Ice Cream Maker
No need to venture out into the heat to get a cool treat. This ice cream maker from Cuisinart can whip up a batch of homemade confection in 20 minutes or less. Store the included mixing bowl in the back of the freezer so it's ready to go whenever the craving strikes. Then pull it out of the freezer, pop it in the ice cream maker, add your ingredients and get ready to taste your favorite summer snack! Available from Amazon; $42.
Ice Cream Scoop
Once you've mixed up your frozen dessert (or purchased a carton of ice cream from the store), scoop it with the ergonomic Zyliss Right Scoop® ice cream scoop. Containing none of the anti-freeze agents on which some scoops rely for easy operation, this scoop leverages only good design to cut through even the hardest and coldest of ice creams. Available from Target; $11.99
Citrus Juicer
A tall, cool pitcher of homemade lemonade or limeade is within easy reach when you juice your citrus with this powerful little number from Cuisinart. Claiming to be able to juice citrus fruits of any size—from limes to grapefruits—and boasting good design that prevents drips and extracts more juice than some other models, this juicer is a helpful kitchen workhorse for those who love a refreshing summer beverage. Plus, when you buy from Target.com, you have the option to add a 2-year protection plan that will cover you in case something goes wrong with your new appliance. Available from Target; $29.99.
Roasting Sticks
You never know when an impromptu marshmallow session might strike but with this marshmallow roasting set, you'll be prepared for whatever the summer holds. The 22-inch skewers feature heat-resistant handles that promote safety and comfort while roasting and the two-prong ends work for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, or other summery delights. Available from Target; $16.99.
Related: 17 New Essentials for Your Best Ever BBQ
Serving Tray
Nothing spells summer like al fresco dining on the back porch or patio, but transferring eats from the kitchen to the table can prove a challenge. Not so with this colorful plastic serving tray. The raised rim and cut-out handles make it easy to transport tall glasses of iced tea or juicy slices of watermelon, without losing any pieces along the way. Available from Target; $13.
Watermelon Slicer
The flavor of this summertime fruit is flawless but prepping it for fruit salads or picnic fare requires much slicing—and much tableside cleanup. With a novel watermelon slicer like this one, you can slice and lift perfectly portioned pieces of melon straight from the gourd, leaving only the rind behind. Available from The Grommet; $19.95.
Related: 20 Summer Life Hacks Everyone Needs
Pineapple Slicer
Pineapple presents another delicious summertime fruit that's unreasonably difficult to slice. Rather than taking a knife to the flesh of this wobbly fruit, give the OXO pineapple slicer a whirl. The gadget simultaneously cores and slices pineapple, while leaving the exterior skin of the fruit in tact—allowing you to discard or reuse it as a cocktail glass or fruit salad bowl. Available from Target; $10.49.
Corn Holders
No need to struggle with a slippery ear of sweet corn when OXO makes handy sets of corn holders. Stainless steel pins pierce the corn to hold it in place, and the easy-grip handles provide a comfortable and non-slip surface. So start shucking that corn! Available from Target; $8.99.
Cold Brew Maker
Even the most devoted java lover would pass on hot cup of coffee when the temperatures and summer humidity rise to uncomfortable heights. If your caffeine addiction needs fueling but the heat is making you feel faint, opt for cold brew over hot coffee. Cold brew is different than iced coffee because it is brewed in cold water over the course of several hours, giving it a smoother, sweeter taste than coffee brewed in a traditional coffee pot. Let the grounds steep overnight in this pot, designed especially for cold brew coffee, and wake up to a refreshing treat. Available from Amazon; $18.99.
Ice Pop Molds
If you're still buying fruity popsicles at the store, you're missing out on an opportunity for fun and flavor. Bring home one of these plastic molds, and start making your own popsicles from juices or fruit punch. Fill the molds with liquid, then pop in the freezer for a few hours, then get ready to cool down with your frozen concoction. Available from Target; $8.39.
Summer Kitchen Essentials
Having these things on hand will make summer entertaining a cinch.
Don't Miss!
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