Household Items Worth Splurging On
Spend extra where it matters.
When NOT to be cheap
In the world of homemaking and crafting personal comfort, we have always been warned: “Buy cheap, buy twice.” While some items in our homes can be picked up at a bargain price with little consequence, others are investments that directly affect our safety, health, and quality of life. Knowing when to splurge isn’t about being extravagant—it’s about making choices that prevent hidden risks, improve durability, and provide everyday joy.
Let’s walk through some categories where spending a little extra makes a big difference.
Countertop Cooking Appliances
Small appliances—like kettles, toasters, slow cookers, air fryers, and microwave ovens—are part of the everyday rhythm of modern kitchens. Choosing well-known, reliable brands is not simply about design or efficiency but also about safety. Bargain appliances may look similar, but poorly made electronics can overheat, short-circuit, or even throw sparks during use. A faulty toaster or kettle can trip your power supply or worse, BURN YOUR ACTUAL HOUSE DOWN.
After purchase support
Beyond simple safety, reputable appliances tend to last longer, saving you from the frustration of constant replacements. Larger manufacturers also have a better track record for repairs and replacements. Overall, the experience is simply more stress free. For example, a high-quality kettle with automatic shutoff ensures peace of mind, while a trusted air fryer will cook evenly every time without blowing your circuit breaker. Investing in appliances that are rigorously tested for safety standards means you’re buying more than convenience—you’re protecting your home and family. And getting a crispy nugget every single time!
Cookware
Nothing gets more up close and personal with your food than the pots and pans you use. Old, rusted, or heavily scratched cookware can leach unwanted chemicals or metals into your meals. Non-stick coatings, when scuffed, may release harmful particles, while rust from neglected cast iron or steel can taint your food, and affect the taste.
Splurging on a few high-quality pots and pans is a smart move. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan can last decades if cared for.
Heavy-bottomed saucepans heat more evenly, preventing burnt spots and wasted ingredients. A splurge here isn’t vanity—it’s directly tied to food safety, flavour and quality.
Food Storage Containers (Make the most of meal prep)
It’s easy to underestimate the humble food storage container, but not all plastic tubs are created equal. Repeatedly microwaving food in cheap plastic can release chemicals that leach into your meal. Safe, microwave-friendly containers—such as glass with airtight lids or BPA-free plastics—are well worth the extra rands.
A quality set of containers also helps with organization and portioning, keeping leftovers fresher for longer. They prevent food waste, save money, and simplify meal prep. Splurge here, and you’ll find your fridge and pantry calmer, neater, and safer.
Top Tip: As cute as the brightly coloured containers look, you should always buy transparent glass or high quality plastic…
Trust us. This way you will know at a glance what is in the fridge and you won’t forget about that left-over Tjoppie or Braaidbroodjie from last weekend until it starts to smell…
Heaters and Gas Appliances
Anything that involves heating or gas should be treated with the utmost seriousness. A faulty heater can be a fire hazard, while poorly made gas appliances risk leaks that could cause poisoning or explosions. Splurging on a certified, safe, and energy-efficient heater or gas stove is non-negotiable.
It’s also about comfort—better appliances heat more effectively, consume less energy, and last longer. Safety inspections, warranties, and reliable after-sales support are priceless benefits that come with choosing trusted brands. In this category, a “cheap deal” can come at the highest cost.
Mattresses, Bed Bases, and “Bum Furniture”
We spend nearly a third of our lives lying down, and countless hours sitting—so it makes sense to invest in anything your body rests on. A mattress that provides proper support reduces back pain, improves sleep quality, and has long-term benefits for your health. Similarly, a good bed base or sturdy couch frame ensures durability and posture support.
Cheap chairs and sofas may collapse or warp quickly, while mattresses of poor-quality sag within months.
Top Tip: Think of it this way: if your bum or back touches it for more than an hour each day, it’s worth splurging on the best you can afford.
A Good Leather Sofa
A sofa is more than just furniture—it’s the centrepiece of your living space. A well-made leather sofa doesn’t just look good; it improves with age, developing character while remaining durable. Unlike cheaper fabric options that stain, tear, or sag, quality leather resists wear and is easier to maintain.
Top Tip: Yes, the initial price tag can sting, but when you consider the years—sometimes decades—of use, a premium sofa works out as better value in the long run.
Curtains (Yep…trust us!)
Curtains might seem like a decorative afterthought, but they play a powerful role in comfort and health. Blackout curtains, in particular, can dramatically improve sleep by keeping light pollution out. They also regulate room temperature by insulating against heat and cold, saving money on heating and cooling year round.
Cheap curtains fade, tear, and do little to block light. Splurging on heavy, well-made curtains (with proper lining) is one of those invisible luxuries that you only appreciate fully when you experience how much better your sleep becomes.
For a full guide on how and why sleep hygiene matters, read our previous Weekly Fix on the subject!
Towels and Linens
We often underestimate the role of towels and linens, but think about how often you use them: every single day. Good towels absorb better, dry faster, and feel plush against your skin. High-quality bed linens breathe better, last longer, and can even improve sleep quality by regulating body temperature.
The tactile pleasure of wrapping yourself in a soft towel or climbing into smooth, crisp sheets cannot be overstated. This is a splurge that improves your wellbeing daily.
If investing in one of these big ticket items isn’t withing your reach right now, you can still build up your home and comfort levels, one purchase at a time.
Small, Affordable Splurges That Boost Quality of Life
Not every splurge has to break the bank. Sometimes the little luxuries provide the biggest returns:
- A great coffee cup that keeps your brew hot for longer makes mornings brighter.
- A bath sheet instead of a towel feels like a hug after every shower.
- Plush bathmats make cold mornings softer.
- High-quality chargers with long cables prevent the annoyance (and fire risk) of cheap cords.
- Cuddle blankets add comfort to TV binges.
- A bean-to-cup coffee machine might be extravagant, but every morning it delivers café-quality joy at home. (Get yourself a pretty re-usable cup that fits in your car’s cupholder, and you’ll be saving TIME and MONEY each morning.)
These may seem minor, but over time they quietly elevate the everyday, making home life calmer, safer, and more enjoyable. (And remember: if you bought well the first time, you won’t need to buy again next season!)
Do it for yourself – Don’t try to impress!
Splurging wisely on household items isn’t about showing off or keeping up with trends—it’s about valuing safety, comfort, and durability in the spaces we live in. From the fire safe appliances to the mattress that supports your spine each night, the right household investments can protect your health and dramatically improve quality of life.
Even (if not ESPECIALLY the small things), like that perfect coffee cup, or a super-plush towel, remind us that comfort doesn’t always come with a giant price tag.
