13 Gifts for People Who Like to Cook: Badass Home Chef Favorites [Chef-Tested and Approved]

Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for people who like to cook? Whether you’re shopping for a kitchen badass, a home chef, a cooking enthusiast, or someone just beginning their culinary journey, this list of must-have kitchen tools and gadgets is packed with thoughtful ideas for the holiday season.

The 13 Best Kitchen Gifts (Our Handpicked List!)

Every item on this list was handpicked by our Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Laura Klein, who is just about THE badass chef. Not only is she professionally trained, but she also reviews and tests kitchen tools all day. Trust us when we say her gift ideas for the kitchen are guaranteed to be a win, no matter what kind of chef you are.  

1. Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer

Every home chef needs a nutritional boost to keep them healthy, and this kitchen gift makes improving cooking skills a whole lot easier.

Skip the daily juicing (and get an extra half an hour of sleep) by batch prepping your juices for up to three days with the H400 Easy Clean Slow Juice, a perfect eco-conscious choice for those aiming to reduce waste. Part of Hurom’s Easy Clean Series, its strainer-free design makes it possible to create low-pulp, nutrient-rich juice without the pesky mineral buildup from conventional juicers. In our book, nothing says badass like easy cleanup. 

Hurom Juicers have been a staple in our founder’s kitchen for years, and we absolutely love that with this juicer, making a fresh batch of juice is easier than ever — perfect for Sunday brunch or meal prep.

Specs: 

• Large hopper for batch juicing 
• Cleaning brush
• Power cord
• Recipe book & Manual

Price: $699.00 $594 at time of publish

2. Alva Cookware’s “Neat” Stackable Cookware

Small kitchen? Just tired of the clutter? The Alva Cookware “Neat” Stackable Cookware is ideal for any kitchen, big or small. It’s a 5-in-1 cookware set that ideally compacts without scratching or damaging any of the contents, kind of like a perfect kitchen puzzle. The body is made of 100% certified recycled materials, including silicone handles that stay cool while you’re cooking.

We love it for its minimalist design and the PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating on the interior. This set is drip-resistant, dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be used on all cooktops (yes, even induction!). It even comes with its own space-saving colander and is sold in five gorgeous colors.

Specs:

• 8.7” Frying pan
• 8.7” Casserole 
• 6.3” Saucepan
• Two fitting lids

Price: $199

3. Made In’s Carbon Steel Griddle + Press + Lid

All of the products on this list were handpicked by our founder, Laura Klein, but this tool is one of her favorites. She uses this carbon steel griddle to cook everything from burgers to pancakes, seared veggies, toasted buns,  and more. 

So why does she love it? It goes over two burners, which means you can create two hot zones and a cool zone down the middle to move food to. The cool zone offers a simple way to keep food warm (but not burnt!) after it’s done cooking. 

Plus, the press has become a favorite tool for protein and smashed potatoes, although you can also buy the griddle on its own. Oh and did we mention, Laura loves to take it camping? Yeah, it’s that versatile and indestructible.  

Specs:

• 10.5-in x 24-in. Griddle
• Grill press
• Lid

Price: $327 $279 with press + lid at time of publish

4. Caraway Home’s Cookware Set

We’ve been testing this cookware set for years (no really, here’s our review after testing it for 5 years!), and we love it as much as ever. This set also pairs beautifully with a dutch oven, making it versatile for all your cooking needs. Caraway made PFAS-free, nonstick cookware that really lasts — and Its ultra-modern design and adaptability to personalization and preferences mean it will stay classic until you need to renew your set. Plus, its durability and efficiency save you money over time by reducing the need for replacements or excessive oil and butter. Available in eight beautiful colorways, and several sets tailored to different needs, it makes a perfect foundational set for any kitchen.  

Its super slick coating is naturally nonstick, meaning minimal oil or butter and minimal cleanup required. It’s oven-safe up to 550 Fahrenheit, stovetop-safe, and you can also add minis to the set (or even start with the minis, if you prefer)! We promise you’ll be everyone’s favorite gift-giver if you show up with a gift-wrapped Caraway set.

Specs:

• 3-Qt. Saucepan
• 10.5” Frypan
• 6.5-Qt. Dutch Oven
• 4.5-Qt. Saute Pan
• 8” Lid
• 10.5 “ Lid
• 12” Lid
• Canvas Lid Holder
• Pan Organizer

Available Colors: Cream, Navy, Gray, Sage, Perracotta, Merigold, Black, White

Price: $545 $355.50 at time of publish (Price varies by color)

Shop Caraway’s biggest sale of the year for the Holidays, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, save up to 20% OFF.

5. ThermoMaven One Thermometer

Tired of not knowing exactly when your consciously raised meat is done cooking? Stop guessing — we’ve got you covered. This compact and affordable meat thermometer is incredibly accurate, providing temperature readings a 0.5 degree of accuracy, every single time (and in under one second!).

So whether you’re searing a perfect steak or spicing it up with some Thai chicken meatballs, this thermometer (available in red or black) is a great stocking stuffer for your favorite home chef.

Specs:

• One thermometer
• 1 AAA batteries

The ThermoMaven One Thermometer is a great option for budget-conscious home cooks. This compact kitchen gadget, priced under $50, Whether you’re a beginner learning to sear the perfect steak or a seasoned chef perfecting Thai chicken meatballs, this thoughtful gift is both practical and budget-friendly.

Price: $29.99 $18.96 at time of publish

6.  Spiceology’s Popcorn Seasoning Variety Pack

Ready to spice up your Saturday nights with a popcorn-fueled Netflix binge? This seasoning variety pack makes it easy for you to up the flavor on any snack or dish — and with flavors this fun, it’s going to be hard not to sprinkle seasoning on everything.

We love making homemade versions like this vegan za’atar popcorn and this green ‘superfood’ popcorn, but sometimes movie nights call for pure relaxation outside of the kitchen. Thank the badass chef in your friend group by letting them off the hook for snacks this weekend.  

Flavors: 

• Apple Cinnamon
• Bleu Cheese Buffalo
• Jalapeno Popper
• Pizza
• S’mores
• Truffle Parmesan 

Price: $39.95

7. Great Jones Saucy

While it’s probably a dream for everyone to have a 24/7 live-in private professional chef, most of us don’t have access to that yet (keep manifesting, ladies). Fortunately for us, Great Jones sells this amazing Saucy that lets us whip up our favorite sauces while we manifest. 

The 3-quart saucier has everything you could need to whip up the perfect holiday gravy or creamy risotto, or even a quick one-pot slow cooker-style meal — curved sides, etched measurements, and a pouring spout. It’s safe for all stovetops (yes, including induction!) and dishwashers, and its welded handles prevent food from getting trapped in any screws and rivets. 

Specs:

• 3-Qt. Saucy
• Matching Lid

Price: $120 $80 at time of publish

8. GreenPan’s Bistro XL 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer

We’re obsessed with GreenPan 360° Clear View Air Fryer. The first of its kind— you get to keep an eye on the goodness going on inside— dinner and a show. The spacious interior of this air fryer also lets you cook for the whole family. It’s endlessly efficient and perfect for healthy cooking with little or no oil.

And, it’s more versatile than you might first think. This baby will replace other appliances that suck up way more energy (not to mention heat up the whole kitchen). You can cook up the obvious things like crispy oil-free fries, and chicken wings, but you can also use it to quickly heat up things like leftover pizza in a snap (for a way better outcome than the microwave!) and much, much more.

And of course, we love that the nonstick interior is PFAS-free. This it’s certainly a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their own kitchen setup.

Specs:

• PFAS-free ceramic nonstick drawer and air fry tray
• See-through lid design for a full look at your meal
• 13 easy-to-use presets to find your setting
• One-touch LED screen keeps things easy
• Optional pre-heat mode cuts down on cooking time
• Heats up to 400˚F
• Dishwasher safe drawer and air fry tray

Price: $189.99 $139.99 at time of publish

9. Made In’s Japanese Damascus Steel Santoku Knife

Every serious chef or home cook needs at least one good chef’s knife! We’ve been in love with the Japanese Santoku Knife forever. Nothing says excellence like a rapid slicing and dicing session. Its tall blade and rounded nose make tough jobs like chopping an onion effortless, while its precision makes slicing delicate ingredients like fish a breeze.

Why do we love this particular knife? Because it’s made with a damascus steel blade that has a higher carbon content than any other kitchen knife in Made In’s collection. That keeps your knives sharper for longer, because  nobody wants to spend a lot of  time sharpening knives. It’s also full tang, meaning its been made from a single rod of stainless steel for durability and balance.

Specs:

• 6.6” Blade Length
• Made in Japan

Price: $199

10. Zwilling 21” x 16” Cutting Board, Beechwood

Does your friend still use small plastic cutting boards in their kitchen? Even the most pro chef isn’t immune to bacteria — here are some quick facts about the safety risks of plastic cutting boards. Firstly, they aren’t sanitary and harbor bacteria, even after running them through a dishwasher. Second, every time they’re used, they release small shreds of plastic into your food, which isn’t so appetizing (or safe). 

This holiday season is the perfect time to upgrade your friend’s prep station with stylish wooden cutting boards, perfectly complemented by knife sets designed for precision and durability. We’re fans of this cutting board because it provides a large working space to quickly cut and organize your veg for every meal.

These wood cutting boards are perfect for handling everything from freshly baked cookies to a hot pan right off the stove, this cutting board is as versatile as it is durable. Pair it with aluminum foil to keep your surfaces clean while preparing large meals or roasting, and when the cooking’s done, it’s also pretty enough for serving your next charcuterie spread, making it a true multitasker!

Specs:

• 12 lb. cutting board

Price: $109.99

11. Pampered Chef’s Rapid-Prep Mandoline

If you want to make fancy french fry cuts for your new air fryer oven, this mandoline is for you. It can make uniform veg cuts a breeze, which is the key to making sure everything cooks evenly. Plus, it’s designed for maximum safety and keeps hands away from the steel blades. We love that it can easily fold up to be put neatly in a drawer so it’s out of sight. 

Specs:

• Mandoline
• Food Catch Tray
• Food Chute
• Food Pusher
• Dual-sided Cleaning Brush

Price: $70

12. KitchenAid’s 2024 Design Series Evergreen Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Okay, this one’s on the spendier side, but who doesn’t want to bring the outdoors in with this beauty? And when we say beauty, we mean seriously gorgeous. The deep evergreen mixer complements the walnut wood bowl perfectly, making it kind of a show-stopper in any kitchen.

The mixer offers 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from whipping cream to slowly mixing thick cookie dough. Its versatility and power make it a must-have for any house. It’s also compatible with 10 different attachments (sold separately) so you can make the most of your new favorite kitchen appliance.

Specs:

• Evergreen Mixer
• 5-Qt. Walnut Wood Bowl
• Stainless Steel Flat Beater
• Stainless Steel Dough Hook
• Stainless Steel Wire Whip

Price: $699.99

13. Made In’s Crystal Wine Glasses

Looking for some pretty wine glasses for your favorite vino? These are the ones you want. Up your dinner party game with these gorgeous glasses, available for red or white wine.

Skipping the alcohol for tonight? Even better — we find that using a fancy glass makes mocktails feel indulgent and special. We use ours to drink sparkling water with a few slices of blood oranges and cucumber.

Specs:

• Four 16-oz. Wine Glasses

Price: $99 for a 4-pack 

Chances are, the badass chef in your life is already pretty cool without fancy tools. But it’s the holidays, and everyone could use an extra gadget or two to make their culinary journey more enjoyable. Whether it’s versatile Cooking Utensils or gadgets that help create delicious dishes, thoughtful kitchen tools like these make great gifts they’ll truly appreciate — hope these 13 fun gift ideas inspire you!

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