker more than earns the space on your benchtop.

“If you want an air fryer, it’s best to use it as a permanent bench fixture so you can access it easily for quick heating and cooking,” says Fiona.

“A twin basket with a steamer makes the air fryer more versatile, which is something to consider.”

5. What kind of foods do you want to cook? 

If you just want crispy food, then you only need an air fryer – and there’s not much point paying for all the extra functions in a multi-cooker if you’re not going to use them. 

But if you want to cook a variety of meals using a range of different cooking techniques, a multi-cooker is the way to go.

Air fryers and multi-cookers compared: Which is best for which task?

Here are the benefits of a multi-cooker over an air fryer:

• You can batch cook, which is a great way to save money and time
• They’re very versatile so you can use them for many different dishes and ways of cooking, while air fryers only do one thing
• Slow cooker mode means you can prep meals ahead of time and come home to an already-cooked dinner
• Buying multiple appliances in one is cheaper than buying each one separately – and you’ll only need to store one appliance rather than several

Here’s where air fryers have the edge over multi-cookers:

• They can be cheaper
• Since they only have one function, they’re easier to learn how to use
• Some have a smaller footprint than multi-cookers
• There are a range of sizes to suit different households – whereas multi-cookers are generally all quite large

Expert verdict: air fryer or multi-cooker?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here: it depends on how you like to cook and what’s important to you in a kitchen appliance. 

“I think a multi-cooker can be a good option for someone who has limited bench space, or a small kitchen with very few appliances,” says Fiona. 

“If you don’t already have a slow cooker, pressure cooker, air fryer, and rice cooker but you’re interested in using these cooking methods, or if you want to consolidate a number of appliances into one, then I would definitely consider a multi-cooker with air fryer mode. 

“But if you just want crispy food, then you’ll only need a standalone air fryer.”

The post Air fryer vs multi-cooker: Which one should you buy? appeared first on CHOICE.

It’s hard to tell from price alone whether you’re backing a winner. Some of the top performers in our test outclassed products that were far more expensive, so it’s worth doing your research to make sure you’re buying the right blender for you. 

Here are our tips for choosing a blender. Plus, for CHOICE members only, we’ll reveal the top scoring blenders from our rigorous lab tests.

If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews. 

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

What kind of blender should I buy?

From a single-serve model suitable for smoothies for one, through to high-powered machines that can whip up hot soups from raw ingredients using blade friction alone, there are so many options when it comes to blenders. 

So which kind of blender should you buy? It depends on what you want to do with it. 

“If you want to reduce the amount of processed foods you buy, then a high-performance blender is worth considering,” says Fiona Mair, CHOICE’s kitchen expert. 

“It really depends on what you want a blender for. If it’s just for making shakes, smoothies and cocktails, then a standard or personal blender is all you need.”

Do you even need a blender?

If you’re deeply committed to daily green smoothies, milling your own flour or whipping up a batch of nut butter, you’ll need a blender that can handle everything you throw at (or into) it.

But if you’re only making smoothies from fruit, whizzing up milkshakes or blitzing veggies in soup, a stick blender may well do the job.

Here’s what to know before buying a stick blender.

What different blenders can and can’t do

Not every blender is up to the task of liquefying kale or chopping nuts, so before you buy, take some time to think about how you plan to use your new blender.

Once you’ve decided what you need, check our test results – just because a blender is advertised as being able to liquefy even the toughest veggies doesn’t mean it’ll be good at it!

Portable and personal blenders

These small-sized blenders don’t have the power needed to tackle kale or other heavy-duty tasks.

Because of their small capacity, they can’t take on larger jobs like a full-sized blender can.

But they are a handy and affordable space-saving appliance for basic smoothies for one.

Stick to fresh and frozen fruit and make sure you add liquid before you blend. They can generally handle a few ice cubes if you want to cool things down.

You can also use them to make protein shakes and milkshakes, salad dressings and pureed baby food.

Standard blenders

Regular-sized blenders aren’t all created equal. 

Some are up to the challenge of chopping hard veggies like carrots uniformly (without turning them to mush), effortlessly blitzing kale into submission and crushing ice to the perfect consistency.

But others will struggle with some of these tasks.

Paying a bit more for a standard blender can often mean more functions, such as auto programs, more speed settings, countdown timers, accessories and more. 

Of course, a more expensive blender won’t necessarily do a better job than a cheaper one, so don’t base your decision solely on the price tag.

High-performance blenders

These are the VIPs of the blender world – Thermomixes fall into this category. Powerful and versatile, they’re far more than just milkshake makers.

Aside from the usual blender tasks, they have a myriad of other uses, including:

• Milling flour
• Grinding nut butters
• Making spice pastes
• Finely crushing ice
• Grating parmesan cheese
• Making hot soup (the friction from the blade creates heat)
• Mixing pizza dough

Our experts put high-performance blenders through their paces in our kitchen lab, assessing their abilities on most of these tasks.

All 18 of the high-performance blenders in our current review nailed crushing ice, dry milling nuts and grating parmesan cheese, and most of them crushed the nut butter test.

Most people associate these super-powered blenders with green smoothies, but a surprising number of them didn’t impress our testers in this domain. Less than two-thirds of them turned out excellent green smoothies, and only four of them scored above 80% for blending kale.

And spending more won’t necessarily give you better results, either: the $949 Blendtec Designer 625 CTB1 was rated as ‘borderline’ for blending kale, while the $200 Ninja Nutri Ninja BL642NZ scored a perfect 100%.

Make sure you check our detailed reviews to find the best high-performance blender for your kitchen.

Which are the best blenders for smoothies and meal prep?

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

Our detailed 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.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which blenders are real whizzes in the kitchen.

The post The best blenders for smoothies and meal prep appeared first on CHOICE.

A microwave is a kitchen workhorse that can cost less than $100 or as much as $1000.

And like most modern appliances, they are increasingly complex, with lots of different functions and settings. But while many of these added features can be useful and help make your microwave more versatile, most of us just want something that we can rely on. 

While our testing lets us assess how appliances perform in our labs, it’s also useful to find out how different brands of microwaves perform in the real world, which is why we recently surveyed more than 2000 Australians to ask about their experiences.

Measuring reliability

We wanted to understand how satisfied consumers were with their microwave purchase and also how reliable the product was. 

We looked at a variety of well-known microwave brands, including Kmart Anko, Panasonic, LG and more, and gave each brand a score based on how satisfied customers were with that brand’s microwave and how reliable it was over time. 

We also gave each brand a separate reliability score that indicates how likely that brand’s microwaves are to develop faults over time.

Simply speaking, the higher the score, the fewer people reported having problems in the previous 12 months.

The most reliable microwave brands

Our survey found that the most reliable microwaves came from Panasonic and Kmart Anko. These brands achieved reliability scores of more than 90%.

Sharp and Samsung were not far behind with scores of 90% and 89%, respectively. LG scored 85%, and Breville 84%. 

More than four in five (81%) respondents who owned a Panasonic microwave have never had any problems since purchase. The brand was frequently praised for its overall reliability and even cooking, and many reported that their appliance had “lasted many years” without any issues. 

Kmart Anko microwaves also earned high scores for reliability, and 79% told us they had never had any problems with their appliance. These appliances were praised for their simple ease of use, and owners noted how satisfied they were given the price point.  

Both LG and Breville got the lowest reliability scores, and the incidence of problems is higher than average. Of those microwaves that had a problem, around a third had a major problem, and the majority of these (79%) occurred within five years of purchase.  

Only a small percentage of respondents had contacted the manufacturer for service or support. Most who had sought help told us there was no cost, and about half had their issue resolved within a month.

However, a higher than average proportion of LG owners had contacted the company for support and service of their microwave, and many reported a negative experience. 

Complaints included:

• difficulty in getting LG to acknowledge the problem
• lengthy repair processes that did not fully fix the issue
• being told there was no way to resolve the problem and that the only option was to purchase a new microwave.

Very few told us that the problem was satisfactorily resolved.

Standard vs convection

Most people we surveyed owned a standard microwave, but 12% owned a convection model. Convection microwaves, also sometimes called combination ovens, combine the functions of a microwave but also let you brown and crisp food like a standard oven. 

Convection microwave owners were more likely than standard owners to report problems with low power, slow cooking, or the microwave stopping mid-cycle. They were also more likely to report that their microwave turned off unexpectedly.

Given these results, it’s perhaps no surprise that owners of standard microwaves had higher scores for satisfaction than those with convection microwaves but there wasn’t much in it: 87% versus 85%.

Common microwave problems

Only one in four microwave owners reported problems with their purchase, which means 75% never have any issues. This makes microwaves one of the most reliable appliances in our surveys. 

Of those who did report issues, the most common problems were related to the light (3%), rust (3%), the LCD display (2%), and uneven heating or cooking or not heating or cooking at all (2%). Similar numbers complained of paint wearing off, noisiness, or that their microwave simply stopped working.

Common complaints from those with LG microwaves, which earned some of the lowest reliability scores, included dissatisfaction with not being able to access some controls unless the door is open, the 10-second timer increments, and the fact that the whole microwave moves when opening the door. The tune the microwave plays at the end of cooking (and the fact that it continues until attended to) also earned complaints.

Don’t buy based on brand alone

It’s important to note that while this survey provides useful, real-world feedback that adds to the data we capture in our lab testing, it doesn’t replace the need to consider models individually rather than buying based only on brand. 

Variation between models from the same brand means some Panasonic microwaves earn a recommendation from our experts, while others don’t.

Likewise, while LG ranked lower for reliability than some of the other brands, we find many of their microwaves perform very well in our testing, so they shouldn’t be ruled out. 

About our survey

There were a total of 2384 respondents to our survey, which was carried out between 27 August and 29 September 2025. The survey included questions on microwaves, coffee machines and dryers, and respondents could qualify for all or only some sections of the survey.

The post Panasonic and Kmart Anko most reliable microwave brands: CHOICE research appeared first on CHOICE.

That’s pretty much like washing up manually, just with added steps.

This is why we test dishwashers in our state-of-the-art labs: to show you which is the best so your money doesn’t end up down the drain.

For our latest dishwasher reviews, our experts tested models from Smeg, Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, Beko, Haier, LG, Westinghouse, Electrolux, AEG and more. 

After days of ‘doing the dishes’, they uncovered some impressive cleaners and some serious under-performers.

How do we test them? Well, it’s a dirty job that involves crusty crockery identically stained with foods such as oats, egg yolk, rice starch, spinach, baby cereal and more. 

We leave the dishes out overnight, then analyse how well each dishwasher gets them clean. Learn more about how we test dishwashers.

The lowest rated dishwashers from our tests

Omega ODW101W

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 58%
• Price: $799

The worst performer in our test overall, this half-size benchtop model does about half the job we’d hoped for.

It performed poorly for both washing and drying, meaning you’ll be reaching for that wash cloth and tea towel once its long cycle has finally finished.

(Hot tip: if your dishwasher isn’t great at drying, try cracking the door open a few centimetres just after the cycle has finished and leave it to settle for half an hour or so – it’ll generally give you dryer dishes than if you left the the door closed or unpacked the machine straight away.)

On the upside, the Omega is cheap to run (which is good because you might need to run it twice to get the wash you want) and it won’t require any modifications to your cabinetry to install, as you can just plug it in. This also means that you can take it with you if you move out.

But don’t let this model put you off benchtop units altogether: it is possible to find a smaller dishwasher that performs well.

We’ve come across some benchtop models that punch well above their weight and even outscore full-sized dishwashers. Unfortunately this just isn’t one of them.

Read the full Omega ODW101W review.

Haier HDW13F0S1

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 62%
• Price: $749

This freestanding dishwasher achieved a dismal washing performance score of 51%, which was the lowest of all the models in our latest testing.

This is the part of the test where we assess how well the dishwasher removes foods like oats, egg yolk and spinach that have been dried on plates overnight. How each model performs in this test makes up the majority of the score (because if your dishwasher can’t get your plates clean, it’s clearly a waste of space).

To add insult to injury, our testers found this model is relatively noisy and very expensive to run, destined to set you back over $1500 in running costs over 10 years.

Read the full Haier HDW13F0S1 review.

Haier HDW15F2S1

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 64%
• Price: $999

Not only is this dodgy dishwasher relatively expensive to operate, it bombs out on washing performance with a score of 55%, which means it’s going to be a dreary sight when you open that dishwasher door.

It also has no option for a ‘light’ or ‘fast’ wash, meaning you can’t expect a quick turnaround if you need to reuse your plates and cups quickly, and there’s no ‘rinse-only’ program either, which can be annoying if your dirty plates are starting to smell but your dishwasher’s not full enough to run yet.

It did perform well at drying those poorly washed dishes though, and includes a feature where the dishwasher door opens automatically at the end of the cycle to aid drying performance.

The dishwasher is Wi-Fi connected, which means you can control it remotely, but whether that’s more useful than actually getting clean dishes is debatable.

Read the full Haier HDW15F2S1 review.

Inalto IDW604S

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $449

It’s dirt cheap to buy and to run, but this model’s low price comes with similarly low performance scores. 

It delivers very good energy efficiency, but you’ll have to use all your energy drying the dishes after this Inalto is done with them.

It’s also pretty basic, lacking many features that come as standard with other dishwashers, such as anti-burst hose, rinse-only program, half-load option and time-remaining display. 

Not only is it relatively noisy, it has a very long cycle time, so you’ll have to put up with the noise for a full 183 minutes. 

Read the full Inalto dishwasher review.

Artusi ADW4501X

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $949

It scores exactly the same as the Inalto above, but somehow this Artusi machine costs nearly twice as much. 

If you’re looking for a slimline dishwasher you’ll find there are slim pickings. Most models are the standard 60cm wide, so your options are limited from the get-go. And unfortunately these narrower dishwashers don’t come with a slimline price to match: the 45cm-wide models we’ve tested range from $699 to $1549. 

But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for an expensive but ultimately disappointing model like this.

The difference between this Artusi and its diminutive peers is that all of them performed better – even the cheapest model.

And this one lacks even basic features such as an anti-flood/anti-burst hose, time-remaining display, rinse-only program and half-load option. Plus it has a painfully long cycle time of nearly three hours!

Since you’ll be paying a premium for a petite machine regardless, we suggest you don’t put your money towards this one.

Read the full Artusi ADW4501X review.

Fisher & Paykel DD60SCX9

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $1699

Accommodating just seven place settings, this built-in single-drawer Fisher & Paykel costs twice as much as some dishwashers that fit twice as many settings, so you’re getting less but paying more.

You’ll also pay more in bills: it uses similar amounts of water and electricity to wash half as many dishes as a full-size unit.

Our experts scored its energy efficiency per plate at just 55%. By comparison, the most energy-efficient models we’ve tested score 70% and higher.

Fisher & Paykel does make some good dishwashers, but unfortunately this isn’t one of them. If you’re looking for a single-drawer machine, we suggest you look elsewhere.

Read the full Fisher & Paykel DD60SCX9 review.

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The post Dishwashers to avoid buying appeared first on CHOICE.

On this page:

• Standard blenders
• Blenders vs stick blenders
• High-performance super blenders
• Personal blenders
• Portable blenders
• How much do blenders cost?
• How long should a blender last?
• Other things to consider when buying a blender

There are many types of blenders available, so how does a cheap and cheerful $50 standard benchtop model compare with a high-speed super blender (also known as a high-performance blender) that could set you back a cool $1699? And how do you make sure you’re getting the one that best suits your needs? Is a personal blender that specialises in serving up single-serve beverages more suitable for your needs or would you prefer a portable blender that you can charge at home to create blended creations while you’re out of the house.

Standard blenders

Traditional benchtop blenders have some similar functions to food processors, but their construction is different. Blenders usually have a narrow jug with blades at the bottom, making them ideal for creating fruit smoothies and milkshakes, blending soups and making sauces.

Many of the mid-priced blenders (in the $300–500 price bracket) can do more than cheaper blenders and may suit your needs, but you’ll need to take a closer look at the available features and differences. If you’re thinking only of juicing, you may want to check out our dedicated juicer reviews.

Blenders vs stick blenders

While it’s great to think you’ll be using a blender for myriad new culinary adventures, if the truth is that you’ll only end up using it occasionally for smoothies and shakes, a stick blender will do the job and cost you less. A stick blender is smaller, cheaper and easier to use than a blender, and is handy to have in arm’s reach for quick jobs like blending soups, pureeing baby food or making mayonnaise and other sauces.

But if you’re blending often and with ingredients like hard fruit, seeds, vegetables and ice, you’ll need the grunt only a benchtop blender can offer.

High-performance super blenders

If you’re into heavy-duty blending, you can’t go past a high-performance blender, or super blender. They offer more versatility than what you can get from a regular blender and they’re extra powerful too, tackling a whole range of tasks.  

These high-speed super blenders can be compared to all-in-one machines in that they can do things like:

• mill flour
• chop or crush wet and dry ingredients
• crush large amounts of ice into a snow-like appearance
• create hot soup (above 70°C) in around five minutes from completely raw ingredients, using blade friction alone
• make nut butters
• create spice pastes
• make dough
• turn tough vegetables like kale into a silky-smooth consistency (with the help of a little water).

Some super blenders have heavy duty ‘dry’ jugs available so you don’t have to wreck your regular jug with abrasive and hard foods, or you can buy a separate jug just for dry tasks.

In recent years superfood and juicing crazes have led to manufacturers giving their blenders more oomph and making more health claims, and it’s not uncommon to come across buzzwords like ‘high velocity’, ‘pulverise’, ‘whole food juice’ and ‘improved mouthfeel’.

Our test results cut through all of this hype, but there’s no denying the difference between a blender that can only crush a few ice cubes and one that’ll mill corn kernels. 

Warm and frothy

The force generated by super blenders means they create more air and heat than a regular blender. In our tests, we found super blender green smoothie temperatures rose by as much as 7°C (whereas regular blenders rose up to 2°C). To bring a lukewarm smoothie back down to a thirst-quenching temperature, simply add ice.

Safe use

It’s like a scene from a movie: you’re happily blending away until your smoothie explodes all over the kitchen. This has happened in our own kitchen lab – a blender had its lid off and the pulse button was accidentally activated.

An incident like this can easily happen, and unfortunately with reports of hot liquid escaping from a blender or similar machine, it’s important to take extra safety precautions.

• Be mindful of where the controls are positioned and how they work.
• Don’t blend hot soup – wait for it to cool first.
• Put the jug on the unit when ready to blend and keep the lid on when removing the jug.
• Turn the appliance off at the power point first.
• Take care when handling removable blades.
• Never go over the maximum blending times.
• Look for a blender with a safety cut-out time, lid lock and measuring cap lock.

Personal blenders

Manufacturers have also created a category of dedicated ‘single-serve’ blenders that let you blend ingredients and drink from the same bottle. These are typically inexpensive, increasingly popular, and handy for busy people heading to work in the mornings (some even fit into your car’s drink holder) or teenagers needing an energy boost after school.

The disadvantage of the cheapest standalone personal blenders is that they aren’t as powerful as traditional blenders, and typically operate on a pulse function. You often can’t use one for more than a minute at a time and you need to add liquid to the fruit and vegetables first. However, some high-end blenders do let you add a “personal cup” to their functionality which adds to their versatility and will be more powerful than the very cheap types, so it might be worth considering one of these hybrid models.

Here are some things to consider if you’re looking to buy a personal blender.

Multiple cups/jugs: Handy if you want to prepare a single-serve smoothie each for a few people.

Cleaning: If the bottle is narrow, you may need to use a bottle brush to thoroughly clean it. 

On/off switch: Better than a push-and-twist type, which may put more wear and tear on the blender.

Rubber seal: One that sits on the outside of the blade assembly instead of under the blade will be easier to remove. The rubber seal should also sit firmly within the blade assembly – seals can become loose over time from removing and cause leaks.

Blade assembly: Should have adequate grip – after processing, some become tighter and can be difficult to remove. The threading around the blade assembly and the cup/bottle should be smooth and easy to screw on firmly to prevent leaks.

Exit hole: Helpful inside the shaft area for draining any spills.

Portable blenders

The latest addition to the blenders market is the introduction of portable blenders. While they are limited in what they can offer in comparison to personal and full-sized blenders, they are still a lightweight and convenient option for busy people who like a nutritious drink on the run.

Portable blenders:

• are chargeable via USB cable which can take 3–5 hours to charge
• can be charged in the car or anywhere with access to a compatible USB port (they can’t be operated during charging)
• have a cup capacity that ranges from 270mL to 650mL
• can be handheld when processing and shaken
• have limited capacity, which means they aren’t suitable for large batch blending
• generally have only one speed but can pulse by pressing the ‘on’ control on and off.

Portable blenders are ideal for making smoothies that use fresh or frozen fruit, protein shakes and milkshakes. They can also accommodate a few ice cubes and could even be used to make salad dressings or puree baby food.

Their compact size means they also lack the power to process tough leafy greens like kale, grind nuts, or handle other heavy-duty tasks. They also can’t blend hot ingredients as steam build-up can create pressure and potentially cause the blender cup to burst.

Processing times are usually limited to under one minute to avoid damaging the motor. While blending time can sometimes be extended (by taking a break before starting another blending cycle), over processing may cause the motor to overheat or seize.  

It’s important to use these blenders safely and follow the manufacturers instructions. Portable blenders are designed so you can drink straight from the cup after blitzing (rather than detaching the drinking vessel). In some models we’ve tested the blades can still spin when the lid is removed, making it possible to access the blade. And if the ‘on’ button is accidentally turned on while drinking, the contents can be pushed out, creating quite the messy scene.

Portable blender designs

• Cup over blade design Ingredients are placed into the cup and then the blade assembly is screwed onto the top of the cup. After blending, the blade assembly is removed and replaced with the lid that gets screwed onto the cup. There is no access to the blade in these designs.  
• Dual opening cup design The cup has two openings. The bottom of the cup screws directly into the blade assembly, while the top of the cup accepts a removable lid that seals to prevent splashing. After blending, the unit is turned upside down, the blade assembly is removed, and a separate lid or seal is attached to the bottom of the cup for portability. The cup and lids need to be fitted correctly to avoid leaking.

How much do blenders cost?

The price for the blenders we’ve tested varies greatly in each category, so it’s worth considering how much you’ll use the blender and what features are important to you. 

• Standard blenders $80 to $449
• High-performance blenders range from $69 for a Kmart Anko model right up to $1600 for an option from Vitamix
• Personal blenders $50 to $219
• Portable blenders $15 to $130

How long should a blender last?

Small kitchen appliances like blenders, mixers and food processors typically last between four and 20 years, and can often be cheaper to replace than repair.

However, there’s huge variation in price and quality, so you’ll need to consider the type of blender you have and its value. It can be worth replacing broken bowls, blades and accessories if the manufacturer sells spare parts, but unless you have a really expensive high-performance blender, major failures like motor failure generally result in replacement (many of the high-end blenders have long motor warranties of ten years or more).

If it’s time to replace your existing blender, the most sustainable way to dispose of it is through a recycling centre. You can search for recyclers in your local area on Planet Ark.  

Other things to consider when buying a blender

Jug capacity

How many servings do you need? Blender jug capacity can vary from a tiny 600mL single-serve blender to a family-friendly 2L. Keep in mind that some jugs can be heavy to lift and move, especially when full. Measurement gradings on the side of the jug can also be a useful cooking tool to indicate how much the blender can cope with.

Jug material and shape

Glass jugs are heavier and prone to breaking if dropped. Plastic jugs are more common than glass but more likely to become stained with certain foods (like turmeric for example). 

Jugs can be square or round. Manufacturers design them in a way that lets ingredients be effectively distributed around the blender, but there are other factors like the blades and turning force (torque) that affect performance.

Bench or cupboard?

Some models look good enough to display on your bench, but they can take up a lot of room. If you plan to keep it in your cupboard, check you have the space for it and remember that heavy blenders can be a strain to lift out of awkward places.

Ease of use and cleaning

A model with removable blades can help to make cleaning around the bottom of the jug easier. Jugs with built-in blades are still OK if the jug has a wider base so it’s easier to remove any unprocessed chunks sitting underneath them. 

General comfort is also important, such as whether it’s easy to lock the jug in place and scrape ingredients from the sides of the blender. 

It’s a good idea to get a jug that’s dishwasher safe, but check that the jug will fit in your dishwasher first. 

Lids can be a hassle to clean, especially if seals need to be removed first and if lots of ingredients get splashed into the lid. 

CHOICE tip: To speed up the cleaning process, put warm water in to the jug with a drop of detergent and turn it on for a few seconds.

Speed settings

Blenders need three speed settings to be effective – high, low and pulse. 

Many blenders offer a graduated start-up feature that slowly brings the blades to the desired speed, reducing splash-back. Some models even have pre-programmed functions like soup, green smoothie and sorbet.

Pulse function

The pulse setting gives a short burst of power and is useful for small quantities of foods, particularly dry foods, to help distribute the load and encourage an even consistency.

Controls and construction

Controls can be push-button, adjustable dials or touch pads. Touch pads are the easiest to clean but look for controls that are sealed well, so food can’t get into any crevices around them. A solid, heavy base with non-slip grip is handy so the blender stays steady on the bench.

Chute

A larger chute will allow you to add ingredients while the blender is on, but keep in mind that you might have some splash if you’re adding liquid. Some also have push sticks or tampers that let you safely move ingredients around inside the jar while the blender is running. Tampers are handy if you’re making nut butters and need to push ingredients down towards the blade, or blending awkwardly-shaped vegetables when making smoothies.

Wattage

Wattage generally ranges from around 500–1200W, but in our testing we’ve found that this doesn’t appear to have an effect on performance.

Nutrient extraction

Do blenders stand up to their claims of nutrient extraction? Some models claim they can unlock more nutrients than you’d get by simply eating the raw ingredients.

We whipped up a stack of green smoothies to test this, consisting of cucumber, celery, kiwifruit, pear, spinach, mint leaves and water, in a range of single-serve blenders. We sent samples to the lab for nutritional analysis. Each sample was tested for calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin C. The vitamin C analysis was conducted immediately after processing in the CHOICE kitchen lab.

We found that a 250mL serving of one of these green smoothies will generally give you your daily dose of vitamin C, however, you’ll only get part of the way to reaching your recommended daily intake (RDI) for the other nutrients.

In the group we tested, a number of models delivered above-average amounts of at least three nutrients we tested for in a green smoothie, while others had below-average amounts. However, results were generally similar overall and can change depending on a number of factors such as the freshness of the fruit and vegetables, their storage and blending time, so we don’t provide a nutrition score for our test.

The post What to know before buying a blender appeared first on CHOICE.

Compact enough to fit in your bag or backpack, these battery-powered blenders let you whizz up a shake or smoothie even when you’re away from your trusty benchtop blender. 

On this page:

• What is the Ninja Blast portable blender?
• Features of the Ninja Blast portable blender
• How well does the Ninja Blast blend?
• How easy is the Ninja Blast to use?
• How does the Ninja Blast compare to other portable blenders?
• Is the Ninja Blast portable blender worth buying?

What is the Ninja Blast portable blender?

The Ninja Blast is a portable blender, delivering the high speed power you may be used to from other Ninja blenders but with a compact, cordless and hand-held design. It retails for $80 and makes big promises with its stainless steel BlastBlade which is designed to effortlessly power through ingredients with speed and precision. 

Portable blenders aren’t to be confused with personal blenders. While a personal blender can still be compact and offer single serve blending, they require mains power to operate, while a portable blender just needs to be charged before use. 

A key advantage that portable blenders have over mains-powered personal blenders is that you can take them with you and blitz up a smoothie when you’re ready to drink it, rather than drinking a beverage that was blended hours ago and may have separated or oxidised. Our experts have put the Ninja Blast to the test alongside other portable options from Kmart, Breville, Tefal, Big W and more. We’ve even tested its larger companion the Ninja Blast Max. To see how these blenders stack up against each other take a look at our blenders review.

Features of the Ninja Blast portable blender

For a portable device, the Ninja Blast packs a punch. It features:

• Rechargeable, water resistant base powered by a lithium-ion battery (which can be charged via a USB-C cable. The wall outlet for charging is not included)
• A BPA-free container with a sippy lid
• Components that are dishwasher-safe
• A blending cup that can hold up to 470mL of liquid ingredients. The larger Ninja Blast Max can hold 650mL of liquid
• Settings for smoothies, protein shakes and frozen drinks
• Separate on/off power switch and blend buttons. 
• Light weight of 790g and compact dimensions of 26cm x 8cm x 8cm (HxWxD)
• Six colour options (Denim Blue, Black, Forest Green, White, Passion Fruit and Cranberry)
• Two-year warranty

How well does the Ninja Blast blend?

Our experts have put blenders of all shapes and sizes to the test in the CHOICE kitchen lab ranging from small portable blenders to high-powered super blenders. 

CHOICE home economist, Fiona Mair says “we test each type of blender based on their capabilities, so the results in our review aren’t comparable between types”.

For portable blenders, we test how well they can blend a soft food, crush ice and make a green smoothie filled with cucumber, celery, kiwifruit, pear, spinach and mint leaves. When it comes to blending tough leafy greens like kale, portable blenders struggle. While other blenders can easily tackle this task, we don’t rate portable types well for blending kale.

Overall though, the Ninja Blast performed impressively in our lab tests. It was excellent for crushing ice and got a ‘very good’ result for blending a soft liquid and green smoothie.  

CHOICE editor, Pru Engel also had a good experience when she took the Ninja Blast on a family holiday for her smoothie-loving kids. 

She says, “the Ninja Blast made light work of smooth ingredients like berries and fruit, and just two or three 30-second blitzes made for smooth fruit blends the kids loved (no need for shaking or stirring of ingredients).” 

“I was impressed with the performance of such a compact unit, and it wasn’t anywhere near as noisy as our full-size blender at home. It also easily coped with chunks of frozen mango – a win all round.”

However, as our lab testing indicated, Pru found the Ninja Blast struggled with blending kale. “When I attempted to blend roughly chopped kale with banana, coconut water and ice, the blades became stuck, even though I added the liquid ingredients first, and I had to shake it multiple times to dislodge the blockage.”

“Loose spinach leaves might be a better option if you want to pack some greens into your smoothie and retain a smooth texture.”

How easy is the Ninja Blast to use?

Portable blenders are not complicated appliances, and the Ninja Blast is no exception. You just charge, add ingredients and push a button to blend. 

It has two controls that light up. The power switch tells you when the battery is charged, when it’s ready to blend, if the blades are blocked or when it’s running out of power. The blend button allows you to pulse or run a 30-second blend cycle which you can repeat to achieve your desired results.

Fiona found the Ninja Blast easy to assemble and disassemble and noted that the cup has grading in 100mL increments, which is convenient if you want to measure out specific ingredients. It also comes with fairly comprehensive instructions along with some recipes for inspiration. 

Fiona says it’s important to use the blender safely and follow the instructions for use. “It’s not possible to detach the cup from the blade assembly for drinking, so you’ll need to make sure you don’t accidentally hit the power button while you’re drinking.” 

Pru says, “it took about two hours to fully charge, and lasted for 10–12 rounds of 30-second blends – which was much more than I’d expected of such a small appliance”.

The USB-C charging cable provided with this blender is quite short (about 40cm) and you’ll need your own USB wall socket or charger. You could of course use a longer USB-C cable to charge, or plug the base into a laptop or other charging device.

The blender container’s sippy-style spout with a non-spill lid makes it easy to drink from, and makes for mess-free pouring if you’re distributing smoothies between cups.

It also has a carry handle for when you’re out and about, and it’s easy to clean (the lid can be a bit fiddly but the base rinses easily and you can pop the cup into the dishwasher).

As mentioned above, you can’t separate the rechargeable base from the container, so you’ll need to take the whole unit with you. “I think it’s slightly too heavy to pop in your backpack if you have to carry it over a long distance, but it does fit in the cup holder of my car so it’s useful if you want to whip up a fresh smoothie on a car trip,” says Pru.

What else can you use a portable blender for?

As well as smoothies, frappes, shakes and protein drinks, the small size of portable blenders makes them suitable for whipping up smaller quantities of things such as salad dressings, sauces or dips. (The Ninja Blast is not suitable for blending hot ingredients, though.) 

Pru says, “I don’t own a mini blender, so I could see myself using the Ninja Blast at home as well as while travelling”.

How does the Ninja Blast compare to other portable blenders? 

We put the Ninja Blast to the test against other portable blenders from brands like Breville, Kmart Anko, Tefal and more. They range in price from $15 for the Kmart Anko model to $130 for the Ninja Blast Max. To see how they stack up against each other take a look at our blenders review.

Is the Ninja Blast portable blender worth buying?

Compact, easy to use and transport, and suitable for blending a variety of ingredients (but less effective at blending fibrous greens such as kale), the Ninja Blast blender is worth considering if you’re looking for a portable blending option.

Pru says, “it earned its stripes on our family holiday, and made preparing nutritious smoothies for the family while on the go or staying in accommodation easy with consistent results”. 

If you’re wondering if it’s worth spending $80 for the Ninja Blast, that depends on how often you’ll use it and what features you’re looking for. We’ve tested cheaper options with similar performance results. Take a look at our blenders review for the full results. There you’ll also find we’ve tested single-serve personal blenders that are mains powered, as well as standard and high performance blenders. 

The post Is the Ninja Blast portable blender worth buying?  appeared first on CHOICE.

On this page:

• What can a KitchenAid mixer do?
• Pros and cons of KitchenAid mixers
• KitchenAid attachments
• Which KitchenAid mixer should you buy?
• Is there a cheaper alternative to a KitchenAid mixer?
• KitchenAid mixers: Our verdict

But they’re also among the more expensive mixers on the market – the models we’ve tested range in price from $749 right up to $1149.

In comparison, mixers from rival brands can cost as little as $79, and you can even pick up one of our recommended models for under $400.

So is a KitchenAid mixer really worth it? What do you get for the premium price tag? And are there other brands worth looking at?

Do you really need a stand mixer?

You may have heard good things about them, but is a stand mixer right for you? If you’re an occasional baker, a hand mixer that’s compact and easy to use might be all you need.

But if baking is your thing and you’re regularly serving up cakes, pastries and doughs in your household, then a stand mixer will be a handy companion.

Consider the quantity you usually make as some mixers have very large mixing bowls, which makes mixing or whisking small quantities awkward and in some cases not possible.

What can a KitchenAid mixer do?

Like all mixer brands, KitchenAid mixers have three main functions: whisk, mix and knead. A mixer takes away the grunt work of having to knead a mixture, whisk egg whites or mix a cake batter by hand, and their large mixing bowl capacity means you can bake in bulk with ease.

What sets a KitchenAid mixer apart from other brands of mixer isn’t functionality, but rather aesthetics. KitchenAid mixers stand out from the crowd with a distinctive look that any keen baker will be able to recognise. There’s also a lot you can do to personalise your mixer, including getting a message or name engraved onto some models for a special touch.

You can also buy an extra mixing bowl in a different design and add additional attachments (like a pasta maker or food grinder) to increase the mixer’s functionality and versatility, and there are other KitchenAid appliances like toasters, kettles and food processors that you can buy to complement your mixer and match the look.

Mixing bowl sizes

The KitchenAid mixers we’ve tested come with mixing bowls ranging from 4.7L to 6.6L.

A 4.7L mixing bowl is a perfect size for the home baker as it can mix as little as a two egg white meringue, but also accommodate as much as a large 20–23cm cake batter or enough cooking dough for a week’s supply of cookies as well as 1kg of pizza dough.

A 5.6–6.6L mixing bowl is suitable for a larger family or for a budding commercial baker.

KitchenAid also has models with bowl sizes up to 7.6L which are best for the commercial baker, cooking on a larger scale.

Keep in mind, the larger the bowl capacity the more ingredients you’ll need to be using to get the best results. The larger capacity may not accommodate smaller amounts so it’s important to consider the quantity of what you’ll be baking when you decide which mixer to go for.

Pros and cons of KitchenAid mixers

Pros

• Sturdy construction.
• Excellent performers.
• Five-year motor warranty (not including accessories).
• Available in a variety of colours and can be personalised to suit your taste.
• Many optional accessories and attachments are available to increase their versatility.
• Beater height is easily adjustable using a flat head screwdriver – this ensures effective mixing and prevents wear and tear on the mixer and the bowl. 

Cons

• Relatively expensive.
• Optional accessories and attachments are also relatively expensive.
• The heavy motor head is not spring loaded, so can be heavy to lift and lower.
• Generally only OK for ease of use.
• Most accessories only have a one-year warranty.

KitchenAid attachments

All KitchenAid mixers have an outlet at the front of the unit for attaching KitchenAid accessories that can be bought separately.

These optional extras can give your mixer more versatility, meaning you won’t need to buy each dedicated appliance separately.

The attachments are universal and can be used on any KitchenAid stand mixer.

Along with various mixing tools, pouring shields and mixing bowls that can be bought separately, you can buy the following attachments for KitchenAid mixers:

• 3-piece Pasta Roller and Cutter KSMPRA ($299)
• Metal Food Grinder 5KSMMGAA ($229)
• Fresh Prep Slicer & Shredder 5KSMVSA ($179)
• Sifter + Scale KSMSFTAA ($259)
• Pasta Roller KSMPSA ($159)
• Gourmet Pasta Press KSMPEXTA ($399)
• 7 Blade Spiraliser Plus with Peel, Core & Slice KSM2APC ($249)
• Sausage Stuffer Attachment Kit without Food Grinder SSAA ($19)
• Food Grinder 5KSMFGAA ($129)
• Food Processor KSM2FPA ($399)
• Grain Mill KGM ($229)
• Pasta Cutter and Angel KSMPCA ($199)
• Ice Shaver 5KSMSIA ($179)
• Vegetable Sheet Cutter KSMSCA ($239)
• Ice Cream Bowl 5KSMICM ($209).

Keep in mind that many of these attachments will add a significant amount to the cost of an already expensive mixer, and you’ll need to make sure you have the storage space to accommodate the extra accessories too.

Which KitchenAid mixer should you buy?

Our expert testers, Fiona Mair and Chantelle Dart, are avid bakers and know how to put mixers through their paces in the CHOICE kitchen lab. They whisk egg whites and make pizza dough and cake batters to test the three main mixing tools.

They also know the importance of having a mixer that’s easy to use, so they assess the controls, using the locking mechanism and inserting and removing the mixing tools, and check whether you can lift and lower the head and remove and replace the mixing bowl with ease.

If your heart is set on a KitchenAid, we’ve tested five models and found that they all perform well, with a couple of models scoring highly enough to be recommended. But performance is only part of the equation – to see how the KitchenAid models stack up overall against other models from Breville, Kenwood, Sunbeam and more, take a look at our full stand mixers review.

The KitchenAid models we’ve tested are very similar in terms of features and functionality. All have 10 speeds (except for the Bowl-Lift that has 11 speeds) and come with a five-year warranty (not including the accessories).

KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer 5KSM45

• Performance score: 90%
• Mixing bowl size: 4.3L
• Price: $749

If you’re just after a KitchenAid mixer with the basics, this model is a good starting point. It comes with one 4.3L mixing bowl and the standard whisk, flat beater and dough hook accessories.

KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer 5KSM192XDAPT

• Performance score: 97%
• Mixing bowl size: 4.7L
• Price: $849

Moving up from the Classic, this slightly more expensive model comes with the same accessories, but a slightly bigger 4.7L mixing bowl with a handle. It was near perfect in our performance tests and our tester Chantelle says, “this mixer is good for professional bakers and for baking in large quantities”.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer 5KSM195PSAFT

• Performance score: 90%
• Mixing bowl size: 2.8L and 4.7L
• Price: $999

If you like to bake in small and large quantities, this KitchenAid model comes with both a 2.8L and a 4.7L mixing bowl. The 2.8L bowl has no handle but is lighter – perfect for mixing a small amount of ingredients, for example a buttercream or cream cheese icing or for whipping a small amount of cream or a single egg white.

As well as the standard whisk and dough hook, it also comes with a scraper beater (KitchenAid refers to it as a Flex Edge beater) and a pastry beater as well as a convenient pouring shield/splash guard.

For our home economist, Fiona Mair, a scraper beater is a must-have. “It’s a really handy accessory as it scrapes the inside of the mixing bowl for you, meaning you don’t have to stop mixing to scrape the bowl yourself.”

KitchenAid Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer 5KSM70SHXADR

• Performance score: 97%
• Mixing bowl size: 6.6L
• Price: $1149

If you bake often and in large quantities, the KitchenAid Bowl-Lift comes with a large 6.6L mixing bowl that’s perfect for bulk baking. While the large bowl is handy, it’s worth noting that it’s also heavier to hold and scrape out batters and mixtures.

It comes with a whisk, scraper beater, flat beater, dough hook and pouring shield as accessories. What sets it apart from the other KitchenAid models is its bowl lift feature, which allows you to lift or lower the mixing bowl by using a large handle at the side of the mixer. Bear in mind this model is one of KitchenAid’s priciest offerings.

KitchenAid Evergreen Tilt-Head Stand Mixer 5KSM180WSAEG

• Performance score: 97%
• Mixing bowl size: 4.7L
• Price: $1099

If you’re looking for a real showstopper in your kitchen then look no further than one of KitchenAid’s latest releases, the Evergreen Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Everyone who saw this mixer in the CHOICE kitchen lab commented on the beauty of this appliance and how they would love it in their own kitchen.

This is the most expensive KitchenAid in our test, but you’ll only get the standard wire whisk, flat beater and dough hook as accessories. You’re paying for the aesthetics with this one: a deep forest green colour with a matte finish, brass-plated attachment hub cover and the real showstopper – a walnut wood mixing bowl.

There’s no denying that it looks great and it performs well in our testing too, but there are a few things to keep in mind with this model. The wooden bowl will require extra care and maintenance – it’s not dishwasher safe and should be dried immediately after handwashing. KitchenAid doesn’t recommend leaving it submerged in water and to only use gentle, non-abrasive detergents when washing.

You’ll also need to regularly season the bowl with food-safe wood polish, mineral oil or walnut oil. The natural properties of the wood bowl means it’ll show signs of wear as you use it. While a mark here and there won’t affect functionality, using oil to season the bowl can affect performance. Whipping egg whites to a stiff peak, for example, can become troublesome if there’s oil residue in the bowl. KitchenAid even suggests purchasing their 4.7L stainless steel bowl to have on hand with the Evergreen which will set you back another $99.

If you’re an avid baker this model might not be practical for you.

Is there a cheaper alternative to a KitchenAid mixer?

If a KitchenAid is out of your budget, Fiona recommends taking a look at Breville stand mixers. “We’ve found the Breville models we’ve tested perform well and come with a double-sided scraper beater and spring-loaded motor head.”

They also come with a two-year warranty (plus five years on the motor), and don’t command the same high price tag. We’ve tested the Breville LEM 250 The Scraper Beater and Breville LEM750 The Bakery Chef Hub for $269 and $479 respectively.

CHOICE tip: Compare the KitchenAid stand mixers with models from Kenwood, Breville, Kmart, Smeg, Sunbeam and more. Models that have a CHOICE Expert Rating of 80–84% aren’t recommended by our experts but are definitely still worth considering. See our latest kitchen mixers review.

KitchenAid mixers: Our verdict

A KitchenAid mixer is an investment that will become a statement piece in your kitchen. An entry-level, medium-sized model will set you back around $749, and that’s without any extra attachments or accessories.

They have a solid construction and are built to last, and while they have a distinctive look, we’re finding more brands offering aesthetically pleasing designs and better value for money.

In fact, Fiona says there are other stand mixers on the market that are “easier to use at a cheaper price, and they may also include other attachments like scraper beaters or an extra bowl”.

Compared to other mixers we’ve tested, KitchenAid models are only OK in terms of ease of use.

“They can be clunky when processing a heavy load and the motor head is heavy and isn’t spring loaded, so you’ll need to manually lift and lower the motor head,” Fiona says.

Her final tip? Try to nab a bargain during sales periods.

“If your heart is set on a KitchenAid mixer, wait for the sales – you may get a few hundred dollars off the RRP or extra accessories thrown in.”

The post Is a KitchenAid mixer worth it? appeared first on CHOICE.

There are several general types of espresso machines on the market, each with its own pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in a coffee maker. Here we look at why you’d pick one coffee machine over another, useful features, what you can expect to pay and more.

On this page:

• Capsule coffee machines
• Automatic espresso machines
• Manual espresso machines
• Semi-automatic espresso machines
• Key features to look for in a coffee machine
• Australia’s best espresso machine brand
• Australia’s most reliable espresso machine brand

Capsule coffee machines

Pod or capsule coffee machines make up the bulk of espresso machines we buy in Australia. To use them, you insert coffee capsules which are the size and shape of a single-serve UHT milk holder. They’re hermetically sealed in aluminium or plastic, giving them the added advantage of staying fresh for about nine months.

Nespresso is the biggest-selling capsule machine type. Nespresso capsules come in various styles depending on whether you’re using an ‘original’ type of machine, or its newer Vertuo ones.

The Vertuo models can accommodate a range of cup sizes and are only compatible with ‘official’ Nespresso capsules, as they have a barcode that tells the machine how to make the coffee. The prices for Vertuo capsules can vary from $9.20 up to $12.90 per sleeve of 10, depending on the size and variety.

Some come with a built-in milk frother, while others require you to buy one separately. Some don’t need you to use one at all, and instead use separate milk capsules. In our tests, the quality of these milk capsules is generally poor.

These pods aren’t to be confused with Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods, which are discs of coffee compressed between two layers of filter paper. These aren’t hermetically sealed like the capsules. Some coffee machines can cater for both pods and ground coffee by providing a separate filter basket and possibly a different shower head for each.

How to use a pod machine

A pod or capsule of coffee is inserted into the machine, which then pierces the capsule to allow hot water to flow through and pour the shot.

How much do pod machines cost?

Prices tend to range from around $80 to over $1300, and you need to also factor in the ongoing cost of pods. But our coffee machine tests over the years have found that you don’t have to pay top dollar to get a good coffee at home.

Pros

• Very simple and convenient to use.
• Many flavours of coffee available.
• They require very little cleaning up.
• They usually have a small benchtop footprint (one Aldi Expressi machine is 23 x 12 x 30cm for example, while a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolini XS is only 28 x 14 x 25cm).

Cons

• Enthusiasts may find coffees from these machines lack depth or intensity of flavour.
• Aluminium-based capsules can be recycled via various schemes, but usually end up in landfill, which is very wasteful of the aluminium and other energy and material that goes into making them.
• They do cost more to use in the long run than freshly-ground coffee, but are still cheaper than going to a cafe for your morning brew.

Automatic espresso machines

These are a growing part of the market, with major brands including DeLonghi, Gaggia, Jura, Melitta and Miele. While most people prefer to either work a manual model or enjoy the convenience (and cost savings) of a capsule coffee machine, the automated espresso machines definitely have their fans and can be very handy in a small office kitchen or a busy household.

How to use an automatic coffee machine

Your cup goes under the spout, you press the button to grind the coffee beans to make the espresso, then you make your desired beverage depending on the strength and volume you want. Some also automatically froth milk for a cappuccino or latte.

How much do automatic coffee machines cost?

Automatic coffee machines can often be quite an investment: we’ve tested machines that start at $569, while others are close to $5000.

Pros

• Easier to use than semi-automatic and manual coffee machines.
• They use freshly ground beans rather than a capsule and you can control the grind to your requirements.
• You can usually save several ‘programs’ or user profiles with your favourite styles of coffee. Some are compatible with apps as well as smart home hubs.
• Some have ‘self-cleaning’ modes, which minimise the hassle of washing and descaling the machine, but ongoing maintenance is still essential. Many will alert you when the machine needs to go into cleaning mode.

Cons

• Often more expensive than other types of machines, and their higher price isn’t a guarantee they’ll make good coffee.
• They can be quite heavy, weighing between 7kg and 15kg.
• The depth of the machine can exceed 40cm, so you need to be able to spare the bench space.
• Although they’re ‘automatic’, parts will still require regular cleaning and maintenance, particularly the milk container and associated pipes, the drip tray, coffee grounds container and water tank.
• Depending on the water hardness in your area, descaling will also be important. Some manufacturers recommend water filters which may add to the expense.
• While aspects like strength, temperature and grind are customisable to a degree, you generally get less control than a dedicated grinder combined with a manual espresso machine.

Manual espresso machines

These machines let you experiment and get more hands-on with your coffee. They require a bit more knowledge, and practice, of coffee-making techniques such as grinding, dosing and tamping.

Major brands include Breville, DeLonghi, Gaggia, Lelit, Profitec, Rancilio, Sunbeam and Smeg.

Usually, you’ll need a separate bean grinder before using them, which is an added cost, but they generally come with milk frothing capability.

The bench space manual coffee machines take up will vary depending on the complexity and design of the machine but they tend to be 20–40cm wide. The weight can vary from around 3kg up to 19kg.

How to use a manual espresso machine

You manually put the required amount of ground coffee into the group head, then set the machine to pour. You’ll need to cut the flow of coffee yourself (unlike a semi-automatic machine).

How much do manual coffee machines cost?

A manual coffee machine can cost as little as $80 and go all the way up to over $4500.

Pros

• Better depth of flavour from using fresh coffee.
• The satisfaction of making your own cup of coffee just the way you like it.
• They can look like works of art and spruce up a boring kitchen – even the budget ones offered by brands like Kmart have a retro appeal. 

Cons

• Difficult for beginners with no coffee-making experience.
• Ground coffee needs to be prepared before use.
• Ongoing maintenance is required.

Our home espresso machine reviews compare more than 50 manual, semi-automatic and capsule coffee machines.

Semi-automatic espresso machines

A semi-automatic machine mostly operates like a manual machine would, but will automatically cut off the flow of coffee once a pre-set amount has been poured into your cup (a manual machine will require you to cut the flow of coffee yourself).

Pros

• Versatile – gives you the best of both worlds in terms of having control of your cup while not worrying about when to stop the coffee flow.
• Less costly than a fully-automatic coffee machine.

Cons

• Like a manual coffee machine, there’s still a learning and experimentation process.
• Ongoing maintenance is required.

Key features to look for in a coffee machine

Clear and simple controls

Digital displays are generally easier to understand than indicator lights, especially when programming the machine.

Adjustable grinder

This lets you adjust the grind to suit the bean and machine (automatic machines have built-in grinders).

Variable coffee strength

This means you can adjust the intensity of the coffee to your taste.

Space

A big espresso machine is fine if you have plenty of bench space in your kitchen, but you may want one that takes up less room.

Froth enhancer

Some machines come with a froth enhancer on the milk-frothing wand. This is supposed to make frothing easier, but it often produces large bubbles rather than the fine foam that’s suitable for lattes and cappuccinos. If the enhancer is removable you may find it easier to produce fine, velvety foam.

Cup-warming tray

This helps keep your cups at a warm, constant temperature, which stops the coffee from cooling down too quickly.

Double shot 

Many models can make two espressos at once, but they often just grind one dose of beans for this (usually about the same amount they’d make for a single cup) which leads to weaker coffee. 

If you often make two cups of coffee, look for models that make them in quick succession rather than at the same time – these models grind a fresh dose for each cup, which is the best way for a good, strong cup of coffee.

Warm-up time

The warm-up times can vary depending on the machine – a manual coffee machine might take 1–2 minutes while a capsule machine might take about 20–30 seconds.

Wi-Fi and privacy

Some automatic espresso machines are Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to initiate a coffee from afar or monitor the cleaning and maintenance process using a dedicated app. You can also create custom profiles for beverages with your preferred grind, strength and temperature. 

Be sure to read the app’s privacy policy to make sure you’re happy with the type of usage data that may be collected. For example, does the app only collect error logs and diagnostic information? Some apps may ask if you’d like to opt-in to sharing information about app interactions to the manufacturer.

Dual boiler vs heat exchanger? Thermoblock?

On a manual/semi-automatic coffee machine, a dual boiler means you can froth milk and make coffee at the same time (from each boiler), but these machines cost extra. Coffee machines that use heat exchanger systems only have one boiler which keeps the water at the right temperature for steaming milk (which is too high for brewing coffee), but there’s a metal tube inside the heat exchanger that fresh water flows through which warms up to the temperature required for brewing coffee. 

They take up less room than a dual boiler system but you can’t brew and steam at the same time. The same goes for thermoblock systems (which are usually cheaper and more energy-efficient). These use a single block of metal (such as aluminium) and heat water when needed, as it passes through an embedded pipe. However, we’ve seen some espresso machines with dual thermoblocks that let you brew and steam simultaneously.

Other useful features include a ‘water tank empty’ reminder, a height-adjustable spout to accommodate larger cups, and adjustable coffee volume.

Check the good and bad points for each model in our home espresso coffee machines reviews and automatic espresso machine reviews to see how they fare with making two cups.

How easy is it to repair a coffee machine?

Regular cleaning and correct usage of your coffee machine – regardless of type – will help prolong its life. But you may still run into issues over time. Thankfully many issues can be repaired, saving the entire unit from being replaced. 

CHOICE members have told us of problems they’ve experienced with their coffee machines, such as a leaking water tank, faulty steam valve, broken plastic tubing, failed pump or the motherboard needing to be replaced, all of which were repaired. 

Our own testers have experienced faulty machines out of the box. In one recent instance a lower-priced machine that arrived broken was replaced completely, while another $2000+ model was repaired by a service technician.

How easy is it to recycle a coffee machine?

In some cases, it may not be worth the cost of replacing a fault if the unit is out of warranty, but you don’t need to dump your old coffee machine into landfill. Cheap capsule machines are largely made of composite plastic material (ABS), which can be recycled – look for the recycling number ‘7’ on the unit. 

Other recyclable materials include polypropylene plastic and steel, but these aren’t accepted in kerbside rubbish. Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website lists places that accept electrical appliances for recycling.

How do you recycle used coffee pods?

Although Nespresso pods (the most common type) are made of aluminium, they do have a thermal coating so need to be recycled through a Nespresso shop. Alternatively you can buy a Nespresso satchel to fill with used capsules and return it to a Nespresso shop or drop-off point, or you can buy a satchel to fill with used capsules and return it via Australia Post.

Some other brands that use plastic pods can be recycled through TerraCycle. These include L’OR, Moccona, illy, Lavazza and Nescafé Dolce Gusto, but collection points may be limited. Check the TerraCycle website for the latest information.

A number of home compostable coffee pods are on the market, as well as reusable pods which you can refill with your own ground coffee.

Australia’s best espresso machine brand

We identify the best espresso machine brands based on our test results of more than 100 espresso machines tested in our labs in the last seven years, as well as feedback from our members on satisfaction and reliability. 

Our experts have tested manual, semi-automatic, capsule and automatic coffee machines from the major brands, including Breville, DeLonghi, Nescafe, Sunbeam and more.

Best espresso machine brand for 2025: DeLonghi

DeLonghi takes out Best Brand for espresso machines for 2025, with models from the brand scoring well in our tests. It just edges out Breville and Sunbeam to take the top spot as it received slightly higher scores in reliability when we surveyed coffee machine owners.

We also considered brands such as Aldi, Kmart Anko, Breville Nescafe, Breville Nespresso, DeLonghi Nescafe, Delonghi Nespresso, Nescafe, Smeg and Sunbeam for Best Brand, however, these brands didn’t meet our strict eligibility criteria.

For comprehensive details on every coffee machine we’ve tested, check out our home espresso coffee machine reviews and automatic espresso machine reviews.

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

Australia’s most reliable espresso machine brand

The annual CHOICE reliability survey asks thousands of members about the coffee machines they own, what they think of them and how they’ve held up over time.

More than 1100 coffee machine owners participated in our 2025 reliability survey. The information they provided gives us a good indication of how various capsule, manual, semi-automatic and automatic brands stack up over time – something we can’t test in our labs.

The top performers

• Most reliable brand: Aldi Expessi
• Highest owner satisfaction: Breville (auto/manual), DeLonghi (auto/manual), Sunbeam (auto/manual), and Aldi Expressi.

What we found

• Of the people we surveyed, 38% had a manual/semi-automatic machine, 34% had a pod/capsule machine and 25% had an automatic coffee machine
• For those who bought an espresso machine in the last 8 years, 65% have never experienced an issue.
• Pod machines are more reliable than manual and automatic machines, potentially because they are less complicated and have fewer parts.  However, satisfaction scores are higher for manual and automatic machines than pod machines, likely due to the better-quality coffee produced and the emotional reward from being very involved in crafting a cup of coffee to one’s taste.
• Aldi Expressi owners love that the machine is inexpensive, yet still delivers decent coffee.  Many also say that it’s simple and easy to use.  Users are also reasonably satisfied with the range of pods.
• Owners of Nespresso machines (made by DeLonghi and Breville) say they had a good service experience when things went wrong. 
• The main problems people have with their coffee machines include water leakage and broken seals.
  

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