The experts weigh in.
The experts weigh in.
Ask any home cook, and they’ll be the first to tell you that their kitchen is a sanctuary. It’s the place where they create, whether it’s quick meals for the week, a family dinner, or a lavish spread for a special occasion. Cooking is often a labor of love, and finding the perfect gift can be much more than a present—it can be the thing that takes their creativity to the next level.
Like the kitchen itself, the tools and devices are just as important to a cook. However, finding the right gift isn’t always easy. There are lots of cool gadgets, pretty glassware, and baking items available, but it takes a keen eye to seek out a truly special kitchen find. That’s why we turned to the experts who know kitchens best. Ahead, see the kitchen gifts chefs say will delight any home cook and instantly upgrade their space.
“There’s nothing more special than a carefully crafted chef’s knife. I spent over 6 months designing my chef knife with the women-owned Messermeister, and it has become the only knife I use in my kitchens. The Damascus steel blade is forged in Japan, and it has a stunning handle made from repurposed bourbon barrels. It’s breathtaking and incredibly functional and allows you to give back with each purchase. A portion of every sale goes towards the LEE Initiative non-profit, which addresses issues of sustainability and equity.”
– Chef Edward Lee, chef and owner of 610 Magnolia and Shia
This limited-edition knife has a clean and sleek look and performs at a high level on par with any professional kitchen.
“A knife sharpener is an essential kitchen tool, and this rolling design takes the guesswork out of using one. You don’t have to figure out angles or try to guess the accuracy, it just works easily and will ensure that your knives are kept razor-sharp and smooth,”
– Chef Shorne Benjamin, chef and owner of Fat Fowl
Crafted with precision and high-quality materials, this sharpener is the mark of a professional. The signature rolling design is easy to use and is made to sharpen any blade with ease and care, ensuring that it stays intact and perfectly sharp.
“Every house should have a high-quality blender that can produce amazingly velvety soups and sauces as well as frozen drinks and protein shakes. It’s a practical investment that will get more use than you may think; I use mine every day.”
– Chef TJ Steele, chef and owner of Claro
With a 48-ounce container and detailed blending programs, this is much more than just a blender. Use it to create soups, smoothies, frozen desserts, and more. It even has a self-cleaning program to make tidying up easy.
“The Microplane Grater is a kitchen essential for its precision and efficiency. It’s perfect for grating fresh parmesan to elevate pasta dishes or adding a touch of decadence with 70% chocolate shavings to desserts. It’s also a game-changer for creating quick garlic and ginger pastes, which are foundational ingredients in countless recipes. This is a gift of convenience and flavor in one compact tool.”
– Chef Barry Tonks, culinary director of IGC Hospitality
This set includes three different-sized graters, coarse, fine, and zest, that are essential for crafting professional-looking dishes with lots of flavor. The wooden handle adds a solid and smooth grip to each while giving the tool a rustic look.
“As far as gifts go for the adventurous home cook, I think a sous vide cooker is a great gift. It will take home cooking to another level, especially when entertaining. It can really help you dial in a lot of your meals. Your cooking will always be on point, and you will never overcook anything ever again.”
– Chef Ed Cotton, executive chef at Leonetta
Flavorful sous vide dishes are a breeze with this easy-to-use tool. Not only is it compatible with large pots, but it also cooks in turbo mode, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time. Plus, it fits nicely into any kitchen drawer.
“I think a kitchen must-have is a high quality, heavy bottom Dutch oven like a Le Creuset. They are so versatile and, if taken care of, will last a lifetime.”
– Chef Steele
Le Creuset is known for its exceptional Dutch ovens that are crafted with care and precision. Made from sturdy enameled cast iron, it's as ideal for braising as it is for baking. This large size is deep enough for roasts, soups, stews, and more, making it perfect for winter cooking.
“Cast iron griddles are versatile and allow you to cook a range of items from steaks to pancakes, grilled breads, and sandwiches. But they’re also aesthetically pleasing and make your kitchen look like an inviting and warm space. ”
– Chef Shorne
This reversible pan makes it easy to create delicious foods with intense flavors, whether you're grilling or simply cooking. Plus, it's large in size and fits over two burners for maximum cooking space.
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by Stephanie Taylor | January 20, 2023
by homeandtexture | January 20, 2023
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