I review technology and other products regularly because I love upgrading everyday life and helping other people find things they’ll enjoy, too.
Some upgrades solve a practical problem. Others simply make a room feel more finished. These four fall somewhere along that spectrum, from keeping drinking water within easy reach to adding a finishing touch to the coffee table.
They’re products I’ve enjoyed using, but each makes sense for a different kind of shopper.
Waterdrop CT01: A convenient countertop water station
Listed promotional price: $199.99 with the advertised checkout code; regular listed price $289.99
The Waterdrop CT01 countertop hot and cold water dispenser is the kind of upgrade I appreciate because it fits into something I do throughout the day.
I like having fresh drinking water readily available, and this fits well on my counter. Having a dedicated place to fill a glass is a convenience I enjoy.
The CT01 offers hot and cold water, adjustable dispensing amounts and temperature settings. Its refillable tank holds approximately 1.32 gallons, and it doesn’t require a plumbing connection.
Waterdrop says its filtration system reduces chlorine, rust and sediment. Those are manufacturer claims, rather than results from independent water testing I conducted.
The practical considerations are space and maintenance. You need room for the dispenser, access to an outlet and a routine for refilling and cleaning it. Replacement filters are another ownership expense; Waterdrop lists a filter life of up to six months or 300 gallons, depending on use and water conditions.
A basic filter pitcher costs less and occupies less counter space. The reason to consider this is the convenience of a dedicated dispenser with heating and cooling.
Maestri House DualFro Ultra: For people who enjoy making coffee
Listed price: $129.99
The Maestri House DualFro Ultra milk frother makes the most sense to me as part of a coffee setup you already enjoy using.
I have an espresso machine, so this fits into my interest in making drinks at home. It feels like an accessory for someone who enjoys the process, rather than an appliance everyone needs.
Maestri House lists eight programs, including options for hot and cold foam, dairy and barista-style plant milks, warmed milk and hot chocolate. It uses induction heating and has a detachable pitcher.
That versatility is appealing if milk-based drinks are a regular part of your routine. But think about what you already own. An espresso machine’s steam wand may cover your needs, while someone who primarily drinks black coffee may rarely reach for a separate frother.
If your routine is putting a pod in a Keurig and heading out the door, this could be more appliance than you need. A pod-machine owner who loves making elaborate milk drinks could still enjoy it. The deciding factor is what you actually make, rather than the machine brewing your coffee.
For a serious home coffee enthusiast, though, it’s an enjoyable addition.
Aulumu A18: A phone case with an industrial look
Check the product page for current pricing and phone compatibility
The Aulumu A18 Armor Shockproof Aramid Fiber Case makes sense for someone who wants their phone case to contribute to the look of a device they carry every day.
Its appeal is the combination of technical styling and practical features. Aulumu pairs an aramid-fiber back with flexible TPU, reinforced corners and a raised aluminum-alloy camera guard. Built-in magnets support compatible MagSafe chargers and accessories.
The cooling hardware is an unusual detail. Aulumu says its CoolHyper system uses a thermal pad, aluminum-alloy heat sink and honeycomb vents to help transfer heat. A temperature-sensitive strip changes color as temperatures change.
Those are manufacturer-described features, rather than proof that the case will prevent overheating or protect a phone from every drop.
For me, the deciding factor with an accessory like this is whether the design justifies choosing it over a simpler case. If you enjoy an industrial aesthetic and regularly use magnetic accessories, the A18 has a clear audience. If you mainly want inexpensive protection, a basic case may cover your needs.
Check the exact phone model before ordering. A similar product name or appearance does not guarantee the right fit.
Nomi K coasters: A finishing touch with a luxury price
Price shown for the six-piece set with holder: $143
I love my Nomi K coasters. The Gold Dragonfly Coaster Set with Holder combines dark patterned artwork with a gold-toned holder, making it something I’m happy to leave on display.
The holder matters aesthetically: the set looks intentional even when the coasters are stacked away.
At $143 for six, these are a decorative splurge. You can protect a table for much less money, and I wouldn’t put expensive coasters ahead of essential furniture, lighting or other pieces you still need.
Where they make sense is in an established space where you’re choosing the finishing details. If you already like your furniture and want accessories that feel more considered, this is the kind of purchase that can bring you pleasure without changing the whole room.
I think of them as a finishing touch for a refined space, rather than a starting point for furnishing one.
La Jolie Muse candles: Fragrance and attractive jars
Prices vary by scent, collection and size
La Jolie Muse candles deliver two things I want from a candle: a fragrance I enjoy and a jar I like looking at.
I have the pumpkin-spice and salt-air scents, and I love both. The jars are gorgeous, and I find the candles reasonably priced for something that adds both fragrance and decoration.
The seasonal pumpkin scent and the salt-air option also give me different moods to choose from. I don’t necessarily want the same fragrance in my home all year.
The appearance is a substantial part of the appeal. A candle spends plenty of time sitting unlit, so I appreciate one that still contributes to the room.
Fragrance is personal, though. My enthusiasm for these scents doesn’t mean they’ll suit everyone. Check the size and collection carefully when ordering because the brand sells different vessels and versions, and prices vary.
Of these four upgrades, the candles are the easiest place to start if you want a small change without committing counter space to another appliance or spending more than $100 on an accessory.