'They suck': Kmart vacuum cleaners come dead last in test

Kmart is one of Australia’s favourite discount department stores, stocking a huge range of products - from microwaves to kids toys to bean bags - at very, very low prices.

While some of their wares receive a huge tick of approval - like this must-have $25 summer dress, for example - others are deemed outright duds.

Kmart vacuum cleaners fail CHOICE test

Currently at the top of the lemon list are three of Kmart’s Anko brand vacuum cleaners - one bagged, one bagless, one upright.

Despite their tempting price - under 100 bucks each - according to the expert testers at CHOICE, all three suck, and not in a good way.

“Although it’s tempting to buy a cheap vacuum cleaner at Kmart, our testing shows that Kmart has a set of duds on their hands this time,” said CHOICE household expert Kim Gilmour in a press release.

After testing the hoovers’ ability to remove dirt and pet hair from carpets, as well as ease of use, the CHOICE lab found Kmart’s vacuums just didn’t cut the mustard.

“They’re dirt cheap, but leave you with more dirt than you bargained for,” was the final verdict.

Here are CHOICE’s key findings so you can avoid buying a dud:

Kmart Anko 1200W Upright Vacuum, $89 - 57 per cent overall score

Kmart Anko 2000W Bagged Vacuum, $49 - 59 per cent overall score

Kmart Anko 2400W Bagless Vacuum, $95 - 60 per cent overall score

Should you buy a Kmart vacuum cleaner?

Before we write off Kmart altogether, CHOICE Director of Reviews and Testing Matt Steen wants us to remember that the brand suffers from ‘inconsistency’.

“Where one set of products can perform really well in our tests one year, the models they offer the next can be sucky,” he said.

His advice? “It’s important not to rush to Kmart when a new product comes out. Wait for the products to be properly tested or you could end up with a dud”.

And bear in mind that exxy vacuum brands are not necessarily better than their cheaper alternatives.

Case in point is another Kmart vacuum CHOICE reviewed, the $47 2000W Bagless vacuum, which scored 67 per cent overall, just one per cent less than the much-hyped Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animalpro which costs a cool $999.

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