Not everyone is a whiz in the kitchen. Eating peanut butter and jelly and cereal for every meal can only get you so far, usually during those struggling years of college when you can’t be bothered to cook a real meal. But without the proper equipment, it’s hard to become a bonafide chef. So if you or any of your loved ones has created terrible meals that have made people immediately order delivery instead of consuming the concoction, there’s a way to help mold them into a better cook. Following recipes is easy enough but when cooking with any of these kitchen items, everyone will be better off. Let’s take a look at some of the best kitchen gadgets available this holiday season.
For the chef who needs all new pots and pans
T-fal E765SC Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set
If you know someone who has passed down pots and pans that definitely shouldn’t be used any longer, buy them the T-fal 5765SC 12 Piece Cookware Set. They’ll get an 8″ frying pan, a 10″ frying pan, a 1-quart, 2-quart, 3-quart and 5-quart sauce pan all with lids, a Dutch oven with a lid, a slotted spoon and a spatula. The nonstick cookware is durable and dishwasher safe.
For the chef who prefers waffles to pancakes
Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
When it’s done right, nothing hits like a Belgian waffle and the Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker can help them make more than one. This device creates two 1″ waffles at a time and has six browning settings, allowing them to choose how golden they prefer their waffles. With a nonstick coating, they’ll be able to get these waffles out of the maker and onto plates without any hassle.
For the chef who prefers pancakes to waffles
Nordic Ware Holiday Pancake Pan
Perfect for this time of year, the Nordic Ware Holiday Pancake Pan will let them enjoy pancakes in style on Christmas morning. They are offered in different themes such as Monsters, Snowflakes, Zoo Animals and Smiley Faces or you can just get them ones for silver dollar pancakes. But these pans are made from cast iron and are compatible with induction stoves for morning goodness.
For the chef who loves smokehouse flavor
Breville BSM600SILUSC Smoking Gun Food Smoker
Whether they’re making ribs, brisket, fish, vegetables or sauces, they can add in a bit of smokiness, thanks to the Breville BSM600SILUSC Smoking Gun Food Smoker. This gun allows them to add smoke using wood chips, tea, herbs, spices or a variety of other foods. It features dual air speeds and can be used inside or outside.
For the chef who wants to get the meat just right
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer
If they’re getting ready to serve a roast for the holidays and don’t want to have to stand and check on it constantly, the ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer can help with that. It comes with dual probes that lets them monitor the food from 3,000 feet away. It displays both the food and oven temperatures and has nine preset meat settings.
For the chef who needs soup fast
Philips Soup Maker
For a quick winter meal, they’ll be hard pressed to find something more warming than soup and the Philips Soup Maker is a perfect companion. It can make soup in as little as 18 minutes and automatically heats and blends the ingredients. There are also six preset modes for additional foods like smoothies.
For the chef who doesn’t want to rush soup or stews
All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker
Whether they’re cooking for just a few or for a crowd, the All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker can help them out. This holds 6.5 quarts and can cook for up to 26 hours while preparing home meals on any schedule. The glass lid traps in the moisture, keeping the food cooking longer.
For the chef who loves their food crispy
GoWise USA GW22731 1700-Watt 5.8-Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
While the chef may love the food crispy, the GoWise USA GW22731 Digital Air Fryer helps them cut out extra calories. It has eight preset options: fries, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, cake, fish and pizza. It comes with a nonstick pan and a detachable basket as well as a recipe book for great ideas.
For the chef who hates bland food
Mantova Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety Pack
Cooking with olive oil can be a versatile tool for any chef, so why not get them the Mantova Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety Pack? They’ll get four bottles of oil, all organic and all flavored with different ingredients such as chilis, lemon, basil and garlic. It is 100% authentic Italian that will go along with their meals.
For the star baker
Rachael Ray 47576 Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Sheets Set
Cookies are a perfect treat for any time of year, but especially for the holidays and the Rachael Ray 47576 Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Sheets Set will let them bake all year round. Included in this set is a 9″ x 13″, 10″ x 15″, and 11″ x 17″ cookie pan that is nonstick and long-lasting. Each of these is safe up to 500°F and has extra wide, gripped handles for easy use.
For the chef determined to bake everything themselves this year
KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Take the stress out of hand mixing dough by getting them a KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. They’ll be able to control how fast it mixes with the 10-speed slide feature to help them beat, mix and whip. This holds five quarts and has a power hub that can be used with 15 additional accessories.
For the chef hosting a New Year’s Eve party
Aspen & Birch Modern Champagne Flutes Set of 6
Celebrating the new year means breaking out some bubbly and the Aspen & Birch Modern Champagne Flutes Set of 6 is a classy way to do so. With the long graceful stems and the cylindrical bowls, these show off sophistication and luxury. They are made of hand blown glass and are 100% lead-free.
For the chef who prefers to serve wine rather than champagne
Le Chateau Wine Decanter
Serving wine is a staple at most holiday gatherings and Le Chateau Wine Decanter is a gorgeous piece to have on the table. It perfectly fits a 750mL bottle of wine and is made of 100% lead-free crystal. This decanter will enhance the aroma and body of their wine for the entire party to enjoy.
For the chef who is a beer, not a wine, drinker
hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Rather than taking up precious space in the main refrigerator, which is packed during the holidays, get them a hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler to store their beer and sodas. It can fit 120 standard size cans and has an elegant, see-through door. There is LED lighting to let them see inside it without opening it up and advanced temperature controls to keep each drink frosty.
For the chef who can’t get enough avocado
OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer
Avocados are a fantastic addition to many dishes and with the OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer, they’ll be a main ingredient in plenty of their meals. They’ll be able to split, pit and slice the avocados all with this device. It lifts the fruit from the skin in seven pieces and is dishwasher safe.
For the chef who has a lot of foods to chop at once
Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor
Don’t make them chop everything by hand, especially if they have multiple courses to make. Get them the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor with its stainless steel slicing disc, shredding disc and chopping/mixing blade. They’ll get precisely cut food in half the time.
For the chef making a charcuterie plate
ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bamboo Cutting Board
When they need a place to chop that can also be used as a platter to serve on, there’s the ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bamboo Cutting Board. This extra large board measures 18″ x 12″ and has side handles to make transporting it when you’re using it as a serving board simple. It’s made of 100% organic bamboo, so it’s safe to use with foods.
For the chef who got dressed before they finished cooking
DII Cotton Adjustable Buffalo Check Plaid Apron
For those who prep, get ready and then come back to the kitchen to finish, they need to keep their clothes clean and the DII Cotton Adjustable Buffalo Check Plaid Apron will help them achieve that. It is 100% cotton and machine washable while fitting most women and men. It has a front pocket for storage purposes while they’re running around the kitchen.
For the chef who bought too much food
Foodsaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine
There’s nothing anybody can do if people fall ill and can’t make it to the party. If the chef already bought enough food for the amount of people they were supposed to have, they can store the extras with the Foodsaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine. This has automatic moisture detection to instinctively switch to the correct mode to ensure an airtight seal. It lets them make custom sized bags for all their foods.
For the chef who loves coffee after dinner
Nespresso by De’Longhi Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle
No matter who they have over, somebody is going to want coffee at some point. With the Nespresso by De’Longhi Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle, they’ll have options as to what they get. This machine can makes espressos, double espressos, coffee, Gran Lungo and Alto. It is designed to use with Nespresso Vertuo capsules for the perfect single serve coffee.
For the chef who is a tea drinker
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
How often is every single stovetop burner covered during the holidays? If you know their answer would be “always,” then you need to get them the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle. This has five precise temperature presets and a ready tone that beeps three times when the water is at the right temperature. It will boil a full kettle in three to five minutes and has its own heating source.
For the chef who needs to stay hydrated
Brita 20 Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle
Chopping, kneading, mixing and preparing can take a lot out of a chef. Keep them hydrated with the Brita 20 Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle that filters out chlorine found in tap water. This bottle is double wall insulated to keep the water cold and has a built-in loop for easy carrying. It’ll pop open with one button, so they can do it quickly while still continuing to cook.
For the chef who adds a little tang to every dish
Microplane Premium Zester Grater
A little lemon zest can top that lemon meringue pie and make it fantastic. With the Microplane Premium Zester Grater, they’ll be able to add a little punch to vinaigrettes, baked goods, salads and meals. This dishwasher safe device can grate ginger, garlic or cheese to add to dishes, allowing the chef to mix flavors as they go.
For the chef who needs just a dash
Sagaform Nature Collection Salt and Pepper Shakers
Adding a little decor to the kitchen is something they’ll appreciate and the Sagaform Nature Collection Salt and Pepper Shakers will do just that. Each shaker has an oak stopper that is removed when they need to pour. Both are made from mouth blown glass and measure 2″ x 4.5″, taking up little space but accenting the table or counter top.
For the chef who needs recipes
Amazon Echo Show 8
No longer will they need to stare at a book when they have the Amazon Echo Show 8. This device allows them to cook side by side with step by step recipes. It also can control their smart home and they can watch shows and movies on it. They can video call people while they are cooking or listen to music.
For the chef who isn’t just going to eyeball it
Morgenhaan Stainless Steel Measuring Cup and Spoons Set
The Morgenhaan Stainless Steel Measuring Cup and Spoons Set is here because you definitely want to make sure they measure out the right amount of sugar. They’ll get 13 pieces, seven spoons and six cups, that stack away neatly and are made from 18/8 stainless steel. The larger cups have smaller markers in them, so you can use the one cup measuring cup for a 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup measurement.
For the cheese-obsessed chef
Capabunga CV3 Cheese Vault Food Storage Box
There aren’t many things worse than opening up some cheese you’ve stored in the fridge and seeing some mold on it. To help them avoid this, pick up the Capabunga CV3 Cheese Vault Food Storage Box that allows cheese to breath and prevents moisture from building up. This reusable silicone box reduces wasted plastic and is easy to care for, as it is dishwasher safe.
For the chef serving steak for dinner
WÜSTHOF Gourmet Six Piece Steak Knife Set
Don’t even dare thinking of serving guests meats without having a set of steak knives like the WÜSTHOF Gourmet Six Piece Steak Knife Set. These six knives resist fading, discoloration, heat and impact and are laser-cut and stamped. Each has a high carbon stainless steel blade that remains sharp even after many uses.
For the cake maker
Ateco Ultra Offset Spatula 3 Piece Set
Are they a cake perfectionist? Then get them the Ateco Ultra Offset Spatula 3 Piece Set and help them get the rounded edges they desire. The spatulas are all different lengths, so they can meet all their decorating needs. Each blade is taper ground for extra flexibility and the plastic handles are shock resistant and sanitary.
For the chef who needs to turn, ladle and serve
Home Hero 11 Silicone Cooking Utensils Set
When a chef is starting out, they definitely need a set of utensils and the Home Hero 11 Silicone Cooking Utensils Set is a perfect gift. Built with scratch-resistant silicone heads, these utensils will bring stress-free cooking. This affordable set includes different spoons, tongs, whisks and other essentials to complete any task. They all have hooks on the handles, so they can hang them for easy storage.
For the chef who is making many different dishes at once
Libbey Baker’s Basics 5-Piece Glass Casserole Baking Dish Set
They’ll need a set of dishes that can go in the oven, microwave, refrigerator and freezer and the Libbey Baker’s Basics 5-Piece Glass Casserole Baking Dish Set is a solid option. The easy to read dimensions are engraved on the handle of each dish, so they’ll be able to know how big each one is. These are lead-free and stackable, making storage easy.
For the guests who clean up after the chef has earned their rest
Full Circle Bubble Up Dish Brush and Dispenser
Cleaning up is not fun and the chef shouldn’t be the one to do it. When others chip in to help out, have them use the Full Circle Bubble Up Dish Brush and Dispenser. The brush is spring loaded to create extra suds and the ceramic soap dispenser comes with a replaceable bamboo dish brush. It’s small so it will fit right next to any sink.
