Plus, lightweight walking sneakers and the perfect patio umbrella.

Friday, July 17, 2026 • 3 min read

These days, I'm more mindful than ever when doing my Sunday grocery run because fresh produce and quality meats have gotten so insanely expensive. When the lights started to flicker during last month's East Coast heat dome, it's no surprise that I panicked, thinking about all the food I had that would go bad if the power went out. Luckily, my colleague Amy Skorheim found the perfect solution: A backup battery for your fridge. Yes, for real! The slim design means it can remain out of sight while keeping your refrigerator cool for up to 15 hours during an outage. Genius! Keep reading for more clutch buys you'll want to grab for the hot days ahead.

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Ninja via Amazon, New Balance via Amazon, Lands' End via Amazon, Ainfox via Walmart

Yahoo readers are pros when it comes to finding affordable must-buys that make their everyday lives easier and more enjoyable. These steals earned a spot in their shopping carts this week:

Capri pants are making a comeback, and this flattering pair looks good on lots of different body types. The fabric has stretch built in, the straight leg is slimming and there are five colors to choose from. "Soft and comfortable with a wide waistband that doesn't dig in," one fan commented.
Folks on the hunt for lightweight walking sneakers that are cool enough to pair with anything in their closet shouldn't think twice about snagging this top-rated pair. "Very comfortable. They put a spring in my step," one wearer wrote. "I'm delighted with these sneakers," another added.
If you need to create a shady spot in your backyard, grab this stylish patio umbrella that has more than 3,000 five-star reviews. There are several sizes to choose from, all of which are waterproof, rust-resistant and designed to withstand the sun's UV rays. "This umbrella has exceeded my expectations. It not only provides shade, it tilts, it's easy to clean and it's such a cool vibe," one shopper shared.
Headed to the beach or out camping in the coming weeks? You're not ready to hit the road without this top-notch cooler that shoppers rave about. It can fit up to 26 cans when filled with ice, and it'll keep your cubes frozen for a few days. "Worth every penny," one customer wrote. "We put ice in on a Friday night and we still had ice Sunday night. It's very durable and the quality is amazing."

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Jeanine Edwards/Yahoo News

What should you wear when it's sweltering but you're not comfortable stepping out in a skimpy, barely-there tank top? That's been my conundrum for the past few weeks, which is why I've been stocking up on tops that offer a bit more coverage but still keep me cool. Here are my faves so far:

I just ordered this $20 linen shell in a few colors, and I have high hopes for it. I own a skirt from the same brand that's great quality and fits true to size. I'm planning to wear the deep blue one to work with a cardigan, and I bought the white one to wear with jeans for a barbecue (risky, I know!).
This crisp, preppy style is basically your go-to button-up … just with the sleeves lopped off. That means it's polished enough for a day in the office with trousers, but it looks equally adorable with shorts on the weekend.
This breezy blouse is made from a linen blend that doesn't trap heat on sweltering summer days. I love wearing mine with white pants and jeans, but I've also paired it with a denim skirt and heels for a nice dinner out.
I love this linen tee so much that I own it in 10 colors. It weighs next to nothing, so it's nice and airy. The fabric is soft and slouchy, not stiff and scratchy.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Getty Images

Senior Deals Writer Britt Ross recently talked to chefs about the kitchen appliances every home cook should own. Here's what topped the list of must-haves:

A countertop oven: Antimo DiMeo, executive chef at Bardea Restaurant Group in Wilmington, Del., counts a "countertop convection oven or toaster oven" among his must-haves, saying, "It's perfect for reheating, roasting small batches, toasting and cooking without turning on the full oven." Who wants to heat up their kitchen during the summer?
A powerful blender: According to Kenneth Masten, owner and executive chef of WayneLeonCaterers in Philadelphia, a Vitamix blender is worth the investment. "From making ginger shots and protein shakes to aioli and purees, even turning whole spices into powder and spice blends, the Vitamix simplifies many tasks and does them in no time," he says. "You can even heat sauces and soup in it!"
A food processor: Masten also says a Cuisinart food processor is one appliance he "couldn't live without," adding, "I will never hand-shred cheese again! With many attachment blades, you can slice, dice and shred to your heart's desire. You get beautiful, uniform cuts and can considerably shorten your prep time. And yes, as a chef, I could get by without [it], but I don't want to!"
A hand mixer: And Ross' top pick? She's a pro baker and says that if you're sticking to simple things like cakes and cookies, an affordable hand mixer will do just fine. It might be the stand mixer's less-flashy cousin, but it certainly saves time and still handles tasks that require more power (like creaming butter and sugar together). She's had her Hamilton Beach model for more than a decade and says it's still in great shape.

A few months back, my coworker Rebecca Carhart wrote about how denim dresses were one of the must-have styles of the season. I took note, and added a few to my summer outfit rotation. This maxi style earned me endless compliments when I was on vacation a few weeks back. No one believes me when I tell them this waist-defining dark denim number is from Walmart, and I just snagged this cute chambray style from Target. I'm wearing it to a birthday party later this month!