consumer.org.nz Reviews Thread

Tmurder91 on 02/08/2022 - 13:25
Last edited 29/05/2023 - 11:40 by 1 other user

Consumer.org.nz has a subscription model, and some really great testing that sits behind it.

Every now and then, someone posts asking for the review or comparison of something on it.

Bigcheese and his recent Torpedo7 philanthropy has inspired me to do something similar with Consumer. So if anyone would like a review of a product, an article, comparison etc then let me know exactly what you require and I'll reply. Probably best to post in the thread here so that the information is searchable by others in the future too.

Some examples of what is available are review of the Panasonic F-YWP33N dehumidifier

Reviews provided so far (updated 21/3/23):

Insurance & Finance
Car & contents insurance comparison
Pet insurance
Travel Insurance
Kiwisaver
- "What is Kiwisaver" guide
- Kiwisaver comparrison guide
- Growth Funds
- Defensive Funds
- Conservative Funds
- Balanced Funds
- Aggressive Funds

Transport
e-Bikes
Tyres
- 215/60 R16
- 225/60 R17
- Ecopia EP300 (185_55 R15)
Car reliability
- VW Golf
Electric and hybrid cars

Kids
High chairs
Strollers

Outdoors
Barbecues
- Jumbuck Double Burner Portable BBQ JBPB219 and trolley
- Masport MB4000
Mowers
- Electric mowers
- Petrol mowers
- Ride-on mowers
Line trimmers
Leaf blowers and blower vacuums

Heating / Cooling
Under 4kW - High Wall Heatpump
4kW and 6kW high wall
- Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP50VGKD
- Panasonic CS/CU-RZ42XKR
- Panasonic CS/CU-Z42XKR
- Daikin FTXM46U
Above 6kw high wall heatpumps
- Daikin FTXV20UVMA
- Fujitsu ASTG12KUCA
- Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-AP25VGKD
- Panasonic CS/CU-Z50XKR-1
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries models
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Avanti PLUS / SRK35ZSXA-W
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Bronte / SRK63ZRA-W
Freestanding wood burners
Heaters
Dehumidifiers
- Panasonic F-YWP33N
- Panasonic F-YCL27N
- Mitsubishi Oasis MJ-E22VX-A1-W

Kitchen
Ovens & Cooktops
- Benchtop ovens
- Built-in ovens
- Haier HWO60S8EPB2
- Induction Cooktops - Updated March 2023
- - Beko BCT603IG
- - Beko_BCT601IGN
- Gas Cooktops
- Haier HCE604TB3
Dishwashers
- Westinghouse WSF6604WA
- Miele G 5000 SC dishwasher
- Haier HDW13V1W1
Freezers
Fridges (french/sidebyside/top-mount/bottom mount)
Food dehydrators
Food mixers
- Kogan 1200W Premium Stand Mixer
Frying pans
Hand held blenders
Microwaves
Single serve blenders
- NutriBullet Pro 5pc set 900W NB9-0507
Toasters
Rangehoods
Rice Cookers
- Breville "The Smart Rice Box LRC480WHT"
Bread makers
Coffee Machines - Espresso

Appliances / Home
Air fryers
- Vortex Plus 5.7L Air Fryer
Air purifiers
- Kmart Anko KJ300GR-G1E
Dryers
- Electrolux EDV605H3WB
Electric Toothbrushes
Irons
Jugs & Kettles - Updated April 2023
- Breville the TempSet Kettle LKE842
Robot vacuum cleaners
Steam stations
Stick vacuums
Vacuum cleaners
Washer Dryer Combos
- Bosch WNA254U1AU
Washing Machines also updated list
- Bosch WAN24121AU
- Fisher & Paykel WA8560P1
- LG WTG7520
- LG WV6-1409
- Electrolux EWF9042R7WB
Waterblaster
- Ozito 1800W 2030psi High Pressure Washer HPW-2030
Carpet Cleaners
- Bissell CleanView PowerBrush 37E3G
- Bissell Power Clean Max Carpet Shampooer 3112F

Electronics
Soundbar
Baby Thermometers
IP Securty Cameras

General Discussion

Related Stores

Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ

Comments

      • Sivuka on 19/03/2023 - 04:29

        Hey Tmurder, firstly thanks for the work so far mate, very helpful.
        Would you compare some 225/60 R17 please. Cheers

  • shami on 12/09/2022 - 12:55

    Hi @Tmurder91
    could you please share the vacuum cleaner reviews, specifically looking for the non-stick.
    Have the Bissel Poweforce but the OH is not happy with it - the pole is not long enough if you want to vacuum the top corner of the windows, and also it seems to throw out micro dust particles.

    • Tmurder91 on 12/09/2022 - 13:27

      Here you are. Regular vacuum cleaners

      Note that they do the comparisons under the title "Standard vacuum cleaners" but it contains both canister and upright ones (ie the corded version of a stick)

      Crazy to see the top 6x spots all being Miele under $1000 and then the next 3 being other brands over $1000

      • shami on 12/09/2022 - 17:19

        Thank you, much appreciated. Now waiting for good deal on the Mieles

  • Eureka on 13/09/2022 - 13:32

    Hey OP, would love to see the comparisons/reviews between different food dehydrators. Much appreciated!

    • Tmurder91 on 13/09/2022 - 13:42

      Here you go, Food Dehydrators

      Let me know if you want the detailed of a specific model

      • Eureka on 13/09/2022 - 13:48

        Of course Excalibur is at the top lol.. but good to see the one I’m looking at is second on the list.

        That’s a good enough reference, thanks!

  • Shaky on 15/09/2022 - 10:20

    Hey @Tmurder91, could i get dryers please? i saw you did washer/dryers but just after normal dryers:
    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/clothes-dryers/review

  • KJKNZ on 17/09/2022 - 20:49

    Hi OP, may I please have the scores for Toasters

    • thesla on 17/09/2022 - 21:57
      +1

      For some reason, I cannot upload in one file … The site have image dimension restriction ?
      part1
      part2

      • KJKNZ on 17/09/2022 - 22:01

        Thank you @thesla

      • Tmurder91 on 17/09/2022 - 23:37

        Cheers for that. Much nicer looking than the one I posted a few weeks back.

        Weird that its not letting you upload in a single file though, I wasn't aware of a file size or resolution cap

  • Aerol on 19/09/2022 - 09:12

    Could you please share ebikes?

    I'm particularly interested in this one https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/electric-bikes/moustach…

  • ace310 on 19/09/2022 - 23:13

    Can you please check review for sound bars
    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/sound-bars/review

    Eyeing for Sonos Beam. But open for other options.

    Thanks

    • Tmurder91 on 20/09/2022 - 13:26

      All sound bars

      The beam got pretty average.

      There has been some soundbar talk elsewhere on the site so perhaps search for that.

      Also, recommend finding something that seems a good price then checking out https://www.rtings.com/ for some very very good reviews

      • ace310 on 20/09/2022 - 13:29

        Thanks. Beam 2 is not on the list. Looks like lots of other models are missing. That takes me back to my search for better/affordable soundbar. Hopefully Costco might get something to work with.

        • Tmurder91 on 20/09/2022 - 14:51

          Beam 2 on rtings

          Seems like the Sonos Arc might be a good alternative

          Ottherwise stepping down to something like the Samsung A550 for a bit more of a budget option when you can pick a good sale

  • tilted on 24/09/2022 - 21:03

    Any chance you could check strollers?

    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/strollers/review

    Please and thanks!

    • Tmurder91 on 25/09/2022 - 11:42
      +1

      Here are the strollers

      Let me know if you need details of a specifc one

  • KJKNZ on 09/10/2022 - 23:26

    Hi OP

    Could you please check Action Cameras for me please

    • Tmurder91 on 10/10/2022 - 05:48

      I can’t see what review / article you mean.

      Can you please give me the link of the paywalled article

      • KJKNZ on 10/10/2022 - 10:33
        +1

        Sorry I just went to look again and realised i had misread it. I thought it was telling me I needed to login to view content but it was saying no content 😂🤦‍♀️

  • Drcspy on 10/10/2022 - 07:34
    +1

    What an amazing thread !

  • Alan6984 on 10/10/2022 - 11:13
    +1

    I agree - whist I haven't requested anything myself (so far!) I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to Tmurder91 for the superb effort and assistance in providing the info.

  • 9009i on 10/10/2022 - 12:19

    Tmurder91 thank you very much for all your help here. I am actually in the process of purchasing a top loader (Mum's preference) washing machine for my folks and would love to see what consumer.org has on it (top 10 of sort would be epic!).

    Thank you again.

  • Loading on 12/10/2022 - 16:02

    Hi following a post on the main page for a dishwasher , could we please jave the details for this dishwasher :
    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/dishwashers/westinghous…

    How does it compare to the other one they have reviewed?

    Thank you

  • hamburgersandwich on 15/10/2022 - 19:48

    Hi @Tmurder91

    Can you please give me any information on non-stick pans?

    • Tmurder91 on 15/10/2022 - 21:20
      +3

      Well bugger me, Kmart topped the list of frying pans haha

      • Wakrak on 15/10/2022 - 21:28
        +2

        Wowie. That price difference between 1st and 2nd.

        "The $17 Kmart frying pan that topped our test" (2020)

        • Tmurder91 on 15/10/2022 - 22:30

          Thankfully second place was cast iron rather than Teflon coated stainless steel which explains some of the cost difference

          I’m more shocked by 5th place

      • wowbigdeal on 15/10/2022 - 21:30

        Wow

      • hamburgersandwich on 16/10/2022 - 13:26

        Thanks Tmurder91.

        Yeah, I have bought 2 or 3 of these Kmart pans because of this surprise ranking. They are adequate, but the non-stick coating wears away quickly in the area where the handle is connected to the pan.

        I don't think I will bother with them again.

      • Alan6984 on 16/10/2022 - 17:38

        If the second placed one lasted, say, thirty years (not likely, but maybe), you could buy the first placed one, replace it every eighteen months, and be in just about the same place, except you only had $19 invested, rather than $360. If you accrue 5% interest forgone / avoided, then you could replace the first placed one every year, and still be ahead financially.

        No doubt worse for the environment, but still….

        • Tmurder91 on 16/10/2022 - 18:48

          Definitely a lot worse for the environment.

          And cast iron should last you a lot longer than 30 years. With maintenance, it’s easy to get 50+ years out of one.
          My cast iron was a poor quality one that I restored. Plenty of YouTube videos to show how it can be done.

          But they do serve slightly different purposes, I have Teflon, cast iron, enamelled cast iron, and stainless steel for various purposes

          • Alan6984 on 16/10/2022 - 22:06
            +1

            @Tmurder91: Economically though, if you buy the second best rated pan, you are spending the price of the best rated pan every year, literally, forever (even after the second best pan is long gone).

            Just bears considering for anyone that would struggle, but might be able to scrape up enough, to afford the $360 pan.

  • CarolineZ on 21/10/2022 - 10:18

    We are looking to buy a baby monitor but there are just too many products to choose from. Could someone please share the review please? Thank you.

    • ace310 on 21/10/2022 - 10:49
      +3

      Along with other baby monitors, keep Eufy 2k indoor pan & tilt in mind. It has baby monitoring feature as well. I have 2 of them indoor, haven't used it as baby monitor but one of my friend has. According to him it works fine and he has a cheap android tablet to view the video in case. Mine did capture my little one crying twice.

      https://www.amazon.com.au/Eufy-T8410C24-Indoor-Security-Came…

      Cheaper via Aliexpress if you can wait for few days, I got mine in around 12-15days.

    • Tmurder91 on 21/10/2022 - 11:57
      +1

      I would recommend going down the route of indoor security cameras rather than baby monitors too.

      I've got 2 baby monitors and quite a few security cameras, and the normal cameras are just better. Its easier to get multiple cameras using a single app (ie Eufy or Wyze) plus once baby is old enough to not need the camera, you can just move it somewhere else and have an additional security camera for your house.

      For baby monitors, also consider getting the really cheap audio only device that are both battery powered and have the transmitter and receiver units so you are not stuck using your camera or even wifi (makes it easy to go to other peoples houses and take it with you)

      If you are set on the idea of a baby monitor camera though, I have the Uniden BW150R - HD Pan & Tilt Smart Baby Camera and its fairly good. With the "CSCBG Main" code the price is $175.37
      It reviewed good on consumer and was easy to find (this was a rare case of me needing something at very short notice and going with a "good enough" option as it was in stock and available same day

      Otherwise here you go, Baby Monitors

      • ace310 on 21/10/2022 - 12:34

        Wonder they have all sorts of indoor camera as baby monitors, but no Eufy in the list even though it has special Sound detection for baby crying in the room.

        • Tmurder91 on 21/10/2022 - 13:39

          I do often wonder how they do their product selection as its not how I personally would. I suspect they actually look at major whiteware and tech retailers like Noel Leeming & Harvey Norman, find what options they have available and then use that as their base

          • ace310 on 21/10/2022 - 13:45

            @Tmurder91: If so, Eufy is widely available at almost all major retailers like NL, Supercheap, Bunnings, pbtech etc. I also found that they don't cover Xiaomi much either like they don't have any robot vacuums

            • Tmurder91 on 21/10/2022 - 14:11

              @ace310: Yeah my thoughts was just their starting point. They also seem to do some other weird decisions. Whiteware for example, many of the washers, dryers, fridges etc are not available anymore even though the articles show updated within a month or 2 of when I check

  • timmywinny on 25/10/2022 - 18:20

    Hi @Tmurder91.

    Any chance you can grab the Subaru Impreza from this car reliability review. Cheers!!

    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/car-reliability/review

    • Tmurder91 on 25/10/2022 - 19:08
      +1

      Here you are, Subaru Impreza

      There are over 100 total cars in the list so its not the nicest thing to look at, but if anyone wants to look at a glace and ask for a specific model, here is the rest of the list"
      Part A
      Part B
      Part C

      • timmywinny on 26/10/2022 - 10:49

        Cheers, really appreciate it!

  • Loading on 28/10/2022 - 18:47

    Hi Tmurder91 , would it be possible to get the comparation for the electric mowers?
    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/lawnmowers/review

    Many, many thanks !

    • Tmurder91 on 28/10/2022 - 21:01
      +2

      Here you are, Electric Lawnmowers

      • CheapieSniper on 15/11/2022 - 23:03

        Hi @Tmurder91, could you please also provide the reviews for petrol mowers? Looking to make a purchase (still undecided between petrol and electric) within the month so would be nice to have all the available data. Thanks in advance!

  • icecold on 29/10/2022 - 10:29

    Any chance you could put the irons and steamer review up? Looking at the steamers specifically. Thanks!

  • dherby on 01/11/2022 - 16:56

    Could I please grab the report for Wall Ovens - Ta!

    • Tmurder91 on 01/11/2022 - 19:53

      Here you go, Built-in ovens

      • dherby on 01/11/2022 - 21:13

        Much appreciated, thanks!

      • xwing on 25/03/2023 - 15:28

        This was a great help, thanks!

  • rorz00 on 04/11/2022 - 13:11

    Looking at some wireless earpods, are you able to access this? Thanks in advance! https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/headphones/review

    • Tmurder91 on 04/11/2022 - 15:32

      If you really want I'm happy to pull that one (82 items)

      But I'd really suggest checking out Rtings (pronounced ratings) if your desired models are on there. They do amazing detailed content

  • NeM2k2 on 07/11/2022 - 14:36

    Hey Tmurder91, how about chest freezers? I don't think those have been asked for (just fridges with freezers on the bottom).

    • Tmurder91 on 07/11/2022 - 15:10

      Not a huge selection so I included chest and upright

      Freezers

  • Stoffel on 10/11/2022 - 09:08

    Could someone please share the reviews for line trimmers? Mine died the other day :-(

    https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/line-trimmers-and-lawn-…

    • Drcspy on 10/11/2022 - 09:12
      +1

      I owned a Stilh petrol trimmer for 9 years and it was flawless - with one issue that quite recently it started 'bogging' when the throttle was pressed. - so I bought the updated model, (during a good discounted sale). Then the son'n'law who is a small engine mechanic told me the exhaust muffler thing was probably blocked. He was right it was very simple to fix - 5 mins with a wire brush and the old line trimmer was back to running perfectly. Anyway I sold it for $75 and so the new one only cost me about $130 ! Anyway I can say the Stihl one I had and now have seem to be good machines.

      • Stoffel on 10/11/2022 - 09:18

        Thanks for the feedback. I have a petrol mower and it has started giving me grief so I'm thinking that I might make the switch to a battery powered one in future and with that in mind I plan to get a battery powered electric trimmer of the same make so that I can interchange the batteries.

    • Tmurder91 on 10/11/2022 - 13:08
      +1

      Here you go

      • Stoffel on 10/11/2022 - 13:10

        Thanks

  • kiwipork on 10/11/2022 - 11:06

    Morning @Tmurder91

    Came across this one and was wondering if you’d be able to share this one

    https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/electric-vs-petrol-is-a…

    Many thanks!

    • Tmurder91 on 10/11/2022 - 13:13
      +1

      Here you go, A guide to electric vehicles

      • ace310 on 10/11/2022 - 13:47
        +1

        Looks like the data used is from Sep'2019. More than 3 years old. Lots have changed since then. Also, only Leaf is considered in the comparison which also might be a first gen leaf. There are so many EVs like Tesla, BYD, Kia, Hyundai etc now. I don't think this is a relevant article to be reviewed as of today.

      • brownie1 on 11/11/2022 - 19:42

        Sorry dumb question, the files that I open appear blurry. Is there any trick to make them clearer to read? Thanks

        • Tmurder91 on 11/11/2022 - 22:59

          Interesting. Not very good for me either. So it’s some compression going on. I didn’t actually check it out before uploading so could be my fault, or the site compression. Im on mobile currently so will try uploading again tomorrow from my PC

          • Alan6984 on 11/11/2022 - 23:09

            @Tmurder91: What mechanism are you using to generate the image from the website?

            • Tmurder91 on 11/11/2022 - 23:37

              @Alan6984: Firefox print screen option as it has a single click to take a screenshot of the whole page (even stuff off screen)

              Gotta go back and check a previous article as I didn’t think they were blurry like this.

              • Alan6984 on 11/11/2022 - 23:42

                @Tmurder91: That's interesting - I've never gotten that to actually work for me. I only ever get the visible page, rather than the promised whole page, so you are doing better than me to get the whole page at all!

                If the original you get out of FireFox is not blurry when you open the file locally, you could try uploading to an external site (imgbb.com for example, but there are plenty out there for free), and providing a link (as well as uploading here - no harm in doing both, except your time of course, and I do have to note you have been very generous with your time to provide reports for people!)

                The downside of uploading (only) to an external site is that if the site then disappears (or changes its offering with respect to retention and / or charging), so does the image.

  • brownie1 on 13/11/2022 - 20:18

    Hi @Tmurder91 I'm looking for ice cream maker recommendations if any available?

    I'm mainly tossing up between the $150 freezer bowl model and the $450 compressor model from Cuisinart and also maybe the similar priced Ninja Creami.

    The goal is to make Halo Top like ice cream at home as those low sugar semi healthy ones are super expensive like $11 for half litre where regular 2L tubs are like just $5!

    I couldn't find dedicated ice cream maker page but only this page https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/alternatives-to-special…

    • Tmurder91 on 13/11/2022 - 22:45

      What you see is all they have. Just that little note stating to "use a blender instead" lol.

      I've made icecream without a maker a couple of times and its easy, just really labour intensive (make the ice cream base, put it in shallow container in freezer, take out and mix every 15-30 minutes for a few hours)

      So I'd say anything that does the mixing for you is a win haha.

      But nah, can't find anything on the consumer site sorry

      • Alan6984 on 13/11/2022 - 22:49
        +1

        We had an ice cream maker a few years ago - used it a couple of times, but it was way too much hassle, so sold it and just buy from the supermarket now.

        But then, I am lazy :-)

      • brownie1 on 14/11/2022 - 08:15

        No probs, thanks heaps for looking :)

  • eug on 13/11/2022 - 23:06

    Hi @Tmurder91, thank you for your assistance, can you gather the articles on the following about Pet Insurance? Cheers
    https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/is-it-worth-buying-pet-…

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