The chef. Sometimes they can be opinionated, stern, and stubborn. Preparing and cooking items the way they’ve always done so – leaving little to no interpretation. However, these are the more experimental members of the family, occasionally willing to try new recipes or at least iterate on previous ones. And you know what? Let ‘em. For when the dinner hour is upon us it’s these individuals preparing, and oftentimes, cleaning up after with little time in-between to enjoy the fruits of their labor. But you know, isn’t that what cooking’s all about anyway?
So, in an effort to show some appreciation for the countless free meals you’ve gotten over the past year compliments of the chef in your life, we’ve gone ahead and pieced together a gift guide chalk-full of items that are sure to come in handy at the next dinner party – or even dinner for two. Needless to say, from dry-aged fridges all the way down to a pair of locking tongs, it’s all here for the taking.
OXO Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
Even something as simple as locking tongs are a welcome gift when they’re absent from a chef’s collection of tools. This pair is constructed from brushed stainless steel and boasts cushioned non-slip handles and thumb rests for extra comfort.
F*ck, That’s Delicious
From the acclaimed hip-hop artist, chef, and all-around big personality comes Action Bronson’s Magnum Opus in the world of delicious eats. It includes over 40 recipes inspired by his childhood, with hilarious anecdotes and photography along with way. A coffee table read as well as a guide to evenings behind the stove – or at the fryer.
Dexter Russel Pancake Handle
From breakfast to dinner, this high-quality stainless steel spatula will certainly find its place in the home of your beloved chef. It’s made right here in the USA, boasts a sturdy walnut handle, and a 4-inch x 2.5-inch turner.
Benriner Vegetable Slicer
No matter what the occasion, sliced fruits and veggies are always a solid addition to a dish. And with the help of this durable vegetable slicer, your chef will be able to julienne veggies in a jiffy.
Purchase: $23
Leifheit Meat Tenderizer
Tenderizing the meat before hitting the grill is a crucial step in the prepping process. Thankfully, this ergonomic tenderizer features a reversible screw-in disk for both flattening and tenderizing at a moment’s notice. It’s also dishwasher safe making cleanup a breeze.
Jobu Oven Mitt
Oven mitts get a bad wrap for their poor design. Not this bad boy however. Here, the Jobu Oven Mitt utilizes a heavy heat-resistant fabric that covers the fingers and thumbs while a lighter weight fabric is used around the palm. Ideal for the chef/designer.
Blue Apron Subscription
Looking for fresh groceries delivered right to the doorstep? Blue Apron is a great place to start. Choose from either a 2 person or family plan, feel free to skip the deliveries when needed, and enjoy the pleasantries of fresh food in the homestead without ever leaving the home.
Searzall Torch
Give that finished product a nice seared ending with some assistance from this blowtorch attachment that works to create the perfect searing temp without any off-putting aromas.
KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
With cold brew taking off in popularity, owning a personal cold brew maker could, in fact, keep things a little more energetic in the kitchen. And with this KitchenAid brewer boasting the ability to brew up to 14 servings, it won’t cost an arm and a leg either.
Ikea Indoor Garden
Let them grow their own herbs this year with a little help from Ikea. These indoor garden sets are complete hydroponic kits with seeds and absorbent plugs to get them started. Now, fresh herbs and veggies are only a few steps away.
Pizzacraft Pizzeria
Ditch delivery – here’s a chance to enjoy home-cooked pizza compliments of the chef any night of the week. The Pizzeria effortlessly cooks delicious pizzas on a regular stovetop in under 6 minutes thanks to internal temperatures of over 600 F.
Wusthof Chef’s Knife
Here’s a no-brainer. This high-end chef’s knife boasts a forged 8-inch blade made from high-carbon stainless steel, a seamless synthetic black handle, and hosts a finger guard for added safety.
Breville Smoking Gun Food Smoker
Looking to get crafty? If presentation is on the line at the dinner party, there’s nothing like a smoker to help impart both flavor and aesthetic to a dish. This option, from Breville, does just that without the exorbitant price tag attached to it.
Finex Cast Iron Skillet
A cooking essential for its sheer utility if nothing else, this cast iron skillet is bound to get daily use in the kitchen. From searing hearty steaks to cooking the perfect eggs, this is a piece that simply belongs in the kitchen.
Smeg Toaster
A home isn’t a home without a toaster. And with the Smeg, design and functionality is in your chef’s favor. That, along with anti-slip feet, a removable stainless steel crumb tray, 6 browning levels along with 3 pre-set programs (heat, defrost, and bagel).
Cuisinart Food Processor
Need to up crushing and blending power in the kitchen? A food processor is definitely the way to go. This powerful option includes a stainless steel slicing disc, 720-watts of power, 14 cup Lexan work bowl, and an extra large feed tube.
Vitamix 5300 Blender
Anyone interested in creating their own sauces or purees needs a high-end blender at the ready. With this Vitamix, enjoy a commercial 2.2 horsepower motor, a laser-cut stainless steel hammermill and cutting blades, along with a 5-year warranty.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens are a great way to “set it and forget it.” Here, this durable option comes complete with 45% larger handles, the ability to withstand temps upwards of 500 degrees and a 5 1/2-quart enameled cast iron construction.
Mellow Smart Sous Vide
What a way to cook a delicious meal. If the chef in your life doesn’t already own one, gifting them this Smart Sous Vide is an easy choice. It features an iOS and Android smart controlling system, 30-second startup, cooling system, a weight sensor, and comes with 20 free bags to get them started.
Dry Aging Fridge
Built for the budding butcher, these dry aging fridges are both sleek and fully functional devices that produce restaurant-quality aged beef, pork, ham, and salami right from home.
35 More Kitchen Essentials to Consider
Looking for some additional options? Take a peek at our list of 35 kitchen essentials for even more of a variety to choose from.
