In your desire to save more money, it’s tempting to buy the cheap alternatives to many products you use every day. However, this can be a mistake that costs you more financially over the long term. Because of this, we’ve shared 19 items that you should never cut corners on.
Plastic Kitchen Utensils
Plastic utensils break easily under the most minimal pressure, and it’s easy to see why. They are usually made for single-use purposes, which equally means that they aren’t made to be durable against wear and tear. Metal alternatives assure you of this durability, while wooden and glass utensils protect you from harmful chemicals, as the Guardian shares.
Low-Cost Headphones
There’s a lot wrong with using low-quality headphones. For one, you immediately notice that the sound quality is bad, and then, over time, you discover how relatively uncomfortable they are for your ears. The build quality of the earpiece and cords are also usually found lacking, and you’re soon in the market for another piece to enjoy music with.
Disposable Razors
Disposable razors are termed “disposable” for a reason, and this is that they tend to get dull after one or two uses. These razors, according to Huffpost, are also known to cause skin irritation, leave you with unclean shaves, and even break while in use, posing a serious risk of injury to your face.
Budget Smartphone Chargers
Cheap smartphone chargers might also not be properly insulated, and this typically leads to short circuits and overheating. They also break easily and can even damage your device, potentially causing you to spend even more money. It’s always better to purchase one from a reputable brand, as this guarantees safer, more reliable, and more durable charging.
Fragile Phone Cases
Inexpensive phone cases often offer little protection against drops and impacts, and hence, won’t save you from those costly repairs. They might also get discolored or cracked over time, depending on what they’re made of. And this is why investing in a sturdier cases is safer for your peace of mind and pockets. .
Low-Quality Sunglasses
Cheap sunglasses may lack proper UV protection and break easily, posing a risk to your eye health and forcing you to make constant replacements. The BBC also reveals that you get poorer optics with cheap sunglasses (which are usually plastic) compared to their more expensive glass counterparts. All this means higher-quality sunglasses provide better vision, safety, and longevity for you.
Discount Garden Tools
Budget garden tools often bend or break with regular use, and this can make gardening an even more frustrating chore. With poor ergonomic designs, these tools can cause your hands to get strained over long periods of use too. You should opt for well-made tools that, although may cost more upfront, will last significantly longer and make gardening more efficient.
Economical Watches
Cheap watches can fail not long after buying them, as they usually come with mechanisms that stop working or straps that break easily. These watches, due to quick wear and tear, also often lack accurate timekeeping. Hence, a mid-range watch from a reputable brand that typically offers better longevity and reliability should be your go-to.
Inexpensive Cookware
Low-cost pots and pans may warp, chip, or have non-stick coatings that wear off quickly, affecting food quality. They may also distribute heat unevenly, and this usually leads to either burned or undercooked meals. To make cooking more efficient and enjoyable, opt for more expensive, quality cookware.
Cheap Power Strips
Power strips bought on the cheap may not offer adequate surge protection, and this sadly exposes you to serious fire hazards. Even those that claim to have surges might also see these surges fail during spikes, and you have your devices to pay for this. A certified, high-quality power strip is always a safer choice.
Low-End Electric Kettles
Cheap electric kettles often have poor build quality, and with them , you find yourself dealing with leaks or electrical issues that pose safety risks to you. These kettles might also boil water unevenly. And due to this, to make your daily tea or coffee routine hassle-free, consider investing in a more expensive, reliable brand.
Budget Hair Dryers
Inexpensive hair dryers don’t just overheat, break down quickly, or damage your hair due to inconsistent heat; they also often have limited settings and poor airflow. A quality hair dryer, on the other hand, offers consistent performance, more styling options, and is gentler for your hair health.
Economical Furniture
The Washington Post reveals that the cheap furniture we use today also often uses low-quality materials, resulting in wobbly chairs or easily scratched surfaces. These pieces can also be uncomfortable and lack proper support. And all this means investing in solid, well-made pieces ensures you have furniture that lasts longer, looks better, and provides better comfort and even functionality.
Low-Cost Batteries
Budget batteries may run out of power quickly and can leak, which causes damage to your devices. There’s also the issue that they lack the longevity needed for high-drain electronics. Hence, high-quality batteries should be your go-to, as these offer more reliable performance and will save you from frequent replacements and potential device damage.
Cheap Flashlights
With inexpensive flashlights, you have tools that may have dim bulbs or flimsy construction, rendering them unreliable during emergencies. They also often drain batteries quickly and can stop working without warning, which means you should go for well-made flashlight to get reliable illumination, more durability, and better battery efficiency.
Discounted Shoes
Cheap shoes often lack proper support and wear out quickly, and this leads to discomfort and potential foot problems like blisters and muscle strain after some time. Investing in a well-made pair ensures better comfort and support, and it’ll also save you from wasting money on frequent replacements.
Fragile Toys
Inexpensive toys are even more dangerous than many items on our list. This is because they can break easily, with their little parts now posing a choking hazard to your children. With durable toys from reputable brands, you get safer and longer-lasting pieces that offer better value for your money.
Low-End Luggage
Cheap luggage may have weak zippers and flimsy handles that break under pressure, and this puts your belongings at risk of loss during travel. You may also eventually find moving them hard, as the wheels can jam or break easily too. Investing in quality luggage offers you better durability and convenience on your trips.
Budget Bike Locks
If you don’t want to lose your bikes, avoid going for cheap bike locks as well. These locks might not withstand harsh weather conditions, and they are also often easy to break or pick. Choosing a high-quality lock instead provides better security for your bicycle and better peace of mind for you.
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