Things
Last updated 14 August 2026.
A living list of products I like and would recommend, buy again, or would be disappointed if I couldn’t use anymore.
These products are in a UK context - I’m sure some apply elsewhere in the world, but keep this in mind.
I gravitate towards more natural and sustainable materials (woods, metals, etc.) where possible and sensible. I tend to look for items that will last a long time. For pretty generic things, I search AliExpress first.
A few points on buying stuff:
- If you use something daily, you should probably get something nicer.
- If there’s a book you want you should just buy it unless it’s a super-expensive out-of-print thing, but even then you probably should.
- For art, you should also just buy it assuming you have the money and know what you’ll do with it.
- Don’t buy something if you don’t know exactly what you’ll use it for and roughly how frequently you’ll use it.
- Make sure you know exactly where it will go.
- Don’t buy storage items unless you know exactly what will go into it.
- If you’re replacing something, make sure to get rid of the thing it’s replacing.
Contents
Kitchen
Mercer 8” kitchen knife
Use a sharp knife. It doesn’t have to be carbon steel hand-forged by a Japanese master craftsman.
A simple western-style kitchen knife is enough for most things. I have a Mercer 8” knife that’s not super expensive.
Use a honing rod at least once a week, ideally more frequently. Use a whetstone to sharpen the blade and give it a new edge.
Cast iron pan
Is it more effort? Yes. But it’s worth it. I have this.
Carbon steel wok
Non-stick woks are actual cancer. Get a carbon steel wok and take care of it.
Get a flat-bottomed wok if you’re using a conventional home kitchen hob. Only get a round-bottomed wok if you know you have the facilities to use it - if you’re not sure, you don’t.
Rice cooker
I cook rice quite frequently (I’ve had rice nearly every weekday at lunch for years). If you eat rice or would like to eat rice more frequently, you should buy one. I like the YumAsia Panda. I love how I can press a button and forget about it.
Fryer
If you deep fry frequently, you should get a proper fryer.
I have the Tefal Oleoclean. Temperature control, easy to clean, plus oil storage for better oil longevity. Often on sale on Amazon for ~£90.
Thanks to the rice cooker and fryer, I make the best Katsu curry around.
Probe thermometer
I didn’t have a probe thermometer for so long and I regret not getting one sooner. They’re so cheap you should just get one now.
They’re especially good if you’re cooking chicken, but other meats and food benefit too.
Generic kitchen scales
Under a tenner, weigh your ingredients. I use them every day. Something from Aliexpress is good enough.
Glass straws
I use straws. Paper straws aren’t great. I’ve tried reusable metal straws, but they taste like metal.
I’ve been liking glass straws - they have a much nicer ‘mouth feel’ compared to metal ones, and they have no taste. The downside is that they break if you drop them, and some people have said they can break when you’re drinking and shards can tear up your insides like a wolverine. The seem the best option at the moment and can be found cheap on AliExpress.
Home
Portable air conditioner
A game changer in the UK. Maybe even essential these days?
I have a cheap Netta model that’s no longer available. 8000 BTUs was fine for my small bedroom 5 years ago, but it seems to have lost some efficiency over the years. It’s also quite loud. On net, it’s still very worth it.
If you have the money buy one in the winter when demand is non-existant and they’re cheap (under £300). You’ll feel like a king on the first sweltering day of the year.
Air quality monitor
I was concerned about CO2’s effects on my focus and tiredness throughout the day, so I got this air quality monitor. I think it connects to some smart home stuff or it has an app, but I don’t really care. I mostly use it to help me keep my room well ventiliated in the winter.
Air filter
Related to the air quality monitor, I have a small air filter for my bedroom to filter dust and other particles from the air, as a bonus, it acts as some white noise while I sleep.
Currently have an Ikea UPPÅTVIND because it’s cheap and has cheap filters. It’s enough for my use case.
Home gym
Barbell
I’ve had a Rogue B&R bar for years. 20kg, 29mm diameter.
I think it’s brilliant all-round barbell: powerlifting and weightlifting marks, centre knurling, bronze bushings for rotation. The knurling isn’t too sharp, nor too smooth.
The only issue I have with it is that it’s bare steel, so you have to be wary of rust and you have to oil and maintain it.
It’s so good I haven’t even looked at new barbells since I’ve had it (nearly 10 years).
Bench
I recently upgraded to a REP Nighthawk. Wonderful - sturdy, adjustable, manouverable. Glad I didn’t get anything bigger (mostly a space issue).
Custom belt
I recommend lifting belts. I tend to recommend people try a fairly cheap leather belt to begin with to learn how to use them and get used to them in training.
Once you’re comfortable with your belt, I recommend getting a custom belt. I purchased and imported mine from the USA from Pioneer about 10 years ago, and it’s still fantastic. The only reason I’d get a new belt is just because I want one, and I’d probably order from Pioneer again.
Barbell clamps
Those springy metal clips to hold plates on a bar are terrible. Get a pair of barbell clamps instead.
They’re plastic with a rubber center that you clip on to the bar. Push down on the tab to release and slide off. Very secure and easy to put on and take off. A generic set from AliExpress will be fine.
Personal care
Deodorant crystal
I don’t like spray deodorants, I don’t like roll-ons or sticks, I dislike anti-perspirants, and I don’t really want anything scented.
I found a crystal deodorant that works for me. It’s more effort, but a net benefit compared to alternatives.
Liberally apply to clean wet skin, dry the crystal, and air dry the skin naturally or with a hairdryer. You’ll still sweat, but your underarms won’t smell unless you get really sweaty throughout the day. Make sure you wear a clean shirt too.
Suri toothbrush
Looks nice, battery lasts about a month.
My first electric toothbrush, so I don’t have anything to compare against. I feel like I prefer sonic brushes to rotating ones.
Only complaint is the paint has chipped off of mine so it doesn’t look quite as nice.
Brow razor
I previously used the single blade on the back of a face razor to handle my eyebrows. Switched to a Tweezerman Brow Razor and it’s much nicer.
Wooden comb
Plastic combs cause static and make my hair feel weird. Wooden combs feel much nicer, especially on the beard. I bought this comb twice.
Loop-style earplugs
I don’t use earplugs often, but I have some knock-off silicone Loop earplugs that were under £2 that I keep in my bag.
Travel
Cabin suitcase
I don’t bother with hold luggage anymore. You don’t really need to take all that crap with you. Luggage gets lost far too often. And you have to wait at a conveyor belt with a crowd of other people.
I have a Hauptstadtkoffer Alex. It’s held up pretty well.
Universal travel adapter
An all-in-one travel adapter with USB ports. I have this, but there are other options. Mine has USB-C PD that’s also able to charge my Macbook Air, so it’s literally the only plug I need to take with me. I also just use it at home to power a bunch of USB stuff at once without having to install a USB plug socket.
Other
Insulated stainless steel water bottle
I’m a bit annoyed by water bottle trends that come and go every couple of years - there’s a new brand and style all the time. It kind of defeats the point of a reusuable bottle…
I’ve had my insulated stainless steel water bottle for over 11 years and it’s still going strong. It’s dented and scuffed, but it’s travelled everywhere with me. I dread the day when it becomes unusable. I’d probably get a 500ml Chilly’s one to replace it.
Things I’d like
A few things I think I would like.
- Split air conditioning system
- Japanese toilet washlet
- Gooseneck kettle