How to Keep Your Kitchen Cool While Cooking in the Summer

Cooking up a storm in the summer sounds great until your kitchen feels like a sauna. Between simmering sauces, preheating ovens, and firing up your range, that cool and comfortable kitchen vibe can disappear fast.

At Jessup’s, we get how frustrating it can be when the heat starts to build, especially here in Florida. So let’s talk about some smart, simple ways to keep your kitchen cool, without sacrificing your favorite meals.

 

Why Does My Kitchen Get So Hot When I Cook?

First, a little background. Your oven and stovetop release a lot of heat as they work. Add in summer temps and maybe some afternoon sun beaming through your kitchen windows, and it all adds up fast. Without good kitchen ventilation or strategic cooking times, that heat has nowhere to go, and your kitchen can quickly feel overwhelming.

💡Pro Tip: Use window coverings or sun-blocking shades to help reduce heat during peak sunlight hours.

 

 

Can Range Hoods Help Cool Down My Kitchen?

Yes! Range hoods are your secret weapon against kitchen heat. When you’re simmering sauces or firing up the oven, kitchen vents pull steam and heat up and out, helping keep the air much cooler.

Here’s how to make the most of your range hood in summer:

• Turn it on before you start cooking to get ahead of the heat.

• Keep it running during cooking to pull out steam and hot air.

• Let it run for a few minutes after you finish to clear lingering warmth and improve air circulation.

• That extra airflow makes a big difference, especially on those sweltering summer days.

 

Smart Cooking Tips to Beat the Heat

Cook During Cooler Hours

Plan your cooking for early morning or later in the evening when temperatures outside (and inside) are lower. Midday cooking tends to turn your kitchen into a hotbox.

 

Embrace Small Appliances

Skip the oven when you can. Instead, use small appliances like:

• Microwaves (great for reheating and quick meals)

• Toaster ovens (perfect for small batches)

• Air fryers (crispy without the heat)

• Induction cooktops (which heat the pan, not the kitchen)

Our Pick: The GE Profile Built-in Touch Induction Cooktop (Model: PHP9036DTBB) gives you powerful cooking performance without all the ambient heat. Bonus: it's super energy-efficient, too.

 

Take It Outside

Grilling outdoors keeps the heat where it belongs: outside. Gas and pellet grills are easy and keep your kitchen cooler while you cook up summer classics.

Our Pick: The DCS Series 7 Built-in Grill (Model: BGC30BQL) makes outdoor cooking fun and keeps your indoor kitchen refreshingly cool.

 

Use Ventilation Wisely

Turn on your range hood while cooking to help pull heat and steam out of the kitchen. Ceiling fans can also help circulate air. Just make sure they’re pushing air down (not pulling it up).

Pro Tip: Yes, you can use fans in the kitchen while cooking! Just be mindful of grease and open flames.

Prep Smarter

Batch cooking or prepping meals ahead of time cuts down on how long your appliances are running. Less cooking = less heat.

 

How to Cool Your Kitchen (and Yourself) While You Cook

Even with the best tricks, cooking in the summer can still get uncomfortable. That’s why it’s just as important to cool yourself as it is to cool the space. Here are a few easy ways to stay comfortable while you cook:

• Stay hydrated. Keep a cold glass of water nearby.

• Wear light, breathable clothing. Even pros do this in restaurant kitchens.

• Take breaks. Step out of the kitchen if you’re feeling overheated.

Pro Tip: Chefs often deal with heat by staying cool and calm: lots of hydration, strategic prep, and fans where possible.

 

 

Don’t Forget About Hot Dishes

Once your food is cooked, help it cool faster:

• Spread out hot food in shallow containers.

• Use cooling racks to help airflow around hot pans.

• Avoid stacking hot dishes.

Jessup’s Pick: The Café 30 in. Combination Double Wall Oven (Model: CTC912P2NS1) features advanced cooling systems so even when you're baking, the surrounding kitchen stays more comfortable.

 

Stay Cool and Keep Cooking with Jessup’s

Summer heat doesn’t have to mean takeout every night. With a little planning and the right appliances, you can keep cooking your favorite meals without sweating through dinner. At Jessup’s, we carry convection ovens, induction cooktops, outdoor grills, and more to help make summer cooking a breeze. 

Ready to upgrade your kitchen and keep things cool? Visit Jessup’s Appliances online or stop by one of our local appliance store locations in Florida to explore our selection of grills for sale.

 

FAQ: Keeping Your Kitchen Cool While Cooking

1. How to manage heat when cooking?
Plan your cooking times wisely, use proper ventilation like range hoods or ceiling fans, and rely on small appliances to limit overall heat.

2. Can we use a fan in the kitchen while cooking?
Yes, just position it safely away from open flames or grease. Ceiling fans or portable fans help move warm air out.

3. How to keep a pantry cool in summer?
Keep the pantry door closed, use proper insulation, and avoid storing hot items inside to prevent extra heat.

4. Can air coolers be used in the kitchen?
Yes, but with caution. Portable air coolers work best away from steam and grease, so position them safely.

5. Can a kitchen be too hot to work in?
Yes. If temperatures become unsafe, take breaks, hydrate, and consider cooking later or outdoors to avoid overheating.

6. How do you cool down hot dishes quickly?
Spread food into shallow containers, use cooling racks for airflow, and avoid stacking hot dishes to help them cool faster and prevent extra heat in the kitchen.