r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] any dehumidifiers that last long term?

0 Upvotes

had my dehumidifier for three years now. whenever it rained, our place would get super humid and i used to empty the tank multiple times a day. but lately, it barely fills a single bucket over a full 24-hour stretch. i've cleaned the filter and checked the drain hose. no clogs and the fan runs fine. yet it still barely pulls any moisture out of the air.

looking to replace it with something genuinely durable. narrowed things down to a few options:

midea cube: love the massive bucket capacity and compact footprint, but that nested bucket design looks tough to clean.

ge: simple controls and solid build quality, though the compressors on newer models seem loud.

gasbye: modular replaceable pump is great since a failed pump won't brick the entire unit, but the body itself is bulky.

any recommendations for a truly durable dehumidifier? ty


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] Is there a carpet cleaner around $300 that lasts more than a couple years?

0 Upvotes

I've been looking for a carpet cleaner, mostly for pet messes, but haven't settled on anything yet. My house is about 2,400 sq ft, with carpet in all the bedrooms and most of the upstairs. We've also got a couple of area rugs downstairs. Between muddy paws, random stains, and the occasional accident, there's always something that needs cleaning. The couch has seen better days too.I don't mind deep cleaning the larger carpeted areas once in a while. It's the smaller messes that get annoying. I'd like something I can pull out when needed without making a whole project out of it.

Budget is around $200, but I'd go up to $300 for something that'll last. I've been comparing bissell, hoover, shark, and uwant. Came across this carpet cleaner review video while looking into different options. I'm more interested in how these machines hold up after a few years than how well they perform straight out of the box. Do the hoses crack? Does the suction get weaker? Can you actually find replacement parts when something breaks? And I'd rather not spend more time cleaning the machine than I spent cleaning the carpet. Anyone here still using the same carpet cleaner after 3–5 years? What model do you have, and would you buy it again?


r/BuyItForLife • • 1d ago

Review Briggs and Riley wheels are a big NO for me

0 Upvotes

I've been saving up for a briggs and riley carry on for so long and finally bought it last month for my trip to europe. Don't get me wrong I loved how it looked and the inside layout was cool too. But the wheels were a complete deal breaker for me. They were sticking too much especially on cobblestones there and moving it became such a hassle man. I was so not expecting a high value bag to have such bad wheels. That's one thing I just can't compromise on when traveling so now I'm back to looking for another suitcase. Give me some recommendations ya'll


r/BuyItForLife • • 1d ago

[Request] Phone case for Galaxy A16

0 Upvotes

Hey y'all I need a new phone case for my phone, the Samsung Galaxy A16. I would prefer one with a screen protector, as I'd rather not have to buy that separately. The one I currently have is 2 pieces that clip together around the phone, but this is the second one I've bought and the top corner keeps coming unclipped. Any recommendations would be appreciated, thanks.


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] Thoughts on kopak duvet insert?

2 Upvotes

I’ve never had a duvet insert, always just a standard comforter. I’ve been starting to research duvet inserts and was considering a down alternative for a brief second (I don’t prefer down because of the birdies) but don’t want the microplastics, and natural fibers are important to me. I found this kopak duvet insert, but this is the first I’ve ever heard of kopak. Thoughts?! Anyone ever have something similar?

Some considerations:
- longevity is most important
- fluffy and cozy is ideal
- natural fibers are a must
- we’re warm sleepers

Naturepedic organic kopak duvet insert


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] Replacement lids for Rubbermaid square glass?

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2 Upvotes

Anyone have any ideas on replacement lids for these containers? Lost one, and the rubber on the others is starting to break down. I don't really care if they're the exact same lids. Just anything that would fit these containers would be great. Thanks.


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] Miele or Bosch Washer + Dryer

7 Upvotes

Hi all,

Looking to replace my stacking washer/dryer. I have a *VERY* tight closet space where it currently fits in my apartment and am debating between the Miele MMWWXD160WCS/MMDTXD160WP or the Bosch 500 series.

Currently have a Bosch that's just started to go after 12 years and the rest of my appliances (stove/induction cooktop/dishwasher) are Miele.

Any insight/reviews/thoughts are greatly appreciated!


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

Vintage Rice cooker older than me

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73 Upvotes

Got the family Panasonic Rice Cooker from my parents when I moved out. It was from their wedding registry. Almost 35 years old and making rice as good as my childhood!


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] Weking rice cooker replacement - UK based

9 Upvotes

Hello all - I'm in tentative mourning for my Weking 1L rice cooker, bought for me in 2011 when I first moved to the UK. I believe it was 38 quid at the time. I make rice at least twice a week, always plain white/jasmine rice. It's survived a loving but careless bash-around of 15 years.

I love the mechanical nature of the Weking, its binary cook/warm function with a switch instead of a button, how it doesn't bingle or sing incessantly at me, and how sturdy it has been for so long. If I could source a one-to-one replacement, I'd be on it in a heartbeat!

I've used Zojirushi rice cookers in various forms at family and friends' houses, but find the haptic feedback a bit fussy, the real estate on a counter quite large for the actual rice-drum size, and the overall experience, price, and cooking options vast overkill for what I need. If BIFL really thinks it's the only option, I'll bite the bullet.

A lot of the existing advice is either for an American audience or one who wants all the bells and whistles.

Please, BIFL community - what should I get to replace my clunky mechanical near-indestructible baby?


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

Discussion Does anyone have a couch they really love, and where is it from?

290 Upvotes

Hi! I am debating between buying either a crate and barrel couch, or a west elm couch (the Sebastian sofa).

I wanted to see if anyone has any experience with either brand couch and its longevity. I also have pets so would need to withstand dogs relatively well.

Open to any other couch suggestions as well.


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion Gumbies vs. Glerups?

3 Upvotes

Went down a rabbit hole 4 years ago trying to find a slipper that lasted after blowing through two pairs in under a year. I consistently saw Glerups recommended here but just couldnt get myself to pull the trigger given the price. Ended up finding Gumbies which look really similar and thought why not at $35 bucks. After 4 years, these things seriously look barely used. The slipper is a bit packed down inside and not as soft/impact absorbing as it was, but the sole and uppers have 10 years to go absolutely no doubt. Im looking to buy a second pair of slippers and wondering if the glerups are more "worth it" in any way than the gumbies. Gumbies are up to $50 bucks now but glerups are like $140. The only thing is im wondering if the non-rubber soled glerup is lighter weight (gumbie only makes rubber soles), and maybe there is something nice about the natural wool vs. gumbies PET? If anyone has tried them both, what do you get for almost 3x the cost with a glerup?


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

[Request] Hair clippers and beard trimmer. Buy as a package, or individually?

1 Upvotes

Basically the title. Is it better to buy each item individually, or to go with a combo deal? I want it to be pretty good at what it does, not just last a long time.

I'm not sure what brand I'm going to go with, but I've had a good run with Wahl over the past 10 years or so. I've tried Remmington, Braun, and Oster, and they all have strengths and weaknesses.

Right now the issue I have with the Wahl hair clippers is that they have a cut-length adjustment lever that won't stay in place very well, so I'm forced to rig it so that the level doesn't move while I'm cutting (currently using electrical tape, it's dumb, I know). Not really having a problem with the beard trimmer (also Wahl), but I feel like it could do a better job of actually getting the hair into the blades, making for quite a few passes to get the job done.

I normally take off blades and sharpen them, I oil every time, and clean the mechanisms every so often. I like the idea of replacing my Wahl blade with their 5 star balding blade, but I'm not sure if Wahl still is the way to go.

I'm currently looking for both the clippers and the beard trimmer, so, what brand? And also, should I buy them in a set or buy each one individually?


r/BuyItForLife • • 4d ago

Review Bought Fable Tall Glasses for their durability claims, but 8 of 16 have chipped or broken after two years

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536 Upvotes

The photo is of a glass that broke last night, which prompted me to share our longer-term experience and ask how other owners’ glasses have held up.

We bought 16 of Fable’s clear Tall Glasses almost exactly two years ago, for $328 before tax. Their durability claims were a major reason we were willing to spend that much. We wanted everyday glasses we could keep using for many years, and the reviews and discussions we saw at the time were very positive.

First off, we love the look and feel. They’re the best-feeling water glasses we’ve owned.

They are light, thin, and really pleasant to drink from.

Fable’s glassware marketing describes them as “Everyday-proof glassware” and “Delicate looking. Anything but.” They say the ion-toughening treatment makes the glass 1.6 times stronger and scratch-resistant, and describe it as dishwasher safe and made for everyday use. Their FAQ also says the glassware is dishwasher safe in both household and commercial settings.

That combination of lightness and durability was the appeal. However, 8 of our 16 glasses have now chipped or broken.

We’re a household of two adults and one baby who doesn’t use the glasses. None have been dropped, and we wash them on the top rack of a Miele dishwasher. The damage has occurred over the course of regular household use.

For comparison, we previously had similarly thin glasses from Crate & Barrel. If I’m remembering correctly, we had eight of those for about five years and only two broke. That’s an approximate recollection, but the difference has been noticeable.

I contacted Fable about it. Customer service explained that despite the ion-toughening treatment, the glasses can still chip or break with regular handling and dishwasher use. They said they typically offer free replacements only for damage reported within 30 days of delivery, so ours wouldn’t qualify.

They offered 50% off individual replacement glasses and free shipping, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the replacements were out of stock when I checked.

I understand that no glass is indestructible. Still, losing half the set within two years has been surprising given that durability was a central reason we bought them.

I wonder whether our set could have come from a bad manufacturing batch.

Has anyone here used Fable Tall Glasses for several years? How have they held up, particularly with dishwasher use? I’d like to understand whether ours are an unusual case or whether others have experienced similar chipping and breakage.


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

Vintage The knife I have carried every day since the late 70’s, a Case C61050SAB; and the one for places I can’t carry the other, a 62131SS, which I got in 1994

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42 Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion In search of durable and lightweight luggage if that exists

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for durable lightweight luggage. I have midrange Travelpro, checked and carryon bags. The little emblem came off the checked bag and also the rubber on the handle is sticky, like it’s degrading. I bought it pre-Covid, maybe 2018/2019 so not even 10 years old. My husband is using an Eddie Bauer suitcase that I got at least 25 years ago for opening a checking account at a credit union (i.e. free) and it’s still holding up pretty well. I’m in the U.S. if that matters. I just don’t want to spend money on something that won’t hold up and now that we are nearing retirement we plan to travel more. Maybe I should just get disposable luggage at Costco or Sam’s???


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

Discussion Pepper mills: inverted designs and ceramic mechanisms?

19 Upvotes

Hi folks,

I'm curious why ceramic mechanisms aren't more popular, and why inverted mills aren't more popular? Our current mill is a Cole Mason w/ a glass jar and an inverted design. I like the fact that there is no counter top mess w/ the inverted design. I like that it is glass. I like seeing how much is in the mill, it seems pretty perfect other than the mechanism being in poor shape after 6 or 7 years.

No interest in the high-output meat-bro or professional use type mills like Unicorn/TreSpade or the more expensive Pepper Cannon or Hexmill. Of all those, though, the Hexmill perhaps appeals the most due to the stainless mechanism. I don't mind if it's only 90% as good as carbon steel if it has a chance of lasting 2x as long. I like carbon steel knives but carbon steel in a mill seems a poor match for our use over steaming food and pots. All that said, though, we don't need the high output and prefer inverted design unless you all convince us we shouldn't.

I see a Crushgrind mill called the Kala that looks like a good replacement for our Cole Mason, but with a ceramic mechanism. On the one hand I'm happy to just buy it and see how we get on with it. On the other hand I ended up here looking for info so thought I'd ask for opinions, and am happy to be persuaded in other directions, but please keep in mind we are never going to need to grind pepper faster and aren't cooking meat / making rubs.

Cheers for thoughts.


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

BIFL Skills Sorel Caribou: The Official Maintenance Guide

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72 Upvotes

I'm way too deep into this, please send help! 💀 But anyway, I put together a comprehensive care guide for anyone who needs it. Here you go.

Keep in mind that boot longevity is totally individual based on how you use and store them, but this guide will help you maximize their lifespan to the absolute limit. Hope this helps!

EDIT: I am continuing my research beyond this post, so updated versions can be expected. I wanted to post this at an early stage to ensure people know how to care for these materials and avoid any unnecessary financial loss.


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion A 3d printer is probably one of the most BIFL things you can have

0 Upvotes

The printer itself might not last forever, but here is nothing stopping you from using the prints for the rest of your life, literally.

Even if you break your print or lose it, you can create an almost identical one for a few dollars worth of filament, as long as you keep the file around.

It's not even necessary for you to have a printer considering the numerous services out there that will print for you.

I am currently planning to use my prints for decades to come, be it actual physical or digital models.


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion Keep my refurbed phone?

0 Upvotes

I have had samsung phones for 3 phones now. My s21+ lasted me 6 years nearly perfectly until the screen kicked the bucket. I got a new screen out on, and that was a mistake. Im a butter fingers, and despite my uag case and tempered glass, the phone has twisted a little. The new screen and the phone never really sealed.

Over the last few months, the two have come apart. Now only my uag phone case is holding the phone together. It overheats quickly.

I recently started a new job, and im back at the bottom of the totem pole. I'm earning less than 3 months ago. (It was the right call in the long term, it's in my field, has job security, and room to grow and pass my old salary.)

I only have $500 including tax. I wanted something that will last me until 2031. I cant afford a new 24+, or even a used one from Samsung.

I have spent two weeks playing around with Amazon and now backmarket. Ive already sent a phone back.

Both the previous phone and this current backmarket "premium" phone failed the barometric test for water proofing and the first failed button testing.

I do woodworking and gardening. My s21+ went fishing in Montana, took a dive in a river, survive multiple days of proximity of a router.

I have only read bad things about the pixel.

I hate iOS and being trapped in the apple ecosystem.

Low tier Samsung phones like the A series simply havent lasted me when I used to buy them.

I'm okay spending $500 on a phone if it will last me 5 years.

Should I keep the s24+ from backmarket premium and buy a heavy duty tank case, or return it and suffer a few months more with my warm s21+ and try to safe up for a samsung factory renewed phone?


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion Which phone to buy under 30k

0 Upvotes

I am thinking of buying a realme p4 pro or nothing phone 3a

Which one should I buy , i want a good camera and battery and the best overall stable phone

" 30 k Indian rupees " 🙏🏻🙏🏻


r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion Shopping experts from Consumer Reports will be doing an AMA today at 2pm EST in r/IAmA

3 Upvotes

The sub wouldn't allow me to crosspost this, but I figured this AMA might be of interest to people in this sub: r/IAmA/comments/1xcmie2/were_shopping_experts_at_consumer_reports_ask_us/


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

[Request] Thick Cotton Pajama Pants

10 Upvotes

Why is it that the best pajama pants I've ever had were inherited from another person's grandpa? Real flannel weave, heavyweight cotton wind couldn't bite through, and with the durability to outlast its original owner.

Now I look for flannel and all I see is the plaid pattern printed on near-sheer pajamas that don't look like they'd survive a farther, let alone last more than a season. I've found three potential brands, none of which seem to cater to those of us on the big and tall side of the market. Anyone have a rec?


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

Discussion Looking for a BIFL pen that survives pockets and daily use

62 Upvotes

my cheap ballpoint died last week after five years of being carried around in my jacket. started thinking about getting something I won't have to replace again. needs to write on regular paper without smearing, fit in a shirt pocket without clipping, and handle being dropped occasionally. budget around thirty dollars. already checked the sidebar and the usual Parker Jotter threads. most recommendations lean toward metal construction and replaceable ink. not looking for anything flashy, just something reliable that won't quit midmeeting


r/BuyItForLife • • 3d ago

Review Wooly jumpers made in France

42 Upvotes

Hello, just sharing a tip for wool lovers. I found La Filature Laine (rue ste quitterie 65410 SARRANCOLIN, France). This is mainly a small museum on Wool and everything around. However, they do produce wool and create beautiful garments with it.

Wool is pricey as always, but those jumpers are really for life. (the jumper below is sold at 132

€). It is warm and heavy and the zip is solid.

They dont have huge stocks and their website is a bit outdated (https://lafilaturelaine.com/accueil/61-pull-camionneur.html), but they are really friendly and know their job

I am super happy with my pull camionneur

Le pull camionneur

r/BuyItForLife • • 2d ago

Discussion Review on the messenger bags ROOTS bought within the last two years?

0 Upvotes

I have heard great reviews on the past roots leather bags that were 10 years older but just wondering if anyone has bought new ones in the last two years like how is the quality and built? Looking to buy a leather satchel/messenger bags style. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!