this post was submitted on 28 May 2026
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Ideally the answers aren't just political soapboxing.

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[–] otacon239@lemmy.world 32 points 1 day ago (3 children)

Absolutely. I’ve learned over the years that it usually works out pretty well to find out how much the cheapest dogshit option is and aim for an option roughly 1.5x the cost. Obviously not a blanket rule but it covers a surprising amount of common items and I’ve gotten plenty of long-lasting affordable alternatives that I actually enjoy using rather than having the crappiest version of everything.

[–] mech@feddit.org 1 points 3 hours ago

My rule of thumb is the second-cheapest popular option.

[–] gibmiser@lemmy.world 15 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Yeah I look for the cheapest option and go a step or two higer

[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Depends on what it is but as a general rule to start from it isn't a terrible idea.

Veg I will go cheapest because I don't care if a carrot has a curve. Cooking equipment I usually go midrange and try to find out WHY the really expensive ones are better, then look for those specific features if they actually matter.

My bike is quite a bit higher, though there is a very wide range for bikes. I went for the cheapest of the high end bike range at £600. Probably spent close to than in accessories and maintenance by now too. Although some maintenance costs are me buying tools I didn't have before too.

[–] TheAlbatross@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

As much as I'm laughing at people spending more than $50 on a kettle or toaster or toothbrush or what have you and calling themselves clever shoppers, I think it's worth spending on anything that goes between you and the ground, e.g. tires, shoes, bikes, etc.

Though I'm sure that adage has also been incorporated into modern pricing models and every damn thing is a fucking scam to manipulate you into thinking you've made a shrewd and balanced decision when you spend just a weeee bit more.

I despise every company with a fiery passion.

[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 day ago

Expensive doesn't mean the shoes are good, but cheap does mean they are shit. Of course you also get different types of shoe that may not directly compare with others.

Then you also get different shops selling the same product at different prices.

[–] konna@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 day ago (2 children)

I selected my toaster by visiting a store and physically fiddling with the levers. From 20€ onwards, the feeling got noticeably better until 120€ price point after which it got worse. The range ended at 300€ SMEG(ma) toaster that felt like what it sounds like. I’m happy with my 120€ toaster.

[–] blarghly@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

What store are you shopping at that has €300 toasters??? How could anyone ever get that much value from a toaster???

[–] TheAlbatross@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

You spent 120€ to toast bread! I don't think you get it...

[–] Trainguyrom@reddthat.com 1 points 41 minutes ago

Idk some people use their toasters multiple times a day, and at that point it can make sense to spend more on a better toaster

[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 day ago

It's the best toaster apparently. Tbh I don't know why I would care about the feeling of the lever but at least they have the best toaster lever money can buy.

For that kind of money I would expect it to make, cut and toast the bread for me.