NYT Crossword Hints & Solutions for Jan 8

Strands #311 (January 8, 2025): Kitchen Remodel Puzzle Solved!

This NYT Strands puzzle, themed "Time for an Upgrade," proved trickier than expected. The cryptic clue and challenging words made it a real brain-teaser. Need help? This guide provides hints and solutions without spoiling the entire experience.

Need a nudge? Try these spoiler-free hints:

Hint 1: Think about renovating a specific area of your home.

Hint 2: Focus on upgrading your cooking space.

Hint 3: Consider the appliances and features you might replace in a kitchen upgrade.

Still stuck? Here are two solved words with locations:

Word 1: Backsplash

Word 2: Oven

Ready for the complete solution?

The theme is Kitchen Remodel. The words are: Oven, Island, Sink, Backsplash, and Countertop.

Explanation:

"Time for an Upgrade" perfectly encapsulates the puzzle. Each word represents a kitchen element often replaced during a remodel.

Ready to test your skills? Play Strands on the New York Times Games website!