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Expert Shopper Kitchen

11 things you’ll only need to buy once in your life

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Products made so well that you’ll only need to buy them once

These days, it can be tough to find high-quality consumer goods. Many items are mass-produced as quickly and cheaply as possible, designed to be used (and discarded) for the short term. It's not like our parents' (or grandparents') era when you could buy things that would last. Or can you?

They're few and far between, but those products that you can buy once and (if you take good care of them) use forever still exist. They tend to be on the pricey side, but hey — you can't put a price on heirloom quality, right? When it comes to brands like Le Creuset, Lodge and KitchenAid, we mean literal heirloom quality because these are those rare brands that people do pass down to their kids (and even grandkids). In other words, their longevity makes them well worth the price.

Shop this article: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt., Cerise, Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle, KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer

So, if you're looking to invest in a product one time, these are the buy-it-once items for you.

Heirloom-quality consumer goods you can buy once and use for life

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt., Cerise

Le Creuset, with its French heirloom quality and lifetime warranty on cast-iron pieces, is one of the best-known buy-it-for-life brands out there. If you're getting any Le Creuset piece, get a Dutch oven, a versatile kitchen workhorse that can do just about any job.

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle

This pre-seasoned cast-iron skillet comes nonstick and ready to cook in, no prep work required.

KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer is the only assistant a home baker needs. It can mix, whip, knead dough and more, and it will last for generations if properly cared for.

Teds Wusthof Classic 8" Chef's Knife

This all-purpose chef's knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing, and it's polished by hand for a smooth, extra-sharp finish.

John Boos Boos Block CCB Series Large Reversible Wood Chopping Board

John Boos kitchen products have been made in the U.S. since 1887 and trusted by home cooks and restaurant chefs alike. This reversible cutting board can be used for prep, chopping or display.

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic 7 Function Red Pocket Knife

The classic Swiss Army Knife includes seven tools to meet many purposes, from trimming threads to filing nails and more.

Frye Veronica Short Boots for Women Made from Full-Grain Leather with Antique Metal Hardware

Thousands of reviewers sing these boots' praises, saying they only get softer and more comfortable with time and extra wear.

Stanley Tools 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit

This 65-piece tool kit includes everything a new renter or homeowner needs for basic maintenance and repairs. The tools are all high quality, and a case is included for easy storage and transportation.

CUTCO Model 77 Super Shears 2.0

These sharp shears are comfortable to hold and use, and they come apart for easy cleaning. If you're only going to buy one pair, these are a solid contender.

Bric's My Life 22" Carry-On Duffle Bag

The perfect size for overnight and weekend trips, this bag also slides onto the handle of a roller bag for when you need extra packing space for a longer trip.

Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender, Professional-Grade

If you're only going to buy one blender, make it one that crushes through ice and frozen fruit with ease. The Vitamix Professional Series can make frozen drinks, smoothies, ice cream, soup and more, all at the push of a button.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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