# That thing YOU think everyone should get. Everyone! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 11, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198 "2025-02-11T23:07:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**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:** [February 14, 2025, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/101 "2025-02-14T19:44:04Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > If I understand you correctly, it cut into the metal screwtop of a wine bottle. Those things are made of very thin, flimsy metal so it’s entirely possible it may have cut into that. Bingo! Like I said, cheap wine! ---
**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:** [February 14, 2025, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/102 "2025-02-14T19:50:38Z")
Yeah, that’s the same material as rubber gloves. I like the rubber gloves better because you don’t have to hold them or position them. Just put them on. But I do use the V shaped can opener most of the time. Except when I’m opening a bottle of screw top wine ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/103 "2025-02-14T19:56:05Z")
On the subject of can openers, I have a side-cut can opener that beats every other can opener I have ever had. It splits the ring that closed the can, which means there are no sharp-edged pieces, and what you cut off can be seated back on top of the can in case you fail to use the entire contents. Granted, it does not always work perfectly and can take a little more work to get the can open, but I would never buy a regular can opener after using this kind. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/104 "2025-02-14T20:13:06Z")
Can’t agree more. When I was a machinist’s helper, my machinist gifted me my first caliper. It was sort of a tradition to give your apprentice one. Fifty years later, it is sitting about ten feet from me and I haven’t had to replace the battery once. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/105 "2025-02-14T20:15:07Z")
God yes. Electric can openers, Pffft! One good side opener and knowing how to use it(there is some unlearning from old fashioned can openers), and electrics can stay at the store. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/106 "2025-02-14T20:36:53Z")
[Everybody needs what now?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM7H0ooV_o8) ---
**Author:** ![Orville\_mogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/aeb1de/32.png) [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/107 "2025-02-14T20:44:44Z")
With vocal fry ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/108 "2025-02-14T20:58:34Z")
> [@Zyada](#): > > The jar opener doesn’t work on metal tops. The one time I did that, it cut right through the metal. I have never had this problem. I don’t think the teeth on mine are particularly sharp. They are just grippy textured metal. ---
**Author:** ![Orville\_mogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/aeb1de/32.png) [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2025, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/109 "2025-02-14T21:28:17Z")
We have these. Nice and quiet, but the problem is that if you have a thing about fecal aerosol like I do, you can’t flush until it is fully closed. Which takes a long time… ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/110 "2025-02-15T02:16:59Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > If you boil water, like, ever, you need an electric kettle. But what I **don’t** need is yet another appliance taking up counter space. I only make coffee sometimes, and when I do I use the same small saucepan that works perfectly well to quickly boil water. It’s just about the only thing I use it for except hard-boiling eggs. And don’t kettles develop mineral scaling after a while? The saucepan can be scrubbed and then dishwashed. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/111 "2025-02-15T02:21:17Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > And don’t kettles develop mineral scaling after a while? Sure, but it’s easily removed by boiling up a vinegar/water solution every few weeks or so. Less work even than scrubbing a saucepan. However, I grant you that if maintaining free counter space is a priority, that might reasonably outweigh your need for an electric kettle. (I keep my own kettle on the top of a narrow cabinet that isn’t any use for counter-space purposes anyway.) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/112 "2025-02-15T02:23:34Z")
My kettle has never scaled. It is some kinda stainless interior. I have hard water. I wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t useful to me. If you don’t need it, you don’t need it. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/113 "2025-02-15T03:00:52Z")
Do you know kettle you have? We do french press coffee and also drink tea. I also eat non-instant or quick cook oatmeal every morning and preheat the water. We use our electric kettle often (at least three times per day). If I could put in a 240 circuit for boiling water, I would. But, we also have hard water, even after filtering. Filtering helps, but it’s still a pain. I wouldn’t ever want to go back to a tea kettle/pot on the stove unless I got an induction range. BTW, hard water makes better french press coffee than soft water from my experience. I haven’t read anything about this, but my wife and I agree. We regularly visit a place that has super soft water and the coffee isn’t as good. It could be we need to modify how we make coffee… ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/114 "2025-02-15T03:42:39Z")
It’s a cheapy off of Amazon. I wanna say $20 or less. Black plastic, metal interior. I just looked. No name on it anywhere. I’ve had it several years. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/115 "2025-02-15T03:58:11Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > Do you know kettle you have? I’d encourage you to get one that has a removable lid. That’s the part that always fails on those lids that flip up when you press a button. I’ve got a removable lid one I’ve had for many years, and it works flawlessly every day. It’s a lot like this one, only black with some swanky red trim and a temperature gauge. Not a clue on it to indicate who made mine. [Stainless Steel Hot Water Kettle](https://www.walmart.com/ip/OVENTE-1-7-L-Electric-Stainless-Steel-Hot-Water-Kettle-Auto-Shutoff-Coffee-Tea-Maker-White-KS777W/916615229) The one I linked to also has a removable filter to help with lime scale. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/116 "2025-02-15T04:58:33Z")
Like mine, but mine’s black. Wonder why they’re not logo’d? Weird. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/117 "2025-02-15T06:33:23Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > If you don’t need it, you don’t need it. Loverboy logic ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/118 "2025-02-15T15:45:33Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Like mine, but mine’s black. Wonder why they’re not logo’d? > > Weird. It _is_ weird. I looked everywhere on the unit and there is _nothing_ to indicate who made it. There’s a model number, and I suppose I could Google that together with the search term, “electric kettle,” but the one I linked to is very close except for the color scheme and the temperature gauge. Mine has been a gem, though. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/119 "2025-02-15T17:28:55Z")
Re: electric kettles. Get one that has a “keep hot” feature. Ours will boil the water and then keep it at a simmer for an hour before shutting off. This is an absolute godsend on a busy morning. I’ll wake up, fill the kettle, go shower and dress and when I come back to the kitchen half an hour later the water in the kettle is ~195°. My old kettle would boil the water then shut off. That’s all well and good but 20 minutes after shut-off the water would be ~150°, so would take several minutes to boil again. If I was in a hurry to get to work, this extra time truly sucked. Definitely a First World Problem®, but it was annoying and inconvenient. I like my new kettle. Edit: I think this is the one I have: > **[Amazon.com: Chefman Electric Tea Kettle, 1.8 Liter Hot Water Electric Kettle...](https://www.amazon.com/Chefman-Temperature-Control-Electric-Kettle/dp/B09HSRJT5B)** > > Online Shopping for Kitchen Small Appliances from a great selection of Coffee Machines, Blenders, Juicers, Ovens, Specialty Appliances, & more at everyday low prices ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198/120 "2025-02-15T18:29:55Z")
Maybe I’ve just encountered crappy models, but I’ve never had much luck with those V-shaped jar openers. The ones I’ve tried don’t grip the lid very well unless you press them really hard into the V, which kind of defeats the purpose of the thing. I use a Swing-A-Way handheld opener, which works great and doesn’t require a lot of hand strength. > **[Amazon.com: Comfort Grip Jar Opener, 7.5-Inch, Adjustable Multifunctional...](https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Multifunctional-Stainless-Arthritis-Accessories/dp/B000HMC5JA)** > > "Since 1938, Swing-A-Way has been a trusted name for durable and dependable can openers. This Comfort Grip Jar Opener is an essential addition to your kitchen tools. It easily opens stubborn jar lids and caps with its sharp cutting wheel and... [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-thing-you-think-everyone-should-get-everyone/1014198.md?page=7)