*Phew!* This gift ideas list is exhaustive (and was exhausting to make), but it will be an excellent holiday (and non-holiday) shopping guide for you; it’s also great for birthdays, Groundhog Days (because who doesn’t like a random present for a random holiday), national Be Nice to a Cook days (is there such a thing?), etc. etc. etc. Most of the kitchen items on this list I have used personally, and the ones that I haven’t, are ones that I feel confident are still good quality.
A list like this takes forever to make, and it’s gone through multiple iterations now. Hopefully though it will at the very least spark some creativity in you to find something new or unique for either yourself or that kitchen-minded friend or significant other.
I’ve tried to pick the best rated and most well-liked item for each price range in the specific category. This means you’ll find similar items in both less expensive and more expensive price ranges in this list. All you have to do is match your budget to the item, although as the list has morphed, I tend to recommend items on the sightlier more expensive side because time has shown me that they hold up the best and are usually worth the extra cost.
When I first put together this list, I had a receding hair line, and I had heard it said that guys with a receding hair line are smart… or at least try to be. I am now bald, and hopefully at least a little smarter. Hopefully the list reflects that.
If you notice that any links on this post aren’t working, go to a wrong product, or is generally outdated, please let me know. Or if you have any ideas of something that might be a good fit, I’d love to check it out.
Well… that about sums it up! Enjoy!
Affiliate Notice: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Post Last Updated: December 2021 – Removed typed in prices for items, as prices tend to change per year and season. I’ve also removed and added some products that I’ve found since the last update.
Index
The Cooking Dish Top 15 Kitchen Gadget Picks
In order of how awesome and useful I think they are, including what you get for your money.
All Items
The Cooking Dish Top 15 Kitchen Gadget Picks
In order of how awesome and useful I think they are, including what you get for your money.
All Items
Get ready for a massive list here. I’ve used almost every one of these items, and would recommend them personally. I’ve paired down this list, so if you notice it’s shorter than before, you’re not going crazy. It was unwieldy and difficult to maintain, so for the sake of my own sanity, I’ve removed a significant portion. Plus, products come and go, and my recommendations have changed.
Baking Mats
Every once in a while, a simple product changes your life. This is one of them. If you like to bake and don’t have one of these baking mats, you’re really missing out. Simply put them on your cookie sheet before adding your cookies, and bake as normal. These are not cutting mats—do not cut on them!
Baking Sheets (Cookie Sheets)
The number of baking sheets I have experimented with through the years… OMG. There are many out there, but only a few that I love. Here are my pics.
Bread Making
Do you even bake, bro? If not, you should totally get into it. It’ll help you put on another 20-pounds easy, although it may not be muscle.
Cast Iron Cookware
My cast iron pan that was once my Great Grandmothers is one of the pride and joys of my kitchen. Not only does it remind me of her every time I cook with it, it’s just gotten better through the years. Cast iron, is one of the only things in the kitchen that gets better with age.
Pre-seasoned saves you a few steps and allows for immediate, out-of-the box use.
Cookbook Holders
A good cookbook holder will keep your pages from turning over and look good while doing it. They’re adjustable and stylish.
Cookbooks
Cookbooks remind me a little bit of music albums. (Remember those? Yeah, those were a thing, kids.) Sometimes you have to buy a full book for only a couple good recipes. These books though, are like U2’s The Joshua Tree, they’re timeless and nearly every recipe (track) is a hit.
Cooling Racks
So hot, they’re cool. Yeah, that was a groaner. I’m a dad though, so it’s okay. I’m licensed to tell bad jokes.
Aprons, Cute and Otherwise
I live in my apron. It goes on nearly the moment I get home, and then comes off… actually, has anyone ever invented apron pajamas?
Dough & Pastry Mats
I used to use a pastry cloth, and now that I use a pastry mat, I will never go back. I love these, and having a diameter ruler built in is about as handy as it gets.
Electric Griddles & Electric Skillets
Electric griddles are flat with minimal edging, and electric skillets usually have a 3-4″ edge. Griddles are great for pancakes and eggs, skillets are great for a bunch of fried rice, or chicken dishes, or vegetable stir fries.
Food Dehydrators
Dehydrating is a way to preserve your food; it’s fun and it makes your house smell amazing—even better than wax melts. Fruit leathers, jerky, and apple slices are some classic choices.
Food Processors
It took me a while to convert to the food processor camp. It wasn’t until I decided I wanted to learn to make killer hummus (killer meaning good, not lethal… just so we’re clear) that I decided to dive in. I’m so glad I did. In my opinion, it’s worth spending around (or over) $100 for a food processor that isn’t going to die on you in a year or two. I tend to lean on the more expensive side of equipment like this.
Food Slicers
Nothing says you take your meat (or sandwiches) more seriously than a food slicer. It’s hardcore, and tells all the other appliances in your kitchen to “sit down and shut up.”
Garlic Presses
Not all garlic presses are created equal, some being way more work than they’re worth. These ones though will be a blessing, and not a boon.
Gourmet and Interesting Spices
Spices are a lot of fun to cook and bake with. They make a great gift for anyone who likes to be curious in the kitchen.
Grain Mills (Wheat Grinders)
I have fond memories of my mom grinding wheat in our kitchen. I wasn’t old enough then to appreciate how special that was, but I am now. Buy a wheat grinder / grain mill and transform your baking.
Hand Mixers and Immersion Blenders
These get enough use in my house (and I’ve burned through a few that didn’t have adequate power), that in my opinion, it’s well worth plunking down a little extra change. Guys, if you know she wants one, then take my advice and spend another few bucks for one with a little extra power. It will last significantly longer, and make for more efficient work in the kitchen.
Ice Cream Makers
If you’ve never made your own ice cream, you’re missing out on a fun culinary adventure. It’s enjoyable watching the process of taking cream, cooling it down, flavoring it, and then scooping it out. Like most things, homemade ice cream is extra delicious, and not something that’s easily replicated in a store-bought form (although there are some yummy ice creams out there). I’ve not found that price makes much of a difference in ice cream makers once you make it to the $50 mark.
Kitchen Scales
I’ve gone through quite a few scales. Some are more finicky than others. I’ve found that I prefer scales where the weighing mechanism is elevated above the numbers, as it helps when I have larger bowls on top to see the actual mass and unit of the item.
Kitchen Timers
I usually have multiple timers going in the kitchen at once: the oven timer, the timer on my phone and my watch, and usually one or two stand-alone ones.
Knives
Knife blocks are handy when it comes to getting a smattering of different knives at a relatively decent cost. However, I like buying individual knives that are higher quality. It gives me variety and lets me piece together my ideal kitchen setup. If you’re piecing together your own set, I would recommend starting with an 8″ chef’s knife (or santoku), a 3.5″ pairing knife, and then a 10″ bread knife. I own all the knives listed here and can heartily recommend them all. Knives deserve their own (or many of their own) posts, but for now, here are some top picks.
Magnetic Knife Holders
I find magnetic knife holders attractive. (See what I did there?) But for reals, I like being able to store my knives out of a drawer and off the cupboard, and when some of them are just as beautiful to look at as they are to use, it makes for good kitchen decor.
Measuring Cups
When measuring stuff in the kitchen, it’s a good idea to use dry measurers (when not using a scale) for things like flour, sugar, and other powdery substances. And for any liquid, good liquid measurer makes things so much easier.
Dry
Liquid
Measuring Spoons
You would think that a measuring spoon is just a measuring spoon. I’m here to tell you differently. I’ve purchased and given away many sets until I’ve found ones that I really like using. These are the ones I recommend.
Meat Grinders
Elevate your hamburger and sausage game by grinding your own meat in the comfort of your own home.
Meat Tenderizers & Pounders
When it comes to tenderizers, I prefer the hammers, mostly because they’re dual-purpose: tenderizes the meat while at the same time helps even out the width of a steak or chicken breast for more even heating.
Meat and Kitchen Thermometers
There are three kitchen items that will transform your cooking: a sharp chef’s knife, a scale, and a thermometer. Thermometers will help you bring your meat and baked goods to the perfect temperature without having to rely strictly on visual cues. We’ve all been there… “are those cookies done? I can’t tell if they’re brown enough…”
In my opinion, the best thermometer on the planet is the ThermaPen (not an affiliate link), but it’s also a pretty penny. The ThermoPop is a less costly, close second for me. However, ThermoWorks doesn’t sell their products on Amazon (no judgement, you do you Boo), so I can’t show you the same fancy Amazon pictures.
Misc. Kitchen Items
Kitchen items like this work well as stocking stuffers and for the people who already have it all. Now and again, maybe what they need is a little upgrade, or something a little off the beaten path.
A good set of chopsticks for someone who loves Asian cuisine, to a better ice scream scoop, to an upgraded peeler… these are all items that people regularly say, “I wish I had a better…”
Oven Liners
Oven liners are a must-have for anyone who bakes pies. Lining your oven with aluminum foil will ruin it, and let’s be real, pies bubble over way more often than they should despite how well you pinch the edges shut. At least with an oven liner, the cleanup will be easy.
Pan & Pot Sets
Much like knives, I believe in mixing and matching my pan and pots based on function; however, it can be really nice to have a complete set and knowing that no matter what, you have your bases covered. Look for something that’s at least 3-ply so that it has more even heating.
Pasta Makers
Fresh pasta is the best ever, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, albeit it slightly more time-consuming than just dumping some pre-made noodles in water. I have used the hand-crank pasta machines, which are decent in their own right, but my favorite pasta making device is my KitchenAid attachment set. If you want round noodles, you’ll want to make sure the pasta-maker has an extruder (pushes the pasta out instead of rolling it).
Pizza Knives
I know it’s more traditional to have a pizza wheel, but I’ve found that unless I’m cutting on cardboard, I dislike using the pizza wheel, as it tends to leave deep grooves in my cutting board. For that reason, I usually like to use a long 10″ chef’s knife or a pizza knife instead.
Pizza Stones (Baking Stones) & Pizza Peels
The great thing about cooking with a stone or steel in your oven is that it encourages even heating. I have a 1/4″ steel that I use after having cracked multiple stones and tiles, and I don’t think I’ll ever use anything else. It creates nice crispy edges, and seasons well over time. However, other cooks I know swear by their stones as imparting the best flavor ever. I’d say it’s a matter of personal preference, and you can’t really go wrong with either.
Popcorn Poppers
I imagine if I stacked end-to-end every piece of popcorn that I’ve eaten in my life, It would circle the earth multiple times. For me, it’s a go-to-snack and I can adapt how I make it for any craving: sweet, salty, or savory. My favorite way to pop the kernels is with a stove-top maker and a tablespoon of oil, even though an air popper is a much healthier option.
Rice Cookers & Supplies
Rice is a staple in our home, and we eat it at dinner (and sometimes breakfast) multiple times a week. Even if you only eat rice a couple times a month, having a rice cooker frees up your stovetop and elevates your rice game multiple levels. I use a Zojirushi 10-cup Induction Heating one. It was pricey, but worth every penny. You can still get better than your average rice though with less pricey options.
Roaster Ovens
Roasting ovens free up a lot of oven space, particularly around the holidays. They’re rather versatile and excel at meats. I’d recommend using a temperature probe though, as they tend to cook a little faster than a standard oven in my experience.
Rolling Pins
Believe it or not, the type of rolling pin you use can either help or hinder your project. For example, when making pastries that require a rounded dough, like pies, I use a french rolling pin. The tapered edges make rolling a circle for easier. For flat applications, like cinnamon rolls, a completely flat rolling pin works wonders. For colder applications, and for a little extra heft, a marble rolling pin is the tool of choice.
Slow Cookers (Crock Pots)
I can’t think of a slow cooker without thinking of a Sunday afternoon pot roast with potatoes and carrots. Mmmm. Slow cookers are perfect for melding flavors (soup, baby!) and taking the stress out of long or laborious meals in front of the stove. Using a liner makes cleanup even easier.
Soft Kitchen Mats
Most kitchens are tiled or hardwood (although I’ve seen plenty with carpet!), which makes standing for long periods on end tiresome on the old feet, even when you have comfy shoes on. Having a gel pad makes it so you’re thinking of your feet less and enjoying cooking more.
Spice Racks
Yay for spice racks! For the adventurous cook, they’re full of all sorts of possibility! If you tend to stick to only a few spices, then a smaller rack is probably a better pick. However, if you cook a lot, enjoy the spice, and even cook numerous ethnic cuisines, a larger rack will be a good pick.
Stand-Alone Countertop Mixers
I used to be a Bosch mixer loyalist (I still like their more robust mixer that isn’t sold on Amazon), but the versatility of KitchenAid eventually won me over. Those aren’t your only two picks though, as their are plenty of stand mixers on the market that do a decent job. For Kitchen Aid, the artisan is good for cookies and bread batters. If you’re a serious baker I’d heavily consider the Pro line though.
Stockpots
If you’re looking to start cooking soups, of if you’re ready to upgrade your soup skills, a good stockpot is worth its weight (and size) in gold. Some of them come with inserts for pasta cooking as well. I use the All-Clad stock/pasta pot all the time from making big-batch soups, cooking down bones, cooking homemade pasta, and steaming vegetables.
Sushi Sets
Sushi can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with kids, or a fun way to increase your kitchen prowess. Even if you don’t have access to sushi-grade fish in your area, you can get creative with what you use. Either way, the kits work the same.
Toaster Ovens
If I ever have enough counter space again for a toaster oven, I’ll be getting one. I used to have a nice Breville one, but then moved into a smaller place, and had to get rid of it. That was a sad day, as I used it all the time for cookies, taquitos, and other small jobs.
Vegetable Steamers
If you eat a lot of vegetables, chances are you’re looking for and have a variety of ways to prep them. Steaming, although it loses some of the nutrients in the water, is still better than boiling, and having a steamer basket makes it so much easier.
Woks (Stir-Fry Pans)
Woks are the perfect pan for sautéing vegetables. A good wok will have ridges or texture along the edges to help hold vegetables and other food items along the sides for different heat temps. Flat-bottomed woks are good for electric stovetops, and round-bottomed woks are good for open-flame applications, where you can use a wok ring. Carbon steel can develop non-stick properties, and seasons over time.
Good Ol’ Fun & Silly Kitchen Stuff
Sometimes having a little extra something fun in the kitchen brings a smile to the face. For example, I love Fred cookie cutters because they’re silly and unexpected. As long as the tool does a good job, it can be a lot of fun to have something out of the ordinary to pick up and use.
Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nice !!! I got some good idea on what to gift and with the prices given its really helpful to decide from this one list !
You Rock!
Seriously impressive list! I’ve got some great ideas now.
Great list. I love all the different categories. I’ve added to my Christmas wish list the world’s largest gummy bear and Wookiee Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook.