Consumer Reports

At home

 

Picture of radio waves Choosing a DAB radio

Tests on 15 DAB (digital) radios to see how easy they are to use.  The report gives advice on what to look for as well as full details of the radios tested. Go to DAB radio report.

 

Picture of digital TV equipment Digital TV equipment

Ricability is testing digital TV equipment, as part of the Government's switchover programme. Go to our Digital TV website.

 

Picture of rubber glovesHow to choose domestic appliances

Features to look for if you have a disability for Irons, Kettles, Toasters, Tumble driers, Microwave ovens, Washing machines and Vacuum cleaners.  Go to domestic appliance reports.

 

Picture of eggWhat's new? Newer devices for older and disabled people

Information on newer products, available in the high street and some specialised assistive technology equipment designed to make everyday tasks easier. Available in PDF (portable document format).

 

Picture of thermostatic radiator control Taking control - a guide to buying central heating controls

Our tests showed that central heating controls could be difficult to use if you have a visual or dexterity impairment. Go to central heating controls report

 

Picture of egg cups Making your kitchen easier to use

A well-designed kitchen makes life easier not just for older and disabled people, but for everyone who uses it. Go to kitchen design report

 

Picture of big button telephone Stay in touch

Independent information on mainstream and specialist telephone equipment and details of services provided for older and disabled customers by fixed and mobile operators. Go to report on telephone equipment and services.

 

Photo of bell Calling for help: a guide to community alarms

Community alarms help an older or disabled person call for help from anywhere in the home (using a radio device). This report gives general advice on choosing and using community alarm systems and full test results on 13 models. Go to report on community alarms.

 

Close up of text phone A guide to buying a textphone

Textphones are used by deaf and hard of hearing people to carry out real time telephone conversations. This report tells you what to look for and how to get one. Only available here as a website version. Go to report on buying a textphone.