ThermoWorks
ThermoPop 2 Instant-Read Thermometer
For the friend who still cuts into the chicken to check it, this ends the guessing in two or three seconds.
See it at ThermoWorksGifts for People Who Love to Cook
The tools a serious home cook would buy for themselves.
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Buying for someone who loves to cook can feel risky, because they probably own the basics already. The trick is to give the tool they'd buy if they were spending on themselves: a sharper knife, a faster thermometer, a pot that braises better.
These picks are favorites of serious home cooks, with long review histories behind them.
Microplane
Microplane Classic Zester/Grater
Small, cheap, and the tool people reach for constantly once they own one, from lemon zest to a snowfall of parmesan.
See it at Amazon
Victorinox
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife
The knife pros recommend to home cooks: sharp, comfortable, and inexpensive enough that nobody's afraid to use it.
See it at Amazon
Lodge
Lodge 6-Qt Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Does most of what a Le Creuset does for soups, braises, and bread at a fraction of the price.
See it at Amazon
Etekcity
Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale
Not glamorous, but anyone who bakes will thank you every time a recipe calls for grams.
See it at Amazon
Lodge
Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
It costs about as much as a nice bottle of wine and, treated even half-decently, it'll still be searing steaks for their grandkids.
See it at Amazon
Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt 7-in-1
Turns tough cuts and dried beans into weeknight food, and it's the one most recipes online are written for.
See it at Amazon
Chemex
Chemex Classic 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffeemaker
A good-looking glass carafe that makes noticeably cleaner coffee and doubles as something nice to leave on the counter.
See it at AmazonShopping for a cook
Upgrade a daily tool
A great thermometer, zester or chef's knife gets used almost every time they cook, so it's a gift they'll notice.
Avoid single-use gadgets
Unless they've asked for one, skip anything that does only one thing. Cooks tend to protect their drawer space.
Know their style
A baker will love a precise kitchen scale. Someone who makes stews and braises will love a Dutch oven.
Don't duplicate
If you can, peek in their kitchen or ask a family member. Cooks often already have a cast iron pan.
How we pick
We look for products with a long record of strong ratings, usually thousands of reviews, from makers with good reputations. We check prices and availability when we publish and recheck links every week. We never accept payment for placement.
Frequently asked questions
What do you get a cook who has everything?
A fast instant-read thermometer or a precise kitchen scale. Even well-equipped cooks often make do with slow or inaccurate ones.
Is a chef's knife a good gift?
Yes, as long as it's comfortable and easy to sharpen. The Victorinox Fibrox Pro is a long-time favorite because it holds an edge and doesn't cost much.
What's a good cooking gift under $25?
The Microplane zester, the Etekcity scale and the Lodge cast iron skillet are all under or near $25 at times, and all are kitchen staples.
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