Independent product guidance, with the evidence clearly labeled

By Johnny Alto · Independent and reader-supported since 2026

Hi, I'm Johnny Alto, a husband, stepdad, homeowner, and lifelong DIYer. I run UsedItFirst as an independent consumer-research site. Some products are bought and tested in my own house, yard, and workshop; others are covered through clearly labeled, source-checked research.

UsedItFirst started because product pages often blur first-hand experience, manufacturer claims and editorial opinion. Here, those are kept separate. Hands-on reviews describe what I personally used. Research-backed guides identify their sources, show when facts were checked and never pretend that research is a product test.

Two kinds of coverage

• Hands-on reviews. Products I bought and used myself. These pages say they are hands-on, explain how the product was used and include the drawbacks I found.
• Research-backed guides. Products or fast-moving topics checked against manufacturer documentation, manuals, standards bodies, government sources and other traceable evidence. These pages explicitly say when a product was not tested.
• Corrections and dates. Claims that can change are sourced and dated. If stronger evidence appears, the page is updated.
• No pay-to-play verdicts. Brands do not approve coverage, and commission rates do not determine conclusions.

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.