Unexpectedly brilliant purchases

[Parata]

Last year there was a thread where people were recommending purchases they made or gifts they got that were unexpectedly brilliant. I got sleep headphones based off that thread for my birthday, and they have honestly been amazing - have helped me sleep better as I no longer turn to my phone and doom scroll when I wake up, but just put on a podcast or a meditation session and drift off to sleep. (Also got an acupressure mat that has been much less useful).

As my birthday and that of my kids, and as well Christmas approaches, I was hoping it is time to make a new similar thread maybe we could all find the next thing that changes our lives.

😂Nooo you put it in your mouth before you turn it on and switch off before you take it out. I had the ones with the tank you hold in your hand but the rechargeable batteries packed up after a year. It was lidl and had a warranty so I got it replaced but the second one did the same so I've now got a 'waterpik' that plugs into the shaver socket and has a tank on the unit not the handset. That has an off button on the unit but also a temporary stop on the hand set if you just want to move it from side to side. Also has variable jet pressure. The tank detaches and you fill it each time Like this https://www.waterpik.co.uk/white-ultra-professional. I didn't pay that much for it about £35 I think on offer - Black Friday or Summer sale or something. Various different attachments in the top of the tank but I mostly just use the jet. Mouth over sink and just let the water dribble out as you use it.

the mouli mill for making purees is not the same as the mouli julienne.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006WFYHTM?ref=emc_s_m_5_i_atc
Mouli julienne, dishwasher proof. Haven't used one myself but the original mouli kitchen kit always did what was expected.

Ok, @Londondreamer - I saw your post and bought the chopper. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you - does this make you an influencer?

Has anyone got a small ish veg chopper recommendation ?

@PollyCherry as luck would have it, we’re staying with my in laws who have just bought this John Lewis one. Bigger than a normal
mini chopper but it’s v good and can fit more than half an onion, which is all our mini chopper seems to be good for.

Ninja chopper is brilliant imo. Around £30

I have this manual one, bought after a recommendation here. I love it - easy to use and clean and does a surprisingly excellent job.

I don't know why the link didn't work. Here it is again:
https://www.lakeland.co.uk/70588/zyliss-easy-pull-manual-food-processor?srsltid=AfmBOoo7DcDNi59W5AHevPhMc1hD55OVFDl1-TFdtFRkNtr8M5UPlMaNLFM

🙄

I have this one which I inherited from my parents - its wonderful & used regularly

Me too. I have one with a tank. The hand held ones are not so good.

similar still avaialble https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=mouli&i=kitchen&linkCode=ll2&linkId=bdb35bbc04135de58b4f8c43d18fd5d3&tag=mouli-21&ref=as_li_ss_tl

@sofaRunnerhello, can you share a link please? I suppose you cant microwave them though?

@tostaky

you can microwave these, who knew! 😵

Black and Blum is the brand I bought from John Lewis and yes they micro but they get hot hot. Amazon have loads of different ones. Think M&S have them online.

hi,
these are the ones I bought last year. I spent ages looking for something that was made in the UK but without success which is a shame as we do still have steelworks here.

Palmcee Stainless Steel Lunch Box, 850ML Bento Box with Lock Clip, Leak-Proof Portable Food Storage Container for Salad Sandwich, Lunchbox for Adults Kids Camping Travel School Work : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen

There are some UK companies making soap dishes from aluminium using old coke tins & the like but they don't seem to be making lunch boxes yet. One company (green alternatives) sounded as though they were going to be good but on closer inspection there is a lot of green washing going on with the promise of free gifts which turn out to be non-recyclable covered paper nonsense.

I've also got glass lunchboxes which do microwave (from TK Maxx!) but are a lot heavier. The steel ones are light & I love them. Look for bento boxes which are brilliant too

I got one of these recommended on here. It’s brilliant. I put a cm of mouthwash in bottom and lukewarm water. Definitely keep it in mouth when switched on! Feels like a mini hygienist visit each time i use it. I got one for my son as well but he’s not tried it yet. Best thing ever.