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ICON DECODER

COMPANY RATINGS
Praises, no criticism
Some praise, no criticism
No rating
Praises, some criticism
Criticism, some praise
Criticisms

Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies. They are not a comment on the product itself.
> more about ratings

OTHER ICONS
Australian Owned
Outstanding Product Feature
Industry Alert

Issues

What do you value?
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> See all
 

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Heating & Cooling

The Guide > Household > Appliances > Heating & Cooling 

Energy efficiency

Of all the energy used by a household 29% goes on use of appliances. This includes 9% on the fridge and freezer, and 15% on electronic equipment and items such as irons, vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. Cutting the energy used by your appliances can have an immediate effect on bills and carbon emissions. See article for more on specifics for dryers, refrigerators and freezers.   [Carbon Cops]
  • The Energy Rating Label shows the energy performance of particular appliances. It works hand-in-hand with Minimum Energy Performance Standards that establish a minimum level of energy performance that products must meet before they can be sold to consumers. Choose products that compare well.  [Energy Rating Calculator]
  • Like your TV and computer, your microwave (and even some washing machines) have a 'standby' mode, which means they're still using energy even when they're not in use. Unplug your appliances when they're not in use.   [Choice]

Cheap appliances

Although there is little specific information, the concern is that super cheap appliances mean manufacturers are skipping standards relating to workers' conditions and wages, and the quality of materials used in production.   [Choice article]
  • Choose items from companies that rate well in the 2016 Electronics Industry Trends report by Baptist World Aid. This report grades 56 companies on the practices and policies they have in place to mitigate the risk of forced labour, child labour and exploitation.  [Behind the Barcode]

Where is it made?

Country of Origin information on a product label indicates where that item is 'substantially transformed'. In regards to appliances this usually refers to assembly. Due to inexpensive labour in other countries and manufacturer contracts for materials changing on a product-by-product basis it is likely that the individual parts have come from a number of other places. Find out more in this Choice article.  [Choice]

How long will it last?

The French government introduced legislation in 2016 to combat 'planned obsolescence' - the practice of designing products with restricted life spans to ensure consumers will buy more.  [The Guardian]
  • Whether shopping for a new appliance or just trying to make an old one keep ticking, it's useful to know the average useful lives of big-ticket home appliances.  [The Life Expectancy of 7 Major Appliances]

Reuse and Recycling

Replacing your appliance? If your old appliance is efficient, less than 10 years old and in good condition, it's a suitable candidate for reuse. Give it to someone you know, donate it to a charity or advertise on freecycle.org.au or eBay.  [Green Lifestyle]
  • For old appliances that no longer work, the best option is recycling. Find your nearest drop-off location.  [Recycling Near You]
BRAND COMPANY OWNED RATING
Dimplex  Glen Dimplex Australia   (Glen Dimplex) IRL  Some praise, no criticism2
Nobo  Glen Dimplex Australia   (Glen Dimplex) IRL  Some praise, no criticism2
Braemar  Seeley International   Australian Owned  No rating3
Convair  Seeley International   Australian Owned  No rating3
Goldair  CDB Goldair Australia   (CDB) NZL  No rating3
Moretti  Bunnings   (Wesfarmers) Australian Owned  Praises, some criticism4
DeLonghi  De'Longhi Australia   (De'Longhi) ITA  Praises, some criticism4
Kambrook  Breville Group   Australian Owned  Criticism, some praise5
Dyson  Dyson Australia   (Dyson) UK  Criticism, some praise5
Sunbeam  Sunbeam   (Newell Brands) USA  Criticisms6



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