The 20 best creative gifts for all home cooks, from knife connoisseurs to snack lovers | Food

Once you’re looking for a prepare dinner whose kitchen is already overflowing, figuring out what to get could be a large problem. Inventive cooks who’re obsessed with their meals most likely have all of the on a regular basis staples, so considerate gift-giving means considering exterior the field.The Guardian’s journalism is impartial. We’ll earn a fee in case you purchase one thing by means of an affiliate hyperlink. Study extra.I’ve been testing recipes, writing cookbooks and educating house cooks for nearly a decade, and within the course of I’ve realized all concerning the devices that can delight individuals who stay of their kitchens.These presents transcend fundamental cooking to foster new passions, unlock larger efficiency and improve the look of kitchens with engaging, versatile design. Leap proper into the concepts under or take a look at my common suggestions for giving kitchen presents on the backside.All costs present on the time of publication.For the sandwich artist:Cuisinart Griddler 5 {Photograph}: Courtesy of Cuisinart$119.95 at Cuisinart$149.95 at WayfairYears in the past, I labored as a restaurant supervisor slinging dozens of panini sandwiches each day. I grew to like an excellent grilled sandwich greater than I already did, an obsession that lasts to today. However I even have run by means of a number of disappointing panini presses with electrical components that burn out or hinges that break, unable to face as much as my fixed demand for heat, toasted sandwiches.After a 12 months of utilizing the Griddler 5, I’m nonetheless impressed with how simple it’s to make use of and the way nicely it does its job. It lies flat to function as a grill or griddle for issues like pancakes and steaks, or folds right into a press or sandwiches. It’s additionally sturdier than different panini presses I’ve tried, which has ended the streak of damaged presses I’ve needed to cringe about as I threw away. The sturdy stainless-steel simply wipes clear, and the plates are blessedly dishwasher-safe, good for cooks who would reasonably be creating within the kitchen than cleansing it.For the al fresco chef:Oxo outside assortment {Photograph}: Julia Skinner/The GuardianFrom $11.99 at OxoMany merchandise that tout themselves as being “outside prepared” are gimmicky and don’t operate any higher than simply bringing alongside the kitchen provides you have already got. However Oxo’s assortment brings a degree of design that exhibits they actually perceive the outside.Their slicing board and tray, for instance, really save me having to carry further dishes that take up treasured backpack area. The guide espresso grinder has a smoother motion than many others I’ve tried and is ideal for folk like me preferring tenting at non-electric websites. And the compact can and bottle opener is the proper measurement to toss into my pack or my van earlier than I head out (it’s sturdy, too).For the kitchen neatnik:Kitchen labels {Photograph}: Courtesy of Williams Sonoma$19.95 at Williams SonomaOK, possibly labels don’t sound like essentially the most thrilling reward ever, however for the appropriate individual they’re a godsend. These labels from Williams Sonoma offer you loads of pre-printed choices for most of the staples you’re probably to make use of: good to your favourite prepare dinner’s rising assortment of spices. Or, search for ornamental clean labels at a craft retailer in the event that they’d want to put in writing their very own.For folk who’re consistently experimenting with new dishes, a extra versatile system for labeling these creations for storage is a lifesaver. (Have you ever ever tried figuring out a selected infused vinegar out of 20 unlabeled jars? It’s not simple!) Masking tape and everlasting markers are the traditional standby in business kitchens, they usually’re a sensible, inexpensive alternative for house kitchens too (together with mine).For the easy-meal lover:Our Place Marvel Oven {Photograph}: Julia Skinner/The Guardian$185 at Our Place $185 at Amazon I purchased my Marvel Oven two years in the past, partially as a result of I wanted a toaster oven and in addition as a result of I used to be interested by air fryers however not curious sufficient to simply accept an eyesore of an equipment on my counter.The Marvel Oven roasts, toasts, bakes and air fries, all in a horny bundle that is available in an array of enjoyable colours. I take advantage of mine to toast bread, air fry snacks and roast a bit of rooster or fish with some greens for a easy, no-fuss dinner. Once I’m cooking only for me, I can hearth it as much as make dinner with out heating up the entire home with my full-size oven, saving on vitality.For the sustainable prepare dinner:Keeki bread luggage and material scrubs {Photograph}: Courtesy of Amazon {Photograph}: Courtesy of AmazonThese cloths and luggage minimize down on waste by giving your favourite prepare dinner reusable, sensible methods to retailer and clear.The luggage are beeswax-coated, which helps reasonable moisture for breads and different meals together with greens, holding meals recent for longer. They will go within the fridge (however not the freezer) and are simple to wash by simply wiping with a humid material. The mesh cloths are so efficient, I’ve changed each my dishcloths and scrubby sponges with them. They will even be tossed within the dishwasher together with the remainder of your dishes, making your cleansing provides simple to wash.These make a considerate, sustainability-minded reward on their very own or alongside different presents resembling low-waste cooking courses or cookbooks.Keeki bread luggage$27.50 at Keeki $27.50 at AmazonKeeki cleansing cloths$15 for three-pack at Keeki $15 for three-pack at AmazonFor the smoothie fanatic:Vitamix 5200 Legacy Collection blender {Photograph}: Courtesy of Vitamix$485 at Amazon$499.95 at VitamixThe Vitamix blender on this picture is about 15 years outdated. Sure, actually. And it nonetheless works simply in addition to it did the day I introduced it house.Vitamix blenders have a repute as workhorses within the kitchen – and for good motive. Mine has blended up all the things conceivable as I’ve examined my method by means of writing a number of cookbooks and designing dozens of cooking courses. To not point out the a whole lot of meals I’ve made for myself, from quick-blended soups and smoothies to sauces.At the moment, Vitamix has a variety of blenders with totally different settings to select from, however in order for you the traditional one that can outlive many of the different home equipment in your kitchen, the Legacy Collection does the fundamentals fantastically with out further frills.For the classic appreciator:Jadelite sugar shaker {Photograph}: Courtesy of Walmart$14.87 at Walmart$14.99 at Duluth Kitchen CoIf your beloved adores all issues midcentury, or has by no means fallen out of affection with traditional diners, this lovely Jadelite sugar dispenser is the proper match. The mint inexperienced glass is adorned to classic perfection. And it even has the traditional metallic shaker prime, paying homage to your favourite diner’s tableware. Mine has been a staple in my kitchen the previous few years, and it looks like stepping again in time each morning once I sweeten up my espresso.For the goof:iLikePar Meals Candles {Photograph}: Courtesy of Amazon$13.49-$35.99 at AmazonIs your beloved obsessive about cereal, or simply actually into kitschy candles? This candle assortment hits all of your candy and savory favorites, from a bowl of marshmallow-studded cereal to a pepperoni pizza. And so they look reasonable sufficient to eat (however please, don’t).For the intense knife connoisseur:Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener {Photograph}: Julia Skinner/The Guardian$348 at MartDiscover$400 at TormekI admit, once I took this knife sharpener for a spin I used to be very skeptical that it could be well worth the price ticket. I examined it out on an inexpensive little paring knife, assuming it could be marginally sharper however not holding out nice expectations. As a substitute, the $5 knife from the grocery retailer reached untold ranges of greatness: immediately sharper however with out the myriad issues that may include hand sharpening resembling burrs (resolved by honing) or an inconsistent angle on the blade (resolved by an adjustable angle information on the sharpener).If your house prepare dinner is critical about their knives, or they’ve some actually nice knives however battle to sharpen them nicely, this reward simply would possibly match the invoice. Due to the value tag, I’d solely suggest this one for cooks who’ve plenty of knives to sharpen or who would possibly embrace sharpening as a passion.For the spice buffs:Poi Canine Chili Peppah Water {Photograph}: Courtesy of Poi Canine$16 at Poi Canine$21.99 at AmazonSure, you possibly can reward yet one more bottle of the identical outdated scorching sauce, however why not attempt one thing new? Chili pepper water is a should on Hawaiian tables and an add-in to just about something savory. Poi Canine’s tackle this Hawaiian staple has rapidly turn into certainly one of my favorites: filled with taste, and versatile sufficient to go on something from meat to eggs to greens. It does have some warmth, however you can even style the flavour of the peppers behind the warmth too, and all the things is balanced out with a pleasant zing from the vinegar, plus a little bit of sugar and spices.skip previous publication promotionA information to purchasing fewer, higher merchandise.Privateness Discover: Newsletters could include details about charities, on-line adverts, and content material funded by exterior events. In the event you wouldn’t have an account, we’ll create a visitor account for you on theguardian.com to ship you this text. You possibly can full full registration at any time. For extra details about how we use your knowledge see our Privateness Coverage. We use Google reCaptcha to guard our web site and the Google Privateness Coverage and Phrases of Service apply.after publication promotionFor the snack lover:Excalibur 9-tray Meals Dehydrator {Photograph}: Courtesy of Excalibur$199.99 at Excalibur $249.99 at AmazonLike my Vitamix blender, my Excalibur dehydrator is a workhorse that has been put by means of its paces: I’ve most likely logged a couple of thousand hours of drying as I take a look at recipes. In a single case, my visitor room smelled like peppers for weeks after drying a whole lot of kilos of fermented scorching peppers for a spice mix. From fruit leather-based to veggie snacks and banana chips, meals dehydrators could make much more than it’s possible you’ll notice.The Excalibur has plenty of options that I search for: adjustable drying temperature and racks with slots massive sufficient for air to go by means of, however not so large that meals falls by means of. However most significantly, the fan that circulates air by means of the dehydrator is on the again (not the underside or prime), which implies even air circulation throughout each tray. Excalibur provides a variety of sizes and value factors, so you will discover one that matches your area and finances.For the meditative espresso brewer:Chemex espresso maker {Photograph}: Courtesy of Blue Bottle Espresso$47 at Blue Bottle Espresso$47.95 at Williams SonomaAbout a decade in the past, my dad purchased me a Chemex as a vacation reward, and I cherish every morning I get an opportunity to make use of it. Not solely does it make Actually Good Espresso (which, it does), however making pourover espresso is an exquisite ritual that helps me decelerate and begin my morning off at a peaceable, satisfying tempo.For the experimental chef: Brod & Taylor Folding Bread Proofer & Gradual Cooker {Photograph}: Courtesy of Brod & Taylor$219 at Brod & Taylor $219 at PerigoldYes, it’s phenomenal at proofing bread, however that’s simply the tip of the iceberg of what this machine can do.My kitchen appears to be like rather a lot like a mad scientist’s lab, and this proofer has turn into a continuing companion in my experiments. I take advantage of it as an incubation chamber for fermented meals resembling selfmade tempeh and yogurt, for sous vide and for sluggish cooking. It’ll maintain a constant, low temperature from 70F to 195F (21C to 91C), offering the proper surroundings for the yeast in bread to develop or the helpful mould in tempeh to multiply.One other large bonus: the huge field folds flat for storage, which implies once I’m not making magic with it, it isn’t taking on a ton of cabinet or counter area.For the cocktail (or mocktail) lover: Infuse & Booze cocktail infusion kits {Photograph}: Courtesy of Infuse & Booze$26 at Infuse & Booze$28 at Bourbon and Hearth I sometimes keep away from cocktail kits, which are sometimes gimmicky or use low-quality flavorings and colorings. However I make an exception when gifting these kits, that are lovely to behold and really make cocktails I need to drink (my present favourite is the Previous St Nick Usual, studded with flavors resembling star anise and rosemary alongside the standard old school taste profile).These kits infuse a burst of taste into your chosen spirit (or nonalcoholic concoction) by means of steeping elements resembling spices and dried fruits within the offered glass jar. Every jar makes sufficient for a spherical of about eight to 10 cocktails, relying on which package you get, so they’re good for a celebration. Refill pouches make it simple to reuse the jar if you’re prepared for one more batch.I like to recommend selecting kits based mostly in your favourite prepare dinner’s most well-liked spirits or flavors, or get playful and select one thing you suppose will go finest with no matter meals is in your vacation desk. Observe that spirits have to steep for a couple of days, so if in case you have an event for the drinks in thoughts, you’ll want to plan forward.For the fermentation fanatic: Ohio Stoneware 2-Gallon Crock Starter Package {Photograph}: Courtesy of Ohio Stoneware$69.99 at Ace {Hardware}$85.49 at Ohio StonewareI have been educating fermentation courses for a few decade, and one of many large classes I train is that fermentation will be as easy or subtle as you need it to be. Our ancestors didn’t have specialty airlocks and stainless-steel tanks: they made it work with what was round, like stoneware crocks.These hefty, sturdy crocks are the proper measurement for all the things from sauerkraut to wild-yeasted mead – plus they appear nice sitting out. The package consists of fermentation weights to carry greens beneath the brine as they ferment, and a lid.For the design appreciator: Dreamfarm Clongs {Photograph}: Julia Skinner/The GuardianThey are as enjoyable to make use of because the identify is to say. Dreamfarm Clongs click on to lock with a button, and the curved deal with edge retains the floor that touches your meals off the countertop and helps them steadiness on the sting of your pan or serving tray.They’re comfy and simple to make use of too: they aren’t too heavy to work with, they usually firmly grip the meals you’re attempting to seize. Dreamfarm makes an everyday model with grippy silicone ends, a light-weight nylon model and a barbecue model.Dreamfarm Clongs$29.99 at Dreamfarm$29.99 at AmazonDreamfarm BBQ Clongs$34.99 at Every little thing Kitchens$39.99 at Wayfair Dreamfarm Clongs Lite$14.95 at Wilford & Lee$17.99 at DreamfarmFor the seasoning fanatic:Burlap & Barrel spice reward units {Photograph}: Courtesy of Burlap & Barrel$27.99-$99.99 at Burlap & BarrelBurlap & Barrel have lengthy been liked by critical house cooks for his or her single-origin spices, and these units are a beautiful solution to expertise what they’ve to supply. You possibly can select something from grilling spices to scorching peppers, to vanilla, to woodland honeys, so that you’re certain to seek out the proper taste combo to your favourite prepare dinner.For the plant lover: Auk Mini indoor backyard bundle {Photograph}: Courtesy of Auk$259 at Auk Nothing beats recent herbs plucked from a plant and instantly tossed right into a selfmade meal. But when your favourite prepare dinner lives in an residence or someplace with lengthy winters and brief days, they could not have as many choices for utilizing fresh-grown produce. An indoor backyard can open recent produce to everybody.The Auk Mini is a bit pricier than different indoor gardens I’ve examined, however it’s additionally a lot higher-quality than most of them and comes with all the things you want, together with soil, plant fertilizer and seeds. The sweetness is its simplicity: it’s simple sufficient to arrange in lower than 10 minutes and is straightforward to make use of, with sturdy wooden development that can last more than cheaper, all-plastic counterparts.Even when your favourite prepare dinner is an aspiring gardener with a less-than-green thumb, this little backyard will make it simple to develop all the things from cherry tomatoes and peppers to recent herbs with little effort. It’s additionally nice to have a look at and fewer cumbersome than many different designs.For the oyster lover: Heartwood Forge Daybreaker oyster knife {Photograph}: Courtesy of Heartwood Forge$85-150 at Heartwood ForgeMy household has been linked to the Gulf of Mexico for generations, and as a lifelong oyster lover, I admire many issues about this oyster knife. It suits comfortably in my hand, whereas most different oyster knives I’ve used slip and slide round. It’s produced from one piece of metallic reasonably than a blade in a plastic or wooden deal with that may snap. And it has a bottle opener, which, whereas not strictly essential, is a pleasant contact that I take advantage of typically. I’m not being facetious once I say this oyster knife will most likely outlast me.Plus, 10% of proceeds go towards Apalachicola Riverkeeper, which helps to guard this endangered and necessary waterway and helps sustainable oystering for generations to come back.A couple of suggestions for gifting to cooksFun issues: Search for instruments they are going to be keen to succeed in for and excited to work with. The extra enjoyable they’ll have with the reward you give, the extra your favourite prepare dinner can actually shine doing what they love.Novelty doesn’t all the time minimize it: Simply because a gadget appears to be like cool doesn’t imply it suits your giftee’s life. Sure, a self-heating ice cream scoop or an apple corer are good for some cooks, however do they eat ice cream or make apple pies? Moderately than getting wooed by novelty, concentrate on the meals your giftee likes to prepare dinner and analysis the instruments related to that sort of cooking.It’s OK to return to fundamentals: Cooking lovers could have already got the staples, however typically there’s room for enchancment. Discover what your favourite prepare dinner struggles with or doesn’t love about their present kitchen setup and use that to encourage your gifting to make their life a bit simpler.Go for the very best quality you may afford: The mantra “high quality over amount” is vital. As somebody who cooks consistently, I’d reasonably obtain one actually good spatula that might final for years than a set of 5 low cost spatulas that can crumble in a couple of months. I’m not saying go into debt to purchase a present, however do take into account getting much less stuff, and higher stuff, for a extra significant reward expertise.Combine it up: I like gifting on-line or in-person culinary courses, experiences and reward certificates alongside bodily presents for an extra-special contact or to assist them put their instruments to make use of in new methods.Combine their different pursuits: In case your favourite prepare dinner has robust pursuits exterior the kitchen, use these as inspiration for considerate gifting. As an example, for somebody obsessed with sustainability and the surroundings, a present that’s produced from recycled supplies or is low-waste speaks to their values.Dr Julia Skinner is the writer of a number of cookbooks and meals historical past books, founding father of the Culinary Curiosity College, and a researcher and marketing consultant for culinary and artistic tasks.