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Everyone is thinking about Back To School, this time of year, and students of all ages have shopping lists for the Fall. This list is different though. It’s a list of things I, as a dad, would love to get this Fall while everyone else is buying clothes, notebooks, and protractors. I admit that this list is on the pricier side and is a bit indulgent at times too. A dad can wish though, right?
Espresso Machine
This is an item I have owned for a few years now and still use EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. The amount of coffee we used to get at the local Starbucks was honestly embarrassing. This Breville BES870XL Barista Express allows us to make better quality coffee at home and for less per cup. We’ve got our own selection of Torani Syrups on the kitchen counter next to the espresso machine too. This is a purchase I would gladly make again if our current machine ever broke.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third-wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all-in-one espresso machines with an integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low-pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performance allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables the creation of latte art
- ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH GRIND SIZE DIAL: Simple and intuitive, giving you control over the grind size no matter what type of bean you’re grinding
- ESPRESSO MAKER WITH BUILT-IN COFFEE GRINDER: Innovative grinding cradle allows any at-home barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter for the perfect espresso
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter, 1 & 2 cups Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Coffee Scoop, Integrated Tamper, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning Disc, Tablets, Brush Tool & Allen Key, Water Filter & Filter Holder
Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day yet it is the easiest to skip because we’re all used to rushing everyone out the door in the morning. With the Hamilton Beach ® Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker, you can make 1 or 2 hot, homemade breakfast, lunch, or dinner sandwiches in just 5 minutes using your own fresh ingredients. I want one of these so bad.
FEATURES Include:
• Quick and easy
• Makes 1 or 2 sandwiches
• Use your own fresh ingredients, including eggs, cheese, and much more
• 4-1/2 star consumer rated
• Dishwasher safe, removable parts
• Audible digital timer
Pizza Oven
I love pizza. My kids love pizza. My friends love pizza.
This idea of having a pizza oven at home seems like a brilliant idea to me.
Why order out anymore when I can make my pizza right at home?
The Ooni Karu is an amazing pizza oven that allows for wood, charcoal, or gas-fired meat, fish, nachos, wings, and vegetables in addition to pizzas. You can cook a pizza in the Ooni Karu in just 60 seconds at 932º. That is incredible to me. I want it.
They also have a gas-only powered backyard pizza oven that does all the same types of dishes but without the flexibility (or complication) of various types of fuel to worry about: the Ooni Koda.
Here is a pepperoni pizza I had at my friend’s place in WI. He has an Ooni Pizza maker. Trying the pizzas first hand and helping along with the creation and cooking process makes me want one even more.
This logic worked for us breaking our coffee shop habit when we got the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. Maybe it will work here too for breaking our local pizza joint habit. 🤞
Gas Grill
I’ve been a homeowner for over a year now and have been meaning to buy a grill since we moved in last summer. That’s given me a lot of time to consider what I want. I’m new to grilling and our family isn’t too big. Plus, I love road trips. That’s why I landed on the Weber Traveler Grill.
This mighty little beast allows for cooking in the backyard or the backcountry with little setup and no fuss. It’s perfect for our little family of four and can easily be stored in the garage when we’re not using it. Plus, I hear you can grill year-round.
Product Features:
• Compact fold for minimal storage space & easily fits in the trunk of a car
• Large grilling area so that the meal is ready to eat at the same time
• Purposefully designed to optimize gas usage
• Low-to-high temp range grills everything: pancakes to seared steak
• Easy to transport, so that it’s always going where you go
• Conveniently lowers down without any effort or assistance
• Grill is attached to the cart so that you’re up and grilling in no time
• Can accommodate a full-size, 20 lb. fuel tank w/adapter hose
Electric Leaf Blower
Here in the midwest, we know what it’s like to have leaves fall to the ground and spend several afternoons in a row raking leaves to keep the yard clean. This year, I’d love to get this Milwaukee Leaf Blower that can (according to the listing) hit air speeds of 120 Mph.
This M18 fuel blower kit, has the power to clear from 15′, full throttle in under 1 second, up to 4 lb. The Power state Brushless motor delivers more power under load & longer motor life. Plus Intelligence provides optimized performance & overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery & charger, Red lithium high demand 9. 0 battery delivers unmatched run time, Power, & longer life, 450 CFM maximum air volume, 120 mph maximum air speed, lock-on button, High/Low-speed settings.
Fire Pit
Last summer we purchased one of those cheap firepits from a local hardware store to start enjoying our backyard right away. It was nice, but it hasn’t held up very well over the months. That’s when I discovered Solo Stove.
The smokeless fire pits that Solo Stove sells are pretty amazing. They offer several sizes, but the one I want for our backyard is the Solo Stove 27″ Yukon.
It is the perfect size for a backyard firepit and allows for portability to a campsite if needed. They seem to be easy to maintain and last well based on reviews I’ve found online. Would love to get one of these to share with the family.
Beverage Cooler
Beverage coolers come in a wild array of sizes and prices. That being said, I’ve found two I’m seriously considering.
A mid-range option is the NewAir – 126-Can Freestanding Beverage Fridge. The adjustable shelves let you create customized storage for different sized cans and bottles, and the roomy design stores over 20 full six-packs to keep you fully stocked. Top it off with an attractive stainless-steel design, and this fridge is a winner in my book.
The Insignia™ 115-Can Beverage Cooler in Stainless Steel is a nice budget option that I’m leaning towards. The 115 12-ounce can capacity beverage cooler has the storage capacity to stock all my favorites. Its touch controls make it easy to keep drinks cool within a range of 34° F to 50° F. It has 3 adjustable shelves that fit into 6 available slots. If there’s a power outage, an automatic memory function restores the same settings. And an automatic defrosting fan helps the cooler stay free of ice buildup.
Now that I’m done dreaming about my personal Dad’s Back to School Wishlist… What’s on your list for Back to School this year? Let me know in the comments and on social.