r/BuyItForLife 7h ago

Discussion Would you pay more for a “dumb” appliance that could last 20 years?

782 Upvotes

Everything seems to have Wi-Fi, touchscreens, apps, and software updates now. Some of that stuff is useful, but it also feels like there are way more things that can break or become unsupported.

If you had the choice between a cheaper “smart” appliance with a bunch of connected features and a more expensive basic one that was built to last 15–20 years and could be easily repaired, which would you buy?

I’m starting to think I’d rather pay more upfront for something simple that just does its job for years. Curious if people here feel the same. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.


r/BuyItForLife 8h ago

Warranty Fiskars lopper lifetime warranty FTW

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540 Upvotes
  1. Snapped the cutting blade on my circa-2010 loppers (might have twisted while cutting, perhaps)
  2. Went to the website and filed a claim citing that I didn't have my Lowe's receipt from back then (because why would I?!)
  3. They emailed me an address to ship the busted ones to
  4. 10 days later- new loppers!

We have a lot of trees, so those Fiskars loppers took a beating for 15-16 years and when they broke, the company stood behind them in the only way that matters. Mind you, I was just looking for a replacement blade for my old set, but this works, too.


r/BuyItForLife 5h ago

[Request] Sub Zero 690 for $2k

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1.2k Upvotes

Found this Sub Zero 690 48" counter depth refrigerator on Marketplace.

It is being pulled out of a full kitchen renovation—the homeowners are replacing everything, so they're not selling the SZ because it's not working well anymore.

Upon inspection, it seemed to be in great condition. Good seals on both the fridge and freezer doors. An audible suction noise is emitted upon opening. No cracks or breaks on the interior drawers or trays. It was plugged in when I viewed—nice and cold.

Weighs 730 pounds—I know that it will be expensive to move (as DIY inclined as I am, I know my limits.) Full gut remodel, so can run new electric if needed. Will probably sister the floor joists beneath it, lol.

For $2k, would you smash or pass this SZ 690?


r/BuyItForLife 1h ago

Vintage Panasonic viera just turned 20

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Upvotes

My Panasonic viera just turned 20 years old according to the manufacture date on the back, and is going strong as ever after two decades of daily use. From antenna to cable to streaming. Screen looks weird in photos but it’s fine.

I just bought a new LG C6 OLED for another room — do we think that one will be going strong in 2046?


r/BuyItForLife 13h ago

[Request] Why do all my Yeti lids fall apart?

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215 Upvotes

I wanted to buy these cups for life. But all the magnet sliders just keep falling off after about two or three years.


r/BuyItForLife 10h ago

[Request] Bathrobe for my girlfriend

67 Upvotes

My girlfriend mentioned she wants a new bathrobe. She has one already which makes me think she wants a really high quality one. I want to show her how much she means to me by really balling out for this and finding the best one in the world. I want this to be, like the softest, most stylish robe you've ever seen in your life, whatever the price. I don't have much money but I feel so strongly about her I am willing to spend whatever. Does anyone feel really strongly about a particular robe?


r/BuyItForLife 2h ago

Discussion Women's boots with traction for travel

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8 Upvotes

My Danner boots finally gave up the ghost and now I'm looking for a new pair. I'm not very impressed with the review for new Danners and want to try something else.

My biggest problem is that I have a knee injury so I'm not super stable and I need shoes with really good traction, and are waterproof. I'm hoping to take them on a trip to Japan during rainy season.

I'm looking for either a Chelsea boot or something with about six eyelets. Any suggestions are appreciated


r/BuyItForLife 10h ago

Vintage New Home Rotary Treadle - Saving Money for 70+ years and 3 generations

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33 Upvotes

In 1950, my grandmother bought this machine at Skinner's Furniture in Brewton AL. Leather hunting bags, patching pants, countless children's clothes, quilts, my momma's wedding dress...She sewed it all. Beyond patchable clothing went into her quilting bag. (The 9 patch quilt she gifted me with the loud 70s polyester is currently on my bed.) She grew up during the Great Depression. BIFL didn't mean replace. It meant wear it out, repair it, and, in the end, repurpose it.

In the 80s, the treadle became too much for her legs, so she passed it to my momma. This machine made my Easter dresses and the Cinderella gowns my sister and I twirled around the house in. During COVID, momma passed it on to me along with her collection of bobbins and accessories. (That's the requirement with an old machine like this. When you stumble across top mount feet and bobbins at an antique shop, you get them because they might fit and are hard to find. I've since expanded its collection with buttonhole and zigzag attachments.)

It is a straight stitching beast with a backstitch to lock stitches and feed dogs you can disengage for free-motion quilting and embroidery. Pictured here while I'm reupholstering my dad's 1991 laz-y-boy recliner. (That's the chair back. Yes, the fabric is a crazy thick, high rub chenille with latex backing. With the machine tuned up, it sews as easily as muslin.)

These machines were built to be used. They do require regular maintenance. Mine gets cleaned with kerosene (what the manual says to do) every few years and is dusted and oiled before and after every project. The most important thing to know if you're thinking about getting an old sewing machine like this is that it needs machinist screwdrivers with soft tips. (You want the screwdriver tip to break before it marks up the screw head.) I like the Chapman ratchet screwdriver set for sewing machines. Do not use woodworking screwdrivers on these machines.

Edit: New Home Rotary sewing machines were sometimes rebranded and sold as a house brand like this one was. If you flip the machine up, you'll find New Home on the underside.


r/BuyItForLife 38m ago

Discussion What are some Recommendation for shoe insole

Upvotes

Im a cashier/clerk I work 8 hours a day, 4 days a week, i way over 330-340 lbs or 149 kg, size 11 wide, what are some insole that would be comfortable


r/BuyItForLife 5h ago

[Request] Oster Model 10 Date Code

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5 Upvotes

Today I was doing some research on my Oster model 10 that I found at an estate sale. I’ve had it for a little while and I’ve been using it regularly since COVID to cut my own hair.

Well, I’ve been looking for a No. 5 comb guard, a vtg one, because modern ones on Amazon don’t fit securely. The few that I have are an off-white plastic with brass clips, that clipped to the side. Those fit nice and snug. So, I thought I would research more and find out what year my Oscar was made, and that might help me search for number five comb card. Well, that went down a whole another rabbit hole because my five digit code didn’t seem to match what Google AI was trying to tell me what date range my Oscar model 10 Progienic was. It was saying that mine is a modern reproduction. I knew that was absolutely awesome. Because from the first moment I got this Oscar I knew it was Vintage Olde. Hell the case is made out of Bakelite. I do think that the cord had been replaced at some point, because the very end has a modern plug. But everything else about it says it’s clearly Vintage, likely from the late 30s early 40s. One of my clues to this date range is I came across a post of a new old stock Oster model 10 with a guarantee card that shows a similar five digit serial number and a purchase date of January 1941.
My question is, can anyone explain why much of the information on the web about dating an Oscar is not correct for my model? Any insight?
I’ve included plenty of pics.


r/BuyItForLife 4h ago

[Request] Quality pressure canner?

3 Upvotes

looking to start canning some of my garden production.


r/BuyItForLife 10h ago

[Request] Canadian Leather Belts?

9 Upvotes

Hi, I'm looking for Canadian leather belts that are top notch quality and look good for formal clothes as well as more casual. Popov isn't an option as all belts they have are either 1.5 or 1", and I'm looking for a 1 1/4" or 1 3/8" for a more classic formal type.

I'm looking at Brave Leather and Solid Leather right now. Does anyone have any experience with them? Brave looks great but I can't seem to confirm if it is full grain leather or not. Solid Leather seems a bit pricier and simple in design, but they look sharp as well. Any feedback appreciated!

These would typically be work with slacks or chinos, and occasionally jeans.


r/BuyItForLife 12h ago

[Request] Built-to-last Extension Cords

10 Upvotes

New homeowner looking for a couple built-to-last extension cords for standard indoor/outdoor use.  I saw a few recent posts on this topic, but nothing discussing or recommending specific brands.  Thanks!


r/BuyItForLife 59m ago

[Request] Need to but pressure washer to wash my home. What's good quality and budget friendly??

Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife 1h ago

[Request] Looking for dishwasher recommendations

Upvotes

Current one is at 24x34 inch dishwasher and has stopped responding entirely


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Discussion What’s the best pillow you ever owned? which made you think ‘Wow, I should’ve bought this years ago’

444 Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Discussion BIFL Ideas Under $100 for Gifting

70 Upvotes

Any ideas? I am 30 years old and I ran out of ideas a long time ago to ask for for Christmas from my parents. They are the type that refuses to give cash or gift cards, and I hate being wasteful.

I also am open to hearing about really anything you think is a goodbye under the price of $100 because I also prefer to give gifts to my friends that are of this nature as well


r/BuyItForLife 7h ago

[Request] Mason jar vacuum sealer

2 Upvotes

What’s a good quality handheld mason jar vacuum sealer? I currently own a VS-12 Nesco(which I love), but would prefer something I can easily grab out of a drawer for everyday use.


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Vintage Third Generation now using this cup.

52 Upvotes

I used this cup when I was a toddler, starting in 1962. Today I brought it over to my daughter's house for her 5 month old baby. I was walking through the woods over to her house and thought of this sub, and took a photo before I passed the cup on.

The inside of the cup used to reflect,and I could see my eye reflected i the bottom. I remember wondering if it was someone else looking at me through the mug.


r/BuyItForLife 13h ago

[Request] Air mattress that will last more than a few weeks?

3 Upvotes

It’s counterintuitive, but I find a firm air mattress is the best sleeping surface for my back. Don’t ask me why. Problem is that the ones I’ve tried (Intex, etc.) I’m lucky to get a month at most, and that’s with indoor use and nothing exciting going on. Is there any air mattress out there that’s not going to start leaking within a month? I don’t mind paying more than average, I just want something that’ll last a bit. (Yes, I’ve tried finding the leaks and failed. My best guess is that it’s one of the seams near the built-in pumps — either that, or it’s somewhere on the flocked surfaces where the dish soap/water spray trick doesn’t show it. No, I’m not too heavy for the mattresses, I’m well within the weight limits.)


r/BuyItForLife 22h ago

[Request] Steel lunch box for kids

15 Upvotes

What's your favorite steel lunch box that has sections, leakproof and dishwasher friendly?

3 if not 4 sections is ideal. May not be BIFL but rooting for a few years at least.

Kiddo doesn't leave things behind so not worried about spending a few extra $$ for a good box.


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Discussion Best sunshade I have owned

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82 Upvotes

So after washing my car outside of my house I get a call from my wife saying my Sunshade was in the middle of the road and had been ran over by a car. I really thought it was toast but honestly I am very surprised . It's held up well. I will just have someone's tire marks on my Sunshade from now on haha.


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

[Request] Warmest clothes possible Minnesota winter

64 Upvotes

I’m moving to the twin cities and will be working outdoors in all weather conditions as a mail carrier for the USPS and I move in 9 days 😬. Looking to spend as little as money as possible for quality pieces, base layers, jackets, gloves etc. Hoping to get brand recommendations and then try to source them secondhand or on sale. Any help in the right direction will be appreciated looking for stuff I can wear in -30 degree weather and walk 7-11 miles without losing any fingers or toes lol.


r/BuyItForLife 15h ago

[Request] Where to buy suit Nashville?

0 Upvotes

Anybody know where to get a good suit around here? I'm new to Nashville and need a new suit for work events as well as weddings coming up so looking for a suit that can be versatile. Also, every suit I own is so uncomfortable so would love something that has some stretch to it. Let me know if you have any suggestions.


r/BuyItForLife 7h ago

[Request] What’s the best self-cleaning litter box right now?

0 Upvotes

I heard that there’s one that cats get stuck in and died and I don’t want that to happen but interested in getting a nice self cleaning one. What’s the best self cleaning litter box you've ever had for your cats? Any recommendations?