As Americans gear up for the nation’s 250th birthday and World Cup celebrations, they’ll also contend with record-breaking temperatures exceeding 100°F sweeping most of the country over the long weekend. For those feeling the heat, experts advise keeping windows shut during peak midday hours, staying hydrated, and using window blinds over curtains for energy-efficient shade. Our writers have tested and relied on these gear to stay cool in extreme heat.
Dreo TurboCool Misting Tower Fan
Now $161.99 (originally $179.99) at The Home Depot, and $179.99 (originally $199.99) at Amazon. This top-tested fan shoots a cooling stream of air with refreshing mist droplets that can drop ambient temperatures by up to 10 degrees. Reviewer Caramel Quin noted, “I tried its top setting (fan 12, mist 4), and sitting 2m away, I felt the occasional, pleasant cool drop of water, but the floor didn’t get wet.”
Diveblues Portable Handheld Turbo Fan
Now $12.99 (originally $18.99) at Amazon. This three-way design allows perching on surfaces, handheld use, or wearing with a lanyard. At its highest setting, it delivers gusts at 6.6m/s. Tester Alan Martin said, “If you want power for a reasonable price, then [this] is the answer.”
Frogg Togg Instant Cooling Towels
From $9.88 (originally $16.99) at Amazon, also $14.99 at Walmart. These reusable cooling neck towels stay dry to the touch and can cool you off up to 30 degrees. Recommended by a personal trainer specializing in perimenopausal women who experience hot flashes.
Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist
$19.90 at Amazon and Ulta. Beauty columnist Sali Hughes called it “the perfect mist” for dispensing “a superfine monsoon of hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients such as aloe, rice, panthenol and centella.”
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
From $219.30 at Cozy Earth (with code GUARDIAN15) and $258 at Amazon. These cooling bamboo sheets keep night sweats at bay with the softness of “a well-worn T-shirt,” as described by the tester.
Fishwife Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil
$35.94 for a pack of six at Amazon, $32 for a pack of three at Fishwife. Consumer tech editor Samuel Gibbs recommends avoiding cooking that generates heat. Filter US commissioning editor Karen Yuan mixes this tuna with kimchi, sliced cucumber, and dried seaweed flakes over microwaved rice for a no-cook dinner.
Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind
$49.17 at Amazon. Contributor Callum Bains said, “Hanging blackout curtains on the sun-facing side of your home can block its heating effects. Although basic, it’s effective.” Suction cups keep it affixed to any window.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Now $23.99 (originally $29.99) at Amazon, also $29.99 at Walmart. This triple-insulated bottle offers a wide spout for chugging or a collapsible straw for sipping, keeping drinks ice-cold.
Ninja Slushi Drink Maker
Now $249.99 (originally $299.99) at Walmart, and $299.95 (originally $349.99) at Amazon. Contributor Tobey Grumet Segal was “blown away” by its ease: pour liquid, hit a preset (slush, spiked slush, frappe, milkshake, frozen juice), set a freezer level, and it chills until dispensed.
Fatboy Miasun Beach Tent
Now $31.85 (originally $49) at Fatboy. Contributor Rhiannon Evans says this portable canopy “has you covered” in a heatwave, accommodating up to two adults and two children with three configurations.
