I often hear, “You should never cheap out on a good office chair, shoes, underpants, backpack etc…” but what are some items that you would feel OK to cheap out on?
This can by anything from items such as: expensive clothing brands to general groceries.
All your basic staples: salt, flour, oil, sugar, pasta, pasta, milk, eggs etc. There’s literally nothing to do better or worse, so for god’s sake don’t pay for the label. Fancy olive oil is nicer, and fancy butter for actually putting on bread is nice too - but for cooking, cheap the hell out.
Get your spices from an Indian / Asian / etc grocer - you can get a huge bag for the price of a tiny supermarket jar, and because they have so much turnover, they’ll be plenty fresh.
Store-brand laundry detergent and dishwasher tablets work just fine for me (and dear god you can save a lot on those).
All your basic staples: salt, flour, oil, sugar, pasta, pasta, milk, eggs
It depends. Cheap salt is just fine. And flour, unless you’re into baking. But some things can make a difference and you don’t necessarily have to pay a lot more for it.
Pasta, for example. Bronze cut pasta absorbs sauce a lot better than “normal” pasta. It looks dull, rough, and pale as opposed to shiny and smooth. It usually only costs a buck or two more. I find it’s a big step up taste and texture-wise.
Or butter. The ones without natural flavor taste better. Sometimes it’s the store brand that doesn’t have added flavor.
And eggs. Orange yolks are way better than the pale yellow ones. But those you do have to shell out for.
Wait wait wait. Your butter has flavouring added? Like, I realise I’m spoiled here in Ireland, but fuck mei can’t even picture what that might be
Irish butter is sold in a lot of grocery stores at least around me in the U.S. and my God it’s night and day compared to our shit sicks of fuck
That was my exact reaction! But butter is literally nothing but churned cream and possibly salt added? If there’s anything else added, such as water or any kinds of oils, it’s no longer butter. I get more scared every time I learn something new about US food culture…
diacetyl is typically used as butter aroma
Agreed. The store brand pasta at my store sucks. It’s sticky and falls apart. It used to be fine but something changed recently.
Eggs isn’t true. The only thing you’re buying is for sound of mind for ethically raised chickens and the orange color of the yolk specifically for things where you need that nice orange color.
Nutrients aren’t statistically significant. Taste has no difference. Especially if you aren’t eating them plain.
Agree no difference as an ingredient in some baked dish.
But if you are eating the egg by itself or as the primary item, there is definitely a difference in taste. Not a revolutionary change your life difference, but still a difference.
In my experience the difference is pretty small amongst the options in the grocery store, but fairly noticable for eggs I get from the farmers market.
Flour - disagree. King Arthur for baking vs your basic supermarket crap is a tangible taste and texture difference in baking. While you’re at it, get a mill and buy organic wheat berries and save money for higher quality l, more nutritious flour. It’s literally cheaper to get better quality if you are willing to mill it.
Butter- Same for butter if you’re using butter as a spread. It’s ok to use cheap stuff in cooking but if it’s the main complementary flavor, like butter on toast, treat yo self to some Kerry Gold.
Agree on spices, bulk and into the freezer. Cheap spices aren’t just as good, they are better.
I used to agree on flour, got good bread flour but recently husband brought me store brand unbleached white flour and it near killed my sourdough starter, so my mind is changed on that - I’d still use it for cake, but cheap flour is low protein and won’t work for everything.
Disagree on pasta too, good pasta is easier to cook, doesn’t turn to mush as easily.
Bread, cake, and all purpose flours are different. It’s not just cheap, they are almost different products.
Yes. I’d always used whatever brand all purpose unbleached flour for the starter and figured it didn’t matter. So I always asked for “Gold Medal Bread Flour and whatever brand all purpose unbleached flour”. But the Publix brand all purpose unbleached wrecked my starter. It took almost the whole bag before I figured out it was the flour, because I didn’t realize they varied.
It’s actually quite good for pancakes. Maybe it’s good for biscuits, that would actually make sense. But it’s no good for bread; but Gold Medal or King Arthur unbleached all purpose work fine.
https://watch.foodnetwork.com/video/good-eats-food-network/the-dough-also-rises
It gives a good overview of the types, what makes them different, and what they are good for and how they change what you’re baking.
I’d even suggest buying laundry detergent in bulk online.
Great advice for the most part but I very much disagree on dishwasher detergent. Nothing works as well as finish pods for us. Could be our dishwasher of course but all the cheap brands leave our dishes dirty.
Same thing. I was considering buying a new dishwasher, until we switched to a good brand. I think cheap dishwasher detergent used to be ok until they removed phosphates around 2010.
Phosphates were the secret behind all good cleaners for sure.
Generic meds vs brand meds.
Brands pay a lot for branding, and thus charge more. The formulas are moderated and regulated by the FDA, so unless you enjoy paying for ads, get the generic.
This isn’t always true. The content has to be the same, but the delivery mechanism can be different in generics as long as testing shows similar results
Generic concerta for example, often sucks
I’ve got a family member with a rare allergy. I’ve found that sometimes one or the other will have the allergen in it, but it’s not consistent between generic/branded. Always check the ingredients and never assume it’s exactly the same just because they have the same active ingredients
So you’re saying that your advice doesn’t apply to 99.9999999% of people? Got it, thanks
Someone elaborating on your advice is not an attack on you.
Allergies are not an uncommon thing
Caveat: you aren’t super sensitive to extra/less medicine. The tolerances for generic are much wider.
Technically no. The tolerances should be more or less the same (generally 90%-110% label claim for the active ingredient) . Manufacturers aim for 100% and generally hit that target (or get very close to it).
The bioavailability could be different though - if you are doing a bioequivalence trial for generic VS brand, the generic would have to be between 80% - 120%. This difference is generally a result of the starches, fillers, and other stuff that may be in a generic formulation.
Same net effect as your comment (wider tolerances), but there is a bit more nuance.
Extra info is great. Thanks for adding to the discussion!
Drugstores here (Denmark) are required by law to ask if you’d like to buy the cheaper alternative to brand medicines. They will often change from week to week so a typical order at the drug store would be “I need this” - “I’ll grab it for you but are you OK with cheapest alternative?”
I switched to the store brand breakfast cereals. Never going back to Kellogg’s again. The store brand ones near me are so good. And they’re made with better ingredients like cane sugar over corn syrup and shit.
I agree, even the ingredients part, except referring to color/flavor additives.
But cane sugar is an utter “word trick” that means absolute nothing. It is just as processed, and is exactly as good for you, as corn syrup. It’s an example of “health theater” that companies do with labeling.
You know why it hurts so much? Because we know it’s true.
Damn you. But bless you too.
We eat generic all the time, but I will say that frosted flakes and honey nut Cheerios do taste a bit better with the name brand. Luckily, they’re really cheap a couple times a year and I’ll buy a couple boxes then that last me pretty much until they’re on mega sale again
Tools you’re not sure you’ll need. Harbor Freight tools are super cheap and flimsy, but may be the right choice if you’re not using them often.
If you find yourself using a cheap tool all the time and hating the quality of it, then it’s time to buy something better.
If I break it, I buy a better tool. If I lose it, buy a cheap one.
Things which are commodity items, such as sugar, all-purpose flour, etc. I buy store brand. The main difference is marketing.
Oh, here’s one: Power tools. Yeah I know, I know. But…
here’s a Porter-Cable branded 6-inch jointer on sale for $365 at time of writing.
Here’s a Craftsman branded jointer being sold for $299.
Here’s a Wen branded jointer for $241.
Look at the three of them. They bear a striking resemblance, don’t they? Makes sense for the Porter Cable/Craftsman ones, both brands are currently owned by Stanley, Black and Decker…but Wen has nothing to do with them, yet they’re selling the same fuggin’ jointer. Admittedly without the speed control, but what do you need a speed control on a jointer for?
It’s the same tool made in the same factory in China, the cost difference is what logo you’re willing to pay for.
At minimum the cheap ones have lower QA tolerances on components. Sometimes they straight up swap in shittier components (eg: plastic instead of metal, etc).
Not saying you always need the most expensive option when choosing power tools, but looks same != same.
I agree. For power tools, especially where decent accuracy is key like it is with a jointer, definitely more of a “do your research, price is not equal to quality,” not “you can do fine with any cheap one.”
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.
The “generic” name is melamine sponge. These work exactly the same and cost a fraction of the brand name.
In my experience, the Mr. Clean ones hold up much better. Generic melamine sponges tear too easily.
But maybe I’m just getting the wrong generic ones. I’ve tried two or three different generic brands and they all sucked
This matches my experience, as well.
If you have one in your area, go to Aldi. Their knock off magic eraser has held up rather well for me.
I “just” moved and now taking care of the garden. I want a small vegetable garden (again) in raised beds.
You have a lot of raised beds kits the cheapest ones are €40 and more expensive ones are €90. I however used pallet collar’s at €5 a piece. You don’t even have to screw them together just put them down. For some custom size beds I use free pallets. They do take some work however.
Give them one treatment with linseed oil and you can use them for years. They live longer then the cheap kits and just a bit shorter then expensive ones. (Hardwood probably out life them)
Kits for vegetable gardens are most of the time really overpriced. Raised beds kits, tool kits and so on.
If you want high quality tools buy them of course, but starter kits are most of the time just the cheapest ones at a premium. Want hardwood raised beds, just buy wood and not a kit.
I suggest start on the cheap side, see if it your hobby. Buy cheap tools they already least long enough and if they break you know that you maybe want to invest in a premium one. Because you use that tool really often. (Second hand old tools are sometimes a better option of course)
Cheap/free pallets are used pallets and these have been in contact with so much shit that they should never be used with anything you’ll put in your mouth and shouldn’t be used indoors either (not relevant to you, just saying)
Just be sure those pallets were not used with toxic stuff. I’m damn sure that those that lay behind food stores are just ok.
Thanks for you comment, didn’t think of that.
I bought the used pallet collar’s for a company I know and it shipped and stored stainless steel. I’m fine with that. But if someone isn’t comfortable with used new pallet collar’s are about €15.
The free pallets I used only moved pavement stones once, so I also think it fine. But yeah don’t just pick something on the side of the road to grow food in.
A other comment mentioned chemical treatment of pallets. I didn’t think of that. Most pallet in the eu are not allowed to use chemicals to treat the wood. Only heat treatment. That covers eur/epal pallets and single use pallets. Basically the only ones that are free or cheap. And it most be printed on the pallet how they are treated.
That being said be careful especially in countries without laws against using chemicals on pallets.
So I’m fine using them also understand other people are not. Then buying new are just wood for the store is always a option.
“shit” even humans’, is used as fertilizer all over the world.
So tell me you have no idea about farming without saying that you have no idea about farming.
Do not use free range pallets for anything that isn’t strictly decorative with lots of coating on it. Those things are treated to high heaven with loads of chemicals and you never know what they had on them.
Woods preservatives and methyl bromide are known carcinogens and they’re not even recommended to burn, let alone grow food in.
https://aaapalletco.com/are-pallets-safe-to-burn-answers-from-the-experts/
It’s forbidden to use chemical treatment on Eur pallet/epal pallets. They are only heat treated. Single use pallet are also forbidden to use chemical treatment, but are normally not heat treated. So for the eu the treatment is not the problem. Of course didn’t think of the rest of the world. Sorry for that.
For the stuff that’s was on the pallet collar’s stored and transported stainless steel and the free pallets I got where form work and shipped some pavement stones.
If you don’t feel safe buy/getting for free used. New epal pallet collar’s are about €15. They are only heat treated by law.
This is a great one for sure, enjoy the gardening! 🌻
Thanks! 😌
If you want a good printer, look for an ex-lease laser printer. It may not be suitable for a whole department to use any more, but good enough for an individual.
Ex lease laptops and monitors are also often very good deals!
The monitors often come with very well adjustable stands that are much more ergonomic. The laptops are often very high build quality and perfect for regular home office use.
What’s “ex lease” mean here?
Companies usually don’t buy their laptops, screens and other hardware, but lease them from companies that then service the hardware.
When a company upgrades lots of the hardware is then sold by the leasing agency to the public for very favourable prices.
That’s a neat tip, thanks 🌻
I once took a cooking class and the teacher was always “it’s not necessary to invest in expensive oils, the cheapest oil will always do for cooking”.
As long as the oil you are using has the right smoke point. Different oils can get to different temperatures and are used for different things.
Ooo there’s a great video on Minute Food about vanilla extract vs synthetic vanilla. It basically comes down to: if you cook the vanilla, synthetic will taste the exact same, if you never heat up the vanilla it might be worth getting the real stuff.
I assume the same is probably true of most oils, if you use EVOO for salad dressings it might be worth it, but if you’re using it to saute you might as well use sunflower oil and save some money.
I don’t think I’ve ever even seen synthetic vanilla outside of extremely specialised professional shops. (Europe). Vanilla seems to be insanely expensive in the US for some reason.
I see it already the time as vanillin sugar for baking instead of vanilla/vanilla sugar. Much cheaper. Every supermarket here has it.
I haven’t thought of looking at sugar as I do my own vanilla sugar. I’ll check it out next time.
-Any clothing/toys for children can be bought second hand, we have a very good site for that in Norway. For example, we bought 8kg of Legos, very reasonable price. Re-use is very popular in Norway.
-If you change food you eat often, it’s very important to do some reaserch on the nutrition and sugar.
-Any locally grown food should be supported by bying, if possible.
-Much electronics can also be bought second hand in Norway, since we have strong consumer protection laws. Breakdown on electronic can be repaired within 5 years, usually. But, only if the seller has the receipt.
-Jewelry and stuff isn’t nessesary, but buying cheap can be a nagging feeling and perhaps just buy something else for the person you love. Like an experience, trip to the massage/restaurant/etc. Spending time together is much more romantic anyways.
-Don’t cheap out on the bed/mattress, you spend about 1/3 of you life there.
Yeah, definitely don’t overspend on kid’s clothes. First, they don’t really care that much and they’re going to end up ruining them anyway. And second, they grow out of them so quickly, you’re buying new clothes in 6 months anyway.
For example, we bought 8kg of Legos, very reasonable price.
That’s like a kilo of cocaine’s worth.
Just checked, 7,5kg for about 120$. I have no idea about cocaine price, though… https://www.finn.no/bap/forsale/ad.html?finnkode=337960167
I want 8kg of Legos so much.
Alcohol that you are supplying at an event. You should always have a good case of beer or wine, or spirits, or the appropriate refreshment for your honored guests, but anything beyond 1st/2nd round should be the cheapest hooch on the planet and it should run out fast. Every social gathering seems to attract booze hounds that will suck you dry, no need to pay premium dollar for their habit.
Sunglasses. There’s very little difference in terms of UV protection between cheap and expensive glasses and at the rate I scratch or break them it would be idiotic to spend a lot of money on them.
But make sure there IS UV protection. Buying just a dark tint with no UV filter can be very harmful to your eyes.
And that they are polarised. Only a few dollars more.
I learned early that there is a direct relation from how much I spend to how long I will keep them without breaking them, loosing them, or somehow destroying them in creative ways. I have a 10€ pair that has, so far, has lasted 2 years.
it’s silly.
Soap of any kind. It’s fine if you want a certain smell, but at the end of the day it all works the same. Goes for hand soap, shampoo, detergent, body wash, etc.
I agree with all of that, but shampoo. A bad shampoo will absolutely destroy your hair, particularly if you have long hair.
A lot of people seem to agree with you, so I’ll reassess my stance on the shampoo.
As a person with a short cut, every run of the mill shampoo has done its job. But of course your hair needs to last longer when you grow it out; so adverse effects have more time to pile up.
My sensitive, eczema-prone skin say, “No.”
Yeah… I have something similar to eczema (serrobhreic dermatitis, I just have Google autocorrect it for me when I need to put it on a medical form.) All the beauty blogs and subreddits say “stay away from salicylic acid” so I tried all the alternatives in the literature, up to and including literal tar shampoo. Brackish, sticky, thick, smelly tar. Nothing in the medical literature works anywhere near as good as salicylic acid, and I have one brand (shampoo) that works for my face and scalp that’s more moisturizing, and another (bar soap) that works for my body. If I skip showering for 1-2 days, my red scaly oily skin starts to return and I get face acne and bacne… It’s not fun. But as long as I keep my regimen (which also includes a specific lotion and a specific cleanser) and get enough sun (tanning in winter months) you wouldn’t even know I had a skin condition.
It took me many years (including over a month using NO products as many suggested the products were the issues) to find this regimen. So I’m sticking to it.
Agreed on all soaps… except shampoo. My hair gets crazy damaged by the cheap stuff.
Mascara. I’ve spent $20+ dollars a few times for some high-end Sephora brands, but I’ve never thought they were any better than the $8 Maybelline I can get at the grocery store.
Maybe you’re born with it.
Drug store nail polish too. $7-9 at Walgreens or CVS and I’m good.
Buy used stuff and learn by doing. Computer upgrades, smartphone repairs, cars to some extent and a ton of other stuff
