30 of the Best Gifts for Cooks
Updated: Oct. 31, 2021Have a home chef on your list? We're sharing all the best gifts for cooks that are unexpected, colorful and clever.
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Chef’s Torch
Whether they’re concocting a new flavor of creme brulee or caramelizing veggies, a chef’s torch will come in handy in your favorite foodie’s kitchen. This handsome model is one of the best gifts for cooks. It features an adjustable jet flame (that can reach temperatures of 2700°F!) and a child-resistant lock.
Heritage Steel Shallow Wok
We know that your favorite chef has their own set of cookware. But do they have this game-changing shallow wok? Probably not. Constructed out of American steel and oven-safe up to 800°F, this hearty pan can handle almost any cooking task. Find more American-made cooking tools we love. Then, learn more about the best cookware for your kitchen.
Cookbook Stand
Every cook needs a stand to hold bunches of printed-out recipes or cookbooks. And why not add some decor to the kitchen at the same time? This cookbook stand has antique flair, and whether your friend has a farmhouse kitchen or a modern space, it’s the perfect fit. Pair the stand with one of 2021’s best cookbooks, too!
Chef’s Apron
No matter what kind of chef you’re shopping for, they’re bound to love this pro kitchen apron. It looks like it’s straight from their favorite cooking show! The pockets are great for wooden spoons, a phone or meal plan journal.
State Spoon Rest
Your giftee can show off their cooking chops and their state pride with this fun spoon rest. Each piece of pottery is hand-sculpted and finished with three food-safe glazes.
BBQ Gloves
Pulling a roast out of the oven can be a hot mess if your hands aren’t protected. This bright pair of gloves lets everyone know who’s working with some hot cookin’! They’re also great for the grill—check out this collection of BBQ sauces for inspiration.
Salt Cellar
Keeping salt handy (especially gourmet salt from different areas of the world) is a cook’s secret to upgrading food on the fly, even at the table. It could also be a way to show personality—whether it’s a carved wooden canister or this green glass design.
Mini Waffle Maker
Help your chef step up their holiday brunch game. This adorable mini gingerbread waffle maker creates a delicious meal in mere minutes. Get started with these waffle recipes—they’re certainly worth waking up for!
Hot Sauce Set
Gift your favorite chef some flavor. This set of hot sauces and hot honeys add a little extra somethin’ to pizza, eggs, veggies, grilled meats and more.
Cast-Iron Skillet
We love cast-iron skillets because they’re durable, stay hot and even make food taste better. This Lodge cast-iron pan features sloped sides to reduce spills and can handle almost everything, from pancakes to steaks. To level up your chef’s skills, gift an Amazon Explore cooking class, too.
Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo is durable and dries quickly. It’s also sustainably sourced. This set of three cutting boards allows for lots of flexibility, whether trimming carrots or chopping tomatoes. Bonus: The drip edges are a dream, making cleanup a breeze. And don’t forget about cutting board care!
Wusthof Knife Set
They say that it’s a poor craftsman that blames his tools, but home chefs know the importance of a good set of knives. Wusthof is one of our Test Kitchen’s preferred brands, and this set features stainless blades and a sharpening steel for durability.
Ninja Blender
No better way to start the morning than with a fresh smoothie. This professional-grade Ninja blender can transform fruits and veggies into delicious drinks in seconds, along with whipping together sauces, dressings and even ice cream.
Maldon Sea Salt
A sea salt beloved by professional chefs deserves a special spot in the kitchen. The flaky crystals help draw out flavors in all recipes, both savory and sweet. (Trust us when we say to sprinkle it on homemade chocolate chip cookies.)
Bamboo Cooking Utensils
It seems like a person can never have too many cooking utensils. These bamboo utensils feature ombre color on the handles for a burst of brightness to match dishtowels and oven mitts—heck, even window valances! Read up on the essential tools every cook needs.
Instant Pot
Instant Pots are a cult favorite for a reason. Create gourmet dishes, from roasted chickens to warming autumn soups, with the press of a button. This Instant Pot model multitasks, so home chefs can also cook rice, make yogurt or just pop in a dish to stay warm.
Storage Containers
Chefs, meet your ideal pantry organization solution. This set of storage containers has a range of sizes to accommodate all kinds of dry goods and seals for airtight freshness. They also stack, so cupboards and drawers will be easier to sort through.
Kitchen Shears
Whether your gift recipient grows herbs in the backyard or buys ’em at the grocery store, snipping fresh chives or basil is a breeze with these bright kitchen shears.
Garlic Press
Small but mighty, a good garlic press can be a game-changer in the kitchen, saving time and hassle, and making it simple to add a pop of savory flavor.
Spice Kit
Because a little spice shouldn’t require a lot of time! This spice kit makes adding zest to everyday dishes easy, with options ranging from garlic and parsley to an upgraded take on BBQ seasoning.
Tortilla Press Kit
Take taco night to a new level. This cast-iron tortilla press makes it easy to craft fresh, homemade tortillas at home. Plus, you can feel good about gifting since each press is made in Mexico from recycled sewing machines and other irons.
Really Good Olive Oil
There’s regular olive oil, and then there’s this Really Good Olive Oil. Infused with wild rosemary, and paired with a crisp pear balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of this on roasted potatoes, salads or even a slice of bread is a gourmet treat.
Ice Cream Maker
Never run out of ice cream again! This ice cream maker is fully automatic—dump in ingredients and enjoy frozen yogurt and ice cream. Need some inspiration? We’re no strangers to exploring the best ice cream recipes.
Vacuum Sealer
This vacuum sealer is a must for anyone who is serious about cooking. It lets you seal food before sous vide cooking or safely store and freeze bulk buys. It also helps make meal prep even easier.
Engraved Rolling Pins
Great memories are made while baking, and this set of engraved rolling pins will make the experience even sweeter. (Hopefully your giftee will say “thank you” with a beautiful batch of treats!)
Kitchen Towels
For your friend who loves a good pun—and a clean kitchen. Featuring farmers market finds, these kitchen towels will help keep things tidy and add a spot of color (and humor) to the decor. And they’re tough enough to handle frequent laundry cycles.
Portable Pizza Oven
Really, every night should be pizza night. This pizza oven is sleek and powerful, creating restaurant-worthy pies in the backyard. It’s the perfect excuse to try out new pizza recipes, too.
Herb Garden
What’s better than a gift that keeps on growing? We can’t think of one! This herb garden comes with six types of seeds to get started, and can hold up to six plants year-round for always-fresh herbs.
Sous Vide Cooker
Sous vide, where food in a sealed bag is cooked in temperature-controlled water, means that overcooked meat is a thing of the past. It can also be healthier, using less oil and salt than other cooking methods. This Anova precision cooker can be hooked up to Wi-Fi, so tech-savvy cooks can control the food through an app.
Up Next: Kitchen gear you can buy at the hardware store and fabric store. Who knew?
CMU Unit
