Kitchen gadgets that help heat up the summer fun
Summer time's party time. And the experts at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute have tested some products that might help you get the party started.
Susan Westmoreland, the institute's food director, says the Oster Classic Beehive Blender ($60) whips the competition because it does everything from grinding coffee to chopping nuts and vegetables to pulverizing ice.
"In the summertime, I use the blender most for making smoothies for my son. You can just pile in fruit and some yogurt and ice and buzz it," she said. "This is great because it just has one switch, so it's equally foolproof and does a great job making it really smooth and creamy."
Textiles director Kathleen Huddy keeps green with the Evolution Table Linen ($15 and up).
The fabric is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, and best of all: "It's a snap to clean up," Huddy said.
And for outdoor broiling, kitchen appliances director Sharon Franke stands by the Char-Broil Infrared Urban Grill ($269) with two burners, because it cooks evenly with no flare-ups or charred spots.
"Meats and poultry come out beautifully browned with great grill marks," she said.
The Char-Broil Infrared Grill features perforated trays below the grates that let heat through but catches bits of food for an easier and quicker cleanup.
Susan Westmoreland, the institute's food director, says the Oster Classic Beehive Blender ($60) whips the competition because it does everything from grinding coffee to chopping nuts and vegetables to pulverizing ice.
"In the summertime, I use the blender most for making smoothies for my son. You can just pile in fruit and some yogurt and ice and buzz it," she said. "This is great because it just has one switch, so it's equally foolproof and does a great job making it really smooth and creamy."
Textiles director Kathleen Huddy keeps green with the Evolution Table Linen ($15 and up).
The fabric is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, and best of all: "It's a snap to clean up," Huddy said.
And for outdoor broiling, kitchen appliances director Sharon Franke stands by the Char-Broil Infrared Urban Grill ($269) with two burners, because it cooks evenly with no flare-ups or charred spots.
"Meats and poultry come out beautifully browned with great grill marks," she said.
The Char-Broil Infrared Grill features perforated trays below the grates that let heat through but catches bits of food for an easier and quicker cleanup.