6 must-have small kitchen appliances for your next summer party

Summer parties are all about fun, friends, and delicious food and drinks. To make your next gathering a huge success, invest in some key small kitchen appliances. These can make all the difference. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a poolside gathering, or a casual dinner with friends, these small appliances will help ensure that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine with your guests.

1. Food processors: Your best friend for prep work

A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can significantly reduce your food preparation time. Whether you’re making salsas or dips, salads and salad dressings, or sauces, a food processor can handle it all. For summer parties, you can use it to quickly whip up dips like guacamole or hummus, complete with grated cheese for the top, and to chop vegetables for grilling or a visually pleasing salad. A food processor takes your party snacks from average to amazing with minimal effort. There are some differences among various food processors along with specific mixing attachments needed to perform different tasks. Learn more about these in our food processors buying guide.

2. Blenders: Smoothies, slushies, and cocktails

No summer party is complete without a range of icy drinks, and a blender is key for making everything from smoothies to frozen cocktails. A high-quality blender can crush ice to the perfect consistency for slushies and margaritas. You can also use it to make fresh fruit smoothies as a refreshing alternative. With a trusty blender by your side, you’re ready to sprinkle some magic into your summer gatherings and leave everyone asking for seconds! Learn about the differences between types and what you should look for in a blender for your home in our blenders and juicers buying guide.

3. Iced coffee makers: Beat the heat with cool brews

One of the cool beverages for summer you might want to consider adding to your party menu is iced coffee. For an afternoon pick-me-up, an iced coffee maker can help you serve refreshing coffee drinks at your summer party. From classic iced coffees to more elaborate concoctions like frappuccinos or iced lattes, an iced coffee maker can do it all. It’s a great way to please the coffee lovers at your party. Plus, experimenting with different flavours and syrups can add a personalized touch to each drink.

4. Pizza ovens: A slice of heaven

A pizza oven can transform your summer party into an Italian feast. Unlike regular ovens, pizza ovens can reach higher temperatures and provide a unique cooking style that infuses pizzas with a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Not just for pizzas, these ovens can also be used to bake bread, roast vegetables, or even cook a steak. It’s a fun way to involve your guests in the cooking process as everyone can create their own custom pizza.

5. Mini fridges: Keep drinks cold and food fresh

A mini fridge is incredibly useful for outdoor summer parties. You can use it to store beverages, fruits, condiments, and other perishables, keeping them cold and fresh throughout the event. It ensures easy access to cold drinks without having to constantly run back to the kitchen. This convenience is a game-changer for both hosts and guests, making your party flow smoothly. It also reduces waste and saves money since you won’t have to rush to the store to grab dozens of plastic bags of ice to fill a cooler. With drinks stored in a mini fridge plugged in upstairs or even a shaded area outside, this also prevents guests from constantly opening and closing your main fridge to get a refreshing beverage. Alternatively, you can also consider a portable ice maker that just requires filtered water and time to produce buckets of ice for your party.

6. Ice cream makers: Homemade delights to cool down

To top off the perfect summer party, why not surprise your guests with homemade ice cream? An ice cream maker allows you to create a variety of flavours, from traditional vanilla to more adventurous options like mango chili or basil lemon. Not only does homemade ice cream taste better, but you can also cater to dietary restrictions and preferences with ease. Learn how in our ice cream makers buying guide. It’s a sweet end to any party. Pro tip: grab a muffin baking tin and fill each hole with a different topping, like crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, gummy worms, nuts, flaked coconut, fruit, and more. Add a tiny spoon to each and you now have a full ice cream dessert bar.

Get ready for your next summer party with the right appliances

By adding these small kitchen appliances to the mix, your summer parties will not only be easier to manage but also more enjoyable. Each appliance offers not just convenience but an opportunity to upgrade your menu and impress your guests. Whether it’s through a refreshing drink, a delicious slice of pizza, or a scoop of homemade ice cream, these tools will help you throw an unforgettable summer bash. Happy hosting!

This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.