Best products from r/BuyItForLife

Excuse me from copying my reply from a previous BIFL, but I still feel strongly:

MISTER BENTO MISTER BENTO MISTER BENTO

It's a bit complicated--follow me here. It's an insulated tube just like a thermos, with four round containers. I'll take you through them, from the bottom up.

Soup bowl: Actually a pretty nice soup bowl. It's got a lid that screws on, as well as a pressure-valve on the lid to prevent a vacuum forming as it cools (it's going to cool a little, no matter the insulation... thermodynamics still exists).

Rice bowl: It's a Japanese product, so there's a big compartment for rice. I never have a problem fitting a sandwich in here, if that's what you're in the mood for. You... you get used to sandwich-pucks eventually. Important thing here is that the lid on this bowl is thick and insulated, to help keep whatever's in here and the soup warm.

Veggie bowl: As I understand the typical Japanese meal (read: none), this is a bowl that's supposed to house some vegetables. You may have noticed that the bowl below this has a thick insulating layer. The way it's designed, this compartment and the one above it aren't insulated. It's actually pretty cool, when you think about it. I would usually use this for some roughage... dry cereal or something.

Tiny top bowl: This is it. Another non-insulated bowl. I'd usually put a cookie or two in here.

The whole thing is leak-proof, and it really does a fantastic job. Once you think about the two-hot-two-plain thing, you can put some fun meals together. The insulation works well--soup was always warm come lunchtime. And it's surprisingly big, too. You won't finish eating and want for any more. I didn't finish a lot of times, or I'd use one of the compartments just to hold a mid-day snack.

I know you might balk at the price, but if you think you might like something like I'm describing, I really can't endorse the product enough.

Nonstick is okay in certain circumstances. I have a good quality 12" Nordic Ware pan which I got off Woot and is great for some purposes. If you're warping your pans, you're probably getting it too hot and then throwing it in the sink. Even a high quality pan is not immune to thermal shock.

My biggest advice is to NOT buy a set but to buy individual pieces as you need them. If you must buy a bunch at a time, I advise going à la carte.

Here's what I recommend:

• A 6 qt enameled Dutch Oven - Mine is made by Tramontina but Lodge and Le Creuset make some great ones as well (just expect the French made Le Creuset to be far more expensive.) This pan is a great multitasker and you can make bread in it, cook stew, boil down bones for stock etc.
  
  
• 2 qt and 4 qt saucepans. Look for high quality welded handles instead of rivets. Tri-Ply (where a layer of aluminum is pressed between two layers of stainless) is your best option and All-Clad is a nice made in the USA option, but Tramontina (sold at some Walmarts but also Walmart.com) and Sur La Table's store brand are also excellent.
  
  
• A 12" stainless skillet - again, go with TriPly from Tramontina or Sur La Table (All Clad if you are rich)
  
  
• A 12" Cast iron skillet. These are a pain in the ass for the first year or so and you'll get a lot of circlejerking and such about the best way to season (expect lots of stupid old bacon jokes and rednecks talking about cooking "critters" they ran over and stuff like that.) Wading through that mess, you can find that cast iron is essential but not the only thing to cook in.
  
  
• 12" T-Fal Non-stick skillet Again, not BIFL but a good quality piece that will make cooking eggs a lot easier if you aren't willing to deal with cast iron.

So this is against the grain of most of the can opener recommendations I see here, but I really like OXO's smooth-edge can openers. My parents have the design with two arms, and I have this one with one arm. The two-arm one is better IMO, because the lid can get stuck in the one-armed opener after it's been taken off the can. But both are great openers.

Honestly all of the good grips stuff is super high quality and super comfortable to use. I own a few things from that line, it's all lasted beyond 5 years with only the most minor cosmetic damage (for example a tiny dent on a spatula handle because I accidentally left it in a hot skillet.) It's all really rust-resistant and the grips are super nice and super durable.

Plus, I like the smooth-edge openers a lot more than the traditional kind. If you've only used the more traditional kind of opener it can take some getting used to because it doesn't "feel" like it's cutting. But it takes the lid off in a much more pleasing and precise way and there's no sharp or rough edges on the can or lid that you can cut yourself on. Instead of cutting metal, I think they sort of peel it back and cut through the epoxy seal that glues the lid onto the can.

I spent nearly 20 years as a cook-then-sous-then-exec in fine dining kitchens. I've bought cheap knives, and I've bought expensive knives. I finally found my sweet spot split between Misono Swedish Carbon and Misono UX10s. I have a few different styles of knives in each, and they each have their ups and downs. The downside to either of those is that they're not exactly cheap (but you can spend way more if you're so inclined).

On the cheap side of things, this series of knives form Victorinox is probably the best value out there. For a home cook, these are absolutely bifl, but they're not exactly sexy.

My recommendation when anyone asks me a question like this is to go for the Mac Professional Series. They're fancy enough to be a little special, but not so special that you're afraid to use them. Full disclosure, I still use a Chef Series Mac 5.5" utility knife. In a professional kitchen, your utility knife gets so much more use than you'd imagine, so having a cheap one without the bolster is nice in case someone drops it in the fryer and kills the temper, or kicks it under the dish station etc. For home, I'd get the nice (pro series) version.

Anyway, for a first investment in nice knives, I'd go for an 8" chef's knife, dimples or not, it makes no real difference, and a 5.5" utility knife. The second addition would be 10-12" carving knife. Of course, a serrated bread knife and a small paring knife are necessary, but that's where those Victorinox knives I linked above are perfect.

I'm sure the bifl crowd here will crucify me for recommending stainless, but unless you're using your knives every day for hours a day, it's way too easy to get lazy and you end up with pitting and rust on all those fancy carbon knives, and that makes you less likely to use them.

For sharpening, get a 1000/6000 grit whetstone. When I was cheffing for a living, I hit the 6000 every day, and the 1000 once a week. Now, I cook dinner maybe 4 times a week, and I hit the 6000 once a month, and the 1000 like once or twice a year. Keeping the knives in cases helps with this. Drawers will kill the edge. Youtube has plenty of tutorials on how to use a whetstone and keep everything straight.

As far as "sharpening" steels go, it's nice having one around if you're doing a ton of knife work and need a quick touch up, but slapping a knife on a steel is not the same as sharpening it, and if you let the edge get truly dull (by hitting the steel instead of sharpening it), you'll have a bear of a time getting the edge true again.

Anyway, if you buy something made by an ancient Japanese craftsman who's older than the volcano he forges in, sure, it'll be cool and have fancy wavy lines. If you buy garbage it'll be garbage. Whatever you do, just know that nothing screams recent culinary school graduate than a Shun santoku.

note: I've written "you" a bunch in here. It's less pretentious than saying "one may sharpen..." and less clumsy than referring to your partner at all times . I hope you'll forgive me.

edit: tl;dr get the Macs

This has been my baby for years now. I would say I have 600+ miles walking, 400+ Biking on mine. I've used it for almost 4 years now in all sorts of weather, with all kinds of loads. It honestly still looks new.

The inside waterproof lining is starting to crumble in some stress points, but the fabric is still holding up very well. I have never had a problem with any of the zippers. Which is insanely impressive in my eyes.

It compresses down to a good size, and can expand out to hold an impressive amount of stuff.

The straps are decently comfortable, not cushiony like Jansport, but they ride really well and have never given me any painful stress points on my shoulders, neck, or back, even with a lot of weight.

I'm actually looking it over right now (comes with me to work every day). The stitching is still in tact at all stress points. The MOLLE is not sagging or falling apart. All good on the zippers. Bottom is solid and hasn't experienced any tearing or material pilling.

It is honestly the best backpack I have ever had.

Question though, what is your beef with 5.11 exactly? I have always been impressed by their stuff. Their pants are phenomenal, and my wife's 5.11 backpack has held up decently. I would still recommend SOC over 5.11, but I feel they are far from sucking.

I'm going to argue that what I'm about to suggest isn't against the spirit of BIFL:

You need a good non-stick pan, and you need to replace it every 1-3 years. Teflon is considered safe when not overheated. Use a turner designed for non-stick surfaces, simply rinse the pan with a warm sponge or cloth (no abbrassive), and generally be nice to it, it'll last perfectly fine. You don't need to add butter or spray to a non-stick pan. Heat it up and let the pan do the work. I further extend the life of mine by only using it for eggs and cheesy dishes, basically. The stainless does all the rest of the work.

Nonsticks are disposable over the course of a few years, so don't go buy a crazy expensive one. This is the one I have, and I'm perfectly happy with it. You can explore annodized non-stick, but from what I've seen, it's not quite as good.

I'd actually personally make the argument that I've never seen a truly nonstick cast iron pan. But Shinytile, I cook eggs in mine all the time! Yeah, post a video. Literally every single person I've seen make that claim uses like 1/3 stick of butter for two eggs. That's frying the egg in oil, different game. I use literally zero spray / butter / oil in my egg pan, and I get a perfect release every time.

So that's my vote. Buy a nice non stick, treat it well, and use it for the next few years. That's like $7 / year.

Sony MDR there's a $75 studio headphone everybody talk about it'll last for at least two year if you don't sit on the phone jack like I did (it lasted me 3+ years). I take it to the gym so it had some gunk around the plastic but overall awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

I had to replace the ear cushion once, you can buy it on amazon for like $5 bucks. Felt like if I actually took care of it, it would have been built for life.

update:

You know what's funny? After I posted this, I google if I can fix this. There a few soldering tricks and other neat mods.

I decided to bust out my leatherman multitool and use the clamp. I bent it back test didn't work, tried this a few more time and now the headphone works again... I'm going to stick with Sony for headphone if I ever need another.

This is what I've used that either I've had for over a decade or else is obviously of good quality. Much of these have already been mentioned. You still have to know how to care for this stuff. Just because it can last your whole life, you can make it almost unusable if you don't know how to cook and abuse it.

1. Cast iron - keep it seasoned, never use dish soap, never put it in the dishwasher, never drop it on the floor.
   
   
2. All-Clad and Calphalon stainless pans - never burn the pan with too high heat (only low to slightly medium heat in stainless pans) and never use a metal scouring pad to clean them. Use a sponge and Barkeepers Friend if they get some tough grime on them.
   
   
3. I have some enameled cast iron that I like very much and use for braising. It's just awesome. But I'm sure that it will chip if I drop it or flake if I overheat it (400 degree max for Lodge, LeCreuset doesn't have a max temp). So I just don't drop it or overheat it.
   
   
4. You will want to invest in some good knives. They aren't cheap. You will need to learn how to maintain them and how to sharpen them, otherwise you can ruin them too. But any good knife, if properly maintained will last a lifetime. I decided that my price point, the sweet spot where I got the most performance for my money, was with the Global and Mac brands. They are excellent. You will need to buy a couple of good water sharpening stones from Chosera or King, and a good honing steel like a Henkel.

As fellow apartment dwellers, we also kept our list limited. Below are the very best gifts we received and still use regularly:

A fuzzy-logic rice cooker. In the first years of our marriage, we ate from the rice cooker 4 times a week. The number of things you can make in one is astounding! Avoid bulky, single use appliances.

A few good knives should see you through all of your kitchen needs; you can always add a bread knife at a later date.

Nice everyday plates. Like other posters here, I strongly recommend against china. Most of us don't entertain on the scale to make it worthwhile. It is delicate and it takes up space. Find some semi-formal daily use plates that are still nice enough for holiday dinners.

We also received this Anolon cookware set which I love, partially because it was half that price when it was gifted to us, and after four years of daily use, I've learned which pans are the ones I use regularly and can replace them with higher quality ones that fit my needs.

im gonna screw this up immediately and mention something that is not BIFL, but one of the very best (and durable) products I own are Sony MDR7506 headphones.

no electronics are obviously gonna be BIFL but Ive dropped these a million times and they still sound amazing. they have over 3,000 amazon reviews, many from audio technicians, and 78 percent are 5 star. 91 percent are 5 or 4.

amazon

maybe the very best part is that they're only $80. they could cost 5 times that and still be a great deal.

Programmable light switches are super handly for when you're out of town and want to make it look like you're home, and if you're forgetful about turning off lights.

Keypad deadbolt never worry about getting locked out. If someone is house sitting you can give them the code and then change it when you get home.

Energy saving outlets are great for things like charging cell phones or computers and keeping your power bill lower.

Wifi thermostat. I think Nest is overrated and expensive for what it is.

Electric crockpot-pressure cooker-rice cooker-yogurt maker. This thing does it all, seriously. Pressure cookers are awesome for getting things cooked quickly so you can buy cheaper groceries (dried beans vs. canned). Slow cookers are great for tough pieces of meat, roasts, soups... They're also great in summer as they don't heat up the whole kitchen. It being multi-purpose is a bonus for kitchen space.

Cast iron pans are AMAZING for cooking almost anything in. Try to avoid cooking highly acidic foods in them, because that can break down the seasoning that builds up as you use the pan. In other words, use an enameled pot for dishes that have a lot of tomatoes. The best cast iron frying pan to get is the Lodge 12-inch skillet -- it's big and heavy, but not too big for your stovetop, and it provides a lot of room to fry in. They typically sell at Wal-Mart for between $16 and $19, depending on the Wal-mart you go to. It's very easy to find a used cast iron pan at yard sales, flea markets, Goodwill, etc; but based on experience I've seen those pans are usually the 10-inch size or smaller, and if you only have one cast iron pan then I'd suggest going for the 12-inch size. (TJ Maxx/Marshalls had a shipment of those Lodge cast iron pans earlier this year, with the 12-inch size going for $14.99; if you look in one of those stores you may still be able to find one.)

I'll admit to being biased in favor of cast iron, so based on my advice above for an enameled cooking pot, I'd likewise suggest a big, heavy, enamel-coated cast iron pot. The really expensive enameled pots like Le Creuset can run into the hundreds of dollars, and their owners swear it's worth the price; but for most folks, a less expensive brand of enameled iron pot will perform just as well for a fraction of the price. If you're near an Aldi's, with its own brand names for just about anything in the store, you can usually find a 5-quart enameled iron cooking pot for $20 to $30 in there. Wal-Mart sells a 6-quart enameled iron pot by Lodge for $50, which I think is a great price because Lodge is a very reliable and durable brand.

I have used this bag through middle school to college. It is the perfect size for holding my Macbook, notebooks, textbooks, etc. When you need it to be compact, draw in the side straps and you have a small portable backpack. However, if you release the side straps, the bag is perfect for a weekend trip, camping, airplanes, hiking etc. I have even used it for snowboarding. Here is PX link. If you know anyone military you can get it through them without tax. But I'm pretty sure you said your in Australia so I'll also put the Amazon link.

https://www.shopmyexchange.com/mobile/sandpiper-of-california-3-day-pass-bag/1470616

Or Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sandpiper-California-Three-Pass-Backpack/dp/B007VMOU92

If you wanted something bigger with aluminum back support, I also have the bug out size. If you know you will be carrying heavy weight for long periods of time, this bag is the most comfortable and supportive. It also counts as a carry on in airports, so that is a plus.

http://www.amazon.com/Sandpiper-of-California-Bugout-Backpack/dp/B007VMOPRY?th=1&psc=1

I know you said you wanted "over the ear" type, but I've had a pair of Shure 215s and I love them. They're tiny and don't get in the way, like earbuds, but due to the design they don't fall out, even during activities. They do a fantastic job of blocking outside noise, which means you don't need to turn the volume way up just to hear your music. The sound quality is really good as well (disclaimer: I'm not an audiophile). I was hesitant to spend $90 but I'm glad I did.

I can only speak from what I've heard from others online, but I'd say yes. It'll take longer to shave with, and there's a transition of learning to use it, but once you have it figured out you'll be glad you made the switch. If you're gonna use a DE, you'll definitely want to do the whole package and get a shaving brush and a real soap or cream. It takes a little longer to use, but it gives a much better shave and is also much healthier for your skin than stuff in a can. Here's a razor I'd personally recommend. If you really do want to try it, you'll have to do a bit of research to figure out what you need. As I said before /r/wicked_edge is a good starting place.

The items I can think of right now that I've bought pretty much because of this subreddit:

1. Zojirushi Travel mug - I use this as my office coffee mug. I fill it up in the morning and if I get sidetracked then it's still hot hours later.
   
   
2. Saddleback Pocket ID Wallet - simple and gets the job done
   
   
3. Weber One-Touch Gold Charcoal Grill - I love this grill.
   
   
4. Red Wing Iron Ranger 8111 (amber color) - the first 3 weeks I thought I made a huge mistake but now they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.
   
   
5. Fisher Space Pen - I've had to stop other people from pocketing it. My wife tried to take it because she likes the way it writes.
   
   
6. [Kershaw Skyline Knife] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CZBDF8) - I'm not into putting a lot of money into a pocketknife so this fits the bill nicely.
   
   
7. ToiletTree Heavy Duty Nose and Facial Hair Trimmer - my previous nose trimmers felt like it was ripping the hair out by the root. This one I don't feel anything and it's very well made
   
   All of these I would buy again.

My Zojirushi thermos is amazingly BIFL. Not only can you pull the lid completely apart for easy cleaning (my biggest gripe with the Contigo is that the lid is a PITA to clean) but it keep liquids hot for a VERY long time. I have put hot tea in it at 9am, drank out of it most of the work day, then accidentally left it closed on my desk overnight - the next day at 9am the tea inside is still warm. Crazy.

You can still open it up with one hand, too. Love love love it.

I would highly recommend Coway systems. I have pretty bad allergies purchased a Coway Airmega 300 for my 850sq ft studio. I've been incredibly happy with it so far. It is extremely well designed and the pre-filters are super easy to clean.

Considering the size of your room you may want to take a look at the Coway Mighty, which is smaller but made by the same company. It currently sits at the top of The Wirecutter's air purifier recommendations.


The Black Coway Mighty is discounted down to $206 on Amazon. Looking at it's price history on CamelCamelCamel, it seems that is a reasonable discount. If you can wait a bit, it looks like it drops below $175 pretty regularly.

With the acid/tomato thing, I have found that once the seasoning is well established I can make chili and other acidic things without any real issues. Same with soap which I'll use after broiling fish in the pan.

I'd say that my dutch oven doesn't get as much use as my skillets, but then if I had a something like this or the oven listed in the original post, at least the lid would be used often. My current one has a self basting lid that is a pain to clean and season.

Really, the lid is a make or break for the thing. If you want to use coals on top, get one with a lip. If you like to see your stuff cook, find one with a glass top. You get the point.

I have Griswold, Wagner, Lodge, and Benjamin & Medwin pans. The Griswold was a gift from someone that doesn't cook in cast iron pans, and the others were purchased new. The Griswold is used the most, Wagner and Lodge both seem to be fine, but I like the handles and the (semi) polished surface of my Wagner pans a bit better. The Benjamin & Medwin pans were purchased new about 20 years ago and are have the worst quality control. I don't believe they are still made.

I bought two of the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier with True HEPA about 6 months ago.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BTKAPUU/

These units have excellent reviews and independent tests of performance and you can find them costing $160 every few months which is an excellent price for such a good unit.

Very happy with them. I keep one in the bedroom and one in the living room. They run on auto mode 24/7 and probably cost $3/month in electricity. Annual replacement filter is $50.

Consider 5 year cost of ownership on air cleaners. The AP-1512 was the cheapest I could find for the high performance you get with the unit.

True - But you can buy yourself one of these sharpeners and extend the life of your knife.

I have one going on 8 years (or more) and it's still a go to knife daily. In the past, it had to be sent in for sharpening, now I can do it myself. Great knife (Kyocera OK-100)

Bonus tip - These are great too!

I like the America's Test Kitchen shows and picked up the chef's knife because of their glowing review of it and inexpensive price:

Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife is great.

I liked it so much that I purchased the santoku and a few paring knives.

small paring knives
The paring knives seem to go dull more quickly than I would like though, but I might have really high expectations for my knives.

I also personally like the santoku knife a lot and it might be my favorite.

To keep all of them extremely sharp I use this whetstone in fine/course.

If I only got to pick one of them it would be the whetstone; hands down the best thing to have in your kitchen and will last a long time.

Cheers.

Sony MDR-7506

They've been a standard for professional audio engineers for decades for good reason - and they only cost $79.99 on Amazon.

I've had mine since the mid-90s and have traveled around the country with them crammed in a backpack and they have held up like a champion. I keep saying I'll replace them with the same model if they ever die, but they just keep working.... The only issue is that the ear pad covering wears away over time, but this is easily fixed by purchasing BeyerDynamic velour pads. These pads are super comfy, and well worth the $23. They're not just a replacement for the original, they are an upgrade.

The ones I have are the Sony mdr 7506 studio monitors. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

They are studio monitors so the output is very flat. That means to get the most out of them you have to use an equalizer. I recommend rocket player or poweramp, both of which have excellent equalizers.

There are a few other downsides. They are not bass heavy even with equalizer and bass boost programs. If you want bass, don't get these headphones. Also, they do not cancel noise at all. You will hear all external noise. These are not your airplane headphones.

If you can get past those downsides, these are amazing headphones. This is the type of hardware that benefits from flac audio files and external DACs. For vocals and jazz and other complex audio types will accurately play those cluster chords and suspensions. All of this for about $80.

Edit: I just read the op about public transportation. Don't get these for her for use on public transportation. The open design will not be good for that loud environment. I will leave my post incase anyone else is looking for Christmas gifts.

Honestly, if you're going to spend more than $100 or so just get the Instant Pot - the large 8 quart should be fine for families. There's the added functionality of using it as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, etc. It has a removable insert and it's very durable. There's a reason why the Instant Pot has gotten a huge cult following so fast - you can do a lot with it. But even if you just use it as a slow cooker, it's pretty great.

However, if you want to stick with a just a basic slow cooker, this site has pretty reliable reviews and rankings in my experience.

Supposedly Swing Away was bought out and is cheap crap from China now. The old USA factory makes the good ones under the name ez duz it. I just bought one a few weeks ago and it has opened 3 cans so far. I'll report back in 10 years and let you all know. Make sure to get the black handle one.

Amazon link for anyone interested:
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-DUZ-3028-Deluxe-Opener-Grips/dp/B0071OUJDQ

EDIT:
After looking at the Amazon page, there are counterfeit ones being sold. So make sure you buy directly with Amazon.com as the seller. I remember reading the comments and being careful when buying mine so hopefully I got a good one.

If you're considering getting one, I'd go for either this one or this one.

The second is better if you like a handle on your skillet. I got the first one, and it's perfect. It lets me do virtually every cooking task I'd need to, and with proper care ought to last pretty much forever.

Check out /r/castiron for cleaning/reseasoning tips.

Two points:

1. Over $50 tends to be a scam: actually, Shure buds like these are well worth the money.
   
   
2. I always buy these Sony earbuds. No earbuds will ever be buy-it-for-life, because you're bound to get loss of sound in one ear sooner or later. These Sony buds are super cheap, provide decent audio (not audiophile quality but you will not get that for less than $50 anyway), and last for at least a year in my experience. I've been using them for 10+ years and they are still good.
   
   P.S. If you ARE looking for audiophile-grade earbuds, go over to headroom and see what your options are.
   
   P.P.S. If you're okay with full-size headphones too, the Sennheiser HD595's are hands down the best headphones I have heard.

I literally bought something similar a few days ago. I obviously can't vouch for how much of a BIFL purchase it is, but they make it clear what should go in what container, such as soups, cold foods etc. and it also states that you shouldn't tilt the tiffin box either - so the instructions are pretty clear. So far I'm enjoying it. No spillage. My food stayed warm. No complaints.

I was unusually excited to pack my lunch this week.

Lodge cast iron.

I've gotten a 12 inch skillet ($20 at Target) and a 5 quart dutch oven with a 10 inch skillet lid ($33 on Amazon). I use them almost every day and they're my favorite tools in the kitchen, as well as my sturdiest.

I also got a Saddleback medium bifold wallet that's been perfect for the last couple years. I anticipate many more decades to come with it!

Going through this thread, I've remembered a couple more. I now have 2 Orion belts that I wear almost every day! The first is the hot dipped harness leather belt, and the second is the tan harness leather belt that I got for around $28 on Massdrop.

The last BIFL item I've gotten is a pair of Ex Oficio briefs this Christmas. They've been great so far...hopefully they hold up!

I have one of these: handmade kuro-uchi, 17th-generation bladesmith, yadayada

And one of these: Victorinox Fibrox

They're both lovely knives that I expect to last a lifetime (or close to it). They both sharpen up nice and pointy. One costs 10 times as much, but it's pretty and handmade ;) They're both totally valid directions to go, it just depends on what you value in a knife!

Yeah, the quality of the bread knife doesn't matter. Just make sure it's long and serrated and it'll do the job. For that matter, the quality of the pairing knife isn't too important either.

However, having a high quality chef's knife will make worlds of difference in the kitchen. If you want a good knife for even cheaper, I'd recommend the Victorinox Fibrox 8" Chef's knife.. It's pretty well established that it's the cheapest high-quality chef's knife on the market.

Edit: Realized mine was larger than what OP requested.

I love mine. I bought mine a few weeks ago after reading a similar thread, (actually I bought two) and it's by far the best purchase I've made for beverages. The temperature doesn't really start to drop until after the 12 hour mark. I have the one with the flip top even though I don't really commute that far, but it's really convenient to use. Even when I'm at home, I'll brew enough to fill it up + a mug, because it does a better job of keeping it hot and without burning it than the warming plate on my coffee maker.

I highly recommend this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KVCEQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The other one I got is more thermos style, and while it does keep the coffee hot for 12+ hours, it does have a minor amount of spilling after pouring from it, so keeping napkins nearby is kinda necessary.

Koss PortaPros.

They are $6 over budget, but they sound awesome, lifetime warrenty, and are nicely adjustable.

One possibly deal breaker con, is they are open backed, if you play them loud, people can hear them, and you can hear everything around you. Nice for at home use, kinda shitty if you're using them in a library or study hall.

How is Zojirushi not at the top of this thread. Here's a video of thermos comparisons I grabbed from another thread a while back here which does a comparison between them and a number of other top brands. I'd take a Zojirushi over a Thermos brand or Stanley any day, their designs are just so much more functional. I've got one of these which is often mentioned on this sub, and I could not like more. It both performs excellently (almost too well, I generally cool down my tea before putting it in so that I can drink it within the next 7 hours) and is seriously built to last, not to mention is easier than some other competitors offerings to clean.

Kitchen stuff along with the effort put in to learn can pay dividends. You'll probably end up saving money, impressing dates, and just enjoying life more.

Example of things in this category:

• Cast Iron Pan (~20$)
  
• 1-qt Pot (~10$), I've actually found my Ikea one to be extremely well made. General rule is that you should feel comfortable fighting zombies with it.
  
• Chef's Knife (~40$)
  
• Sheers (~20$)
  
• Cookie Sheet (~10$), I find a secret to eating healthy and cheaply is to just roast a bunch of vegetables.
  
• Rice Cooker (I'm Chinese and biased on this one)
  
  The above makes up the core of my BIFL kitchen stuff. I have other stuff, like cutting boards, sous vide, grater, blow torch, etc. But those things are not necessary and don't last for life.
  

I would not trust a 3 dollar anything with the safety of my face.

EDIT: I think I spent around $50 to get started with wet shaving. I used some spray shaving cream I already had.

EDIT2: The reviews for this seem favorable on Amazon. Though a lot of the lower reviews are along the lines of "I wish I got a better quality one", "too light", "you get what you pay for", and "arrived with manufacturing defect". Perhaps I would trust this with my face.

EDIT3: Relevant? http://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1itdrv/for_3_shipped_how_can_i_go_wrong/

Best bang for buck is usually considered to be the Victorinox chef's knife.

Best bang for buck when it comes to Japanese knives is usually considered to be the Tojiro DP line. Much cheaper than Shun and just as good.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SE215-K-Isolating-Earphones-MicroDriver/dp/B004PNZFZ8/ref=sr_1_3

I dont have them myself but my friend does and he thinks they are great.

Amazon has a couple for REALLY cheap and they are good quality.. If I find the one I bought I'll link it to you, because it's fantastic and was like 6 bucks or something

EDIT: FOUND IT!!!!

My parents' house burned down around Thanksgiving and they asked me for pot & pan recommendations as they rebuild. Here's a list I sent them of things that ought to last forever but won't break the bank (no Mauviel, Staub, All-Clad, Le Creuset, etc). #1 on the list is a 12" Lodge skillet, just like the one we have. :)

• 12" cast iron skillet, along these lines: http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-12-Inch/dp/B00006JSUB/
  
• 8-12qt stock pot. Here's a reasonably priced 10qt model: http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-76610-26G-Classic-10-Quart-Stockpot/dp/B007HN67KU
  
• 2.5qt sauce pan (optional)
  
• 3.5qt chef's pan (not optional), similar to this (the rounded bottom/edges is critical): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinox-Elite-Quart-Covered-Chefs/dp/B001BKKB3Y
  
• Stainless roasting pan (root vegetables, turkey, etc): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-MCP117-16BR-MultiClad-Stainless-Rectangular/dp/B0041Q409G
  
• 5-7qt enameled cast iron dutch oven (we use this as our primary soup pot. We only use our stock pot for pasta or when we're making soup for a really large crowd): http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-Island-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK
  
• Cuisinart electric kettle (this is SOOOOOOOOO much more efficient than either the microwave or the stovetop -- we never knew what we were missing until we bought it): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CPK-17-PerfecTemp-1-7-Liter-Stainless/dp/B003KYSLNQ
  
• Measuring cups and spoons: http://www.amazon.com/Kitchenmade-Stainless-Steel-Measuring-Stackable/dp/B00IRQNHTK and http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Piece-Measuring/dp/B000P0W4MC
  
• Pyrex measuring cups (a 2qt and a 4qt)
  
• Nesting glass mixing bowls: http://www.amazon.com/Luminarc-Stackable-9-Piece-Bowl-Set/dp/B000V6W5ZG
  
• Large stainless steel (lightweight) mixing bowl. I'm not sure exactly how big ours is, but it's probably similar to this. We use it when we make salads for crowds, or any time we don't want to crowd whatever we're preparing. http://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Group-Mixing-Bowl-13-Quart/dp/B001E0HQSO
  
• Colander (pasta, veggies): http://www.amazon.com/Bellemain-Micro-perforated-Stainless-5-quart-Colander/dp/B00O97D0DO
  
• Strainer (berries, rinsing beans):http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-8-Inch-Double-Strainer/dp/B00004OCLX

I'll copy my price list from above, you can get started for cheap. Cheaper if you shop around and buy your handle from ebay or check local goodwills.


Merkur Long Handle Safety Razor $18.99

[Proraso Shaving soap] (https://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Soap-Refreshing-Toning/dp/B00837YY18/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1473962086&sr=1-5&keywords=shaving+soap) $10

[Shaving Brush] (https://www.amazon.com/Bassion-Crafted-Shaving-Professional-Engineered/dp/B016I77CJA/ref=sr_1_10_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1473962140&sr=1-10&keywords=shaving+brush) $8.99

[Proraso Aftershave Cream for Sensitive Skin] (https://www.amazon.com/Proraso-After-Shave-Balm-Sensitive/dp/B008654MNM/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1473962214&sr=1-1&keywords=proraso+aftershave+cream) $16.00

[100 Feather Razor Blades] (https://www.amazon.com/FEATHER-HI-STAINLESS-DOUBLE-BLADES-REMOVE/dp/B00BDM0XZG/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1473962281&sr=1-3&keywords=feather+razor+blades) $24.00

Those blades are actually pretty expensive, but they work best for me. You can get much cheaper ones.

I don't know why people use those classic style can openers now (when you have the option of buying any <$30 can opener). Get one of the "safe edge" or "side cut" can openers like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000079XW2/

I have one for the kitchen and one for the camping gear. The lid can even be reused since it will fit back on top of the can (doesn't really seal but kinda, better than a normal can at least). The blade doesn't have to be huge or do much in the way of puncturing, so it will last a lot longer. And since the blade doesn't get into the food itself, it doesn't get dirty and you don't have to wash it or put it in the dishwasher

I recently got the Sony MDR7506 for my GF ( Link ) . They are very nice. But since "I" have only had them for about a month i can't really tell you personally about their "BIFL:ness". But they are spoken off very nicely in these terms.


35 dollars isn't very reasonable. But the koss porta pro is probably the best in terms of BIFL for anything near your price range. But remember: this is Buy-it-for-life, not i'm-on-a-slim-budget.

Victorinox 40520 Fibrox 8-Inch Chef's Knife by Victorinox http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000638D32/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_zebzsb08DFF41


They go on sale for 25 frequently. Pair this with a honing steel, steel before each use. Watch a few videos on knife care, and it should be good to last quite a white.

Use a knife block or case, dont bang or scrape the edge, hand wash and dry. Sharpen it your self or professionally one a year.

You dont need to go crazy expensive, or OCD with knife care. Just be respectful of the tool, and get a moderatly priced knife with good steel - as linked above.

This may be BFL, but I shoulf point out that at 25 each, you could go through a few snd still come out ahead compared to some of the others mentioned.


I live my victronix chef knife, ive given a few as gifts and people always are suprised by how good they are.

These, and this and a decent brush make a great shaving kit. My safety was actually cheaper than this and it's been going for years. As soon as it wears out (which it has shown no sign of), I'll grab another. The blades are really the commodity in this scenario. I absolutely love them.

I bought a T-fal E93808 12" pan for $25 back at the beginning of 2016 and it gets consistent home use. I never expected it to last this long. I have a sizable dent on the side from dropping it and the handle rivets and screws came loose recently so I fixed that with JBWeld. The main pan surface still works amazingly well for the age and price. I basically assumed it would be disposable and last a year. Its not BIFL but its excellent value and really good performance. I try to use plastic spatulas and avoid steel wool but otherwise I'm not very careful.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG0T2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My family bought one of the bigger versions that look like this about 10+ years ago. It's been through a fire. It's still kicking and putting out perfect rice every time. This is the model you want. Anyone who says to just learn how to make rice hasn't owned one of these.

You can set it on a timer. It keeps rice warm for like 12hrs after cooking, never burns. You can reheat rice in it and it comes out as if it were fresh. What more could one want?

These are great! They are supposed to be the frugal choice. If you want true BIFL though you should probably listen to professional chefs above and get something from Shun or another big name. The Victoronix is supposed to be as close as you get under $50 though.

This is the one I've used and like: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000638D32?pc_redir=1395213946&robot_redir=1

Your savior has arrived.

check this out

It keeps coffee hot for a few hours, is easy to drink from and clean. Also it fits in most cup holders in cars. Best "mug" I have ever had.

You can do this on the cheap to start. Pick up This razor (I just bought a 2nd one yesterday) and These blades. That way, if you decide strait razors aren't for you, your investment is < $15 and you're still good to go. If you like it, then pick up a solid BIFL one and it will, indeed, last you for life.
Keep an eye out at estate sales, garage sales, antique stores, etc. Many times you can get an excellent quality older razor for a few clams. If you're patient, this can end well, but if you decide that you would rather have a new one of quality, there are many options available.

You can buy the shaving soap, brush, shaving cup and even if you decide to go back to cartridge razors (although after a few weeks most of us wondered how we ever did cartridge razors to begin with), you'll find that the soap and brush is much nicer than the goop and shaving "cream" that people put a big price tag on and sell. It just feels so much better on your skin.

I'll add, however, I still keep a cartridge razor around for some of the more sensitive, non-facial areas of my body.

Ceramic is brittle and hard to sharpen. If you take care of it and manage to not break it the edge will last quite a while, but will still eventually dull. Any halfway decent steel knife will be BIFL as long as you take care of it and keep it sharp. The best knife for the money that I've found is the Victorinox. I have entirely too many expensive chefs knives and this is still the one I tend to reach for the most.

How has nobody suggested the Victorinox Fibrox Pro? It is widely considered the best beginner's chef's knife money can buy, but I think that it would suffice for BIFL, as I know many many people who have had theirs for years.
If you aren't going for anything fancy, then you can't beat it. $45 for a lightweight, ergonomic, well balanced knife that, with the proper care, could last you forever.
Link

Personally http://smile.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-IP-DUO60-Programmable-Generation/dp/B00FLYWNYQ is the best rice cooker. I own the previous gen and love it. Waaaaay cheaper than a Zojirushi too.

If you buy from Amazon, I highly recommend paying the extra few cents (4 cents right now) and make sure you buy one where the seller is Amazon.com (not just fulfilled by Amazon.com) to reduce the chance of getting a counterfeit.

For instance, two "just launched" Amazon sellers are offering the can opener at the cheapest price of $8.87. Your "made in usa" can opener will be shipped from Brazil and Canada. You can see in the product reviews going back three years that counterfeits are a big problem with this product.

You can get really good knives without paying that price. I would recommend Victorinox chef's knives, and this knife sharpener, even though you won't need it often with good knives.

The T-fal E93808 is the America's Test Kitchen choice for The Best Teflon Skillet. They do some pretty holistic testing on their YouTube channel, kind of like BIFL cooking cooking edition.

If you want true buy it for life I would suggest going with a DE razor, especially if you're worried about cost. If you get a cartridge razor, like the gillette sensor, you're going to be paying about $1 per cartridge, at least. Razor blades on the other hand can be less than 10 cents a piece. I bought 100 blades for $9, that's about a two years supply. With the money you save on blades you can afford a top quality razor, which really will last a lifetime. As others suggested, a stainless steel razor is expensive but will last forever. If you don't want to spring for that though look for something like a merkur: http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1463110129&sr=1-1&keywords=merkur

I used these for ~5-6 years each. I ended up breaking them/dropping them one too many times so I threw them out to try the new "style" the bottle itself wasn't as durable and the style was too clunky. I prefer minimalist looks.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Water-Bottle-Ounces/dp/B003KZKDZ4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418018030&sr=8-3&keywords=cognito+water+bottle

If you're looking for something to keep hot water in I recommend either the elephant (zojirushi) or tiger brand. Both are top brands in asia cough Japan cough and I've once left water in the elephant brand for ~30 hours. Still warm. :)

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1418018199&sr=1-1&keywords=zojirushi

http://www.amazon.com/Tiger-MMQ-S050-Stainless-16-9-Ounce-Metallic/dp/B00BN45GLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418018276&sr=8-1&keywords=tiger+thermos

[For that same $3....minus $.045] (http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Double-Shaver-Nonslip-Handle/dp/B0050HO9MI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407550882&sr=8-4&keywords=safety+razor)

I have a few of these (not the same exact brand, but they're all the same Chinese makes really and differ from one to the next even with the same brand). They're as BIFL as any Merkur, and honestly, I like them a lot...

Edit: this is the one I have. Sucks it's now a $6 add on item. I bought a few for like 2.75$ a few years back.

Even better than a crock pot is a pressure cooker. Perfect rice, dried beans, cheap meat cuts made tender in 1/4 of the time (10lbs of pulled pork from a $20 pork butt in 1 hour? Yup). Make yogurt, can foods, it's amazing.

I highly recommend the electric kind Instant Pot 7 In 1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart | 1000W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dr-bzb3BECR8N

I've had this one for...I dunno, 5 years or so. Works as well as the first day I bought it, feels great in the hand, no sharp edges, etc etc:

http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Smooth-Opener/dp/B000079XW2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421811654&sr=8-1&keywords=oxo+can+opener

Zojirushi. This is definitely what you want. There Bento Boxes are also awesome. Nothing compares to vacuum insultation except maybe aerogels. And I haven't seen those in thermoses yet.

Shure 215

It is way over your budget after taxes $146 CAD. But that is the best I could find for what is durable and has replaceable cords for when they wear out. I have only read good things about it on BIFL.

I do not own a pair but I hope to soon when I have the funds.

You really don't need to go as far as a straight razor. A double edge will be just as "for life" as a straight razor will be, and will still save you tons of money on blades vs. cartridges.

I shave with a Merkur DE and bought a 50 pack of sample razors so I could find a brand that works really well on my skin.

These earbuds have a lot of positive reviews on amazon and head-fi forums. They're also easy to recable.

Hello BIFL! I am moving into an apartment with 2 windows facing railroad tracks and will be needing an air purifier or 2. I came across the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier which seemed like a great option! What does BIFL think and do you guys have any other suggestions?

I don't have a strong opinion about Cutco. But the cheap BIFL kitchen knife I recommend is the Victorinox, winner of the America's Test Kitchen stamp of approval. It's the one that they use all the time. $25. p.s. Don't run your good knives through the dishwasher.

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-8-Inch-Fibrox-Straight/dp/B008M5U1C2/

These are small, cheap(ish) products with a lifetime guarantee and a good track record:

Merkur Safety Razor, $20

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, $13.39

Leatherman Multi Tools, $20-Infinity

Darn Tough Socks, ~$20

Saddleback Leather Wallets, $40-infinity

Buck 110 Hunter, $30

Check out Koss Porta Pros. I learned about them from people on the running forums, and they are often mentioned on the audiophile forums as having great sound for their price (here in the U.S. they are about $45). Best thing is they have a lifetime warranty, so if the cord goes bad, you send them back along with a check for return shipping (I think it's about $9), and they send you out a new pair. But if you're in the EU, make sure you have a warranty location there before buying.

If your a home cook I recommend the Victornix Fibrox. You can buy it for under $40 and it's an amazing knife for that price.


Recommended by america's test kitchen.
https://www.americastestkitchen.com/products/4766-victorinox-8-swiss-army-fibrox-chefs-knife


3,500+ 5 star reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-8-Inch-Fibrox-Straight/dp/B008M5U1C2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449067295&sr=8-1&keywords=victorinox+fibrox

Sony MDR-7506. They're the field audio recording industry standard, and their BIFL design (you can easily replace the ear cushions) and accurate tonal response make them the perfect choice. At £68, they're a little over your budget, but well worth it. I have worked in television production for nearly 15 years and I'm still on my first pair.

I hear Shure SE215-K are amazing for running, and they have really good quality sound.

I've been very happy with this Coway filter. My favorite feature is that you can set it so it measures air quality and turns itself up when it detects extra particulate, and then turns itself back down when it's cleaned up.

Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor by Merkur http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_xw1jtb079350G

I have this one, and it's great

I love the Zojirushi - I am totally comfortable with putting one in my laptop bag as long as it's "locked" and if I forget about it the coffee is still hot 10 hours later...


http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44

I haven't used this product personally, but would definitely recommend looking into it: Zojirushi Bento Lunch Box set


http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14SA-Bento-Stainless-Silver/dp/B000246GSE/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1417981041&sr=1-1&keywords=zojirushi+bento

Here are my favorites so far:

Victorinox 40520 8" Chefs Knife - very inexpensive, high quality chef's knife. Recommended by America's test kitchen.

CDN DTQ450X Thermometer - very inexpensive, high quality instant read thermometer. Recommended by America's test kitchen.

Lodge 12" skillet - cheap and will last you forever

Bahco 7750 3/8" ratchet - 95% identical to Snap-On's 3/8" F80 ratchet at 1/3 the price

Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue dress shoe - One of the most affordable full-grain leather, goodyear welted shoes. This is a classic captoe style with a bit of decoration that works everywhere. Not quite for "life" but could easily last you 10 years.

• Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor
  
  
• Double Edge Safety Razor Blade
  
  You do not have to go all in and do badger brush and special soap. No matter what anyone tells you. I shaved before my wedding with dish soap. I normally use bar soap and shave in the shower.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug

I love this thing. Its ability to keep things hot or cold makes me question the rules of thermodynamics.

My Shure SE215 have replacable cables, but even 2 years of much wear and tear in both hot and cold have only produced a minor splitting in one cable that doesn't really affect the sound...

I think most 100€/$+ earphones have a good chance of having replacable cables. Finding those replacements however, is a different game.

Random recommendations from a sophomore in college:

Adidas Shower Shoes - These things have been great. They dry nearly instantly and are adjustable.

Zojirushi Travel Mug - If you drink coffee and would like to have access to it throughout the day, this is by far the best travel mug (and has many recommendations here on BIFL).

Water pitcher - Assuming you will have a fridge (you might not), having access to cold water can be surprisingly convenient. Even if you don't have a fridge, if you don't have a sink, this will be a lot more convenient.

Towels - This is more of a personal preference. For me, department store-bought towels are too soft and absorbent. I found that mine never got totally dry, and replaced them with Turkish peshtemal towels (like these ones from Amazon)

Computer monitor - You will use this all four years, I guarantee it. If you get a big enough one, you can also use it as a TV when friends are over.

Laser printer - do NOT buy an inkjet. You will go crazy when it conveniently runs out of ink before your lab report is due. Brother makes good laser printers. Wireless is nice, but probably not a necessity.

Some kind of noise cancelling headphones - doesn't have to be active noise canceling. College dorms can be noisy. Having a good pair of over-the-ear headphones can be nice, even if you just listen to white noise to drown out your roommate.



Things I didn't need:

A TV - nice, but not necessary

iPad - I don't know why anyone thinks this is necessary or why I have one other than watching Netflix in bed when I'm too lazy to unplug my computer.

Here's a few that are in your price range and pretty well known for their durability:

Beyerdynamic DT 770

Sony MDR 7506 (Also check for the price on the V6 as they're both very similar and just as durable)

AKG K240

Shure SE215

Here's the Instant Pot link for Amazon. I would subscribe to /r/PressureCooking and they will let you know the next time they go on sale. They are well worth the money and infinitely more useful than a crock pot.

EZ DUZ IT - well made and will last you forever. Here's an amazon link.

How good of a deal is this? I'm going to stick the link to this thermos in here to hopefully get that PriceZombie bot to respond. Does anyone know if there is a way to poll that information directly?

You’d be much better off with the inexpensive but good Victorinox/Forschner chef’s knife or the Tojiro-DP wa-gyutō:

• https://smile.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B000638D32
  
• https://smile.amazon.com/Tojiro-DP-Gyutou-8-2-21cm/dp/B000UAPQGS
  
  Henckels and Wüsthof knives are excessively heavy and most chefs prefer other brands.

I bought this one last year when it dropped down around $130.

Even at the current price it is still well below your budget. If you want to spend more you can get a higher capacity model. The main reason for me choosing this model is that it's made in Japan instead of China. I've heard people argue there isn't as much of a difference between the two manufacturing locations for Zojirushi, but for my own peace of mind and preference I chose the Japan model.

ok i will offer you two BIFL versions. the first one being BIFL on a budget and the second being a much higher dollar BIFL cost.

quality on a budget- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF8YO/ref=cm_ciu_pl_B0000CF8YO_mo1ZWCPZP5I7S3B

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857337&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-4-Inch-Fibrox-Straight-Paring/dp/B008M5U1UE/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857377&sr=1-1&keywords=victorinox+paring

http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Wooden-Spoon-3-Piece/dp/B008H2JLP8/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857407&sr=1-2&keywords=wooden+spoon

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857459&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron

higher dollar items include-

http://www.amazon.com/Global-G-2-inch-Chefs-Knife/dp/B00005OL44/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857561&sr=1-1&keywords=global+knives

http://www.amazon.com/Shun-Premier-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B003B66YKA/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857613&sr=1-2&keywords=shun+knives

http://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Classic-2-Inch-Paring-Knife/dp/B00005MEGH/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857640&sr=1-3&keywords=paring+knife

http://www.amazon.com/Le-Creuset-Signature-Enameled-Cast-Iron/dp/B0076NOGPY/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857680&sr=1-2&keywords=le+creuset+dutch+oven

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L10SK3-12-Inch-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUB/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371857717&sr=1-1&keywords=lodge+cast+iron


I own the cheaper BIFL items i listed and they have been AMAZING so far. you really cant beat the quality/ price ratio for the cheaper things i listed. if you want a better chef knife all the options i gave you would be excellent but just know that you could go crazy looking at all the different brands.

Seeing this page, I feel like japanese brand Zojirushi is a really good option. Namely the previous generation Stainless Steel Mug.

I just got this thing last week:

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker-10-25-inch/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=pd_sim_k_3

ITS AMAZING. SO many uses

Sure thing. I personally have the Merkur Model 180/23C, but please check /r/wicked_edge's Double Edge Kit Suggestions threads in their sidebar. Can't go wrong with those.

We have this Zojirushi, which is the cheapest one they sell that is still made in Japan. We love it. Asian-style cookers are the way to go!

How about for $40? Koss PortaPros. They have a great warranty and last a long time. If something breaks on them, you send them back to be repaired. Usually they just send you a new pair.

https://smile.amazon.com/Koss-155491-Porta-Headphones-Silver/dp/B00001P4ZH/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503532753&sr=1-1&keywords=koss+portapro

I bought this one last year. It's easy to use, and built like a tank.

This is a great start for cast iron. Dutch oven/ skillet combo. Three for one. We use ours constantly!

Lodge LCC3 Cast Iron Combo Cooker, Pre-Seasoned, 3.2-Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RCQGyb6K9FFTA

Victorinox makes an incredibly sharp chef's knife for a really great price.

Cooks Illustrated tested some, and had to stop the tests because a couple came out so much better than the rest (Some stuck after 2 eggs, the winners didn't stick after 76+). This was one of the winners.

I've got one and it serves quite well. The restaurant supply pans I've bought in the past have been some of the least durable pans I've owned.

Safety razor, something like this guy.

There are several dozen threads on this if you use the search bar.

Most people recommend the EZ-DUZ-IT which just looks like a standard can opener to me.

Fifthed. I've had mine for a few years now and it's still awesome.

I bought this one, EZ-DUZ-IT 3028 Deluxe Can Opener with Grips, and it works great.

Vacuum flask: http://shopstanley-pmi.com/detail/TCL+10-01254-001

There are bento boxes/flasks that can keep food warm or cold: http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14-Bento-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000246GSE/

I doubt it would last for life but with care it should last a very long time.

Also, Lodge makes enameled cast iron as well. It's good stuff too.

http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2011/06/06/dutch-oven-battle-lodge-vs-le-creuset/

Zojirushi is a fantastic brand as far as insulated bottles and jars go. They are pricier than Thermos brand but worth the added cost. That being said Thermos makes a damn good product.

I have this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PO9T44/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That thing is incredible.

Swing-A-Way can openers used to be good, but their production got outsourced. Buy EZ-DUZ-IT instead, made on the original production line.

This is a really old thread, but I recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Smooth-Opener/dp/B000079XW2

I had pretty much the same problem as you. I had a can opener that had been going strong for 20+ years, but it was all metal and was getting rusted. I eventually threw it out and got another metal can opener. I tried to open a large can with it, and it basically crapped out on it. Frustrated that I had already thrown away my 20 year old can opener, I decided to get one that I would be able to keep for 20 more years again.

Get cast iron! It will outlast you. Check local places for second-hand if you can, otherwise order Lodge cast iron from Amazon.

Here's a link to a combo cooker I got recently:

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Cooker/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1320194383&sr=8-4

Check Lodge's website if you want to see the full range of products. For a full set of cast iron, I recommend getting a skillet, a griddle/grill pan, and a dutch oven.

If you don't care what they look like, get the Koss Portapros
They have good sound for the price and have a lifetime warranty

Unsure on the quality of the knives you linked but pick up some Victorinox knives for less. Probably equal or higher quality as well as highly recommended.

Chefs knife

Paring knife

Bread knife

Could even do without the bread knife but if you were already planning on spending $150, get these three and that should cover 98% of use.

They're now called "EZ Duz It." I have one, and it's phenomenal.

Admittedly, the name inspires little confidence, but I'm pretty sure I could bludgeon a bison to death with it, and then smoothly open a can o' beans to go with my 900lbs of fresh meat. So, I'm willing to give the toothless illiterate who named it a pass.

Check out these. I picked one up for ~$20 at a flea market in perfect condition.

T-Fal Pro from Amazon. Currently $32 for Cooks Illustrated's favorite non-stick 12-inch skillet. They even preferred it to the AllClad.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GWG0T2

I bought this set 2 years ago and it is fantastic:

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-LCC3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-3-Quart/dp/B0009JKG9M/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1421956136&sr=8-11&keywords=lodge+dutch+oven

The Coway is consistently getting top reviews and right now is on sale

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier with True HEPA and Eco Mode https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTKAPUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rzQVAbKQKCH1C

Koss ProtaPro

Not earbuds, but they still collapse to a pretty small size. Definitely one of the most durable headphones on the market. Get them for $50 here: https://www.amazon.ca/Koss-PortaPro-Headphones-with-Case/dp/B00001P4ZH

Swing Aways are made in China now, and aren't as good anymore. By the American version, http://www.amazon.com/EZ-DUZ-IT-Deluxe-Opener-Black-Grips/dp/B0071OUJDQ

Mine works great.

That is true. I'm old enough to remember making mix tapes and mix CDs for my wife when we were dating.

I've been very nostalgic for a Walkman lately. I used to walk all over the place with my Walkman and headphones on my head when I was a teenager. Heck, to this day, I still throw headphones on whenever I do housework or need to walk anywhere.

I even bought a pair of Koss PortaPro headphones, for that great sounding but still retro look.

Actually you don't want to buy the current Swing-A-Way as it is pretty cheaply made. Ez-Duz-It is the can opener you want, made in America, and supposedly its made by the same people who produced the origianal Swing-A-Way

Instant Pot makes rice, steams food, pressure cooks, slow cooker, and even makes yogurt. Stainless steel pot is easy to clean.

This is the one I have Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White, 1.0-Liter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007J5U7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IBEJBbEK90KZV
It can also keep warm for days!

After the initial investment, if feels like I am shaving for free. It really is dirt cheap, and gives you an incredibly close shave.

This super cheap razor is what I started off with.

Don't skimp on the blades though, a lot of people swear by feather blades.

You'll also need shave soap and a shaving brush. All this stuff can also be found at most pharmacy places.

I've used a T-Fal professional near daily for five years now. I don't put it in the dishwater and I don't use metal utensils on it, but other than than I don't follow any other precautions. It stills works like new.

Yea, they don't make those anymore. These are pretty much the most reviewed headphones ever. Sony MDR-7506.

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone ~$80. Don't buy Beats.
 
The Wirecutter is your friend.

I use one of these.

I quite like it. You would have to cut up your pizza into smaller pieces to fit tho.

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Double-Shaver-Nonslip-Handle/dp/B0050HO9MI/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1395517741&sr=1-2&keywords=safety+razor

This is a three dollar safety razor. It is of the same exact quality as Merkur's or anything you can name. I spend about 10 dollars on blades a year... 16 bucks for 100 ... http://www.amazon.com/Treet-Platinum-Stainless-Double-Blades/dp/B00F7ZL6ZG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1395517827&sr=1-1&keywords=treet+razor+blades

I spend the remaining savings on George F Trumper shaving cream and face lotion. The combination of the razor, blades, cream, and lotion is the only way I don't get razor burn, and it's cheaper than any other option here.

Got a good knife?

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-8-Inch-40520-5-2063-20/dp/B000638D32

Sony MDR V6s and their nicer counterpart, the Sony MDR 7506, are very very durable.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1395256018&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+mdr+7506

Shure SE215. $100, removable cable, better sound than most other $100 in-ear monitors (IEMs).

Zojirushi, hands down. I've had this one for two and a half years now, and it's just as good as the day I got it.

What's more, they sell replacement parts - the whole lid, the mouthpiece, all the seals & o-rings... You can get an entire rebuild kit for around ten or twelve bucks.

edit - fixed link. apparently, reddit doesn't know what a link is without http:// out front.

Non-mobile: This is a better option

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Shure SE215. Nice and durable with a replaceable cable and tips. Comes with multiple sizes of foam and rubber tips.

I'm very happy with my Zojirushi. Can't use a straw, but I've never had trouble with ice cubes. And it's insulated like a mofo, ice cubes stay solid overnight.

I spent 15 years as a professional chef using knives that cost less than 40$. Good knives are not expensive, and the difference between a 40$ knife and a 140$ knife is mainly cosmetic.

https://www.amazon.ca/Victorinox-Fibrox-8-Inch-47520-5-2063-20/dp/B000638D32

I got this one and I like it:
http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-JAE14SA-Bento-Stainless-Silver/dp/B000246GSE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413822780&sr=8-3&keywords=Zojirushi+Bento+Jar

Le Creuset is a bit overrated. I've cooked with dutch ovens like this and this and there is very little difference other than the price tag.

I know this is 5 times your budget but this is one of those things in life that's just worth spending the extra money on.

Shure SE215

The Koss PortaPros have been treating me rather well and I believe they come with a lifetime warranty should something break. Really really enjoyable to listen to lossless music with those bad boys and the 35 dollar price tag can't be beat!

I ordered these puppies and got an antlion modmic and could not be happier. I was afraid the wire issue would be a problem, but they both have such long wires with just a little bit of cable management you're golden. I was like you, looking for the bluetooth and not caring about the quality because I just wanted to game, but after trying out the crummy cans in the video I went all in and didn't look back.

Ultimately your decision, just paying it forward because I didn't know about the modmics either. They come with a magnet too so you can still use your headphones for just listening to music when you're not raging at people on Dota 2... er I mean gaming. Goodluck bud.

Any that are stainless steel should last you a long while. I have this one from Magic Chef: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LX1OC2Q . The one most recommended on this sub is the EZ-DUZ-IT 3028. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0071OUJDQ

My main goal is actually protecting my hearing. I use machinery often and wear hearing protectors at work and at home. From looking at posts on /r/headphones I found a couple brands, Etymotic and Shure that make earbuds that offer good noise isolation. They appear to be marketed mostly to professional musicians.

Unfortunately since I use power tools I can't have a cord that hangs below my waist (IE into my pocket) where it may get caught by a blade and pull me in. Peltor's stuff attracted me because it is wireless and has some hearing protection. I was just curious if anyone could attest to how well it cancels incoming sound and what quality the speakers in the headset are. I mainly listen to news broadcast, but might occasionally listen to music.

Stretch it to $99 and get some Sony MDR-7506s. You'll find these in every recording studio in the world, so you know music will sound like the musicians intended it. I bought mine in '99, and I can totally see myself passing them down to the kids in 15 years.

*edit: I bought mine for $99, missed that amazon was $130.
Here they are for $99 at musicians friend.

I give kind of strange gifts but this year I'm giving my family can openers in their stockings. They're cheap and made in the USA, and last a long time. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071OUJDQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages01

America's Test Kitchen recommends this steel one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000638D32?pc_redir=1395213946&robot_redir=1

I don't think there is a go to for this type. Get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWG0T2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't like it, post back and I'll paypal you $7. I back up my advice with cash and carry my huge balls in a wheelbarrow.

Personally, $250 would be a lot for a 16 year old. I'd teach him how to cook for himself...get a Lodge cast iron, season it, and get expensive steaks, bacon, and eggs.

If you go with watches, get one with sapphire crystal. Seiko and Citizen are top brands.

Has been recommended here before - http://www.amazon.com/EZ-DUZ-IT-Deluxe-Opener-Black-Grips/dp/B0071OUJDQ

I believe non-stick cookware is one of the items where BIFL doesn't really exist. ANY non-stick surface is going to suffer wear.

Still, T-Fal Professional line I think was a America's Test Kitchen best pick. If you're willing to use something a bit bigger here's the 12" Skillet for $24.99. Mine's lasted me three years and is just now probably needing a replacement.

And, for non mobile users, here's the full size amazon page for that mug http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44/

Any of these strike your fancy? https://www.sfbags.com/collections/shoulder-messenger-bags

I have the cargo, only the flap is leather but the liner is nice. I believe the rough rider is all leather.

As for the adult sippy cup needs I've had one of these Zojirushi travel mugs for several years with no issue. As a plus they're slim, and feature a lock on the lid. (The only issue I have is that my coffee stays too hot )
http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44

EZ-DUZ-IT. Careful about counterfeits though.

So for everyone who is not pleased in this thread,.. some of those style headphones definitely! were durable, more so than many modern ones. And for those that say you can not buy similar/that design headphones, not true. KOSS is famous for them,. and these KOSS are famously durable,.. All I am saying there is another possible answer than assuming it is survivorship bias or that OP is shitposting an item you can not buy. https://www.amazon.com/Koss-Porta-Pro-Headphones-Silver/dp/B00001P4ZH/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1521332597&sr=8-6&keywords=koss+headphones It also stands to reason that these type of units would last very long. The metal bracket/headband was almost impossible to break unlike many all plastic of very little metal designs these days. Often the wires were much thicker than of current affordable/cheap headphones. In practice, I found that with this style only thing that might go would be the foam pads (usually replace-able cheap) or if you were very unlucky the Jack, after years of use.

so is that can opener truly bifl quality?

http://www.amazon.com/EZ-DUZ-IT-3028-Deluxe-Opener-Grips/dp/B0071OUJDQ (affiliate link stripped out)

I am so tired of cheap damned can openers.

Never go for blocks, get this http://www.amazon.ca/Victorinox-40520-Fibrox-8-Inch-Chefs/dp/B000638D32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376183686&sr=8-1&keywords=fibrox

Never seen it for 7$ though


edit: Oh, also maybe see if you can get it for 30ish

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005PO9T44/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A23BMDV6UOKQGP I'm on my phone and can't remember how to post a link, sorry. This will keep your coffee HOT and your ice cubes from melting, won't leak, has a plastic mouth piece and is BIFL

I have a Zojirushi. It's pretty nice. Although this particular model might not be large enough depending on how much you eat. I have a small appetite and it's just big enough.

It's also very compartmentalized so if you prepare simple lunches it might be too much of a pain in the ass.

They do make several other models that are worth checking out.

It is cheaper on amazon

Rice Cooker

Zojirushi SL-JAE14 Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000246GSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7kyYDb4R24GXQ

Victorinox

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-8-Inch-40520-5-2063-20/dp/B000638D32/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408735966&sr=8-2&keywords=victorinox+knife

The Victorinix ($30) has usually been their budget model: http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-40520-Fibrox-8-Inch-Chefs/dp/B000638D32

This is the one with the pan lid.

It should also be noted that if you do not already own a cast iron pan, Lodge also sells a dutch oven/cast iron pan set. That is to say, the lid to the dutch oven, can be used as a pan.

I have a pair of 7506s that are absolutely incredible. I expect them to be a BI4L item.

America's test kitchen reccomends this one: http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Indicator-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1414094643&sr=1-1&keywords=t-fal+professional+non-stick+fry+pan+12.5+inches

Also if buying something with teflon brand coating, look for the grade of teflon they use, they range from 1-5 stars. The 5 star ones are harder to find, but are the most durable.

http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Color-6-Quart-Dutch-Island/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331392165&sr=8-1

Get this, it's $50 and works wonders.

enameled cast iron dutch oven.
https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enameled-6-Quart-Island/dp/B000N501BK/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1493687830&sr=1-2&keywords=dutch+oven

Zojirushi thermos http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1418959602&sr=1-2&keywords=tiger+thermos this thing is so great.

Zojurishi is a reliable brand

https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SM-KHE48AG-Stainless-Steel-16-Ounce/dp/B005PO9T44/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1537048435&sr=1-1&keywords=zojirushi+thermos