A man who loves to cook is a gift all on his own.
He hosts dinner parties, gives you an extra hand in the kitchen during the holidays, and is your go-to guy for critiquing your first attempt at a grilled steak.
You’re shopping for something as a thank you for all the times he cooked you a meal, but it seems like he has every kitchen gadget out there.
Simmer down. We put together a list of the best gifts for the chef in your life.
This cookware set includes every pan needed to pull off a delicious meal. Not only that, but it’s backed with a lifetime warranty, so he’ll think of you with each use for many years to come. Traditional non-stick pans fall apart over time and contain harmful chemicals. Thankfully, HexClad has a non-toxic Japanese coating, allowing food to slide around without sticking. He can say goodbye to the cleanup typically followed by a failed pancake flip.
Overcooking a piece of meat is a rite of passage for all cooks. Chef iQ takes the guesswork out of nailing his next grilled sirloin in a small, stylish design. The thermometer connects to the Chef iQ app and provides live alerts throughout the cooking process, allowing the grill master to take his eye off the flames and prep some side dishes. Better yet, the app allows you to select which type of meat is being cooked, so he can achieve a juicy tenderness every time.
We all know the guy who has it all. He’s hard to shop for, which is why you have to find something truly unique. If he’s a true flavor chaser, then he’ll love the UMAID Himalayan Salt Block Cooking Plate. It’s ideal for grilling, chopping, or presenting the main course to guests, and provides a savory finish to anything it cradles. The best part? It doesn’t require any time-consuming maintenance, since the salt naturally kills bacteria. Gifting the UMAID Salt Block gives him a new way to serve and season his favorite dishes.
Getting into hot sauces is a slippery slope. If you know someone with a fridge full of spicy goodness, DIY Gift Kits lets the hothead create their very own pepper sauce. Between dried peppers, vinegar, glass bottles, and bottling supplies, the kit has everything he’ll need to craft a homemade batch of hot sauce. After using the three varieties of pepper included in the box, he can experiment with other recipes with the leftover materials like a mad scientist. Gifting this with a cold jug of milk isn’t a bad idea either.
A movie night in with some Chinese takeout is great, but what about cooking some right at home? If someone you know has a taste for oriental cuisine, consider gifting them a HexClad Hybrid Wok. I love HexClad’s cookware because they work on both induction and gas stoves, making them a safe buy for anyone. The Wok is metal utensil safe too, so he doesn’t have to worry about scratches while tossing his favorite stir fry. There’s no plastic either, meaning he can pop it in the oven once it’s time for leftovers. The HexClad Hybrid Wok is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup just about as easy as ordering takeout.
Sore wrists from a shoddy salt grinder are all too common. These electric salt and pepper grinders make seasoning food a breeze. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, they promise effortless seasoning at the push of a button. The built-in light guarantees precision, while the bottom cap keeps his kitchen tidy. Beyond functionality, the luxurious design allows him to display the grinders on the table instead of stashing them in the spice cabinet.
This isn't just any cutter. The Rocking Pizza Cutter is for the guy who knows the struggle of cheese-slide and uneven slices. One motion, and it perfectly portions a pizza, just like a true Italian pie. Its protective sheath means no more drawer rummaging injuries, either. Toss in the promise of top-notch quality, and you've got a gift that'll have him showing off at every pizza night.
If his passion for cooking extends beyond the kitchen, the Tempo Cooler by Oyster will keep ingredients fresh anywhere. What other cooler comes with a modular carrying system, custom ice packs, and a durable metal exterior? I’ll wait. Cheap coolers will spoil both his food and his outdoor adventure. A foodie like him can’t depend on trail mix and gas station jerky all weekend.
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ll know that chefs love the Ninja CREAMi, and for good reason. With this device, he can unleash his creativity and craft any ice cream flavor he imagines. It doesn’t stop at frozen dessert either. The CREAMi whips up smoothies, protein shakes, and yogurt into a silky, refreshing treat, so he can indulge guilt-free. The cherry on top? All the accessories are dishwasher safe. He might never buy a pint of store-bought ice cream again.
Nothing says “I know what I’m doing” like fresh herbs. The AeroGarden Harvest grows basil, thyme, green onion, and more indoors. The electronic pot comes with its own LED grow light for year-round plant growth and fits anywhere on most tabletops. With space for six plants, the AeroGarden lets him grow fresh ingredients and enjoy a rewarding harvest. Anthony Bourdain never used dried herbs. Don’t let your cooking buff, either.
They say the most dangerous thing in a kitchen is a dull knife. Lightweight with a sharp double-beveled edge, the HexClad Serrated Bread Knife ensures smooth cuts even with the toughest bread. Its unique wide serrations and 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel make this knife perfect for all loaves.
With his fancy new knife, he’ll need the right tools to maintain the blade. This Whetstone from Sharp Pebble can become his sous chef for culinary endeavours. The double-sided block has two varying levels of grit to achieve an edge sharp enough to glide through anything beneath it. A handcrafted bamboo base supports the stone and gives it a traditional, natural look. With the included angle guide and detailed instructions, he’ll be a kitchen samurai in no time.
Oil is a finicky ingredient. Even a modest splash of oil can mean big added calories. If you know someone who’s counting their macros, an oil sprayer can deliver all the flavor benefits of their favorite oil without creating a greasy mess. The stainless steel and glass construction means it’ll outlast the cheap plastic competitors on the market. This gift is versatile and can be used with any type of oil. He won't forget it in the back of the cupboard.
Even though your chef will be cooking at home, who’s to say a picnic isn’t in the cards? The original Rumpl blanket is packable, lightweight, and stain and water-resistant. It comes in three sizes: junior, one person, and two person, so he’s covered whether it’s just him or a whole picnic party. It’s great for any outdoor adventure, but what really puts it over the top is the wide variety of colors and patterns. If you’re a big football fan, they even have officially licensed NFL team designs.
If he’s a big breakfast guy, The Hexclad 12" Griddle Pan is a game-changer. From crispy bacon to French toast, its nonstick surface ensures flawless results without the fuss. Cleaning up is a breeze since it's dishwasher-friendly (minus any bacon grease). The stay-cool handle ensures safe handling, and with a lifetime warranty, it's a long-lasting gem. Be prepared for some epic breakfast feasts after putting a bow on this.
Got a guy in your life who's passionate about Italian cuisine? Whether he's in the mood for Spaghetti, Ravioli, or a delicate Angel Hair, The CucinaPro Pasta Maker Deluxe Set might just be the gift he never knew he needed. Not only does it exude quality, it brings authentic Italian tradition right into his home. The lady in his life will swoon over his pasta making expertise.
What sets this HexClad apart from other brands is their aluminum cores. unmatched in heat retention and even distribution, everything gets a thorough cook–crucial for gourmet results. Frying chicken at home can be intimidating, but the high walls of this pan keep oil from splashing out of the pan. Maybe that’ll ease the looming dread of degreasing the stovetop after dinner.
Every culinary aficionado knows the value of a sturdy, unmoving cutting board. Coming in at 2” thick, it’s a tank. Plus, it makes a great gift for the all-natural man, as the wood is treated with just lemon oil and beeswax. Three wood grains are available, but I love the knotted appearance of the teak.
Three Key Things to Consider When Buying a Gift for a Man Who Loves Cooking
Picking out a gift is exciting, but it’s crucial to think about a few things before choosing his cooking-related present.
1. His Space
First, think about whether or not he has a big kitchen. While a countertop kitchen gadget is generous, they might not have the storage for a small appliance. Luckily, cooking gifts come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re not without alternatives.
2. His Diet
Think about his nutrition too. Is he vegetarian? Keto? A guy who avoids sugar won’t get much use out of an at-home ice cream maker.
Thankfully, most pieces of kitchen equipment are amenable to any diet.
3. Maintenance and Upkeep
Lastly, consider the maintenance required for the gift you’re eyeing. Take a mandoline slicer for example. For someone without a dishwasher, disassembling and cleaning the moving parts can be more trouble than it’s worth.
Remember, these are supposed to be gifts, not liabilities.
Cleaning It All Up
The array of culinary gifts is overwhelming, but the perfect tool can elevate any chef’s game.
Whether he’s mastering oriental stir-fries with HexClad’s Hybrid Wok or crafting homemade pasta, these products offer a range of gift ideas tailored to the home chef.
What would be the most valuable addition to your kitchen?
Remember, the love and thought behind the gift are just as essential as its function. So, choose wisely. Cheers to hearty meals and the tools that make them unforgettable!
