Expertise of CHOICE team in meticulously evaluating goods for consumers' assurance
In the bustling heart of Marrickville, Sydney, CHOICE HQ stands as a beacon of consumer advocacy. This independent testing organisation is committed to aiding consumers in making informed purchasing decisions by meticulously testing hundreds of products annually.
CHOICE's testing process is unique, combining scientific methods with practical usability insights. They employ specialized, realistic testing materials and settings to simulate everyday consumer use, ensuring relevance and accuracy in testing outcomes.
One such example is their innovative approach to testing toilet cleaners. They've used 'Synthetic space poo' developed by NASA, an artificial vagina developed in 1958 to test tampons, and a condom tester that inflates condoms to test their strength.
The range of products CHOICE tests is vast, extending from appliances like fridges and washing machines to unexpected items such as lawn mowers, nappies, electric bikes, trampolines, chocolate, and toilet paper. When testing ovens, they cook more than 300 scones, 20 pizzas, 10 chickens, 60 meringues, and 10 loaves of bread.
CHOICE's testing covers performance, safety, and usability, often engaging expert panels and trained testers who follow detailed, systematic procedures. For instance, when testing dishwashers, CHOICE expert Rebecca Ciaramidaro dirtys standardized sets of crockery with different types of food. To assess the durability of non-stick surfaces on frypans, they use a mechanical scrubbing arm.
Comprehensive, expert-led protocols form the backbone of CHOICE's testing. They often test products over extended periods or through side-by-side comparisons with competitors to establish quality benchmarks and durability. Their labs are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and are audited every 18 months to ensure compliance with strict standards.
CHOICE also uses creative methods in testing, such as importing artificial household dust from Germany for vacuum testing and using swatches from the Netherlands with "Aussie dirt" for washing machine testing. When testing high chairs, they smear them with baby food, Weetbix, spaghetti, and tomato sauce, and let it dry to see how easy they are to clean.
CHOICE is funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing, with no self-interest behind their advice. Several of their testers sit on committees for Australian and international standards and help to write safety requirements. Approximately 70% of tests are done in accredited labs, with the remaining 30% outsourced.
In summary, CHOICE's product testing integrates expert-designed test plans, real-world simulation materials, thorough hands-on evaluation, and long-term comparative analysis to deliver trusted expert reviews that help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
- In their dedication to empower consumers, CHOICE also tests the privacy policies of smart-home devices and gadgets, ensuring they comply with standards that protect user data and maintain privacy.
- For consumers considering the purchase of smart-home devices, CHOICE offers a wealth of information, enabling them to make a choice based on reliable testing, including privacy policies, functionality, and usability.
