7 Tools Not to Buy for Summer, and What to Buy Instead

While some summer gadgets, like grill covers and insulated water bottles, are always worth buying, other tools, like ice cream makers and popsicle molds, shouldn’t be purchased on a whim. It doesn’t take a genius to know that if no one in your house wants to make homemade ice cream, you shouldn’t spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy ice cream machine. 

But after years of cooking for fun and testing kitchen gear for work, Food & Wine editors know exactly what you should spend your money on this summer — and what you shouldn’t. These are the seven Amazon products that are worth taking up some of your coveted cabinet space, including bristle-free grill brushes, carbon steel griddles, and more. The best part? Our picks start at just $12.

Don't Buy: A Bristle Grill Brush

Buy Instead: A Bristle-Free Grill Brush

Kona Bristle-Free Grill Brush 

Writer An Uong’s father-in-law accidentally served a guest a burger with a shard of metal from a grill brush embedded in the patty. Since that fateful day, Kona’s bristle-free brush has been her father-in-law’s tool of choice when scraping gunk and char off his grill. “It does a great job of keeping the grates clean while giving him peace of mind,” said Uong.

Don't Buy: A Big, Bulky Blender

Buy Instead: A Powerful Personal Blender You Can Leave on the Countertop

The Beast Mini Blender 

Editor Katie Brown makes smoothies almost every day during the summer, preferring to use Beast’s small personal blender over a full-size model that takes up a lot of space on the counter. “It's powerful enough to quickly pulverize frozen ingredients and looks good enough to double as countertop decor,” she wrote of this tiny, but mighty machine that hundreds of Amazon shoppers similarly adore. 

Don't buy: Blackstone Griddle

Buy Instead: Made In Carbon Steel Griddle

Made In Carbon Steel Griddle

Avid griller and writer Adam Rothbarth notes that while Blackstone griddles are popular, they’re on the “expensive” side and might not be the most practical choice for every home cook. In its place, he recommends Made In’s carbon steel griddle to make burgers, fajitas, pancakes, seared tofu, and so much more. Rothbarth appreciates how easily it transitions from the stovetop in your kitchen to the grill in your backyard, or even to a campfire. He also recommends the Lodge reversible grill/griddle for a budget option.

Don't Buy: Disposable Glassware

Buy Instead: Unbreakable Outdoor Glassware

Fellow 10-Ounce Rocky Lowball Tumbler

While senior editor Danielle St. Pierre loves spending as much time as possible outdoors grilling and relaxing, “nothing harshes the chill more than single-use plastic cups (or broken glassware on the deck).” Fellow's Rocky Lowball Tumbler had no such issues. Since it’s made of double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel, her drink stayed cold for hours, and the tumbler didn’t dent when accidentally dropped. St. Pierre recommends it for camping, hiking, or just hanging by the pool.

Don’t Buy: A Plastic Cutting Board 

Buy Instead: An Epicurean Cutting Board Made From Paper Composite 

Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board 

I’ve used Epicurean’s cutting board for years. Unlike the cheap plastic cutting boards that can leach microplastics into your food, it’s made from a paper composite material that is both non-toxic and dishwasher-safe, according to the brand. It’s also dual-sided and gentle on your knives. With all the fresh summer produce you’re bound to eat, a trusty cutting board will undoubtedly come in handy. 

Don't Buy: Cold Brew

Buy Instead: Cold Brew Coffee Maker

OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Director Katie Macdonald invested in OXO’s compact cold brew coffee maker after years of buying coffee every day. “I love the strong and flavorful brews it makes, as well as how petite it is — the container only measures 9 inches tall,” she said. Another winning feature adored by Macdonald? “It doesn't take up a lot of real estate in my fridge from May through September, and it nests compactly for easy storage in my basement the rest of the year.” That’s a summer success story if I’ve ever heard one. 

Don’t buy: Disposable Wooden Skewers 

Buy Instead: Reusable Stainless Steel Skewers 

Lanney Stainless Steel Skewers

While disposable wooden skewers are great in theory because there’s no cleanup, they’re difficult to use in reality. No matter how long I soak them, the ends always seem to catch fire and break off in the grill. Instead, I prefer stainless steel skewers, like this Lanney set on Amazon. There are 12 skewers in the bundle, 10 of which are 17 inches long and two of which are 14 inches long, ensuring it’s easy to grill for a crowd. They also come with their own carrying case to keep them neatly corralled in your kitchen drawer when grilling season ends.