01
Best faucet upgrade
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Moen Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
A pull-down spray head and a docking magnet that actually holds. One of the highest-impact swaps in any kitchen, and doable in an afternoon with basic tools.
02
Kitchen · Upgrades you'll use every day
Kitchen Upgrades & Appliances
You don't need a full renovation to change how your kitchen works. Faucets, filtration, ventilation and a few appliances that get used every week make the biggest difference, and most of them are a single afternoon's work.
Our picks
9 worth your money.
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02
Best hands-free
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Delta Touch2O Touch Faucet
Tap anywhere on the spout to start or stop the water. Great when your hands are covered in raw chicken or bread dough.
03
Best for water taste
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Under-Sink Water Filter System
Filtered water straight from a dedicated tap. It saves buying bottled water and frees up the fridge space a pitcher filter takes.
04
Best ventilation fix
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Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Real ventilation clears smoke, grease and cooking smells before they settle into cabinets and paint. Always check your cabinet width first.
05
Best disposal
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InSinkErator Garbage Disposal
The name plumbers recommend when a disposal dies. The Badger line is the usual direct replacement.
06
Best air fryer
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Ninja Dual-Zone Air Fryer
Two baskets cook two foods two ways and finish together. Replaces the oven for most weeknight dinners.
07
Best multi-cooker
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Instant Pot Duo
Pressure cooker, slow cooker and rice cooker in one appliance. Stews, stocks and dried beans in a fraction of the usual time.
08
Best buy-it-for-life
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KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
The mixer that lasts decades, with attachments for pasta, grinding meat and more. A true buy-it-once appliance.
09
Best lighting upgrade
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Under-Cabinet LED Light Bar
Lights your counters where you actually chop and prep. Plug-in and battery versions need no electrician.
Before you buy
What the pros check first.
Photograph under the sink first
Before you buy a faucet, take a photo of the holes in your sink or counter. The number of holes (1, 2 or 3) decides which faucets fit, or whether you need a deck plate.
Check the hood's ducting
Ducted range hoods vent outside and work best. Ductless (recirculating) models only filter the air, but they're the only option in many apartments.
Measure the counter depth and height
Air fryers and mixers need clearance under upper cabinets. A tilt-head mixer needs room to open.
FAQ
Common questions.
Can I replace a kitchen faucet myself?
Usually, yes. Most take 1–2 hours with a basin wrench and a bucket. Shut off the supply valves first and have new supply lines on hand in case the old ones are corroded.
Are touch faucets reliable?
The major brands are reliable, and you can still use the handle manually if the battery or sensor fails.
Does an under-sink filter need a plumber?
Most kits are designed for DIY. The hardest part is drilling a hole for the dedicated tap if your sink doesn't have a spare one.
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