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Few of us have an inner Gordon Ramsay waiting to be launched into the world, but even novice cooks enjoy experimenting with new kitchen gadgets or ingredients. For those who just can’t wait to jump into the kitchen, creating new dishes can be as fun as trying out a new set of knives or a KitchenAid mixer.
Instead of buying a gift card to a fancy restaurant, indulge a chef’s curiosity by getting them a must-have accessory for their kitchen. Online shopping means you have an endless supply of options: Herb gardens, outdoor wood-fired pizza ovens, knife sets, spice racks, and immersion blenders are just the tip of the iceberg of thoughtful gifts for cooks whether they’re beginners or professionals. To make your shopping experience easier, choose from our list of popular gifts for cooks.
Find the Best Cooking Gifts at Amazon
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Shop All Kitchen Gear at Sur La Table
How to Choose the Best Gifts for Cooks
Many of us have to cook at some point, but not everyone loves to cook. But those who do are already likely to have a slew of cookbooks, spices, and appliances, so it helps to take careful consideration before buying a gift.
- What kind of kitchen are they working in? A large countertop stand mixer may not be the right gift for someone cooking in a small galley kitchen.
- What equipment do they already have? No one wants to spend a pretty penny on a sous vide cooker just to realize that the recipient already has one!
- What kinds of foods do they like to cook? You can get them a cookbook or some spices that complement their favorite type of cuisine. Or you can get them something from a cuisine they’ve never tried before!
The Best Gifts for Cooks
From simple to elaborate, gifts for cooks come in all shapes and sizes. Avoid becoming overwhelmed with available choices by selecting the perfect gift from our curated list of gifts for cooks.
Gifts $25 and Under
Kitchen Must-Have
Yamazaki Home Cookbook Stand
Whether the cook on your list uses traditional cookbooks or prints out their favorite recipes, they need a place where they can easily read them—ideally without having to touch them with messy fingers. The Yamazaki cookbook stand is the answer. It’s just large enough to hold their cookbook open without taking up too much counter space. Once their cookbook is open to the right page, the lower bar will rest against the pages and keep them open so they can quickly glance at them anytime. They can even set up an iPad or tablet on this cookbook stand! $25 at Amazon.
Newbie To Pro Guide
How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
From beginner cooks to professionals, there’s something for everyone inside this recently updated instructional cookbook. Rather than being one of those old, wordy cookbooks from Julia Child’s day, this cookbook is minimalist with easy-to-follow instructions and no-frills explanations. For those who’ve always wondered what it means to julienne a carrot, they’ll find the answer inside, along with dozens of other kitchen tips and cooking advice for looking like a total pro in the kitchen. This book teaches about the many spices available and how to improvise a new dish, and it allows cooks to practice making a popular staple like chili or grilled vegetables that look just like the mouth-watering pictures. $20.49 at Amazon.
Uncork with Ease
Secura Electric Wine Bottle Opener
Say goodbye to struggling with corkscrews and broken corks and introduce the cook in your life to the Secura wine bottle opener. This sleek stainless steel opener effortlessly uncorks wine bottles with a touch of a button, making it a must-have gadget for any wine enthusiast or home chef. Its simple operation and ergonomic design ensure smooth, mess-free uncorking every time, saving time and effort during meal preparations or dinner parties. With its built-in rechargeable battery, this electric opener can uncork up to 30 bottles on a single charge. $23.44 at Amazon.
Stylish Protection
NLUS Kitchen Cooking Aprons
Give the gift of style and practicality with these cooking aprons. This set of two aprons provides durable protection against spills and splatters while ensuring comfort during long hours in the kitchen. The adjustable neck strap and waist tie ensure a customized fit for all body types, while the spacious pockets offer convenient storage for cooking utensils, recipe cards, or a phone. $16.99 at Amazon.
Precise Measurements
Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale
Take the guesswork out of cooking and baking with the Etekcity kitchen scale. Designed for precision and accuracy, this sleek stainless steel scale delivers reliable measurements for ingredients, ranging from grams to ounces. Whether cooks are portioning ingredients for a recipe or monitoring portions for a healthy lifestyle, this multifunctional scale is a can’t-miss kitchen companion. Its compact size and sleek design make it easy to store when not in use, while its tare function allows for seamless measurement of multiple ingredients in the same container. $13.99 at Amazon.
Gifts Under $50
Spice Things up
The Spice House Bestsellers Collection
Help the cook in your life elevate their favorite culinary creations with The Spice House Best Sellers Collection. Curated from quality ingredients that are sourced globally, this set promises to invigorate every dish with authentic flavors and aromas. Whether they’re crafting a savory stew, a zesty marinade, or a delectable dessert, this four-jar set of premium spices can help transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. With this collection at their fingertips, any cook can explore a world of tastes and tantalize taste buds with every dish. $42 at The Spice House.
Kitchen Workhorse
ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set
Across the globe, mortar and pestle sets have been used for thousands of years to grind herbs, spices, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains into the perfect size for cooking. Give a cook this time-honored gift of a mortar and pestle that’s made from unpolished granite to accelerate the grinding process. Grinding and pulverizing ingredients allows more flavors and aromas to be released into the food, whether it’s guacamole, hummus, salad dressings, or fresh mustard. This mortar and pestle can hold nearly 2 cups of ingredients, making it ideal when preparing food for larger crowds. $25.46 at Amazon.
Essential Luxury
TruffleHunter Truffle Oil Selection Gift Set
Truffles are one of the most expensive and coveted culinary items in the Western world. Surprise your chef with the gift of delicious truffle oil to enhance their next marinade or risotto. This gift set includes a white truffle oil, an earthier black truffle oil, and a nutty English truffle oil. Since these are cold-pressed oils, all the intensity of flavors remains intact for maximum potency. Foodies and chefs alike can enjoy the flavors of European truffles at a great price. $26.96 at Amazon.
Sea Salt Surprise
Maldon Salt, Sea Salt Flakes
These Maldon sea salt flakes might delight your favorite cook. Gone are the days of using iodized salt for everything when the flavors of natural salts far surpass manufactured salts. These sea salt flakes have a rich flavor when used as a finishing salt on grilled veggies, fresh salads, scrambled eggs, or other favorite foods. The sweet, salty flavor and crunch is enticing to taste. Many top chefs prefer the hand-crafted salt flakes from a brand that’s been harvested from England’s rocky shores for four generations. This distinctive sea salt makes for an unusual but welcome gift. $24.78 at Amazon.
Flavor Upgrades
Belwares 12-Jar Revolving Spice Rack Organizer
PROMOTED PICK
Spices are essential to flavoring a recipe and enjoying the tastes of other cultures. This revolving spice tower includes 16 spices in glass bottles to enhance the flavors of the most common dishes. For those unfamiliar with a spice’s appearance, each one is clearly labeled on the lid so the Herbes de Provence aren’t mistaken for basil. We love the small size of these spice bottles since the potency of spices fades over time, and they’ll be ready for a refill just in time. With your purchase comes 5 years’ worth of free refills—that’s a win-win! $25.99 at Amazon.
EASY PREP
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper
Instead of spending hours in the kitchen chopping, dicing, and shredding ingredients, home cooks can use the food processor and veggie chopper from Hamilton Beach to save time and energy. This food processor has an 8-cup capacity and a large feed chute that makes processing items like blocks of cheese a breeze. Its reversible disc slices and shreds fruits or veggies, while its S-blade can chop, mix, and puree just about anything. Bonus: All of its parts are BPA-free and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. $49.99 at Amazon.
PROMOTED PICK
Easy Can Opening
Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
It’ll be time to put that rusty old manual can opener in the trash thanks to this sleek stainless steel option from Cuisinart. This electric opener makes opening cans a breeze, which is especially helpful for anyone who struggles with arthritis or mobility in their hands. Cooks will never have to worry about making multiple passes around the lid of the can just to get it open, either. And while it might seem like a superfluous luxury, it’s sure to be a kitchen staple for years to come. $45.90 at Amazon.
Sophisticated Santoku
Saveur Selects German Steel Forged Santoku Knife
The right santoku knife in the proper hands becomes a formidable kitchen tool. A chef can wield this 7-inch blade effortlessly while mincing, chopping, dicing, slicing, and butterflying any ingredient. The rounded tip keeps fingers safe while providing plenty of blade space for cutting through large vegetables or fruit. With a patented sharp-edge retention, this santoku knife is a top choice for serious cooks, whether they’re beginners or professionals. The rocking motion of the ergonomic handle and balance may take some getting used to, but it won’t be long before a chopping storm ensues. $38.78 at Amazon.
Uniquely Yours
Personalized Engraved Cutting Board
Make meal prep a personalized experience with this personalized cutting board from Etsy. Each cutting board can be engraved with a custom design, whether it’s a family name, a special date, or a heartfelt message. Made from high-quality wood, this cutting board not only adds a touch of personality to the kitchen but also serves as a functional piece for chopping fruits, vegetables, and more. Choose from a variety of wood types and sizes. Starting at $35.05 at Etsy.
Gifts Under $100
European Ingenuity
Dansk Kobenstyle Butter Warmer
Don’t let its name fool you. This little European-style pot can do much more than just warm butter. The enamel material has the impressive ability to provide an even cooking surface for whatever food your chef wants to cook in this handy little pot. For single-serving cooks, it’s just the right size for a large bowl of soup, pasta, or bread loaf. It’s durable enough to be used on a stovetop or in an oven, just like a Dutch oven pot. We especially like the curved handle that’s comfortable to hold and the inward-tapered edges that help prevent spills. $71.99 at Amazon.
High-Tech Indoor Gardening
Click and Grow Indoor Herb Garden
Great cooks keep fresh herbs close at hand throughout the year since nothing beats the aromatic flavor punch of a freshly chopped herb. Now they can grow herbs even in the dark of winter with this mini hydroponic-style herb garden that includes an LED light to shine a healthy growing light over the herbs. The plants grow in small dirt containers and automatically draw water when needed from the water reservoir—as long as it’s kept full, of course. Cooks can choose from over 50 preseeded plants including cilantro, basil, strawberries, lavender, chili peppers, and much more. $99.95 at Amazon.
Healthier Fryer
Cosori Pro II Air Fryer
The Cosori air fryer is a top-rated model that can cook meals and side dishes for up to five people. It requires less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep fryers without sacrificing crispness or flavor. With 12 different cooking functions, the fryer can cook just about anything, from meat and veggies to desserts and more. The removable nonstick baskets are BPA-free and can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning once the frying is complete. $98.98 at Amazon.
Unparalleled Citrus Flavor
Brighter Blooms Meyer Lemon Tree
The aromatic flavor of a Meyer lemon is unrivaled in the citrus world. With their soft, thin skin and sweet aroma, Meyer lemons will make other lemons seem bland. Surprise your favorite cook with their own Meyer lemon tree that is hardy enough to grow outdoors during the warmer months and indoors with plenty of natural light when the nights get cool. This tree will arrive standing 2 to 3 feet tall, and it’s known to be both self-pollinating and high-yielding. Your favorite cook will enjoy the aroma of the fresh blossoms and delight in their own mini orchard. $69.95 at Amazon.
Optimal Organization
Valleyhike Meal Prep Kitchen Station
Cooks can say goodbye to scattered ingredients and messy kitchens with this meal-prep station from Valleyhike. It includes four reusable storage containers to hold all the ingredients needed to make a meal. The system also comes with helpful tools like a cutting board with a juice groove, as well as prepping tools including peelers, slicers, and graters. $89.99 at Amazon.
Grill Gadget
Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer
The Meater Plus meat thermometer is an excellent gift for home cooks who like to cook on a grill or smoker. This smart wireless thermometer can monitor food from up to 165 feet away thanks to patented technology that measures internal meat and ambient temperatures in the oven or the grill. The stainless steel probe can also be monitored on a phone or tablet with its Bluetooth connectivity. Plus it can help cooks plan their meals and manage their time based on when the main course is done. $99.95 at Amazon.
Finely Crafted Blades
Saveur Selects German Steel Forged Steak Knife Set
Unless a steak has been cooked till it’s practically leather, there’s no need to vigorously saw through a tender piece of meat. These steak knives are finely crafted to slice through any meat with a smooth, flawless glide. The German steel is well known to be a top choice for steel kitchen blades that resist staining or dulling over time. Well balanced, hand-sharpened, and patented for exceptional sharp-edge retention, these knives are sure to be a hit with your favorite cook. Four 10-inch knives are included in this set from Saveur Selects. $99.95 at Amazon.
Rugged Preparedness
Aaron Leather Goods Leather Knife Roll Storage Bag
Culinary students, traveling chefs, and food-truck owners will love this beautifully crafted leather knife storage bag. Its rugged appearance with vintage leather buckles and hand stitching will make it the envy of all who see it. Ten slots are sewn into the bottom to hold knives, spatulas, or grill forks up to 18 inches long. Four extra sheaths are included at the top for smaller knives like paring knives or steak knives. Every tool a cook or grill master needs can be included in this roll-up bag and carried almost anywhere with the leather shoulder strap. It’s exactly the gift a cook didn’t even know they needed. $94.99 at Amazon.
Top Chef Treats
Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa Bake-at-Home Cookie Dough
Treat your favorite cook to the irresistible taste of homemade cookies with Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa bake-at-home cookie dough. With this kit, they can effortlessly bake bakery-quality cookies in the comfort of their own kitchen. These cookies are made with premium ingredients and Ina’s signature touch, making this a delicious treat your recipient will love indulging in. $99.95 at Goldbelly.
Gifts Under $250
Embrace Culinary Mastery
MasterClass Pass
Unlock a world of culinary expertise with the MasterClass Pass—a gift that keeps on giving. With access to a diverse array of cooking classes taught by world-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, and Massimo Bottura, your favorite cook can elevate their skills to new heights from the comfort of their own kitchen. From mastering the art of pasta making to perfecting the techniques of French pastry, each class offers in-depth lessons, insider tips, and hands-on demonstrations that inspire and empower cooks of all levels. $120 at MasterClass.
Versatile Appliance
Ninja Mega Kitchen System
Whether the cook in your life wants to whip up a delicious frozen drink or make homemade pizza dough, the Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System can create both and more with its many functions. It can crush ice, mix dough, chop vegetables for salsas or dips, and make smoothies that can be taken on the go. Its pitcher can hold up to 72 ounces, and it can process up to 8 cups of ingredients at a time. Plus, it comes with a manual of chef-designed recipes for inspiration. $139.99 at Amazon.
Fresh Juice Now
Breville Juice Fountain Plus Juicer
Fresh juice in the morning sounds like a luxury, but this juicer can make it a reality. This powerful juicer offers a 3-inch-wide chute so your gift recipient doesn’t have to waste time chopping up fruits and vegetables. The titanium-reinforced disc and micro-mesh filter basket make for the most efficient and nutritious juice extraction. And there’s even a built-in froth separator that prevents a whole glass of froth with only a little bit of juice at the bottom. $139.95 at Amazon.
Blending Perfection
Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender
When it comes to unique gifts for cooks, an immersion blender shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s an oft-forgotten kitchen tool that comes in handy more often than you’d expect. This Breville immersion blender can blend up to 8 inches of ingredients in a matter of minutes. Cooks can smooth a lumpy sauce, blend creamy applesauce, or whip up their own concoction of baby food. The motor attaches to the chopping jar to blend ingredients in the large jug, or it can attach to the whisk to beat eggs or whipping cream. After use, all that’s needed is to remove the motor and wash the blades or jars right in the top rack of the dishwasher. $129.95 at Amazon.
Read More: Best Immersion Blenders
Not Your Mom’S Cast Iron
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
Cast-iron skillets have been upgraded since their older predecessors. This Le Creuset cast-iron skillet has an enameled interior that doesn’t require additional seasoning before using, so it’s ready to go right out of the box. The black enamel also resists staining, rusting, and other wear and tear—cooks can even put it in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning without losing the seasoning! This skillet retains heat so well during cooking that less oil is needed for frying, making it a healthier cooking choice. We like that the handle is a little longer than most other options to better balance the pan while holding it. $219.95 at Amazon.
Read More: Best Cast-Iron Pan
Restaurant Results
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
For the most precise cooking results, a sous-vide cooker is a necessity. This Anova precision cooker tightly regulates and circulates a water bath to perfectly cook that juicy steak or those delicate scallops. It’s easy to use and control from a smartphone. And unlike with stovetop or oven cooking, it’s fine if food is forgotten for a bit in a sous-vide bath: Because the water will never exceed the set temperature, nothing will ever overcook. $113.83 at Amazon.
Performance Cookware
Cuisinart 12 Piece Cookware Set
Shiny new pots make any cook’s heart go pitter-patter. Free from the burned-on residue of old pots and reflective enough to see your face, these Cuisinart pots and pans are top-of-the-line performance cookware. No hot spots exist with these pans thanks to the triple-ply stainless steel and aluminum core that ensures a perfectly even cooking surface. Your favorite cook will be able to whip up a stew, sauté veggies, and fry doughnuts at 550 degrees Fahrenheit with ease. We especially love the Cool Grip handles that won’t burn fingers when it’s time to drain the noodles. $217 at Amazon.
Gifts $250 and Over
Mini Mixer Magic
KitchenAid Artisan 3.5 Quart Stand Mixer
This KitchenAid mixer is perfectly sized for small spaces thanks to the 20 percent smaller footprint and 25 percent lighter weight. The smaller size doesn’t mean it’s sacrificed any of its power, though. Making bread dough or whipping cream is still a reliable and fast process using this top-of-the-line kitchen accessory. For the cook who’s ready to dive into more exciting adventures, this mini KitchenAid is compatible with up to 10 attachments that can upgrade home-cooked meals with spiralized zucchini or homemade pasta. There are eight fresh and vibrant colors to choose from. $349.99 at Amazon.
Smooth Operator
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
Vitamix blenders get a lot of hype nowadays and with good reason. They’re one of the most powerful options on the market, and this professional series blender is top of the line. The preprogrammed settings make preparing hot soups, smoothies, or frozen cocktails as simple as can be. All that’s required is to choose the right setting, press the button, and the Vitamix will blend for the right length of time to achieve the perfect consistency and temperature. It even features a self-cleaning option! $649.95 at Amazon.
Wood-Fired Perfection
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
Wood-fired pizza doesn’t have to come from a local pizza parlor simply because it has a giant brick oven. Cooks who love making pizza can now experience the flavor difference of a wood-fired pizza in their own backyard with this small yet powerful outdoor pizza oven. Hardwood pellets are automatically fed into the hopper to reach a whopping 950 degrees Fahrenheit in just 15 minutes. A hot stone-baked pizza is ready in only 60 seconds! Even better, this pizza oven is designed so the legs can fold up, so homemade pizza can be served at a tailgate party or while camping. $259.99 at Amazon.
How to Get Deals on the Best Gifts for Cooks
Whether you know a cook who’s just beginning or is already a pro, choosing gifts for cooks doesn’t have to be a headache. Gadgets, spices, herb-growing kits, knife sets, enamel pots, and unique food ingredients are always a safe choice for someone who spends much of their time in the kitchen. If your cook loves to bake, look for items that bring a new flavor to the table or make the process easier. Cooks who love making complex dinners will enjoy unique ingredients, handy gadgets, and reliable tools.
While you scour the internet for the best gifts for cooks, be sure to use a helpful extension like Honey to get the best prices and discounts. Planning ahead for a birthday gift can also save money if you land a terrific deal around a holiday. It also removes the stress of worrying whether the gift will arrive in time! No matter how you shop, deals and discounts can be found while you find the perfect gift for cooks.
Prices listed here were accurate at the time of publication on 6/30/2021.