Consumer group Choice tests 34 dishwasher detergents, comparing cost and performance

Consensus Summary

Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a detailed comparison of 34 dishwasher detergents, revealing that lesser-known brands can deliver performance nearly as strong as market leaders while costing significantly less. The tests, conducted by Choice, evaluated detergents based on their ability to remove tough stains such as egg yolk, baked-on cheese, rice starch, and bolognese sauce. Among the top performers, Finish Powerball Ultimate 0% Tabs emerged as the overall winner with a score of 77%, while Earth Choice All-In-1 Dish Tablets closely followed with 76% at a much lower cost of 42c per load. Both outlets agree that tablets outperformed powders, with the Guardian explicitly noting that the top three products were all tablets, underscoring their effectiveness in modern dishwashers.

The background to this review stems from Choice’s ongoing efforts to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions by testing a wide range of products. The tests were designed to address common concerns about the cost and performance of dishwasher detergents, particularly as consumers seek ways to save money without compromising cleanliness. The Guardian highlights that tablets are more effective due to their formulation, which includes additional ingredients like rinse aids, while powders are described as 'more simplistic.' This technical difference aligns with the findings that tablets consistently scored higher in the tests, reinforcing their dominance in the market.

Key figures in the report include Chris Barnes, a senior project officer at Choice, who emphasized the value of shopping smart to achieve both a great clean and cost savings. Barnes noted that modern dishwashers are capable of handling a variety of detergents, and users do not necessarily need to purchase the most expensive options. The Guardian quotes Barnes further, stating that powders, while cheaper, are less effective and lack the advanced formulations found in tablets. Earth Choice’s spokesperson also contributed to the narrative, expressing satisfaction with the performance of their tablets and announcing plans to reformulate and manufacture their own dishwasher powder within the next 12 months.

While both sources agree on the overall rankings and the superiority of tablets, there are notable differences in the details provided. 7NEWS focuses on the cost savings of lesser-known brands, listing specific products like Aldi’s Power Force Platinum Dishwasher Capsules (24c each) and Woolworths’ Shine Optimum Pods (26c each) as affordable alternatives. In contrast, the Guardian places greater emphasis on the technical reasons behind the performance gap between tablets and powders, as well as the broader implications for manufacturing and reformulation. Additionally, 7NEWS mentions multiple detergents scoring 75%, including Bosisto’s, Ecostore, and Undo This Mess, while the Guardian does not delve into these specific products beyond the top performers.

Looking ahead, the Guardian reports that Earth Choice plans to begin manufacturing its own dishwasher powder within the next 12 months, suggesting potential future improvements in powder performance. This announcement could influence the market dynamics as consumers await updates on reformulated products. Meanwhile, Choice’s advice to users—such as avoiding excessive rinsing of dishes before loading them into the dishwasher—aims to maximize the efficiency of both the detergent and the appliance itself. The consensus across both articles is clear: consumers can achieve excellent results without spending a premium, provided they choose the right product and use their dishwasher correctly.