9 Game-Changing Products For Your Home That Are Worth Every Penny

An awesome compact air fryer, a no-spill pet bowl, a Dyson that's worth the splurge, and other home products that BuzzFeed editors are loving this month.

We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

This post features a mix of items that we purchased with our own money and those that were provided to us at no cost for the sake of review. (But! We’re under no obligation to write a review of those things, let alone a positive review.)

1. An air fryer as adorable as it is functional, to have you whipping up mouthwatering fried meals with just a fraction of the oil typically needed — and in just a fraction of the time.

Harper Hendrickson / BuzzFeed, amazon.com

After researching and writing a post about air fryers, I reallllly wanted one. But as I am just one smol person in an even smaller kitchen, I had no hopes of bringing an air fryer into my life. They are usually big magical machines that make mountains of crispy fried foods, with little to no oil, by circulating hot air in the food basket. Fried food with little to no oil = the dream, but I just don't have the space for another full-sized appliance in my kitchen. Then, this compact air fryer from Dash entered my life.

I had no idea compact air fryers were even a thing, but I was pretty stoked about it. The Dash air fryer is cute, it's sized for my small kitchen, and it makes the perfect amount of food for one or two people (it as a 1.2-liter capacity). Since I got this thing, I have used it almost every day. It’s great for summer, because it doesn’t make my kitchen blazing hot (looking at you, ~regular~ oven) when I cook. Plus, it cooks things waaay faster than my oven (roasted broccoli in eight minutes, French fries in twelve!), and does so evenly. I’ve also used it to make perfectly crispy tofu, chicken wings, divine fried plantains, roasted Brussel sprouts and carrots, and dumplings. I haven’t eaten out in two weeks (aside from special occasions), because it really has made cooking so much easier! I’m now a person who brings lunch to work every day, and has dinner ready within 30 minutes when I get home.

The air fryer only has to preheat for two minutes, and it has a handy timer so I can prep the second batch or do other things while I wait for my food to cook. You can prepare foods with up to a tablespoon of soy sauce, maple syrup, or oil if the recipe calls for it, and I like to add spices halfway through the fry and shake whatever I’m making, to ensure I’m not missing out on flavor. I love to cook, and there is definitely something satisfying about spending a long time huddled over the stove making a dish — but I am just as (if not more!) satisfied preparing things with this air fryer during the busy workweek. I’d recommend the Dash compact air fryer to anyone who wants to try air frying but doesn’t have a lot of space. It’s truly a perfect device. —Harper Hendrickson

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in five colors).

2. Snuggle-worthy sheets that feel so much more expensive than they actually are and will have you wondering how in the world you ever slept without them.

amazon.com, Elena Garcia / BuzzFeed

There is nothing better in this whole wide world than the feeling of snuggling into bed when it’s covered in soft, fresh, crisp white sheets. Trust me on this! The only way it gets any better is if there is a fuzzy little pooch to cuddle up next to you. In my own personal quest to find this utopia I have cuddled quiet a few dogs and purchased even more sheets. I love buying sheets! So much so that I’ve purchased every kind of sheet out there. From some super expensive, organic, free-range, Egyptian, handmade by monks in France fancy sheets to the discounted, irregularly sewn into the shape of an octagon and discontinued sets from places like HomeGoods.

But the best sheets I’ve ever found are these deliciously cozy sheets from Amazon. (Gratuitous shot of my adorable foster dog, Chanel, above, confirming said statement.) They are, at the risk of sounding crass, fucking amazing!! They’re just so soft and silky, but not like slippery silky just like luxuriously silky. They’re also hypoallergenic, wrinkle and fade resistant, have super deep pockets for my thick-ass mattress, and come in 13 colors — although white sheets are the best sheets sooooo… Seriously, sleeping in clean white sheets is like sleeping in a fancy-ass hotel that just happens to be your house.

I’m on my second set of these sheets (which originally started on the bench but are now the starting lineup), I’ve had my first set for over two years, wash them at least twice a week (YES, I wash my sheets every three days because bed mites are real, and they don’t pay rent), and they’ve survived beautifully! When a girlfriend of mine came to visit she wouldn’t shut up about how much she loved my sheets. She literally ordered a pair for her own bed while she was laying in my spare set. For the price, this set is an easy impulse buy that’ll quickly become a “how did I ever live without these?” purchase. —Elena Garcia

Get them from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king and in 13 colors).

3. A gorgeous scratch-off watercolor map to inspire all your adventures.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I clearly have a thing for scratch-off maps (like this world one I reviewed), so I wanted to grow my collection with a United States map. They make for fun wall art additions and serve as constant reminders as to why I should save the money I'm about to blow on takeout nachos for a memorable trip. For my 30th birthday I asked my parents for this watercolor US map from Etsy that I've had my eye on awhile and it now graces my wall as some major travel inspo.

It comes on high-quality photo paper that I easily mounted with Command strips and the revealed watercolor design is vibrant. Scratching off the gold foil took a little time. But that gave me time to reflect on the rodeos I went to last summer in Wyoming and South Dakota, the time I toured Twin Peaks filming sites in Washington on a whim with my family, and my Pearl Harbor visit during a Hawaiian getaway with my best friend! And the clearly defined state borders keep everything looking nice and neat. I recently posted the map to my Instagram and it provoked lots of wonderful recommendations for places people love in the states I haven't visited (like Goblin Valley in Utah — thanks, Mal)! Traveling is amazing and churns out all sorts of #tbt Instagram posts, but part of the fun is anticipation and deciding just *where* to go. This map keeps it top of mind and because of it I've already planned a trip to Arizona next year with my friend Brecken! —Elizabeth Lilly

Get it from KristinDouglasART on Etsy for $29.65 (available with two title options).

4. A chic and efficient buzz-worthy Dyson vacuum truly worth the investment that might actually make you enjoy the chore just a teeny bit more.

Yi Yang / BuzzFeed

Just a couple of years ago I would have scoffed at the idea of buying a "designer" vacuum — but having recently seen the genuine difference a good vacuum can make, I decided to make the splurge. My grandmother's old vacuum finally stopped working, so I bought her a highly rated Shark vacuum, which was honestly one of the best vacuums I'd ever used. It literally made her five-year-old carpet look like new again.

After witnessing the Shark's performance, I was tempted to get one for my apartment, too, but I simply didn't have enough space for a full-size upright vacuum. I knew I needed an upgrade, though. I was using one of those small corded handheld vacuums that cost less than $40, and I absolutely hated it — I had to crouch down to get into the nooks and crannies, and I never felt like I was doing a thorough job. I took a trip to Bed Bath & Beyond just to browse and test out some stick vacuums, and I was immediately drawn to Dyson's bright magenta and orange selections. I had heard good things about them and read some stellar reviews online, so I was intrigued. I was initially a little bit skeptical about a cordless vacuum, since there's a cap on the running time. I ran the V7 Motorhead over a dirty carpet in the store, and it cleaned it very effectively. I also tested a few more expensive models like the V8 and V10 (which were both more powerful and had longer running times), as well as cheaper models by other brands and ultimately decided that the V7 Motorhead wold be the best option for my budget and space.

The V7 has all the attachments I needed, including a crevice tool for sucking up hairs and a combo tool for furniture and upholstery. It only runs for 30 minutes at a time, but I never really vacuum for that long anyway since my apartment is so small. Dyson also offers a pretty comprehensive warranty and solid customer support service (you can even get free preventative maintenance checks at a Dyson Service Center), so I felt confident about my purchase. Once I brought it home, I mounted the charging/docking station to a wall, which ended up saving me lots of space. I found it to be more than powerful enough for my hardwood floors, and it even ran smoothly over a thick and shaggy rug in my living area. Because I didn't have to crouch down anymore, I became more motivated to vacuum up hairs and dustbunnies from under the desk and around the sink. The vacuum itself isn't too loud and actually makes the chore feel a little less tedious. My floors have never been so clean, and now I actually (semi-)enjoy vacuuming. For me, it was 100% worth the investment! —Yi Yang

Get it from Amazon for $247.99, Walmart for $247.79, or Bed Bath and Beyond for $249.99. Or get a refurbished V6 or V7 Dyson cordless vacuum on sale on Groupon (for a limited time) for $179.99+!

5. A cute rustic-looking tray so you can keep small items in order or serve snacks and drinks with a touch of vintage charm.

Emmy Favilla / BuzzFeed

Sometimes, when you're in your thirties, you get excited about a pretty tray. This is the story of that tray.

In an effort to move toward a system where everything in my apartment at least has a sort-of curated rightful place, I (well, okay, my boyfriend) purchased this charming tray from Amazon. It's got a simple but shabby-chic vintage look, with a pretty patterned woven rattan interior, and it perfectly fits our living room, which has wood accents and lots of brown and beige — though I could see it lending some subtle rustic appeal to rooms with a range of decor styles.

We use it for containing all the odds and ends that would otherwise be strewn about the coffee table or left hanging out in the corner of the couch. It's a simple way to add a little bit of order to a table, counter, or a dresser (and it also prevents our cat from pushing small items off the table's edges, lol), plus it encourages me to clean up at the end of the day and ensure all the remotes, coasters, and candles aren't lying around in random spots.

I'm pretty sure it's meant to function primarily as a serving or snack tray (i's also super easy to clean with the quick swipe of a paper towel), hence the study rope handles on either side, so you could totally use it for that purpose too! I could see it being particularly convenient for transporting snacks and bevs to outdoor seating areas, or for just treating yo' self to breakfast in bed! Am I saying that this tray is a form of self-care? Maybe. Am I also saying that it's a totally cute accent that will make you feel like you've sufficiently organized and cleaned up with minimal effort? Sure am! —Emmy Favilla

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in two sizes).

6. A risk-free Casper mattress that lives up to the hype and just might upgrade the quality of your sleep from here on out.

Casper

After seeing a bajillion advertisements for this thing on the subway, you could say that I’ve been eyeing the Casper mattress brand for quite some time. After a little research (aka quick googling), I realized that nearly everyone who's tried the Casper mattress has loved it — so I decided to finally see if it was worth the hype. (And I usually enjoy hating what everyone else likes because yeah, I’m that person.)

The lowdown? This mattress is, indeed, truly worth the money. Its memory-foam construction is comfortable, sure, but what really helps to give you the perfect night’s sleep is zoned support — meaning this bed cloud is designed to be firmer under your hips (to make sure your spine is aligned while you’re catching some z's), but softer under your shoulders so that you don’t wake up with neck pain or stiffness. As a side sleeper, I often wake up with a GIANT knot in my right shoulder that not even the finest masseuse in all of NYC (my boyfriend, lol) can get rid of. But after sleeping on this mattress? NOT A PROBLEM. In my humble opinion, this “zoned” feature is the pièce de résistance of the Casper mattress.

This mattress is also great if you, like me, tend to sweat whilst sleeping, because it’s designed with open-cell foams! In English: There’s increased airflow, which means that heat is evenly distributed throughout your bed (and not concentrated on where your body is). AND! This mattress is super easy to take care of and clean, because it has an convenient zip-off cover that you can wash when you need to. Conclusion: I really friggin’ love my Casper. (Also! It can take up to 30 days to get used to this memory-foam mattress, but Casper offers a 100-night trial period. If you hate it, they give you a prepaid return label and are happy to issue a full refund. (Seriously. A hundred days!) —AnaMaria Glavan

Get it from Casper or Amazon for $595–$1,195 (available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king).

7. A spill-proof bowl to protect your floors from the wrath of a particularly messy feline (or pup).

Emmy Favilla / BuzzFeed, amazon.com

My cat Benny is a stellar roommate. He's a bug-killing, face-licking, chirp-meowing little furball who loves human attention. But his company comes with the caveat that he also LOVES playing with his water bowl and splashing water all around. He'll stick his paw in the bowl to make the water move around and spill it all over the floor in the process. His hobbies also include pushing around his food and water bowls for sport. (Why????) After stints with a super-heavy, extra-large ceramic dog bowl that was virtually impossible for him to tip over and a plastic tray that would catch an spillage, I recently decided to try a more elegant option, the Neater Feeder, and it's been working out great.

First off the bowl is elevated, which apparently helps aid in digestion and makes feeding time more comfortable for your furry loved ones. Secondly, its design renders it spill-proof: It's composed of a bottom tray that catches any spillover from the water bowl, which, along with Benny's food bowl, remains nestled in the top portion, complete with a drain at the front of the product. I haven't seen a drop of water on my floors since I purchased this thing, and emptying out the lower reservoir is as easy as can be. You just snap the top portion off and spill out all the excess water below into the sink. (While this feeding station is located in a spot that doesn't get a lot of foot traffic, I could also see it being useful in protecting against spillage if you tend to accidentally kicking your pet's bowl often.)

If you've got a messy pet or just want to ensure your floors are always safe from water damage, this feeder is a fantastic investment. —Emmy Favilla

Get it from Amazon for $28.59+ (available in five colors); get one for dogs from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes and six colors).

8. A set of clear plastic shoeboxes with ventilation holes and front access that will put your current shoe-storage system to shame.

Yi Yang / BuzzFeed

I live in a pretty tiny apartment, so organized shoe storage has always been a struggle. I try to keep my shoe purchases to a minimum and have managed to fit most of them onto a regular shoe rack. For the ones I don't wear as often, I used to keep them in their original boxes, but honestly, it wasn't the most attractive storage option. The cardboard boxes were all pretty old and falling apart, and it was hard to unstack all of them to get to the pair of shoes I wanted. All this frustration led to my search for clear shoeboxes — and I found these extra-large plastic shoeboxes with an access panel in the front on Amazon. I ordered them right away.

My feet are pretty big, and most standard shoe storage boxes can't fit my boots and sneakers, so the extra space was very necessary. I was very pleased with my purchase. They are indeed larger than your standard shoe box (definitely check the measurements before ordering to see if they fit in your space); I can fit a pair of sneakers, heels, or boots with room to spare, or even fit multiple pairs of flats or sandals in one. The boxes feature ventilation holes that allow for air circulation to air out your stinky shoes, and the best part is the front panel that can be lifted up to retrieve the shoes directly — no need to unstack the boxes and take off the lid. So convenient!

I don't have enough closet space for shoes so I just store these out in the open, and they're a lot more attractive than the random stack of cardboard boxes I used to have. If you have larger shoes and want a smart storage option, I highly recommend these! —Yi Yang

Get them from Amazon for $32.89 for a four-pack (also available as a "tall" style, in one, two, and six-pack options, and in white, clear, or gray).

9. And a glass mister to make both you and your houseplants very happy.

Bek O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Most of my houseplants are from more humid regions, and spraying their leaves helps them look lush and perky, even when the heat or AC is blasting. I know it's pretty weird to be passionate about a spray bottle, but I absolutely need to tell you about this mister. Just holding it in my hands makes me happy. The bottle is made with thick, dark brown glass and the sprayer is a sturdy plastic. The mist itself is evenly dispersed and covers a lot of the leaves' surface at once. Just a few quick sprays will completely douse my lovely green pals. I wish I could hold a ceremony and award this mister a "Best-Made Product Ever" award. My pilea and peace lily would be in attendance and applauding with their little stems. If you love your plants, spoil them with this fantastic mister. —Bek O'Connell

Get it from Amazon for $8.98.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

Allison Krausman / BuzzFeed