Skip to main content

These are the household products Reddit agrees you should always buy brand name

Here are the household products worth your investment

Household products can add up, especially when you consider all the different types you need to keep on hand as a homeowner. It’s a highly lucrative field, and many manufacturers make knock-off versions that promise the same high quality as the original at a fraction of the price. But which products should you spend a little extra money on? What items have a reputation that stands the test of time? The Reddit subgroup r/frugal asked that very question, and plenty of people weighed in on the best household products that you should never skimp on.

The question was posed: “What everyday items should you not get the cheaper versions of? Sometimes companies have a higher price for their products even when there is no increase in quality. Sometimes there is a noticeable increase in quality. What are some everyday purchases that you shouldn’t cheap out on?” The poster of the question added his opinion, writing, “One that I learned recently: bin bags,” to which we enthusiastically agree.

ozgurcankaya / Getty Images

Painting products for the win

One of the highest-ranked answers to this very important question came from user u/bluemercutio. “As I’m painting the kitchen right now, I’d like to add masking tape,” they wrote. “The cheap stuff I still had in the basement is total crap compared to the roll of professional masking tape the plasterer left me.”

For anyone who has tackled painting, you know taping is a big part of the process, and going the cheap route only makes for more work (and a bigger headache). Many agreed, adding, “That and the actual brushes and rollers. Goes on much more nicely and looks better,” as well as high-quality paint itself. You’ll be looking at the finished product of your painting project for years to come, so it’s worth spending a little more for quality.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t skimp on kitchen items

There were many comments for kitchen products in all of their various forms. One Redditor (who knows from experience) wrote, “The blister on my finger is telling me oven mitts. Just learned that lesson.”

One helpful person responded that perhaps investing in a pair that was not necessary made for the kitchen works much better. “Go to a hardware store and get [a good pair of] leather welding gloves,” u/Walt_the_White wrote. “It’ll be good for way, way, way, way hot and give you five fingers worth of grip.”

Others added in that good kitchen shears, drain clog snakes, sponges (everyone agrees the Scrub Daddy is the clear winner), and knives (“Knives…..chef, paring…any kitchen knife”) are also products that are worth the investment.

While it’s always good to try and save money where you can, these items for the home are arguably worth the cost. If not, you end up spending more time and likely more money fixing the issues a subpar product delivers.

Editors' Recommendations

Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
3 things to know about homemade laundry detergent so you don’t ruin your clothes
Consider these factors before using homemade laundry detergent on your clothes
Close-up of a woman holding a wicker laundry basket with white clothes

A full closet of freshly cleaned clothes is delightful. A bed neatly made with crisp, just-washed sheets is divine. Is there anything quite like freshly clean laundry? You may purchase your go-to laundry detergent from the store every so often, but maybe you're wondering about homemade laundry detergent.

There's a lot of talk out there about the health, environmental, and savings benefits of making DIY laundry soap, but is it really safe and effective? Let's dive into what you need to consider before making your own laundry soap - and what you need to make it the right way.

Read more
6 times you should absolutely choose an eggshell paint finish
Is eggshell paint the perfect finish for your project? Here is when the answer is 'yes'
Couple posing with paint rollers in front of painted white wall

A home remodel is always an exciting project. It's a thrill to be able to reimagine a room and give it a modern, stylish facelift that matches your interior design vision perfectly. Part of the remodeling process, however, is the inevitable task of repainting the space.

While picking out a paint color and a paint brand may seem like a simple choice, there are a lot of variables to consider. One variable is the type of paint finish you need for the space. There are so many varieties of paint finishes -- including matte, flat, high-gloss, and eggshell -- all with different appearances and benefits. To help you out, we're going to discuss six scenarios when you should definitely go with an eggshell paint finish.
What is eggshell paint and why is it unique?
Among all the types of paint finishes, there are a few things that make eggshell stand out. The level of glossy reflectiveness it gives off, also known as its "sheen," is moderate, somewhere between the low-gloss finish of flat paints and the super reflective sheen of high or semi-gloss paint. This means eggshell paint can offer the best of both worlds: It covers imperfections on the surface well, similar to flat paint, but it also brings a bit more color depth, much like higher-gloss finishes.

Read more
One of the best realtors in the country gave us their top tips for buying a home in 2023
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Realtor, Tracy McLaughlin shares her tips on buying in the current market
Family happy after buying a home

If you’re a homebuyer in 2023, you’ve likely noticed increased frustration with the current market. That’s why we spoke to one of the best realtors in the country to get some pro tips on buying a home in 2023. If you’re a first-time homebuyer or want some tips on how to buy a house with the current market, realtor Tracy McLaughlin, the number one agent in Marin County, California, shared some incredible advice you need to know.
Look for a walkable location
McLaughlin told us that a walkable location should be a prime consideration for buyers looking to make the best investment possible. "Fewer and fewer license-age Americans are getting their driver licenses, preferring Uber or Lyft to owning a car," said McLaughlin. In the age of easy and affordable public transportation and the rise of urban development, many homebuyers crave a place with accessible sidewalks and grocery stores, coffee shops, or gyms within walking distance. So, when buying a home, it’s best to keep in mind what the walkability is like and how the location could appeal to future buyers.

Talk to the neighbors
"I find that neighbors will always provide the BEST disclosure on the neighborhood," McLaughlin stated. Neighbors will know the "history of the home you are looking at and or perceived negatives or positives about the location and neighborhood" overall. While seller disclosures can often be trusted and valuable, neighbors will be less likely to sugarcoat any past mishaps. They are more likely to be upfront about "what is best and worst about the neighborhood."

Read more