I recently bought an inexpensive robot vacuum cleaner after years of easily resisting the trend. After a very bad ankle break last summer that won’t heal, and two knee replacements in recent months, I have mobility challenges that keep me from a lot of chores I used to keep up with easily.
I am far from Suzy Homemaker, and I don’t keep an immaculate house, but I have a thing about thorough dusting and well cleaned floors. My husband took on many things, including vacuuming, and my daughter in law helps, as well as grandchildren. Still, I decided to try out the little robot, just to help out.
I am pleased to say that my $89 investment has paid off big time. The vacuum cleaner isn’t perfect, but it is so much better than I expected that it satisfies even floor picky me. If you really want it to work its best, put away clutter, of course, and put chairs and barstools up. It will really clean under couches and beds, go from room to room, and it has little stiff brushes sticking out that rotate and clean at baseboards and in corners.
It has been a pretty long time since I’ve spent under a hundred dollars and been so well pleased. So, I decided, for curiosity’s sake, to see what else you guys come up with. What is your favorite buy lately, large or small?
If this post is enjoyed, I think I’ll do one soon on home improvement and repair items. I spent many years working in the home improvement industry, from my start selling kitchen and bath fixtures, cabinets, appliances and electrical fixtures, moving on the my greater love for lumber, building materials, and milwork, including high end windows and doors. Hint: when I win the lottery my modest home on the banks of the Tennessee River, or one of her lakes, will have only Marvin Windows in it. Unless Kolbe and Kolbe has closed the gap in the years since I left the trade.
But that passion of mine is for a later post. Today it is all about hickeydoodles and hooti, a plural for hootus. That’s a favorite WeeWeed term that makes me smile.
My Tervis lidded double-wall tumbler. With a baby in one arm and two toddlers whose greatest joys in life are speed and destruction, respectively, having a cup that closes up has been an absolute life (carpet) saver. And it’s made in the USA. 😀
Speaking of American-made …
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC275B
I have (2) mono-blocked at each speaker in my classic two channel sound system. Yes, I am a vinyl aficionado
Yes, tubes sound deliciously “warm”
I used to be a repair technician back in the early ’90s. We called these “car bumper amps” because of the chrome. They’re as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside: all the wiring is meticulous. The amps and pre-amps we got in for repair were typically 40+ years old (as it would take that long before they would develop issues).
Mcintosh (at that time) were also used on our submarines as part of their sonar array. Not sure if that’s still the case.
My Wright Audio ‘mini’ is terrific too! American made in the northwest it sounds fantastic. Not as good as MacIntosh (which I’ve always wanted) but great tube sound for a small price. I love the warm sound of tube amps.
In this day and age you can find tons of first rate stereo equipment for next to nothing at Goodwill, Salvation Army, pawn shops and second hand stores etc. My stereo system is made up of separate components but I find most folks nowadays want a stereo system all in one single housing.
I constantly run across folks who are trashing tuners (especially!), turntables, home cassette decks, and CD decks because they don’t work. They think tuners are radios and turntables are record players.
They “don’t work” because they need to be powered by a separate amplifier!!!
I know the local Goodwill and Salvation Army stores only test stereo components by plugging them in. If they “light up” … they work. I point this out to the workers who have never argued with me over this. I try to test components in the store if I can but many times I gamble and I’m usually lucky. I sometimes make an offer on their listed price and even if it takes a week or so, they usually take it.
A favorite kitchen item of mine is my Vitamix. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth every single penny and I use it almost daily. One of my favorite features is that it makes instant hot homemade soup and the cleanup is a breeze.
I also love love love my Vitamix. Yes, it’s pricey but you can’t beat how well it blends everything! My other favorite gadget is my Zojirushi 5.5 cup Rice cooker. (Another pricey gadget). We eat rice almost daily in this house and we love how the rice turns out in this. (Jasmine being our favorite). Also great for having rice ready the next day for fried rice recipes.
Yes, I have the rice cooker as well – just love it! I use it to make steel cut oatmeal several times a week. I also have their electric skillet which has multiple uses –
Oh really? What setting do you use for steel cut oats?
try basmati if you haven’t…it is the type of rice the Indian and Sri Lankans use for their curry dishes
Speaking of blenders/choppers, I don’t usually go for Infomercial stuff, but my Ninja has really withstood the test of time. I bought it thinking it might . . . maybe . . . if I’m lucky . . . pay for itself. And here it is 10+ years later and STILL going strong. It’s not a Vitamix, but WOW, was it worth every bit of money I paid for it!
Another kitchen gadget I love is my small crock pot (just two of us here) by Rival (made in the USA) that I was gifted many years ago. The only “bad” thing about it is that it cooks much faster than other “slow cookers,” so I have to plan accordingly! But, hey, slow cooked food in a shorter amount of time is fine by me!
And lastly, I recently bought a small (I think it’s 3 quart) Instant Pot that I’ve definitely used enough to have made it worthwhile. Among many other things, I love making keto cheesecake in it. I then freeze the cake and eat it over a period of several months.
Nothing better than a Ninja
No recommendations. Just wanted to say thank you for a lovely surprise. This article and the comments gave me some much-needed normalcy in an otherwise worrisome world.
Here’s the #1 rates robotic vac. Works awesome, especially for under $100.
https://top5-robotvacuum.com/us/inttl/astro_c3?aff_sub1=396520644&aff_sub2=1253443812681770&aff_sub3=kwd-78340538655268:loc-4126_best%20robot%20vacuum_e&aff_sub4=_&gclid=3a55fe05d36f14a399579f5402f75834&cta=table&source=bing&geoid=81907&device=t&adv_sub2=not_table&ccode=us&msclkid=3a55fe05d36f14a399579f5402f75834&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Robot%20Vacuum_US&utm_term=best%20robot%20vacuum&utm_content=Best%20Robot%20Vacuum
We’re breaking ground on our new house later this fall. Over the years, we’ve found ourselves using our oven less and using our countertop appliances more. So, the new house will have an appliance cubby and pull-out drawers for
Dr. Hokkoda says she wants a robot vacuum for Christmas, so I’ve been shopping around. Good tip that maybe I don’t need to spend $900 on one, lol, because Me+Broom is a lot cheaper.
I saw basically a robot “swiffer” at the store (wet mop). Anybody have one?
Try a brava oven and replace Black and Decker and Ninja fryer – makes screaming killer vegetables too. We have one in main house and lake house use it multiple times every single day.
I have a version of this called Braava WetJet by iRobot and I love it. Cleans and entire room with plain water/no chemicals and I use it on my hardwood, ceramic and laminate.
Okay on the expensive side but if you combine the I-ROBOT self emptying vacuum with the WetJet by I Robot you set them up to first vaccum then Mop (Hardwoods, tile, laminate)– TOTAL GAME CHANGER. On Sale you are going to spend about $1000 and then you need supplies every few months (maybe $20 quarterly for bags etc). The vacuum I tell people does about 80% of what I can do If I manually vacuumed. BUT IT DOES 80% 5 DAYS A week that I have it set to run. I only have time to vacuum once a week. Takes a while to set up the app and to MAP your house but once it has learned it– OMG game changer. I used to have a weekly cleaning service because I like things CLEAN , especially the floors. Moved it to once a month deep clean now that the kids are getting older. Money saved on cleaners after 3 months paid for this pair. Right now I am moving them between floors but I might get another set for my large Downstairs basement with Laminate floors and keep the kids cleaning their bathrooms and dusting.
That’s my logic. If my sweetie isn’t using her Saturday to run the vacuum and mop the whole house, maybe just the smaller areas the robot can’t get to, that’s a win. Our new house will be all one level, no steps, all laminate flooring, so I bet these robots could clean the whole house several times a week. Thanks for your insights!
Great! Yeah I’ve been thinking if I get the sweeper, then I’ll get the mop. I read they talk to each other. We have mainly wood floors so it seems like a good move. Thanks!
I have the old fashioned Wet Mop Swifter I use on my tile floor in the workshop. Works like a charm.
I have a Bona mop that works well. The fuzzy dust mop also does great cleaning the lint out of the intake vents on the HVAC. I like the idea of set it and forget it during the workweek so there’s less cleaning on Saturdays.
Do food or beverage purchases count?
I’m loving Venizelos Greek coffee. The big container for the office is perfect.
Heck yeah, especial coffee and alcohol!
Ahh. Well then, I have become particularly fond of Tito’s vodka. It is a top shelf quality product at a standard-level price. And, it’s made in Texas.
???
Ditto! Best Vodka and gluten free!
Cool.
Venizelos Greek Coffee is American made but the Greek style of coffee.
A really cool American grocery store success story is Jungle Jim’s in suburban Cincinnati.
He grew up the son of a steel worker near Cleveland and ventured south to Cincinnati where he created what I believe is the most fun, most creative and coolest grocery store in America, if not the world.
Look up Jungle Jim’s International Market.
If you love alcohol, food from all over the world, coffee, and brilliant marketing…this is the place.
They have it all.
And he started with a corner produce stand 50 years ago in Cincinnati.
It’s worth coming to Ohio for and I’ll promote it since the state-run Ohio Division of Tourism is useless.
We have great things here and don’t promote them well to the rest of the nation.
junglejims.com
Sounds like our Trader Joe’s – also started with a produce market in Pasadena, CA.
Found in the bin… 🙁
Someone gave me a sale flyer from them and told me I had to shop there, as I’m foodie-adjacent.
Then I forgot where I put the flyer and the name of the restaurant. But I remembered the name had “Jim” or “james” in it and something wild, and that it was in Ohio.
A smart person would have organized and remembered better.
I’m going to translate that into Latin and use it as the motto for my coat-of-arms.
Thanks!
I shamefacedly admit that I love my Keurig – China again, I’m afraid.
We have to bring back our manufacturing…
We do. I grew up where manufacturing was really damaged near Akron, Ohio. It allows for very little tolerance of some things in this world. I think if I ever had to go to Wall Street or DC, I’d be in a fist fight in about five minutes, lol.
My DIL likes hers because she likes coffee all day long and doesn’t have to drink the stale stuff or reheat.
Found a great bacon. Tastes the way bacon should. It’s Kuenzler (sp.) from Amish country in PA. I live in the south and it was wonderful to taste real bacon again.
I love bacon from local butcher shops.
If anyone ever goes to Wayne County, Ohio, near Akron…. Marshallville Meats is a country butcher shop that’s like the Super Bowl of meat and it’s Ohio raised for the vast majority of it.
It’s just outside Orrville, Ohio, which is the hometown of Smucker’s and basketball coach Bobby Knight.
Fellow Buckeye here! We could be neighbors :). Yes, Marshallville Meats is a awesome place.
Word to wise. Avoid Marshallville Meats at the beginning of the month! Food stamp stampede all bused in from Akron.
Well aware of that.
I also recommend Al’s Market in Barberton. Hungarian butcher shop.
I haven’t been to Al’s myself, but a girlfriend of mine does and she makes the best, yummiest pork and sauerkraut! :).
Gonna have to make my way there.
I like Leaches Meats and Sweets as well. Nothing like getting a few big steaks and some of their sweet treats!
Amish communities love simple and quality…we have a large community near us…their workmanship is unrivaled
Our local Amish at farmers market adds msg! Was zinged Friday night by delicious sausage that we’ll never have again.
Ugh. That’s so disappointing and unnecessary. Simple food w/o additives is wonderful and nutritious. I’m very surprised to hear Amish added MSG. I guess you have to check everything these days.
Agreed. Love this online resource:
https://www.lehmans.com/
My sister is good at finding thingamajiggies and sending them to me. Recently she sent me this small tool that is designed to use to cut through all that sealed plastic they put around everything you buy today. You know, it is hard and inflexible and impossible to break or unseal without some type of tool, usually scissors. But this little thingamajiggie is a notch above scissors and is really well made, quality, by it says, on it Kuhn Rikon…no idea what the tool is called as I had to dislodge it from that same hard plastic stuff and then I threw the packaging away.
Still owned and run by the Kuhn family and based in Rikon, Switzerland we have been producing top quality products since 1926. Kuhn Rikon products are carefully designed and created using Swiss innovation and expertise. Our cookware, knives, gadgets and utensils are sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
https://kuhnrikonshop.com/
I was thinking I needed dynamite to get in some of the packaging lately.
Hahahaha! No kidding. That plastic is heavy duty and as you painstakingly cut it at all sorts of angles there are sharp edges. It’s crazy and so unnecessary to package things that way. Check this out for a laugh!
My elder son gave me a cheap little device I could not get along without. “Instaslit Package Opener”. Looks like one of those “As sold on TV” items that Bed, Bath & Beyond used to feature in the front of their stores. Made in China, but a real gem…
Appears to be unavailable at Amazon, but here’s a more expensive version. Terrific gadget.
Ryobi battery operated tools. I saw my friend blowing dry snow off of her front stoop. Bought the blower for leaves and quick cleanup at the front door area etc.
Then got a small hand held trimmer for spring and my monkey grass.
Then got the best thing, a weed eater! I go all around the yard with it. (Husband’s gas powered things are too hard to start, I’ve not enough hands.) Light weight enuf, allows me to stretch over my ‘cliff’ with one hand.
Batteries interchangeable. Also, husband bought a saw for small projects. My tools are no longer ‘chick tools’. Ha.
I use the Ryobi leaf blower for the snow also.
I got that blower for Mother’s Day! I love it and even use it to blow the kids toys/ legos to a corner- super versatile
Sounds fun! It makes me wish my kids were little again!
xD xD xD You’re giving me ideas…
I agree 100%!!! My husband had already invested in several Ryobi tools before we were married, and we’ve been steadily adding to his collection. We have weed trimmers, leaf blowers, drills, impact tools, saws, hedge trimmers, grinders, etc., etc. and lots and lots of battery chargers!
They are great!
Moved into our house in ne Tennessee about 9 months ago. The house is 81 yo. I’m 65 and here by myself until my husband moves up from Florida in a couple of months. The kitchen was our first priority.
so YES the Ryobi cordless tools we purchased are the best. I have most of the hand tools but my favorite is the brad nailer. I put up a wall of shiplap and it was a breeze.
we also have ego mower, weed eater and soon a chainsaw, very good products also.
An older home requires a bit of love but she sure gives it back.
I’ve had my weedeater for years and love it.
WORX makes a great blower. They’re around a hundred bucks, but I got ours on sale for $75! Bought an extra 20v battery, so I always have a fresh one.
Our drives are pretty long, so with Fall coming, it’s great. The lizards hate it though but it’s fun to see them “fly” away when they’re in among the pine straw.
Absolutely love our air fryer, but it is heavy and super large, so I have to carry it from the laundry room. Easy cleanup. Get some spray olive oil so you can roll chicken and chops in whatever breading you like. I make my own now with non-gluten flour and spices.
“Pattern Identified in Arizona Audit Mirrors Michigan Scandal on Fraudulent Votes and Provisional Ballots.”
“Damning audio was released by Detroit Leaks before the election that outlined poll worker training wherein workers were trained in how to lie, trained on how to handle ballot challenges from Trump supporters, told to call 911 on any challengers and to use COVID as an excuse to deny poll challengers access to view the ballots as they were being counted and tabulated.
The series of leaks also revealed that even challenged or provisional ballots would be processed as regular ballots.
This was a tactic used by the left and TAUGHT to poll workers before the election. They were taught how to cheat with provisional ballots.
In fact, the poll workers in Detroit were taught tactics on how to cheat with provisional ballots.”
“The FBI and Bill Barr completely ignored this evidence. It now appears this was a tactic used in several states — Not just Arizona.” -Jim Hoft (Gateway Pundit)
Video: https://rumble.com/vazsf7-detroitleaks-state-employee-training-poll-workers.html
You will repost this where it belongs, correct? This is too important for most Treepers to miss reading.
Thank you. Important stuff.
I just copied it into my notes and will give you full credit.
if you’re not on SafeChat or GETTR, post there.
Live in Houston. Hot, hot, hot. Always puttering around yard, planting this, trimming that. Building something in garage. Grilling, smoking/Bbqing. Not a beer snob. Enjoy crisp American pilsners. Like Bud or Coors. For years had a system of putting beer in freezer for 15 minutes or so before drinking one. Take one out of freezer put in another from fridge. Often left one in freezer too long and it froze or forgot about one and bottle eventually broke.
Decided to get a beer froster about 6 months ago. Darn thing can be set low enough to have beer have a few ice crystals when first opening. Love it.
Sounds perfect.
Brand name please!
Newair beer froster. Home Labyrinth.
Nothing worse than hot beer to me. Great idea!
Being in construction most of my work career, battery powered tools have been a game changer. I’m partial to Makita, but Milwaukee and DeWalt are good as well and last a long time even in heavy use.
The 6 1/2 inch circular saw was added a year or so ago, my heavy/corded worm drive saw is now collecting dust. The battery powered one is light, easy to take anywhere, up on the roof, under a house. It is powerful and easily cuts through 2″ material. Battery lasts for a long time.
But my favorite item of late are Torx bits, used in the battery operated impact drivers. They use a number system like T-25, and look like a little star. Used to drive in screws.
They don’t slip or slide off, saving not only dings in your wood, but more importantly, your fingers. Also, easy to remove later on, much better than Phillips head.
But that worm drive is a game changer in some situations!
Agreed, for bigger items like 4×4’s and such, it does not compare.
But like most here, getting along in years, the lightness and ease of the battery operated saw is great for plywood, 1 or 2 inch material, etc, can be used with one hand.
I bought the Porter Cable package at first, they are more light duty. The sawzall is great, light and easy to use one handed. The saw, a few 2×4’s or plywood would be only time I’d use it. My friend had a Dewalt, the power was much stronger so I went ahead and went with a new saw.
If I were strictly doing framing work, definitely the worm drive.
Derk, husband laid down 1000’ of 2×6 deck and replaced 300 ft of 6’ fence, all with the coated Torx bits. Says he wouldn’t use anything else.
Also used his Makitas. ??
Phillips heads should be illegal … as they are utter frustrating CRAP compared to torx bits
Agreed, lost lots of blood with those dang Phillips head!!!
Phillips is still better than straight, but I agree, I won’t buy any screws that don’t have a torx head.
I try to do all my own work on my own motorcycles. My favorite bike, the Yamaha XS650 twin, has many factory fasteners on it that “look” like phillips screws. Guess what? There is not one phillips screw on the whole bike. Every screw is a JAPANESE INDUSTRY STANDARD screw. I know many owners and motorcycle mechanics that are not aware of this. Of course, all my bikes are used and most of the screw heads are damaged by the time I get them. If you’re working on a Japanese made product or one made by the Japanese in another country, that could account for some of your problems. https://www.motorcycle.com/ask-mo-anything/difference-between-japanese-jis-phillips.html
I love my Bosch rotary hammers I use to drill limestone. Drills holes like butter, and the batteries last pretty long.
Not a gadget as such but being short we could never reach top shelves in wall cabinets so we built our current kitchen w/o wall cabinets. Not having wall cabinets makes the apparent size much bigger and brighter. Drawers with multiple layer pull outs and lazy susans again with multiple pull outs hold all the dishes and pots and pans withing easy reach.
Thanks Menagerie for a much needed change of pace!
That last line is the most imprtant one i’ve read all day!
We love our wireless sweeper. No cords, no noise, no muss, no fuss. Our kids were amazed when they saw it.
&f=1&nofb=1
I asked for and received several different sizes of those for my birthday several years ago. Quite appropriate too as my BD is close to Halloween.
I use one of those a lot when I’m too busy to pull out the big vacuum!!?
Thanks for the hearty laugh! I needed that. ;>)
Every decade I buy a new broom for the wife, bring it home, hand it to her and tell her to take it out for a test flight. And I am still alive because she had a good laugh.
No what you mean.
When my wife was alive, and we had one of our
periodic throw downs, it was frequently about
something needing cleaning.
She would ask me to ,(quote) Get the broom (unquote)
And I would bite my tongue, because we were having
an escalating quarrel, frequently. What I always wanted
to say , but never did:
Are you going to use it to sweep, or to fly?
Covid Fog spelling of Know. It happens.
We have 2 Dalmatians that shed twice each year, six months at a time. A robot vac would choke and die the first day. So the Swiffer is our best friend!
Every house I ever owned first upgrade was central vac to rid the dog hair. Quiet enough the dogs loved being vacuumed. Hard to sweep the house as the dogs were undefoot wanted their turn. LOL
Looks like mine minus the pet hair.
To go with that broom, I got an Eye Vac. This little gadget replaces the dustpan and is perfect for not having to bend over to collect the debris. I just sweep it over and it sucks it up. Easy to dump, too. Best gadget ever.
https://eyevac.com/
And, low cost and maybe, not made in China! It’s a brilliant thing-a-muh-jiggie-whatchama-call-it-low-tech-sweeper-sque cleaning tool, er, machine!
In a bit of revenge for the grief caused from the days growing-up at home…I taught my 2 year old and 3 year old grandsons how to move the boundary strips to drive the robo-sweepers nuts in their houses.
Their parents thought my grandsons were geniuses for figuring out how to move the strips until the 3 year spilled the beans. It was funny as heck while the mystery lasted.
Turd in the punch bowl here. The robot vacuum maps out your house. The layout can then be accessed later. When the shit comes down the enemy can access it. Yes, I am paranoid. And so far that serves me well.
The government already has your house layout in your propert tax assessors office.
Not if you live in MN. There may be a huge victorian that when listed for sale published the floorplan and that was added to records for better valuation but most homes, no way.
if you have applied for any permits including renovations they have your house plans…if you did not apply by permit when improvements were made in the modern era they can require you to demolish unpermitted areas
Not in Mississippi.
This may be a coincidence but a month ago I was coughing a lot for about week from allergies. Had my iPhone beside me most times. Started noticing lung cancer ads on web pages I went to. Hmmm
This morning I put something in the dryer for 40 minutes. When I picked up my iPhone to set the timer there was already set a 41 minute timer. I had not done this. The dryer is not a “smart” dryer. Just a regular gas/electric dryer. It has been bothering me quite a bit.
Wow.
Yikes.
my plain samsung smartphone remembers the last timer I set. So no mystery that it said 41 minutes if that was the last time you used the timer function. Unless you delete the timer, the last timer set will be there.
If you talk to “Tech Guys”, you will find most of them DO NOT have these electronic gadgets like Alexa or Smart Appliances. In fact many still just have old flip phones. My husband and son used to laugh at me when I said anything about this issue, but now they get it. We had been discussing John Deere green (a paint color) and soon after, we were getting tractor ads on our IPhones.
This scared me to death! The image brought to mind some kind of new Alexa invasive electronic. I think I do well with the fear going on these days, but goes to show how daily bombardment of bad news wears on one!
Having recovered my mind, what brand, Menagerie, is the one pictured, if you care to say?
I don’t know about the one pictured, but mine is a Deebot. Might be Chinese, I don’t know. It was a clearance item.
you can go to a silent mode but it is still passively listening so it can respond to questions…same hysteria with cell phones tracking you…they need to constantly ping towers for efficiency when you do go to use them for web access or calls
I like my Alexa for timers, weather forecasts, audible books, iHeart radio music. But never my contact lists, shopping lists, payment info, or anything in that category. I never buy anything with Alexa.
I started thinking about other gadgets that I absolutely LOVE.
This apple corer is amazing. If you make apple pie, you need this! It’s really strong and is so simple to use.
Amazon.com: My Apple Corer My Professional Stainless Steel Apple Pineapple Pear De-Corer Seed Remover, Comfy Nonslip Grip, Anti-Rust and Heavy Duty Kitchen Tool, 1 Pc red: Home & Kitchen
Also, my garlic press from IKEA. There is none out there that works this well. I tried a dozen before finding this one.
KONCIS Garlic press, stainless steel – IKEA
I will stick with my Good Grips garlic press. It is one piece and cleans itself with a little water if you invert it (see the red pad)
Like you, I have gone thru a series of garlic presses but if I ever need another and they are discontinued, I will buy one on ebay. Also when closed it can crack the garlic which is very handy.
All a little spendy but worth it – Husquavarna Robotic lawn mower – the lawn is so pretty and we love watching it mow. 3 years now. Brava oven has replaced our regular oven, toaster oven, and almost microwave for everything but Thanksgiving Turkey and because of the way it heats foods I have never had such tasty vegetables and finally the Thermomix is a baking and beyond game changer. It started one Christmas when my daughter got tired of standing at the stove stirring. We decided to invent the iStir – something that blended and heated food at the same time, alas Thermomix beat us to the game and then some.
1500 for this?
I’ll keep my wife at the stove
LOL ?
The air frier is one of the best items I use while traveling
Ninja smoothie maker, Kuhn Ricon 3.5 qt pressure cooker, Bose speaker and a bad A$$ FDick meat tenderizer!
I sent this article to my daughter who has wood floors with a messy 5-y-o and her pet gerbil.
TWO THUMBS UP!
I don’t want to sound like a rich snob, but our ugly, white (sorta) Discount Store refrigerator went out a couple years ago … after about 30 years.
I looked at literally EVERY refrigerator manufactured … and finally settled on a 36” wide single door refrigerator over two freezer drawers by SubZero. Yes, it cost more than my first 3 automobiles combined. But it was simply the BEST … by far. First: the interior is MUCH deeper than any other model. The produce drawers are significantly larger than any other. Filtered water is dispensed INSIDE the refrigerator keeping the exterior clean and neat. The bottom freezer has a Uuuge ice tray and flawless ice maker. The fit and finish is second to none.
But most of all … it KEEPS my food from spoiling MUCH longer than my former refrigerator. Produce keeps at least a week longer if not two weeks longer … so long as I don’t buy Safeway’s ‘pre-aged, pre-spoiled’ produce.
I have never felt so satisfied about such a Uuuge purchase ever before.
We had to replace our double door fridge this year. It has to be black to match everything else. Went to Lowes, which had not a one because the supply problems were just kicking in. So after my initial disappointment, I asked which of their black ones were available. They had one (!!!) single door, freezer on top with no water dispenser or icemaker, though I could purchase one for installation. The fridge itself was commodious with adequate freezer space, and was $600 less than the one I was looking for.
We bought it immediately and I’ve never been so pleased with a fridge before. Had we waited for the one I wanted, I suspect we would still be waiting, as a couple of people we know are months after they placed their orders. Glad you’re pleased with yours. We’re strategic purchasers as our circumstances dictate, but by dismissing my frustration immediately and saying “ok..let’s move to plan B” we actually ended up with a great one I ordinarily wouldn’t have considered but is one I am extraordinarily pleased with, at half the price.
Was it an LG? We bought one, stripped from Lowes.
Was the only one we could find that was put together
decently well.
I also used to sell Sub Zero stuff. I’d absolutely buy it when that lotto ticket wins!
it’s excellent stuff – something you can sell and be proud to do so.
i, too, had resisted buying one of “those” until i had replaced THREE upper-mid grade fridges.
that was enough for me.
got the panel ready, and it has been superb. you can believe kenji’s testimonial!
(and yes, it cost about the same as my first three cars, too!?)
When we built our house back in early 80’s we bought a Sub Zero and it’s still going strong to this day. Last year was the first time it needed some repair work. We had the rubber sealer around the doors replaced because there were a couple spots at bottom of door where the rubber seal had pulled loose. It’s so tight again that my arms get a work out every time I open it lol. The Sub Zero is the only original appliance we still have in our kitchen. It’s a true work horse. It keeps food fresher longer than any other fridge imo. I was so relieved when the guy came to replace the sealer & give it a check up said everything else was working good as new because there’s no way we could afford to replace with another one if this one died.
This summer I was in a Ranch supply shop and saw a DeWalt wet/dry shop vacuum that was $ 89.00.. My old shop vac was almost 50 years old and was at the point that it was held together by duct tape, so on a whim, I bought the DeWalt vacuum. Best $89.00 investment I’ve made in a very long time…..
I cut the cable cord when I got laid off in March. Roku’s simply rock. It has saved me over $150/month. Best thing is OAN has an app for $5.99/month.
Took us about a month to get “use” to it but now we can’t imagine ever going back. We have watched more movies, tv series and documentaries than we ever used to.
If you haven’t already, download Real America’s Voice at realamericasvoice.com
Our iRobot is know as “Robby 6 pack”, as it’s vacuuming path is as random as a drunk leaving the bar.! It often returns to the dining room and gets itself lost in the chairs or pirouettes around a phantom chair leg in the middle of the room. While better than nothing, it most certainly is not a replacement for doing the task myself.
That’s the brand my inlaws have. I swear it leaves the floor dirtier than when it starts.
Management problem. Cleaning in mid-job has more stages than many people expect, even though the booklet tells you to do them. Long hair is particularly attracted to the inside of the rollers.
Thing cleans very well for us, and when he’s full, DH blows the paper filter out thoroughly whilst I am cleaning the green rollers out underneath, wiping vagrant things that didn’t leave with the little bin, untangling long hair from the little rollers…Oh the bin gets blown out usually with the little filter, though sometimes I wash it out.
Thing’s random cleaning paths don’t bother us, he picks up dog hair very nicely. Have never enabled the remote controlling functionality, don’t want to.
Won a fancy Roomba iRobot 2 years ago and this is my experience as well. It seems we do as much or more work keeping the path clear and it gets stuck under an antique hutch , bed, chairs, tiffany lamp cord(that one was close)…..etc.
Overall, we have learned to enjoy it once you get the system down but we still have too much living occurring in our home that it is often more prudent and efficient to just plug in the central vac.
Ours is the Roomba right before the mapping one. I understand those learn their territory much more effectively(scary).
Great idea for a post!
My favorite hootus is probably my Cuisinart convection toaster oven. I bought it when my full-size oven was out of order, but I still use it every day and certainly more than the regular oven (now repaired). Mine has a rotisserie, so I have cooked chickens in it, but more frequently I toast bread and bake small casseroles, bread, coffee cakes, potatoes etc.
I also discovered kitchen knives made by Victorinox, the company that makes Swiss Army Knives. I have a chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife and boning knife. They are reasonably priced, sharp and easy to care for. The more expensive of their paring knives sells for $8.09 on Amazon, and the 8″ chef’s knife for $37.90.
I’ll second your opinions on Victorinox. Extremely please with mine. I actually am happy when one of my handles cracks on my other knife sets so I can replace it with victorinox which seems lighter, better balanced, better handle materials to grip. Possibly more ergonomical all together.
They may have other production sites, however I do feel in my earlier research they are either made in Europe or usa, none in China… may or may not still be the case
I like kitchen things. In my knife drawer: I have a cuisinart knife set from my wedding (never liked, cracked handles, never seemed sharp)
I have Shun knives that look neat and are pricy but are not easy to handle and I haven’t figured out why, my mom and I have both hurt ouselves with them.
Cutco knives are amazing and a many of their products are unique to their brand. Their cheese knife (!) and spreader knife I like and their style of “serrated” knife is superior to ordinary serrated knives. Their brand carrot peeler has been superior to all the rest. Too pricy and I hate trying to find a Cutco vender anyway.
Victorinox. I have a 12 inch machette (no idea real name of knife) that I use for slicing cakes (in hallf so I can frost the layers) and chopping watermelons (indespensible, best for watermelons!!). I also have a 3 pack pairing knive Victorinox set. Looking fwd to continuing replacing my cuisinart knives with Victorinox
I wanted to like the Cutco because they were US made, but I didn’t. I have had German, Chinese, Korean, US made knives, etc, but my Japanese knives blew me away. I buy Shun from Cutlery and More. I have even given them as gifts – I love them that much.
We have both the Victorinox and a 15 yo set of Cutco. Love all of them. I sent the Cutcos back to the factory for sharpening, a free service, and wow as good as new.
Knife drawer. Hard on knives.
My favorite knife gadget is IKEA’s 22 inch magnetic strip to attach to the wall for $15. If you have the space, wash & dry knife, place on the strip. You can instantly see the knife you want. What professional kitchens use. Very sanitary also.
Have you ever washed your knife block or wooden knife holder in a drawer? If not, what bacteria breeds in there?
Thanks for the knives tip, I’m looking now. I’ve needed some for a long time and was simply too cheap to pay hundreds for the good stuff. I found some basics and a knif block years ago on clearance, but I need a big chef’s knife and a few other things.
If you don’t have the counter space for a knife block… you can buy knife sheaths in various sizes for all your blades to keep them from banging against each other in drawer.
Cheap.
These are nice too:
https://www.benchcrafted.com/magblok
Or use IKEA’s magnetic 22 inch knife strip, $15, attached to a wall.
We have magnetic strips under the upper cabinets.
I know you said you were too cheap to spend hundreds but I absolutely love my Wusthof chefs knife. Slices great, well balanced, nice thick tang that goes the length of the handle. It’s sturdy enough to split a chicken breast. Use it for everything when I cook. ( My wife loves their paring knife.). Worth every penny.
Here’s a link to the one I’m talking about.
Shop around you might find it for less.
I was a little ticked when my wife bought them because of the price and we already had a nice set but Im really happy she got them. My other nice set of knives got moved to the camping equipment.
The Victorinox knives cost less, but they aren’t “cheap”. They also make more expensive knives with prettier handles, but their Fibrox handles are great.
I know. That’s why I was ticked when the Wusthof chef knife and paring knife walk through the door. Our Victorinox weren’t cheap and I didn’t think we needed new ones but I was wrong. ( A fact my wife reminds me of whenever the need arises. ?). Side by side, to me, the chef knife is night and day.
Everyone has their favorite knife. I’ve had my Victorinox chef’s knife for seven years and it’s just as good as when I bought it. Knives have to be honed and sharpened regularly, no matter how expensive they are, which I think is even more important. I’ve had a variety of knives over the years, including some very expensive ones, and I’m happy with the Victorinox. They are great knives and relatively inexpensive.
Yup. Knives are very personal. I saw Rick Bayless on PBS and he was in Mexico and brought his favorite chefs knife with him. Said he’d be lost without it.
Love my Wusthof knives too. Yes, they’re pricey but I discovered long ago certain items that are used regularly are worth the extra $ because they’ll last a lifetime. I purchased the few I wanted over a period of time and have never regretted it. When my children got married, I started giving them a knife every year as a “couple’s gift”. They love them too.
I have a full set of Wusthof knives. Love them. Another love is the Cuisinart burr coffee grinder that DH won in a golf tournament a few years back. Grinds consistently perfectly for our Cuisinart coffeemaker. Compact unit that takes up little space on one counter. Did I mention that I loved it?
America’s Test Kitchen says the secret of Victorinox is the small, tight, grain of the steel. In this video they put the 8″ Victorinox chef’s knife up against a $300 carbon steel knife. It held it’s own.
I had not lived until I sliced vegetables with a Shun.
I am a VERY generous Christmas gift giver … to my adult children. Last year was a Shun-Christmas for both of them. Got them a custom (by me) set of 7 Shun knives and accessories … Japanese style handle, the Damascus blades … Shun Classic as I recall.
Now I like helping them do prep work at their homes … sure better than my cracked set of Wusthoff knives.
Wow! I have been buying Shun one piece at a time to build my collection. I am at four now. You are indeed generous!
Myabi has nice knives too.
Like Victorinox knives as well. Have several. A little pricey but I think work it are Made In knives. Their cookware is good also. Have a little handheld knife sharpener/honer that I use on my knives every couple of weeks. Three slots, 2 for sharpening santori or chef style knives and one for honing. Good purchase. Tell the difference immediately.
I have a hand sharpener too!
I love my Victorinox knives, too.
I spent six months in Philly for my USAF nephew whose deployment took him overseas. He has two of those robotic floor cleaners. I must say, after I got used to them (a little intimidating at first since they were timed to do housework at the same time each day), I decided they offer GREAT help! Of course, I am not ready for a robotic maid, 5’3″ tall (or shorter or taller).
…Well I can’t wait for the Home Improvement article . My indoor home improvement project for this winter is peel and stick, vinyl floor tiling. Past winters has seen me doing little else than blowing out our very lengthy country driveway and going to the shed for firewood. My old age doesn’t afford me the enjoyment of Vermont winters as it once did. So if staying inside is imperative, then I want it to be useful, at least to some extent…Armstrong or Traffic Master wood pattern for the bdrms, plank tiling for the hallway and the kitchen will be something brighter…Our home is a humble adobe built in the 70’s and aside from the living room carpeting, it’s flooring is a little lackluster, as is my pocket-book, thus peel and stick vinyl tile.
It’s sort of the French way of doing things…They don’t take baths, but rather cover their stench with perfumes, whereas I’ll use tiles.
Here you go:
Best hot coffee travel tumbler I’ve ever used.
Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Water Bottle with Cafe Cap 16 oz
(Comes in 12oz and 20oz also)
This insulated tumbler will keep your coffee warm all day. My wife has gone through at least a dozen insulated tumblers before we found this. She would bring a tumbler of coffee to work, get busy and by the time she got around to drinking it, the coffee would be cold.
Not with this one. It stays warm through the afternoon. I was amazed when i had forgotten to bring it with me in the morning, got back around 2:00pm and it was still hot.
Works for hot and cold. For hot make sure you get the insulated model WITH the CAFE top.
I bought mine at REI but I posted the link for the manufacturer below.
https://www.kleankanteen.com/products/insulated-tkwide-16oz
Honestly, you won’t be disappointed.
$89? Where?
I bought 4 acres of mountain property with cabin 4 yrs ago. It was a rental and the property had been ignored for the 10 yrs prior and needed rehab: vines, briars, too many sapplings, dead trees, etc.
I exclusively use Sthil chainsaws, weed eaters (with saw attachments) and blowers (backpack and handheld. Good quality, great accessories, good service everywhere and fixed prices on matter where you buy.
And for hard bark herbicide, Crossbow. In my experience, and if mixed correctly, kills woody plants but not grass, ferns or moss. And then there’s Roundup…kills everything green.
And please, if you chainsaw or use the weed eater blade attachment, get some chaps, some steel toe boots and a faceshield. Let the neighbors make fun of you, not worth the risk to go without. It’ll be the best money you’ve never spent.
And above all, keep the little ones away and under adult supervision…these tools don’t know the difference between flesh and wood.
Definitly use chaps…That’s what the doctor told me a few years back when she was stiching up the two inch gash on my inner calf…Never used them my whole life (Mid 60’s)…Was cutting my winter firewood and got careless and instead of bending over to move my light limb for the next cut, I used my right foot to get under it and heave it towards me while at the same time revving my saw…Needless to say my leg went right up & into the new chain…That chain oil sure does burn and sting…Luckily, it stopped just short of the side of the shin bone.
My husband just recently bought several of the saw attachments for his Sthil weed eater, and LOOK OUT world! He’s been cutting things down to size ever since–and in short order, too! Another fine gizmo by Sthil!
Loved this and everyone’s posts, Menagerie, thank you! I, too, was skeptical of the little robot vacuums for so long, but finally gave in a few months ago when I tired of pulling out the Swiffer several times a week to take care of my new dog’s hair. I didn’t buy a high-end one (they can get expensive), just one I could work with remote control (no wifi, etc.). I, too, am so happy with it, especially the “edging” function that sends it around the house hugging the baseboards where so much of the hair collects. It hasn’t replaced my manual vacuuming, but rather supplements it, and I feel like I’ve got a little partner in the effort. Silly, but actually makes vacuuming a little fun. I’m amazed at how much it sucks up. And love that it goes under the bed, couch, etc.
I can also vouch for an air fryer … completely happy with the Philips I purchased. Beautiful, simple design and function, and turns out great meals.
Not a gadget…but the best purchase I have made in YEARS:
For 3 years my wonderful 2006 Highlander (which needs to last me til I depart this earth) has had to sit outside in the rainiest area east of the Mississippi (Rabun County GA). Too poor to afford a carport much less a garage!! Check out the Palram carports! Also can be used to cover patios. My two guys put it together in six hours. Powder coated aluminum is slate gray with polycarbonate roof panels. Made in the USA. Every one of my neighbors is raving about how good it looks. I’m in love!
Nice, but you obviously don’t get much wind where you live. If we put that thing up, it’d be in the next county by tomorrow!
Speaking of wind and protection, one of the best purchases we ever made was a greenhouse (that was, ironically, delivered in the middle of a snowstorm, and that I put together mostly by myself while my husband was working). I don’t remember the brand name, but it was made in Israel and has withstood 80+ mph winds and large hail!
I thought this would work. I have a couple of corgi’s and they are notorious shedders. But unfortunately they see the vacuum robot as an invader and try to attack it. Back to the upright manual vacuum cleaner.
My dog killed mine within a week.
I avoid most of these type of items because they are usually made in China. It is very important to me that I not support the people who are trying to kill us, our economy, our way of life.
So very true about finding things NOT made in China. Been going on for way too long. An interesting book published in 2007 by Sara Bongiorni titled “A Year Without Made in China”.
As for gadgets…we couldn’t do w/o our Breville toaster oven. Does it all including air-fry and dehydrating. When we bought ours, it was made in Australia. Not sure about that now, though.
This past Christmas while at Home Depot there were multiple aisle displays for Chinese
products, microwaves etc… Forget the brands. Those positions aren’t given out by accident. Was also in the market for a large flat screen TV and virtually every review site had Chinese brands in their top five. Cell phone reviews as well. Sure, get a cell phone made in China loaded with god knows what.
The Vermont cart I recommended is made in usa.
I feel the same way. As I’m replacing items, I spend a great deal of time trying to buy them from America. If not here, then I settle for any country other than China.
Same here. And don’t forget when something says “Made in USA” to ask where the materials are sourced. A lot of things made here use materials from China. It’s very hard to avoid stuff from China, and heartbreaking because you quickly discover how we gave away the store, but it’s possible to really cut back unless something is absolutely necessary and there are no other options. I use this resource a lot. There are other similar resources, but I’ve found this one seems to have the most current data base:
https://www.usalovelist.com/
Other resources are Amish made items, used things, Etsy to find local people who make beautiful things, etc.
I don’t see what brand robot vac you bought. Is it American-made?
Thoroughly enjoying the comments to this post!
I am not a coffee drinker – I have to have hot chocolate every morning. For my birthday my dad bought me a Breville milk frother, and to say it is amazing is an understatement. It makes the most delicious, piping hot, frothy, hot chocolate!
As a full-time working mother (well until 10/14 bc I refused the vaccine), it’s nice to have someone, or something, do something for me, even if it is as simple as making me my hot beverage of choice 🙂
Love my car windshield shade “umbrella” I have a nice car that I cannot garage so I use shades on all windows that are in sun to protect seat leather etc..
I got the front window shade off ebay for like 9 bucks free shipping after seeing ads for similar product on TV for more $$$.
VERY easy to use compared to other types I’ve tried. Love it !
Funny story. I have two Jack Russell terrorists. Those dogs shed horribly and their hair seems to be barbed like a fishhook.
Anyway, when Roomba came out I jumped on one. If nothing else than to stay ahead of the dog hair.
When I built my home I designed it for a vacation home with minimal outdoor maintenance. Decorative concrete and gardens for greenery in both front and back. I also have French doors for access in the back.
One beautiful fall day, I opened the French doors to get fresh air, fired up Roomba and ran some errands. Well, Roomba decided to become an outdoor robot that day. She escaped. It was amazing what that thing was able to stuff in its bin. She finally came to rest when she went 4 wheeling in the rocks.
I looked for a couple hours trying to find that thing. Pretty funny at the time.
That Roomba is still going strong, years later. All the parts are replaceable and they are fairly easy to work on.
Which reminds me; I really need an affordable, industrial, outdoor robot vac.
Another Roomba adventure…. Read about this one a few years ago on someone’s blog.
The blogger left his dog at home with the Roomba. The dog was terrified of the Roomba to the point the dog pooped on the carpet.
The ever-ready, hard-working Roomba attacked the pile of poop and proceeded to do its best to “clean” it out of the carpet. By the time the blogger returned home there were brown poop smears all over the room.
A new twist on the term “carpet bombing!”
hehehe.
BTDT.
If you cut metal, try diablo steel demon blades. Total game changer. I put one in my circular saw and another in my table saw and can cut 1/4″ steel almost as fast as wood. Need to get another one for my miter saw.
The blades have an rpm rating on them that you need to match as closely as possible to your saw, which means I put the 8″ blade on my 10″ table saw.
you’re welcome 🙂
Agree. They are amazing.
I bought Nano tape to put up a “gallery wall” in the hallway. It’s easy to use and no holes in the wall.
Anything Mr. Beams. Need a light over a wood stove for when the power goes out. They got one. Need some illumination for your chicken coop or your doggy when they go poop? They got lights for that too. Battery powered, long lasting and solid. Have had one failure in 10 plus years of using them.
What a lot of fun information! Thanks, Menagerie and all the commenters!
Instant Pot and Instant Pot/Air Fryer combo. We used them both so much this summer, sometimes both on the same night because of the summer temps and not wanting to heat the kitchen up any more than necessary. Makes great food and an Air Fryer makes the BEST crispy skin on a chicken. So darned good. I’m almost considering buying a third one that is just a large Air Fryer. And I HATE gadgets and specialty cooking tools. LOL
China!
I make chicken “vaca frita” in the instapot/ air frye. That might be the most used gadget in the kitchen ???
My wife does a lot of canning of our garden produce, especially now that we are awaiting the apocalypse. Anyway, she has been absolutely raving none stop about this Instapot Mini and a Carey canning/pressure cooker pair I bought her last July. The electric canner holds 7 half pint jars, 5 pints and three quart jars and it is set and forget function. So she’s canning small batches every day, often of stuff she prepared in the mini. Now we still have the old fashioned stove top canning stuff gathering dust in the basement for when the electricity is cut off, on top of the wood stove that is a one pipe to connect set up. In the meantime, happy wife, happy life.
Oh, that reminds me . . . I recently bought a steam canner that I’m very VERY happy with. I’ve only used it for high-acid fruits like peaches, but it’s so much easier than trying to wrangle a huge water bath canner.
My Jasco ZigBee wall switches (Fan, Lights, Dimmers) that all work with SmartThings. I have almost completely retrofitted by entire house with them. And have added room sensors to trigger the lights on when I enter a room and turn off after 5 minutes of no motion.
I don’t use Alexa or any other voice control because I don’t like talking to hardware and because of privacy concerns. And by using the “scenes” function I find I can set and forget without voice hardware.
My 12 gallon Durastill water distiller with a 25 gallon tank. I have quite a few aquaponic setups, aquariums, coffee maker that needs distilled water, electric toilet that does as well, and plants that I used distilled water that I add my farts so that they get just the right amount of the right stuff. We use a ton of distilled water around here and was tired of hauling it or constantly making distilled water with the 1 gallon distillers I had. The Durastill has a pump installed and everything automatically refills after use; so I no longer have to refill anything. Our water supply was recently cut off and was dirty for a few days afterwards and we still had water, thanks to my 25 gallon supply of distilled water. This baby has made my life so much easier. I have lots of hickeydoodles, but this one is by far my favorite.
I just told my wife the other day, I think this little mini Weber grill is the best purchase I’ve made in years.
We were waiting to see Old Faithful erupt at Yellowstone National Park and the food lines were horrendous. There I was, cooking chicken thighs on the tailgate of our truck. (I got lots of thumbs up from passerby’s)
The store in town was closed the other day and I ran out of propane for my big grill and then I remembered I had the little Weber in the camper. It saved the day. It can run off of a regular sized propane tank with an adapter, or the little green portable tanks.
So nice to have a thread today that makes things seem normal for a change.
My 50-year-old rectangular sander went out, so I bought a new one which I was very unhappy with. So I Bought a round end orbital sander and I absolutely love it. It uses velcro to attach the sanding disc which never slips and are much easier to install. The discs rotate very slowly but move in an orbital vibration pattern. The discs have holes and I can hook it up to my shop vac as dust is a problem for me. Also, the discs never clog with sawdust making them last ten times longer than the old rectangular ones. You must be careful as if you put a 60 grit disc on it, you can sand off too much wood.
My robot vacuum performed so well that I purchased a robot lawnmower. It’s great!!
I’d like to make a suggestion for the Sundance & the CTH team. Forgive me if it’s been made already. How about developing a Made In The US buying guide with a link in the margin. Could categorize it by industry, application or whatever, and also sort by Made in US, include Not Made In China, etc.
I’d understand if that is too far outside the scope of CTH, but I’m sure it would see a lot of use. I have several links I could contribute.
About windows – We love Marvin, and there are several other great US made window & millwork products out there. We have a great true divided light Marvin dual casement window over the kitchen sink. Six “lights” per panel with wide muntins. It was a trade show demo that the Mrs managed to wheedle out of the reps for $250 back in 1985. Nothing like true divided light.
I love your idea. I am working hard at making sure that all of my replacement items are made in America and am shocked at how difficult it is to find simple things like an electric can opener or a sports related baseball cap. I did find a company called made-in that makes frying pans in America – I purchased one and found it to be the very best pan I’ve ever owned! Most kitchen gadgets have tags saying Made in China.
https://www.usalovelist.com/
https://www.usalovelist.com/
A hell of a lot of work, but it would be something I’d pay for to be sure.
Remodeled the kitchen 2 years ago. Found a sink made in the USA out of stainless sourced in the USA. Only one I could find, and I had started looking 9 months earlier.
Refrigerator, though — CPC, good luck finding an affordable American model. I couldn’t.