Gifts for the Cook: 15 Ideas for Every Budget
Gear and gift guide · For the cook
Kitchen gear for the person who cooks like they’re still on vacation, sorted by budget.
15 picks · 4 min read
The best gifts for cooks are the tools they’ll reach for every night: a sharp knife, a heavy pan, a thermometer that ends the guessing. Here are our picks for the person who plans trips around where to eat.
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Our top three
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
A fast, accurate thermometer that takes the guessing out of fish, steak and roast chicken.
Opinel No. 8 Folding Knife
The classic French pocket knife for picnics, rental kitchens and slicing cheese on the beach.
Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven
Restaurant-style pizza in the backyard in about a minute. It turns dinner into a party.
Quick compare
| Pick | Best for | Good to know | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE | Every cook, every night | Reads in about a second | $110 |
| Opinel No. 8 Folding Knife | Picnics, rental kitchens | Folds, wooden handle | $20 |
| Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven | Backyard hosts | Runs on propane | $400 |
Under $50
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
The flaky finishing salt they'll put on everything, from tomatoes to chocolate chip cookies.
Microplane Classic Zester
Zest, parmesan, garlic, nutmeg. Small, cheap and used constantly.
Lodge 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet
Heavy, nearly indestructible and great for searing. It only gets better with use.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
The cookbook that teaches how to cook, not just what to cook.
$50 to $150
John Boos Maple Cutting Board
A thick, heavy board that stays put and looks good left out on the counter.
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan (10")
The pan restaurant cooks use: heats fast, sears hard and gets more nonstick with time.
Fishwife Tinned Seafood Variety Pack
Good tinned fish for an easy snack board. Feels like a seaside lunch at home.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder
Fresh-ground coffee every morning, for the cook who takes breakfast seriously.
Our Place Always Pan
We love this pan. It sautés, steams and fries, and it looks so good it never gets put away.
The splurge
Le Creuset Signature 5.5-Qt Round Dutch Oven
The pot for braises, soups and bread. It lasts for decades.
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer
For the baker on your list. Cookies, bread and fresh pasta with the right attachments.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
A countertop oven that toasts, roasts, air-fries and dehydrates. Frees up the big oven when hosting.
How we pick: we choose things that earn a permanent spot in the kitchen, and we never take paid placements. More on how we pick
Rather give a day than a thing?
Cooking classes, market tours and a long dinner somewhere new. They'll remember it longer than anything wrapped.
See the experiences guide