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CNN
08-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
21 products our editors use on repeat to save them money in the long run
When our editors aren't busy testing products or drafting articles, they're just like everyone else; they have homes to clean, grocery trips to make and errands to run. This also means they know just how quickly all those daily expenses can add up (and eat away at your bank account). Luckily, because we're in the business of testing products, we know exactly what helps us save many a dollar over time. While some of our recommendations might initially strike you with sticker shock, think of them as worthwhile investments that — if you're willing to change a few pesky spending habits — have the potential to save you money in the long run. From a great espresso machine that can eliminate your daily coffee shop run to an at-home hair coloring kit to a simple produce-saving device, these are the money-saving products Underscored editors can't live without. Oxo Rapid Brewer With the price of coffee skyrocketing, I've been trying to make more coffee at home. I've raved about Oxo's Rapid Brewer and I'll continue to do so because it's just that good. It's small but efficient and, more importantly, gets the job done in a matter of minutes. This appliance has saved me from splurging on overpriced cold brews. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Setex Gecko Grip Nose Pads This is such a random little product that I'm so glad I found. As a glasses wearer with a low nose bridge, it's difficult for me to find frames that don't constantly slip down my nose. These little adhesive pads help solve that problem. They stick to your glasses on one side and then the other side has tons of tiny little fibers that are supposed to mimic the way geckos' feet can grip any surface. In this case, they help the glasses stay on, even with makeup, sweat or oil on your skin. At $12 for five pairs (one pair will last me three to four months), they're a cheap solution that saves me from spending hundreds on new frames. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker I'll admit it: I have a sparkling water addiction. I sometimes drink two to three cans a day when I'm in the office. But when I'm home, I make my afternoon beverage with my SodaStream. A can of bubbly easily costs $3 to $5 at the store, so because I invested in a SodaStream long ago, I've been saving money in the long run. I've owned mine for at least five years and the exact model I have isn't available anymore, but it still works great. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Who Gives A Crap Dream Cloths, 3-Pack I buy and use paper towels a lot less after stocking up on various cellulose cloths. I really like the options from Who Gives A Crap, because I love the brand's mission and the cloths themselves have some really cute designs. I use them for wiping counters and cleaning up messes every day, and then throw them in the laundry after a few uses to keep them fresh. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Lettuce Grow Farmstand Nook I can't think of a time when I didn't waste leftover store-bought herbs and leafy greens. While I prep meals every Sunday, I don't cook the same things every week, so some of the herbs and veggies I bought for one meal are forgotten, leaving them to rot in my fridge. That's why this hydroponic indoor garden changed my life. It minimizes my food waste by keeping things fresh, and because it lets me grow my produce from seeds, it's cheaper in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review MicroStitch The Original Tagging Gun Kit I bought this tagging gun last summer, and it's already saved me from spending hundreds of dollars on alterations. I've used it to fix too-high slits on dresses, tighten the waistband on silk pants and close up the arm holes on shirts that showed my bra. It comes with a ton of tiny plastic fasteners (in both black and white) that are virtually invisible on most clothes. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor L'Oreal Colorsonic Hair Coloring Device This device has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars at the hair salon. Ever since I turned 40, my grays are coming through thick and fast, and I went from needing a root touchup once every three months to once a month. Even if you've never been to a hair salon, I'm sure you can imagine how costly that is, especially since I live in NYC, where waking up seems to cost $50. I have had too many box dye disasters over the years so I swore off doing my hair at home — that is until L'Oreal released its Colorsonic device. This makes touching up your roots at home idiot-proof. Just insert the color cartridge, press the button to release the dye and comb through your hair; the bristles at the end of the device disperse the dye evenly through your roots. I was able to cover my grays in about 20 minutes with very minimal mess. This is not a replacement for going to the salon, but it means I can extend my visits a little and save money in the long run. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Thuma Classic Bed and Pillowboard I've sung Thuma's praises before, and I'll sing them again. This ingenious bed requires zero tools to assemble, which comes in handy during moves. My previous bed was super cheap and (barely) got through at least four moves — two of them across the country. I had to get rid of it because the movers lost a bunch of screws during my multiple moves, and it was so squeaky I couldn't sleep. Because of Thuma's brilliant puzzle-like design that doesn't have small parts that'll get lost, it's way easier to move and I know will last me years to come. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Tushy Cloud After testing bidets for nearly four years, I'm still not convinced normal bidets can help you save on toilet paper. However, if you get one with a dryer, your toilet paper usage will actually go down drastically. That's why I love the new Tushy Cloud bidet. It's comfortable and has some of the best tech on the market, including an effective dryer. With this bidet, I only use a little bit of toilet paper to dry some dampness after the dryer does the bulk of the work. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket Two years ago during Black Friday, I finally invested in my first real leather jacket, and I'm never going faux again. While my previous Topshop faux-leather jacket lasted for about five years, it started peeling everywhere and was unwearable. Even though this jacket was still pricey on sale, I know it'll last a lifetime with proper care and it was worth the splurge. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker Before I got my Ninja Creami, I was spending way too much of my weekly grocery budget on Halo Top ice cream. But now that I have this countertop ice cream maker, I can make even healthier, higher-protein ice cream right at home while spending so much less on the ingredients. I've been eating ice cream from my Ninja Creami almost every day for months, so this appliance is definitely saving me money in the long run. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor Read our review Caraway Glass Food Storage Set This splurge-worthy storage set from Caraway helps me avoid wasting food because I can easily store, see and eat leftovers throughout the week. It doesn't hurt that they're aesthetically pleasing and plastic-free too. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack I was so skeptical about these produce savers, but they really do help my produce last longer. I keep one in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator and one in my countertop fruit basket, and I've definitely noticed a difference in how long my produce lasts. No more moldy blueberries or bananas that spoil almost instantly! Inside the small blue apples are little packets that absorb the ethylene gas in the air (they last about three months). In fact, writing this reminded me that my packets are due for a replacement! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine Girl, make your espresso drinks at home! While I still go to cafes, it's now for socializing instead of out of necessity, which saves me a lot of money. Think about it: A small Americano is almost $5 while a specialized latte might cost you $7, depending on the coffee shop. That's $50 to $70 every two weeks (or up to $840 in six months) that you're spending per person, and that's only if you have one cup a day for five days. Invest in a great espresso machine like this one from De'Longhi instead, and you can enjoy great coffee drinks from home and save money in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review Nuuly Subscription During months when I have a ton of events to attend, I always end up spending way too much money on outfits I'll only wear once. So, I finally caved on a Nuuly subscription, and the selection of clothing is both cute and cost-efficient. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Owala FreeSip Water Bottle I haven't bought a plastic water bottle in years, all thanks to the reusable ones I've tested for our guide to the best water bottles. My current favorite is the Owala FreeSip, since it has an ingenious lid that lets you sip or chug. Not to mention it's incredibly cute too. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review Amazon Kindle I love books — both to read and to decorate with — but like everything else, buying the newest literary drops has become increasingly expensive, and sometimes I don't want to root around for hours in a used bookstore hoping I'll stumble on something good. While it's more of an investment up front, my Kindle and a few local library cards have saved me hundreds on physical books. It's a tool every reader should have in their kit, plus it's space-saving, great for travel and lightweight. I'll still treat myself to two or three physical books a year, but my bank account and my reading goals have seen great improvements since I got my Kindle. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor Instant Pot Milk Frother I used to hit up Dunkin' three to four times a week for my coffee fix — mostly because I love the cold foam — but it gets expensive and melts before I can even savor all of it. Once I got this 4-in-1 frother, I've cut my trips down to maybe once a month. It makes the perfect hot and cold foam with just the push of a button. My hack: Instead of using plain milk or cream in the frother, use your favorite flavored creamer. — Lindsey Smith, newsletters editor Therabody Theragun Relief As much as I'd love to get a professional massage multiple times a month to relieve me of my migraines, it's just not realistic, and not to mention, it would cost me a fortune. This easy-to-use Theragun — though an investment initially — always does the trick and saves me a ton of money while I'm at it. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Yeti Rambler 34-Ounce French Press I very rarely buy coffee at a store because with Yeti's ultra-durable French press, I can make delicious coffee at home. I like how easy French presses are to use and the fact they can make multiple cups at once, all with no single-use paper filters that you have to constantly buy. I'm especially fond of Yeti's unit, because I've broken countless glass coffee makers over the years and can't be trusted with anything delicate. Not only is the Yeti French press durable, but it's also insulated so your coffee stays piping hot as it brews. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor LDMA Herritage Hoodie I've been looking for a high-quality hoodie for a while, and this one is worth the investment. It has a stylish, oversized fit without being too baggy, and the soft, durable material means it'll last longer than cheaper options. In the end, it's a money-saver because I won't need to replace it anytime soon. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate editor Jillian Tracy curated our editors' favorite money-saving products that they use every day.
CNN
04-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
21 products our editors use on repeat to save them money in the long run
When our editors aren't busy testing products or drafting articles, they're just like everyone else; they have homes to clean, grocery trips to make and errands to run. This also means they know just how quickly all those daily expenses can add up (and eat away at your bank account). Luckily, because we're in the business of testing products, we know exactly what helps us save many a dollar over time. While some of our recommendations might initially strike you with sticker shock, think of them as worthwhile investments that — if you're willing to change a few pesky spending habits — have the potential to save you money in the long run. From a great espresso machine that can eliminate your daily coffee shop run to an at-home hair coloring kit to a simple produce-saving device, these are the money-saving products Underscored editors can't live without. Oxo Rapid Brewer With the price of coffee skyrocketing, I've been trying to make more coffee at home. I've raved about Oxo's Rapid Brewer and I'll continue to do so because it's just that good. It's small but efficient and, more importantly, gets the job done in a matter of minutes. This appliance has saved me from splurging on overpriced cold brews. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Setex Gecko Grip Nose Pads This is such a random little product that I'm so glad I found. As a glasses wearer with a low nose bridge, it's difficult for me to find frames that don't constantly slip down my nose. These little adhesive pads help solve that problem. They stick to your glasses on one side and then the other side has tons of tiny little fibers that are supposed to mimic the way geckos' feet can grip any surface. In this case, they help the glasses stay on, even with makeup, sweat or oil on your skin. At $12 for five pairs (one pair will last me three to four months), they're a cheap solution that saves me from spending hundreds on new frames. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker I'll admit it: I have a sparkling water addiction. I sometimes drink two to three cans a day when I'm in the office. But when I'm home, I make my afternoon beverage with my SodaStream. A can of bubbly easily costs $3 to $5 at the store, so because I invested in a SodaStream long ago, I've been saving money in the long run. I've owned mine for at least five years and the exact model I have isn't available anymore, but it still works great. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Who Gives A Crap Dream Cloths, 3-Pack I buy and use paper towels a lot less after stocking up on various cellulose cloths. I really like the options from Who Gives A Crap, because I love the brand's mission and the cloths themselves have some really cute designs. I use them for wiping counters and cleaning up messes every day, and then throw them in the laundry after a few uses to keep them fresh. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Lettuce Grow Farmstand Nook I can't think of a time when I didn't waste leftover store-bought herbs and leafy greens. While I prep meals every Sunday, I don't cook the same things every week, so some of the herbs and veggies I bought for one meal are forgotten, leaving them to rot in my fridge. That's why this hydroponic indoor garden changed my life. It minimizes my food waste by keeping things fresh, and because it lets me grow my produce from seeds, it's cheaper in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review MicroStitch The Original Tagging Gun Kit I bought this tagging gun last summer, and it's already saved me from spending hundreds of dollars on alterations. I've used it to fix too-high slits on dresses, tighten the waistband on silk pants and close up the arm holes on shirts that showed my bra. It comes with a ton of tiny plastic fasteners (in both black and white) that are virtually invisible on most clothes. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor L'Oreal Colorsonic Hair Coloring Device This device has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars at the hair salon. Ever since I turned 40, my grays are coming through thick and fast, and I went from needing a root touchup once every three months to once a month. Even if you've never been to a hair salon, I'm sure you can imagine how costly that is, especially since I live in NYC, where waking up seems to cost $50. I have had too many box dye disasters over the years so I swore off doing my hair at home — that is until L'Oreal released its Colorsonic device. This makes touching up your roots at home idiot-proof. Just insert the color cartridge, press the button to release the dye and comb through your hair; the bristles at the end of the device disperse the dye evenly through your roots. I was able to cover my grays in about 20 minutes with very minimal mess. This is not a replacement for going to the salon, but it means I can extend my visits a little and save money in the long run. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Thuma Classic Bed and Pillowboard I've sung Thuma's praises before, and I'll sing them again. This ingenious bed requires zero tools to assemble, which comes in handy during moves. My previous bed was super cheap and (barely) got through at least four moves — two of them across the country. I had to get rid of it because the movers lost a bunch of screws during my multiple moves, and it was so squeaky I couldn't sleep. Because of Thuma's brilliant puzzle-like design that doesn't have small parts that'll get lost, it's way easier to move and I know will last me years to come. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Tushy Cloud After testing bidets for nearly four years, I'm still not convinced normal bidets can help you save on toilet paper. However, if you get one with a dryer, your toilet paper usage will actually go down drastically. That's why I love the new Tushy Cloud bidet. It's comfortable and has some of the best tech on the market, including an effective dryer. With this bidet, I only use a little bit of toilet paper to dry some dampness after the dryer does the bulk of the work. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket Two years ago during Black Friday, I finally invested in my first real leather jacket, and I'm never going faux again. While my previous Topshop faux-leather jacket lasted for about five years, it started peeling everywhere and was unwearable. Even though this jacket was still pricey on sale, I know it'll last a lifetime with proper care and it was worth the splurge. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker Before I got my Ninja Creami, I was spending way too much of my weekly grocery budget on Halo Top ice cream. But now that I have this countertop ice cream maker, I can make even healthier, higher-protein ice cream right at home while spending so much less on the ingredients. I've been eating ice cream from my Ninja Creami almost every day for months, so this appliance is definitely saving me money in the long run. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor Read our review Caraway Glass Food Storage Set This splurge-worthy storage set from Caraway helps me avoid wasting food because I can easily store, see and eat leftovers throughout the week. It doesn't hurt that they're aesthetically pleasing and plastic-free too. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack I was so skeptical about these produce savers, but they really do help my produce last longer. I keep one in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator and one in my countertop fruit basket, and I've definitely noticed a difference in how long my produce lasts. No more moldy blueberries or bananas that spoil almost instantly! Inside the small blue apples are little packets that absorb the ethylene gas in the air (they last about three months). In fact, writing this reminded me that my packets are due for a replacement! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine Girl, make your espresso drinks at home! While I still go to cafes, it's now for socializing instead of out of necessity, which saves me a lot of money. Think about it: A small Americano is almost $5 while a specialized latte might cost you $7, depending on the coffee shop. That's $50 to $70 every two weeks (or up to $840 in six months) that you're spending per person, and that's only if you have one cup a day for five days. Invest in a great espresso machine like this one from De'Longhi instead, and you can enjoy great coffee drinks from home and save money in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review Nuuly Subscription During months when I have a ton of events to attend, I always end up spending way too much money on outfits I'll only wear once. So, I finally caved on a Nuuly subscription, and the selection of clothing is both cute and cost-efficient. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Owala FreeSip Water Bottle I haven't bought a plastic water bottle in years, all thanks to the reusable ones I've tested for our guide to the best water bottles. My current favorite is the Owala FreeSip, since it has an ingenious lid that lets you sip or chug. Not to mention it's incredibly cute too. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review Amazon Kindle I love books — both to read and to decorate with — but like everything else, buying the newest literary drops has become increasingly expensive, and sometimes I don't want to root around for hours in a used bookstore hoping I'll stumble on something good. While it's more of an investment up front, my Kindle and a few local library cards have saved me hundreds on physical books. It's a tool every reader should have in their kit, plus it's space-saving, great for travel and lightweight. I'll still treat myself to two or three physical books a year, but my bank account and my reading goals have seen great improvements since I got my Kindle. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor Instant Pot Milk Frother I used to hit up Dunkin' three to four times a week for my coffee fix — mostly because I love the cold foam — but it gets expensive and melts before I can even savor all of it. Once I got this 4-in-1 frother, I've cut my trips down to maybe once a month. It makes the perfect hot and cold foam with just the push of a button. My hack: Instead of using plain milk or cream in the frother, use your favorite flavored creamer. — Lindsey Smith, newsletters editor Therabody Theragun Relief As much as I'd love to get a professional massage multiple times a month to relieve me of my migraines, it's just not realistic, and not to mention, it would cost me a fortune. This easy-to-use Theragun — though an investment initially — always does the trick and saves me a ton of money while I'm at it. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review Yeti Rambler 34-Ounce French Press I very rarely buy coffee at a store because with Yeti's ultra-durable French press, I can make delicious coffee at home. I like how easy French presses are to use and the fact they can make multiple cups at once, all with no single-use paper filters that you have to constantly buy. I'm especially fond of Yeti's unit, because I've broken countless glass coffee makers over the years and can't be trusted with anything delicate. Not only is the Yeti French press durable, but it's also insulated so your coffee stays piping hot as it brews. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor LDMA Herritage Hoodie I've been looking for a high-quality hoodie for a while, and this one is worth the investment. It has a stylish, oversized fit without being too baggy, and the soft, durable material means it'll last longer than cheaper options. In the end, it's a money-saver because I won't need to replace it anytime soon. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate editor Jillian Tracy curated our editors' favorite money-saving products that they use every day.
