Consumer watchdog Which? has identified a number of household products to avoid in 2026 due to poor performance, safety concerns, and general inefficiency. The independent testing organization, which reviews over 3,500 products annually across 140 categories, assigns “Don’t Buy” ratings to items that fail to meet basic standards, even when bearing well-known brand names or premium price tags.

Which? editor Harry Rose highlighted that many products from established manufacturers are falling short in crucial areas such as cleaning capability, battery life, and overall reliability. “At a time when household budgets are stretched, consumers deserve products that perform,” Rose said. His comments come as the group released an early preview of six notable substandard products from the full “Don’t Buy” list, aimed at alerting shoppers to potentially disappointing purchases.

Among vacuum cleaners, the Shark Freestyle Pro Cordless SV2000U received a dismal score of 41 percent and was criticized for offering only 14 minutes of cleaning time on turbo mode. Its performance reportedly declined as the dust container filled, and it struggled to clean effectively. In contrast, the Bosch SMS26AW08G Series 2 dishwasher earned a “Best Buy” distinction for strong cleaning and drying performance, albeit at a significantly higher price.

Dishwashers also featured on the list, with the Kenwood KDWD16T25 scoring 45 percent and criticized for poor stain removal and leaving items excessively wet after the spin cycle. Hoover’s HBR 411BL9G-80, by comparison, achieved a 72 percent rating and was noted for its energy efficiency and ease of use.

The review also flagged the Soundcore by Anker C40i open-ear headphones, which scored 37 percent and were described as having poor sound quality, weak battery life, and subpar microphone performance. Anker’s AeroClip model from the same brand was recommended instead, delivering better sound balance and improved call functionality.

Television buyers are cautioned against the Philips 50PUS8000 50-inch model, which received just 33 percent. Testers reported issues with picture quality, difficult setup, and harsh audio. The LG 50NANO81A6A was favored as a superior budget option for those seeking a 50-inch TV.

Finally, Which? criticized Waitrose Essential washing-up liquid for its ineffectiveness in breaking down grease and rapid loss of foam, rating it 39 percent. Aldi’s Magnum washing-up liquid was rated more than twice as effective at 78 percent and noted for its affordability.

Subscribers to Which? can access the full “Don’t Buy” list and recommended alternatives, with the consumer group emphasizing the importance of selecting reliable products amid rising concerns over quality and value in the marketplace.