If you're like me, you're always looking at the coolest knives at the restaurant you visit or the sleek vintage coffee machine that took up two frames on the TV show you're watching. And when your friend serves you a Negroni in the coolest tumbler you've ever seen? You'll call and order a set before dinner is over. But sometimes being on the go just doesn't allow you to cast a net deep enough to stock your home with everything you need (and fill in the gaps you didn't think of). With summer just around the corner, I checked out some of the hottest gear on Amazon to help you get the most out of your summer drinks, kitchen vibes, and hazy backyard dinners. Here are some of the things that caught my eye:
8 popular kitchen and cooking items on Amazon
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
Amazon
I'm a big fan of Ooni, so I was excited to see this ultra-portable pizza oven on sale. Using hardwood pellets as fuel, it heats up to 950°F and easily cooks a pizza in under a minute, so you can focus on the more important things to do outside this summer (like playing Frisbee or drinking beer). Unlike some heavier pizza ovens, the Fyre weighs just 20 pounds, so you can easily carry it to the park, a friend's house, or even on a hike if you're feeling confident.
Torva Outdoor Prep Cart
Amazon
When you're looking for cool items to upgrade your patio, you probably don't think about a countertop. (I definitely don't.) But having a countertop can make all the difference between relaxing with your buddies listening to Steely Dan while you fire up the grill or pizza oven in the backyard and rushing inside every two minutes to get another tool or ingredient you forgot to bring (or didn't have the space for). This stainless steel, weatherproof countertop can double as a bar cart, pizza oven stand, or serving tray and will be the unsung hero of your hanging.
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden
Amazon
Having your own personal herb garden is great for many reasons. First, you'll (probably) never run out of basil. You'll also know exactly what's in the food you're eating and ensure the perfect growing conditions for your favorite herbs. Plus, your guests will love hearing that the pesto, salsa, or salad they make contains a bunch of herbs that you've literally grown at home. This popular kit comes with an LED grow light and over 50 different herb pods to choose from, so you'll always have your favorite herbs at the ready.
Blackstone Table Top Griddle
Amazon
Blackstone Grills and Griddles are the real deal. This tabletop griddle lets you make anything you want, from pancakes and smashburgers to caramelized onions and hash browns, whenever you want. Two independent burners let you heat different things at different temperatures, so your next plate of burgers or tacos will be ready when you're done.
Tossware Reserve Stemless Martini Glass
Amazon
These martini glasses check all the boxes: They have a beautiful stemless design, come in fun colors, and aren't breakable (at least that's what they claim). Lots of drinkers love them on Amazon, with 233 five-star reviews and an average rating of 4.7 stars, which is pretty impressive.
Homeforia Rustic Floating Kitchen Shelf
Amazon
Taking your kitchen or bar to the next level is easier than you think. Speaking of height, these floating shelves are a great way to save space while drawing attention to your beautiful art, tableware, cookbooks, or Amari collection. To ensure sturdiness, these shelves feature metal mounting brackets, and each shelf can support up to 50 pounds of weight.
S'well Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
Amazon
Treating your friends to a fresh Old Fashioned is great. But… Really Want to make a lasting impression? Skip the trip to the fridge between rounds and fill your teak-colored stainless steel ice bucket with enough ice to keep your drinks cold for hours. Plus, it comes with fancy ice tongs so you look like a pro. (If you have an ice bucket, you're already a pro.)
Gensiwe Highball Glass
Amazon
This attractive highball glass will bring a retro vibe to everything you drink this summer. Whether it's your morning juice, your midday Bloody Mary, or your dinnertime gin and tonic, you'll be enjoying it while lounging on the deck, cooking dinner, or watching an action movie.
