6 ms·

This feels like something that could be ameliorated by trustworthy curation, but The Wirecutter hasn't given good signal for years now, if it ever did, and I ha

This feels like something that could be ameliorated by trustworthy curation, but The Wirecutter hasn't given good signal for years now, if it ever did, and I haven't seen anything else yet. Maybe I should try paying for Consumer Reports

pinko 3y ago
I fear Consumer Reports is having their lunch eaten by Wirecutter, and while they seem attached to a very dated organizational model & visual design aesthetic, CR is SO much more rigorous and honest an organization. I pay for a sub on principal.
- _dark_matter_ 3y ago
  Totally agreed. I actually have both and Wirecutter recommendations have been utterly useless for me. Their entire focus has become "buy buy buy", just look at their homepage with deals and articles.
  - sneeze-slayer 3y ago
    Truly. I think since Wirecutter recommendations are free (at least for NYT subscribers), they make money with affiliate advertising and make more money by having readers who spend money. So, their interest in getting me to spend more money is at odds with my interest in buying a quality product (or skipping it if they all suck!). At least Consumer Reports is a paid product who only gets paid by me.
AtlasBarfed 3y ago
A consumer report subscription will save you money.
habinero 3y ago
I read the comments on wirecutter articles. That's where the good suggestions are, if there are any.
jacobkg 3y ago
Wirecutter is definitely hit and miss but I will say that their upgrade pick for towels (Riley Home) are phenomenal and have held up to everyday use for 3 years and counting: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-towel/ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-towel/
- apothegm 3y ago
  It’s a little sad, though, that it’s now impressive for a towel to last 3 years. The ones my parents bought in 1986 are still in my rotation for everyday use and holding up better than the set I bought (not cheaply) in 2010, which are starting to look like they need replacement.
  - blueridge 3y ago
    Too funny, was just talking about this with my parents. My mom has bathroom towels she bought in 1988 that are still used every day. They're a little faded, but they look great and feel great. I think they're from Ralph Lauren. Same with their bed sheets that show no signs of failure after decades of use. They've had the same comforter since I was 5 years old. Meanwhile we've gone through Parachute, Brooklinen, some sheets and towels from Macy's, and nothing seems to last. I don't know enough about the brands they sell, but thinking we might buy from here next: https://linensociety.com/ https://linensociety.com/
ropeladder 3y ago
You can probably access CR for free through your local library!
massysett 3y ago
My main problem with CR is that when I'm looking for an appliance, it typically recommends a slew of models that simply are not available anywhere. They are all discontinued or out of stock, and they have not tested the models that are widely available. Perhaps they are more worth it for cars, though that is not a frequent purchase. CR is inexpensive enough to be worth it for a homeowner - there is always something breaking that needs replacing - but not as worthwhile as I would hope. I often wind up buying based on poor signals such as brand name and online ratings.

pinko 3y ago

I fear Consumer Reports is having their lunch eaten by Wirecutter, and while they seem attached to a very dated organizational model & visual design aesthetic, CR is SO much more rigorous and honest an organization. I pay for a sub on principal.

_dark_matter_ 3y ago
Totally agreed. I actually have both and Wirecutter recommendations have been utterly useless for me. Their entire focus has become "buy buy buy", just look at their homepage with deals and articles.
- sneeze-slayer 3y ago
  Truly. I think since Wirecutter recommendations are free (at least for NYT subscribers), they make money with affiliate advertising and make more money by having readers who spend money. So, their interest in getting me to spend more money is at odds with my interest in buying a quality product (or skipping it if they all suck!). At least Consumer Reports is a paid product who only gets paid by me.

AtlasBarfed 3y ago

A consumer report subscription will save you money.

habinero 3y ago

I read the comments on wirecutter articles. That's where the good suggestions are, if there are any.

jacobkg 3y ago

Wirecutter is definitely hit and miss but I will say that their upgrade pick for towels (Riley Home) are phenomenal and have held up to everyday use for 3 years and counting: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-towel/ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-towel/

apothegm 3y ago
It’s a little sad, though, that it’s now impressive for a towel to last 3 years. The ones my parents bought in 1986 are still in my rotation for everyday use and holding up better than the set I bought (not cheaply) in 2010, which are starting to look like they need replacement.
- blueridge 3y ago
  Too funny, was just talking about this with my parents. My mom has bathroom towels she bought in 1988 that are still used every day. They're a little faded, but they look great and feel great. I think they're from Ralph Lauren. Same with their bed sheets that show no signs of failure after decades of use. They've had the same comforter since I was 5 years old. Meanwhile we've gone through Parachute, Brooklinen, some sheets and towels from Macy's, and nothing seems to last. I don't know enough about the brands they sell, but thinking we might buy from here next: https://linensociety.com/ https://linensociety.com/

ropeladder 3y ago

You can probably access CR for free through your local library!

massysett 3y ago

My main problem with CR is that when I'm looking for an appliance, it typically recommends a slew of models that simply are not available anywhere. They are all discontinued or out of stock, and they have not tested the models that are widely available. Perhaps they are more worth it for cars, though that is not a frequent purchase. CR is inexpensive enough to be worth it for a homeowner - there is always something breaking that needs replacing - but not as worthwhile as I would hope. I often wind up buying based on poor signals such as brand name and online ratings.