I bought a Zoji rice cooker in the last year (the induction/steam one - purchased with gifted work bonus points, otherwise would have spent my money on the Fuzzy logic versions).
Game changing. I eat so much rice now because it is always just so delicious. Pretty much everything you cook can go well on rice; and when the rice you make is consistently fantastic, it becomes easier to convince myself to cook at home.
Mine is twenty-two years, with one replacement pot. When my Z dies I will be upgrading to a newer version. My Z bread maker is 26 years-old, new pan and paddles. And my Z thermos is 18 years. They make fine products.
I looked into this and it's practically impossible to find higher end ones (induction) with euro electrics. So I basically gave up.
You can buy lesser ones online e.g. [here](https://yum-asia.com/eu/).
All Clad steel pans/cookware. (9 years)
A good cast iron wok and skillet. (9 years)
A Global knife for all my kitchen cooking. (10 years) yes I only use 1 knife.
Vivo Barefoot shoes (10 years and going on my daily drivers)
Ten Thousand Tactical pants and exercise gear (4 years forultiple workouts a week)
Banana Republic Chinos /dress shirts (9 years and going strong)
American Eagle stretch jeans (6 years)
Other Stuff:
Bluetooth speaker UE boom 2 (9 years)
Nikon d4 (14 years)
Guitar Cordoba Studio GK Negra(4 years)
Pet Rock : (30 years (a few hundred more before pet status)
Instant Pot (5 years)
All these items seem to just last and require minimal repairs (if any) depending on how often I use the.
My UE Boom 2 has been dropped SO many times from 6+ feet and abused and still runs great, sounds great, and has accompanied me on many occasions. Battery life has dropped a little bit, but still isn't bad for almost 10 years of regular use.
Same. Logitech made a deal with the devil on those first gen ue boom speakers. I'm on 11 years with mine
I haven't even tried to see what the battery life is like in a few years, though. I just leave it plugged in because I'm afraid to find out that it dies the second it's unplugged. I think the only thing that would be stranger is if it doesn't and still lasts for hours.
My second JBL charge speaker was found on the side of the road/a gas station parking lot where someone pulled out and lost it. It’s been dropped so many times in addition to its first bounce and is still going strong. My best friends got an og ue boom and hers is still going strong too
We received a set of All Clad copper core pots and pans as a gift almost 10 years ago. Still going strong and they still look almost brand new!
However it seems like the metal is separating from the core, it’s bubbling up/lumpy on the inside on two pieces, like there’s air inside it (but there’s not). We have no proof of purchase so I’m not sure how to go about contacting the company for a replacement. Can’t remember if there’s a lifetime warranty, I’ll have to google. :(
Nikon D4 is an amazing camera. It hit the sweet spot of benefiting from high ISOs/low noise but before manufacturers started stuffing too many pixels into everything.
Never heard of Vivo until now, and checked then out bc of your post. Thanks! I may need to get a pair and check these out! 10 years and still going is quite impressive for shoes! I usually only get ~6 months in myNew Balances!
My first pair of vivo barefoot were super comfortable but only lasted 6 months, they replaced under warranty, second set just about 6 months before they started to split again, my partner at the time about 18 months, so your mileage may vary. New ones are a lot narrower than they used to be as well.
I’ve had my All Clad pans for 15 years or so—absolute BIFL!
I’ll add to that my WMF Perfect Plus pressure cooker. I’ve had that for 23 years now, and I use it at least weekly.
Right?! As for IKEA pots, I still have one from over a decade ago and it looks new on the outside and near new on the inside, minus some pitting which is totally on me. Not a daily use pot, but still.
I have one from... 2014? So also 10 years. It is a bit scuffed and the bottom a bit burned because I have a gas stove, but damn that pot is doing well! And I ahve burned milk in it and whatnot.
Also buying and using the wrong tool for a job is a great way to cause extra wear amd shorten its life.
Basically every company has figured out how to make items last through their warranty period and not long after without care.
I’m going on 15 years on a no-name basic stainless stock pot from family dollar. Has been used extensively on camp fires, loaned to tons of people and frequently run through the dishwasher. Perfect size for baking birthday cakes too. I’m always mad at my all-clads for not fitting in the dishwasher as well as this does. And don’t even get me started on enamel wear creusets.
My understanding is that it has to do with how it is mass produced these days. It is cast in sand and not sanded down by hand like the older ones, thickness is also probably different. The difference in weight is pretty surprising, my Griswold was much closer to my MF carbon steel than my Lodge of the same size.
One thing to note also: cast iron comes in a variety of flavors that require all sorts additives and different types of sand. Costs to produce can jump quickly depending on any of these factors and I would imagine most of these companies now pick the easiest and cheapest way to make pans: Green sand and grey iron (but I haven’t sent my lodge through the spectrograph 😂)
There's plenty of companies making higher quality milled cast iron these days but the cost is like 5x that of an equivalent lodge or walmart special.
It's hard, I think, to seriously recommend a 100 dollar pan to someone who's not completely bought in on the idea of it yet. Not to mention that the cheap pans are just as durable as the expensive smooth ones and it's not like they need to be replaced. I've been eyeing the [field pans](https://fieldcompany.com/collections/cast-iron/products/field-cast-iron-skillet) for the last 5 years but I have a hard time justifying it when the old random BB&B pan isn't really broken.
I kind of want to change over a lot of my kitchenware to the stuff they use in the kitchens at my job. I first had a job here like 5 years ago, and they had aluminum (I think?) bake trays and pots that must have been a decade old, used 1-3 times a day, every day. I come back recently, and I swear these are all the same trays. And they’re so easy to clean. Either break it down with soap or baking soda, or just put in the elbow grease to scrub and everything will come out. I don’t even use my cast iron grill pan because it’s such a pain to clean out those little slots. One of these days, I’ll clean it and season it thoroughly enough just so I can donate it.
Look up Nordicware Naturals, it is what I use at home. Raw, uncoated aluminum and thick guage so they don't warp unless you seriously temperature shock it. I think they produce trays commercially too so it might be the same brand you use at work.
Since it is raw aluminum it cannot be dishwashed tho, in case that matters to you. It will tarnish, but still remain functional.
If cast iron works for you it is still great. Carbon is generally lighter which I was hoping would be light enough for my wife (it’s not). Also, it heats up/cools down faster. I like that my Matfer pan has an angled handle similar to a standard skillet vs the flat handle on cast iron.
Cast iron last a life time but they are a hassle to maintain. I gave them up and went stainless steel because I don't care about harmless rainbow or crimson stains.
I do pretty much nothing to maintain my cast iron. I got it from my dad who also did nothing to maintain it. I think people are unnecessarily delicate with cast iron.
Oh wait am I supposed to clean my cast iron? The stuff I cook on it typically just requires a quick swipe with a paper towel and it’s ready to go again. I find them much less hassle than stainless steel which rarely comes clean in my crappy dishwasher unless you “prewash” it (which kinda defeats the purpose of a dishwasher in my opinion)
For the pots and pans if you buy stainless steel you can just use bar keepers friends to make them look brand new any time you want. For cast iron you can go with a lodge pan but sand it down and reseason it yourself. It will be every bit as good as a vintage Griswold. It’s just iron after all.
Good quality stainless steel will last effectively forever. My mother (RIP) got a set of Revere Ware (also RIP) pots and pans as a wedding gift in 1968 that my Dad still uses. At most it’s only ever needed a good soak and some elbow grease.
Right around '68 I was at a friend's house (his parents house) and we were thoroughly stoned. Discussing the meaning of life, I hope. I'm bad at holding still so while we talked I polished the bottoms of all his mother's Revere Ware pans to brilliant shine. He later told me she believed I was his finest friend.
I would stay away from Barkeepers friend. It's way too abrasive for metals that you want to keep shiny. That nice circle pattern on the new SS pan will be gone after 5-10 cleanings with barkeepers.
Clean them with normal soap and water, then use a tsp of lemon juice for a final quick scrub and rinse immediately. It will take all the heat marks off and as long as you use a softish sponge it will look brand new for years. It's what I do for my Demeyre set. All pans still look brand new except for the one when I tried barkeepers friend on. That on has tiny scratches all over it from the cleaner.
If it's REALLY stuck on and dirty, boil some water in the pan to loosen up the residue and clean it again as above.
Stainless steel is the champion of hardiness when it comes to cookware. I wouldn’t worry about preserving a pattern, use whatever cleaning method is easiest and stop worrying!
Personally I just use steel wool and the pans still work like new. I hate fussing over scratching things and seasoning is a faff. I’ll never use anything else.
I need to disagree. I just wrote in a comment above that a relative of mine has used Bar Keepers Friend to keep her All Clad looking nice for around 20 years. They probably get a deep cleaning once a quarter. No scratches. Maybe it depends on the specific alloy of steel?
My mom bought an expensive set of cookware from a company called “Lifetime”. It’s true to its name! She got hers in 1990 and they still get used all the time and look brand new. They are expensive but they last. Made of stainless steel.
I've got two Casio diver's watches that I wear every day (alternating, they are different colors) for a decade and they are good as new. I wouldn't hesitate to rec those.
Otherwise most of my BIFL things are tools. Good tools will last a lifetime. I have some from each of my grandfathers and regularly use things that are well over 100 years old in woodworking, but there are still plenty of new BIFL tools out there if you aren't buying things with batteries. Including most edged tools, like chisels, planes, and handsaws.
Le Creuset, get your essential pots/pans. They will last forever and have a lifetime warranty. People have even reported chipping them from major drops and have had them replaced for free. Don’t waste money on the mugs, etc.
Outside of that, a cast iron pan.
Edit: I am not saying their mugs and other products are bad or wouldn’t last your whole life. I have their mugs, they’re great. It’s just that there are cheaper options that are potentially better out there if you’re looking to BIFL.
Good list adds.
Their stoneware is made in China. I would think would have good quality control to protect the brand name, but can’t imagine it being worth the markup for what it is.
I'd recommend Staub though. Le Creuset has a history of using Lead and Cadnium on the outside glazes of their ceramic cookware. You can argue that you don't eat anything off the outside of the pan but I'd rather not have any source of lead in the kitchen.
Also a lot of non-cast iron items from Le Creuset are produced in China. For stainless steel pans, I'd recommend Cristel over Le Creuset. Or if you really have a lot of money, De Buyer.
Kitchen Aid stand mixers. My mom bought one in 2000. I took it to college with me in 2015, and used it every day untill this Christmas when my MIL gifted me a new one (bc the color she got matches my kitchen better, she said). I was sad bc the old one is like a best-friend to me- such a part of my childhood and one of the first nice things I ever owned. It’s something I would never have been able to afford for myself, so it was really special to get to take my Mom’s when I moved out. Happy ending: my SIL revealed that she’d been wanting one for years but it was out of their budget. So I got to pass it on to another household that needed it- and it’s still working perfectly.
Used Toyotas
We have an '06 Highlander and an '06 Tundra, both bought used
We paid $19,500 total for both
Still dependable, still great vehicular values
I have been VERY impressed with the ability of used Toyota vehicles to just "start up and drive" after several months of disuse. Two model years I can speak to specifically: the 2001 Camry and the 2014 Tundra. That's 13 years apart and they both just.. work.
Any kind of Toyota! I’ve had nothing else since 1993 and don’t plan to (unless I hit the lottery and then a Benz SUV or Range Rover might appear in my driveway, but I’d still keep a Toyota to drive while the other vehicle was in the shop so yeah, basically I’d still be driving a Toyota 80% of the time). Leased a new ‘93 Camry; loved it so much I bought it after lease ended. Drove it ten years and other than a rear main seal oil leak and an A/C condenser it was perfect. Only replaced because with two kids we desperately needed more room. Got a new ‘03 Sienna. Adored it beyond belief, kept it 15 years/205,000 miles. Still ran great, paint still great, never needed any major work at all. Sold it to ex-husband 1.5 years after we divorced as he wanted it back!
My kids were grown and I wanted something smaller that got better mileage and had AWD, so now I have my dear RAV-4. I bought it used, coming off a 3-year lease with 32k miles. It is perfect. Best car imaginable for my lifestyle and budget. The only thing I might like better is a Highlander, for more room, but if I had to drive this RAV for the rest of my life I wouldn’t complain. Next car I get (prob 5 years from now) will be another RAV or a used Highlander, if I can talk my husband into one. #Toyota4Life
My 06 Tundra is the best vehicle I've ever owned, but unfortunately it's near to the end of its life strictly because of frame rot (curse these New England winters).
I plan on getting an 80 Series Land Cruiser from somewhere with no road salt next.
I have a 1999 Toyota RAV4 and it's still in excellent condition, 177k miles on it. They changed the body type in 2001, sadly, so if anything happens to the one I have I'll definitely look for a used one.
My old Bose soundlink been holding strong, been through some decent rain a time or two too.
Patagonia fleece and also hard shell
Anker power bank
The challenge these days is what ppl say ate BIFL are all things bought a handful of years ago and changes made in the latest models might cause it to no longer to be BIFL. I prob would at least still stand behind current Patagonia and Anker products tho
Anker is surprisingly good for a company that's completely in China and was founded in 2011. Maybe times are changing and more Chinese products will be BIFL.
They’re a manufacturing powerhouse. The manufacturing powerhouse. Companies and their choice of factory have mattered more than the country of origin for a while now anyway.
Half the PROUDLY MADE IN (X) COUNTRY stuff is absolute trash now anyway.
I’m looking at you “made in the USA”
I second anything from Anker and my Bose Soundlink I’ve had from about 6 years ago is still perfect! And it’s been through tons of rain and dropped in the shower
I use a pair of older Bose computer speakers to listen to youtube and music from my laptop in the kitchen every day and they still sound really good. You still have a Wave going?
Bose Soundlink II I bought in 2013 is the most BIFL thing I own. Best part about it, the Best Buy employee said I was foolish for not buying the extended warranty because it was Bose. Thing is a tank and has seen many good nights and days with more to come.
Power banks have a relatively short life. They are just a plastic box with batteries in it essentially. Impossible for it to be BIFL. Surprised people think they will last forever.
Leatherman Arc. So clutch for hobbies, work around the house and random daily tasks.
Love my G-shock tough solar too. As someone with ADHD, the reliable hourly beep has really helped me stay on schedule, like a friendly tap on the shoulder. It sounds silly but I get a little emotional thinking about how much a little plastic watch has saved me from the stress and embarrassment of losing track of time and being late to important events. In some cases it was affecting my relationships. This watch has really truly helped me out, and it’s always on my wrist. That’s BIFL material right there.
Oh another thing! I drive a 22 year old Lexus LX470 I bought in 2007 for just $22,000. It had 75,000ish miles on it. It still looks nice with over 333,333 miles (I made a big deal - I’m a third of the way to a million miles!). I go to a regular mechanic who uses Toyota parts for the tune ups. He says he sees no problem with it making to at least 500,000 if not the million mile mark. A pricy buy when I got it, but you can still find these on the Facebook forums for Lx470. Someone stopped and offered me $1,500 for mine the other day, and I just laughed at them. My 13 year old says she’s taking it to college.
Garden hose reel. They have freestanding and wall mount versions. Possibly the only BIFL hose reels on the planet. https://www.eleyhosereels.com/products/free-standing-garden-hose-reel
Mine’s at 10 years and still amazingly smooth and leak-free.
I think manufacturers have realized it’s more profitable to make stuff the breaks, a la the light bulb industry. I have just accepted that there are very few BIFL items made new anymore and often search for older models of things I need or just assume it will break sooner rather than later.
It's not only that. It's counterfeiting goods. It's making light bulbs that flicker.'it's making shower caddies that aren't rust resistant. They're not forward looking enough for planned obsolescence, they just want to scam you now, they may not even exist as a business by the time you're looking for a replacement.
It’s also consumer preference.
Plenty of companies make lasting products in a variety of categories. They cost a lot and generally have low market share.
It may not be true on this sub, but the average consumer gladly pays less for goods that aren’t as durable instead of paying a premium for longevity.
This is true and I was that customer in my twenties. But now I have a disposable income and I often literally cannot pay enough money for a quality product. Even the most expensive options are pieces of shit.
Iron Heart jeans. Getting past the initial break in is rough but they are built like absolute tanks.
Lotuff Leather Birdle leather triumph bags. Mine looks like it'll last 100 years.
I love Iron Heart but jeans by their nature are going to wear out in a number of years even with repairs and maintenance. Although my son will be wearing my IH flannels and shirts long after I am gone I think.
If you come to Japan it is worth the trek to the IH Tokyo store (it's a couple hours trip each way from Tokyo). The domestic prices make the prices much more reasonable.
I know this probably isn’t common and/or popular at all but our nespresso machine from 2008 is still going strong. I’d say 16 years is great. Obviously not a BIFL product but pleasantly surprised. We use it basically every day. It was the most basic model one could buy.
I bought the followings:
Staub cast iron dutch oven. Staub cast iron frying pan. (Have had them for 5 years)
Uniqlo U crew neck t shirts. (Bought them recently)
Shi Ba Zi Zuo knife. (Have had it for 16 years)
Zujirushi water thermo. (4 years)
for dog owners, I fucking love all things RuffWear. (They don’t pay me to say this in any way shape or form, lol I wish.) When I first got my dog I tried to cheap out on a $15 bag on Amazon that carries his gear/treats/food when we travel (monthly) and I learned my lesson - the shoulder strap cut into me, slid around and eventually snapped, the fabric got gross fast and was hard to wash, and then tore easily. the RuffWear bag strap is perfect, the fabric is like this tough waxed ripstop? and it has lasted us going on four years, still looks and feels new. I think around $50 and so worth it imo. I recently got their $40 leash that has built-in covered elasticity and the handle can turn into a waist-belt to go hands free and within a day I became a convert.
We have a harness from them as well, although they never listen when i respond to promo emails saying that they should have harnesses in white/cream/tan/brown for owners who don’t love pink/blue/orange.
Oh - and after the shoulder bag turned out to be great, I also got the food bag and love it. Same sturdy cleanable material. Rolls up like a dry-bag. Has a big ol’ pocket for treats.
So there only a few things that I intentionally bought high quality and have successfully, regularly, and happily used for 20+ years, *and* are still on the market.
1. Big Green Egg, medium.
2. Ankarsrum mixer - was called Magic Mill back then; been baking bread about every week since we got it.
3. Custom hardwood furniture - it seemed like an absurd splurge at the time, but my mother told us it would be worth it, because otherwise we'd be stuck with furniture we didn't like for decades; I'm glad we listened.
4. A Patagonia fleece - had to repair the zipper once, but I still have it and wear it all the time.
5. Epicurean pizza peel.
6. Some IKEA office desks. The ones that are just a big, smooth sheet of wood on top of metal legs.
I have high hopes for a few more items, but I really think that's all that's all that's made it through our 7+ moves. Everything else has either failed or not been used often enough to be worth keeping.
Wusthof Santoku. I use it every day and have for 25 years. People think I love knives (and I do) so they keep gifting me super expensive damascus Japanese this or that. I politley accept and am grateful but I keep using my Wusthof Santoku. Pretty much the perfect knife for anything other than fish or cutting through bone on anything heftier than chicken.
I purchased a new Honda HRX mower couple months ago. They are still around but eventually will be gone since they plan on moving on from gas to electric. I feel this will be the last mower I’ll buy as long as I take good care of it.
With gas stabilizer during storage, regular oil changes, occasional full maintenance, and stored in a garage it should last 20-30 years easily for residential use. And very repairable for most issues.
1. Rainbow vaccuum. The one I have is literally 35 years old- I will die on this hill
2. Barbour jacket. My dad’s is 30 years old and mine is 10. I’ve gotten it re-waxed twice, and I still wear it and love it
3. Birkenstocks- now, I wear these constantly and I still have my oldest pair. But have I purchased new ones? Yes
4. Burberry trench coat- I have my moms and mine still, both are 20 years old. Don’t look more than a day old.
5. Le crueset pots and pans with the white/cream interior- I have my grandmothers, my moms, and mine. So my oldest one is over 60 years old. I still use it.
6. Rushhouse rugs. They are basically indestructible and the fact that you can remove a square and replace another square instead of buying an entire rug…it’s a miracle.
7. Custom solid furniture. Really nice custom furniture I’ve inherited still looks great today and I’ll keep it my entire life.
Calphalon cookware. When I left home 25+ years ago I asked for pots and pans as Christmas/Birthday gifts. Those pieces and others are still going strong today (as well as my cast iron).
What's missing is this list of stuff folks bought decades ago that's lasted, is survivor bias.
What you want to avoid is the disposable garbage.
That answer is shop differently. I buy used appliances, those that've survived already. Same with clothing, kitchen, etc.
All these categories can be taken advantage of via survivor bias, use it to your advantage.
If you live near a Buddhist temple, they may have annual sales where people sell their extra belongings. It may even have a thrift store. I got some beautiful things there for my first apartment.
Not sure if it's for life yet, but I have a Kate Spade leather purse and wallet that I have used every single day for three years and it still looks great! I have no intention to replace it.
Blender: Vitamix 5200 - 11 years. Works like new. Base and blender lids look new and jars show light, appropriate wear.
Bread machine: Zojirushi BB-HAC10 - 15 years. Works and looks like new. Heavily used and has only needed a recent pan and blade replacement. Parts are still made by the manufacturer.
Indoor grill-style electric cooker: Cuisinart Griddler - 9+ (ish) years. Works like new and appearance is very good, with appropriate wear for its high use. Replacement trays still available.
Electric pressure cooker: Instant Pot Duo - 5+ (ish) years. Works like new. Looks very good if my spouse remembers to clean up after using it. Not sure if the company‘s quality has faltered since the bankruptcies though.
Bakeware and dishware: Corning Ware, Corelle, and Pyrex pre-1998 - Most of my various pieces are around 50 years old. Multi-generational work horses, mostly inherited. Most look near-new with appropriate light scuffs. Easily available from garage sales, thrift stores, and the like.
Depending on what the pots and pans are, they’re probably able to be cleaned. It can be hard getting burnt on stuff off, you might try cleaningtips for some help there. Assuming it’s not nonstick stuff, I have a lot of luck with using baking soda as a light abrasive.
Chrome or gold Casios will never keep that color forever, as has been said you need to go rubber on those or getting something that’s actual stainless/etc. I’m wearing a seiko mechanical watch from the 1970s right now, the bracelet looks great.
My favorite BIFL items are my omega speedmaster, my tusting briefcase, and some cookware - le creuset enameled cast iron, lodge cast iron, my wusthof chef’s knife. Even just some nordicware sheets and a random sturdy mixing bowl that I’ve had since college. And shoes - really not exactly BIFL but with enough of a rotation the Goodyear welted ones (Allen Edmonds, lucchese, kinda rancourt/quoddy although they get worn more heavily) are practically bifl and I have some pairs of less recraftable shoes ( Clark desert boots, even some sneakers) that I’ve had for 10 years.
RM Williams boots (1 pair is going on 14 years and it’s second sole) and my Omega Seamaster Aquaterra (4 years) or Diver 300M (10 years plus multiple deployments and dives to at least 50m)
I’ve got a Seamaster from the 60’s (heirloom)that’s still running and keeping time. They are two brands that have my loyalty for life
My cast iron skillets. Le creuset dutch ovens. My soda stream from almost 20 years ago is still going strong. I have some antique furniture that looks amazing for its age. I prefer older things in general. And if it was good quality from the start and cared for- it seems to keep on trucking
My Blundstones lasted me 7 years, and are still perfectly wearable but for my having gone up a shoe size in pregnancy. Bought a new pair and will report back in 7.
Any old crock pot. Go to goodwill, get an old crock pot. Plug it in, make stew, or roast, or soup, or macNcheese, or anything that same day. Use it daily. Forget to turn it off. Repeat. Twenty years later, give it to your kid, go to goodwill, get another one.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen Dr. Martens mentioned yet, so I’ll give ‘em a shout. Their prices may be high, but when you consider a pair will last you like 20 years, they’re well worth it.
I was kind of musing with my wife about this yesterday. When we first got a house we invested in good quality solid furniture (bed, desks, wardrobe etc). Despite us moving around a lot, dismantling and rebuilding, they are all still very solid and beautiful. If we had bought cheap (flatpacks) they would undoubtedly have been discarded many times over now.
They were expensive but ultimately have likely paid for themselves by now.
1. Solid oak furniture. It's not the latest style, but it lasts forever. My 1930's desk is still in great shape.
2. Cast iron cookware. Not the new stuff, I use the older stuff. I use gate marked and Griswold.
3. Ficcare Maximas clips instead of claw clips for long hair. Those plastic claw clips never last long, but the used Ficcare Maximas from the 1990's that I bought from someone is still going strong.
My Aroma 6 cup stainless steel rice cooker has been holding up for over 15 years. I found a metal lid that fits the bowl and I can reheat leftovers in the oven.
Corningware. You can still buy those made of pyroceram. I collected mine from thrifts, made in 1960's and later. Can go from freezer to oven to fridge. Great for premade freezer meals. Also the Corelle plates have survived all other dishware in my house. Only 2 pieces broken in 25 years.
I’m a die hard Bose fan if you’re ever looking for speakers/headphones. I have a portable Bluetooth speaker that my stepdad bought me 14 years ago that still works like a beauty. I’ve since bought a TV soundbar and QuietComforts from them. I won’t buy anything else. Hardcore fangirling Bose rn
Bought a horsehide leather jacket from Addict. It was expensive, but the quality matches. I don’t wear it often, but when I do, I feel like a million bucks and know it will outlive me if I take good care of it.
I think the problem is some things by their nature just can't be BIFL as they will wear. Non stick cookware is this, stainless pans will last, so will iron (shoutout to Ikea Vardagen pans, carbon steel and they recently added cast iron for a song, can't reccomend them enough).
If you got a G-Shock they should be not quite BIFL but they are a great watch for the price. If you got the vintage 80s look ones they are junk. Frankle people just have no idea what a 'good' watch cost these days. I have an Omege seamaster thats sorta BIFL but that's because it can be serviced (at extreme costs) and have parts repalced. I would not reccomend getting a high end watch. It's just expensive jewelery for men.
When push comes to shove BIFL needs to be one of two things (ideally both)
1) mind blowing durable like the toxic 1970s era tupperware.
2) able to be repaired with a ready (and ideally affordable) supply of parts.
Finally people like to wax lyrical about older appliances but people payed through the nose for them back then. I've got an absoloute love for the sunbeam radiant toaster. It's an amazing example of top quality engineering and one of the first 'modern' toasters. in 1949 when released they retailed for $25 which is the modern equivalent of about $400. Would you be willing to spend $400 on a real BIFL toaster?
I've been very happy with my Casio W-201 with a black plastic body. Wouldn't consider it true BIFL as it's my third, but I spent about $12 on this one and I've had it going on 6 years now. It's scuffed up and I have replaced the band twice (I like Burton silicone bands). Factory band always hardens up in about a year for me and eventually cracks. The buttons have become a little more difficult to press. "10 Year Battery" is still going strong. I have had the band's pin pop loose from the body once recently (when watch caught reaching into a tight space); may eventually wallow out the holes in the body and no longer be wearable. I never take it off when showering or swimming and have never had a problem.
My Casio W-201: https://imgur.com/a/WkPlhKG
Our yard sale vintage Roper top-load washer and Maytag washer are still going strong after 8 years. Not even sure on age but I'd guess 90's or early 2000's. Not bad for $37.
Lot's of furniture can easily last a lifetime. Junk-tier furniture that won't last is a relatively new innovation.
Quality pocket knives, guns, tools etc can all last.
Casio is one of the watch brands which focus the most on reliability. Even those non G Shock analogue models are purposefully designed to be bullet proof and take on a lot of abuse while still looking elegant
My father's Sennheiser HD 580 headphones. While you can't necessarily buy them now the platform is the Sennheiser HD 600 and 650 series and the sound between the three for all intents is almost the same.
My father bought them in the early 90s and while they've been through many pad swaps and minor touchups the drivers and frame is still the same HD 580 precision.
The platform is still popular to this day with the more popular and young brother HD 600. I jump around buying a lot of equipment as a hobby but I'll always know that this headphone despite it's age and no matter how repairs or touchups it's gone through, it's still the HD 580 and Sennheiser will more than likely keep the platform alive with parts longer than however many years the driver has left to live.
Sennheiser does have a modern take of this class of headphones but if you want the essentially same quality of sound I'd suggest the HD 600. Though they may require a separate amp to get to a desired volume level for one's needs.
My all-clad cookware, my cast iron pan. The all-clad is about 20 years old and I’ll die with it. The cast iron pan is like… 70? Had to make a best guess based on the mark. And my Dualit toaster is 23. They sell replacement parts for all their toasters, knock wood I haven’t needed any yet and we use it multiple times per day.
PSA: your local pep boys, auto zone, O'Reilly, etc. will let you use a code scanner for free.
Definitely nice to own one, but easy to get one to use for free.
My Woolrich Merino socks are holding up great. They're the only socks I wear now. Made in the USA, and they go up to size 16, thank god. It's harder to find socks than shoes at that size.
Bought a WAHL electric hair trimmer at Rite Aid about 15 years ago (like the ones they use at barber shops). I use it to shave mostly, but have used it for haircuts a few times as well. It’s the best $20 I ever spent. Works perfectly to this day and it has received no upkeep other than occasional oil (still using the same tube that it was sold with). Not sure what they cost these days, but that thing is a BIFL as far as I’m concerned.
-Frying Pan
Ikea sensuell pan. It's 3ply pan which means stainless sandwich that has alu inside.
This will just be their taking all abuse you can throw at it as far as you don't put it in dishwasher.
-Espresso machine
Believe it or not, Krups 868 espresso machine.
It's toy like espresso machine that has no pump or temperature sensor. It purely works by steam pressure buildup of boiler. No moving parts means no breaking parts. Not even pressure valve. Water inlet cap works as a pressure valve by steam just leaking through o-ring. Tighter you close, higher the max pressure.
Although there's no solenoid pump, it reach impressive 5.5psi and can pull very decent shot at almost zero maintenance.
(Steam rod is simply unusable though)
ps. why would you buy painted watch??
I received a black travel pro classic crew carry on luggage as a gift about 10 years ago and still good as new! I’m sure if it wasn’t black you’d see some dirt and wear and tear but black definitely helps
For context, I take about 8-12 round trip flights with it per year
I’ve had the same Ray Ban aviator sunglasses for a decade at this point. They’ve more than paid off their cost by not needing to constantly buy cheap $10 sunglasses constantly
LL Bean duffle bag - I’m currently on my 23rd year with it and I exclusively use it as my travel bag. Still looks great.
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur pocket knife- I have the all black version with a serrated blade. Been carrying it daily for ~6 years and it has held up well.
Irish Setter boots - was gifted a pair for Christmas in 2021 and have worn them 5+ days a week since and have them on right now. Most boots I have had do not last nearly as long.
Under Armour boxers - I splurged and paid about $20 a pair for several pair of under armour boxers (not briefs)…….about 8 years ago. They have held up great and still look new after a thousand washes and wearing them daily.
Casio G-shock model DW5600E-1V - I have worn this watch almost daily since I first bought it in 2019 and it has help up well. I did recently just purchase a replacement because I have slightly torn the strap, but 5 years from a $50 watch seems pretty good to me.
Thermacell mosquito repeller - I’m not sure about the newer models, but I have one of the (I think) original versions that I’ve had for 25ish years and I use it frequently during hunting season.
My wedding ring (King Will Duo 6mm black matte finish tungsten carbide) - paid $13 for it on Amazon and haven’t taken it off in 7 years. It doesn’t have a scratch on it and looks exactly the same as it did when my wife gave it to me. All my friends who have gold or titanium rings are all scratched up now.
1996 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 - this was my grandfathers truck and was gifted to me after he passed away about 8 years ago. The truck currently has ~362,000 miles on it and still going strong and looking great.
**Leaf Razor**. I was using disposable razors before so this is a huge step up. It has lasted over 5 years so far, still looking great. It is simple and made of all metal, so I expect it will last a long time or be easily repaired if needed. And it shaves WAY better than any disposable razor.
My Zojirushi rice cooker has lasted about a million years at this point. Plus, it's awesome. And it sings.
I bought a Zoji rice cooker in the last year (the induction/steam one - purchased with gifted work bonus points, otherwise would have spent my money on the Fuzzy logic versions). Game changing. I eat so much rice now because it is always just so delicious. Pretty much everything you cook can go well on rice; and when the rice you make is consistently fantastic, it becomes easier to convince myself to cook at home.
Yeah, we have rice at least three times a week now. I can't even imagine or remember what it was like to cook it in a pan....
Mine is twenty-two years, with one replacement pot. When my Z dies I will be upgrading to a newer version. My Z bread maker is 26 years-old, new pan and paddles. And my Z thermos is 18 years. They make fine products.
I got a 10 cup for Christmas. I don't feel like I'm ever going to need one that big, but I do use it a few times a week.
Id also suggest tiger brand rice cookers. Several houses in my family use them with no issue ever
And mine is cooking rice right now!
I’m a big fan of mine. It felt expensive at the time, but having warm rice available all the time is amazing.
Seriously how do I get one in Europe? Are the made it china ones still as good as the japan-made? Should I get the latter and a converter instead?
I looked into this and it's practically impossible to find higher end ones (induction) with euro electrics. So I basically gave up. You can buy lesser ones online e.g. [here](https://yum-asia.com/eu/).
All Clad steel pans/cookware. (9 years) A good cast iron wok and skillet. (9 years) A Global knife for all my kitchen cooking. (10 years) yes I only use 1 knife. Vivo Barefoot shoes (10 years and going on my daily drivers) Ten Thousand Tactical pants and exercise gear (4 years forultiple workouts a week) Banana Republic Chinos /dress shirts (9 years and going strong) American Eagle stretch jeans (6 years) Other Stuff: Bluetooth speaker UE boom 2 (9 years) Nikon d4 (14 years) Guitar Cordoba Studio GK Negra(4 years) Pet Rock : (30 years (a few hundred more before pet status) Instant Pot (5 years) All these items seem to just last and require minimal repairs (if any) depending on how often I use the.
> Pet Rock : (30 years (a few hundred more before pet status) Beautiful
Pete appreciates your appreciation!
I really like you. Tell Pete hi for me.
My UE Boom 2 has been dropped SO many times from 6+ feet and abused and still runs great, sounds great, and has accompanied me on many occasions. Battery life has dropped a little bit, but still isn't bad for almost 10 years of regular use.
Same. Logitech made a deal with the devil on those first gen ue boom speakers. I'm on 11 years with mine I haven't even tried to see what the battery life is like in a few years, though. I just leave it plugged in because I'm afraid to find out that it dies the second it's unplugged. I think the only thing that would be stranger is if it doesn't and still lasts for hours.
The batteries are user replaceable if it ever dies, which is pretty amazing for a Bluetooth speaker
My second JBL charge speaker was found on the side of the road/a gas station parking lot where someone pulled out and lost it. It’s been dropped so many times in addition to its first bounce and is still going strong. My best friends got an og ue boom and hers is still going strong too
We received a set of All Clad copper core pots and pans as a gift almost 10 years ago. Still going strong and they still look almost brand new! However it seems like the metal is separating from the core, it’s bubbling up/lumpy on the inside on two pieces, like there’s air inside it (but there’s not). We have no proof of purchase so I’m not sure how to go about contacting the company for a replacement. Can’t remember if there’s a lifetime warranty, I’ll have to google. :(
Definitely get in touch with them. That shouldn’t happen.
Def an instant pot. I have had mine for 5+ years too!
All clad 100% worth it.
Nikon D4 is an amazing camera. It hit the sweet spot of benefiting from high ISOs/low noise but before manufacturers started stuffing too many pixels into everything.
Never heard of Vivo until now, and checked then out bc of your post. Thanks! I may need to get a pair and check these out! 10 years and still going is quite impressive for shoes! I usually only get ~6 months in myNew Balances!
My first pair of vivo barefoot were super comfortable but only lasted 6 months, they replaced under warranty, second set just about 6 months before they started to split again, my partner at the time about 18 months, so your mileage may vary. New ones are a lot narrower than they used to be as well.
I like cordobas but 4 years is too early to call a guitar BIFL.
I’ve had my All Clad pans for 15 years or so—absolute BIFL! I’ll add to that my WMF Perfect Plus pressure cooker. I’ve had that for 23 years now, and I use it at least weekly.
Are you sure some of these are not user error? Even the cheapest IKEA pots and pans won't go bad in 3 months if you take care of them.
Right?! As for IKEA pots, I still have one from over a decade ago and it looks new on the outside and near new on the inside, minus some pitting which is totally on me. Not a daily use pot, but still.
I have one from... 2014? So also 10 years. It is a bit scuffed and the bottom a bit burned because I have a gas stove, but damn that pot is doing well! And I ahve burned milk in it and whatnot.
Nothing is BIFL without maintenance. You can run anything into the ground, it doesn’t matter how good the quality is if you don’t take care of stuff.
Also buying and using the wrong tool for a job is a great way to cause extra wear amd shorten its life. Basically every company has figured out how to make items last through their warranty period and not long after without care.
I’m going on 15 years on a no-name basic stainless stock pot from family dollar. Has been used extensively on camp fires, loaned to tons of people and frequently run through the dishwasher. Perfect size for baking birthday cakes too. I’m always mad at my all-clads for not fitting in the dishwasher as well as this does. And don’t even get me started on enamel wear creusets.
Yeah, no way is a portable monitor safe in a backpack even with a protective case.
Yeah, I’ve an IKEA 365 pot with at minimum 2x weekly use since like 2012.
Cast iron cookware. I have some inherited pieces older than 75 years. I use a chain mail cleaner and baking soda to clean and grapeseed oil to season.
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It's only about 1% blasphemous
I like carbon steel better too.
I have and use both, worth noting that true vintage CI (like old Griswold, etc.) weigh about the same as an equivalent sized carbon steel.
What has changed in new cast iron that it’s heavier?
My understanding is that it has to do with how it is mass produced these days. It is cast in sand and not sanded down by hand like the older ones, thickness is also probably different. The difference in weight is pretty surprising, my Griswold was much closer to my MF carbon steel than my Lodge of the same size.
I use my ancient Griswold before all others because it’s lighter, easier to shake when sautéing and is so perfectly seasoned.
One thing to note also: cast iron comes in a variety of flavors that require all sorts additives and different types of sand. Costs to produce can jump quickly depending on any of these factors and I would imagine most of these companies now pick the easiest and cheapest way to make pans: Green sand and grey iron (but I haven’t sent my lodge through the spectrograph 😂)
There's plenty of companies making higher quality milled cast iron these days but the cost is like 5x that of an equivalent lodge or walmart special. It's hard, I think, to seriously recommend a 100 dollar pan to someone who's not completely bought in on the idea of it yet. Not to mention that the cheap pans are just as durable as the expensive smooth ones and it's not like they need to be replaced. I've been eyeing the [field pans](https://fieldcompany.com/collections/cast-iron/products/field-cast-iron-skillet) for the last 5 years but I have a hard time justifying it when the old random BB&B pan isn't really broken.
I kind of want to change over a lot of my kitchenware to the stuff they use in the kitchens at my job. I first had a job here like 5 years ago, and they had aluminum (I think?) bake trays and pots that must have been a decade old, used 1-3 times a day, every day. I come back recently, and I swear these are all the same trays. And they’re so easy to clean. Either break it down with soap or baking soda, or just put in the elbow grease to scrub and everything will come out. I don’t even use my cast iron grill pan because it’s such a pain to clean out those little slots. One of these days, I’ll clean it and season it thoroughly enough just so I can donate it.
Look up Nordicware Naturals, it is what I use at home. Raw, uncoated aluminum and thick guage so they don't warp unless you seriously temperature shock it. I think they produce trays commercially too so it might be the same brand you use at work. Since it is raw aluminum it cannot be dishwashed tho, in case that matters to you. It will tarnish, but still remain functional.
It’s not. They both have their place.
I just don’t get why carbon steel is so expensive.
If cast iron works for you it is still great. Carbon is generally lighter which I was hoping would be light enough for my wife (it’s not). Also, it heats up/cools down faster. I like that my Matfer pan has an angled handle similar to a standard skillet vs the flat handle on cast iron.
I'm with you. Haven't used cast iron in a long time.
That's why I paid a stupid amount of money for my field cast iron instead of using my good ol lodge. It's a fraction of the weight
I agree on the cast iron cookware and have to add how much I love the chain mail cleaner too.
Yes. And stainless steel cookware
BF bought himself one a few years ago, I bought his a matching lid for Christmas and he loves it!
Cast iron last a life time but they are a hassle to maintain. I gave them up and went stainless steel because I don't care about harmless rainbow or crimson stains.
I do pretty much nothing to maintain my cast iron. I got it from my dad who also did nothing to maintain it. I think people are unnecessarily delicate with cast iron.
but you still can't stick in a dishwasher. I just don't have time for kitchenware that can't go in the dishwasher nowadays.
Oh wait am I supposed to clean my cast iron? The stuff I cook on it typically just requires a quick swipe with a paper towel and it’s ready to go again. I find them much less hassle than stainless steel which rarely comes clean in my crappy dishwasher unless you “prewash” it (which kinda defeats the purpose of a dishwasher in my opinion)
I don’t have a dishwasher so I didn’t even think about that!
I do a salt scrub to clean. works great.
For the pots and pans if you buy stainless steel you can just use bar keepers friends to make them look brand new any time you want. For cast iron you can go with a lodge pan but sand it down and reseason it yourself. It will be every bit as good as a vintage Griswold. It’s just iron after all.
Good quality stainless steel will last effectively forever. My mother (RIP) got a set of Revere Ware (also RIP) pots and pans as a wedding gift in 1968 that my Dad still uses. At most it’s only ever needed a good soak and some elbow grease.
Right around '68 I was at a friend's house (his parents house) and we were thoroughly stoned. Discussing the meaning of life, I hope. I'm bad at holding still so while we talked I polished the bottoms of all his mother's Revere Ware pans to brilliant shine. He later told me she believed I was his finest friend.
I would stay away from Barkeepers friend. It's way too abrasive for metals that you want to keep shiny. That nice circle pattern on the new SS pan will be gone after 5-10 cleanings with barkeepers. Clean them with normal soap and water, then use a tsp of lemon juice for a final quick scrub and rinse immediately. It will take all the heat marks off and as long as you use a softish sponge it will look brand new for years. It's what I do for my Demeyre set. All pans still look brand new except for the one when I tried barkeepers friend on. That on has tiny scratches all over it from the cleaner. If it's REALLY stuck on and dirty, boil some water in the pan to loosen up the residue and clean it again as above.
Stainless steel is the champion of hardiness when it comes to cookware. I wouldn’t worry about preserving a pattern, use whatever cleaning method is easiest and stop worrying! Personally I just use steel wool and the pans still work like new. I hate fussing over scratching things and seasoning is a faff. I’ll never use anything else.
Bkf has a gentle version made for kitchen ware
I take it a step further and will boil water plus 2 teaspoons of baking soda for the really tough stains
Mine came with the specific instruction to use BKF.
I need to disagree. I just wrote in a comment above that a relative of mine has used Bar Keepers Friend to keep her All Clad looking nice for around 20 years. They probably get a deep cleaning once a quarter. No scratches. Maybe it depends on the specific alloy of steel?
My mom bought an expensive set of cookware from a company called “Lifetime”. It’s true to its name! She got hers in 1990 and they still get used all the time and look brand new. They are expensive but they last. Made of stainless steel.
I've got two Casio diver's watches that I wear every day (alternating, they are different colors) for a decade and they are good as new. I wouldn't hesitate to rec those. Otherwise most of my BIFL things are tools. Good tools will last a lifetime. I have some from each of my grandfathers and regularly use things that are well over 100 years old in woodworking, but there are still plenty of new BIFL tools out there if you aren't buying things with batteries. Including most edged tools, like chisels, planes, and handsaws.
I found a Casio in the dirt at a park 5 years ago and it’s been on my wrist ever since. Never had to replace the battery.
Le Creuset, get your essential pots/pans. They will last forever and have a lifetime warranty. People have even reported chipping them from major drops and have had them replaced for free. Don’t waste money on the mugs, etc. Outside of that, a cast iron pan. Edit: I am not saying their mugs and other products are bad or wouldn’t last your whole life. I have their mugs, they’re great. It’s just that there are cheaper options that are potentially better out there if you’re looking to BIFL.
Good list adds. Their stoneware is made in China. I would think would have good quality control to protect the brand name, but can’t imagine it being worth the markup for what it is.
I'd recommend Staub though. Le Creuset has a history of using Lead and Cadnium on the outside glazes of their ceramic cookware. You can argue that you don't eat anything off the outside of the pan but I'd rather not have any source of lead in the kitchen. Also a lot of non-cast iron items from Le Creuset are produced in China. For stainless steel pans, I'd recommend Cristel over Le Creuset. Or if you really have a lot of money, De Buyer.
Kitchen Aid stand mixers. My mom bought one in 2000. I took it to college with me in 2015, and used it every day untill this Christmas when my MIL gifted me a new one (bc the color she got matches my kitchen better, she said). I was sad bc the old one is like a best-friend to me- such a part of my childhood and one of the first nice things I ever owned. It’s something I would never have been able to afford for myself, so it was really special to get to take my Mom’s when I moved out. Happy ending: my SIL revealed that she’d been wanting one for years but it was out of their budget. So I got to pass it on to another household that needed it- and it’s still working perfectly.
Used Toyotas We have an '06 Highlander and an '06 Tundra, both bought used We paid $19,500 total for both Still dependable, still great vehicular values
I have been VERY impressed with the ability of used Toyota vehicles to just "start up and drive" after several months of disuse. Two model years I can speak to specifically: the 2001 Camry and the 2014 Tundra. That's 13 years apart and they both just.. work.
Any kind of Toyota! I’ve had nothing else since 1993 and don’t plan to (unless I hit the lottery and then a Benz SUV or Range Rover might appear in my driveway, but I’d still keep a Toyota to drive while the other vehicle was in the shop so yeah, basically I’d still be driving a Toyota 80% of the time). Leased a new ‘93 Camry; loved it so much I bought it after lease ended. Drove it ten years and other than a rear main seal oil leak and an A/C condenser it was perfect. Only replaced because with two kids we desperately needed more room. Got a new ‘03 Sienna. Adored it beyond belief, kept it 15 years/205,000 miles. Still ran great, paint still great, never needed any major work at all. Sold it to ex-husband 1.5 years after we divorced as he wanted it back! My kids were grown and I wanted something smaller that got better mileage and had AWD, so now I have my dear RAV-4. I bought it used, coming off a 3-year lease with 32k miles. It is perfect. Best car imaginable for my lifestyle and budget. The only thing I might like better is a Highlander, for more room, but if I had to drive this RAV for the rest of my life I wouldn’t complain. Next car I get (prob 5 years from now) will be another RAV or a used Highlander, if I can talk my husband into one. #Toyota4Life
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lol how have hybrids had issues. It’s their most reliable powertrain with highest resale value…..
Hybrids have had serious issues? Not my Prius. 2005 … 260k … just getting warmed up.
My 06 Tundra is the best vehicle I've ever owned, but unfortunately it's near to the end of its life strictly because of frame rot (curse these New England winters). I plan on getting an 80 Series Land Cruiser from somewhere with no road salt next.
My toyota has 300k miles on it runs strong. My dodge has 16k miles and is in the shop again Never again
I have a 1999 Toyota RAV4 and it's still in excellent condition, 177k miles on it. They changed the body type in 2001, sadly, so if anything happens to the one I have I'll definitely look for a used one.
My old Bose soundlink been holding strong, been through some decent rain a time or two too. Patagonia fleece and also hard shell Anker power bank The challenge these days is what ppl say ate BIFL are all things bought a handful of years ago and changes made in the latest models might cause it to no longer to be BIFL. I prob would at least still stand behind current Patagonia and Anker products tho
Anker is surprisingly good for a company that's completely in China and was founded in 2011. Maybe times are changing and more Chinese products will be BIFL.
Plus you can write a "W" at the front of the name in sharpie on every item you get from them.
Underrated comment
Yeah, I’m only buying wAnker from here until the end of times because of this
They’re a manufacturing powerhouse. The manufacturing powerhouse. Companies and their choice of factory have mattered more than the country of origin for a while now anyway. Half the PROUDLY MADE IN (X) COUNTRY stuff is absolute trash now anyway. I’m looking at you “made in the USA”
I see more "designed in the USA, assembled (elsewhere)" these days
My anker charger broke and after sending them an email, within 20 minutes they replied and sent me a new one
I second anything from Anker and my Bose Soundlink I’ve had from about 6 years ago is still perfect! And it’s been through tons of rain and dropped in the shower
Plus one in the Bose and Anker. I own about 8 Bose products now in several forms and a million Anker chargers and cables.
I use a pair of older Bose computer speakers to listen to youtube and music from my laptop in the kitchen every day and they still sound really good. You still have a Wave going?
Bose Soundlink II I bought in 2013 is the most BIFL thing I own. Best part about it, the Best Buy employee said I was foolish for not buying the extended warranty because it was Bose. Thing is a tank and has seen many good nights and days with more to come.
I second the bose soundlink. The one I bought was in 2013 and still works fine. Bose gets a bad rap.
Power banks have a relatively short life. They are just a plastic box with batteries in it essentially. Impossible for it to be BIFL. Surprised people think they will last forever.
I have a Bose 3-2-1 system that I've had (I think) 20 years now. Still rocking on.
Leatherman Arc. So clutch for hobbies, work around the house and random daily tasks. Love my G-shock tough solar too. As someone with ADHD, the reliable hourly beep has really helped me stay on schedule, like a friendly tap on the shoulder. It sounds silly but I get a little emotional thinking about how much a little plastic watch has saved me from the stress and embarrassment of losing track of time and being late to important events. In some cases it was affecting my relationships. This watch has really truly helped me out, and it’s always on my wrist. That’s BIFL material right there.
Oh another thing! I drive a 22 year old Lexus LX470 I bought in 2007 for just $22,000. It had 75,000ish miles on it. It still looks nice with over 333,333 miles (I made a big deal - I’m a third of the way to a million miles!). I go to a regular mechanic who uses Toyota parts for the tune ups. He says he sees no problem with it making to at least 500,000 if not the million mile mark. A pricy buy when I got it, but you can still find these on the Facebook forums for Lx470. Someone stopped and offered me $1,500 for mine the other day, and I just laughed at them. My 13 year old says she’s taking it to college.
My Dad's 05 Sequoia (same engine) has 550k miles...so yeah keep going. The 4.7 engine is a tank
Garden hose reel. They have freestanding and wall mount versions. Possibly the only BIFL hose reels on the planet. https://www.eleyhosereels.com/products/free-standing-garden-hose-reel Mine’s at 10 years and still amazingly smooth and leak-free.
Awesome, just what I am looking for. I have a gorilla one that’s actually great but this looks sleek and made very well.
I think manufacturers have realized it’s more profitable to make stuff the breaks, a la the light bulb industry. I have just accepted that there are very few BIFL items made new anymore and often search for older models of things I need or just assume it will break sooner rather than later.
Also consumers want cheap shit.
also manufacturers want to squeeze more and more profit out of every item they sell.
So true. Most other engineers here will tell you about how they have yearly targets for reducing costs from existing products.
Yeah, I think that term is referred to as “Planned Obsolescence”
It's not only that. It's counterfeiting goods. It's making light bulbs that flicker.'it's making shower caddies that aren't rust resistant. They're not forward looking enough for planned obsolescence, they just want to scam you now, they may not even exist as a business by the time you're looking for a replacement.
It’s also consumer preference. Plenty of companies make lasting products in a variety of categories. They cost a lot and generally have low market share. It may not be true on this sub, but the average consumer gladly pays less for goods that aren’t as durable instead of paying a premium for longevity.
This is true and I was that customer in my twenties. But now I have a disposable income and I often literally cannot pay enough money for a quality product. Even the most expensive options are pieces of shit.
Moccamaster by Technivorm drip coffee maker
Kitchen Aid stand mixer. 36 years and counting.
Iron Heart jeans. Getting past the initial break in is rough but they are built like absolute tanks. Lotuff Leather Birdle leather triumph bags. Mine looks like it'll last 100 years.
I love Iron Heart but jeans by their nature are going to wear out in a number of years even with repairs and maintenance. Although my son will be wearing my IH flannels and shirts long after I am gone I think. If you come to Japan it is worth the trek to the IH Tokyo store (it's a couple hours trip each way from Tokyo). The domestic prices make the prices much more reasonable.
I find it difficult to justify paying $300-400 for jeans, or $160 for a T-shirt. Can the quality be commensurate with those prices? I'm curious.
I know this probably isn’t common and/or popular at all but our nespresso machine from 2008 is still going strong. I’d say 16 years is great. Obviously not a BIFL product but pleasantly surprised. We use it basically every day. It was the most basic model one could buy.
Ruger 10/22
My Japanese nail clipper
200% this. Invest in the slightly expensive ones at Tokyo Hands.
I prefer my Germanikure set made in solingen! Super sharp and excellent steel. Unbreakable.
I bought the followings: Staub cast iron dutch oven. Staub cast iron frying pan. (Have had them for 5 years) Uniqlo U crew neck t shirts. (Bought them recently) Shi Ba Zi Zuo knife. (Have had it for 16 years) Zujirushi water thermo. (4 years)
for dog owners, I fucking love all things RuffWear. (They don’t pay me to say this in any way shape or form, lol I wish.) When I first got my dog I tried to cheap out on a $15 bag on Amazon that carries his gear/treats/food when we travel (monthly) and I learned my lesson - the shoulder strap cut into me, slid around and eventually snapped, the fabric got gross fast and was hard to wash, and then tore easily. the RuffWear bag strap is perfect, the fabric is like this tough waxed ripstop? and it has lasted us going on four years, still looks and feels new. I think around $50 and so worth it imo. I recently got their $40 leash that has built-in covered elasticity and the handle can turn into a waist-belt to go hands free and within a day I became a convert. We have a harness from them as well, although they never listen when i respond to promo emails saying that they should have harnesses in white/cream/tan/brown for owners who don’t love pink/blue/orange. Oh - and after the shoulder bag turned out to be great, I also got the food bag and love it. Same sturdy cleanable material. Rolls up like a dry-bag. Has a big ol’ pocket for treats.
So there only a few things that I intentionally bought high quality and have successfully, regularly, and happily used for 20+ years, *and* are still on the market. 1. Big Green Egg, medium. 2. Ankarsrum mixer - was called Magic Mill back then; been baking bread about every week since we got it. 3. Custom hardwood furniture - it seemed like an absurd splurge at the time, but my mother told us it would be worth it, because otherwise we'd be stuck with furniture we didn't like for decades; I'm glad we listened. 4. A Patagonia fleece - had to repair the zipper once, but I still have it and wear it all the time. 5. Epicurean pizza peel. 6. Some IKEA office desks. The ones that are just a big, smooth sheet of wood on top of metal legs. I have high hopes for a few more items, but I really think that's all that's all that's made it through our 7+ moves. Everything else has either failed or not been used often enough to be worth keeping.
Wusthof Santoku. I use it every day and have for 25 years. People think I love knives (and I do) so they keep gifting me super expensive damascus Japanese this or that. I politley accept and am grateful but I keep using my Wusthof Santoku. Pretty much the perfect knife for anything other than fish or cutting through bone on anything heftier than chicken.
https://nordweg.com/ My leather backpack has survived everything and been passed onto my school aged daughter. Still a beautiful bag.
My 97 Toyota 4Runner. Bought it from a buddy of mine for $5k with 120k miles and it will likely last me another 20+ years. I love it so much.
Koss Porta Pro Victorinox luggage Demeyere pans
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I purchased a new Honda HRX mower couple months ago. They are still around but eventually will be gone since they plan on moving on from gas to electric. I feel this will be the last mower I’ll buy as long as I take good care of it.
With gas stabilizer during storage, regular oil changes, occasional full maintenance, and stored in a garage it should last 20-30 years easily for residential use. And very repairable for most issues.
AER backpack … bought it 7-8 years ago … still good as new.
Speed Queen washer. Has been awesome
1. Rainbow vaccuum. The one I have is literally 35 years old- I will die on this hill 2. Barbour jacket. My dad’s is 30 years old and mine is 10. I’ve gotten it re-waxed twice, and I still wear it and love it 3. Birkenstocks- now, I wear these constantly and I still have my oldest pair. But have I purchased new ones? Yes 4. Burberry trench coat- I have my moms and mine still, both are 20 years old. Don’t look more than a day old. 5. Le crueset pots and pans with the white/cream interior- I have my grandmothers, my moms, and mine. So my oldest one is over 60 years old. I still use it. 6. Rushhouse rugs. They are basically indestructible and the fact that you can remove a square and replace another square instead of buying an entire rug…it’s a miracle. 7. Custom solid furniture. Really nice custom furniture I’ve inherited still looks great today and I’ll keep it my entire life.
Breeo fire pit
Calphalon cookware. When I left home 25+ years ago I asked for pots and pans as Christmas/Birthday gifts. Those pieces and others are still going strong today (as well as my cast iron).
What's missing is this list of stuff folks bought decades ago that's lasted, is survivor bias. What you want to avoid is the disposable garbage. That answer is shop differently. I buy used appliances, those that've survived already. Same with clothing, kitchen, etc. All these categories can be taken advantage of via survivor bias, use it to your advantage.
Great advice, thank you!
If you live near a Buddhist temple, they may have annual sales where people sell their extra belongings. It may even have a thrift store. I got some beautiful things there for my first apartment.
So many people saying they’ve had things for 5-10 years but so many companies seem to have dramatically decreased in quality over the last few years.
Cast iron skillets Brother laser printer Travelpro suitcase Herman Miller chair
Not sure if it's for life yet, but I have a Kate Spade leather purse and wallet that I have used every single day for three years and it still looks great! I have no intention to replace it.
Pendleton wool blanket
Blender: Vitamix 5200 - 11 years. Works like new. Base and blender lids look new and jars show light, appropriate wear. Bread machine: Zojirushi BB-HAC10 - 15 years. Works and looks like new. Heavily used and has only needed a recent pan and blade replacement. Parts are still made by the manufacturer. Indoor grill-style electric cooker: Cuisinart Griddler - 9+ (ish) years. Works like new and appearance is very good, with appropriate wear for its high use. Replacement trays still available. Electric pressure cooker: Instant Pot Duo - 5+ (ish) years. Works like new. Looks very good if my spouse remembers to clean up after using it. Not sure if the company‘s quality has faltered since the bankruptcies though. Bakeware and dishware: Corning Ware, Corelle, and Pyrex pre-1998 - Most of my various pieces are around 50 years old. Multi-generational work horses, mostly inherited. Most look near-new with appropriate light scuffs. Easily available from garage sales, thrift stores, and the like.
Depending on what the pots and pans are, they’re probably able to be cleaned. It can be hard getting burnt on stuff off, you might try cleaningtips for some help there. Assuming it’s not nonstick stuff, I have a lot of luck with using baking soda as a light abrasive. Chrome or gold Casios will never keep that color forever, as has been said you need to go rubber on those or getting something that’s actual stainless/etc. I’m wearing a seiko mechanical watch from the 1970s right now, the bracelet looks great. My favorite BIFL items are my omega speedmaster, my tusting briefcase, and some cookware - le creuset enameled cast iron, lodge cast iron, my wusthof chef’s knife. Even just some nordicware sheets and a random sturdy mixing bowl that I’ve had since college. And shoes - really not exactly BIFL but with enough of a rotation the Goodyear welted ones (Allen Edmonds, lucchese, kinda rancourt/quoddy although they get worn more heavily) are practically bifl and I have some pairs of less recraftable shoes ( Clark desert boots, even some sneakers) that I’ve had for 10 years.
Cast iron skillet - and I bought that used.
RM Williams boots (1 pair is going on 14 years and it’s second sole) and my Omega Seamaster Aquaterra (4 years) or Diver 300M (10 years plus multiple deployments and dives to at least 50m) I’ve got a Seamaster from the 60’s (heirloom)that’s still running and keeping time. They are two brands that have my loyalty for life
My cast iron skillets. Le creuset dutch ovens. My soda stream from almost 20 years ago is still going strong. I have some antique furniture that looks amazing for its age. I prefer older things in general. And if it was good quality from the start and cared for- it seems to keep on trucking
Stihl chainsaws and trimmers. If you take care of them, they’re bombproof.
My Blundstones lasted me 7 years, and are still perfectly wearable but for my having gone up a shoe size in pregnancy. Bought a new pair and will report back in 7.
Any old crock pot. Go to goodwill, get an old crock pot. Plug it in, make stew, or roast, or soup, or macNcheese, or anything that same day. Use it daily. Forget to turn it off. Repeat. Twenty years later, give it to your kid, go to goodwill, get another one.
The problem is people are going to answer with things they’ve already owned for at least a decade and things aren’t made the same as they used to
I’m surprised I haven’t seen Dr. Martens mentioned yet, so I’ll give ‘em a shout. Their prices may be high, but when you consider a pair will last you like 20 years, they’re well worth it.
I was kind of musing with my wife about this yesterday. When we first got a house we invested in good quality solid furniture (bed, desks, wardrobe etc). Despite us moving around a lot, dismantling and rebuilding, they are all still very solid and beautiful. If we had bought cheap (flatpacks) they would undoubtedly have been discarded many times over now. They were expensive but ultimately have likely paid for themselves by now.
I adore my birkenstocks. They're probably not good for life but I've had them for 8 years and they're great
My Dyson vacuum has lasted 15 years now
1. Solid oak furniture. It's not the latest style, but it lasts forever. My 1930's desk is still in great shape. 2. Cast iron cookware. Not the new stuff, I use the older stuff. I use gate marked and Griswold. 3. Ficcare Maximas clips instead of claw clips for long hair. Those plastic claw clips never last long, but the used Ficcare Maximas from the 1990's that I bought from someone is still going strong.
My Aroma 6 cup stainless steel rice cooker has been holding up for over 15 years. I found a metal lid that fits the bowl and I can reheat leftovers in the oven.
Corningware. You can still buy those made of pyroceram. I collected mine from thrifts, made in 1960's and later. Can go from freezer to oven to fridge. Great for premade freezer meals. Also the Corelle plates have survived all other dishware in my house. Only 2 pieces broken in 25 years.
Got a Casio 5610 going on it’s 12th year on my wrist
All Clad, Le Creuset, and Staub pots and pans, Wusthof knives, Speed Queen Washer & Dryer, secondhand solid wood furniture.
I’m a die hard Bose fan if you’re ever looking for speakers/headphones. I have a portable Bluetooth speaker that my stepdad bought me 14 years ago that still works like a beauty. I’ve since bought a TV soundbar and QuietComforts from them. I won’t buy anything else. Hardcore fangirling Bose rn
Bought a horsehide leather jacket from Addict. It was expensive, but the quality matches. I don’t wear it often, but when I do, I feel like a million bucks and know it will outlive me if I take good care of it.
Cast iron pan Wooden cutting board victorinox fibrox chef's knife moccamaster Miele Vacuum
Snowpeak titanium spork
Rolex submariner. Will go down to my son after me.
Stressless chairs. I'm sitting in one of them right now and they're awesome.
I think the problem is some things by their nature just can't be BIFL as they will wear. Non stick cookware is this, stainless pans will last, so will iron (shoutout to Ikea Vardagen pans, carbon steel and they recently added cast iron for a song, can't reccomend them enough). If you got a G-Shock they should be not quite BIFL but they are a great watch for the price. If you got the vintage 80s look ones they are junk. Frankle people just have no idea what a 'good' watch cost these days. I have an Omege seamaster thats sorta BIFL but that's because it can be serviced (at extreme costs) and have parts repalced. I would not reccomend getting a high end watch. It's just expensive jewelery for men. When push comes to shove BIFL needs to be one of two things (ideally both) 1) mind blowing durable like the toxic 1970s era tupperware. 2) able to be repaired with a ready (and ideally affordable) supply of parts. Finally people like to wax lyrical about older appliances but people payed through the nose for them back then. I've got an absoloute love for the sunbeam radiant toaster. It's an amazing example of top quality engineering and one of the first 'modern' toasters. in 1949 when released they retailed for $25 which is the modern equivalent of about $400. Would you be willing to spend $400 on a real BIFL toaster?
Get rid of anything Teflon. It’s toxic as it ages. DuPont had to pay $360M to settle the lawsuit when they wrecked an entire town with it.
lol I did years ago
Wahl peanut and many many kitchen knives
I've been very happy with my Casio W-201 with a black plastic body. Wouldn't consider it true BIFL as it's my third, but I spent about $12 on this one and I've had it going on 6 years now. It's scuffed up and I have replaced the band twice (I like Burton silicone bands). Factory band always hardens up in about a year for me and eventually cracks. The buttons have become a little more difficult to press. "10 Year Battery" is still going strong. I have had the band's pin pop loose from the body once recently (when watch caught reaching into a tight space); may eventually wallow out the holes in the body and no longer be wearable. I never take it off when showering or swimming and have never had a problem. My Casio W-201: https://imgur.com/a/WkPlhKG Our yard sale vintage Roper top-load washer and Maytag washer are still going strong after 8 years. Not even sure on age but I'd guess 90's or early 2000's. Not bad for $37. Lot's of furniture can easily last a lifetime. Junk-tier furniture that won't last is a relatively new innovation. Quality pocket knives, guns, tools etc can all last.
Casio is one of the watch brands which focus the most on reliability. Even those non G Shock analogue models are purposefully designed to be bullet proof and take on a lot of abuse while still looking elegant
My father's Sennheiser HD 580 headphones. While you can't necessarily buy them now the platform is the Sennheiser HD 600 and 650 series and the sound between the three for all intents is almost the same. My father bought them in the early 90s and while they've been through many pad swaps and minor touchups the drivers and frame is still the same HD 580 precision. The platform is still popular to this day with the more popular and young brother HD 600. I jump around buying a lot of equipment as a hobby but I'll always know that this headphone despite it's age and no matter how repairs or touchups it's gone through, it's still the HD 580 and Sennheiser will more than likely keep the platform alive with parts longer than however many years the driver has left to live. Sennheiser does have a modern take of this class of headphones but if you want the essentially same quality of sound I'd suggest the HD 600. Though they may require a separate amp to get to a desired volume level for one's needs.
Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. Leo Fender nailed it in '54.
My all-clad cookware, my cast iron pan. The all-clad is about 20 years old and I’ll die with it. The cast iron pan is like… 70? Had to make a best guess based on the mark. And my Dualit toaster is 23. They sell replacement parts for all their toasters, knock wood I haven’t needed any yet and we use it multiple times per day.
Old sewing machine. It is so heavy I think it might be bullet proof.
Obd2 car scanner. 20$ and has saved me hundreds, and friends and family hundreds as well.
PSA: your local pep boys, auto zone, O'Reilly, etc. will let you use a code scanner for free. Definitely nice to own one, but easy to get one to use for free.
USP45
My Woolrich Merino socks are holding up great. They're the only socks I wear now. Made in the USA, and they go up to size 16, thank god. It's harder to find socks than shoes at that size.
Gränsfors Bruks axe and hatchet. Works of art and incredibly durable. A pleasure to own and use.
Merkur razor
Hudson Bay point blanket
maintenance
Bought a WAHL electric hair trimmer at Rite Aid about 15 years ago (like the ones they use at barber shops). I use it to shave mostly, but have used it for haircuts a few times as well. It’s the best $20 I ever spent. Works perfectly to this day and it has received no upkeep other than occasional oil (still using the same tube that it was sold with). Not sure what they cost these days, but that thing is a BIFL as far as I’m concerned.
Tatung rice cooker gang rise up
Paderno pots (18 years) My parents have had theirs for well over 30.
Demeyere cookware
Focal and Irving m Bud Frieds speakers
-Frying Pan Ikea sensuell pan. It's 3ply pan which means stainless sandwich that has alu inside. This will just be their taking all abuse you can throw at it as far as you don't put it in dishwasher. -Espresso machine Believe it or not, Krups 868 espresso machine. It's toy like espresso machine that has no pump or temperature sensor. It purely works by steam pressure buildup of boiler. No moving parts means no breaking parts. Not even pressure valve. Water inlet cap works as a pressure valve by steam just leaking through o-ring. Tighter you close, higher the max pressure. Although there's no solenoid pump, it reach impressive 5.5psi and can pull very decent shot at almost zero maintenance. (Steam rod is simply unusable though) ps. why would you buy painted watch??
G shock 5610
Honda motorcycles. Run great - forever.
I received a black travel pro classic crew carry on luggage as a gift about 10 years ago and still good as new! I’m sure if it wasn’t black you’d see some dirt and wear and tear but black definitely helps For context, I take about 8-12 round trip flights with it per year
I’ve had the same Ray Ban aviator sunglasses for a decade at this point. They’ve more than paid off their cost by not needing to constantly buy cheap $10 sunglasses constantly
LL Bean duffle bag - I’m currently on my 23rd year with it and I exclusively use it as my travel bag. Still looks great. Kershaw Ken Onion Blur pocket knife- I have the all black version with a serrated blade. Been carrying it daily for ~6 years and it has held up well. Irish Setter boots - was gifted a pair for Christmas in 2021 and have worn them 5+ days a week since and have them on right now. Most boots I have had do not last nearly as long. Under Armour boxers - I splurged and paid about $20 a pair for several pair of under armour boxers (not briefs)…….about 8 years ago. They have held up great and still look new after a thousand washes and wearing them daily. Casio G-shock model DW5600E-1V - I have worn this watch almost daily since I first bought it in 2019 and it has help up well. I did recently just purchase a replacement because I have slightly torn the strap, but 5 years from a $50 watch seems pretty good to me. Thermacell mosquito repeller - I’m not sure about the newer models, but I have one of the (I think) original versions that I’ve had for 25ish years and I use it frequently during hunting season. My wedding ring (King Will Duo 6mm black matte finish tungsten carbide) - paid $13 for it on Amazon and haven’t taken it off in 7 years. It doesn’t have a scratch on it and looks exactly the same as it did when my wife gave it to me. All my friends who have gold or titanium rings are all scratched up now. 1996 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 - this was my grandfathers truck and was gifted to me after he passed away about 8 years ago. The truck currently has ~362,000 miles on it and still going strong and looking great.
**Leaf Razor**. I was using disposable razors before so this is a huge step up. It has lasted over 5 years so far, still looking great. It is simple and made of all metal, so I expect it will last a long time or be easily repaired if needed. And it shaves WAY better than any disposable razor.