Inexpensive life-changing purchases

hikarutilmitt · Dec 18, 2020

Wemo light switches. I liked the plug we got so much for using Google to turn the Christmas lights off one time that went looking into light switches and now have 4 light switches replaced because of 1) convenience and 2) laziness. the convenience ones were because our living room fan and light switches are by the back door only (on an open floor plan!) and sometimes difficult to get to for reasons. The set for the light and fan in the master bedroom were for laziness but also the idea that we can settle into bed with the light and fan on and not have to get up to turn either of them off or on in the middle of the night.

snacknuts said:
These are just small convection ovens. If you've got a convection oven, you don't need an air fryer.

Yes, most people have convection ovens and don't even realize it, because they're not advertised as such. It's usually just a setting you turn on, too.

WEGGLES said:
Good quality kitchen tools.

Stuff like sensibly designed spatulas, cups, bowls, tongs etc.

Don't necessarily need to spend an arm and a leg, but well designed kitchen tools are a godsend.

Also banish unitaskers to the bin

I'm not quite as hard on unitaskers as Alton Brown because there are some things that a unitasker is absolutely great for that even the closest "good enough" really isn't as good for by any margin, but getting good kitchen utensils and paying more for a good one that lasts also tends to cover you for them doing the job better, too. I got a set of stainless steel, single piece per cup measuring cups from Sur La Table that are amazing.

Irrotational said:
Centrifugal Force

xkcd.com

Xkcd is free and changed my life forever :)

LOL, I wasn't going to link to XKCD but I was going to post a stuffy correction about it being centrifugal because it's one of those things that irrationally triggers me, like watching someone driving with a truck bed down.

iori9999 · Dec 18, 2020

Joeyjoejoeshabadoo said:
A Gerber shard is a handy keychain tool.

I bought won thanks! Also this thread is godlike! I'll post this flashlight I bought later

Here you go. I recently got a portable air duster. Rechargeable!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T87K8Q3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Deleted member 6263 · Dec 18, 2020

Jogi said:
OMG this is a legit game changer. Wife and I just got them. We were skeptical at first but damn!

zero_suit said:
Got this a few days ago. It's legit. Skin is smoother and not as dry. I used regular wash cloths prior.

noice! Glad you guys are enjoying them. It's always nerve racking for me to suggest stuff, always thinking it'll have terrible user experiences for others lol

zerocalories · Dec 18, 2020

Stiltzkin said:
noice! Glad you guys are enjoying them. It's always nerve racking for me to suggest stuff, always thinking it'll have terrible user experiences for others lol

What was suggested

Deleted member 6173 · Dec 18, 2020

Jintor said:
Dude just use the knife, chop the root end off the clove, and crush the whole thing. Skin slides off in one piece.

This is what I usually do. Basically I just hit/crush it with the flat side of the knife and it rolls right out.

xir · Dec 18, 2020

bagel guillotine when i ate a lot of bagels

Irrotational · Dec 19, 2020

hikarutilmitt said:
LOL, I wasn't going to link to XKCD but I was going to post a stuffy correction about it being centrifugal because it's one of those things that irrationally triggers me, like watching someone driving with a truck bed down.

👍

Wag · Dec 19, 2020

xir said:
bagel guillotine when i ate a lot of bagels

Bagel killer!!!

Kopite · Dec 19, 2020

Just got myself a knockoff squatty potty thanks to this thread, how far in front of me/the bowl should I put it?

HADDAWAY2000 · Dec 19, 2020

Border mandoline -
I have terrible knife skills and this mandoline has saved hours of my life prepping vegetables. Its a beast, cuts perfect fries to boot.

whatsinaname · Dec 21, 2020

These Kitchen Towels. Have to confess I used to go through a lot of those Bounty kitchen rolls.

My thinking was that even if these wear early, I break even if they last a couple of months. But it has been 3+ months now, and not a thread out of place!

https://smile.amazon.com/Zeppoli-Classic-Kitchen-15-Pack-Natural/dp/B01IG8X9E6/

Timmm · Dec 21, 2020

Version 3.0 said:
I want one, but my wife isn't convinced. And the good ones are so expensive, she's dead set against it. I had her convinced about a year ago, after some co-workers talked them up, but when she saw the price tag, she changed her mind at light speed. She wants the $900 model but thinks <$300 is the right price. Maybe someday...

Look up a brand called Roborock (which is really just Xiaomi), they are way cheaper than the comparable robot vacuums and really really good

We got one in the uk for about £300, when other ones with equivalent features were going for like £800+.

We have had one for a couple of years now and it has been great, automatically vacuums our apartment every day and it's been significantly cleaner than before when we had to remember to do it.

fenners · Dec 21, 2020

HADDAWAY2000 said:
Border mandoline -
I have terrible knife skills and this mandoline has saved hours of my life prepping vegetables. Its a beast, cuts perfect fries to boot.

Be careful. My wife sliced off a big chunk of flesh, almost to the bone, using one of them.

xir · Dec 22, 2020

Nostremitus said:
As a person with back trouble Kizik shoes.... you just step into them and they hug your foot...

They don't cost any more than other shoes, cheaper than a lot of brands...

I no longer dread leaving the house because putting on shoes is so painful.

Kizik: The World's Best Hands-Free, Slip On Shoes

Kizik: The easiest shoe you'll ever put on. No tying, no pulling, no heel crushing, no hands. Never bend down to put on shoes again. Free shipping and returns!

kizik.com

im very intrigued. i used to just jam my feet into shoes and actually got nerve pain on the top of my foot from doing it (very dumb and very painful) im curious if thats a consideration for these?

Nostremitus · Dec 22, 2020

xir said:
im very intrigued. i used to just jam my feet into shoes and actually got nerve pain on the top of my foot from doing it (very dumb and very painful) im curious if thats a consideration for these?

There's no pressure point, if that's what you're asking.

Deleted member 25094 · Dec 24, 2020

Possibly the best thread I've seen on Era.

doof_warrior · Dec 25, 2020

KDR_11k said:
Speaking of mops, a disc mop is pretty useful. Instead of wringing it out by force you just place the head in the "salad spinner" looking part of the bucket, unlock the telescoping mechanism and pump it up and down a few times. When the telescope retracts it spins the head so fast that the water is forced out of it by centripetal force.

this this this

Airegin · Dec 25, 2020

Ikea Eneby 8 and 12 bluetooth speakers. I'm a low volume listener and this has the perfect sound signature for that. Much better than more expensive speakers I've heard. The mids are recessed at medium and high volumes but that's what makes it sound so great at lower volumes.

Septimus Prime · Dec 25, 2020

HADDAWAY2000 said:
Border mandoline -
I have terrible knife skills and this mandoline has saved hours of my life prepping vegetables. Its a beast, cuts perfect fries to boot.

fenners said:
Be careful. My wife sliced off a big chunk of flesh, almost to the bone, using one of them.

Yeah, you must use the guard. The blades are super sharp, and it's going to be tempting to use freehand it. Don't. Use the guard.

R2RD · Dec 29, 2020

Already made 2 purchases of things recommended in this thread, the wrist rest and the ergonomic pillow. I'll see how life changing they are once they arrive in about a week.

Soapbox Killer · Jan 2, 2021

Learning how to whistle loud has been of of the most useful things in my adult life and it cost me like a stick of gum to have Floyd teach me.

skeptem · Jan 2, 2021

Septimus Prime said:
Yeah, you must use the guard. The blades are super sharp, and it's going to be tempting to use freehand it. Don't. Use the guard.

I can't tell you the amount of prep cooks who I've seen hurt themselves on mandolins. It got so bad we just got rid of them due to safety concerns.

Baccus · Jan 2, 2021

Soapbox Killer said:
Learning how to whistle loud has been of of the most useful things in my adult life and it cost me like a stick of gum to have Floyd teach me.

Please tell us more

Soapbox Killer · Jan 2, 2021

Baccus said:
Please tell us more

Floyd showed me how to whistle and I gave him gum.

Edit: maybe you mean how I use it? You can hear my whistle from a city block away do when I need my kids attention, they know the "daddy whistle". Getting the attention of a cab or even an uber that pulled up in front of the wrong house. You know how on cartoon when people are arguing and some ones whistles and everyone gets quiet, that shit works in real life more often than not.

Camoxide · Jan 2, 2021

Shugga said:
americans stole the bidet word to name something else, typical
their "bidets" are just a water hose to rinse your ass after you're done taking a dump

Whaaattt. And here I thought everyone was talking about these:

Baccus · Jan 2, 2021

Soapbox Killer said:
Floyd showed me how to whistle and I gave him gum

Sounds great, specially the quieting method lol.. where can we find Floyd too 🥴

Kopite · Jan 2, 2021

Soapbox Killer said:
Floyd showed me how to whistle and I gave him gum.

Edit: maybe you mean how I use it? You can hear my whistle from a city block away do when I need my kids attention, they know the "daddy whistle". Getting the attention of a cab or even an uber that pulled up in front of the wrong house. You know how on cartoon when people are arguing and some ones whistles and everyone gets quiet, that shit works in real life more often than not.

What does this mean?

I'd like to learn how to whistle too lol, something I never learned

Red Liquorice · Jan 2, 2021

Mandoline's terrify me. Every time I see someone on TV or YT using one without a guard I cover my eyes!

Zoe · Jan 2, 2021

Camoxide said:
Whaaattt. And here I thought everyone was talking about these:

They're wrong about the hose thing. American ones are like the Asian ones that are toilet seat attachments/replacements.

Soapbox Killer · Jan 2, 2021

Baccus said:
Sounds great, specially the quieting method lol.. where can we find Floyd too 🥴

Holy Shit that is funny! I didn't even peep how it sounded when I typed it out.

Kopite said:
What does this mean?

I'd like to learn how to whistle too lol, something I never learned

Well you know how Phil Jackson would whistle when calling in a play?

If yes, like that.

Of no follow this link and return to this thread to report.

Lidl · Jan 3, 2021

nampad said:
Are you kidding me?Something line this is way safer and more convenient.
Consider your life changed, thank me later!

Can you even properly clean this? Seems unsanitary to me.

Horp said:
Some pans have a pretty rough base surface. I find those really hard to get right. Mine was like that so I bought some sandpaper and went to work. Was some preseasoning etc on it as well, so it changed color to pretty shiny and smooth bare metal. But then, I seasoned it. 3 times, properly. And I just felt that that time, it worked. Now, I never wash it with anything but water and I never let it sit for long with acidic foods such as tomato sauce in it.
A good way to clean it is to put some water in it then put it on the stove. When the water starts boiling use a heavy wooden utensil and scrub hard. Then rinse and wash with a brush. Works well

I made it smoother with light sandpaper and then used this method of seasoning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG2LjF3oURg
Worked pretty well. Gracias.

Guppeth · Jan 3, 2021

Lidl said:
Can you even properly clean this? Seems unsanitary to me.

The electric ones are waterproof and you can remove the head to clean inside. I'd assume a mechanical one can be dismantled too.

This is the one I have, it's fab.

Panasonic ER-GN30 Wet and Dry Electric Nose, Ear and Facial Hair Trimmer for Men : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Buy Panasonic ER-GN30 Wet and Dry Electric Nose, Ear and Facial Hair Trimmer for Men at Amazon UK.

www.amazon.co.uk

I've also used this one which doesn't work quite as well, but can double as an eyebrow trimmer.

Amazon.co.uk

guise · Jan 3, 2021

lunchtoast said:
This is useful for my nightstand and PC desk

These single-cable magnetic clips are great

nampad · Jan 3, 2021

Lidl said:
Can you even properly clean this? Seems unsanitary to me.

I made it smoother with light sandpaper and then used this method of seasoning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG2LjF3oURg
Worked pretty well. Gracias.

The one I bought which is similar can be taken apart for cleaning purposes (the inner from the outer circle). It also came with a little brush which I don't use though, I just hold it under running water.

I have no complaints and it does the job quite well. Though I would guess that I don't have that much nose hair compared to some others.

MangoBananaJuice · Jan 3, 2021

Stiltzkin said:
~$14.00 to scrub yourself clean

Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth/towel

Are these supposed to be used daily or would that be too harsh on the skin?

RatskyWatsky · Jan 3, 2021

Stiltzkin said:
~$14.00 to scrub yourself clean

Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth/towel

Just bought these btw as well as one of those rubber shower hair brush things from a few pages back. Hope I like em!

Leynos · Jan 3, 2021

Stiltzkin said:
~$14.00 to scrub yourself clean

Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth/towel

Alright, you jerks, I bought these Japanese wash cloths, a Squatty Potty, and a rather expensive bidet ($380.)

My asshole better be clean enough to eat off of, or I will be pissed.

Stencil · Jan 3, 2021

MangoBananaJuice said:
Are these supposed to be used daily or would that be too harsh on the skin?

Depends on your skin type, I would imagine. You don't have to go super hard or anything. Whatever you're comfortable with. It's just like a slightly-more-abrasive rag. I have some knocking around here that I bought from a thread like this years ago. I should really start actually using them. Hard to break away from the "get suds from the bar soap on your hand and just wipe it on the dirty parts" routine.

reKon · Jan 3, 2021

guise said:
These single-cable magnetic clips are great

Link? This on amazon?

IggyChooChoo · Jan 3, 2021

Red Liquorice said:
Mandoline's terrify me. Every time I see someone on TV or YT using one without a guard I cover my eyes!

I have a chef friend who claims that the most dangerous pieces of kitchen equipment to the amateur cook are the mandolin and the immersion blender. Don't google immersion blender injuries!

Dinjooh · Jan 3, 2021

just_myles said:
Electric water kettle. Never knew I needed it. Also an bidet for 30 bucks. Game changers.

A kettle is an incredibly versatile tool I take it.

RatskyWatsky · Jan 3, 2021

IggyChooChoo said:
I have a chef friend who claims that the most dangerous pieces of kitchen equipment to the amateur cook are the mandolin and the immersion blender. Don't google immersion blender injuries!

how do you even injure yourself with an immersion blender

Guppeth · Jan 3, 2021

RatskyWatsky said:
how do you even injure yourself with an immersion blender

By trying to fuck it.

Adder7806 · Jan 3, 2021

Leynos said:
Alright, you jerks, I bought these Japanese wash cloths, a Squatty Potty, and a rather expensive bidet ($380.)

My asshole better be clean enough to eat off of, or I will be pissed.

Holy shit at that Deluxe Bidet! Remote Control! LED Lighting! That thing has more add ons than my car!

IggyChooChoo · Jan 3, 2021

RatskyWatsky said:
how do you even injure yourself with an immersion blender

People forget it's plugged in and try to clean it while their fingers are in it, supposedly.

Finger injuries from handy immersion blenders are on the rise

The growing popularity of cooking blogs and shows has had an unintended consequence—more kitchen casualties. Knives, food processors and mandolines are common offenders but an immersion blender can deliver the unkindest cut of all, according to The New York Times....

www.consumerreports.org

RatskyWatsky · Jan 3, 2021

Guppeth said:
By trying to fuck it.

:(

IggyChooChoo said:
People forget it's plugged in and try to clean it while their fingers are in it, supposedly.

Finger injuries from handy immersion blenders are on the rise

The growing popularity of cooking blogs and shows has had an unintended consequence—more kitchen casualties. Knives, food processors and mandolines are common offenders but an immersion blender can deliver the unkindest cut of all, according to The New York Times....

www.consumerreports.org

oh shit

Leynos · Jan 3, 2021

Adder7806 said:
Holy shit at that Deluxe Bidet! Remote Control! LED Lighting! That thing has more add ons than my car!

The only feature that I really want that is not possible in a $30 bidet is a tankless water-heater. The water here gets damn cold in winter, and I don't want to squirt ice cold water onto my sensitive nethers. The seat warmer, light-sensing night light, remote control, etc. are just added fluff.

The Albatross · Jan 3, 2021

A good utility knife is really useful. Bought a Milwaukee one a few years back, just like one of those basic utility knives for hardware stuff. It didn't change my life but I must use it several times a week and I think "damn I'm happy I bought this"

Mine is very close to this one

Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife with General Purpose Blade 48-22-1501 - The Home Depot

The Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife features a press and flip mechanism for easy, 1-handed opening. The Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife allows users to make quick, tool-free blade changes

www.homedepot.com

Since Christmas I must have broken down like 100 boxes for recycling and this knife slices through it like butter.

Rendering... · Jan 3, 2021

Guppeth said:
By trying to fuck it.

This soft generation has forgotten the meaning of bravery.

Plushie Friend · Jan 3, 2021

An echo dot + an amazon smart plug. Have the smart plug attached to the fan I run in my bedroom. Turn it on and off with voice at least 3 or 4 times a day. Use my echo dot as an alarm clock too.

Inexpensive life-changing purchases

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