16 Best Home Essentials At JCPenney, According To Actual Customer Reviews

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Whether you're giving your home a spring refresh, moving into a new place, or building a gift registry, JCPenney is a reliable choice for home goods. The iconic retailer has many popular brands in stock along with hundreds of reviews on many items. We scoured the store's home department for products that have at least 100 reviews (some have thousands) and an average rating of four or more stars. 

Many of the items on this list are staples, like bath towels and bed sheets, from JCPenney's in-house brands. They're often heavily discounted, making them a great deal in addition to being a quality product. There are also big names you know like KitchenAid and Ninja, where reviewers share their input on the best models of blenders, mixers, and other common kitchen tools. From highly-rated linens to cooking gadgets, these items received at least 4.5 stars from customers. You can learn more about how we chose these products at the end of this list.

Luxury bath towels aren't always in the budget, but you don't have to completely sacrifice quality for an affordable set. The Home Expressions Solid and Stripe Bath Towels strike a balance between value and durability. They're made with antimicrobial cotton, come in dozens of different colors, and customers rave about how soft they are, especially after a couple of washes.

These towels earn an impressive 4.35 stars from over 4,000 reviews, with 70 percent of those reviews being five stars. "They are well made, very absorbent, and go through the washer and dryer with no problem," says one customer who gave them a five-star rating. Of course, no product is perfect, and some purchasers note that the towels can shed after heavy use. Thankfully, with sale prices often dipping well below $10 per towel, it's not costly to occasionally replace this set.

The Casual Comfort Solid Reversible Lightweight Down Alternative Comforter Set is another value pick. Many customers report stocking up on a couple of these sets at a time, since they're so modestly priced. Plus, reversible comforters are worth it even at full price when you can change the look of your bed with just the flip of a blanket. This set is made with down alternative (making it more allergy-friendly, and is beloved for its softness. Plus the baffle box construction means better airflow throughout the comforter, keeping it fluffy and breathable for all seasons.

Over 1,200 customers give this set an average rating of 4.77 stars, with 85 percent of those reviews being five stars. "I bought this set and am so impressed with the quality, softness, and durability. It washes well and is colorfast," says one happy purchaser.

There are a couple of non-negotiable qualities of good bed sheets. They must stay cool to the touch, and they can't wrinkle like crazy. Reviewers note that the Home Expressions Soft Touch Microfiber Sheet Set checks both of these boxes. They're yet another linen item in JCPenney's arsenal of affordable but quality home products. They also come in dozens of fade-resistant colors and patterns, from versatile neutrals to modern, geometric prints.

Over 2,600 reviewers give these sheets an average rating of 4.46 stars. Plus, 70 percent of those ratings are a perfect five. "The fit is perfect, they wash great, and they feel amazing," says one of those reviews. A few reviewers found the sheets to be too thin for their liking. But JCPenney has a relatively flexible return policy, so you can take the chance and see how they feel for you.

Despite its polyester composition, the Home Expressions Velvet Plush Blanket manages to feel luxurious, according to many happy customers. It's also breathable, which means you can skip the unfortunate cozy-to-clammy experience that comes with some other throws. Most people say it holds up to frequent washes and is pleasantly large for the price. 

The well-reviewed blanket, which comes in colors ranging from midnight purple to egret, averages 4.64 stars from over 2,300 reviews. About 83 percent of reviewers gave it five stars, and one said, "This is the fourth blanket of this brand that I have purchased, so far. It is warm, very soft, and easy to clean. The length is great too. The blanket doesn't come out from the end of the bed while sleeping."

Ninja thought up something special with an air-fryer that cooks food right in a to-go container. Their 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System uses dishwasher-safe borosilicate glass. Each glass container comes with a lid you can snap on to bring your air-fried food with you or to store it in the fridge. In addition to air frying your food, this Ninja gadget has a crisp feature and even a max crisp setting for crunchiness-lovers. Plus, customers say it cooks quickly and evenly, as long as you read the instruction manual first.

Over 550 reviewers give this cooking system an average of 4.7 stars, and 81 percent of those reviews were five stars. And though some customers complain that it can be a bit tricky to clean, others say it's "a dream [they've] been waiting for. Beautiful portable Air Fryer. Compact. Love the glass cooking containers. Easy cleanup." (To get a leg up on cleaning your new Ninja, read about how to clean an air fryer to remove tough grime.) 

It can be hard to find an affordable curtain panel that's billowy and sheer without reading flimsy. But the Liz Claiborne Lisette Rod Pocket Sheer Single Curtain Panel is a budget-friendly curtain that looks way more expensive than it is. The material is light, airy, and lets in the right amount of sun, without looking insubstantial. It's economical (often on sale for $20 or less) but customers say it's also durable and easy to clean. Some reviewers mention purchasing these curtains again and again through the years because of their timeless look.

The curtain panels earn an average of 4.7 stars from about 1,400 reviewers, with 82 percent of those reviews reaching all five stars. "These sheers are beautifully made," says one customer, "and complement any room looking for a soft filtered light window treatment." One quirk to keep in mind: some customers find them a little wrinkly. So, keep your steamer ready for a quick refresh.

A mattress is a personal thing, but when you find one that has glowing reviews from hundreds of customers, it's a good sign it works for a lot of body types. The Serta Perfect Sleeper Cobalt Calm Plush Pillow Top, which sells paired with a box spring, is a cool-to-the-touch crowd favorite. It's made from 53 percent biobased materials and is antimicrobial, helping to keep bacteria at bay. The medium firmness level comes from a combination of individually wrapped coils (which help minimize feelings of movement) and gel-infused memory foam. It's a formula that works well for a lot of folks, as many customers rave that it not only improved their sleep but also reduced their back pain.

Over 1,000 reviewers give this mattress and box spring 4.63 stars. Of those reviews, 80 percent of buyers give it a top rating of five stars. "I couldn't ask for a better bed," writes one reviewer. "Back trouble and all. It's a dream."

Many people who are ready to invest in a stand mixer opt for a KitchenAid standard, the Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Its signature head tilts up and down to make access to the bowl easy. The large capacity and 10 mixing speeds mean you can make enough bread dough for multiple loaves in one batch. Customers say it's durable and worth the investment. And a lot of folks regret waiting so long to get one, especially since the many attachments you can buy (like meat grinders and pasta rollers) make it a daily-use item.

This stand mixer has over 8,000 reviews, averaging 4.8 stars. About 84 percent of reviewers gave it a perfect rating, with one noting that they "used it for cookies, pasta, cupcakes, and other things! Easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store."

If you want to feel like a professional in the kitchen, you have to start with a sharp, quality knife set. It doesn't have to cost you a fortune, either. The Cuisinart Classic Stainless Steel 15-pc. Knife Block Set rings in at under $200. Despite the modest price tag, this set has a lot of thoughtful details that customers appreciate, like hollow handles so the knives don't feel too heavy. Many are fans of the knives' ergonomic, non-slip grips and the high carbon stainless steel blades, which stay sharp longer than some other knives.

Over 575 reviewers give this knife set 4.48 stars, and 72 percent of those reviews are all five stars. "It's clear that durability was a priority in its construction," says one reviewer, "as the blade has retained its edge remarkably well after weeks of use." While a few customers actually found this knife set too lightweight to be comfortable, that's more of a personal preference than a design flaw. So try them out, and take advantage of JCPenney's return policy if necessary.

The older you get, the more you want your bed to feel like an absolute haven at the end of the day. Upgrading to an adjustable mattress base is a good way to achieve that. The Sealy Ease 4.0 Adjustable Power Base is a customer favorite for its ease of use. It comes with a wireless, backlit remote, position lock feature, and adjustable legs. You can use the base to elevate your head, feet, or both. Or opt for a crowd favorite, the zero gravity setting, to feel nearly weightless. So many customers say this base is also the answer they've been looking for for their back pain, snoring, or congestion.

The power base has 4.6 stars from over 750 reviews, and 77 percent of those reviews are five stars. Many report that they are pleased with the quality and that the remote is simple to use. "The adjustable base makes changing sheets so much easier and elevating the head helps with nasal stuffiness," praised one reviewer.

Furniture covers have come a long way from the squeaky plastic protectors that used to shield couches. The best couch covers  protect against messy kids and muddy paws while looking stylish. Case in point, the Linery Patchwork Sofa Protector. It comes in five colors, is stain-resistant, and reversible. Many customers find it essential for protecting their couch from their furry companions, and it's widely praised for being good quality and fitting couches well, so much so that it's often sold out in at least a couple of colors.

Over 700 reviewers give the sofa protector an average of 4.65 stars, with 75 percent of those reviews being five stars. "This is the first sofa cover I have been completely satisfied with, after ordering several others that I returned," says one review. "The color and fit are perfect, and the fabric is thick and comfortable."

The KitchenAid Mini Food Processor is a study in contradictions. It's compact and takes almost zero space on your countertop, but it has the power of a bigger kitchen appliance. It also comes in several colors like a pale aqua and a modern silver, so you can select one that works best with your decor. Customers rave about how durable it is. And tons of people talk about how much time it saves them on food prep. Kitchenaid included features to make this a reality, like multiple speed settings, a pour spout, a drizzle basin, and dishwasher-safe components.

It has over 2,200 reviews averaging 4.65 stars, and 61 percent of those reviews are five stars. "I use this almost every single day," says one customer. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and does a great job both blending and chopping."

With a simple kitchen tool like a hand mixer, the difference between a good and great product is in the details. KitchenAid scores points with customers for thinking of the little things with their Ultra Power 5-Speed Hand Mixer. The beaters are stainless steel, with no center post for food to get stuck on. They're also dishwasher safe. This mixer has five speeds, isn't too loud according to customers, and can make its way through very dense dough.

Nearly 3,000 reviewers rate this hand mixer an average of 4.65 stars, and an impressive 79 percent of those ratings are a perfect score. "It is quieter and much easier to hold than my last mixer. Having the 5 speeds is great," says one happy customer.

The bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster saves room on your countertop with its narrow design. It has one long slot instead of two to maximize space. But don't worry, the slot is still wide enough to fit bulkier favorites like bagels. It also has other features that make life just a bit easier, like a removable crumb catcher, a high-lift lever to get food out, and six different toast settings. Customers really love that it toasts their bread evenly every time they use it.

Around 1,300 reviewers give the bella 2-Slice an average of 4.62 stars, with 80 percent of those reviews being five stars. "I had my first piece of perfect toast this morning," writes a customer. Fits nicely on my counter, taking up very little space. Looks nice."

Ninja gave their Detect Power Blender Pro an IQ upgrade from a standard blender. It uses "blend sense technology" to automatically adjust the speed and timing of whatever you're blending to get the perfect consistency. It has a spacious, 72-ounce pitcher so you can make a lot of drinks at once. And that pitcher can also go right in the dishwasher for a quick and easy way to wash the blender. Customers love it because it's got a strong motor, but it isn't super loud.

Over 100 reviewers give the blender an average of 4.83 stars, with 89 percent of those reviews hitting five stars. One customer says simply that it's an "amazing product! Making smoothies is a breeze. And clean up takes less than a minute."

It can be hard to keep track of Keurig's prolific line of coffee makers. But this one stands out because, one, it has great customer reviews, and two, it can help limit your expensive cafe habit. The Keurig K-Café Barista Bar Brewer and Frother makes cappuccinos, lattes, iced coffees, and other drinks you don't usually get at home. It uses the convenient coffee pods you're used to from other Keurig machines, and comes with an excellent milk frother that impresses customers. It's also sleek and on the smaller side, which is a key factor to consider when picking a Keurig so it's not a behemoth on your countertop. 

This brewer has an average of 4.78 stars from over 200 reviews, and 87 percent of those reviews are five stars. Many praise the frother and its ability to make cafe-quality drinks. "I don't think I'll ever have to go to Starbucks again," says one satisfied buyer.

To be featured in this article, each JCPenney product had to have a minimum of 100 reviews, and those reviews needed to average at least four stars. We chose items that customers would find convenient across a wide range of home needs, and at least sixty percent of reviewers needed to give the product a perfect five-star rating. We kept our eye out for products that were not only affordable, but made life easier — scoring points for convenience, quality, space saving, and durability.