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Anko is a product-by-product bet, not a reliably good or bad range. CHOICE’s September 2026 tests found several strong buys for their prices, alongside appliances with practical drawbacks and specific baby products that failed safety testing. Check the exact model, test result and current recall status before buying.
How should you judge whether an Anko product is any good?
Start with the exact model, not the Anko name. A good result for one kettle, stroller or microwave does not establish how another product in that category performs. CHOICE’s guide, updated 23 September 2026, reports tests of selected products; it does not provide a representative defect rate or a brand-wide quality score.
Use the test result alongside the product’s limitations and the price CHOICE listed at the time. Prices can change, and the product currently on sale may not be identical to the version tested. For safety-related products, check current recall information as well as the model name.
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Which Anko kitchen products did CHOICE recommend?
These are the product-level results CHOICE reported in its 23 September 2026 guide. Prices below are the prices stated on that page at the time, not a guarantee of current Kmart pricing or stock.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Tested product | CHOICE result | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 20cm stainless steel saucepan | Top marks | Listed at $20; CHOICE said it ranked above products costing hundreds of dollars. |
| 1.5-cup mini rice cooker | 80% overall | Listed at $15; a petite, basic cooker that tested well. |
| 28L microwave | Recommended | Listed at $99; strong results included defrosting mince and a whole chicken, cooking vegetables and melting chocolate. |
| Food processor | Recommended; very good performer | Listed at $79; effective at chopping, slicing, mixing and emulsifying, but noisy. |
| Cast-iron casserole pot | Compared fairly with premium cookware in CHOICE’s testing | Listed at $25. |
| Slow cookers | Experts impressed by the tested models’ results | The 3L model was listed at $30 and the 6.5L digital model at $47. CHOICE noted they had fewer features than some more expensive brands. |
Small appliances with trade-offs
The $50 air fryer tested by CHOICE was hit and miss depending on the food. The expert assessment was that it performed well for its price and took up little bench space, but its 4L basket may be too small for a family. Treat it as a compact, budget option rather than assuming it will suit every cooking task or household.
The $99 retro coffee machine received 75% for espresso taste in CHOICE’s blind taste test, but the overall picture was less positive: it froths milk poorly, has poor build quality and lacks a built-in grinder. Espresso taste alone is not a good reason to choose it if milk drinks or long-term durability matter to you.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Kettles are especially difficult to generalize about. CHOICE had tested several Anko models, but only one was recommended and none of the others scored above 74%. The range changes frequently, so confirm that a recommendation applies to the specific kettle in front of you.
Two alternatives that scored less well
CHOICE said the 34L microwave tested well overall but lost marks for ease of use and was not recommended. Its smaller 28L model was the recommended one; a larger capacity does not automatically mean a better choice.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The $52, 1.2L food processor had frustrating functions. CHOICE said it could still suit someone seeking a smaller, low-cost unit, but it is not the better pick if you need the more capable performance reported for the tested $79 processor.
What should you know about Anko strollers, bassinets and other baby products?
For baby gear, distinguish a pass on a particular test from a general assurance about the range. Results below refer only to the named products CHOICE tested and reported in 2026.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
| Tested product | CHOICE finding | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Anko Layback Umbrella Stroller | Passed CHOICE’s safety and durability tests; 5.8kg; under $70 in the guide | A positive result for this tested stroller only. |
| Anko Compact Stroller | 33% overall and failed CHOICE’s safety tests | CHOICE said it was no longer available on Kmart and Target websites; it is not interchangeable with the Layback test result. |
| Anko Bassinet with Canopy | 49% CHOICE Expert Rating | CHOICE cited concerns about continuous breathable zones and mattress thickness. |
| Anko White Wooden Cot and Anko 2-in-1 Wooden Cot | Passed CHOICE safety tests and were recommended | Findings apply to those tested cot models. |
| Prandium High Low Chair | Passed key safety tests and was recommended | Listed at $29 in the guide. |
| Flat Fold High Chair | Passed key safety tests but was not recommended | Listed at $45; difficulty cleaning was the reason given. |
Kmart disputed CHOICE’s findings on the Compact Stroller, saying it placed a strong emphasis on safety and that the product had repeatedly been found compliant with the relevant Australian standard by an accredited independent laboratory. CHOICE said it stood by its test results. The newer stroller models mentioned in the guide had not been tested, so neither side’s statements establish their performance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →CHOICE also said a new mandatory Australian bassinet standard took effect in January 2026. It had not yet tested newer Anko bassinet or co-sleeper products, so the result for the Bassinet with Canopy should not be presented as a test of those newer products.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Are Anko suitcases worth considering?
CHOICE’s luggage results include a low-priced carry-on and a larger case, but do not cover every newer Anko suitcase model. Its $39 Carry-on Hard Case 4 Wheels ranked alongside premium brands in the tests. The $99 Premium Hard Case 72cm 8 Wheels was described as a durable option, although its smaller sibling scored better. Those prices are the amounts listed in CHOICE’s September 2026 guide and may have changed.
Which Anko product recalls should owners check?
Recall notices concern specific items and codes. If you own an older product, compare its name, code or batch against the current notice rather than relying on a broad brand search.
- Anko Small and Large Gel Paks: In a notice published 9 January 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said Small Gel Pak code 42010777, sold from 18 March 2014 to 10 December 2025, and Large Gel Pak code 42010784, sold from 11 February 2014 to 10 December 2025, contain ethylene glycol. If damaged, the contents may leak; swallowing them can cause irreversible injury or death. The TGA instructs owners to stop using the packs, keep them away from children and return them to Kmart for a full refund.
- Pop and Surprise Playset: ACCC Product Safety published a recall on 20 November 2025 for batch 20/25, Kmart code 42821427. Small screws can separate and create a choking hazard; incidents had occurred. The listed sale period ended on 7 November 2025. Stop using the identified playset and return it for a full refund.
Check Kmart’s current recall page and Product Safety Australia before buying or continuing to use older goods, since recall information can change.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat can you do if an Anko item is faulty or you change your mind?
Kmart’s consumer-guarantee returns policy, effective October 2025, distinguishes a fault or unacceptable quality from a change-of-mind return. It describes remedies such as repair, replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. For qualifying Kmart- or Anko-branded products returned without proof of purchase, the policy says Kmart will provide an exchange voucher. These policy details do not replace any consumer-guarantee rights that apply to your situation.
Kmart’s FAQ, accessed 8 October 2026, gives separate conditions for eligible change-of-mind returns: generally 60 days for Kmart or Target purchases and 30 days for marketplace seller purchases. Proof of purchase, resaleable condition, unused or unworn status, original packaging and exclusions apply. The FAQ says OnePass members have 365 days for eligible items. Check the current policy and FAQ for the item-specific conditions; these change-of-mind windows are not the same as remedies for a fault.
Quick Recap
What is the quickest pre-purchase checklist?
- Match the model name and size to the tested product; similar names do not guarantee the same design or result.
- Check what the test actually measured: overall performance, a particular function, or safety and durability.
- Weigh the stated drawbacks against how you will use the item, such as basket capacity, noise, ease of cleaning or controls.
- Treat prices in the September 2026 CHOICE guide as historical listed prices, then verify today’s price and product version with the retailer.
- For baby products and older goods, check the latest safety and recall notices for the exact model, code or batch.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
