If you still have a few items on your shopping list for 2022, the Boxing Day sales offer another opportunity to grab a bargain over the period between Christmas and into the New Year.
And retailers are confident Australians will buy up big, despite cost of living concerns. The Australian Retailers Association predicts we'll spend a record $66 billion over the festive season.
A large chunk of that cash is likely to be spent on household goods. So, to celebrate every shopaholic's favourite time of year, we've created a special members-only Boxing Day buying guide, outlining the brands and models that topped our most popular product tests.
From fridges to mattresses, barbecues to coffee machines and more, here's your handy hit list of the best rated products, along with expert advice to help you shop like a pro.
Brands and models can vary wildly in quality, so it pays to do your research first.
Smart shopping tips to live by
Before you hit the sales, there are some key things to keep in mind if you want to shop smart and dodge a dud.
1. Expensive brands don't always perform better
Our product test results regularly disprove the age-old adage that 'you get what you pay for'. Our experts often see very pricey products underperform, while cheaper, lesser known ones shine.
That's why it pays to do your homework and check the CHOICE reviews. See our Boxing Day duds guide for further proof of expensive fails.
2. A brand's product range can vary dramatically in quality
It's another revelation our experts see all the time in their tests. A brand can boast some of the best performing products in a category... and some terrible ones too.
It all depends on the build quality and design of each product, which is why individual reviews are so vital.
3. Be critical of sale offers
Sure one site is offering 20% off its usual price, but was it more expensive to start with compared to others? Before you 'add to cart', it's worth playing the field and sizing up the best deal and assessing delivery costs and times too.
Check out more expert shopping tips.
The best buys in popular categories
Some of the most searched products on our website in the Boxing Day period (24–28 December) are washing machines, fridges, mattresses, wall ovens, dishwashers, coffee machines and barbecues.
CHOICE members can see the top rated products for each category in one easy-to-read rundown below. Happy shopping!
If you're not a member, consider joining CHOICE to access thousands of independent reviews, or check out our free buying guides.
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