bethenny frankel's New $399 "Skinnygirl" Kitchen Tool Is a Money-Saver or a Total Ripoff? Consumer Watchdog Breaks It Down
If you're like most of us, you've seen bethenny frankel's latest viral pitch for a "revolutionary" kitchen gadget that promises to save you hundreds on your grocery bill. The $399 machine, she claims, will pay for itself in under three months by keeping produce from rotting. But before you fall for the flashy Instagram ad, consumer advocates are slapping a red warning sticker on it. We dove into the math, and here's the cold, hard truth.
The gadget, a vacuum-sealing container system for fruits and veggies, costs you $399 upfront plus $50 a year for special bags. The average American family tosses about $1,300 worth of food annually, so the theory sounds solid. But here's the wallet-draining catch: nearly every expert we consulted says you can buy a $20 set of reusable silicone lids and a standard fridge organizer to get the same effect. That's a 95% savings off the bat.
"Bethenny is selling a luxury illusion," says a top consumer analyst. "The math only works if you're already throwing away a ton of expensive organic kale and heirloom tomatoes. Most of us aren't." Translation: This tool is a status symbol, not a budget saver. Your wallet is better off skipping it. If you're tempted by the promise of freshness, just buy a damn produce keeper from the dollar store. Your rent will thank you.