Real reviews from someone who actually used the stuff

By Johnny Alto · Independent and reader-supported since 2026

Hi, I'm Johnny Alto, a husband, stepdad, homeowner, and lifelong DIYer. I run UsedItFirst out of my own house, yard, and workshop, which is where nearly everything I write about actually gets used or researched.

UsedItFirst started because I got tired of "best of" lists written by people who clearly never touched the product. Pages of specs copied off a box, five near-identical picks, and not one honest word about what's annoying to live with. So I began writing up the things I actually use, the good, the irritating, and the stuff you only learn after months of ownership.

How a review gets made here

• I buy it myself. With my own money. Nothing here is gifted, loaned, or sponsored by a brand.
• I live with it. Usually weeks to months before I write, because first impressions miss the things that actually matter.
• I list the cons plainly. A review that only praises isn't a review, it's an ad. If something has a real downside, it's in there.
• I compare. Where it helps, I say what else I tried and why this won (or where a cheaper option is good enough).

About the scores

When you see a score like "8.8 / 10, our verdict," that's my own editorial opinion from hands-on use. It is not an Amazon rating, a star average, or a customer-review count, and it isn't pulled from any store. It's just my honest take, spelled out so you can weigh it yourself.

How the site is funded

UsedItFirst is reader-supported. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. That funding keeps the site independent, and it never changes a verdict. You can read the full details on the Affiliate Disclosure page.

Get in touch

Spotted an error, want to suggest something to test, or just have a question? The contact page has all the details, I read every message.