Welcome to The Cool Down, Hunker's definitive guide for staying cool, calm, and collected all summer long.
It. Gets. Hot. during the summer months, and even those of us with central A/C don't want to spend hours in the kitchen cooking over a blazing stove or oven. The high temperatures just aren't worth it, no matter how yummy the recipe. But that doesn't mean we have to completely abandon cooked meals altogether. In fact, certain kitchen appliances can make food prep during the warmest season somewhat enjoyable.
Here's a list of those exact gadgets for your cooking pleasure, and the affordable price points might just surprise you.
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First of all, the bright, sunny color completely embodies summer, but the vibrant hue isn't what makes this gadget so spectacular. It's the function. The Dash Express boils eggs in a flash (we're talking less than 10 minutes). And there is absolutely no cleanup to speak of. Toss your raw eggs into the cooker (up to seven), add a splash of water (there's a measuring cup included to dictate how much), and then turn it on. They'll come out perfectly cooked, and the best part is you won't have to fuss with scalding water.
Of course, an air fryer is on this list of must-haves. It's a great kitchen tool even in the cooler months, but we especially love it for summer feasts. This Ninja version will help you prep the freshest fries, crispy broccoli, or even perfectly moist tofu. And not once will you need to worry about the danger of oil over hot flames.
Talk about an upgrade. The Breville panini press will take all of your favorite summer-inspired sandwiches and wraps to the next-level (because let's be honest, sandwiches are the ultimate summer food). Whether you want an exact amount of char on veggie sammies or you really just need your grilled cheeses to have the perfect amount of gooey pull, a press like this one will do the job. And cleanup is a breeze.
If you absolutely must have a hot stew or smoked dish, avoid the stove. You can achieve that slow-roasted goodness in a pressure cooker like this one from CHEF iQ (that also doubles as a rice maker, sauté pan, and steamer). There's no need to preheat the oven, and don't even think about setting high temps of 350 degrees or more. In addition to remaining cool throughout the entire cooking process, this nifty appliance also has a smart feature. So you can turn it on or off from your phone and completely remove the guesswork from most dishes.
There's no better way to start a lazy summer day than with fresh waffles. That's why this no-mess Belgium maker is so genius. Not a single drop of dried batter will stick to the coated surface. And with it, you'll never have to worry about burning your breakfast or making the kitchen too hot for comfort.
So what do you do when you crave a freezer pizza or a few slices of toast in the summer? Use a convection oven instead of the conventtional one in your kitchen. This compact gadget can emit heat waves strong enough to perfectly cook food without making the whole house feel toasty.
Any food you throw on the barbecue will feel like a summer treat, but sometimes you want those grill lines without having to go outside. That's where this tabletop, smokeless grill from Phillips comes in. It reaches high temps but won't set off your smoke alarm.
This is definitely a bonus appliance because let's be honest, no one's using their stove or oven to make ice. But a portable ice maker is seriously the most convenient summer tool especially if your freezer doesn't come equipped with an automatic dispenser. Simply plug it in, add water, and wait for your petite cubes to form. This Frigidaire version comes in the cheeriest of colorways, and it's perfect for get-togethers or solo happy hours.