In the past, home chefs were often gifted cookbooks, but in the age of the Internet, recipes are readily available online. Traditional gifts like frying pans, pots, and kitchen aprons are also set aside. Instead, our list begins with useful kitchen appliances.

Multi-ovens

Multi-ovens, a recent addition to kitchen equipment, can be seen as a fusion of multi-cookers and air fryers. Essentially miniature ovens, they employ an upper heating element and convection technology — ensuring even hot air circulation over the ingredients. Typically, the cooking bowl is inserted from the front panel, with an average volume of around 5 liters, similar to a typical multi-cooker.

The convection principle allows you to cook without adding oil. As a result, multi-ovens prepare suitable dishes for adherents of healthy eating principles. At the same time, you don’t have to limit yourself at all — chicken wings and fish in the multi-oven turn out to be low-fat and with an appetizing crispy crust. And in terms of cooking French fries or country-style potatoes, you can’t find a multi-oven that’s equal.

Multi-ovens are one of the latest hits in the category of kitchen appliances for preparing a wide variety of dishes.

The main modes of any multi-oven will be frying and baking. However, they also include conventional and steam cooking, specialized programmes such as dough kneading, etc. Each mode has specific values for temperature and cooking time, although in the vast majority of these parameters are adjusted automatically - depending on the selected dish. Multicookers are a minimum of hassle and help you turn your creative fantasies into delicious food.

Multi-ovens

Electric grills

Cooking over an open flame has long been a staple for those embracing a healthy lifestyle. Electric grills at home operate on a similar principle, with contact grills being a popular choice. These grills, often designed like a hinged book with built-in heaters, press food on both sides when folded, reducing cooking time and eliminating the need to flip portions. Some models even allow for a 180° opening, transforming both halves into an open grill.

Open grills differ from contact grills by the presence in the design of only one heating plate on which food is laid out. In this case, the food is not pressed tightly — it retains more juices. In addition, when cooking on an open grill, there are no restrictions on the thickness of the products fried. Any of the electric grills is suitable for preparing a wide variety of dishes: steaks, cutlets, fish, vegetables — adherents of a healthy and wholesome diet will definitely not leave untouched by such a gift.

Electric grills

Steamers and multi-cookers with a steamer

Some people prefer golden-brown dishes from the grill, while others adhere to the principles of healthy eating through steaming. In this case, the dishes are not boiled in water, but are cooked under the influence of hot steam, maintaining juiciness and maximum nutrient content. In a free-standing form, steamers are rarely found, but this particular category of kitchen appliances often has several compartments for food, which allows simultaneous cooking at different levels.

Specialized steamers are best suited for steaming healthy and dietary dishes.

Steaming doesn't necessitate choosing dedicated steamers exclusively. Many multicookers feature a steam mode with specialized baskets and a water tray. Additionally, microwaves and ovens, although less common, may also have a steaming function. This method is particularly ideal for preparing healthy, dietary, and baby food.

Steamers

Blenders

A blender makes an excellent gift for any chef, especially if their current one is on its last legs. Immersion blender models offer versatility by performing various cooking processes, eliminating the need for multiple kitchen appliances. The advantage lies in the ability to grind food in any suitable container, and additional attachments significantly enhance the blender's functionality. Most blenders come equipped with whisks for whipping, and some include discs for slicing and shredding, a masher, or even an ice pick.

Stationary blenders look a little different, and their design necessarily includes a built-in bowl, inside which the blades move. Stationary models are suitable for chopping vegetables, fruits and harder ingredients, preparing vitaminized smoothies; the most advanced examples of such blenders are equipped with a timer, auto-cooking and heating functions. The blender will serve as an excellent gift for adherents of healthy eating, families with small children, and in general it is one of the most popular tools for a chef.

Blenders

Waffle makers

For lovers of sweets, you can give a waffle maker as a gift. Fundamentally, such a device is similar to contact grills (moreover, some examples of such electric grills are equipped with removable plates for preparing delicious waffles). The main difference between waffle makers and classic grills lies in their smaller sizes and a pronounced focus on preparing delicious desserts.

Lovers of tasty and crispy waffles can be given a specialized waffle maker as a gift.

The equipment of any model includes plates for preparing waffles, which are often removable. You can replace them with molds for baking nuts with condensed milk, muffins or donuts. The waffle maker also offers a wide range of interchangeable plates — the waffle molds are available in both square and triangular shapes. The waffle maker makes tasty treats quickly and hassle-free.

Waffle maker

Kitchen scales

When preparing many dishes, it is important to strictly follow the recipe. Especially when many ingredients are supposed to be used in small dosages. Accurately weighing the ingredients of a prepared dish is the main task of a kitchen scale. Electronic assistants often have a division value of 1 g and support a tare function. Weighing data is shown on the scale's display, often with the ability to switch between grams and ounces.

For weight watchers, a kitchen scale with a calorie calculator is perfect — automatically calculating the nutritional value of weighed foods. Advanced models of scales can not only count calories, but also determine the content of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, etc. The volume measurement of liquids function also plays a useful role. Finally, kitchen scales often delight with bright prints and elaborate designs, decorating the kitchen interior with their presence. A scale is a must for the home chef, so you definitely can't live without one in the kitchen.

Kitchen scales

Kitchen knives

Every chef, without exception, should have a set of good knives. Fortunately, nowadays there is plenty to choose from — on the shelves there are both individual copies of kitchen knives and sets with auxiliary accessories (for example, scissors or musat). In sets, knives are often supplied with a block, but if necessary, it can be presented as a separate gift.

No chef can live without a high-quality set of knives.

If the chef already has high-quality knives, it’s worth giving him a sharpener. Dull knives are not only annoying when cooking, but can also be dangerous. Stones of different grits for step-by-step sharpening of blades will help the cook keep his knives sharp. While it may not be the most exciting gift, it's sure to make a difference in the long run.

Kitchen knives

Utensil sets

Auxiliary accessories play an important role in the kitchen - ladles, spatulas, skimmers and other culinary tools. They are sold as a set in cook kits. The criterion for selecting sets is the equipment. For some users, a ladle, serving fork and spatula are sufficient; for others, this may not be enough. You need to focus on the cooking preferences of the gift recipient. And it’s better to take a set with a reserve, so that later you don’t have to buy the necessary devices.

Most cook sets come with a dedicated rack or stand, available in both table stand and hanging bar designs. Some tools even have handles that double as hooks, allowing them to be easily hung on any suitable kitchen surface. A chef's set makes for a thoughtful gift for occasions like housewarming, New Year, or birthday.

Utensil sets

Bakeware

Molds for baking will help you take your culinary talents to a new level of quality. They are available in a wide variety of forms. Silicone molds for cookies and cupcakes have become widespread; cooks will also undoubtedly be pleased with the pots. Molds for pies, lasagna or pizza have a narrower specialization.

There's no such thing as too many bakeware!

If the cook has everything he/she needs, bakeware will never be superfluous. The main thing is to choose them according to the culinary preferences of the person being gifted.

Sets of glasses

Cooking is cooking, but no one can cancel relaxation. When serving a table with tasty dishes, you can't do without glasses or goblets. It is better to give them in a set — the items will be in the same style, and glasses are often supplied with a jug or decanter. However, this point should be specified separately.

It is difficult to give any specific recommendations regarding the choice of a set of glasses. After all, some people prefer to drink juices and compotes, while others don’t mind missing a shot glass of alcoholic drink. Glasses of specific sizes and shapes are produced for different alcoholic drinks. And the point here is not only in historically established traditions: the shape, volume and design of the dishes significantly influence the taste and aroma of the contents. An incorrectly selected glass can ruin the entire impression of even the most high-quality drink.




Regardless of the gift, it is important to show attention to friends and family. Even ordinary oven mitts and utensils will never be superfluous in the kitchen. Present them with sincere warmth — and they will give lively emotions to any cook.