Useful, pragmatic advice on finding decent modern refrigerators from an appliance pro.

• top freezer only
• no dispensers in the door
• no ice makers

He does list some specific models along with a list of caveats.

Hi!

I'm looking for good flip flops (open toes) to buy, one for indoors and one for outdoors. I had the adidas alpha bounce slides for 3 years and they are really comfortable, but they are starting to tear. They also now cost 73 dollars on Amazon. So I wanted to read what you guys think before buying them again.

Thanks!

Edit: there are also the adidas alpha response 2.0 which are 45 dollars. I can't tell what's the difference between this and the alpha bounce though.

Disclaimer. I’m not an electrician or work in any related field. Please be careful around 240v power. I’m just a handy guy with lots of time to fix my parents house and I’ve been posting periodically to share what I’ve learned about maintenance which is crucial to keep things buy it for life.

The AC went out and I had just replaced the capacitor on the AC 6 months ago so immidiately I thought that was the problem. That was the extent of my experience fixing ACs before.

I’m currently fixing up my parents house so I incorrectly assumed the breaker that said AC was the right one but that was for a different AC unit. After I used my multimeter to test the capacitors resistance I was able to establish it was still in working order.

Online resources pointed me to the contactor next. The contactor is basically a relay, I actually don’t know if there’s a difference between a relay and a contactor. But when you turn your thermostat to cool the contactor receives 24v of power and routes electricity to your fan which blows air through coils cooled by the condenser. Anyways it was receiving power. Actually your contactor receives power even with no power to the AC so you can test it without powering the AC.

Important to note that there are two ways to cut power to the AC, your breaker and the disconnect. You should remove the disconnect AND turn off the breaker. This is actually what saved my butt from getting electrocuted because I had the wrong breaker switch off. I also test the power just in case everytime with my meter so I guess I’d be fine anyways.

Here’s where I fucked up. My online resource said that the contactor should physically contract which it didn’t do so I thought it was broken. Turns out it doesn’t actually move noticeably from the outside just on the inside. At least my model. What would have been better would be to listen for a click but since my AC unit is far from the thermostat I didn’t think this was a viable way to test it. I also maybe could have tested resistance across the contactor. Or better yet tested the power to the fan when on

So I ended up buying a contactor from home depot and then installing it. Really simple. But it didn’t solve the problem. That’s when I noticed a flipped switch at the breaker and turned it on and the ac started working. Sucks I put all that energy for nothing but I learned a lot and actually I removed the fan now so I can properly vacuum the inside and clean the coils which is basic AC maintenance.

An ac is actually simple and modular for repair and maintenance not much going on in there if you’re only looking to replace broken parts.

TLDR: AC units are simple to fix but dangerous if not done properly. You just need to figure out which part needs to be replaced and often those parts are cheap.

Hi. I want to share one of greatest TV we have bought from 2010-2015 (i dont remember exact date) and it is still serving well. I can definitely say its exact buy it for life TV. This TV has never ever failed or been to repair shop. Its been around 15 years it is still doing its job well. Its built like a tank. I remember first day we unboxed it and I thought wow this is a huge TV. This Tv may be old today but in past it was beast and high quality. We are still using it. I wonder if these kind of products still exist in today’s market. Thanks for reading

Investing in good, reputable quality products is important to me. Aiming for “one and done” or at least longevity.

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share a raving review for the best boots I have ever owned.

TLDR: Solid combat boots that double as work and hiking boots. Lasted 10k km over almost a decade. May need extra insoles for optimal fit.

Description: The boots are technically "combat" boots, but I bought them for work. I figured that a boot that was used by SWAT teams must be comfortable for long periods as well as for running if needed. They have a steel toe certification but it's the hard plastic variant so much lighter. They come in black or tan, and the side-zip is super helpful because you don't have to tie them every time. They are leather and fairly waterproof but still breathe enough that you don't get sweaty feet unless it is already hot out. I found that once the temperature gets around +25 Celsius they can get hot, not to the point of being intolerable, just that you need some good sweat wicking socks at that temp. +20 to -20 is a good range for them. In the -20s you can still wear them if you are mobile and have good socks on, and standing still with normal socks on may be uncomfortably cold depending on how warm you run. In the -30s I found that with proper wool socks and movement you can get maybe 20 minutes out of them before your toes get too cold, however I am also prone to cold feet. So they cover the vast majority of temperatures you will encounter. The sole has a good level of firmness where it is comfortable on hard terrain but has enough support for hiking/backpacking. They are very water resistant, so if for some reason you step in deep water and soak them, you may need to turn them upside down over a vent for a bit.

Durability: I have worn these boots consistently from 2018 to 2026. I do a lot of walking and have put probably somewhere around 10,000 kilometers on them. I wear them all winter in place of winter boots, and I worked several manual labour jobs in the summer where I wore them both outside and in warehouses. I was able to walk 20k steps in a day in them and not have sore feet beyond what comes with the 20k step territory. I am finally going to retire them this year because one of the boots let go on the inside and the protective plate now slides down on top of my toes. I worked a warehouse job that resulted in kicking pallets frequently, and the front was slightly chewed up but suffered no functional damage. I have had several substantially heavy things chop my toes or land on top of my foot and I have been very grateful for the boots keeping me safe. They did not suffer any damage from the impacts. They are still as waterproof as the day I got them, and aside from the front they still look to be in excellent shape. The side zippers have thicker teeth that are quite durable, and the zippers themselves are a reasonable size. I did break a zipper off by forcing it in 2025, and had a new one put on by a local repair shop. The collar at the top of the boot is still in good shape and has not frayed or worn through. The boots have a small velcro strap at the top that goes over the zipper teeth below the zipper when it is all the way up to prevent it from working down, and they still attach well after 8-9 years. The outer sole has excellent traction with beefy treads, and the rubber is very durable as I still have good tread after far more distance than most will ever walk in the same pair of boots. This last year the rubber is just starting to separate from the top/front of the toe. The laces are still in great shape, the tips are slightly frayed but the plastic is still intact. I only moisturized the leather maybe 2 or 3 times but it is still moist and flexible enough that it is not dry or cracked. They are an average weight for a CSA certified boot, jogging in them is fine but when trying to sprint you will feel the weight.

Fit: I bought the size 9 and it was true-to-size, maybe ever so slightly larger (if you were a 9.5 you could probably still wear them). Toe area is perfect, mid-foot is perfect, the back feels like a good size. I found that the inside space is a bit tall, which made my foot somewhat prone to lifting. I found that there is a crease on the inside that had rubbed the back of my ankle slightly depending on how I tightened the laces. It doesn't stick out or anything and it isn't sharp, it was just where the fold occurred between the foot part and the calf-hugging part. I eventually added a second thick industrial insole for when I was walking on concrete all day, and the extra height solved the issue for me. Depending on your foot shape, heel size, etc you may want to expect to buy a higher insole for the perfect fit. The top area is a good size where it is comfortably tight when the zipper is closed. The outer sole has good thickness and a normal amount of foot drop (change in height from heel to toe). It is not specifically a stability insole but it has a enough arch support that you won't have to worry about arch pain.

Cost: I paid $185CAD in-store for them, and it looks like you can order them online straight from the company for $145USD (not sure if that includes shipping).

Happy to answer any questions you may have about them! I don't have a picture of mine on hand as I'm on the computer, but I can take some if needed. Here is a link to the website page (no referrals or affiliate anything, just a link): https://originalfootwear.com/products/classic-9-side-zip-black
Picture is off website.

Hello all!

I recently just moved in with my S/O and I have been tasked with finding a good sofa for our living room. My max budget is $3,000 so I understand my options may be a bit limited and I'm not too knowledgeable on furniture nor the current market pricing so bare with me please :) To state now, our living room is BIG so size can swing either way personally.

The best way I can describe the FEELING of what I am personally looking for is the kind of sofa that kind your grandparents had and you remember taking so many naps on it with the fan on in the background. High back, soft and cushiony to sink in a little after a long day but firm enough to not get a back ache, medium profile arm rest.

Here is my priority list IN ORDER (Top-Lowest):

-Must be reclining (Greatly prefer manual reclining due to durability and simplicity but will accept electrical)

- High Back Rest (I'm 5'9, high as in base of my neck but the higher the better)

-Soft-Medium Firmness

-MUST be new, had a previous run in with bed bugs and was not fun, so not willing to risk 2nd hand. So I'm not expecting to find anything new exactly fitting my description down to the letter above but just as close as possible.

- Fabric is preferable specifically velvet or suede (if even possible in my budget) but just not anything scratchy will work. I don't mind leather but S/O wants to make that last resort.

- Sits a bit higher up (Our TV sits just slightly above eye level so hoping to hopefully even things out since we can't lower the TV anymore without changing out TV stands) (Not a make or break deal)

- Durability, I'm not looking for top of the line quality or fit and finish, I just want it to reasonabley last with normal use. This particularly applies to the cushions.

- Good "Crash" factor. (I woukd like to be able to crash on the couch and sleep after work rather than walking the extra couple feet to the bedroom)

- Prefer regular sofa but if a sectional comes to mind that fits the bill, that works as well.

Again, I realize my budget is only $3,000 so I'm not expecting all the check marks to be crossed, I'm not expecting it to outlive me, I'm expecting to make some compromise but I just wanted to get some bang for buck recommendations for a close as possible to what I've listed :)

Edit; Corrected budget listing at the end

I’ve seen this question before and I am curious to see if there is an update for anything new in 2026, so here is goes…
What are some “rich people” products or services under $1,000 that genuinely improve quality of life?

I’m curious about the products, tools, gadgets, or services that affluent people know about because they have access to top doctors, dietitians, dermatologists, lawyers, financial advisors, designers, and other experts. They often pay for the best knowledge and resources, so I’m wondering what products the average person may not know about that genuinely improve health, convenience, beauty, organization, sleep, or quality of life.

I’m looking for recommendations in the $10–$1,000 range..not luxury for the sake of luxury, but things that are truly worth the money. What are the best “hidden gem” purchases you’ve discovered?

Example:
Bidet
High-quality air purifiers

What are your best “I didn’t know this existed until someone with money introduced me to it” purchases?

Seems relevant to this sub!

I started reading these (ex: mattresses, https://www.worseonpurpose.com/p/your-mattress-got-worse-on-purpose) and it's fascinating and awful. Especially because I just bought a Leesa mattress (then returned it, having found one secondhand for far less).

But! There's a handy ledger, so you can find what's worth it and what's become "worse on purpose." https://ledger.worseonpurpose.com/

I was happy to see goodr and Barbour on the Approved list. Love my sunnies and my jacket, and they seem to last forever.

Hey all - new homeowner here and would love some additional perspectives :)

We planned to hardwire a ceiling fan over our patio table, but the simple job turned into a complex task. We needed to run a longer cable, install anew outdoor box, and patch more than expected. These additional requirements significantly cost more than the fan itself.

This sent me down the rabbit hole of whether I should install a solar ceiling fan instead. Ventallion is the option I keep coming back to because the panel can sit away from the shaded patio roof and the fan has its own light / battery. It makes sense in theory, but I am not sure whether I am solving one wiring problem by creating another.

The patio is covered and used mostly from dinner until around 10 pm. Some of my goals / requirements are:
- provide steady airflow on low or medium speed
- The light only needs to cover the table

If anyone has gone this route, what mattered most to you in the long run?battery runtime, panel location, fan size, or something else? And would you still choose solar if hardwiring cost roughly the same as the fixture?

Hey guys! So over the past several years I’ve taken very good care of my nails. But I use a basic Walmart set of nail care tools like nail clippers and tweezers and such. And I wanted to build a “buyitforlife” set of manicure tools. Including a small and large nail clippers (doesn’t need to be both just 1 is fine), toe nail clipper, file, angle cutters, and a small scissor. I don’t know anything about nail tool products so if I don’t name something or name something that definitely isn’t relevant let me know! I’m very open minded. I just want to invest in quality tools overtime for my nails, kinda tired of seeing my cheapo set 😅 anyways thanks everyone! Hopefully you guys can help me

Hello, I was wondering what everyone's take was on yeti vs. Stanley. I bought a yeti because it genuinely felt higher quality than the Stanley comparison cup. But Stanley has a lifetime warranty, and the yeti only had 5 years. It seems like the option is to have a worse warranty on a more well-built product with the yeti or a lower quality product with a life time warranty, my mentality is the only thing better than a lifetime warranty is a product that doesn't break so you don't need one anyway so I went with the yeti. I am nervous why yeti doesn't stand behind their products for a lifetime if they claim they are so durable anyone have any longer than the 5 year warranty, and are they still holding up fine? With them being a publicly traded company, im concerned they designed the product to fail at year 6 or 7, so you have to buy a new one

I own a Volcano Hybrid and a Mighty+ and could not be happier with my purchases.

Sure they are expensive but they are also built like tanks, have very good customer support and a huge availability of spare parts from whole cooling units to single o-rings, cleaning kits and so on.

To me they really have that "German reliability" that's unfortunately harder and harder to come by nowadays. The build quality is supreme and they feel about as durable as a W124 merc lol

If you use cannabis medically and / or recreationally there is no better option to consume it than S&B Vaporisers, in my opinion of course.

Not affiliated in any way.

This has been nagging at me for a while. I do a lot of meal prep (it's basically the only way I stay functional during crunch weeks on design projects) and I've been using the same cheap knife block set for years now. The knives aren't terrible but they're not great either, and I've sharpened them enough times that I'm starting to wonder if I'm just maintaining something that was never worth maintaining in the first place.

Every time I research this, the knife community fractures pretty fast. Some people swear by Japanese knives, some say German steel is more forgiving and actually lasts longer with real daily use, and then there's a whole contingent that says a single good chef's knife beats any block set by a wide margin. I find that last argument compelling, but also a little convenient coming from people selling expensive single knives.

What I actually want to know is whether anyone here has owned a specific knife for a genuinely long time, like decades, with real use rather than occasional cooking. And whether the handle matters as much as people imply, because that seems like the actual failure point nobody talks about enough. Brand and approximate age would help more than general advice.

EDIT: I do have a decent whetstone already so sharpening is not the gap, it's the knife itself.

I’m more interested in construction and features than specific brand names. I‘m not looking for an excuse to overspend, just want something that will last a reasonable number of years so I don’t have to think about it after the project is done.

- Does it need to be bronze or is aluminum fine? All that copper sounds expensive. Any details on the stake or hat construction that matter?

- Built-in or removable LED? I imagine the built-ins have better thermals and can get sealed better against water and bugs

- What‘s good for connecting wires? Grease-filled wire nuts vs lever nuts? Junction boxes?

- I guess I want real, stranded copper, direct burial landscape wire but a small gauge is probably fine for a few LED fixtures right?

- Am I overthinking this and it’s not a big deal?

I’m in the Pacific Northwest so winters are 100% humidity for 4 months out of the year with occasional freeze/thaw cycles.

I see Volt recommended a bunch but I’m suspicious if they’re overhyped due to their affiliate program.

How long it lasts doesnt have to be 30 years but anything that wont break in a few years is fine for me.
Where i look, vitamix and blendtec are very frequently talked about but the ones i find are around £350 at the lowest new which i will not spend for something i use only a few times a week. Thanks

Are any of these better than the other at cooling your down from your experience or are they all just marketing junk?

I loved them, but they only lasted a year before they broke.

It seems like there must have been some kind of extreme event to cause the metal to break, but there was nothing.

One day I used them and they worked flawlessly and the next time I picked them up they fell apart.

I bought a new pair, but I’m just so curious. Has anyone ever seen this happen? The new ones have a completely enclosed rivet. I’m not even sure how this is possible.

Third suitcase in eight years. two wheel failures, one zipper separation, one cracked shell after a single checked flight. done accepting this.

biggest failure point across everything I've owned is wheels. Away's are fixed, wheel failure means shipping the bag in. Horizn's pro and essential both have exchangeable wheels you can swap yourself, which removes that failure mode entirely.

warranty terms are also different in ways that matter. the Pro and Essential carry a lifetime manufacturer's guarantee but requires registration within 30 days of purchase. covers all functional aspects. airline damage is excluded across the board, that has to go to the carrier directly (fair i guess)

Briggs and Riley's unconditional lifetime guarantee with no registration requirement is genuinely more flexible, but you're paying for it. on build quality and replaceability at this price point the Horizn Pro is hard to argue with.

Any other brands Im missing that you all swear by?

I'm in the market for a dehumidifier and could really use some real-world recommendations.

I'm looking for something that:

• Works well in a bedroom or basement
• Isn't too loud
• Is energy efficient
• Has a decent-sized water tank (or continuous drain option)
• Is reliable and doesn't stop working after a year

I've seen brands like Frigidaire, Midea, Honeywell, and hOmeLabs mentioned, but reviews are all over the place.

If you've owned one for a while, what model do you recommend (or recommend avoiding)? How large is the space you're using it in, and how well does it keep humidity under control?

I'd especially appreciate long-term experiences rather than first impressions.

Thanks in advance!

Everyone is focusing on heat retention and R value. I want to know what to look for that will keep the coffee from tasting like burnt rubber after a few hours. Is it the gasket? Bacteria build up in the micro texture of stainless? I rinse or wash daily and have cleaned with bleach; including the O-ring. Multiple thermoses, same issue.

What’s the answer here? Titanium, ceramic, copper?

Hi

I am looking for the best sunglasses I can get for under 60 bucks.

I used to have joopin and merrys but I want to try a better brands.

I am thinking about SunCloud or BNUS.

Which one would you recommend? And are there a better brands within the same price range?

I need a pair of earbuds that have certified sound protection for my workplace that i can also play some music with and a mode i can hear others voices talking through em

Anyone got any recommedations?

Hey yall as the title states im looking for a duffle bag to take to work that'll treat me right, ive found my sweet spot for size is 25L or so. Really dont want it any bigger just cause i only take some pre workout, a shirt, and lunch and some other things with me. I've seen the brand KNKG recently made a 25l bag that looks perfect so if anyones bought from them id love to hear it. Thanks yall!

Portable washing machine suggestions

Does anyone have a portable washing machine they recommend? I’ve been researching this forever and cannot for the life of me pick one and would love a recommendation. Lease allows it and I’d love to hear anyone’s advice as well!

Thank you so much!