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

How to Reset Water Filter Light (Fast Fixes)

How to Reset Water Filter Light (Fast Fixes)

Resetting a water filter light usually takes less than a minute. Install the new filter first, then press and hold the refrigerator’s filter reset button for…

|
How to Bypass Water Filter (Easy Emergency Steps)

How to Bypass Water Filter (Easy Emergency Steps)

A refrigerator water filter can usually be bypassed in an emergency, but only if your model is designed to run without the filter or accepts the correct bypass…

|
Supplies That Safely Cut Through Air Fryer Grease

How to Remove Grease From an Air Fryer the Easy Way

Removing grease from an air fryer takes about 15 to 30 minutes for a standard cleaning. You need hot water, dish soap, and a nonabrasive sponge. If you cook…

|
Why Timing Your Temperature Check Matters

When Should You Check Meat Temperature? The Right Time

You should check meat temperature near the end of the estimated cooking time, never at the very beginning. For a roast that needs two hours in the oven, start…

|
How Long Does an Air Fryer Last? Typical Lifespan Explained

How Long Does an Air Fryer Last? Typical Lifespan Explained

Air fryers generally last between three to five years with regular use. Because an air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven with a highpowered fan…

|
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Price Guide

Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Price Guide

The average cost of kitchen cabinets typically ranges from $2,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the scale of your project, the materials chosen, and whether…

|
Water Filter Housing Stuck? (How to Open It Fast)

Water Filter Housing Stuck? (How to Open It Fast)

A water filter housing stuck in place usually opens quickly once you shut off the water and release the pressure inside the canister. The housing wrench should…

|
Supplies needed before you start scrubbing

How to Remove Burnt Food From an Air Fryer Fast

Removing burnt food from an air fryer takes about 30 minutes for a light mess and up to a few hours for heavy carbon buildup. The basic process involves…

|
Tools That Work Best Over Open Flames

How to Use a Meat Thermometer on a Grill Perfectly

Knowing how to use a meat thermometer on a grill takes the guesswork out of cooking outdoors. You insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, wait for…

|
How Long Does It Take to Preheat an Air Fryer?

How Long Does It Take to Preheat an Air Fryer?

Most air fryers require between three and five minutes to preheat before they reach the temperature needed to cook food effectively. While some modern models…

|