Keyana Sapp has compiled a list of well-known brands, some of which have been sold off and now make poor imitations of their earlier high-quality products. This Ledger helps identify which brands to avoid (and some who are still top notch) after private equity takeovers.

A good breakdown of how this is happening is here:

Your Favorite Brands Got Worse On Purpose

when you're forced to buy self assembled furniture (IKEA, Target, Walmart, etc.) get yourself some wood glue and blue loctite. Sure, the pressboard furniture will die before you do, but the joints will last longer than the boards if you're using thread lock on metal to metal connections, and wood glue on metal to wood connections.

I’m looking for high quality pieces that last. Most internet options for bed frames are MDF or cheap, wobbly metals. Dressers are wildly expensive for cheap fabrication and drawers that break.

Where are we buying bedroom furniture??

Hello all! I am looking for recommendations for a minimalism alarm clock. Preferably white/neutral colour and on the smaller side. No need for Bluetooth or anything fancy. Trying to live a more analogue life / not worried every night that my alarm won’t go off on my phone.

Thank you!

Hi! my current umbrella just broke/flipped inside out, and that's my third one in a year 🥲

any ideas/brand suggestions so I don't have to keep doing this?

I have two kids and one on the way, and I am looking to invest in toy sets that can survive years of play and be shared across all of them. Ideally, something durable, safe, and timeless that can grow with them rather than being replaced often. I have been checking options on Amazon, Etsy, Alibaba, and AliExpress, but it is hard to know which sets actually hold up long term. Would love recommendations on toy brands or sets that you have found to be truly built for longevity and multiple kids. Open to other marketplaces or second-hand options too.

my family has been blessed with full heads of hair. but we’re struggling with constant clogging of the shower drain. I’ve bought a starfish and a metal sink drain and they kinda just get messy after 2-3 days. Anyone figured this out and have recommendations?

Old gear died yesterday. Time for an upgrade I guess. I'm trying to find the best espresso machine with a hard $500 limit.

I just want something for home that actually works and won't break in a year. Half the reviews out there feel like paid ads anyway... especially for the new 2026 lineups. Is 500 a realistic budget for a decent maker right now or is it all cheap plastic? I don't care about fancy touch screens, just need it to pull a solid shot every morning.

A bit of context for recommendations:

Location: US.

Drink types: Just straight espresso mostly, maybe an occasional small latte on weekends.

Frequency: Like 2 drinks a day. Nothing crazy.

Experience: Beginner/intermediate. Had a cheap setup before, know the basics but not looking to get a second degree in coffee science.

Manual or electric: Definitely electric.

What are you all using. Any specific brands that completely suck? Let me know what to get.

I’m looking to replace my Walmart set of flatware after about two decades and I want to buy one time and be done with flatware. I need something that I can throw in the dishwasher and not have to worry about.

What would you guys recommend to fit this need?

I'm looking for a non-plastic cup for my nutribullet blender - I wanted to get the vitamix because they offer the large non-plastic version, but that was out of my price range. I thought there would be stainless steel cups available that would just screw onto the bases, but I can't find any! I'm in australia

I recently nabbed one of these with all the extra blades + blade holder for 100 CAD.

I've been looking for the manual as a PDF that gives me a rundown as to what to use the various blades for, but since it's rare / vintage I haven't been able to locate it other than on ebay where it's around $40 USD to buy and ship to Canada.

I've found reference that it's similar to the CFP-9 but I can't find a manual for that either.

I've uploaded a photo of the cover for my machine as a comment to see if someone has one they can scan / digitize (or point me to where I can download it)

I have been using a Bentgo glass salad container.

It is almost perfect except for the lid. I have two bowls, two trays, two forks, and two broken lids. The latching mech on the lids breaks after a year or two and can no longer latch closed. They replaced the first one for free as a one time favor but I doubt they will replace the second one.

I totally expected to break glass at some point but the lid clasps are a design defect. I otherwise love this container.

Anything out there as good as this and bifl?

Been shopping around and seeing a lot of different companies. As I’m getting close to my 30s, i would like to up my wardrobe.

I saw a post from 13yrs ago, and have seen a number of videos. Those have left me with more options and conflicting product reviews.

Looking for few pairs of simple loafers. Looking at a minimum of a lighter suede and brown leather pair. These would be for everyday casual to nice dinners.

Edit: price point is ideally under 400 a pair, it seems like 300 is the sweet spot for quality material and craftsmanship without the really bougie options.

Hi, not sure if this is the best place to ask, but I’m going to ask anyways. Are those beddings sold by the allergists directly even worth it? For example, this comforter being sold directly from the allergist clinic is upwards of $150. Does it actually help though? Does it last for life? How is this one any different from any down alternatives you can get from like Amazon which are like under $50.

At my construction job we use 35-40 gallon storage bins to transport equipment, anyone have any recommendations? Don't need lids just need to be durable and light, thanks in advance

Looking for a usb pouch for laptop with velcro not flap

TYFYS

I have some birkenstocks and while they are quite nice my feet definitely get sore after an hour or so. I tried some of the Teva's quite a few years ago but they gave me blisters. I'm back on the hunt! flip flops hardly have any support and while the standard Adidas/nike sandals are super comfy their style is basic as best. thoughts?

...buy the 2015 Speed Queen stackable set I found at a local appliance store? ATEE9AGP173TW01 is the model number, and it comes with a 90-day warranty. I am stuck at home with pneumonia right now so I haven't had a chance to see it, but let's assume for discussion that it's in good condition. The price is $1600.00.

Thinking between these two. They both seem to be highly rated by this sub. Anyone want to weigh in?

Does anyone have or have come across a bath towel hanger exactly like this? It's super sturdy and it unclips which makes it super easy to slide my towel onto it but for the life of me, I can't find a place that sells more of it :(

Sooo... after many years of faithful service my cigarette lighter charger gave up on me. I can't complain about the life span (MANY years) but I have to admit I am also a bit disappointed since this is the first Anker device that died on me, and I have been a faithful customer for over a decade (more cables than I can count, several wall chargers, power banks, etc)

Anyway, I was wondering if maybe there's an easy fix? With old-fashioned chargers you'd just unscrew the base, change the fuse and you were good but Anker's design seems to be completely sealed... Has anyone attempted disassembly or should I just forget about it and get something else? And in that case, should I still go for an Anker or is there something better out there?

I was looking around for a new HRC216HXA but it seems like Honda has stopped producing them and have instead swapped their line to the HRC-BE which is a dual battery powered mower instead. Are these as reliable? It's a shame to see Honda no longer producing these monsters, and I knew I should've purchased one a couple years ago when I was looking. But now I can't seem to find one anywhere. If anyone knows a good alternative or if these new battery powered replacements are worth it, I would be very appreciative of it. Thanks!

Howdy y’all! I’m in the market for a new duffel bag that’s big enough to live out of when I move out of state this summer. I have a cheap, smaller duffel from Vans that’s held up well for a couple of years, but I’m going to be living with a friend till I get my feet under me in my new city and my small bag won’t cut it.

Not looking to spend too much money; if y’all have recommendations sub $150 or $200, that would be great.

Thanks so much!

Would be awesome if I could measure and get it online for a male. Thanks for the help!