Gifts for Home Cooks
Home cooks love tools that make cooking easier or more fun. Cast iron, a reliable thermometer or a versatile appliance gets used week after week.
How to pick
- A meat thermometer is cheap, and it's the tool that improves cooking the most.
- Ask about counter space before giving a big appliance.
- Quality cookware, like cast iron, lasts for decades.
13 gift ideas
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MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer
A wire-free probe that sends the temperature to his phone, so the steak comes out right every time.
- Best for
- Grillers and smokers who like checking on the meat from their phone
- Skip if
- They'd rather have a simple thermometer with no app
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer (opens in a new tab) -
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
A pre-seasoned skillet that sears steaks and lasts a lifetime.
- Best for
- Home cooks who want a great sear and a pan that lasts decades
- Skip if
- They want something light, or that goes in the dishwasher
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch (opens in a new tab) -
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer
The stand mixer every baker wants. A gift that lasts for decades.
- Best for
- Serious bakers who make bread, cookies and cakes
- Skip if
- Counter space is tight, since it's big and heavy
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer (opens in a new tab) -
AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden
Grow fresh herbs on the kitchen counter all year, no soil needed.
- Best for
- Cooks who want fresh herbs year-round, with no garden needed
- Skip if
- They have no spot near an outlet for it
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden (opens in a new tab) -
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
A tiny waffle iron that makes one crispy waffle in minutes, in fun colors.
- Best for
- Quick breakfasts and college dorms
- Skip if
- They're feeding a crowd, since it makes one small waffle at a time
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Dash Mini Waffle Maker (opens in a new tab) -
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
Turns frozen bases into ice cream, sorbet or protein treats at the push of a button.
- Best for
- Ice cream lovers and anyone who wants high-protein treats
- Skip if
- They want ice cream right away, since bases freeze for a day first
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker (opens in a new tab) -
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
An heirloom pot for braises, soups and bread that goes from stove to table.
- Best for
- Cooks who make soups, stews and bread, and want a pot for life
- Skip if
- They want something light or inexpensive
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (opens in a new tab) -
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
One nonstick pan that sears, steams, fries and sautés, in pretty colors.
- Best for
- Small kitchens and cooks who want one pan to do it all
- Skip if
- They like searing on very high heat
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Our Place Always Pan 2.0 (opens in a new tab) -
Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
Crisps fries, wings and veggies with little oil, and the basket goes in the dishwasher.
- Best for
- Busy cooks who want crispy food without much oil
- Skip if
- Counter space is tight or they cook for a big family
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer (opens in a new tab) -
ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Reads in seconds, so steaks and chicken come out just right.
- Best for
- Any cook who wants meat done right, at a low price
- Skip if
- They want to watch the temperature with the lid closed
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer (opens in a new tab) -
Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Tool Set
A full set of grilling tools in a carry case for backyard cookouts.
- Best for
- New grill owners, Father's Day and housewarmings
- Skip if
- They already have a set of grill tools
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Tool Set (opens in a new tab) -
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams and makes rice, so weeknight dinners go fast.
- Best for
- Busy weeknight cooks who want dinner fast
- Skip if
- Counter and cupboard space is tight
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker (opens in a new tab) -
Bamboo Charcuterie Board Set
A serving board with hidden drawers of cheese knives and tools.
- Best for
- Hosts and housewarmings
- Skip if
- They rarely have people over
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Bamboo Charcuterie Board Set (opens in a new tab)