Real Life Buyer's Guide

Part II. Value for Money Edition.

Often I consider this newsletter more about buying intelligence than promoting consumerism. Let’s focus on making smart purchases versus just buying things out of boredom, habit or because you were targeted well on IG. After doing a version of this story that focused on higher-end purchases, I wanted to follow-up with a version featuring things I use in my every day life. Below are five of the best buys in my daily rotation.

These stories are fun, so in two weeks I’m going to do another version featuring clothing brands or items that I love. Let’s call that buying for value, clothing edition. Until then let’s get into five things I (probably) wouldn’t want to live without.

Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is my number one most used kitchen item. I love the versatility of them and don’t have to stress about what they are coated with or buying a new one every 10 months. I use cast iron to make everything from eggs, to pizza in the oven to veggies on the grill. People make a big deal about the seasoning process and the whole cleaning thing, but I find that all to be overblown. I sometimes use water and salt over a burner with a Japanese vegetable brush to clean the pan. Sometimes I just use a normal sponge and a little dish soap. It’s as easy as you want it to be.

• The good: Everything about cast iron is good. It lasts forever. It isn’t coated with chemicals. You can use them to cook almost anything. They can go in the oven. They are virtually indestructible. They get better with use.

• The bad: Cast Iron pans are heavy. Also, they are perhaps a bit difficult to clean. Those are the only two downsides in my opinion. ‘

Overall: buy one. Look for a quality pan with a machined cooking surface which will will elevate it’s non-stick abilities. I recommend Field Co., Smithey or buy a vintage Griswold on eBay or at a flea market. More intel on buying cast iron on the original ACL site.