10 Fancy-ish Kitchen Upgrades That Are *Actually* Worth It

We’ve teamed up with LG to help you level up your kitchen game. Whether you’re in the market for a new, energy-efficient range or you’re looking to splurge on a state-of-the-art wine fridge, LG has you covered when it comes to reliable home appliances.

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As a recipe developer and cookbook author, I spend the majority of my time in the kitchen. Not only is it the place where I work, but it’s also the central hub of my house. It’s where friends congregate when they come over, it’s where we cook as a family, and, let’s be real, wherever the food is, that’s where I want to be. Needless to say I have a lot of opinions on all things kitchen-related. While I pride myself on being able to cook anywhere, there’s nothing quite like a well-equipped kitchen to make cooking—and gathering—a breeze.

Here are 10 kitchen upgrades that are actually worth the money.

1. LG STUDIO 36” Induction Cooktop with 5 Burners and Flex Cooking Zone

Gas is out, induction is in. It’s no secret that induction cooktops are the way of the future—so why not make the upgrade now? This sleek LG Studio cooktop has five burners and an easy-to-use glass touchpad so you can balance multiple pans at the same time, which makes cooking for a crowd easy-as-pie. While most cooktops have circular burners, this version actually has two square burners so that you can keep casseroles warm on the stovetop without bothering to turn on the oven. Induction cooktops also heat rapidly, so gone are the days of watching a pot of water come to a boil. And if you have kiddos in the house, you can rest assured knowing there’s no way for them to accidentally start a fire or burn themselves on the cooktop—your pans will get hot, but the stove does not.

2. Hestan Copperbond Induction Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

An induction cooktop deserves a new set of cookware to go with it (plus, you’ll need cookware that’s magnetic for the induction to work). I’m a die-hard fan of copper anything, and this collection is no different—it’s also one of the only copper cookware sets that’s induction-friendly thanks to the stainless-steel bottoms. Handmade in Italy, this gorgeous 10-piece copper and stainless-steel set has every size you need to get started making your dream meals in the kitchen. I love that the stainless-steel ensures that heat is distributed evenly resulting in perfectly cooked meals, every single time.

3. LG STUDIO 4.7 cu. ft. Smart InstaView® Electric Single Built-In Wall Oven with Air Fry & Steam Sous Vide

I love a special appliance as much as the next person, but if you’re like me and your kitchen counters are short on space, it’s time to consolidate. Enter: This built-in wall oven from LG Studio that has the ability to work as an air fryer and sous vide, as well as an oven, too. It’s the perfect appliance to inspire creativity in the kitchen.

4. LG 1.7 cu. ft. Smart Over-the-Range Convection Microwave with Air Fry

My partner turned me on to the joys of a convection oven, and now I’ll never have a kitchen without one. I love this microwave that conveniently combines a convection oven, and air fryer all in one, making quick-cooking, reheating, and air frying super low-effort with high (and delicious) rewards.

5. Food52 x Dansk Købenstyle Casserole

A good Dutch oven is the true workhorse of the kitchen. I love this retro version from Dansk, which is made with triple-enameled carbon steel and is sure to cook every soup, stew, and braise as evenly as can be. Not only that, but it’s available in an assortment of candy-hued colors to satisfy every palette.

6. Professional End Grain Maple Board

I’ve been lugging around my butcher block cutting board for over a decade whenever I move. If cleaned properly, these boards truly last a lifetime, only getting better with age. With a ton of surface area, it’s ideal for any prep, from breaking down a chicken to setting up all your mise for dinner.

7. LG 23 cu. ft. Smart wi-fi Enabled InstaView™ Door-in-Door® Counter-Depth Refrigerator with Craft Ice™ Maker

Where do I begin? This is the refrigerator of my dreams. First, there are two separate freezer drawers so you can stock your essentials up top, and bulkier frozen items at the bottom. There’s an easy-to-access door that allows you to reach for all your drinks of choice, without having to open the full refrigerator and letting the cool air out (we love a sustainable moment!). But the real selling point of this refrigerator is its ability to make Craft Ice™—beautiful round spheres that look like the pros made them, ready for any cocktail or mocktail you want to whip up.

8. ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Pro Knives

A good, sharp chef’s knife is arguably the most important tool in the kitchen. And if you’re already making other upgrades, you might as well splurge on a whole set. This set by Zwilling has a knife for all your slicing and dicing needs. Pro tip: Sharp knives are actually safer to use thanks to the ability to control where the blade will move.

9. LG SIGNATURE 15 cu. ft. Smart wi-fi Enabled InstaView® Wine Cellar Refrigerator

If you’re an avid cook, you know the importance of keeping a bottle (or two) of wine in the refrigerator for cooking. After all, wine not only adds acidity to dishes, but also deglazes pans while enhancing the flavor of whatever you’re cooking. But with a fridge full of ingredients, sometimes it’s hard to find a place to store that bottle (or bottles). This wine refrigerator can store a whopping 65 bottles. It also reduces light exposure, locks in humidity, and since red and white wine are stored at different temperatures, this fridge has three optimal temperature sections that can be cooled separately—all from your smartphone.

10. Schott Zwiesel Verbelle Wine Glasses, Set of 6

Every household needs a good set of wine glasses. Inspired by sommeliers, this set of six does double duty for being as elegant as it is durable. Better yet, they’re dishwasher-friendly.

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What are your favorite kitchen upgrades? Tell us in the comments below!

Our friends at LG make reliable, top-notch appliances for your entire home—and we’re particularly fond of the ones they make for the kitchen. From smart ranges equipped with built-in sous vide to dishwashers that leave all your plates, glassware, and cutlery sparkling, LG has an appliance solution for just about everything. Check out their full line of appliances by visiting their site.