By India Lopez
Editorial & Production Manager | Pou Whakahaere Pānui Ētita, Whakaputa Hautaonga
They say you shouldn’t take your work home with you – but it’s hard not to when you live and breathe household products all day, every day.
I asked my Consumer NZ workmates which purchases have earned pride of place in their homes.
Dianne’s robot vacuum
“My partner and I bought a robot vacuum and mop, and I love it. It’s like a dishwasher – once you have one, you’re unlikely to go back. The best part is we switch it on when we’re not there – don’t even have to listen to it! The second-best part is I can have a Saturday-clean house on a Wednesday. It’s reduced my chore time by half, so now I can do more of what I like on the weekends.” Dianne Long, research & insights analyst
Here’s what we thought of a newer model from the same brand:
Maisie’s blender
“My long and steady love affair with my blender began in my first year of uni. It stood with pride in my hazardous kitchenette and persevered through everything I threw at it – slushy margs, banana smoothies, pesto and oat pancake batter. It has come with me through every flat, and, even six years later … she still blends to perfection. So easy to find replacement cups as well! It’s also a great morning alarm for your hungover flatmates.” Maisie Arnold-Barron, digital journalist
Here’s what we thought of a newer model from the same brand:
India’s speaker
“When my old Bluetooth speaker (known as ‘Mr Speaker’ in my household, because I’m a politics nerd) carked it, I immediately marched out and bought another from the same brand. Before his death, the old one had tormented me for months with patchy performance from his cursed Micro-USB charger. Happily, Mr Speaker II is equipped with a much more reliable USB-C charger – I’ve had no cause to raise a point of order with him.” India Lopez, editorial & production manager
Here’s what we thought of a newer model from the same brand:
Jacinta’s pans
“I use my cast-iron pans most days, both on the stove and in the oven. Love an easy clean-up.” Jacinta Allen, business analyst / project manager
Here’s our highest-rated cast-iron pan:
Annette’s rice cooker
“I love my Consumer Recommended rice cooker. Throw the rice in there with water and forget about it while you prepare the rest of your meal. I’ve had many failures cooking rice on the stovetop, so this is a lifesaver! And if it breaks down, I’ll definitely buy another – after checking Consumer NZ’s recommendations, of course!” Annette Barnes, research support
Jacinta’s stick blender
“I’d buy the same stick blender again immediately if mine broke. I probably use it four or five times a week. It’s from the one brand that earned our People’s Choice endorsement for stick blenders.” Jacinta Allen, business analyst / project manager
Kate’s casserole dish
“My Le Creuset cast-iron oval casserole dish. It was a wedding gift from my parents 10 years ago, and, despite being used several times a week, it still looks brand new. Le Creuset is so expensive, but the quality is amazing. This dish is my pride and joy, and I still feel happy every time I get it out to cook.” Kate Harvey, journalist
India’s alarm clock
“At the risk of coming across all holier-than-thou, I’m really good at keeping my phone out of the bedroom. It’s only possible, though, because of my Korjo analogue alarm clock. My son broke it during a tantrum recently (yikes), and I immediately ordered the same model again. And yes, I slept in and was late to work every day until it was delivered.” India Lopez, editorial & production manager
Jess’s blender
“Three years ago, my best friend asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I asked for a blender. She was bewildered that I’d asked for something so boring, but she got me one anyway. Of all the gifts I have ever received, it’s probably had the most use. It gets blasted at least once a day and means I am well on my way to getting in my five a day before I leave the house at 7am. Even better, it doesn’t take up much space and is easy to clean. When it breaks, I will replace it straight away.” Jessica Walker, communications & campaigns manager
Here’s what we thought of a newer model from the same brand:
Jacinta’s security cameras
“My Tapo security cameras: peace of mind, with the bonus of being able to spy on the pup (or neighbours or boyfriend)!” Jacinta Allen, business analyst / project manager
Sally’s dish brush
“I had a Circulon dish brush for almost three years. It was an excellent piece of kit. I didn’t realise just how great it was until someone used it on the barbecue and, sadly, ruined it. After pricing them online and finding the cheapest one was $21 plus $7 postage, I decided that was ridiculous and started a line of one bad purchase decision after another: five dish brushes over a five-month period, each costing around $5. When the last one’s handle snapped after a few days, I finally realised I’d been foolish and purchased a beautiful new Circulon. Even my 16-year-old has commented on how good it is comparatively – although I’m not able to recall when she’s ever used it!” Sally Sexton, human resources advisor
