What's your 'expensive but worth it' item?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
What's your 'expensive but worth it' item?
Even the savviest shopper will spring for that certain must-have item.
By Mary Jo Dilinardo, May 31 2018, Mother Nature Network published June 1 2018
Some people would pay nearly anything for a great pillow and mattress. (Photo: 4 PM production/Shutterstock)
A lot of people are shrewd shoppers. They buy generic, browse the sale racks and always hunt for a good deal. But there's often one product that they just can't live without.
A Reddit user recently posed the question , "What's your 'it's expensive but it's worth it' product?" Within less than 12 hours, there were more than 23,000 comments.
Probably the most passionate discussion was about pillows.
Many people said they have searched forever for the perfect pillow and would gladly spend just about any amount if they found it. People discussed everything from memory foam to buckwheat, water-filled to down. Some raved about inexpensive IKEA pillows while others said they've paid $300 looking for the perfect place to rest their head.
"Our spare bedroom is a graveyard of barely used, yet expensive pillows. It kills me," said Redditor Packyadacks.
Similarly, in a hunt for an elusive good night's sleep, many people said springing for an expensive mattress was a game changer.
Once the discussion moved beyond the realm of sleep, several people extolled the virtues of a high-quality shower head.
"To celebrate getting into law school, I bought myself a $150 Hansgrohe overhead rain jet shower head," wrote epgenius. "I’d spent so many years just dealing with shitty shower heads but now wake up and get to feel pampered before facing the day. So worth it."
And then you need high-quality towels when you finally manage to tear yourself away from the shower.
"I had to beg my wife to get the $25 towels. She was so mad when we left the store," says Melsother. "She thanks me every day."
From socks to sunglasses
Several users suggest purging all your socks and underwear every few years. (Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)
There's also an entire thread about socks and underwear with people swearing by certain brands (like some compression briefs that sell for a whopping $27 a pair). ElectricCharlie suggests having an occasional "sockpockalypse day."
"Every couple years I throw out every sock of my daily wearers and install a new sock regime."
Some other suggested favorites worth the splurge include:
- Tires
- Eye surgery
- Massage
- Kitchen knives
- Polarized sunglasses
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Backpack
- Bedding
- Haircut
- Shoes
- Electric toothbrush
- High-quality food
Militree breaks things down simply, "Spend your high money on two things: Anything that separates you from the ground: shoes, mattresses, tires. Anything that keeps you healthy: skincare, therapy, healthy foods."
A lot of people said they were getting great ideas after reading people's must-have items.
Said user cruncyRocks, "By the end of this thread, I will be in deep debt."
Mary Jo DiLonardo writes about everything from health to parenting — and anything that helps explain why her dog does what he does.
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In my case, it's my camera, which was more than I should have been able to afford, but I wanted a camera that had a Leica lens, and the kinds of features that this one had.
What is YOUR 'expensive but worth it' item?
I enjoy your pics of China, glad you have a good camera!
Thank you Sunshine.
With your eye and talent for photography, you could use an old Brownie and still create art.
Mom took thousands of family pics with her trusty Brownie. She had that big flash attachment but I hardly remember her ever using it that though hundreds of interior shots are evidence she used it more than I remember. I do remember getting burned by one of those big bulbs it used. My strongest memory is of Mama lining us all up in the front yard facing the blazing Sun so she could get a good picture while all of us kids practically went Sun blind with tears running down our faces before she finally got her shot...
Back in those days one of the most valued photos was one of you as a kid sitting on a pony. Do you have one of those?
You're right, but where would you get the film developed these days?
On a pony, on a tractor, on my trike and many riding on daddy's back while he crawled around on all fours...
I don't know if you have ever visited Knotts Berry Farm or not, but if you have do you remember the stuffed bucking horse where kids could sit on it and pose for a picture taken by an employee? I still have mine and I was around 8 or 9 at the time. I am now 65. If I ever go back there again, I plan to take it to that shop to give them a giggle.
Although I've been to California a number of times, I never visited Knott's Berry Farm, although the one time my parents were in California, they did. I have (in storage back in Toronto) a photo of them posing in one of those old western scenes where they stand behind a screen that has a old-timey picture on it, and their heads are shown as if they are on the screen bodies because of the holes in the screen.
Surround sound home theatre system with top of the line JBL studio L series speakers, a 2,000 watt Denon receiver, and a 60" screen Samsung TV with Samsung Blu-Ray player. Well worth the price (but the whole thing $hocked me).
Except for the 1986 Rolex Daytona Big Red that I bought new and which has seriously appreciated over the years, the home theatre is the best investment I've ever made. After all, the Rolex just tells time.
You reminded me that back in Toronto many years ago I did invest in a very expensive combination of equipment ot make up my sound system. I don't remember the brands, but they were top of the line.
Probably my home. I spent a bit more than I should have on the home I have now, but I love it!
My dear sweet wonderful old blind diabetic dog's exorbitant medical expenses have well exceeded five figures.
Other than that I don't indulge myself much. I don't drink or eat rich foods and have traveled plenty already....
Over time I definitely spent a disproportionate portion of my income on cars. I hate undependable transport.
One of the main reasons I relocated from OKC to NYC is so that over time I can give up cars for public transit.
Dogs, the Charger and model trains
I just treated my self to an Audi TT-S Line Quattro Convertible. Worth every single dollar, but I am a car guy........
Good luck with that Audi. I owned a coupe in the past and it was nothing but trouble with the many electrical problems. Every time the hood was opened I owned Hans and Franz $500.00. My 3 VWs have been almost as bad, so I'm done with German cars, but I still love the way that they drive.
Bought a 68 Shelby GT 500 KR once when I was a kid but immediately wrapped it around a tree. So... maybe not a good investment. Don't even care to think about what it would be worth now (it didn't handle for shit).
I am so brutally jealous!
First time I even saw one was in Tampa. A kid with a turbo Neon was taunting me on my bike at a stop light. The green hit and I was gonnnnne!
Next thing I hear is the whizzing of a Turbo behind me, mind you I'm already cracking 125 mph, I'm thinking "This kid has GOT to be stupid" and this TT floats past me like I was a pedestrian.
I finally caught up with him at a gas station "What the hell is that?!?!"
He smiled and said "The best $48,000 I ever spent"
I went and bought one the next week. Kept it for 4 years.
The most expensive but worth it item huh?
Ok, it's not really an item but I would have to say my sons college education. Very expensive but well worth it to know he wouldn't have to start off with a huge amount of student loans.
A very intelligent choice.
Hope he didn't waste your sacrifice.
He did not. He landed a great job in Florida shortly after he earned his Masters. Of course I wish he were closer to home but you have to let them fly and now I have a nice place for vacationing.
My expensive taste kicks in when it comes to Fords GT:
ONE DAY, ONE DAY ! Fingers crossed.
I would love to have a Mustang GT.
Had a '66 GT with A/C back in the day. Cool Car. Sadly, sold it to complete my house renovations so my wife would be happy.
Happy, Happy, Happy !
MUST......KEEP......WIFE......HAPPY !
Bought an '06 Pony Addition when they first came out. Always loved the look of the '69, so's I bought the '06. Close....but really no cigar.
Mustangs are just too cool for school.
I'm not sure about the new Italian styling of the mustangs yet. But who knows, it may grow on me.
I'm going to tell my husband you sold yours to keep your wife happy and that he should buy me one to keep me happy. LOL
LOL
The new Shelbys handle so much better than the originals. Funny what 50 years of improvements can do for a car.
For sure.
My'66 really had a Falcon undercarriage. Pretty simple suspension system, but I did find the expense of upgrading, a worthwhile expense.
Hahahaha !!!
They can be cheaper than new ones.
I laughed as I wrote that too Buzz.
A girl can dream.
I agree, too bad chevy missed the mark by a mile on their remake of the 69 Z28.
(Well maybe not I might have one of those instead of my house....lol)
Personally I'd rather have a true old 69 Z28 done restomod instead of a new camaro.
Give me the real old body with a new car under it. Chevy can keep their crappy lookin imitation new style camaros IMO.
sexy car...I want one too. But I drive an eleven year old Buick.
Some day
I gots a 2000 convertible Miata now….Tricked out of course. My wife likes it when we "Go Fast".....YES.....YEEEEEEESSSSSSS......cough...…. SHE DOES.
Nice
That's what she said.
Fun, Fun, Fun, FUUUUUUUUN !
Dear Friend Sunshine: The Enochobile is old enough to vote.
In thee years it will be legally able to purchase alcoholic beverages.
That said, when I bought it new in December of 2000 it was a Chariot to behold.
Chrome fender dents.
Edible steering complex.
Factory installed rust spots.
1.5 herniated horses under the hood.
At its prime, it went from 0 to 60 in less than half a day (on bald tires, down steep hills with gusty winds behind it).
Power gas consumption.
Turbo charged repair bills.
It turned over more slowly than a lead pancake in under 70 degrees F.
At the purchase closing, General Motors was demoted to Col. Sanders.
Oh, did I mention the extra crispy climate control?
Enoch, Enjoying happy motoring back on the Thruway, which is already in progress.
Cost of insurance, repairs, gas, depreciation, worries about theft, or accidentally hitting someone, having to be retested due to age - all the reasons I'm happy to no longer own a car or ever having to drive again. UBER is fantastic during the rare occasions of having to or wanting to go anywhere past good exercise walking distance - and we do have a bicycle.
My current project, which, in fact will be my daily driver when finished is an old 1999 ZX2 Escort MTX.
It's fun to drive and returns good fuel mileage.
Dear Friend Buzz: I envy you.
E.
Dear Friend Dave: Sounds good to me.
E.
A buddy of mine shoehorned a Wankel into an early Miata. It had to be pulled to change sparkplugs and always ran hot. Some conversions work better than others.
I had bought my ex-wife a Mazda RX3 wagon with a wankel engine. It was a small light car with that powerful rotary engine, and she could beat almost anything when the stoplight turned green.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I remember those commercials ..." and a Mazda goes "Mmmmmmm"
LOL
Beat me to it.
I Literally Drool over that car.
And I'm not embarrassed in the least. 
Never thought I would go for anything less than a V8 in Ford GT, but I am sold on the V6 Ecoboost in the FIA race versions.
I love the exterior looks of that car but it has too many electronic nanny systems for it to be a sports car. A sports car needs a manual gearbox and to be able to turn off traction control and other systems. Even the Porsche 911 isn't the driver's car that it used to be because of the influx of electronic nanny aids. The last desireable 911s were the air-cooled 964 series.
I'd rather have the Lotus Evora or the Exige 240S instead. Painted British racing green, of course.
My ZX2 project car will change from black to BRG while maintaining black in the door jams, under hood and under trunk areas. Not for cost cutting, but the effect I want.
The nanny stuff drives me crazy too. Fortunately a lot of things can be turned off in some cars. No idea what can or can not be turned off on the new gen Ford GTs.
Now, for pure old school, there are always the Supereformance continuation models, which come with a valid VIN indicating they are recognized as continued production units.
One can always dream.
I love Superperfomance's Cobra Daytona coupe. I drove a Cobra replica and that thing was stupid fast. Ive driven some very fast cars, Star Formula Mazda, various Swift and Van Diemen racecars and the Ralt RT41, but none of them had the torque of that Cobra. That car would be deadly on the street in any traffic.
Most of the cars that I love would be walked past by most Americans without a second glance, even on a used car lot. Lancia 037, BMW 318ti or a E36 M3, VW Corrado VR6, Various Alfas, Citreons, Porsche 928gts and 924GT, Merkur XR4/Cosworth, Holden GTO. Only the Maserati Biturbo or the Bora might get a second glance.
I have a 98 Neon R/T that I keep around for fun. Its old but still in great shape and it's a blast to drive on windy roads.
Nice cars.
I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a '69 or '70 Alpha 1750 GTV Coupe. They made the 911s work for their money in the old U 2.0 litre Trans-Am class.
The last gen of the Commodores and Falcons were modern cars with the character of the old muscle cars. Sorry to see them both go.
Where I would draw the line on any of the Superformance Fords would be the engine. i would build my own using an 8.200" deck Dart "302" block for the external appearance and weight of the Weslake headed 5 litre GT40s after the 7 litre engines were banned.
The Dart block would let get just over 370 cid. With a good set of heads and right supporting components, I could get a very street worthy 700hp. In those cars, that would be peppy.
If I built one I would likely go with a modern 5.0 litre DOHC Mustang engine and possibly supercharge it. If I used an older 327 I would use throttle body fuel injection instead of carburetors.
The V6 GTV Alfa is my favorite, but the 1980s Milano sedan is weirdly cool. I love the current 4 cylinder turbocharged Guila but their reliability issues scare me.
Either one pf those engines can make good hp levels, but for my dream GT40 or Cobra, the engine would need a similar appearance of an original offering. I can do that with the "302" Dart race block and a modern set of skinny heads.
However, if I built one of their Corvette roadsters, then the 327 would be a better match, but I would use one of the small block hoods. It would be tempting to put an LS motor in one of those, though.
The throttle body EFI systems are for the most part good, but don't try mixing the FITech with a supercharger. Unless something has changed they have terrible tip in throttle response issues.
A dry TB with multi point EFI similar to the upper end Holley or F.A,S.T., etc. will do a better job of ensuring better fuel suspension through the induction system and into the cylinder, if that is a reason behind the EFI thought.
I'll go with the 4 cylinder GTV and 2 healthy DCOE Webber side drafts. Would want a seemingly Trans-Am U 2.0 L or B-Sedan legal presentation. If I'm going to do a 1750 GTV, I want it right.
We had to deal with Weber DCOE 50s in the Formula Mazda race car and I hated them. The wouldn't let the car start and idea well and they constantly needed adjustment. I had to surrender a pole position because they wouldn't start the car on the false grid once. The later pro Star Formula Mazdas had fuel injection and they were much easier to drive.
Sounds like a tuning issue.
One thing that can exacerbate a Webber that may not be spot on across the spectrum is a touch too much reversion on the intake side caused by a valve timing characteristic, done either intentionally or unintentionally.
My first car was a used '69 Firebird in British racing green. That color is invisible to pedestrians and bicyclists from dusk to dawn.
It was also a total piece of crap which turned me off from American cars forever, no offense to you.
I had a 147 for a few years, until an idiot ran a stop sign...
I loved that car!
I had a 69 camaro Z28 that was candy apple green but had been in a paint shop and got black overspray all over it. Thankfully because years later when I got it I cleaned all that overspray off of everything but the body paint. and waxed the heck out of it ( I wish I'd known about clear coat) anyway the car looked bright flashy green during the day and black as night at night.
I'll never have another one like it because of that screwed up paint job but it made it very unique and no one ever knew why it looked that cool unless I told them.
PS: This was also the quickest car I ever had, not the fastest.. but the quickest. It was a frickin little rocket ship and a blast to drive. lol
I thought about replacing it a few years ago,....LOL.. But bought a house instead.
And nowhere near being street legal.
Maybe not as much as you think. Here is an interesting, simplistic read with a couple typos, but get's the point across.
IFF I was ever fortunate to own one (not a chance), it would not be constrained by the FIA class rules.
Sorry to learn of your loss. Mine passed in 2008.
The 428 CJ was one of the best "street fighters" offered by Ford. In fact the FE/FT series is a favorite of mine. Familiar versions being the 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427 and 428.
It was a light weight of the big blocks of the era saving 50 lbs - 100 lbs compared to the competition.
These days the aftermarket world has kept the FE alive and well. Shelby American even offers an alloy block with over 500cid potential and, among others, Don Losito of Ultra Pro Machine offers a modern billet alloy head design capable of modern rpm and power numbers.
My I ask if you happen to have pictures of the car? It would be a beauty to see.
LOL 700 hp in a bus would be "peppy" 700 hp in a sports car is a rocketship on wheels.
LOL, I guess it's all relative.
Interesting I had this conversation about a month ago concerning the exact car epistte mentioned, a Superformance Daytona Cobra Coupe. Some one had recently got one with the dullest engine I could imagine putting in it, and it was instantly up for sale.
Gee, I wonder why?
Right there, with the fellas I was talking with I rattled off the same combination as above, but in more detail.
I mean, come on, it is the Cobra Daytona Coupe, give it a real engine.
I know everybody is busy. If you have 13 1/2 minutes, here is the history of the car design, engineering and creation from the horses mouth, Peter Brock, who was quite young at the time. Interesting clip if you have interest in such things.
That's a stunner right there. I could go for one of those myself.
When I get those kinda "Bucks", I'll chip in for ya.
EVERYONE "Deserves" one of those.
Drooooooooooool.
I WANT, I WANT, I WANT...…..damnit.
Sa-weet! Yeah, it would be pretty awesome to be able to afford something like that and/or justify the expense. Of course, with a car like that, it's already all the justification a person could ever need.
Fooooooooo' Suuuuuuuuure !
So it seems that this thread has turned into a hotrod wish list.
Strange, but true. However, as long as the comments are civil I have no problem with members going off topic and rarely if ever flag for off topic unless the comment is mean-spirited. I believe in this kind of open conversation, because we all get to know each other more, and that creates new friendships and understanding better where each of us is coming from - creating a better climate for all of us.
My 2017 Silverado.
My 2018 Nissan Rogue, even though it does not have the pro pilot feature.
I had a '12 model. Loved it. The transmission eventually became an issue (which according to what I've been told is common with Rogues (at least back then)) that was more costly than we wanted to deal with, so we traded it for a Yarris, but the Rogue, outside of the transmission issues, was probably the favorite vehicle I've owned. The Yarris aint half bad at all though either and quite economical.
My "baby" is not top of the line by any means, but it has some fancy features. Heated seats are a blessing in Western NY winters and so is the 4 wheel drive. My hubby got it for me to keep me safe on bad roads.... better than diamonds in my eyes.
Whenever someone goes on about a piece of jewelry their husband buys them I always say yea, my husband just bought me a house or a truck... Guess I am not your typical girly girl.
Nice ride. I'm not in the market, because our Encore isn't yet five years old... but if I were, the Rogue would be a prime candidate.
I tested a Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4 and Subaru Forrester and chose the Forrester.
It is not as flashy as some of the others but it had a better feel and has better resale value, also...
Depends on when you did your testing. The Rogue had a big update for 2018.
It's a category where things are moving very fast.
Getting old now so my stock 4 cylinder Tacoma FWD works just fine for my needs out in the country.
I bought in December and only tested fully loaded new '18 models. Those I listed are all very competitive...
Including American and German manufacturers small SUVs are ubiquitous in my neighborhood in New York.
I was driving a '16 Jeep Wrangler and it got horrid mileage in the city but I got very good trade-in out of it.
Where I live hours per gallon is as important as miles per gallon since most of the time we just sit in traffic...
By my figuring if I keep the Subaru for 100,000 miles the difference in mileage should save me $10-12,000..
Electric, maybe?
Electric is not practical for me since my co-op does not have garages so I must park on the street.
I had a big garage in Okla. When I moved to NY I downsized from four autos down to only one...
Next time I trade the hybrids will probably be more competitive but not in this segment, just yet.
There are several electrics with a couple hundred miles range, now. I'm thinking seriously in that direction, with two ten-year-old cars in France. Nissan Leaf, maybe.
Top-of-the-range phone: Samsung S8+
For most stuff, I'm always looking for "maximum bang for the buck":
- camera is a Sony alpha 6000
- computer is a small-form-factor 5"x5"x2" box (about $800 for a system that screams) that's easy to schlep between Yuma and Calais (screen/keyboard/mouse in both places)
- Buick Encore: empty-nester special, small, quiet, comfortable, easy entry/exit
I'm on the other end of the spectrum for smartphones. I need a new phone because my current phone's battery is dying and it cannot be replaced. I'm looking at either a Moto-G 5s or the newer 6s.I like the Moto-X and its only a few dollars more than the Moto-G6 plus.
The Honor7x is OK but it lacks fast charging.
Best mid-range nowadays is the Honor 10. Best budget phone is the Moto G6.
(Yes, I'm a gadget freak...)
I like the features of the Moto G6 but I hate the slick glass back. I might as well buy the Moto-X for a few bucks more than the Moto-6.
I don't like phones but they are a necessary productivity tool. I don't have high needs so budget phones are more than enough for what I use a phone for.
You'll probably want to put the phone in a case, so the back doesn't really matter.
I use a wallet, so I have phone, cash, cards, drivers license and (French) identity card all in one place. Grab the car keys and go!
My phone stays in my purse, when it isn't on the desk or it's charging.
I had a screen smash into shards (but continue to work!) a few years ago. Since then... always in a case!
I've dropped my current phone onto tile and concrete many times but the combination of a case and screen protector has saved it.
I wish that they made smaller phones because the current creep of large and large phones is annoying. My current 5.2" display is more than enough for me.
I held onto an antique Sony Z Ultra long after it was obsolete, precisely because it had a 6.4" screen. My current phone is "ok, I guess" at 6.1.
With the 95% screen to total surface ratio that is ordinary nowadays, I think a 7" screen should be possible.
And for you the most important one is.....?
Good question... although they're each in a different domain. Probably the phone, since I use it all the time.
I should say that I don't have a satisfactory tablet at the moment... and there's nothing on the market. Chrome OS tablets are coming, hopefully with Linux app capabilities. Inch'allah!
Still (mosty) happy with my Sammy S7 Active.
The S7 was a nice device... except for the exploding batteries...
My wife (even more of a device geek than I) suffered through two S7 Edges... and has stayed loyal to Samsung.
I'll go to whatever manufacturer offers the biggest screen.
By choice I'm kind of a miserly type who purchases stuff only when I absolutely have to and won't go for the expensive option when I do. Used cars, small fixer upper homes,
my computer is a hand me down, minimal household furnishings and goods.
While it may not be for everyone, it is slowly going to result in a comfortable retirement.
I love my semi-expensive kitchen knives. Yes I am a knife and kitchen tool whore but they help me make great food. I love the looks of a Bob Kramer knife but unless I win the lottery I would never pay 4+ figures for any knife.
I love expensive pens, (fountain and otherwise) but I have most of them that I want. I still search eBay for the rare pens that might be reasonably priced.
I'd love to have a 40'+ sailboat, but right now I'd be hard-pressed to afford a recent used Hunter or Catalina.
I collect knives and pens but normally just use a SOG Pentagon for everything since it's always on my hip.
That is a mean looking blade.
Either of these are my go-to knife when I am cooking,
I also have knives from Hoffritz, Henkels, Victronix and Wustof.
Well for me personally, most of my expensive things are guitar or chef oriented outside of vehicles, daughter and step daughter (lol), etc....
I do however also have a decent amount of sports, video game, music, etc....collectibles.
Dear Friend Enoch - Lol.
Now I don't feel too bad for driving the old Grandma car. Yes, I have been told I drive a Grandma car by my own grandchildren!
My neighbor has duct taped his bumper to the car. I chuckle every time I see it. I know he can afford a better car.
It was interesting to wake up this morning and see that most of you chose your car to be that specific item that was too expensive, but worth it.
Actually, take note of the article. They didn't identify cars and houses to be the item that was too expensive, just because they might be the most expensive items you possess, but items that cost more than others that are the same, but worth the EXTRA expense. They chose pillows, towels, even socks. In other words, things that were more expensive than they NEEDED to be for something that would do the same job, but maybe not quite as well or easily. For example, Epistte chose her special kitchen knives. Although ordinary kitchen knives might do the job almost as well as her special knives, she spent more than necessary but to her it was worth it.
Didn't know there were restrictions. I guess I didn't see the part where it said no vehicles. All my other "items" are not overly expensive - so guess I shouldn't have commented at all.
That's a strange over-reaction on your part. If you chose a Cadillac instead of a Buick even though they do exactly the same job for you, then you are complying with the question. If you chose a house in Beverley Hills instead of the Valley, it would be the same. However, I got the feeling that at least SOME of the members were simply listing the items that cost them the most money.
And here I thought that this was one of those psych profile seeds.
My point is that your post made me think I was wrong in posting here simply because my choice was not a mundane item. No big deal, but if you want to limit what people post put it in the narrative.
Oh man, flunked again.
Sorry. I worded it badly. I certainly didn't mean it to be insulting.
hmmmm?
Then I would say a nice bbq, but I couldn't say which kind as it has been off the plate for many years.
Something that cooks both charcoal and gas and able to do a wide range of cooking.
Back in Canada, had I chosen a Weber BBQ instead of an ordinary gas one, then I would be unnecessarily choosing the best, and I might have considered it worth it if it could do more and better than an ordinary BBQ, but would I really need to choose it because of its Brand name? I could choose natural grown foods or grain-fed chicken that may be more expensive than the everyday ordinarily sold, but to me it could be worth it. Or consider Kona coffee over Maxwell House, or Chateau Lafitte Rothschild over Mateus Rose. Those are the kinds of things the article is about.
Interesting about Weber. There is an Australian automotive site I frequent which helps me stay in touch with the interests and trends of my Australian clientele. There is an area for discussions like these.
One of the fellas has one of the simplest charcoal Webers offered, which is obscenely expensive over there.
Periodically he puts up meals with recipes and procedures. I can't imagine how he comes up with these ideas, but they are fantastic well beyond what my mind can conjure as bbq.
I don't know if I can develop that skill, so I would need something to help with the cooking beyond conventional bbq.
IMO you can BBQ a good steak to be as tasty and tender on a hibachi as you can on a Weber.
I agree. I used to have a Hibachi many years ago.
Yet, space is limited and at least for me, vertical differences in cooking areas are needed for cooking different items at the same time
There are hibachis that will allow for that:
I see and agree that could be used for many occasions when it is just me and the company in my avatar. but more room may be needed for larger gatherings when preparing different varieties of food at once.
So maybe a hibachi as well, depending on occasion.
Used to watch BBQ U when I had cable. Some fun ideas for grilling anything but ice cream.
For steaks that thick a lid would come in handy.
That sounds interesting. Might check youtube. I stopped watching TV 10 years ago and gave my last TV away when my daughter moved out in 2011.
Many Iranian homes have the stoves in the house like American's have "Jenn Air's" except they really throw a flame.
Mmmmmm Kabobbbb's (With a Homer Simpson drool)
The best chefs use gas stoves. I'm glad it''s what is most common where I am.
There's been a few things that I could never exchange in my life...
I love a good massage! NO happy ending! I have a Russian therapist and she loves to dislocate my joints and beat me to being a rubber band.
I only perk my coffee I will walk past 100 Mister Coffee's at $20 and go replace my $100 percolator for another. 8 O'clock coffee is the standard.
I decided to travel the world in my 40's rather than wishing I had in my 70's. Money well spent...Africa, Middle East, Europe and western Asia.
Now I sit and remember gratefully than sit and wish I was healthy enough to go.
You're absolutely right about travelling before you're too old to enjoy it - having to look for a toilet every two hours, needing a walker (thankfully I still don't need one), etc. I realized that when I went to Hawaii when I was 35 - taking a boat trip up a river in Kuaii to the Fern Grotto, in a boat that was loaded with old people who could hardly walk the path to the grotto. Although I did most of my travelling to and through other countries much earlier: Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, much of America and Canada. I still didn't wait until I was 70 to travel in China. Now, as an octogenarian, most of my travelling is walking through the wooded areas surrounding my apartment with occasional trips to fantastic parks and ancient towns an hour or two away.
Yeah, I can't see myself trying to balance over a hole in the floor in my later years...
LOL. You would be surprised about how pristine and modern toilets are in China these days. Of course there are still the squat toilets, but almost always western alternatives are provided, certainly for the disabled and elderly. At a restaurant in Chongqing I saw the most advanced toilets I ever saw in my life. Not only do they flush automatically when you rise up, but the seats automatically cover themselves after each use with a thin new transparent film to be absolutely sanitary.
I agree 100%. I could not function without my 8 O'Clock Columbian in the AM. I buy the whole bean and grind it myself.
In Toronto I had an electric coffee bean grinder that I used daily, and should have brought it with me. While I was here, my brother sent me a hand grinder, but it was such a tedious job I gave up and now buy ground coffee. I don't think it's worth the expense to buy an electric grinder here for my one mug in the morning.
I'm on my 3rd grinder and it's on its last legs. Don't buy Hamilton Beach grinders because they don't last very long. Kitchen Aid or Krupps are the best inexpensive grinders if you don't want to invest in a burr grinder.
Your advice is appreciated, thanks.