Summer time cooking should be fresh, easy, and simple. Check out my Currently Loving ─ Summer Cooking Tools and Gadgets that make this possible!
Summertime cooking is definitely a favorite of mine because it’s all about fresh ingredients, easy recipes and simple cooking techniques. My goals for summer time meals are:
- incorporate the freshest ingredients possible
- spend little to no time in the kitchen and more time outside
- keep it simple and fresh
And to achieve these meal goals, I found that there are certain tools and gadgets that make summer time cooking easier. These are tools that I tend to use a lot in the summertime because they just make life easier.
Most things are basic and very affordable. Tools or gadgets that everyone should own because they are so practical. I did also add 2 larger items for those that love entertaining and feel like splurging a little bit.
With a month or so left of summer, you still have time to try some of these. I promise they will change your life.
Happy summertime everybody!
10 Favorite Summer Cooking Tools and Gadgets:
We love this digital thermometer and use it all summer long. It’s easy to use and read, and ideal for making sure meats, poultry, sausage, and fish are juicy and perfectly cooked. This is a must-have for summer months, and honestly year around! It also makes a great Christmas gift.
2. [amazon text=OXO Spiralizer &asin=B01LYKRN5H]
I finally got this tool and boy is it useful. This little handheld device makes beautiful uniform noodles out of long veggies and potatoes. I especially love it for zucchini noodles which seems to be my go-to lunch these days. Added bonus: its small and easy to clean.
3. [amazon text=OXO Salad Spinner&asin=B00004OCKR]
With fresh summer produce from the garden or the farmers market, a salad spinner is crucial in the warm months. And this is not just for making salads! I use my salad spinner the most for washing and drying greens that I then freeze for breakfast smoothies. This OXO spinner is the best we have found. Others I’ve had are poor quality and not durable.
4. [amazon text=Tervis Tumbler Cups &asin=B003X8B2VM]
Oh how we love these cups! Seriously ever since we go these, we can’t stop using them. They are the perfect summer indoor/outdoor cups for water, smoothies, cold or hot beverages! Did I mention they have an unconditional lifetime guarantee, are safe in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer! Plus they come in fun colors.
5. [amazon text=Wide Smoothie Straws &asin=B00K7VGAMO]
I don’t know about you, but summer = smoothie time! The hubs, tiny tot and I are all pretty obsessed with smoothies all summer long, so these wide reusable straws get a lot of use! They are BPA free, ideal for thicker smoothies/milkshakes and dishwasher safe. Plus my toddler loves them!
6. [amazon text=Outdoor Plastic Plates&asin=B013TJTG5S]
This simple purchase has made such a difference! Plastic reusable plates are totally the way to go when you keeping changing the location of your meals. Whether we are eating on the deck or having a picnic outside or the hubs is eating lunch in his basement office, we have loved these!
7. [amazon text=Popcorn Air Popper &asin=B00006IUWB]
A gadget I was originally opposed to but now LOVE! With a husband and kid who adore popcorn, this fuss free air-popper is a household fav! We use it at least once a week for movie nights, afternoon popcorn snack or the late night snack. It is mess free, requires virtually no cleaning, oil free, and pops way better popcorn than any microwave could! Plus you can adjust how much butter or toppings you add to it, making it much healthier.
8. [amazon text=Blendtec Blender&asin=B00TKRQWS8]
Oh Blendy, how I love thee! I talk about this blender a lot (I know) because it’s so awesome! It’s powerful, super easy to clean, and can blend, puree or process anything! It’s the all time best blender in my opinion and a kitchen must-have!
9. [amazon text=Propane Grill &asin=B0098HR1FI]
This was a larger purchase about 3 years ago, but wow was it a good one! A fabulous grill made by Weber that is durable, easy to use and makes great food! We have used it a ton the last 3 summers and have had zero issues! Definitely worth every penny.
10. [amazon text=Electric Smoker &asin=B0034VXAY0]
A little bit of splurge ($136), this is the hub’s baby. If you like smoked meats, as much as he does, this is what you need! An electric smoker makes the juiciest most delicious smoked turkey, chicken, ribs, you name it! It’s surprisingly easy to use, clean, and store too! We use this smoker during the summer months, fall, spring and warm winter days, especially when we have people over.
Please note: this post is not sponsored but does contain affiliate links. That means if you click on something and purchase it, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. That said I would never share anything I truly didn’t love or believe in. And any money I earn goes to keep this site running (sites are sadly not free). Thank you as always for reading 💕
Originally posted 2017-08-17 06:00:00.
Leave a Reply