What are some items that you have bought, and have lasted a really long time, or have solid lifetime warranties?
I realized I don’t think I have anything I would put into that category, and I would like to change that. Most of my stuff comes straight from the Amazon recommended section, and realistically probably won’t last more than 5 years :(
My cast iron pans. There is no way that thing will break ever, and with a little bit of maintenance it works great!
I have a commercial vaccuum cleaner, the kind that hotel staff use. Unlike modern plastic vaccums with many small flimsy parts that break after 3 years, it’s built super durable and all the parts are replaceable and easily found online. It’s called “Sanitaire Heavy Duty Commercial” and cost me about $120. It’s UGLY but it cleans carpet very well.
Two appliances I got over 20 years ago that are still going strong:
- Elna Funstyler sewing machine (that I’ve made multiple quilts, lots of clothing, and lots of repairs/random things on) (it outlasted my mother-in-law who poopoohed it because she had a Bernina that cost 10x as much)
- Breville electric kettle that I use every single day. The light and auto-shutoff have both stopped working but it still boils water like a champ
I’ve started repairing clothing, and wow do natural fibers hold up so much better than synthetics, and they’re much easier to repair. So I’m trying to only buy natural fiber clothing (unless it’s something like leggings or compression shorts that are much better made from synthetic), which can be really hard to find for things like women’s underwear.
I’ve stopped buying things on Amazon unless I can’t get it anywhere else or need it faster than I can get to a physical store, and don’t really care about quality. For example I needed a laser measurer in 2 days and didn’t think I could make it to Home Depot by then. I used to get leggings with pockets on Amazon because nobody else had them, but now Costco does so I get them there. Amazon (both the company and the products) has gotten so shitty that I really try to avoid it.
I’ve had much better luck with Etsy, especially for household items and tools/crafting supplies. I just ordered two T-shirts from there and they were really nice quality and priced ok.
The light and auto-shutoff have both stopped working
I’m not sure I’d call that going strong 😅
Sounds like a fire hazard to me!
Victorinox knives are good quality, no frill, well priced and durable with minimum care (won’t rust if left wet, won’t bend or chip easily, can be cleaned with the metal sponge thing ). I had mines for more than 15 years with 5 years using them in commercial kitchen.
Vollrath (it’s a commercial kitchen grade brand) baker spatula that is nearly in perfect condition even with 15 years (5 in commercial kitchen) of rough (throwing it in drawers with metal tools, always in the dishwasher, dropped… )
AnySharp knife sharpener (it’s basically two pieces of tungsten at an angle)
My carbon steel frying pan.
I haven’t had it that long yet, but it just keeps getting better and better.
Mack Weldon underwear. I have a few pairs I bought in 2018 that are still going strong. They are holding up much better than MeUndies.
Downsides:
- Expensive AF
- Contain some polyester (ie, not completely eco-friendly. I bought a Patagonia pair that’s lyocell, and it’s nice, but not sure yet if BIFL material)
- Their “Silver” model is the only one with a fly. Do people not wear belts anymore or something?
My Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcases and briefcase.
Baratza ccoffee grinders are pretty good but the support is amazing they never want a grinder to go to landfill.
Those look great, but I currently use a hand grinder. Forces me to do something in the morning if I want my coffee lol
My Zojirushi tumbler. I’ve been using mine for more than six years already and it can still keep scalding hot coffee for hours.
I have a bread machine from them for four years now. Weekly usage and it’s still like new. If anything breaks they sell replacement parts!
I have a friend who loves their Zojirushi rice cooker. Basically anything Zojirushi
I have been wearing my doc martens for like 4 years I think. Should probably get them resoled but they’re the most comfortable shoes ive ever owned.
This is a good tip. I tend to buy my shoes at the grocery store, and they barely last a year. I’ll have to look into doc martins
The tricky bit with docs is that they used to be indestructible, then moved most of their production overseas, which isn’t always bad, but in this case it was. The overseas docs have pretty low quality/longevity compared to the old ones.
You can still get “made in UK” docs but there’s a price premium. There are some other brands in the same space, including Solovair/Gripfast which I believe are made in the factory that used to make docs
I know this is a common one but Darn Tough socks have outlasted adidas/Nike etc by a wide margin for me. Highly highly recommend them (but they are not cheap).
I’ve had good luck with Costco’s merino wool socks. I haven’t seen them at my local store for a while, but I’ve had mine for a few years now and wear them almost every day, and none of them have any real signs of wear.
Neither have my Darn Tough socks, but I lost them and figured I’d try the Costco variety, and I’ve had much better luck keeping track of them.
How long would you say they last? My socks are starting to get holes in them after four years I think? I got them at my local Krogers
I’m also a darn tough believer. Oldest pair is probably 6 or 7 years and they’re fine. If they wear out they have a lifetime warranty. Don’t buy on Amazon as people are getting fake knock offs, go to their site.