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Few of us have an inner Gordon Ramsay waiting to be launched on 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 is just 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 to choose from: 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.
Amazon: Find the Best Cooking Gifts on Amazon
KitchenAid: See KitchenAid’s Sale
Gobble: Give the Gift of a Gobble Meal Kit
Lettuce Grow: Grow Your Own Produce at Home With Lettuce Grow
Sur La Table: Shop All Kitchen Gear at Sur La Table
Macy’s: Macy’s Top Gifts for Cooks
Target: Target Kitchen Gifts
Walmart: See Walmart’s Gifts for Cooks
Best Buy: Best Buy Gifts for Foodies
The Best Gifts for Cooks
From simple to elaborate, gifts for cooks come in all shapes and sizes. Prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed with available choices by selecting the perfect gift from our curated list of gifts for cooks.
Gifts Under $25
Kitchen Must-Have
Yamazaki Home Cookbook Stand
Whether you use a traditional cookbook or print out your favorite recipes, you need a place where you 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 your cookbook open without taking up too much counter space. Once your cookbook is open to the right page, the lower bar will rest against the pages and keep them open so you can quickly glance at them anytime. You can even set your iPad or tablet on this cookbook stand! $17.50 on 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 one of those old, wordy cookbooks from Julia Child’s day, this cookbook is minimalist with easy-to-follow instructions and no-frills explanations. If you’ve always wondered what it means to julienne a carrot, you’ll find the answer inside, along with dozens of other kitchen tips and cooking advice for looking like a total pro in the kitchen. Learn about the dozens of spices available and how to improvise a new dish, or practice making a popular staple like chili or grilled vegetables that look just like the mouth-watering pictures. $18.91 on Amazon.
Gifts Under $50
Sea Salt Surprise
Maldon Salt, Sea Salt Flakes
These Maldon sea salt flakes might just surprise 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 once it’s tasted. 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. $27.04 on 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 12 spices in glass bottles to enhance the flavors of the most common dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with a spice, each one is clearly labeled on the lid so you don’t mistake the Herbes de Provence 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.
$27.99 on Amazon.
EASY PREP
Hamilton Beach Food Processor u0026 Vegetable Chopper
Instead of spending hours in the kitchen chopping, dicing, and shredding ingredients, home cooks can use the Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper 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. $44.99 on Amazon.
Perfect Pizza
Cast Elegance Theramite Pizza and Baking Stone
PROMOTED PICK
Whether you’re making pizza from scratch or heating up leftovers, a high-quality pizza stone can make the difference between a soggy, limp crust and a golden, crispy one. This stone absorbs moisture and retains heat better than metal or ceramic, and it’s super durable so you can use it in the oven or on the grill. This pizza stone comes with a scraper and a 30-page recipe book.
$39.95 on Amazon.
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. You’ll 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.$49.95 on Amazon.
Gifts Under $100
High-Tech Indoor Gardening
Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 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 you 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 you remember to fill it, of course. Cooks can choose from over 50 preseeded plants like cilantro, basil, strawberries, lavender, chili peppers, and much more. $99.95 on Amazon.
Healthier Fryer
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
The COSORI Air Fryer Max XL is a top-rated air fryer that can cook meals and side dishes for three to five people. It uses up to 85 percent less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep fryers without sacrificing crispness or flavor. With 13 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.
$99.98 on 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 self-pollinating and a high-yielding. Enjoy the aroma of the fresh blossoms and delight in your own mini orchard.$99.99 on Amazon.
Gifts Under $250
Versatile Appliance
Ninja BL770 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.$117.67 on Amazon.
Optimal Organization
Prepdeck Recipe Preparation Kit and Storage
Cooks can say goodbye to scattered ingredients and messy kitchens with the Prepdeck Recipe Preparation Kit and Storage. This meal prepping station includes 15 BPA-free meal prep containers in large, medium, and small sizes to hold all the ingredients needed to make a meal. The system even comes with a cutting board with a surface area that measures 12 by 21.4 inches. It also comes with eight prepping tools, including a zester, a juicer, and a grater, that attach to the top of the containers to save even more space.
$129 on Amazon.
Grill Gadget
MEATER Plus 165ft Smart Meat Thermometer
The MEATER Plus 165-foot Smart Meat Thermometer is an excellent gift for home cooks who like to spend time at the 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. This stainless steel probe can also be monitored on a phone or tablet thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity. Its advanced estimator algorithm can even help cooks plan their meals and manage their time based on when the main course is done. $138 on Amazon.
Fresh Juice Now
Breville JE98XL 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 you don’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 so you don’t get a whole glass of froth with only a little bit of juice at the bottom. $149.95 on Amazon.
Blending Perfection
Breville BSB510XL 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. Smooth a lumpy sauce, blend a creamy applesauce, or whip up your own concoction of baby food. You can attach the motor to the chopping jar, blend ingredients in the large jug, or attach the whisk to beat eggs or whipping cream. When you’re done, simply remove the motor and wash the blades or jars right in the top rack of the dishwasher. Super convenient! $149.99 on Amazon.
Read More: Best Immersion Blenders
Not Your Mom’S Cast Iron
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25”
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—you 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. $169.95 on 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 so you can perfectly cook that juicy steak or those delicate scallops. It’s easy to use and control from your smartphone. And unlike with stovetop or oven cooking, it’s fine if you forget the food in a sous vide bath: Because the water will never exceed the set temperature, you’ll never overcook a thing. $198.93 on Amazon.
Gifts $250 and Over
Performance Cookware
SAVEUR SELECTS 10-piece Stainless Steel 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 six SAVEUR SELECTS pots and pans are top-of-the-line performance cookware. No hot spots exist with these pans thanks to the tri-ply stainless steel and aluminum core that ensures a perfectly even cooking surface. Whip up a stew, sauté veggies, and fry doughnuts at 500 degrees Fahrenheit with ease. We especially love the heat-resistant handles that won’t burn your fingers when you’re ready to drain the noodles. $499.99 on Amazon.
Read More: Best Stainless Steel Cookware
Mini Mixer Magic
KitchenAid KSM3311XIC 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. If ice blue isn’t your favorite, choose one of the other seven fresh colors. $549.87 on 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 possible. All you have to do is 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! $557.67 on Amazon.
Wood-Fired Perfection
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
Wood-fired pizza doesn’t have to come from a local restaurant simply because they built 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. Get excited for fresh, hot, stone-baked pizza in only 60 seconds! Even better, this pizza oven is designed so the legs can fold up, so you can enjoy homemade pizza at a tailgate party or while camping. $567.22 on Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Gifts for Cooks
Everyone has to cook at some point, but not everyone loves to cook. But the people who do are already likely to have a slew of cookbooks, spices, and appliances, so it helps to take some 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 spices that complement their favorite type of cuisine. Or you can get them something from a cuisine they’ve never tried before!
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.