No one wants to get the nasty shock of a high heating bill at the end of a cold spell. Whether you’re buying a new heater, using an older one or wondering what the best and most efficient way to heat your home is, our experts are here to help with a checklist of things you can do to avoid burning a hole in your wallet over winter.  

����Vlog heating expert Chris Barnes reveals the common heating mistakes many of us make – plus smart tips to keep your budget on track.

1. Assuming expensive models are always the best

Ready for a burning-hot revelation? Our product testing often reveals retail price isn’t the best indicator of performance. So splashing cash on a high-end heater or air con without doing your research could still leave you out in the cold.

The recommended models in our electric heater tests range in price from less than $100 up to over $900 so there are good options at different price points.

We’ve also uncovered more expensive units that produce disappointing results in our rigorous testing, so it’s important to remember that just because a heater is expensive or from a well-known brand, it isn’t necessarily going to give you the best value for money. 

Having said that, it’s also worth keeping in mind that many budget models are poor performers, so it pays to do your research and check expert reviews. 

Want to avoid buying a hot mess? Check our reviews of electric heaters (more models to be added soon) and air conditioners.  

2. Forgetting to factor in running costs 

Don’t just look at the price tag when you buy. Our testing reveals heaters can have vastly different running costs that will have an ongoing effect on your bottom line. 

In our reviews, our experts have found the cost of running an electric heater over winter can vary by more than $300 between models, depending on the brand, size and design of heater (based on an estimated 500 hours of use and an electricity price of 40c/kWh).

It’s therefore vital to check reviews before you buy (more models will soon be added to our electric heater reviews), and keep an eye on how much you’re using your heater.

3. Not using reverse mode on your ceiling fans

Think ceiling fans are just for summer heatwaves? Think again.

Switch your fans to reverse or winter mode (clockwise) and use them in combination with your heating system. This will help distribute the hot air more evenly around the room, so it’s not just hanging around the ceiling where it’s no use to your cold feet. 

Our lab analysis shows that, used this way, your heater has to do far less work to maintain a constant temperature, which means lower power consumption and lower bills.

Find out more about this genius hack and check out our ceiling fan reviews.

4. Not using your air conditioner for heating

If you’re wondering whether you should be using an electric heater or your air conditioning to warm your home this winter, ����Vlog experts have you covered. 

Although electric heaters are convenient and have cheaper upfront costs, reverse-cycle air conditioners are a more efficient heating option and can save you big bucks on your energy bills in the long run. 

If you’re considering making the investment, check out our pros and cons analysis of electric heaters versus reverse-cycle air conditioners.

5. Constantly cranking up your air con temperature

The cost of using reverse-cycle air conditioning in your home over a year in an average climate zone (including Sydney, Adelaide and Perth) can range from as little as around $150 for a small model to over $1100 for a large one. These figures are based on the energy usage for each model as calculated for the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) at an electricity price of 40c/kWh. 

To give you optimal warmth for the cheapest price, Chris says you should try to stick to a difference of about 8°C between the temperature on your reverse-cycle air conditioner and the outside temperature (easy enough in the more temperate parts of Australia). 

Basically, the harder your air conditioner has to work to heat your room, the more electricity it’s going to use – and the more it will cost you. 

As a helpful rule of thumb, each degree warmer usually adds about 10% to the running cost of your air conditioner.

6. Neglecting your heater and air con maintenance 

Even heaters and air cons need a little love to work their very best. Regularly cleaning your air conditioner (following our handy air con cleaning guide) or heater means better energy efficiency and lower running costs. 

This is because the more clogged the dust filters and the interior of the machine become, the harder it has to work (and the more energy it uses) to move the air and heat your home.

Getting out the duster and spending a bit of time on a little maintenance can go a long way. It doesn’t just apply to air cons, by the way – find out how why cleaning your clothes dryer, dishwasher and vacuum can save you.��

7. Using your heater to dry your washing

On a freezing night, it’s tempting to plonk yourself in front of your heater or pop the wet washing right in front of it, or even directly on it – but it will do your heating bill no favours. 

As well as being a potential fire hazard, any obstruction will restrict or block the flow of hot air around your home. This means your heater will take longer to get the temperature up.

If cold weather and soggy days are wreaking havoc with your laundry routine, follow our winter laundry tips.

8. Letting draughts in

Tracking down any draughts in your home, particularly around doors and windows, then sealing them up, will help keep your home warmer and save on energy bills. Likewise, keeping windows securely fastened or even locked can really help. 

Cover gappy floorboards with rugs, close curtains and, if necessary, do a bit of simple DIY where the cold air is getting in. Use products such as silicone sealant, weather seal tape or draught strips from the hardware store to fill gaps, or use an old-fashioned door snake to keep the cold out.

����Vlog tip: To detect a draught, light a candle or incense stick and run it along the gaps under doors and around windows. A draught will become obvious as the flame flickers or smoke blows around.

9. Ignoring insulation

When it comes to keeping all that lovely warm air inside your home, insulation is a no-brainer – especially as 25–35% of an uninsulated home’s warmth is lost through the roof in winter. 

“Average households that install wall, floor and ceiling insulation can save hundreds of dollars on energy bills each year,” says Chris. 

You can call in the professionals, but ceiling and underfloor insulation can often be done by a capable handyperson, too.

10. Not budgeting for increased energy costs

The type of heating you’re using, the specific model of the appliance you own and how often you’re using it will all have an impact on your energy bills at the end of winter. As will the fact that energy prices across the board are steadily increasing. 

If you live in a particularly cold part of the country and you are cranking the heating, it’s a good idea to set some extra money aside so you don’t suffer from a nasty shock when your bill arrives.

Find out more on how you can save on your heating bills. 

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But spending more money won’t necessarily buy you a better washing machine: there are plenty of more affordable models on the market that performed well in our lab tests, matching or even beating more expensive machines. 

In fact, of the 13 front loaders our experts recommend, 10 of them cost less than $1500 – so if you check our detailed washing machine reviews before you buy, you can save yourself hundreds. 

“It’s important to consider both price and performance when buying a new front loader,” says ����Vlog whitegoods expert Denis Gallagher.��

“While there are some great performers at the cheaper end of the scale, there are also some duds – this is why it’s vital to do your research before handing over your credit card.”

In this article we’ll share a list of cheap front loaders to avoid, plus we’ll reveal the best washing machine brand in Australia.

If you want to find out which front loaders under $1500 come out on top, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

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

Are front loader washing machines worth the extra money?

Front loaders are generally a bit more expensive than top loaders, due to how they’re built.

But although you’ll pay more upfront for a front loader, you’ll generally pay less in water and electricity bills over the entire life of the appliance, so it could end up costing about the same or even less in the long run.

Not to mention that front loaders are gentler on your clothes than top loaders, so you won’t have to replace your favourite t-shirts as quickly if you use a front loader – that’s even more savings!

The front loader washing machines not to buy

Knowing what not to buy can be almost as useful as knowing what to buy. Here are the washing machines our experts rated the lowest. 

You’ll notice that they’re all priced under $1500 – but even at these low prices, our experts don’t recommend them. 

Solt GGSFLW60

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $499

Electrolux EWF1243R7SCS

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $1099

LG WV6-1409W

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Price: $1099

Hisense HWFS1015AB

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Price: $999

The best washing machine brands in Australia

Each year, we rank washing machine brands, assessing them on their average test scores, reliability, customer satisfaction and how many of their products score the coveted ����Vlog expert seal of approval.

The best front loader washing machine brand for 2025 was: Miele.

Here are the best front-loader washing machine brands for 2025, along with their ����Vlog Best Brand scores:

1. Miele – 82%
2. LG – 80%
3. Bosch – 77%
4. Samsung – 73%

Miele has taken out the Best Brand washing machine prize for seven years in a row, sharing the top spot with LG in 2019. 

To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the “Recommended” box in the filters section of our washing machine reviews.

Our detailed test results are exclusively available to our members. Become a ����Vlog member to access our full reviews and see the best performers.

… but don’t buy on brand alone

While the Best Brand winners have well-founded reputations, here at ����Vlog we know that buying based on brand alone is sometimes a recipe for disappointment. Even the best brand sometimes delivers duds.

And focusing solely on one brand in your search for the perfect appliance can mean you overlook other products offering comparable performance for a much smaller price tag.

Machines from the same brand can vary widely in terms of performance, features, capacity, energy efficiency and more, so don’t assume that all products from a reputable manufacturer will give you what you want. 

The best thing to do is to focus on individual models by checking ����Vlog reviews to find the best washing machines before you buy. 

What are the best front loader washing machines under $1500?

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

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed washing machine testing data. If you’re not yet a member, 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 affordable front loaders are our experts’ top picks.

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If your downstairs neighbour is a grouch, your baby’s a light sleeper, you have a shift worker in the house, or you’re sensitive to noise, a loud washing machine can really add to the frustration.

Dialling down the noise can make life less stressful for everyone, but how do you know which machine will help keep the peace on laundry day?

����Vlog laundry expert Denis Gallagher is here to help. He’ll explain what you need to know and how to minimise noise, plus we’ll reveal the quietest washing machines from our detailed lab tests.

What makes a washing machine noisy?

The spin

To remove the water from your washing, machines run a spin cycle – which basically means that they turn really quickly to squeeze the water out of the fabric.

“The main contributor to washing machine noise is the spin cycle,” says Denis. 

“The faster it spins, the louder it is.”

Location, location, location

A machine that causes the floor to vibrate as it washes will create extra noise on top of the spin cycle noise.

This can be caused by wonky floors and timber floorboards that don’t keep the machine steady while it’s washing.

This is particularly important if you live in an apartment – vibrations can carry through the floor and affect your neighbours more.

Below, we’ll share some tips to help minimise vibrations so you can stay in your neighbours’ good books.

Load balance

Ever heard a washing machine shuddering and banging at the end of a cycle? 

That’s usually due to the machine being off kilter because the laundry isn’t spread evenly throughout the drum.

This is generally more of an issue with top loaders.

If heavier items end up on one side, it can cause the drum to wobble when it spins.

You can avoid this by distributing heavier items around the machine, interspersing them with lighter items.

What do decibel measurements mean?

To understand what a washing machine’s noise level means, you’ll need some context.

• A normal conversation is about 60–65 decibels (dB).
• City traffic is around 80dB.
• The vacuums in our current review range from around 60dB to 80dB. 
• Clothes dryers range from around 60dB to 70dB.

When our experts test washing machines in our labs, they measure the maximum noise level during the spin cycle, one metre above the ground.

“The washing machines in our current review range from 49dB to 68dB, so they’re generally quite quiet – they can be less noisy than an animated conversation, but at 68dB you’d be considered a loud talker,” says Denis.

“However, the location of your washing machine and your home’s acoustics will also affect how noisy your washing machine actually sounds.” 

If your machine is right next to the lounge room you’ll hear the noise more than if it’s tucked away in a laundry at the back of the house.

Which are quietest: front loaders or top loaders?

“Generally, front loaders tend to have louder spin cycles and can make higher-pitched noises due to their faster spin speed,” Denis says.

They also tend to take longer to complete a cycle than top loaders, so if they’re loud to begin with then you’ll have to put up with the noise for more time.

And we’re not talking a little bit longer – some machines we’ve tested take more than four hours for a load, from start to finish!

By contrast, the “slowest” top loader in our tests takes just 90 minutes.

How can you make washing machines quieter?

Need some strategies to minimise the noise? Here’s how to switch up your laundry routine.

Go slow

“The higher the spin speed, the drier your laundry will be at the end of the cycle. But the higher the spin speed, the more noise a machine makes,” says Denis.

“To reduce the amount of noise, you can choose a lower spin speed – but this strategy has pros and cons.”

Dialling down the spin speed means your washing will come out wetter, so it’ll take longer to dry.

(And if you’re using a clothes dryer, that means you’ll need to run it for longer, costing you more in electricity bills.)

However, a lower spin speed is better for fabrics that are delicate or easily creased, and it’s generally more gentle on your clothes.

When our experts test washing machines, they weigh each load before and after a cycle. They give each machine a spin efficiency score – the higher the score, the less water is left in the fabric at the end of the cycle.

The quieter machines we’ve tested tend to have lower spin efficiency scores, which makes sense: a machine that spins slower will make less noise, but it also won’t remove as much water.

Switch to quick

If you have especially grumpy downstairs neighbours, consider running a “fast” or “quick wash” cycle to minimise the amount of time you’re getting on their nerves.

This isn’t an option for very dirty laundry, of course, but if you only need to do a small load that’s not too grubby then it should do the job.

Try a few different cycle types to see which one gives you the best results in the shortest time.

Minimise the movement

Does your washing machine end up in a different spot than where it started after a cycle? A machine that “walks” can increase the noise (and maybe make you wonder if there’s a ghost in your laundry).

Top loaders are generally lighter and more stable than front loaders as front loaders use heavy weights to keep them balanced. Front loaders’ higher spin speeds mean they can wander more than top loaders.

There are a few steps you can take to stop your washing machine from moving.

• Check that your machine is sitting flat on the floor. (A spirit level can help with this.)
• Adjust the washing machine’s feet so it’s not wonky.
• If you have a top loader, make sure the load is balanced and spread evenly around the drum. Some machines have an out-of-balance correction feature.
• Is your machine sitting on timber floorboards? The vibrations can create extra noise. You could try a vibration pad or mat underneath that can keep the wobbles to a minimum.
• Check that everything is ship-shape: make sure screws, bolts and other parts are tightened, and check that hoses aren’t kinked or damaged.

Tips to reduce the impact of washing machine noise

If you can’t afford to replace your noisy washing machine with a quieter one, here are a few steps you can take to minimise the inconvenience to your household and your neighbours.

• If your washing machine has a timer, set it to run a cycle at a time that’s likely to have less impact on your household and your neighbours. 
• If you’re home, put on a load at a time that works best for everyone. (This can also save you money if you have solar and can run your machine during daylight hours.)
• Wash full loads. This is a no-brainer because you won’t need to run as many cycles, reducing the amount of time your machine is making a racket.
• Get stain savvy: treating stains before you wash means you’ll be less likely to have to wash clothes again.

The quietest washing machines from our testing

If noise is one of the most important factors for you, these machines are good options.

Bear in mind though that some of them aren’t as good at removing water during the spin cycle as other models because they don’t spin as fast, so you’ll need to weigh up whether the extra drying time is worth it.

The quietest front loaders from our testing

Bosch WGB256A1AU

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 81%
• Cycle length: 172 minutes (approx. 2.9 hours)
• Price: $2499

Haier HWF12PXW1

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 52%
• Cycle length: 54 minutes (less than one hour)
• Price: $1399

Bosch WGG244ARAU

• Noise level: 53dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 76%
• Cycle length: 221 minutes (approx 3.7 hours)
• Price: $1879

Fisher & Paykel WH8560P3

• Noise level: 53dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 74%
• Cycle length: 127 minutes (approx 2.1 hours)
• Price: $1349

Fisher & Paykel WH9060P4

• Noise level: 55dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 78%
• Cycle length: 129 minutes (approx 2.15 hours)
• Price: $1399

The quietest top loaders from our testing

Haier HWT09AN1

• Noise level: 49dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 59%
• Cycle time: 57 minutes (less than 1 hour)
• Price: $999

LG WTL3-09G

• Noise level: 50dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 54%
• Cycle time: 54 minutes (less than 1 hour)
• Price: $999

Fisher & Paykel WL9058G1

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 60%
• Cycle time: 60 minutes
• Price: $999

Haier HWT08AN1

• Noise level: 52dBA
• Spin efficiency score: 56%
• Cycle time: 68 minutes (just over an hour)
• Price: $949

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Need a new mattress? Aldi is selling its bargain mattress-in-a-box range on Saturday 18 July as part of its Special Buys sale.

The prices are $149 for a single mattress, $179 for a king single, $199 for a double and $239 for a queen. The low cost is certainly enticing, especially when you consider that mattresses from other brands can stretch into the thousands. 

Aldi offers their bed-in-a-box mattresses up for sale about twice a year. Last year ����Vlog purchased a queen-sized mattress in the sale and tested it alongside other brands in our mattress reviews.

We can’t guarantee that the mattress we purchased last year is exactly the same as the models available this year, however our results give a good indication of what consumers can generally expect from this product range.

While our test results are available exclusively to ����Vlog members, we can reveal that the Aldi mattress was a standout performer in our review, which includes an expert round-up of 67 mattresses, including 29 mattress-in-a-box models.

“Last year’s Aldi mattress was one of the top scoring mattresses in our test,” ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny says about that mattress.

“And you can pick up onefor less than $250. The performance results alone are impressive; the fact that it’s so cheap is a very nice cherry on top.”

To help you decide whether you should queue for one of these Aldi buys, we speak to Peter about the pros and cons of mattress-in-a-box mattresses and how to weigh up Aldi’s offer compared to other brands on the market.

What’s to like about the Aldi mattress-in-a-box? 

So how does Aldi’s bed-in-a-box compare with other mattresses?

We put an Aldi mattress through a series of performance tests (the full results of which you can find in our detailed scoring of the Aldi ‘Estelle by Sohl’ mattress). Here are the some of the important takeouts about this mattress.

Price 

With the Aldi queen mattress-in-a-box coming in at just under $240, it’s one of the cheapest mattresses on the market. It also outperformed the next-cheapest bed-in-a-box we have tested (the Zinus Support iCoil Pocket Spring Eurotop, which is $349).

So, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s a tick. And no haggling with a salesperson required. 

60-day guarantee 

If you happen to get it home and you’re not happy with it, Aldi has a 60-day returns or refunds policy on Special Buy items. You must have your receipt though, and the original packaging is preferred, which is a bit of a problem with this one (see ‘What’s not to like’ below). 

Keep in mind that it takes at least a few nights to adjust to a new mattress. Most bed in a box retailers recommend trying a mattress for 30 days to determine if it’s right for you.

Comfort 

The Aldi mattresses has a medium firmness feel and combines a memory foam pillow top comfort layer with pocket springs. Some people prefer this over a spring mattress as it moulds to the body for added comfort. 

But comfort is obviously subjective and some people don’t like that “sinking in” sensation. The benefit of these types of bed-in-a-box mattresses that combine both spring and foam is that it can be said you’re getting the best of both worlds. 

Early mattress-in-a-box models were mostly made of foam. But these days, spring and hybrid models are widely available as well. Remember to double check the materials before you buy, to match your comfort preferences.

What’s not to like? 

Potentially limited availability

Snapping up one of these mattresses involves heading instore and hoping that your local Aldi has stock in the size you are after, and it’s often a case of first in, best dressed. 

You can’t try before you buy 

This is a big one as you can’t try it instore. You’ll have to save the “lie down and see how it feels” test for when you’ve already bought the mattress, taken it home and unpacked it. 

It’s bulky and heavy, and Aldi doesn’t deliver 

Though Aldi hasn’t specified the weight for the mattress in this Special Buy, previous models weighed around 38kg. It’s fair to assume that the new one will be the same, or very similar.

It’s a heavy boy, in other words, so you’ll need a friend to help you transport it, and an appropriate-sized car. The box does come with wheels and carry handles though. 

Returning it will be a pain 

The product is a compressed mattress that expands when unpacked so it can’t be repacked into the box, and you’d have to lug it back to the store yourself. Other online retailers such as Koala, Sleeping Duck and Eva will come and collect your unwanted mattress for no extra charge within the trial period. 

Limited one-year warranty 

When you consider the fact that many mattresses (admittedly at a much higher price point) usually have a minimum 10 years’ warranty, one year seems short, and could be an indication of the manufacturer’s faith in their own product.

Similar bed-in-a-box offerings have 10-, 15- or even 25-year warranties. 

What ����Vlog staff say about Aldi mattresses

We spoke to two of our staff who bought the supermarket’s discount mattress when it was on sale in previous years, and here’s what they say.

On getting the mattress home:

• “Getting the queen mattress home wasn’t too difficult. It was quite heavy, but nothing my partner and I couldn’t handle. It fitted nicely into the back of our small sedan once we put the seats down. Opening the mattress was kinda fun. We’d never bought a bed-in-a-box before, so it was quite remarkable that the manufacturer was able to pack a plush mattress into a much smaller box. Watch out for the rapid expansion and leave enough space, as the mattress becomes large and heavy surprisingly fast.” 
• “I’d organised to borrow a van to transport the mattress home in, but I didn’t consider how heavy it is. We got some help instore, thankfully, but definitely don’t try to buy this and get it home on your own.” 

On comfort:

• “We have it on our guest bed, so I’ve only slept on it a few times myself and I liked it. All my guests have thought it was comfortable, even one who stayed for three months (I made sure to check!).” 
• “I sleep on it every night and I never really think about it being uncomfortable. There are no lumps and it fits to the contour of my body. It feels plush and soft without being wishy-washy. I always get a good night’s sleep. I normally prefer harder mattresses but I like this one. Considering how little we paid for it, this is fantastic. My only small gripe is that the edges are quite soft, which can make moving around on the bed slightly more cumbersome over a mattress with hard edges.” 

Would you recommend it?

• “Definitely. For price, convenience and quality.”
• “Yes I would. Who knows what it’ll be like in a few years time, but for the price, it’s been perfect for our needs.” 

Mattresses-in-a-box vs traditional models: What you should know

Mattresses-in-a-box are deoxygenated – enclosed in vacuum-sealed packaging – making it possible for them be transported in a box, earning them their nickname. Here are some things we’ve noticed over the years we’ve been testing mattress-in-a-box products.

Price

This type of mattress first entered the market in response to the often eye-watering mark-ups made on traditional mattresses sold in bricks-and-mortar stores. 

But although they used to be cheaper than conventional mattresses, usually costing no more than a thousand dollars for a queen-size mattress, we have noticed that bed-in-a-box prices have crept up and even surpassed the RRP of some models sold by traditional retailers.

There are still some affordable products available, however, the Aldi mattresses are significantly cheaper than most of the models we’ve tested (the mattress-in-a-box products in our latest review range in price from $219 for the Aldi model up to over $2000 for ‘luxe’ models from Koala and Sleep Firm).

Performance

Back when we first started testing mattresses, our results found that old-school spring models were the way to go. Then mattress-in-a-box models came along and wiped the bedroom floor of traditional retailers with consistently higher scores. But now, both categories are fairly evenly matched.

Of the 26 mattresses we currently recommend, 10 are from bricks-and-mortar retailers and 16 are delivered or available roll-packed in a box. Some of the most well-known bed-in-a-box brands that we’ve tested include Koala, Macoda and Ecosa.

“This is great news for consumers,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny. “There’s a great range of options of various types, materials, and builds such as foam or spring that are recommended by our experts, so you can really find a good-quality mattress that feels right for a solid sleep.”

“One person’s idea of the perfect comfy mattress may differ from another’s, but we’ve found that a mattress that costs $1000 or less can be just as comfortable, and perform just as well over its lifetime, as one priced at $3000–$5000.”

Convenience

One of the key advantages of buying a bed-in-a-box is being able to buy them online (without having to deal with a pushy salesperson instore) and trying them at home. 

The free trial period often lasts up to 100 nights, with some running to 120 and even 365 nights. If you don’t like the mattress, you can usually return it easily at no extra cost if you live in a metro area. (Unfortunately if you live in a rural area you may have to pay to return it.)

“Mattresses-in-a-box tend to use more foam and foam-like materials than spring mattresses, so they may not be for you if you prefer the feel of a traditional spring mattress. But that’s what the free trial period is for,” says Peter. 

“However, we’re seeing more and more spring mattresses from these manufacturers. You can no longer assume that a mattress-in-a-box is made of foam, which is why we include the core type and construction information in our test.”

Increasing competition

While the mattress-in-a-box market used to be dominated by just a handful of online-only brands, there is now much more competition in this category.  

The online-only mattresses-in-a-box retailers still have the advantage over instore retailers with their home trial offers. 

Many mattresses that are sold in bricks-and-mortar stores don’t offer a trial period or, if they do, it’s quite short: many are around 30 days.

And some mattresses-in-a-box offer adjustable firmness, allowing you to customise your mattress at home by adding or removing foam layers that are included in the box. 

We haven’t come across any retail models that have this level of customisation yet.

Become a ����Vlog member to access our full reviews and test results of mattresses-in-a-box brands and see who comes out on top. 

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But robot vacuum cleaners offer the ultimate convenience – you don’t even have to be home to get the vacuuming done.

They’ve evolved considerably from the basic dust-busters that sometimes wreaked havoc in households. (We’ve all seen videos of unfortunate incidents involving pet poop.)

And many of them now have so much technology on board that they well and truly earn the “robot” moniker: room mapping, Wi-Fi connectivity, virtual walls, apps, self-emptying functions and more.

The next generation of robot vacs aim to free us from yet another dreaded chore: the mopping.

Virtually all the robovacs that come through our labs now have this feature, so we’ve tweaked our test process to assess how well these robo-mops wash floors, as well as vacuum them.

Here’s what to know about robot vacs with mops and which ones to avoid.

Plus, for ����Vlog members only, we’ll reveal the best bots that mop from our rigorous lab testing.

If you want to find out which robo-mops come out on top, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

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

Are robot vacuums with mops any good?

While we’d like to tell you that buying a robot vac means you’ll never have to vacuum or mop again, sadly that’s not the case.

Our experts say that they’re good for keeping the grot to a reasonable level day to day, but you’ll still need to bust out your old faithful cleaning tools to do the job properly.

And unfortunately many robot vacs aren’t especially impressive when it comes to mopping in particular, so if you want your floors clean you’ll still need to get out a bucket of water and some elbow grease every now and again. 

(Or you could check our steam mop reviews and hard floor cleaner reviews to find another appliance to make the job easier.)

Will a robot vacuum avoid mopping my rugs and carpet?

While they do need a wash every once in a while, mopping your carpets and rugs isn’t exactly a good substitute for a carpet cleaner.

Some robot vacs are better than others at avoiding the Axminster. Some need to be programmed to avoid specific areas; others detect the carpet and either move around it or lift the mopping pads up.

But not all robo-mops are created equal: even if they don’t mop your carpet, some models’ mopping pads will still come into contact with the edges, which can leave stains.

When we test each robot’s mopping chops, we assess how they react to carpet. If a bot goes onto the carpet or dirties the edges, it’s marked down. 

“Ideally, robot vacs with carpet detection will lift the mopping pads not just on the carpet but also on the area around it, to avoid dirtying the edges of the rug or carpet,” says ����Vlog robot vacuum expert Adrian Lini.

“Unfortunately a number of models we tested struggled around the edges of the carpet, even if they didn’t mop the carpet itself.”

Our detailed robot vacuum reviews include expert comments about each product’s performance – which gives you better insights into which bot is best.

How easy is it to use robot vacuums with mops?

Another aspect of our rigorous robot vacuum testing is assessing how easy it is to use the mopping function: attaching, removing and cleaning the mop bin and microfibre pads, filling the tank, and using the settings and controls.

Most models in our current review scored quite well on this metric, with all but six scoring 80% and higher. 

With some bots, you’ll need to be pretty hands-on, but others are more set and forget.

“Often, the more expensive models will wash (and sometimes even dry) the pads and extract the dirty water for you, and refill themselves from a larger water tank located in the charging dock,” says Adrian.

“Cheaper models tend not to have these features, so you might need to wet the microfibre pads yourself, fill the water tank after each use, then wash the dirty pads by hand.

“If you want the convenience of a robot vac that takes care of the mopping process by itself, be prepared to pay more.

“If you can’t afford the $2000+ for a fancy robot vac, you might be able to find one within your budget if you’re okay with doing the extra work for the mopping process.”

The robot vacuums with mops to avoid buying

Some of these bots might be good for your budget, but they’re not much good at mopping your floors: they ranked the lowest for mopping in our labs.

Eureka E20 Plus

• Mopping performance score: 10%
• Price: $1071

Kmart Anko Robotic Vacuum

• Mopping performance score: 20%
• Price: $169

iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot

• Mopping performance score: 20%
• Price: $699

iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock

• Mopping performance score: 30%
• Price: $1699

Narwal Freo X Plus

• Mopping performance score: 35%
• Price: $499

What are the best robot vacuums that mop?

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

We independently test and review dozens of new vacuums each year in our onsite labs, with new models added to our reviews on a regular basis. Our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product. 

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

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which bots are top of the mops.

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Stick vacuums are increasingly becoming a household staple for many, thanks to their lightweight design, convenience and ability to quickly tackle everyday messes. While they were originally designed for light “top-up” cleans, newer models are powerful enough to clean the whole home, in many cases totally replacing the traditional barrel or upright vacuum cleaners for everyday cleaning.

We’ve tested over 50 stick and cordless vacuums in the ����Vlog labs, with models priced from $99 right up to $1649. While ����Vlog testing assesses how well stick vacuums work out of the box, it’s also important to know how well this workhorse will perform over time.

To find out, we recently surveyed over 1300 Australians to ask about their experiences, asking them whether their brand of stick vacuum is reliable; whether they have experienced any issues; and if they been satisfied with the product and the level of customer service if something has gone wrong.

Measuring reliability

To understand how satisfied consumers were with their stick vacuum purchase and how reliable the product was (specifically, if it developed any faults over time), we surveyed 1361 Australians who had purchased a stick vacuum between 2016 and 2025.

The results covered a variety of well-known brands, including Kmart Anko, Dyson, Shark, Bosch, LG and more, with each brand receiving a score for reliability and customer satisfaction.  

A high score in these areas means fewer people reported having problems in the previous 12 months and were pleased with the level of service provided if an issue arose.

Stick vacuums a less reliable product category

Our survey results confirm stick vacuums as the most common vacuum cleaner type, followed by barrel vacuums. Dyson was the dominating brand in the market.

Stick vacuums are also used very frequently, with 75% saying they use their stick vacuum at least a few times a week. With this much use, you want to make sure you have a stick vacuum you can rely on.

However, as a whole, stick vacuums aren’t as reliable as other appliances like ovens or washing machines where we often see reliability scores in the 80s or 90s.

The most reliable stick vacuum brands

Our survey found that the most reliable stick vacuums came from Bosch. It’s the only brand in our survey to achieve a reliability score of more than 90%.

Respondents had good things to say about the brand, saying its stick vacuums are well-made, lightweight, easy to use and push around, with good cleaning performance. When it comes to problems, 73% of Bosch owners said they haven’t experienced any issues since purchasing their stick vacuum.

Samsung and Shark were the next highest scorers for reliability with scores of 81% and 80%, respectively. They were followed by LG, scoring 79% and Electrolux scoring 78% for reliability.

The least reliable stick vacuum brands

Kmart Anko stick vacuums were one of the lowest scorers for reliability, with a score of 73%. Owners of these stick vacuums have lower expectations overall, acknowledging they aren’t a premium brand but instead a budget vacuum, saying they are “good enough” and a convenient option.

The problems owners of Anko stick vacuums experience include poor suction, short battery life and clogging. However, on a positive note, owners say these vacuums are lightweight, simple to operate and offer value for money.

Despite being the most popular brand, Dyson scored 75% for reliability, which is on the lower end of the brands we have survey data on.

Dyson owners have high expectations, and rightly so, considering Dyson stick vacuums are among the most expensive we’ve tested. Issues with battery life (especially on boost or max mode) are the most common problem among owners, followed by battery deterioration. Owners also note the following issues:

• Expensive to buy replacement parts
• Hair/dust getting stuck
• Fiddly to empty/clean
• Requires frequent cleaning to maintain good suction
• Feels heavy
• Not worth the high price tag given its performance

Despite these grievances, Dyson owners praise ease of use, saying they love their stick vacuum and use it more often than their traditional vacuum. While it feels heavy to some, others say their stick vacuums are light to carry and convenient for a quick clean and on stairs. Ease of storing is also another positive for Dyson owners.

Common stick vacuum problems

The most common problems owners reported experiencing with their stick vacuums were:

• Dirt, dust or hair clogged in the hose, inlets, attachments, etc. (14%)
• Poor suction (13%)
• Blocked filters (13%)
• Deteriorating battery life (12%)

While 43% reported a problem with their stick vacuum since buying, only 9% have actually had the issue repaired. Where a cost to repair was involved, it cost on average $154.

Unlike big ticket appliances like washing machines or fridges, where a repair might require a licensed technician from the brand, repairs to stick vacuums usually involve simpler DIY fixes such as replacing the battery, unclogging or cleaning.

����Vlog vacuum cleaner expert Adrian Lini says regular upkeep and maintenance of a stick vacuum can reduce the chance of these common problems happening.

However he notes, “stick vacuums can be a real pain to clean thoroughly, so the bin and filter design is very important. The easier it is to remove and replace these parts for cleaning, the more often users are likely to do so to maintain their stick vacs”.

Battery replacement is the most common stick vac repair

Regardless of brand, battery replacement is the most common fix required. It usually involves buying a replacement online and the user fitting the new battery before it’s usable again. 

Other common replacements include parts like the head, filter, brush and wheel.

Being able to access replacement parts is important, because while one component’s failure can render the entire unit unusable, a small replacement (like the battery) can be the difference between having to buy a whole new vacuum or continuing to use your existing unit.

Adrian says to look for a stick vacuum with a removable battery that can be replaced with a genuine spare, and preferably one that’s easily swappable. “The batteries are likely to be the first thing to really deteriorate and need replacing.” 

“A stick vacuum with a built-in battery is likely destined for landfill once the battery fails. However, if the battery is removable it’s likely to be easier to replace meaning you’ll keep the stick vacuum for longer.”

Warranty and customer service is important

A decent warranty and good brand support through customer service creates strong satisfaction with brands. Respondents indicated that positive experiences involved the brand identifying the problem quickly, supplying parts for free or under warranty, providing clear advice from customer support and quick turnaround times from the service centre.

Dyson owners were particularly happy in this regard, saying the brand supplied parts, replaced batteries, repaired under warranty and handled product issues well.

On the other hand, negative repair experiences usually involved:

• Replacements parts being expensive
• Replacement parts not fixing the issue
• Brand not providing good customer service and arguing the product was out of warranty
• DIY repair being difficult
• Parts not being available

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. This is where ����Vlog testing is useful to compare the results of all the stick vacuums we’ve tested.

Despite Bosch being the most reliable brand according to our survey, none of the current models we’ve tested score highly enough to be recommended by our experts. However, some Bosch models we’ve tested would definitely be worth considering once you weigh up price and performance.

Likewise, while Dyson ranked lower for reliability than other brands, some of their stick vacuums earn a recommendation from our experts, performing very well in our testing, so they shouldn’t be ruled out.

About our survey

There were a total of 5012 respondents to our survey, which was carried out between 13 April and 7 May 2026. The survey included questions on fridges, washing machines, split system air conditioners and stick vacuums and respondents could qualify for all or only some sections of the survey.

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But bricks-and-mortar stores stuck around. While these traditional retailers used to be more expensive than a bed-in-a-box, prices have gradually met in the middle. Our test results have been pretty comparable for some time as well.

So does a bed-in-a-box offer better value? In 2015, sure. In 2026? Things aren’t quite as clear cut. There are plenty of reasons to return to the shops or stick with online stores depending on how you like to shop and the kind of bed you prefer.

What’s best for sleep: A retail mattress or a bed-in-a-box?

Back in the day, bed-in-a-box mattresses were mostly made of foam while traditional mattresses from retailers tended to skew towards spring or hybrids (with a few exceptions). The different builds would often determine which type a shopper would opt for, as each has a very particular feel while you sleep.

But according to ����Vlog mattress expert Chris Barnes, things have changed and now all three types are available everywhere.

“Manufacturers even figured out how to put spring mattresses into a box without affecting build quality,” he adds.

“These days, main differences are in the shopping experience and after sales service.”

����Vlog’s expert testing of more than 60 mattresses hasn’t found a single clear indicator of whether brands from bed-in-a-box or traditional retailers are better quality, more supportive, or less bouncy. There’s a fairly even number of great, average and poor performers across both categories.

Of the 26 currently available models we recommend, 15 are from mattress-in-a-box manufacturers, ten are sold by traditional retailers and one is a full-sized spring mattress sold at an online-only store.

You should buy a bed-in-a-box if you…

Want to try a mattress at home

Since day one, mattress-in-a-box brands have set themselves apart from traditional retailers with their trial periods. “We’ll send you the mattress and if you don’t like it after 30 days, you can return the mattress for a full refund, risk free,” they often advertise, or something to that effect.

An at-home trial will give you a much better understanding of whether the mattress is right for you. You’re in your space, you’re comfortable and salespeople aren’t peering at you from across the room (hopefully).

“Just remember that it’s not really try before you buy,” warns Chris. “You still have to purchase the mattress, hand over your cash and then apply for a refund if it doesn’t suit your sleeping style.”

You may even need to cover a portion of the return costs, depending on the brand and where you live. Always double check the returns policy before committing.

Know which type of mattress you want – spring, foam or hybrid

Spring, foam and hybrid mattresses each have a distinct feel. Spring supports you at the top of the bed while foam lets you sink in a bit, with a sense of contouring around your body. Hybrid is somewhere in the middle.

“You need to know your preference before buying, which is where a showroom comes in handy,” suggests Chris. “Blindly buying a bed-in-a-box means you may be stuck with a style that doesn’t work for your body until the trial period is over.”

Want a different firmness on each side of the bed

A couple of bed-in-a-box mattresses have adjustable firmness zones for each side of the bed (excluding singles). Sleepers can add or remove foam sheets to set their section to a preferred firmness that doesn’t affect the other person.

“It’s a useful feature but one that seems to be limited to a few bed-in-a-box brands,” Chris explains. “We’re yet to come across a product like this from traditional retailers.”

Live in a city or major rural centre/large town

The bed-in-a-box trial period is largely geared towards more populated areas. Almost all brands can organise a free collection or arrange an easy drop-off for customers in cities, larger towns, regional centres and so on.

Things get a bit harder if you’re living in a more remote location. The onus may fall on you to sort out the return before getting a refund.

Need a bed pretty quickly

Mattress-in-a-box brands usually keep stock on hand, so your orders should arrive within a couple of weeks depending on where you live. Traditional retailers, however, mostly manufacture based on demand after you commit to the purchase. This can lead to long delivery times.

That’s not to say bed-in-a-box manufacturers don’t experience delays. But most will lay out the estimated delivery windows before buying, so be sure to check this before ordering if time is of the essence.

Don’t want to deal with a large range of products

Browsing aisle after aisle of display beds from over a dozen brands in a full-scale mattress showroom isn’t just time consuming, it’s overwhelming. Toss in a few pushy salespeople and you’ve got yourself a pretty uncomfortable day (or days) of shopping ahead. 

“Bed-in-a-box brands generally offer a much smaller selection that’s easier to browse and understand which product fits your needs,” says Chris. “And all the information is online.” Granted, there are a pretty substantial selection of brands but most make one to four beds, maximum.

Consider a traditional retailer if you…

Don’t know what you want in a bed

Not quite sure if you’re a foam fan, spring stan or hyping for hybrid? You can get a pretty good idea of your preference by trying a few mattresses in-store. That way you can avoid the returns process if a particular build isn’t right for you.

Don’t want to commit to a purchase

When you buy a mattress-in-a-box, you’re out of pocket during the trial period. A showroom may not be a real representation of your home but you don’t have to pay to get in.

Live in a remote or rural area

It’s uncommon for bed-in-a-box brands to collect mattresses from customers outside cities, large towns, regional centres etc. Instead, the terms and conditions usually put the process back on you, which can take time and cost money.

“You may have to organise a collection yourself or transport the mattress to a charity partner or drop-off location,” Chris explains. “In this case, online retailers don’t tend to specify whether you’ll receive a refund for extra expenses like petrol.”

That’s not to say that returning a mattress to a retailer is any easier. But trying mattresses in store gives you a better chance of finding the right one before buying.

Like a soft mattress

There aren’t many mattresses-in-boxes with a soft feel. Most, including adjustable beds, skew towards medium, medium-firm and firm with just a couple of soft and medium-soft alternatives.

Are happy to haggle

Slick negotiators can save even more money on a mattress by haggling with a salesperson. That’s an option you’re not going to get via an online-only bed-in-a-box brand.

The ticket price in showrooms has a lot of flexibility, even during sales periods. Plus, you can chip away even more by buying multiple items at once – like new pillows, mattress protectors, electric blankets and more.

Are shopping on a budget

Almost all of the cheapest mattresses in our test are sold by traditional retailers. Only a few bed-in-a-box models fall into the budget category, which really limits your options. Retailers, meanwhile, offer a larger selection including some of  top performers in ����Vlog testing.

Have money to burn

All that said, the super expensive mattresses are only available through traditional retailers. We’re talking over ten thousand dollars in some cases (no, we haven’t tested these).

If you enjoy splashing cash or firmly believe that price equals performance, head on down to your local bricks and mortar and bust out that gold card.

67 models rated and ranked

A.H. Beard (5) Active Sleep (1) Art & Science (3) Avatar (0) Bedgear (0) Breeze (3) Brosa (0) Clark Rubber (3) Comfort Sleep (1) Deep Dream (0) Dusk & Dawn (1) Ecosa (4) Ergoflex (1) Estelle by Sohl (1) Eva (1) Fantastic (1) Home by Tempur (1) Ikea (9) Kmart (1) Koala (4) Macoda (1) Noa (0) OneBed (0) Origin (1) Original Mattress Factory (2) Peacelily (1) Sealy (4) Silent Partner (0) Sleep Firm (2) Sleep Republic (2) SleepMaker (2) Sleeping Duck (1) Sleeptailor (0) Sleeptight (1) Slumberland (3) Snooze (1) Sommuto (0) Suparest (1) Tempur (0) Tontine (0) Valmori Home Collection (2) Whiteheaven (0) Wonderest (0) Zeek (1) Zenna (1) Zinus (1)

Show more

A.H. Beard

King Koil Comfort Plus

A.H. Beard

King Koil Malibu Firm

A.H. Beard

King Koil Chiro Clarity

A.H. Beard

King Koil Chiro Resolve

A.H. Beard

King Koil Everyday Comfort MK2

Active Sleep

Control

Art & Science

Windsor (previously Silver)

Art & Science

Balmoral

Art & Science

Somerset

Breeze

Premium

Breeze

Medium Cool Gel Euro Top Pocket

Breeze

Signature Double-Sided Flippable

Clark Rubber

Comfort Platinum Latex

Clark Rubber

Comfort Premium

Clark Rubber

Comfort Deluxe (100mm)

Comfort Sleep

Verve Chiro Posture

Dusk & Dawn

Essential MK2

Ecosa

Pure (2023 model)

Ecosa

Essence

Ecosa

Mattress (2022 model)

Ecosa

Truefirm

Ergoflex

5G Memory Foam Mattress

Estelle by Sohl

Euro Top

Eva

Comfort Classic (2023 model)

Fantastic

White Haven

Home by Tempur

Mattress

Ikea

Vesteroy

Ikea

Anneland

Ikea

Afjall

Ikea

Valevag

Ikea

Vagstranda

Ikea

Arkehamn

Ikea

Vestmarka

Ikea

Vatnestrom

Ikea

Abygda

Kmart

Euro Top Pocket Spring

Koala

SE

Koala

Luxe

Koala

Plus

Koala

Mattress (2024 model)

Macoda

Mattress

Origin

Hybrid Mattress

Original Mattress Factory

Revivify

Original Mattress Factory

Refresh

Peacelily

Queen Mattress

Sealy

Posturepedic Exquisite Excellence

Sealy

Posturepedic Crown Jewels Reims Flex

Sealy

Posturepedic Acclaim Alpine

Sealy

Posturepedic Exquisite Aspen Chalet

Sleep Firm

Luxe

Sleep Firm

Mattress

Sleep Republic

Mattress

Sleep Republic

ES

Sleeping Duck

Mach II

SleepMaker

Elements Jordan

SleepMaker

Smart Rest

Sleeptight

Mattress

Slumberland

Sutton Pillowtop

Slumberland

Brighton

Slumberland

Soho

Snooze

Madison Times Square

Suparest

Affinity

Valmori Home Collection

Spring Mattress

Valmori Home Collection

Hybrid II

Zeek

Original

Zenna

Latex Mattress

Zinus

Support iCoil Pocket Spring Eurotop

Include discontinued models (92)

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“I’m just using the blender I’m testing for ����Vlog!” I yelled back (shouted conversations between rooms seems to be a common mode of communication in our family).

I’m not surprised she thought our neighbour was hacking down some trees. The Ninja Blendboss blender is loud. 

My daughter was referring to the (admittedly clever) way the blender noisily whirrs through cycles of pausing, pulsing and blending, based on a series of smart programs you can select (more on that later). I guess in a way it does simulate someone using a chainsaw, on and off.

Is it unreasonably loud for a powerful blender? Probably not. I’ve had a much-treasured, high-powered Vitamix for 10 years now and my husband continuously complains about how loud it is. I’d say this one is on par, and considering the great results it creates in the blended concoctions I’ve been making, and its compact size, I’m willing to overlook the noise. 

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, what is the Ninja BlendBoss? It’s a personal blender that blends smoothies, shakes and frozen drinks directly into a 760ml travel tumbler. It currently retails for $199.

Once your drink is ready, you flip the tumbler the right way up, swap the lid with stainless steel blades for a leakproof lid and a straw, and off you go. Tumblers of this ilk, merging functionality with fashion, have become painfully trendy, thanks to “clean girl” aesthetics and many a wellness influencer touting one on the way to the gym in head-to-toe colour-coordinated athleisure wear (the BlendBoss even comes in five cute colours so you can match your top with your tumbler). 

But does it actually blend well and is it worth the $199 price tag? Here are my observations.

It is easy to use

My first observation about the BlendBoss (apart from the slightly cringe moniker): it couldn’t be simpler to use. After glancing at the instructions, I went ahead and filled the tumbler with my ingredients and selected one of the three preprogrammed smart “Auto IQ” programs which are designed to make either a smoothie, a crushed ice/frozen drink, or a blend (of fruits, veggies and liquids for drinks or purees for example). There is also a pulse function.

Each of the functions, apart from the pulse, is a timed cycle that finishes automatically. Once the blender has completed the selected program, you just turn the tumbler over and add your lid and straw. All the detachable components are easy to rinse and are dishwasher safe. 

It is powerful

The reason for the chainsaw-like volume becomes clear when you realise this compact blender packs an impressive 1100 watts of power. While a high wattage isn’t the only factor that will influence a blender’s performance, this level of power is higher than any other personal blender we’ve tested in our latest review.

It also comes close to the power of top-end full-size blenders – some personal blenders in our review have anywhere from 300 watts of power up to Ninja Nutribullet which has 1000W , while the full-size Vitamix E310 Explorian high-performance blender, which costs $699, is 1200W. 

To get this amount of power for a $200 price tag in such a compact unit (it’s significantly smaller than my Vitamix) is impressive.

And the results? All the blends and purees I made were super smooth. Even when I challenged it with the curly nemesis of many blenders – tough, fibrous leaves of kale – it blended them with frozen mango and coconut water with ease to create a silky smoothie with close to zero bits in it.

����Vlog experts know that blending kale is a task many blenders struggle with, which is why we give each blender we test in our labs a green smoothie score (no one should have to chew through their smoothie).

We haven’t yet tested this blender in our labs, but I’m confident it would rate well (stay tuned for full results once our experts have had time to conduct a series of tests).

A warning – the blender comes with suction-cup feet on its base and you better ensure those suckers are stuck to your kitchen counter before you blend (otherwise, expect it to start “walking” across your benchtop). When fully assembled, the entire unit weighs just 2.48kg, with the empty tumbler weighing a very manageable 600g. 

The tumbler and straw are handy, but may not be right for everyone  

This appliance is obviously designed for people on the go – the tumbler is light and the base fits handily into car cup holders. It even has a handle (see image).

My daughter also enjoyed using the straw to sip straight out of the container, while I enjoyed the fact she was sipping from a mostly spill-proof container on the couch.

I like to just make my smoothie and enjoy it at home while it’s freshly blended, though, so this is less of a compelling feature for me. 

Speaking of, my daily smoothie-making is mostly because I have two young kids to feed. While the 760ml tumbler is a large serving for one person, it’s not large enough to make enough for us to share between three.

So, great for individual servings, but if you’re making smoothies for multiple people or wanting a blender you can use for meal prep, you should consider one with a larger container. 

The price tag is justified

Is this the cheapest personal blender out there? No. We’ve tested a mini portable USB-powered blender from Kmart for $15 that received a ����Vlog Expert Rating of 79% in our testing, which could meet your needs if you’re after something cheap and basic. Two hundred dollars is pretty expensive for a personal blender, however I was really impressed with the performance and the quality of the components, and it comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

Sure, you’re probably paying a little extra for the pretty colours and the brand name, but if you want to spend that cash so you can look great while sipping your purple protein blend, we won’t judge.

Is it worth buying?

If you’re often mixing up smoothies, protein shakes or frozen margaritas, and you value convenience, portability and aesthetics, the BlendBoss could well be up your alley if it fits within your price range.

If you prefer blending larger amounts of smoothies, or you want a blender you can use for a wider variety of meal prep tasks, it may be worth looking at other models instead.

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If you’re feeling the chill and need a quick heating solution, an electric heater is a convenient option with relatively low upfront costs.

It’s as easy as picking one up from the shops and bringing it home to plug it in, and (hopefully) immediately basking in its warmth.

But before you buy the first model you look at, it pays to do some research. A poor-performing electric heater is likely to leave you out in the cold, or worse, running up an eye-watering energy bill.

Each year, ����Vlog electric heater reviews give you a rundown on the latest models on the market, and how they perform in our rigorous tests.

We give each model a score based on factors such as how quickly it heats up a room, how evenly it distributes heat and how consistent it keeps the room’s average temperature.

We don’t want you to end up with a dud buy, so here are the products that scored lowest in our lab tests. Consider becoming a ����Vlog member to see the top rated heaters.

Lowest rated heaters in our tests

Mill AU-OIL2000WIFI3

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 42%
• Heating score: 28%
• Price: $429

There’s not really anything positive to say about this Mill oil heater.

It’s expensive, it’s heavy, and it doesn’t do the one job it’s supposed to do: heat up a room.

When our experts test heaters, they measure how long each one takes to raise the temperature of an 8°C room. Ideally, heaters will increase the temperature by 10°C in less than 30 minutes, and excellent heaters can raise the temperature by 5°C in 7 or 8 minutes.

The Mill heater was unable to raise the room temperature by 10°C, even after running for two whole hours. It’s a heater by name, but not by nature.

It did pass safety tests, so at least it has one thing going for it. But considering that three of the eight heaters recommended by our experts cost less than this one, there’s no reason at all to consider this lukewarm letdown.

Read the full Mill AU-OIL2000WIFI3 review.

Rinnai Panel Heater (PEPH-22PEW)

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Heating score: 52%
• Price: $399

The running costs for this model come in at around $400 for the winter, which is fairly standard when compared to other models in our review.

But it’s a lot of money to pay if you’re not actually getting great performance when it comes to heating. 

Experts rated this model’s heating performance in our test as “borderline” – although it may be more effective in a much smaller living space than the one we tested in.

And while features such as a delay timer function and the option to install it as either an electric wall heater or a portable room heater are convenient, it only has one heat setting.

Read the full Rinnai PEPH-22PEW review. 

Lenoxx Oil Column Electric Heater (H210)

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Heating score: 44%
• Price: $130

A heater for $130 seems like a bargain, but this one’s performance in our testing was lukewarm at best.

It received a poor heating score of 44% from our experts, failing to increase the temperature in our test room by 10°C in two hours.

By comparison, some heaters can manage a 5°C rise in as little as seven or eight minutes, which we rate as an excellent performance. A 10°C rise usually takes much longer, but again some manage an excellent performance, achieving this in 30 minutes or less.

If you want toasty toes but you’re on a budget, there are several other low-cost models in our test that outperform this one.

Read the full Lenoxx H210 review.

DeLonghi Panel Heater (HCM2030)

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Heating score: 55%
• Price: $85

This panel heater costs less than $100 (it’s one of the cheapest models we looked at) but it’ll add hundreds of dollars to your energy bill this winter in return for an “only OK” heating performance, according to our experts.

The manufacturer says it is suitable for use in medium rooms but when we tested this model in a medium-sized room (4.9m deep x 3.5m long x 2.4m high), it took over 10 minutes to increase the temperature by 5°C and over an hour and a half to increase the temperature in that room by 10°C.

This heater is small and lightweight, so it’s easily portable, but the actual performance may leave you feeling chilly.

Read the full DeLonghi Panel Heater review.

Breville the Smart Heat Control Max Panel Heater (LCH308)

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Heating score: 43%
• Price: $399

Many people might not be aware that Breville, the brand arguably most well-known for its range of premium coffee machines and kitchen appliances, also sells heaters. 

This slimline panel heater boasts a few fancy features such as Wi-Fi and voice-activated connectivity, plus a “Smart Eco Mode” which claims to monitor room temperature and auto adjusts heat settings accordingly.

Despite claiming to be “perfect for open concept living or larger rooms”, in our medium-sized test room, it took over 15 minutes to increase the temperature by 5°C and failed to increase the temperature by 10°C in two hours.

It may have a sleek slimline design and handy remote control, but do good looks outweigh poor heating performance? We don’t think so.

Read the full Breville Panel Heater review.

How to reduce your heating costs this winter

Temperatures may be dropping, but the cost of living keeps rising. How can you stay warm this winter without blowing your budget?

Here are a few tips from our experts:

• Use a ceiling fan on the reverse setting to help make your electric heater more effective by moving the warm air through the whole room. 
• Insulate your home to keep the warmth in. Without insulation, up to 35% of a home’s warmth can be lost through the roof, so adding wall, ceiling and floor insulation can save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy bills.
• Seal any gaps where cold air can get in. Silicone sealant, weather seal tape and draught strips can help keep the warm air in and the cold out.
• Before you buy a new electric heater, make sure you know how much it’ll cost you to run – some are far more expensive than others. Our detailed electric heater reviews break down running costs to help you budget for ongoing costs. 
• Don’t assume the most expensive heaters are the best, or that cheap models won’t work well. Our tests regularly reveal high-end duds and affordable winners. 

Our expert guide to buying a heater

Electric heaters aren’t the most energy-efficient way to heat up your home (that would be reverse-cycle air conditioning), but they’re still an effective solution to quickly take the chill out of a cold room.

“An electric heater is generally a short-term solution for those nights when it gets chilly in the spare room or the kids’ room and you don’t have a reverse-cycle air conditioner in that area of the home,” says ����Vlog home heating expert Chris Barnes.

Here are Chris’s top tips for features to look for when buying a new heater.

Look for a long cord

You want the heater reasonably close to you, particularly in a large room, and you shouldn’t be using an extension lead.

Try to get a timer

Electric space heaters are the most expensive heating product to run, so a timer can help you manage those costs.

If you want to use an electric heater to take the chill out of the room before going to sleep, set the timer for the heater to turn off after a couple of hours, and maybe have it set to turn on again early in the morning.

Consider size and storage

You’ll need to stow the heater somewhere in the summer months, so you might want to consider one of the smaller models.

Be smart about using it to dry laundry

Don’t put your clothes over an electric heater – even an oil column heater – to warm them up. It’s a fire risk. Instead, put the clothes on a rack at least one metre away from the heater. If you often need to dry laundry indoors, a clothes dryer or a dehumidifier might be a better option. 

Read more tips on how to choose the best electric space heater for your home in the ����Vlog electric heater buying guide.

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We test many mattresses each year, assessing them for things like comfort, stability, sagging, comfort retention and firmness. We also test each mattress’s warmth: how warm or cool they are to sleep on. 

In previous tests, we’ve found that some supposedly ‘cool’ mattresses haven’t lived up to their names.

Although we have found a few ‘cool’ mattresses that genuinely are cool, most mattresses tend to run medium-warm or warm, which can be an issue if you’re a hot sleeper.

The good news is that some of the mattresses coming through our labs are now actually living up to their claims, so your dreams of a cool night’s sleep could well be in reach. 

“If you run hot, or you live in a warmer climate, look for mattresses with ‘cool’ insulation in our test results,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny.

“We know they can help you sleep cool because we’ve measured them.”

However, there are still plenty that don’t deliver on their promise. Make sure you check our reviews before buying so you don’t get hot under the collar once you realise your mattress is warmer than advertised. 

We’ll talk you through what makes for a cool mattress, and for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal the best mattresses to keep you cool at night. 

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

Why buy a cool mattress?

Just like being too cold at night, being too hot can also disturb your sleep. If you overheat, you’ll probably spend the night tossing and turning, and wake up feeling tired. 

While you can adjust your bedroom temperature and bed linen, sometimes that’s just not enough. Buying a mattress that helps keep your body temperature lower is another way you can tweak your sleeping environment to help you rest better. 

“Mattress manufacturers often make claims about the warming or cooling capabilities of their products, but our tests found that it can be just marketing speak,” says Peter. 

However, we’re now seeing mattresses that actually do deliver a cooler surface temperature. We don’t report on manufacturers’ marketing claims, just the actual data, so when we say a mattress is cool, you can be sure that it really is. 

What makes a mattress cool or warm?

Mattress manufacturers aren’t always forthcoming about how their mattresses deliver a cool night’s sleep, using vague terms like ‘cooling gel’ and references to air flow. So it can be hard for the average consumer to determine whether a ‘cool’ mattress will live up to the hype. 

Mattresses come in a range of different constructions and materials. Depending on who you speak to, you might be told that a latex mattress is best, or that a spring mattress will breathe better. 

When we test the coolness of each mattress, we find that cool mattresses come in a range of different configurations – latex, foam and spring mattresses alike can be measured as cool. So, unfortunately, buying based on the mattress construction alone won’t guarantee you a cooler sleep. 

But if you check our reviews before you buy you can make sure you’re buying a mattress that will actually help keep you cool. You can also sort by price, construction and tested firmness. 

What are the coolest mattresses from our tests?

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

Our detailed mattress reviews include information about each model’s comfort over time, stabilisation, sweat absorption and more  – all important factors to consider when purchasing a mattress.

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed mattress testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews across a range of products and services, from fridges and vacuum cleaners to car, home and health insurance.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which mattresses will help keep you cool at night. 

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