I've heard that argument before but honestly I still just use the same 3 passwords for everything and never had a problem in like 15 years. The risk feels overblown for most people who aren't clicking on obvious phishing links.

Man, that's exactly the kind of thing that makes you want to kick yourself. I spent a whole summer fighting with my hand plane on a bunch of oak boards before a old timer at the lumberyard pointed out I was holding it wrong the whole time. Feels like we all have to learn the hard way on some basic stuff.

@lily89 good call on the bay leaf and garlic, makes a huge difference. Actually, that brine taste is from the processing liquid, not extra salt, but rinsing does help a ton. Soaked beans just have a better texture overall, no contest.

But is using cheap gear actually teaching good technique or just bad habits?

@shane_perry29 I saw a review saying these last way longer, which seals it for me.