All guides

Kitchen guides & buying advice

Every Kitchen Troop guide in one place — air fryers, meat thermometers, water filters, coffee gear, cabinets and food scales, based on research and clear trade-offs.

Research-first guidesUpdated as we publish

Latest guides

Do Countertop Units Eliminate TDS? The Hard Science

Do Countertop Units Eliminate TDS? The Hard Science

You fill a glass from your kitchen tap and wonder if that small box on the counter actually strips out the bad stuff. Most countertop water units do not drop…

|
Do Countertop Purifiers Require Power? Essential Operational Facts

Do Countertop Purifiers Require Power? Essential Operational Facts

Figuring out if your new water filter needs a plug can really slow down your kitchen setup. Some countertop purifiers need power, but many do not. Gravityfed…

|
Why Hot Air Beats Deep Oil for Homemade Fries

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer French Fries at Home

Air fryer French fries cook up crispy on the outside and fluffy inside using circulating hot air instead of a vat of oil. You get the texture of deep fried…

|
How the heating mechanics differ between these two appliances

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven: Which Should You Buy?

An air fryer is a compact countertop convection oven. That's the short answer when comparing an air fryer vs convection oven. Both appliances use a fan to…

|
How Long to Reheat French Fries in an Air Fryer

How Long to Reheat French Fries in an Air Fryer

To reheat french fries in an air fryer, you generally need to set the temperature to 350°F to 375°F and cook them for three to five minutes. This method is the…

|
Best Flooring Ideas to Match Your White Kitchen Cabinets

Best Flooring Ideas to Match Your White Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right floor for a kitchen with white cabinets is one of the most common design dilemmas homeowners face. Because white cabinets act as a blank…

|
How Long Do Countertop Cartridges Last Before Failing?

How Long Do Countertop Cartridges Last Before Failing?

Pouring a glass of water from your counter filter only to find it tastes bad is a huge letdown. Most countertop water filter cartridges last between two and…

|
Why Texture Depends on Prep More Than Cook Time

Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: The Easy Guide

Air fryer sweet potato fries turn out crispy on the outside and tender inside when you cut them evenly, toss them in starch, and avoid overcrowding the basket.…

|
Why Coating Material Matters for Your Countertop Cooker

Best PTFE-Free Air Fryers: Your Complete Buying Guide

A PTFEfree air fryer uses a cooking basket coated with ceramic, stainless steel, or enamel instead of polytetrafluoroethylene. Shoppers look for these models…

|
How Long to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results

How Long to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results

Reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer is the most effective way to restore that freshbaked crunch. While a microwave often leaves the crust soggy and the…

|