Heat Wave Essentials: What to Buy to Stay Cool

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I don't want to be dramatic, but this heat? It's really really testing me — and everyone else I know. After what felt like endless gray days and unpredictable weather, it seems we've skipped spring altogether and gone straight into a full-blown heat wave. The air feels thick, the streets are sizzling, and whatever cooling systems are supposed to be working . . . aren't doing nearly enough.

If you're lucky enough to be cooling off at the beach or hiding out somewhere with central air, congrats. But for the rest of us walking to work, commuting on stuffy public transit, or simply trying not to melt on the sidewalk, I see you. I am you.

While we can't control the temperature, we've tested our fair share of heat survival products and rounded up the ones that are actually helping us power through these sweaty days. From at-home ice cream makers to handheld fans that don't just blow hot air back in your face, keep reading for our editor-approved heat wave must haves.