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12 Must-Have Tools of Summer

Created January 10, 2017
From a genius corn stripper that easily removes kernels from the cob to our favorite grill basket, these are the tools of summer no one should be without.
12 must have tools of summer

Drink Pitcher
This summer we’re all about pitcher drinks—everything from old-fashioned lemonade to fruit-filled sangria—because nothing beats sitting outside and sipping something sweet.

Ice-Pop Molds
What we love most about these six-pack molds, is that you can make them all at once, or separate and make just a couple at a time. First on our list to make this summer: fresh fruit frozen yogurt pops.

Beer-Can Chicken Rack
All you need is beer, chicken and this brilliant rack to make the juiciest chicken ever. Trust us. And best of all, it folds up flat for easy storage. 

Reynolds Non-Stick Aluminum Foil Pans
These pans are lifesavers when it comes to picnics and potlucks—just bake and bring. We always keep a stack of 8 x 8" and 13 x 9” pans around for warm toasted marshmallow s'mores bars, our go-to dessert for summer parties. 

Mason Jars
From canning homemade tomato salsa to storing poppy-seed dressing, there’s no shortage of ways to use these vintage-inspired pint jars now available in limited-edition spring green. 

Grilling Basket
This stainless steel, dishwasher safe basket is our go-to for grilling up farmers’ market goodies and makes a great shortcut to Betty’s grilled chicken fajita stir-fry.

Double and Nonstick Barbecue Skewers
Forget having to soak wooden skewers in water before grilling, these reusable non-stick skewers are always at the ready. We love them for kabobs and find the double-prong ones extra helpful for grilling shrimp.

Herb Freezer Tray
This smart tray makes it easy to freeze and preserve unused fresh herbs for soups and sauces. It also doubles as a fun snack container to load up with nuts, fruit, fresh chopped veggies and hummus.

Cherry Pitter
Anyone who’s made Betty’s five-star cherry pie knows pitting cherries by hand is a hassle. Not so with this timesaving tool. We especially love the splatter guard and that it works for pitting olives too.

Corn Picks
It’s not summer without fresh sweet corn. These handy holders make grilled corn on the cob easier to handle and elote (Mexican street corn covered in mayo, seasoning and cheese) a less messy affair.

Corn Stripper
This is the easiest way we’ve found to keep kernels under control. Just push the stripper along the cob and all the kernels collect in the plastic holder. Basil corn salad, anyone?

Picnic Blanket
Impromptu picnics are the best, so we keep a blanket in the car all summer long. Our favorite quick picnic menu includes chicken fajita salad wraps and Southwestern ranch pasta salad.