This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the site so I can continue to offer great content to you!
I love to cook. I really do enjoy creating healthy meals for my family. Through my love for cooking, it goes without saying that I am a fan of useful kitchen tools and appliances. Having the correct tools for the job is a game-changer. Every year, I add new things to my collection. However, there is always lots of research and planning behind any additions. Good kitchen tools are not cheap and I don’t like to throw my money out of the window. For this reason, I thought I’d share my researched and confirmed ideas of the best gifts for a chef.
9 BEST GIFTS FOR A CHEF
1. Digital scale
A good digital scale is a must. I use my digital scale almost daily. It’s extremely useful when baking, and in day-to-day cooking tasks such as weighing pasta, rice, and other dry goods. I don’t think you need to go with anything fancy. However, I highly encourage you to go digital versus analog to increase precision.
My recommendation goes to the KitchenAid KQ909 Dual Platform Digital Kitchen and Food Scale,
This scale offers two weight platforms that can be used simultaneously. It also has a tare functionality to reset the weight to zero before adding more ingredients. This is extremely helpful when baking. This scale comes in a black or white option and is quite stylish if the owner wants to keep it on display. At less than $50, this is a fantastic option.
2- Apron
Aprons are a must for anyone who spends any time in the kitchen. I have ruined countless tops with oil spatters before I started wearing one while cooking. A new apron is such a fun gift for a chef. Because they get dirty and require washing, it’s great to have more than one.
There are a few things to consider when buying an apron.
First, we are all different sizes and shapes. An adjustable apron is a must for comfort and to adequately protect your clothes. Not only should the apron adjust at the waist, but you should be able to adjust the shoulder straps.
Second, you want a thick fabric that won’t allow grease and other ingredients to get through and will also sustain multiple washes.
Lastly, I love an apron with pockets. You can keep your phone which might hold your recipe, a towel to wipe your hands on, or ingredients/items. For example, I might put the salt and pepper in my pockets to take to the grill.
For all these reasons, my pick goes to the Hedley and Bennett essential apron. They come in many colors, are machine washable, and have a lifetime guarantee. Around $85, they make one of the best gifts for a chef.
3- Pepper grinder
Every chef would tell you that there are no acceptable substitutes for a good pepper grinder. A pepper grinder offers a much richer flavor and also allows you to change the type of pepper you use from time to time.
However, there are way too many options to count, and buying one as a gift can be a little overwhelming.
Here are a few things to consider before making a purchase: the ability to grind at various coarseness, speed, and ease of use. You can choose a manual pepper grinder or an electric one. I’m a little old school, and I like a manual grinder. It’s easier to access the quantity, and fewer parts can break.
My recommendation goes to the traditional-looking Peugeot 23485 Paris u’Select 9-Inch Pepper Mill. This is a classic that you can purchase for around $37. If you are looking for something a little more modern, check out this one coming out soon. You cannot go wrong with Peugeot. They have been making pepper mills since the 1840s!
4- Knife
A knife isn’t “just a knife”. A good sharp knife is crucial in the kitchen. Dull or bad knives are the reasons many people get injured in the kitchen.
A good knife can be expensive. However, it is an investment. I have had a good chef knife passed down from my grandmother. It is still in impeccable condition.
A few years ago, I was gifted several Zwilling knives. They soon became my absolute favorites.
If you have to pick one type of knife, I highly recommend you go with a chef’s knife. My #1 recommendation for best gifts for a chef goes to the Zwilling Pro8-Inch Chef’s Knife, which is currently on sale for $159.99.
5- Dutch oven
I debated between a dutch oven or a cast iron pan for my #5 on this list of best gifts for a chef. Ultimately, I decided to go with the more interesting dutch oven.
Dutch ovens are a versatile tool to have in the kitchen. They can withstand extremely high temperatures and can be used to cook anything from stew to homemade bread. You can use them on the stovetop or in the oven.
Just like knives, there is a wide range of prices when it comes to dutch ovens. However, this time, more expensive doesn’t mean better quality. You should not have to break the bank to get a good dutch oven pot.
My research has raised this relatively inexpensive gem to the top of the list. The Amazon basics enameled cast iron covered dutch oven, which you can find on Amazon for about $65. This item comes in 3 different sizes and 12 different colors. This sure is to delight the chefs in your life.
6- Wood cutting board
A wood cutting board isn’t just useful. It is so pretty and can be used for much more than cutting. I love to use mine for charcuterie boards, for example.
While you may have heard that you should not cut meat on a wooden board, this isn’t 100% factual. Some wood, such as teakwood, has been researched, and it was demonstrated to have antibacterial properties.
Purchasing a wood cutting board also contributes to a more sustainable world.
If you want to wow a loved one, consider buying one of these beautiful teak cutting boards, which range from about $20 to $200. My favorites are the Butcher block rectangle cutting board and the Smart cutting and carving board.
7- Cookbook
That’s right! Chefs love to cook. Why not get them your favorite cookbook, a specialty cookbook, or even a custom-made cookbook of your favorite recipes?
Family cookbook project allows you to create your own cookbook for a loved one. You can customize the entire cookbook from the photos you choose to include, the featured recipes, and the cover.
The printing process can take up to 3 weeks. If you plan to create a cookbook for a popular holiday, you might even want to allow more time. The pricing is quite affordable. The website has a calculator that you can use while planning your project. Consider this unique idea which has earned a well-deserved place on this best gifts for chef list.
8- Scissors
This may be an odd choice for the “non-cooks” out there. However, scissors are the one kitchen tool I use multiple times a day, even multiple times each meal.
I love to use them to chop herbs and lettuce, cut pizzas, slice bacon, and so much more.
My recommendation goes to the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors. OXO is a well-known and reliable brand for numerous kitchen items. These scissors are made of stainless steel, are easy to wash, and offer an herb stripper above the handles to remove herbs from tough stems.
You can purchase these from Amazon for $19.99 or use the OXO website, which often offers a 15% discount on your first purchase.
9- Aerogarden
A true chef knows the importance of finding the perfect flavor for your dish, and fresh herbs cannot be understated. However, if you live in a cold climate area, getting fresh herbs can be challenging at times.
Last winter, I purchased an Aerogarden, and I love it. I have successfully grown several different types of herbs as well as lettuce.
I will never be without fresh herbs in the winter, and I know my family is thankful.
Aero gardens vary in size and price. To grow fresh herbs, the model I have is perfect. I can grow 9 different herbs or types of plants at the same time. The only complaint I have is that the water level sensor stopped working after only a few months. This isn’t a huge deal to me as I simply monitor it manually.
In conclusion
Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be stressful, especially if you aren’t knowledgeable about their passion. That’s why I’m here to do all the research for you.
This article provided you with a list of the best gifts for a chef and I hope you found the perfect item.
Thank you for reading.
Cat xx