Top Appliances for Graduation & Memorial Day

Late May in Minnesota brings a specific kind of magic. The snow is long gone, the lakes are calling, and the calendar is packed with two of the biggest outdoor milestones of the year: high school and college graduations, and Memorial Day weekend.

If you are playing backyard host this year, you know that a successful party requires more than just a few lawn chairs. It takes a strategic kitchen (and patio) setup to feed a crowd without spending the entire day trapped inside cooking.

At Appliance Solutions in Ham Lake, MN, we know exactly what it takes to keep the food hot, the drinks cold, and the host stress-free. Whether you are looking for a brand-new upgrade, a budget-friendly scratch-and-dent deal, or a fully reconditioned model, here are the top appliances you need to elevate your backyard hosting game this season.

1. The Secondary Refrigerator (or Freezer) for Party Prep

There is nothing worse than trying to wedge a giant graduation cake or three marinating trays of Memorial Day burgers into an already-packed family fridge.

A secondary refrigerator—placed in your garage, basement, or utility area—is the ultimate hosting secret weapon.

The Benefit: It allows you to buy food in bulk ahead of time, store large catering platters, and keep raw meats safely separated from ready-to-eat items.
Pro-Tip: If you only need extra space for a week or two out of the year, ask our team about our reliable reconditioned refrigerators. They offer high performance at a fraction of the cost of new models, making them the perfect secondary choice.

2. French Door Refrigerators with External Ice & Water

During a hot late-May afternoon, your guests will constantly look for ice and cold water. If your current fridge requires guests to open the doors repeatedly to grab ice, your compressor is working overtime, and your drinks aren’t staying truly cold.

Upgrading to a French Door Refrigerator with an external ice and water dispenser keeps your party moving.

Smart Storage: Wide shelves easily accommodate oversized deli trays and fruit platters.
Dual Ice Makers: Many modern models feature dual ice makers, producing standard cubes for the dispenser and larger craft ice for coolers or cocktails.

3. High-Capacity Ranges & Double Ovens

If you are baking sliders, roasting corn, or keeping side dishes warm while the main course is on the grill, oven capacity matters.

A double oven range allows you to bake a graduation dessert at $325^\circ\text{F}$ in the top oven while keeping hot dishes warm at $170^\circ\text{F}$ in the bottom oven.

Time-Saver: No more staging your cooking or serving cold food.
Budget Hack: Check out our scratch-and-dent selection of top-brand ranges. A tiny cosmetic blemish on the side (which will be hidden by your cabinets anyway) can save you hundreds of dollars just in time for party season!

4. The Time-Saving Dishwasher Upgrade

The party is over, the guests have gone home, and now you’re looking at a mountain of dirty dishes. The last thing you want is a dishwasher that requires you to pre-rinse every single plate.

Look for a modern dishwasher featuring:

Hard Food Disposers: These pulverize food particles so you don’t have to scrub before loading.
Third Racks: Perfect for holding all those extra grilling utensils, tongs, and reusable skewers.
Quick Wash Cycles: Turn over a load of cups in just 30 minutes so you don’t run out mid-party.

Prepping for the Big Weekend? Visit Appliance Solutions Today!

Don’t let an outdated appliance stress you out ahead of your graduation or Memorial Day weekend celebrations.

Located on MN-65 in Ham Lake, family-owned Appliance Solutions helps Twin Cities neighbors find the perfect fit for any budget. We offer everything from new luxury models to quality reconditioned and scratch-and-dent appliances. Need a quick tune-up before the big day? Our expert technicians and massive parts inventory have you covered.

FAQ

What is the advantage of buying a scratch-and-dent appliance for party hosting?

Scratch-and-dent appliances are brand-new, fully functional units that have sustained minor cosmetic damage (like a scratch or ding) during shipping. They come with warranties but are heavily discounted, allowing you to get premium, high-capacity hosting appliances for much less.

Do you offer delivery and installation in the Ham Lake area before Memorial Day?

Yes! At Appliance Solutions, we provide professional delivery and installation services across Ham Lake, Blaine, and the surrounding Twin Cities Metro area to ensure your new appliances are set up safely and correctly before your guests arrive.

Can my existing refrigerator handle the demands of a large backyard graduation party?

Standard residential refrigerators often struggle with the frequent opening and closing that happens during a large party, which causes internal temperatures to rise. Adding a secondary garage fridge or upgrading to a model with external ice and water is highly recommended for large gatherings.