Buy It for Life, Buy It Once Cry Once 2025 Edition

Kiwiboy86 on 10/03/2025 - 14:07
Last edited 10/03/2025 - 14:28 by 1 other user

Hello fellow OzBargainers,

What products do we think are well worth the money and/or fit the 'buy once cry once' category in 2025.

The reason I specify 2025, is some products just aren't made with the quality and care they once had a reputation for. I'm aware there's a prospective guestimate element for products bought today that are still to be battle-tested.

For my buy it once cry once, the list would include:

  • Leatherman multitools
  • Cast iron pan
  • Wusthof knives
  • RM Williams Boots (tbf I bought mine 10 years ago before any of the recent QC failures)
  • Solid hardwood bedframe

For my well-worth-the-money to quality of life/enjoyment improvement ratio, would be:

  • Roborock vacuum with LIDAR
  • DF64 Coffee Grinder
  • ULA Dragonfly Ultra Backpack (I do a lot of backpacking/travel)
  • Universal travel adaptor with USB ports
  • Uniqlo Ultralight Down Jacket

Future purchases I'm considering:

  • Weber Q BBQ
  • Sit/Stand Desk
  • Tools for DIY around the house (need suggestions)

What are your thoughts/suggestions/experiences.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • freakitude on 14/03/2025 - 12:31

    Everki Laptop bags.

    Normally goes for $150 and sometimes half price deals come up. There was a deal once in 2015 where I managed to get it for $25, thanks to OZB.

    Still going strong after 10+ years.

  • sobriety22 on 14/03/2025 - 13:28
    +2

    Quality hand tools - Sidcrome, Wera, Knipex
    Mitutoyo vernier caliper
    Logitech MX mouse and keyboard
    Yes also to the Leatherman but I just don't get to use it enough.
    My go to knife is actually the Milwaukee Fastback with the disposable blades, but the body is built so solidly.

  • Make it so on 14/03/2025 - 14:37
    +3

    Well worth the money and quality of life improvement:

    quality electric toothbrush (with lithium battery)

    Especially for kids once they are old enough to use it.

    Impacted teeth can't be fixed - only patched. And patched again, because fillings don't last. Each time they have to drill a larger hole, until you have to spend $1000's on crowns/bridges. The young generation may live to >100y/o, so they should look after their teeth from young.

    A quality electric toothbrush costs less than one filling from a dentist, and is far more effective than a manual toothbrush.

    • MrThing on 15/03/2025 - 07:20

      Anyone not using an electric toothbrush doesn't realize what they are missing out on

      I switched to an electric brush when I finished school and my teeth feel so much cleaner versus a brush

      I initially switched because I was to rough on my gums brushing, but I wish I switched earlier now

      I didn't buy a fancy one but just a $30 oral b gig, has a timer which is nice so I know I'm brushing for the right length

      • bohn on 15/03/2025 - 12:32
        +1

        electric could be good, espec. for ppl not that great at using a regular toothbrush.

        I had my first clean at the dentist in 4 years, which wasn't even really needed she said, but we did it as it has been 4 years. Previous few years just checkups.

        So a manual toothbrush can be effective if you know how to use it.

        • Gojkins on 19/03/2025 - 18:31

          Everyones teeth and gums are different, and impacted by genetics.
          I had a fancy electric brush but switched to a super soft dense manual brush.
          I can effectively clean my teeth and it is more gentle on my gums.
          Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth.

          • Donmega123 on 19/03/2025 - 23:21

            @Gojkins: A mate of mine swears by Japanese horsehair toothbrushes, he only uses two a year

    • vtml on 17/03/2025 - 12:45
      +1

      Waterpik was a game changer for me. I hate flossing. My dentist always comments what a great job I have been doing using Waterpik with my teeth without flossing. My regular 6-month dental check and clean is usually completed in under 20 minutes.

      • keeperofthegood on 02/04/2025 - 11:43

        I've been eyeing these off for years and haven't actually bought one. Meanwhile I have a nearly untouched packet of those flossers sitting in my vanity drawer that I bought about the same time I started thinking of a Waterpik…

      • NanoDuke on 03/04/2025 - 09:05

        Got a link?

  • Kiro on 14/03/2025 - 15:41
    +1

    Google Pixel 9 pro fold 512gb. Empty pockets, so sad.

  • serpserpserp on 14/03/2025 - 17:29

    ULA Dragonfly Ultra Backpack (I do a lot of backpacking/travel)

    My God this bag is expensive. It has to be in the cry category

  • Windows7forever on 14/03/2025 - 19:33
    +1

    A brick house

    • tenpercent on 14/03/2025 - 20:29
      +6

      Don't go with a straw one or sticks.
      Good life lesson.

  • niknikniknik on 15/03/2025 - 01:01
    +1

    Unifi home networking and security equipment. Game changing over expensive consumer level gear.

    • blimpyboy on 16/03/2025 - 09:44

      I'm considering this.

      What's in your network, and in what way is your current solution better?

      • niknikniknik on 16/03/2025 - 12:58

        UDM Pro, wifi 6 APs and Unifi Protect cameras for CCTV. Used to use upper end Asus/Linksys in the past but would frequently have to restart or had many different portals to manage devices. Managing everything on Unifi OS and remote access is great. Without updates I have had 0 downtime too, and haven't had to upgrade anything in the last 4 years

    • Oipjo on 17/03/2025 - 09:25

      Only had major outages from ISP translate to internet downtime since upgrading to Unifi (maybe 5min per quarter), used to have near daily drop-outs, at least once a week I'd have to do a cold reboot on the modem (was one of those NetGear NightHawks (rubbish)).

      Unifi Dream Machine SE, and 2 x U6 Lite covers our 39sq home / 550m block pretty well, and haven't had issues. I also got a G6 Ultra Turret to test Protect; not overly impressed with app to fetch events, but it does give pretty good clarity; and there if I need it; can move it around as its PoE and house is wired up like a data centre.

      Lots of people who think they have bad internet; have bad network hardware.

  • Taita on 15/03/2025 - 01:36

    Lodge cast iron pans.
    De Buyer pans.
    Pincinox stainless steel clothes pegs.

  • Tyranthyr on 15/03/2025 - 12:57
    +2

    We bought a Mitsubishi Dehumidifier to help remove mould from our unit and it has since replaced our dryer as well (in combination with a laundry rack). The laundry mode on it dries faster than our dryer and without the damage to clothes/sheets etc. Also has an air purifier mode as well, although that's not as good as a dedicated air purifier.

    Expensive investment, but worthwhile given the use we get from it.

    Also 2nd everyone around buying a good office chair if you work from home, and the Roborock vacuum.

  • Ace26 on 15/03/2025 - 13:56
    +2

    Another one for the RM Williams Boots and Webber BBQ.
    I also paid more for and been very happy with the purchases such as a King Living Sofa, Bosch Series 6 Dishwasher, Samsung Washer/Dryer combo (15 years and going strong with minor maintenance), Rostock S5, Solid wood furniture, Hoselink reel and garden fittings to name a few.

    • tazmaniak on 15/03/2025 - 23:16
      +1

      Haha I've been very happy owning nearly all the things you've listed. I might have to buy the remaining items.

  • Captain Cheapskate on 16/03/2025 - 16:41

    If TV's make the cut, make the jump to OLED.
    Once you go OLED black, you'll never go back.

    For the best tried and tested TV recommendations,
    your first if not only review source should be to check out Rtings.com. they really dig deep and let you know what's worth your hard earned $$$

  • SickMyDuck on 16/03/2025 - 16:49

    Arc jacket - atom, beta ar, covert cardigan. Own it for couple years now and still in good condition
    robot vac - roborock S5 is now 7 y/o and still works great
    desk chair - has my ikea markus for 8yrs and still in good shape, very comfy

  • DingoBilly on 17/03/2025 - 13:01
    +1

    Not R. M Williams boots.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2025-03-17/leather-boots-t…

    • NanoDuke on 19/03/2025 - 09:04

      This is timely. Me and my colleagues have been talking boots the last couple of weeks. Me and another guy have Hush Puppies with heels that aren't lasting even a year. We'd been considering RMW..

    • Kiwiboy86 on 18/03/2025 - 20:45
      +1

      Yes they have come a long way - highly recommend one of the more expensive ones with LIDAR and active mopping

      • drhip on 20/03/2025 - 13:14

        Any model you recommend? And the price range pls. Tks

        • vtml on 20/03/2025 - 13:35
          +1

          The Roborock vacuum and mop combos are very good in my opinion.

        • Kiwiboy86 on 20/03/2025 - 19:07

          The Roborock QRevo S seemed good value for money on a sale. Performs excellently in my experience.

  • Donmega123 on 11/04/2025 - 13:34
    +3

    This is a great post maybe it should be a permanent feature

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