BIFL: Buy it for Life (the Good Stuff General) - or, Anti-Consumerist Consumerism

[trash cat]

@Null

Generator

- make sure you buy one with a 220V output outlet so you can connect it properly to your house electrical panel (via an interlock or a transfer switch)



- buy the smallest generator that will run your basic devices (well pump, fridge, lights, starlink, and AC if applicable).

- you want to buy the smallest generator you can get away with because generator fuel consumption scales nonlinearly with generator size. Meaning a 8000 watt generator will consume way more than double the fuel of a 4000 watt generator.

- if you can, make sure to get an "inverter generator" , because they can idle up and down their engine RPM to match your electrical demand, which saves a TON of fuel. The inverter also protects sensitive electronics in your house like your router.

Champion Generator
- has 3 year manufacturer warranty that covers everything
- Excellent customer service.
- Great documentation & support (PDFs and videos on replacing parts...)
- Phone number that rings to someone that speaks English


Champion Model #100519
6250W Open Frame Inverter Generator

https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100519-6250w-open-frame-inverter/

- it's fine to buy a "dual fuel" generator but stick to gasoline unless you have a giant 500gal propane tank and extra money. Propane costs about 2x - 3x more per watt of generator electrical output than gasoline, assuming propane at $6/gal and gasoline at $5/gal



- and lastly, always use ethanol-free gasoline with fuel stabilizer ("STA-BIL") in your generator unless your want to ruin your carb!!!

Good luck!

 

[Miriam Margoyles]

View attachment 5827230

I'm not going to lie, I was just casually browsing this thread and, just judging by the picture, I 100% thought that someone was endorsing Austin Powers' Swedish made penis enlarger pump.

 

[TheGuntinator]

When moving, I buy stuff from the dollar store so I have some of everything I need, then as they break I get better quality stuff after I'm situated. As far as kitchen stuff goes, I like the brand Starfrit, the mechanisms in their appliances/tools don't immediately break if slightly misused. Can openers in particular made me notice the brand, and the appliances I had with the name. Generic ones break if ever slightly misused.

Also, ask Canadians about their favorite brands, Canada had a unique relationship with brands whereas Americans just hate their brands, to the point Canadians use the brand name to describe the product. Like all mac and cheese is kraft dinner, all plasters are Band-aids, etc.

 

[Angry Shoes]

Tools - If you want versatility, go with Ryobi. I swear that company's run by guys who spend all day wondering what they can power with their battery packs. The downside is their tool bits are shit. But if you want to reach a little higher up on the shelf, go with Dewalt.

Ryobi is perfectly acceptable if you need something for jobs around the house, but if you truly want to buy it for life step up and get a Milwaukee, Makita, or Dewalt. All three are equally solid, just pick your favorite color.

 

[A Sentient Cloud]

I’ve seen Carhartt recommended several times in this thread. I’d caution away from buying new, as quality has dipped while prices have stayed the same or increased, due to the brand becoming a hipster status symbol.

Basics, I know you don’t leave the house Jersh but you’re a standard moid who doesn’t care what he looks like Costco’s clothes, socks, and underwear are all excellent, and have the best return policy in the world if you end up not liking them.

 

[minimum_spanning_tree]

Varuskelta make a good rain jacket and cold weather stuff in general. I gotten holes in their thermal underwear though. Don't buy tech bro outerwear.

 

[FatMebius]

As far as firearms go, while not American-made, I'm a big supporter of CZ. I love my CZ 75. Fairly lightweight, really simple breakdown and maintenance, very reliable. Conceal carry everywhere and I'm better off for it. Got one around 2020 or so and fell in love with it. Couldn't recommend a handgun more.

 

[Old English Roast Beef]

I've found that belts usually wear out at the holes because that's where they're stressed while fastening. A ratchet belt doesn't have holes and prevents this problem. I'm pretty happy with mine from Anson which aren't too pricey, but there's several brands that sell belts that are just pieces of solid leather which will last you a very long time.

 

[PFM]

I recently sucked it up and bought a Veto Pro Pac backpack to carry hand tools, a 12v Milwaukee impact and my laptop. It's really fucking nice and don't see myself ever needing to replace it. It's perfect for my line of work.

 

[A Sentient Cloud]

Also once you want to wash all the gunpowder off yourself after testing out the various firearm recommendations, Cetaphil is far and away the best for skincare (soap and moisturizer), cheap and available in huge containers. CeraVe is a close second.

For haircare Pantene is the best drugstore brand and also available in bulk. Suave and VO5 will wreck your hair, don't buy it. Trader Joe's also makes a great tea tree oil shampoo bar.

 

[General Disarray]

This isn't a product suggestion but advice to help any fabrics last longer and feel better.

Don't just toss your shit in the dryer on High Heat, ever. Use the low heat setting and tumble for longer (ours uses a sensor). Your soft sweatshirt linings won't pill up and get rough, graphic T designs fare much better, the threads in your towels won't bunch up because the threads shrank (and be sure to wash and dry towels without any fabric softener or sheets, it affects the absorbency). I was always taught that setting was just for "delicate" items and for all of my years I've used high heat. Never again.

 

[The Rabbit Holes]

Food.

Spoiler: grocery autism

Starches-
-daves killer bread, or your local mom and pop bakery (european or asian). for cheapest, go at the end of the day and get whatever is left over. Otherwise Asian has "milk bread". Buy unsliced and make texas toast with it. avoid trader joes, costco/sams club bread at all costs, it will mold within the week, even the "fresh baked" stuff or name brand.
-potatoes: wherever sells them loose for cheapest. buying bagged is only worth it for small colored ones.
-rice: asian or indian market for cheap bulk (25+lbs) sometimes costco will have it, but only the white/jasmine.

veggies/fruit-
-local. if no local, krogers is cheaper than safeway and you get gas points at a decent rate. avoid bulk buy at costco, 9/10 times there's moldy packs in the case and that's why it's there.

milk/butter/cheese/eggs-
-local, if possible. delivery for milk (glass bottles that get set back out and refilled), barter with the chicken owners for surplus eggs or own 2 yourself. whole milk, unsalted butter, brown eggs with speckling.
Otherwise, Costco is fine. Milk in one-person sized quanties from grocery store is fine, just see if the local delivery also sells in store.
Cheese is a bitch. Sprouts and Trader Joes are equal for cost on the fancy shit, depends on what's on sale. American cheese is still good for comfort sandwiches, just get anything bulk but Kraft.

Meat-
Local butcher or bulk store. Freezer bags, butcher paper, learning to divide, prep, and store the meat. Chicken and beef will last months stored properly. Deep freezer for things like ribs or game meat that only get made/killed once in a while.
Costco pre-made rotisserie chickens are 4-5 a pop and for one person can easily be turned into 4+ meals/sandwiches and reheats without getting dry. Don't feel bad taking the biggest one on the shelf or waiting round for a fresh one if it's all little ones left.
Lunch meat is cheaper at Sprouts or Trader Joes, but all lunch meat everywhere is overpriced. Euro markets are sometimes a little better and will have imported cold cuts.

Bulk in general not already mentioned-
Sam's Club/Costco brand fresh Orange Juice
Asian market spices/sauces and imported Euro goods (cheaper ritters than the actual euro stores), seafood and cuts of pork. Asian cuisine is basically Euro cusine with more spice and soy sauce, so you can get a lot of what you need for Euro cooking there. Cheap bowls and plates too, that will last no problem in the dishwasher/microwave without buying someone's secondhand. They will break if dropped though, so find old cornell instead if you're prone to that.
Mexican groceries for raw beef, chicken, pork, tortillas and chips. Spice packs + mortar and pestle or ginder+ jars with shaker lids = infinite seasoning.
Resturant supply stores. Foil, cling wrap, metal mix bowls, industrial can openers, containers of fry oil if that's something you do, bulk basics. Most of these stores you can also order online from.

Final shill:
Monin Syrups/Sauces. Best quality for making milkshakes with a strong flavor, so not much is needed. Also has alcoholic, bubble tea, and smoothie mix ins. One liter ranges from $7 to $14 depending (syrups are less, purees are more) and will easily make 100+ shakes. Keeps once opened, even just on the shelf. I fridge mine to be safe and let warm to room before using. Flavor is true to what they call it.

My favorites are the strawberry puree and the pumpkn spice syrup. Green mint=the shamrock shakes that every fast food place does.

 

[A Sentient Cloud]

This isn't a product suggestion but advice to help any fabrics last longer and feel better.

Don't just toss your shit in the dryer on High Heat, ever. Use the low heat setting and tumble for longer (ours uses a sensor). Your soft sweatshirt linings won't pill up and get rough, graphic T designs fare much better, the threads in your towels won't bunch up because the threads shrank (and be sure to wash and dry towels without any fabric softener or sheets, it affects the absorbency). I was always taught that setting was just for "delicate" items and for all of my years I've used high heat. Never again.

To piggyback on this: YOU CAN MACHINE WASH EVERYTHING.

Seriously, everything. I've machine washed leather jackets, sequined dresses, wool sweaters, down coats, etc. Don't buy the lies of Big Dry Cleaning.

For delicate items, turn them inside out, close all buttons or zippers, and put them in a lingerie bag like this. ONLY use cold water and the delicate cycle, remove immediately (v. important) and then air dry flat on a foldable dryer rack like this. Never use the dryer on stuff you care about.

Fabric softener and dryer sheets are bullshit, basic Tide is all you need for detergent.

You can use hot water and the dryer on tough/bulky/soiled items like socks, underwear, bedding, or towels.

 

[snowdunes]

Werther's Originals. I know they're a grandma candy but I've always liked em.

I enjoy them too. Who knows what the people eating trolli candy and drinking all the wierd energy drinks will be like in 10 years. I don't trust the stevia and aspartame stuff, I just go with regular sugar and honey if I really want something sweet.

 

[A Sentient Cloud]

I enjoy them too. Who knows what the people eating trolli candy and drinking all the wierd energy drinks will be like in 10 years. I don't trust the stevia and aspartame stuff, I just go with regular sugar and honey if I really want something sweet.

If you can get it, real maple syrup is a fabulous sweetener. Maple cream, however, is the GOAT.

 

[PFM]

Don't buy the lies of Big Dry Cleaning.

I believe you but the only reason I like using dry cleaning is my dress clothes come out pressed and ready to wear again.

 

[Cat Hyde Boots]

I recently sucked it up and bought a Veto Pro Pac backpack to carry hand tools, a 12v Milwaukee impact and my laptop. It's really fucking nice and don't see myself ever needing to replace it. It's perfect for my line of work.

Welcome to HVAC, you finally accepted the m12 Milwaukee surge + Veto Pro Pac meta. You can finally call yourself a true tech.

 

[Allura Red AC]

1. Costco or BJs membership.

2. Instant Pot. Everything else from the "Instant" brand is forgettable but the original Instant Pot (functionally a more approachable pressure cooker) is great.

 

[Willie B Rockhard]

I really like Whüsthof knives, I've had set for a while and they stay sharp.

 

[mico]

Literally the only brand that I like enough to hype is Darn Tough (socks). American made, they have a lifetime warranty, but I've never had to use it and I hike and run a fair amount of half marathons in them.