‘Fantastic’: Frenzy for $45 Kmart ‘dupe’ of $180 kitchen appliance

Shoppers are raving about a Kmart appliance that one deemed “better than the expensive one I had”, despite being a fraction of the price.

Shoppers are raving about a Kmart kitchen appliance that one deemed “better than the expensive one I had”, despite being a fraction of the price.

The budget retailer, often lauded over its “dupes” of high-end products, has this time found favour with customers thanks to its 6.5 Litre Slow Cooker, a $45 version of Breville’s Smart Temp Slow Cooker, which is valued at $179.95.

One woman’s query in a Kmart Facebook group about whether or not she should invest in the appliance was inundated with glowing reviews.

Kmart's slow cooker is a cheaper alternative to a Breville version, customers have said. Picture: Supplied

‘We love ours. We use it almost daily and have been for a couple of months now.’ Picture: TikTok

“I just bought one and it’s better than the expensive one I had,” one shopper declared.

“We love ours. We use it almost daily and have been for a couple of months now. No need to fork out extra when this one works just the same,” another agreed.

While a third wrote: “I love mine. Had it for years.”

“No need to buy an expensive one, these are just as good quality and so much cheaper,” someone else said.

“Hesitated for years to buy and try a slow cooker. This turned out to be an amazing find. Eating healthier, tastier food and the non-cooks have become cooks. Recommend unreservedly,” one commented.

Another said they loved the “fantastic” product so much, they owned two.

The budget retailer is often lauded over its ‘dupes’ of high-end products. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dean Martin

As consumers look to combat the cost of living with cheaper alternatives to everything from cosmetic products and clothing to appliances and home decor, social media experts have advised high-end brands to “lean in” and embrace duplicate subculture.

“Brands don’t need to worry about their reputation being damaged” by imitators, client director at influencer marketing firm the Goat Agency, Sophie Hardie, told The Guardian earlier this year.

“Instead of fighting dupes, high-end brands should use the dupe to lightheartedly engage with popular culture,” she added, particularly when one goes viral on a platform like TikTok.

“They should engage with it directly – and authentically – to bring new people in and show a confidence in the power of their brand.”