Cooking at home is a lot of things—creative, rewarding, sometimes a bit stressful—but “refreshing” probably isn’t the word that comes to mind, especially in the thick of summer.
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the stove, sweat trickling down your back, muttering, “Why did I think lasagna was a good idea tonight?” you’re definitely not alone. The good news: you don’t have to choose between a great meal and feeling like you just finished hot yoga.
Start with the Menu
On steamy days, simple is smart. This is your chance to skip anything that requires two hours of oven time. Go for fast stir-fries, easy grain bowls, or a crisp salad piled high with your favorite things. Sandwiches become gourmet just by adding a slice of tomato and some good mustard. If you need ideas, look for “no-cook” recipes that are both delicious and heat-wave approved.
Let Air Do the Heavy Lifting
Don’t underestimate the power of a breeze. Open those windows wide, get every fan in the house cranking, and always flick on the kitchen exhaust if you’ve got one. If yours practically wheezes instead of actually pulling out steam, maybe it’s time to look into a range hood repair. No shame in calling in a pro for that—you deserve real ventilation, not just noise.
If your kitchen’s big on heat and short on airflow, test out a portable box fan or even a desk fan on the counter. Side note: if you have ceiling fans, check they’re spinning counterclockwise. That’ll move cool air down where you need it most.
Dress Like You’re Cooking on Vacation
There’s absolutely no award for wearing heavy jeans in the kitchen. Lightweight shorts, cotton shirts, hair tied back—dress like you’re headed for the beach, not prepping dinner. If you’re getting really sticky, a splash of cold water on the back of your neck or wrists can help take the edge off fast.
Keep Hydration Handy
Iced water (or your beverage of choice—sparkling water, lemonade, that third iced coffee) should be at arm’s reach. Give yourself permission to step into a cooler room or even the backyard for a breath of fresh air while something simmers.
Time It Out
When it’s brutal outside, cook either early or after dark. The sun is less fierce, and you’ll thank yourself later when the kitchen isn’t radiating extra heat through bedtime. As the U.S. Department of Energy points out, shifting chores away from peak heat hours can keep your whole house feeling fresher.
No Shame in Outsourcing
If all else fails, you know what? Order takeout. Even the best chefs need a break from the heat sometimes. At the end of the day, staying cool and comfortable keeps cooking fun—and that’s what it’s really all about.
