17 Unbeatable Kitchen Gifts for People Who Like to Cook
If you've got a friend that already loves spending time in the kitchen, these incredible gifts will make that time even more enjoyable.
If you’re shopping for a special home cook (or yourself!) this holiday season, you’re in the right place. To put together this guide, we’ve tested hundreds of kitchen products, including new releases and tried-and-true favorites from legacy and emerging brands. We have high standards and strong opinions, and these 17 items made the top of our list for the best holiday gifts.
Each item on this list is both practical and beautiful, and you’ll find an option for every budget and culinary interest. Whether you’re shopping for your friend who’s an immaculate host, a new homeowner, or the low-effort cook who loves a one-pan meal, look no further.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Cooking Gift Actually Worth Giving?
- 1. Our Place Wonder Oven Pro
- 2. Xtrema Classic Oval Dutch Oven
- 3. GreenPan Spectra Hybrid Fry Pan Set
- 4. HexClad HexMill Salt & Pepper Grinders
- 5. Our Place 10.5-in. Titanium Pro Sauté Pan
- 6. Vitamix Explorian E310
- 7. Great Jones “Hot Dish” with Lid
- 8. ZWILLING Knife Sharpening by Mail
- 9. Miyabi Birchwood SG2 8-in. Chef’s Knife
- 10. Demeyere 3.5-qt Atlantis Saucier
- 11. Alva Maestro 11-in. Stainless Steel Fry Pan
- 12. Made In Carbon Steel Griddle Set
- 13. Made In Carbon Steel Cleaning Kit
- 14. Alva Nori Roasting Pan
- 15. Our Place Serving Bowls
- 16. Staub 11-in. Oval Gratin Baking Dish
- 17. Williams Sonoma ICE 101 Starter Set
- Make It Personal and Practical
What Makes a Cooking Gift Actually Worth Giving?
If you want a gift that will immediately become a must-have in the kitchen, here’s our first rule of thumb: don’t rush into buying the first gadget you see. The best gifts for cooks solve a real problem in the kitchen, whether that’s faster chopping or perfect plating.
It’s also important to consider the practical stuff. How well does the item fit into your space? Is it easy to keep clean, or does it require special maintenance? Is it intuitive to use, or does it require a more experienced chef’s touch? Think about all these questions as you evaluate, and remember that the best gifts for home cooks save time, are easy to clean, and make cooking more fun.
Pro Tips:
- Measure twice, gift once: consider the size and amount of storage space your gift recipient has to make sure they’ll appreciate your gesture
- Avoid single-use gadgets unless specifically requested
- When in doubt, gift an upgrade to something they already use daily — such as cookware, a spice grinder, a mixer, or a small appliance — rather than a novelty item that’s not already in their routine
1. Our Place Wonder Oven Pro
OA founder Laura Klein has been a fan of the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro since its release. “I seriously love this little magic box,” she says. We also tested the original version of the Our Place Wonder Oven, so we can say with confidence that the 2.0 version of this air fryer offers some serious upgrades.
The eight cooking modes expand on the original six with dehydrating and bread proofing. The Wonder Oven Pro model also has steam injection, which helps prevent food from drying out (and is especially handy for anyone who likes to reheat leftovers). Its three racks can comfortably fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, and all appliance parts that come into contact with food are PFAS-free. We also love the straightforward and intuitive touchscreen!
Specs:
- Large Crumb Tray: 13.9 in. x 12 in. x 0.5 in.
- Exterior: 16.75 in. width, 13.25 in. depth, 13 in. height
- Interior: 13.75 in. width, 13 in. depth, 7.75 in. height
- Capacity: 30 L, 3 rack positions
- Heat Range: 80°F to 450°F
- Weight: 18 lb (without inserts)
- Includes:
- Large Bake Pan: 13.8 in. x 11 in. x 0.7 in.
- Large Air Fryer Basket: 13.9 in. x 11.9 in. x 0.9 in.
- Large Wire Rack: 13.9 in. x 12 in. x 0.5 in.
Price: $325 $275 at time of publish
From November 3 through December 2, Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide (it’s their biggest sale of the year!).
2. Xtrema Classic Oval Dutch Oven
This isn’t your mother’s Dutch oven. Xtrema’s version of this classic pot is made from pure ceramic — no metal core, no nonstick coatings — for gorgeous, non-toxic, oven-to-table cooking. The sleek, fluted Dutch oven silhouette reads heirloom on any stovetop or sideboard, while the non-reactive interior plays nicely with acidic ingredients like tomatoes and wine. It keeps soups, stews, and braises warm long after you pull them off the heat due to the pure ceramic’s stand-out heat retention. Its roomy 7.5-qt capacity hits a sweet spot for family meals without feeling unwieldy.
Specs:
- Includes a ceramic lid
- Capacity: 7.5-qt
- Weight: 12 lb
- 16.5 in. x 10 in. x 6.3 in.
Price: $370 $296 at time of publish
Now through the holidays, save at least 20% off sitewide! Plus, try the code OA15 to gain an exclusive 15% discount that may stack with some sales for even more savings.
3. GreenPan Spectra Hybrid Fry Pan Set
If you love ceramic nonstick but miss the crisp sear of stainless steel, this set of three frying pans offer the best of both worlds. I tested the GreenPan Spectra Fry Pan Set and was impressed by their even browning abilities and how easy they were to clean. The ceramic cooking surfaces are etched with a stainless steel pattern to combine real searing power with effortless release, and the pieces are all PFAS-free.
The bodies are made from 3-ply stainless with an aluminum core for fast, even heat distribution. They’re induction-compatible and oven- and broiler-safe up to a head-turning 850°F. These pans have earned a Good Housekeeping Kitchen Award, and it’s easy to see why. It’s worth noting that they’re slightly heavier than your average frying pan, and the price tag makes them more of a splurge for someone special.
Specs:
- Includes three pieces:
- 8-in. Frypan, 1.7 lb
- 10-in. Frypan, 2.5 lb
- 12-in. Frypan, 3.3 lb
Price: $419.99 $249.99 at time of publish
Shop GreenPan’s Black Friday sale now through December 2 to save up to 75% off.
4. HexClad HexMill Salt & Pepper Grinders
Our Editor-in-Chief, Laura Klein, has tested way more spice mills and grinders than your average person — these are the ones she keeps on the counter and reaches for daily. “They just work beautifully,” she says. “The 10-setting grind control is precise: I can go super-coarse for steaks or tight and fine for soups.”
These spice grinders feel premium thanks to a smooth mechanical action, and they’re easy to refill using the quick-release caps. As a smart extra feature, the base cap catches extra grounds and doubles as a tiny pinch cup when you need a measured amount. If you want a gift that the cook in your life will use every day (and that looks great next to the stove or on a dining table), this set is a slam dunk.
Specs:
- 9-in. aluminum salt grinder
- 9-in. aluminum pepper grinder
- Lifetime warranty
Price: $318 $199 at time of publish
5. Our Place 10.5-in. Titanium Pro Sauté Pan
If you couldn’t tell, we’re huge fans of Our Place around here, and this is the second Our Place piece on this list. This is the ideal sauté pan for cooks who want a restaurant-quality sear with true nonstick ease. The best part? There’s no coating on the cooking surface. Our Place has a patented NoCo® nonstick surface which gets pressed into an ultra-hard titanium core, so food self-releases once it’s ready (no PFAS here!). A fully clad, extra-thick tri-ply build (stainless exterior, aluminum core, titanium interior) delivers fast, even heat.
The pan is deeper than your typical skillet, and the continuous pour rim reduces spills. It’s also durable enough for metal utensils, dishwasher-safe, induction compatible, and oven- and broiler-safe up to a scorching 1000°F (gold finish to 750°F). In short: this pan delivers daily durability with weekend-warrior performance.
Specs:
- Standard size: 10-5 in., 3-qt, 4.6 lb with lid
- Includes:
- Lid
- Stainless steel + silicone spatula
- Comes in two additional sizes (8.5-in., 12.5-in.) and three color options (chrome, chrome/gold, and brushed)
Price: $179 $145 at time of publish (for chrome or brushed color options)
From November 3 through December 2, Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide (it’s their biggest sale of the year!).
6. Vitamix Explorian E310
If you love silky soups, dips, and all kinds of smoothies, the Vitamix E310 is the best tool for the job. This blender is powered by an impressive 2-horsepower motor and has 10 variable speeds and a pulse switch. This means you’re always in full control, whether you want an ultra-smooth purée or a chunky salsa.
The 48-ounce Tritan container is a great size for batch prep without hogging valuable counter space. Cleanup is famously easy: Add warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend for 30 to 60 seconds. The blender weighs a reasonable 10.5 pounds and includes a 5-year full warranty for extra confidence in your investment.
Specs:
- 9-in. x 8-in. x 18-in.
- Capacity: 48 oz.
- Weight: 10.5 lb
- 4.5 ft. cord
Price: $379.95 $299.95 at time of publish
Up to 40% off select models + Exclusive Organic Authority links score an additional $120 off the A3500 model — check out our Black Friday Sales round-up for more details!
7. Great Jones “Hot Dish” with Lid
This 9-by-13-inch baking dish from Great Jones adds a touch of classic nostalgia to any kitchen, but with a modern, joyful spin. This is our go-to pan for lasagna, baked pasta, noodle kugel, brownies, cobblers, and of course, a Midwestern hot dish that would make grandma proud. It’s sturdy enough for weeknight casseroles and festive enough to take to a neighbor’s housewarming party.
Oven-safe, dishwasher-friendly, and now available with a matching lid for easy transport, it’s the kind of pan you’ll use year-round for holidays, meal prep, and potlucks. Bonus: the fun, retro colorways make it feel personal, not generic (we personally love the striped design!).
Specs:
- Weight: 5 lb
- Capacity: 4-qt
- 16.5-in. x 9.25-in. x 3-in. (with handles)
- Price below includes a lid (or can be sold individually)
- Comes in three colorways and two size options
Price: $155 $90 at time of publish
8. ZWILLING Knife Sharpening by Mail
Dull knives are a genuine kitchen hazard. When you apply more force, you’re more likely to slip and get nicked (or worse). And the holidays are the absolute last time you want a disastrous kitchen incident on your hands. ZWILLING’s Knife Aid mail-in service solves this problem with pro sharpening — without ever requiring you to leave home.
You’ll receive a prepaid, insured, and trackable mailer with adhesive sleeves. Just drop in your knives, send them off, and you’ll get back blades that slice cleanly through onions, tomatoes, herbs, and proteins. The service works with any brand (not just ZWILLING knives) and can handle most kitchen knives and scissors, with optional repairs for chips and broken tips. If you want a gift that instantly upgrades daily cooking, extends the life of a good knife set, and protects your loved one from accidents, this is it.
Price: $79 at time of publish for 7 knives (the service also includes options for 4-14 knives)
9. Miyabi Birchwood SG2 8-in. Chef’s Knife
Part sculpture, part scalpel, this MIYABI knife with birchwood handle pairs a razor-sharp Japanese edge with showpiece looks. It’s sure to get used daily and admired nightly. The micro-carbide steel core maintains an incredibly fine edge, and the 100-layer Damascus steel cladding adds strength and an attractive ripple pattern. The birchwood handle is light, warm in the hand, and beautifully balanced for long prep sessions. This knife makes quick work of paper-thin shallots, clean tomato slices, and silky chiffonades without crushing herbs. This lifelong gift turns a mundane task like chopping into a pleasure.
Specs:
- 8-in. blade, 13-in. length total
- Weight: 0.38 lb
- Also comes in 6-in. and 9-in. sizes
Price: $354.99 $309.99 at time of publish
10. Demeyere 3.5-qt Atlantis Saucier
This is the perfect gift for anyone from the home cook with culinary ambitions to the seriously advanced chef. A saucier is a fancy French term for a pot designed to make elegant sauces, gravies, custards, and melted chocolate, and Demeyere’s Atlantis is the one to splurge on. The conical shape with soft, curved walls lets a whisk or spatula reach every corner, so nothing scorches or sticks.
The 7-layer metal construction and thick aluminum core spreads heat evenly and holds it steady for smooth reductions and glossy emulsions, while the thick, flat base optimizes heat distribution. The pan is treated with Silvinox to keep the stainless bright and easy to clean, and the rivet-free, welded handle is easy to clean and more hygienic (zero nooks or crannies for bacteria to grow in). Induction-compatible, made in Belgium, and built for a lifetime of sauces — this is the pot you’ll reach for every time a recipe calls for finesse.
Specs:
- Weight: 5.1 lb
- Capacity: 3.5-qt
- 9.37 in. x 3.58 in. x 10.39 in
- Also comes in a 2-qt. size
Price: $379.99 $299.99 at time of publish
11. Alva Maestro 11-in. Stainless Steel Fry Pan
This 5-ply stainless steel frying pan is thoughtfully designed to maximize browning, making it the perfect gift for the steak aficionado in your life. Its wide, flat base gives you extra searing real estate, and gently curved walls easily accommodate a spatula to slide under a filet or a whisk to emulsify pan sauces. We especially love the soft, rounded handle that fits naturally in your hand so you can maneuver the pan without a death grip, and even try to impress with your best one-handed flip. The induction-compatible pan is made from reinforced steel and is oven-safe to 500°F. Plus, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Specs:
- 11.7-in. x 2.83-in.
- Weight: 3.69 lb
- Also comes in 8-in. and 9.5-in. sizes
Price: $179 at time of publish
Save up to 25% off sitewide, with tiered discounts leading to a flat sale Nov 21–30.
12. Made In Carbon Steel Griddle Set
This two-burner carbon steel griddle set gives you the true flat-top experience at home. You can create three distinct heat zones — sear over the two burners and park food in the center when you want it to stay warm. It’s pre-seasoned, naturally nonstick without chemicals, and durable enough to use on the stove, grill, or over an open fire.
The griddle press included in the set is a must for serious cooks who crave ultimate caramelization. This heavy-duty griddle covers everything from brunch pancakes for a crowd to weeknight grilled cheeses and crispy smash burgers.
Specs:
- Carbon Steel Griddle
- 19.6-in. (24-in. with handles) x 10.5-in. x 1.5-in.
- Grill Press
- 5.5-in. x 5-in. x 3.6-in.
Price: $258 $189.99 at time of publish
From November 14 through December 7, take up to 30% off restaurant-tested, chef-loved tools and receive free cookware with select purchases.
13. Made In Carbon Steel Cleaning Kit
Carbon steel cookware can be an investment, and it also requires special care if you want your investment to last. Help your loved ones keep their favorite skillets in tip-top condition for life with this practical gift. This carbon steel cleaning kit includes chainmail to remove stuck-on bits or rust, a natural-fiber brush for everyday cleanup without stripping seasoning, and seasoning wax to rebuild the slick, durable, nonstick patina that’s the signature of a well-loved pan. Aside from keeping pans looking great, these cleaning supplies will also enhance their performance. Read: more even, deeper browning and faster day-to-day cleaning.
Specs:
- 2 oz Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax
- All-Natural Fiber Brush with Silicone Handle
- Stainless Steel Scrubber
Price: $49 at time of publish
From November 14 through December 7, take up to 30% off restaurant-tested, chef-loved tools and receive free cookware with select purchases.
14. Alva Nori Roasting Pan
This compact, enameled cast-iron roaster is a true kitchen workhorse. It sears on the stovetop, roasts in the oven up to 500°F, and serves beautifully at the table. Even better? It’s incredibly easy to maintain, no seasoning required. The durable cast iron construction holds heat like a champ for edge-to-edge browning. It’s a great go-to for one-pan meals, making it an easy gift for a new home or a small family. The size is perfect for small roasts, chicken thighs, cheesy gratins, and cozy bakes.
Specs:
- 12-in. x 8-in.
- Capacity: 4-qt
- Weight: 7.7 lb
Price: $189 at time of publish
Save up to 25% off sitewide, with tiered discounts leading to a flat sale Nov 21–30.
15. Our Place Serving Bowls
This handsome, dinner-party-ready duo is made up of two ceramic serving bowls that look great on any table and complement your existing dinnerware. They’re made from chip-resistant, restaurant-grade stoneware (in four neutral shades) and have an attractive satin exterior and glossy, scratch-resistant interior. The larger 10.5-inch bowl is great for salads, pastas, and entrees, while the 8.5-inch version is perfect for side dishes and dips. When dinner is over, they slide right into the dishwasher for effortless cleanup.
Specs:
- Small Serving Bowl: 8.5-in. x 3.5-in., 2.5 lb
- Large Serving Bowl: 10.5-in. x 4-in., 4.4 lb
Price: $79 $65 at time of publish
From November 3 through December 2, Our Place is offering up to 35% off sitewide (it’s their biggest sale of the year!).
16. Staub 11-in. Oval Gratin Baking Dish
Every advanced home cook needs a trusty gratin dish to complete their culinary collection. Staub’s enameled cast-iron baker makes your favorite cozy holiday sides and weeknight casseroles centerpiece-worthy. This matte black baking dish is ideal for scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach, lasagna, roasted veggies, and even summery fruit crisps. The low, wide oval profile ensures even browning and gorgeous crusts, and the double handles help you easily transport it from the oven to the table. The 11-inch dish is great for most households, or you can build a nesting set from the adorable 6-inch model up to the crowd-ready 14.5-incher.
Specs:
- Oven-safe up to 464°F
- Weight: 4.21 lb
- Capacity: 1.69-qt
- 13.7-in. x 8-in. x 2.8-in.
Price: $159.99 at time of publish
Starting November 20th through December, save big on top sellers like Staub’s 4-QT, Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven and 4-piece, Mixed Baking Dish Sets.
17. Williams Sonoma ICE 101 Starter Set
Cooks obsess over flavor and presentation, and nothing puts a sparkle on an elegant tablescape or in bar-worthy cocktails like crystal-clear ice cubes. These easy-to-use silicone ice molds churn out perfect drink chillers with minimal effort. The set also includes two stainless steel whiskey cubes so you can produce distinctive drinks without dilution. You’ll never go back to digging ragged cubes out of the freezer once you’ve discovered the wonderful world of elevated ice.
Specs:
- Perfect Cube Tray with Lid (x2), 15 cubes each
- Sphere Ice Molds (x2)
- King Cube Tray with Lid (x2), 4 cubes each
- Whiskey Sphere (x2)
Price: $84.95 at time of publish
Make It Personal and Practical
When shopping for a gift they’ll actually be thrilled to unwrap, skip the novelty and focus on what really matters. A better skillet, a sharper knife, or a smarter prep tool makes everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. These gifts are designed to make dinner faster, cleanup lighter, or flavors better, and they’ll last a lifetime.
