Whereas some summer time devices, like grill covers and insulated water bottles, are all the time value shopping for, different instruments, like ice cream makers and popsicle molds, shouldn’t be bought on a whim. It doesn’t take a genius to know that if nobody in your home needs to make do-it-yourself ice cream, you shouldn’t spend tons of of {dollars} on a flowery ice cream machine. 

However after years of cooking for enjoyable and testing kitchen gear for work, Meals & Wine editors know precisely what you need to spend your cash on this summer time — and what you shouldn’t. These are the seven Amazon merchandise which can be value taking on a few of your coveted cupboard house, together with bristle-free grill brushes, carbon metal griddles, and extra. The very best half? Our picks begin at simply $12.

Do not Purchase: A Bristle Grill Brush

Purchase As a substitute: A Bristle-Free Grill Brush

Kona Bristle-Free Grill Brush 

Author An Uong’s father-in-law by accident served a visitor a burger with a shard of steel from a grill brush embedded within the patty. Since that fateful day, Kona’s bristle-free brush has been her father-in-law’s instrument of selection when scraping gunk and char off his grill. “It does an incredible job of conserving the grates clear whereas giving him peace of thoughts,” mentioned Uong.

Do not Purchase: A Huge, Cumbersome Blender

Purchase As a substitute: A Highly effective Private Blender You Can Depart on the Countertop

The Beast Mini Blender 

Editor Katie Brown makes smoothies virtually daily through the summer time, preferring to make use of Beast’s small private blender over a full-size mannequin that takes up lots of house on the counter. “It is highly effective sufficient to rapidly pulverize frozen substances and appears ok to double as countertop decor,” she wrote of this tiny, however mighty machine that tons of of Amazon buyers equally adore. 

Do not buy: Blackstone Griddle

Purchase As a substitute: Made In Carbon Metal Griddle

Made In Carbon Metal Griddle

Avid griller and author Adam Rothbarth notes that whereas Blackstone griddles are fashionable, they’re on the “costly” facet and may not be essentially the most sensible selection for each dwelling prepare dinner. As a replacement, he recommends Made In’s carbon metal griddle to make burgers, fajitas, pancakes, seared tofu, and a lot extra. Rothbarth appreciates how simply it transitions from the stovetop in your kitchen to the grill in your yard, and even to a campfire. He additionally recommends the Lodge reversible grill/griddle for a finances possibility.

Do not Purchase: Disposable Glassware

Purchase As a substitute: Unbreakable Out of doors Glassware

Fellow 10-Ounce Rocky Lowball Tumbler

Whereas senior editor Danielle St. Pierre loves spending as a lot time as attainable outdoor grilling and enjoyable, “nothing harshes the nippiness greater than single-use plastic cups (or damaged glassware on the deck).” Fellow’s Rocky Lowball Tumbler had no such points. Because it’s fabricated from double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless-steel, her drink stayed chilly for hours, and the tumbler didn’t dent when by accident dropped. St. Pierre recommends it for tenting, mountain climbing, or simply hanging by the pool.

Don’t Purchase: A Plastic Reducing Board 

Purchase As a substitute: An Epicurean Reducing Board Made From Paper Composite 

Epicurean Connoisseur Collection Reducing Board 

I’ve used Epicurean’s slicing board for years. Not like a budget plastic slicing boards that may leach microplastics into your meals, it’s produced from a paper composite materials that’s each non-toxic and dishwasher-safe, based on the model. It’s additionally dual-sided and delicate in your knives. With all of the recent summer time produce you’re sure to eat, a trusty slicing board will undoubtedly turn out to be useful. 

Do not Purchase: Chilly Brew

Purchase As a substitute: Chilly Brew Espresso Maker

OXO Brew Compact Chilly Brew Espresso Maker

Director Katie Macdonald invested in OXO’s compact chilly brew espresso maker after years of shopping for espresso daily. “I like the robust and flavorful brews it makes, in addition to how petite it’s — the container solely measures 9 inches tall,” she mentioned. One other profitable function adored by Macdonald? “It does not take up lots of actual property in my fridge from Might via September, and it nests compactly for simple storage in my basement the remainder of the yr.” That’s a summer time success story if I’ve ever heard one. 

Don’t purchase: Disposable Wood Skewers 

Purchase As a substitute: Reusable Stainless Metal Skewers 

Lanney Stainless Metal Skewers

Whereas disposable picket skewers are nice in principle as a result of there’s no cleanup, they’re tough to make use of in actuality. Regardless of how lengthy I soak them, the ends all the time appear to catch fireplace and break off within the grill. As a substitute, I want stainless-steel skewers, like this Lanney set on Amazon. There are 12 skewers within the bundle, 10 of that are 17 inches lengthy and two of that are 14 inches lengthy, making certain it’s simple to grill for a crowd. In addition they include their very own carrying case to maintain them neatly corralled in your kitchen drawer when grilling season ends.