# Tell us about a product that you were pleasantly surprised by its usefulness **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 19, 2022, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838 "2022-09-19T16:15:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/121 "2022-12-31T19:49:47Z")
I presume the Huggies Chef mainly makes barbecue aprons. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/122 "2022-12-31T20:21:58Z")
There were new chip clips in Christmas stockings this year, and we gave our nephew a multi-pan glass lid with a wide silicon gasket. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2022, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/123 "2022-12-31T22:13:44Z")
> [@Jumpbass](#): > > \*Whenever I hear “Pampered Chef”, I picture a Chef wearing disposable diapers. And now, so do I! ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2023, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/124 "2023-01-01T01:11:38Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Pampered Chef, my then wife got a few chip clips We’ve been using [Grip Sticks](https://a.co/d/2Vzk4Hi) for years since buying some at a Home Show maybe 18 years ago. Fine product. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/125 "2023-01-04T13:55:16Z")
I got 36 “chip clips” (clothespins) for $1 at Dollar Tree years ago. They work great for keeping chip bags closed! ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/126 "2023-01-04T20:06:42Z")
I use binder clips for that ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/127 "2023-01-05T00:45:33Z")
I stopped by a friend’s house for a drink, and he lives in a mansion. I had no idea how huge it was (after he gave me a tour, he said “Well, there’s another wing, but let’s skip that…”) His kitchen has a massive fireplace, a hidden fridge (press on the right _Louis XIV_ wall panel to open it), all sorts of upscale gadgets… …and half-empty crisp bags on the counter, held closed with cheap binder clips. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/128 "2023-01-05T19:03:46Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > > [@dougrb](#): > > > > I don’t think you should put magnets in a microwave > > The magnets are polymer-encased and safe. This product has been around for several years and is sold by many vendors. I’ve been using one for years! I love it. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/129 "2023-01-05T19:43:31Z")
A few months ago I bought a [back scratcher](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018EBNSBO/) for $7. I love this thing! I use it at least once a day. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/130 "2023-01-05T19:44:49Z")
We got one of these [Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 toaster oven/air fryer devices](https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Multi-Purpose-Counter-top-Convection-SP101/dp/B07SCGY2H6?ref_=ast_sto_dp) a few years ago, and I was beyond skeptical when we got it. I figured it would be an adequate toaster oven, and everything else would be poor. That’s not the case at all- it’s a good toaster oven, good air fryer, good toaster, and has settings for other stuff like Air Crisp (?), Air Broil, Keep Warm, Bagel, and Air Roast that we have rarely, if ever used. And it flips up vertically when you’re not using it, so it takes up a lot less counter space than when in use. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/131 "2023-01-05T19:53:55Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > A few months ago I bought a [back scratcher](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018EBNSBO/) for $7. I love this thing! I use it at least once a day. Congratulations, you’re now officially old! 😉 (I must get a back scratcher myself, It’s been a long time since I could reach every part of my back with my bare hands…) ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/132 "2023-01-05T20:04:39Z")
> [@bump](#): > > We got one of these [Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 toaster oven/air fryer devices](https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Multi-Purpose-Counter-top-Convection-SP101/dp/B07SCGY2H6?ref_=ast_sto_dp) a few years ago, and I was beyond skeptical when we got it. I figured it would be an adequate toaster oven, and everything else would be poor. Ditto. I thought it was a waste of money until I had to start using it. Now it has become an essential part of my kitchen. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/133 "2023-01-05T21:06:09Z")
We got new floors (luxury vinyl plank) back in the spring, and got a Shark AI Robot vacuum to keep them clean. It’s fantastic- it’ll map out the house, I can divide it up into individual rooms and areas, and then specify where it should clean on demand. I can also schedule it to clean everywhere on a schedule. Only thing it doesn’t do well is avoid little things like left out legos or army men or stuff like that. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/134 "2023-01-05T21:39:26Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > A stocking hat with a rechargeable light. Thanks for this! I got one for taking the dog out after dark, as he loves to poop in dark places. Juggling the leash (while keeping an eye out for coyotes), a flashlight, and a poop bag is a real pain. This will make things a lot easier. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/135 "2023-01-05T22:00:08Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Only thing it doesn’t do well is avoid little things like left out legos or army men or stuff like that. I recently got a Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra vacuum. Top of the line and not cheap. But it _does_ actually avoid toys and other small items via its camera. So far, I’ve only had to disentangle something from the roller once–a thin string that it didn’t spot. In general, it does a much better job than my previous Roomba and Neato units. Also empties/cleans itself. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/136 "2023-01-05T22:25:59Z")
A buddy of mine bought a battery pack that saved him a few times already. It can jump start your car, charge your phone, has a very bright light, and is very solid/heavy. He liked it so much that he bought a few more (how ever many he needed to buy to get a price break) and gave them to his friends. I love mine. The NOCO BOOST HD. > **[Amazon.com: NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter...](https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB70-UltraSafe-Lithium-Gasoline/dp/B016UG6PWE)** > > Buy NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box, Car Battery Booster Pack, Portable Power Bank Charger, and Jumper Cables for up to 8-Liter Gasoline and 6-Liter Diesel Engines: Battery Accessories - Amazon.com ✓ FREE... ETA: one funny thing about this item. The user guide is as thick as an old time telephone book. But the English part is just 4 pages, followed by every language known to man. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/137 "2023-01-05T22:39:24Z")
My mother bought something like that for my brother and me a few years ago for Christmas, though the one she bought is only useful for jump-starting the car. It was helpful a couple of years ago when my car battery was dying. And rather than messing around with the air compressors at gas stations to inflate my car tires, I bought [this gizmo](https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Compressor-Inflator-Emergency-Inflatables/dp/B08TWCMQ8D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HEAE0L3DSCER&keywords=AstroAI+Tire+Inflator+Portable+Air+Compressor+Air+Pump+for+Car+Tires+-+Car+Accessories%2C+12V+DC+Auto+Tire+Pump+with+Digital+Pressure+Gauge%2C+100PSI+with+Emergency+LED+Light+for+Car%2C+Bicycle%2C+Balloons&qid=1672958083&sprefix=astroai+tire+inflator+portable+air+compressor+air+pump+for+car+tires+-+car+accessories%2C+12v+dc+auto+tire+pump+with+digital+pressure+gauge%2C+100psi+with+emergency+led+light+for+car%2C+bicycle%2C+balloons%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1) from Amazon a couple of years ago. It’s powered by the cigarette lighter. It’s basically idiot-proof, in that I just screw the end of the hose to the tire valve, set the display to the desired PSI and turn it on. It runs (noisily) for a while until the tire is inflated to the proper pressure. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/138 "2023-01-05T23:16:05Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Only thing it doesn’t do well is avoid little things like left out legos or army men or stuff like that. It’s a Shark for gosh sake! Enable the option for “eat the children who leave out legos & army men” then soon enough you’ll have a very clean house. Quieter too. And a lot more extra money to boot. Easy Peasy. Another problem solved with a modest proposal. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/139 "2023-01-05T23:18:56Z")
Cooking burgers and stuff in a microwave. The thing works great. > **[Amazon.com: MACONEE Microwave Grill Pan for Cooking, Baking, Nonstick Stir Fry...](https://www.amazon.com/Maconee-Microwave-Cooking-Nonstick-Griddle/dp/B08HQZNS5W)** > > Shop MACONEE at the Amazon Cookware store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Everyday low prices, save up to 50%. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/140 "2023-01-06T14:28:29Z")
If it would just consume the legos and army men, I’d be fine with that. They leave them out, they get eaten. Problem solved. Instead, it’ll suck one up, stop and send me a notification, and I’ll have to go find it and fish out the lego before it’ll continue. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838.md?page=8)