I had hopes of finding at least 1 or 2 things on my list this morning. Went to Walmart (big mistake) to look for a Melita Coffee System, a non-electric coffee bean grinder (didn't really expect to find it at Walmart), a blue metal pot for boiling water on my camp stove, and a few more items.
They had nothing in camping or sporting goods supplies, or in kitchen equipment, but I did meet a nice man to talk to so it made the wasted trip bearable. I also talked to a saleswoman who commiserated with me on finding anything non-electric! From there I went to Home Depot and was soon out of there empty handed as well. What I need is a good, old-fashioned hardware store.
I came home and did some online searching - Bed, Bath & Beyond has the Melita system that I might order. I will never shop at Walmart again, except of course for their Optical Dept, which is completely separate from the Walmart Corp. I have always received perfect service from them.
I will keep trying to find what I want locally, as especially with the coffee grinder I want to see it and hold it and look at the quality before I buy it. Surely that is not asking too much.
I recently had a "Yellow Pages" book delivered to my house, and I nearly threw it away. I didn't, and today did a search for local hardware stores! I wonder how many people use the Yellow Pages these days, when most just look at the cell phone that is permanently held in their hands. Those devices seem to be able to tell you anything you need to know, but I will always be a hold-out. A rebel to the core!
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Hopefully you will find a stores that specializes in non-electric things since Sacramento is such a large place.
ReplyDeleteIf not, have you heard of Lehman's Hardware. They sell all things old-fashioned and non-electric and are in the heart of Amish country.
Pros: Good quality, non-electric hard to find items
Cons: Many items are pricey, shipping is steep, some items are unfortunately imported, you can't hold it in your hands and things about it
I have purchased some things from them and have been pleased.
Here is an old-fashioned, enamel ware coffee pot for a pretty reasonable price. They are a family operated business and send out catalogs too.
https://www.lehmans.com/product/small-royal-blue-enamelware-coffee-boiler/brewing-coffee-tea
I did see Lehman's mentioned online and they indicated it was pricey! I may look to see what they want for a grinder. /thanks for the link.
DeleteI like the grinders but they are a bit pricey, considering I think I paid about $12 for the electric model I've used for years! I wonder if a model is sold that is not specifically for grinding coffee beans - I think that makes them automatically more expensive when you mention coffee beans. Yet I don't know if grinders for regular grains would work for coffee. I'll look for a while longer but will probably come back to Lehman's!
DeleteGosh! End of day boo boos all through my post. Sorry.
ReplyDeletei find boo boos in my posts no matter what time of day it is :-)
DeleteDoes Sacramento have a Cabela's? They have an 8 cup enamel ware percolator for camping.
DeleteThe nearest Cabelas that I know of is in Reno. I usually order from them online if I'm familiar with the merchandise I want to get. I've always been satisfied and used to get their catalogs. I will check it out. Actually I just need the enamel pot, not the percolator equipment, since I'm just going to boil the water to pour over my grounds in the Melita filter. Thanks for reminding me about Cabelas and I'll let you know if I find something.
DeleteYou might also google sporting goods stores in Sacramento. I noticed there is a "Big 5" and some others including one in Folsom. You could call first to see if they had what you wanted.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think of Big 5. I believe we have a couple that I know of. I'll find what I'm looking for sooner or later, but I'm going to pay 3x the price of an electric grinder for a non-elec. model.
DeleteDon't you have REI near you I thought you went there before with your granddaughter?
ReplyDeleteYes, and I'm a longtime REI member. It's just a little bit farther away than I like to drive these days, but I'll get there sooner or later.
DeleteI love that you are getting such good suggestions in your comments. Sorry I can't add any but I do mis the wonderful okd hardware stores. Hone debto and Lowes just can't compare. Most people don't know what they are missing.
ReplyDeleteObviously I have the typo disease too.
DeleteObviously I have the typo disease too.
DeleteWhen I lived in an apt. shortly after moving to Sac., there was an old fashioned hardware store there than had everything! They also had a beautiful antique cash register. I recently went back to get something and of course it closed. People would rather shop online these days.
DeleteHi Sherry. Typos? Are you sure we aren't related?
ReplyDeleteOur non-electric grinder is so superior to the electric ones. I now use my electric grinder for spices. The non-electric thoroughly grinds and you can Get a quality grinder and you will be happy. We use ours every day, so it has been a good investment. Also, here is a link to https://www.sweetmarias.com/product/hario-slim-mill
ReplyDeletewhich is a very interesting coffee site. They also have a mill which is glass. Just more info for your decision. You may find just what you need at a sporting goods store.
I ordered a non-electric coffee grinder but didn't pay very much for it, so I'll see how it works. I may end up having to buy one of a better quality. My electric grinder still works perfectly after years of daily use and it was a very inexpensive model, so maybe I'll have good luck with the manual crank model.
DeleteMany of the brick and mortar (mom & pop) places have been put out of business by the big box stores and online purchasing. There are few options now. I truly miss the old stores.
ReplyDeleteYou are preaching to the choir. I've been saying for a long time that the Big "A" is going to drive a lot of businesses out of existence. They weren't content to be the national bookstore, but expanded to products of every sort, and now they are trying to take over the food industry. I still ask the question of what is going to happen to the tax base? Jobless people aren't paying income taxes; closed up stores aren't paying local, state, and federal taxes; and it goes on and on, and the majority of Americans applaud it. For now.
DeleteIf online shopping keeps growing, it will only get harder to find less sought after items in a store where you can touch it before you buy it:(
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, and I worry about that.
DeleteI'm a hold-out too, I still use the yellow pages.
ReplyDelete