Appliances & Kitchen Gadgets

If only all meals were served this way.

(Credit: Hammacher Schlemmer)

Summer is officially here and that brings with it one thing for sure: heat. From time to time we cover outdoor grills and other alfresco food-related entertaining. A dining table for the backyard is still a dining table after all. Considering the heat is just getting started, I am drawn to this Swimming Pool Bistro Set from Hammacher Schlemmer.

Designed to be submerged in the shallow end of your pool, the patio furniture set seems to me long overdue. Tiny perforations are docked in the table and chairs, allowing water to get in and submerge the set. If used properly in a 3-foot deep section of the shallow end, the tabletop will rest 6 inches above the water line, allowing you and four others to relax comfortably, both in the water and out. A 7.5 foot umbrella tops the set, ensuring a cool shadow to complement the water.

In case you are thinking of just tossing your existing patio furniture into the pool, first consider that this set is made from rustproof powder-coated aluminum that is designed to resist exposure to pool chemicals and the sun. For protecting the base of the pool, the chairs and table utilize three-ply rubber feet. Ultimately though, I imagine a dining table of this design would see a lot of use. Not to worry, the set comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Easy to enjoy anywhere.

(Credit: Sur La Table)

Ah, summer. Long, hot days on the beach or by the pool spent with family and friends. Or perhaps a quality afternoon in the park sounds more appealing. Imagine it: the grill going, the kids playing, a cool breeze blowing. No matter if you imagine the beach, the pool, or the park, it's a great scene that just doesn't get any better... unless, of course you had a margarita in hand. While beer and soda pop may travel extremely well in the cooler, margaritas aren't necessarily very portable. Until now.

The Margaritaville Battery-Powered Portable Frozen Concoction Maker makes it easy to enjoy the freshly made popular drink anytime, anywhere. Not your ordinary blender, this specialized appliance uses a rechargeable 18-volt battery to supply all the needed power to whip up your favorite summertime beverages--up to 70 uses in a single charge. With each batch supplying up to 36 ounces of slushy beverages, the cordless machine is sure to bring the party wherever you may travel.

Do yourself a favor and give yourself a treat for your next outing. There's no reason to stop at beer for your adult beverage enjoyment. Having a portable blender belting out shaved ice and blended drinks is a sure-fire way to heat up your summer--no matter where you choose to spend it.

(Credit: Sur la table)

The only time I crave corn on the cob is during the summer. Don't get me wrong, I still love a nice warm corn chowder in the winter: I just wait for the warmer weather to eat cobs of corn. As far as I'm concerned, cooking corn cobs right on the grill is the only way to do it.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who draws this connection between the warmer months and our favorite husked vegetable, as evidenced by these cute little Barbecue Folk cob holders. Each one is shaped like a different character dressed in summer attire. Two men and two women, complete with sunglasses, hats, and colorful clothing add sense of humor to your backyard barbecue as well as protect your hands from butter.

The Barbecue Folk corn holders are available from Sur la table for $11.95.

Goes well with warm-weather fun.

(Credit: Cooking.com)

Ah, weekends. Just look at that picture; doesn't it look like a weekend in motion? Very slow motion. It is the picture of relaxation. In fact, it looks so relaxing that a nice, cool drink poured from this pitcher would go great right now--perfect for heading into the weekend.

The Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher is an elegant solution to a simple problem. No longer must real lemon-flavored water come with the unfortunate side effect of having to dodge seeds and pulp. A removable rod holds fruit or berries and infuses the liquid throughout. Water can be refilled without wasting fruit and berries that may still hold flavor. The crystal clear acrylic pitcher has 2.5-quart capacity and comes with aforementioned infusion rod that screws conveniently into the lid.

Nothing refreshes quite like a pitcher of cold water--especially one that has been flavored with fresh fruit. Stick with classic lemon or add your own special twist to the mix and keep your weekends cool and always refreshing. After a solid day enjoying fun in the sun (well, during too), nothing beats cooling off with a nice drink. With spring here and the weather continuing to warm up, it's time to start relaxing. Play smart out there, and don't forget the water.

Just don't misplace the grill and you'll be set.

(Credit: Sur La Table)

As the weather changes and we all start to get a little warmer, barbecues across the nation are going to be wheeled out of their hibernation spots. Getting the grill together requires perhaps a little cleaning, finding a suitable location, and of course, collecting all the accessories. I am always down for a barbecue, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am always ready for one. I keep my charcoal in one area, lighter fluid in another, and my utensils are scattered all about. While some people may have their grilling act together a bit more, I would certainly benefit from owning the Weber Performer Grill.

Available in black, blue, or green, the updated kettle grill is a welcome sight for any grill aficionado. In addition to the large 363-square-inch cooking surface, a good-size thermoset worktable is integrated into the design. Complete with a wheeled steel cart with shelf, finding the perfect spot to set up for the coming months has never been easier.

The grill incorporates a host of features designed to keep all of your grilling needs in one place. Using what it calls a Touch-N-Go gas ignition system, Weber has included built-in support for easily starting grill sessions. Instead of using traditional lighter fluid, a propane bottle mounts underneath the table and makes starting a grill session as easy as pushing a button. In addition to the storage on the cart, a weather-protected bin is designed for year-round charcoal storage. With the table even having hooks for utensils, warming up for grilling season has never been easier as all of your grilling needs can now be stored in one place.

Easy and delicious.

(Credit: Crate & Barrel)

I noticed something yesterday. It happened around 5 o'clock when I was looking out the window: It was still light out. There was plenty of light, in fact. It sure does sneak up on you. Before you know it, the days are going to be long and the air filled with the sweet smell of barbecue. Not long to go now. It's just around the corner. Of course that means one important thing: grilling time.

As I get older and more seasoned with the grill, I realize some things that I may have missed in my younger years. Namely that grilled vegetables are good. Really good. So save some room on the grill, move those dogs and burgers aside and throw on a batch of veggies too.

The Grill Basket with Lid is a deceptively simple device that makes grilling veggies a snap. It is constructed of heavy-gauge carbon steel with a nonstick coating (watch that high heat, folks). The 12-inch diameter of the pan combines with the lid to form a total height of 6 inches. The small size and unobtrusive handles mean that it can be used on practically any grill. Both the lid and pan are dishwasher safe.

We all know the benefits of eating our vegetables, but when the time to cook food over an open fire comes along, we tend to gravitate toward the heavy stuff. With the ease of grilling up some veggies too, there is no reason why you can't have both. Now if summer would just get here already.

Everybody has a favorite.

(Credit: Sur La Table)

Granted, summer (or spring) picnic season may seem like a long way away, but it will be time to break out the blanket and head to the nearest patch of grass before you know it. Since the local weather here in San Francisco this week has been on the warm side, I think it's never too early to look ahead. Those winter doldrums aren't going to last forever, and when they melt, parks and beaches will be filled with hungry people, and I plan to be one of them.

Having a nice chilled meal outdoors on a clear, sunny day can be quite refreshing, and salad is no exception. This Salad on Ice set is a simple little contraption designed to keep contents cool while serving. Just place crushed or cubed ice inside of the included stand, and then set the bowl on top. Grates in the bowl let the cold to come in contact with the salad, while a lid helps to keep it all cool (and bug-free). Salad serving utensils attach to the rim and the whole set is dishwasher safe.

With the included compartment insert (room for four separate salads or ingredients), it would be no problem to please a crowd. As everybody has their individual favorites, your outdoors picnic is sure to be a cool affair. With or without the obligatory ants.