51 A+ Kitchen Gadgets, Tools, And Appliances To Gift The Aspiring At-Home Chef

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping Caret Right Home Caret Right Kitchen Caret Right · Posted 2 minutes ago 51 A+ Kitchen Gadgets, Tools, And Appliances To Gift The Aspiring At-Home Chef “I don’t know how I lived without this” —many reviewers and probably them, soon enough.

by Chelsea Stuart BuzzFeed Staff Facebook Pinterest Twitter Mail Link 1. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper so they can dice up an onion without fear of losing a digit. Sure, they’ve watched Gordon Ramsay YouTube explainers on how to do it with a knife, but there’s a disconnect between their head and their hand, okay?? www.

amazon. com , Amazon Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Promising review: “Makes life so much easier.

I can’t imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food and it has a generous container.

” — Amazon Customer Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $29. 99+ (available in three colors).

2. A set of “floating” kitchen knives in an acrylic case if one of the ways you know they’ll be able to “trick” themselves into cooking more is by outfitting their kitchen with aesthetic equipment. www.

amazon. com Each set comes with 13 professional chef knives, kitchen scissors, a peeler, a two-stage stage knife sharpener, and an acrylic knife stand. Promising review: “I love these knives! I saw them on a TikTok and decided I had to have a set of black knives and they exceeded my expectations for sure.

Super durable, and very sharp. And they aren’t an eye sore in the kitchen. ” — Emily S.

Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get the 17-piece set from Amazon for $39. 99+ (available in two finishes).

3. And a two-stage knife sharpener (if their current set doesn’t have one) with the power to take their dullest kitchen knife and return it to its former glory. Forget buying a whole new set, this teensy-tiny tool can sharpen and polish straight- and serrated-edge knifes with no issue.

Amazon Promising review: “Wow, this little gadget is pretty amazing! I have some old non-serrated knives that are supposed to never need sharpening but, unfortunately, lost their sharp edge long ago. I saw this gadget and decided to try it. I set the bottom of this gadget on the edge of the counter and ran one of the knives through the side labeled ‘Coarse’ about 10 times, then ran it through the side labeled ‘Fine’ another 8–10 times.

Bingo! The knife was transformed back to its former high-dollar cutlery glory. I could hardly believe how effectively it had sharpened the knife, which I had been ready to throw away a week before. ” — Schelly L.

Wagoner Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $8. 99+ (available in three colors).

Read our full review of the KitchenIQ two-stage knife sharpener ! 4. A dishwasher-safe silicone soup cube tray because they’re a Soup Person through and through but they also live alone and can’t possibly eat it all at once. Amazon Souper Cubes is a small business! Promising review: “I’m extremely happy with my Souper Cubes! I cook chili and soup and always make too much, having the ability to freeze serving-size portions is perfect.

Saves time and food quality by not having to thaw it all each time I want another serving. High quality and since it’s silicone and not rigid plastic it won’t crack in the freezer. Highly recommend!” — Alexander S.

Waterman Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get a pack of two Amazon for $34. 99 (available in three colors).

5. Modular sheet pan dividers so they can make a one-pan meal without overcooking any of the elements. Amazon Prep’d , the small biz that created these handy dividers, was founded in 2015 by two industrial engineers who believed cooking should be simple, easy, and ultimately fun.

Promising review: “These are great for so many reasons. We’re in a mixed gluten household (one person has celiac and is diabetic, but we are not all doing a gluten-free diet). We can portion control for carb counting and separate out gluten-free vs.

none on one pan. Plus, cleanup is just throwing in the dishwasher!” — J Fans Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get a set of four from Amazon for $29.

99 . 6. A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker that can take any frozen fruit and turn it into an ice cream or sorbet.

A lot of folks with dietary restrictions swear by this to get their ice cream kick! www. amazon. com , www.

amazon. com Promising review: “I saw one of these in action at a friend’s house like five years ago and thought it was just a made up memory, because making ice cream out of solely frozen fruit seems wild. But when I saw a TikTok about it I immediately went to Amazon and bought it.

Literally this was the BEST decision of my life. I cannot believe still how amazing this thing is! It makes the creamiest, best tasting fruit ice cream ever. It’s easy to take apart and clean, and super easy to use.

” — DMCKAY Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $31. 99 .

7. A Dracula garlic mincer because garlic powder simply doesn’t compare to freshly minced garlic when they’re whipping up an Italian feast. Amazon PS: You can also use it for ginger! Promising review: “I purchased this as a gift for my friend who is a fantastic cook — she uses fresh ingredients almost exclusively — but pressing fresh garlic is a task usually delegated.

No longer — Gracula is there for her. She uses him nearly every time she needs garlic (which is basically daily) and months later still makes a point of saying how much she enjoys the gift. I’m pretty sure she likes it better than other gifts I’ve gotten her which were more expensive/thought out , and I’m fairly certain it’s what took me from “good friend” to “best friend,” but it be that way sometimes.

Anyway, definitely recommended for people who cook with garlic and have a sense of humor. ” — L Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $23.

95 . 8. A nylon chopper perfect for breaking up ground meat, frozen veggies, eggs, and more.

If they’re a fan of tacos, Philly cheesesteaks, or smash burgers (~chef’s kiss to Shake Shack~), this baby will come in clutch. Amazon The tool is safe to use with nonstick cookware and you can throw it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Promising review: “The chopper breaks up ground beef, turkey, etc.

, much more efficiently than can be done with a spatula or turner. I don’t normally purchase incredibly specialized utensils if I can get by without them, however, I think this chopper is worth the money because it saves time and makes cooking easier . The nylon material is heat-resistant and seems durable, but the packaging still directs not to leave on a hot surface when not in use.

” — Karen Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $8. 81+ (available in three colors).

9. An oil mister so they can perfectly spritz all of their one-pan meals. This way, they don’t have to toss everything by hand and get covered in hard-to-clean (not to mention expensive.

. . ) EVOO.

www. amazon. com Promising review: “This is a great item for lightly spraying salads, roasting vegetables, or adding some oil to a prepared plate of pasta.

Avoids using more oil than necessary so that’s a savings right there. I also use it to put a light coating of oil on all my cast iron cookware to prevent rust. Best of all, it looks great on the dinner table.

Lots of uses which really makes it an asset in the kitchen. It seems that it should last a while so I think it is worth the few bucks spent. ” — Clancy Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $11. 97 . 10.

A pancake batter bottle if they (or their partner or kiddos) go through hotcakes like nothin’. Now, they can make a whole stack in minutes. Amazon The bottle isn’t just for dispensing, either.

It also has a whisk ball in the bottom so you can mix up your batter with just a few shakes. Promising review: “This thing makes pancakes a breeze! The batter mixes really fast in this bottle and it makes pouring the batter on the griddle super easy. I make pancakes at least once a week so this is a great addition to my kitchen tools.

” — LBND Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $13. 57 .

11. An Anova sous vide cooker to help them make restaurant-worthy meals with minimal effort. Like so minimal that they don’t even have to be in the kitchen while their food is cooking! Amazon The temperature range is 32–197 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooker can be controlled right from your phone, so you don’t even have to stay in the kitchen while cooking. It also provides cooking notifications, and stays connected through Bluetooth from up to 30 feet away. Plus, you get access to over 1,000 recipes, so you’ll have inspiration for yummy meals! Get the Anova app here .

Promising review: “Since I started cooking sous vide, my family says my cooking has gone to a new level. I started with the original Anova, and just recently picked up this Nano. The Nano is awesome because it’s much smaller vs.

the first Anova, making it easier to store in a drawer or something. It sounds trivial but by making it easier to grab. Set-up is so much quicker, and I can cook a beef roast for 30 hours without adding ANY water.

If you’re just starting out in sous vide, I recommend this cooker. ” — Jeff Nichols Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $99+ (available in two styles).

12. A silicone crab utensil holder that’ll triumphantly hold their spoon over its head so it doesn’t melt on the side of their stove while they’re cooking. www.

amazon. com Promising review : “Probably the coolest holder I have ever seen. Bought it for my wife and she loves it and thinks it’s cute.

I laugh when I look at it, just cool as all! Hangs on all of our pots and pans, stays cool. Easy to clean and looks awesome. Great addition to any kitchen.

Works great, does exactly what it is intended to do!” — Logan E. Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $19.

95 (available in two colors). 13. An automatic spice grinder so they can top off every dish with a bit of spice and in the most ✨extra✨ fashion imaginable.

Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed BTW — this grinder is battery-operated, so make sure to get a few AA batteries , too! Promising reviews: “Nothing like freshly ground spices to add a little snap to your cooking. The pods snap on and off with ease and the grind size is very easy to adjust from barely ground to pulverized . .

. The ability to group commonly used spices together in threes and carry them across the kitchen or outside to the grill just adds to the usability. ” — Todd Tittle Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $44. 99 (available in four colors, comes with grinder and two interchangeable pods). 14.

A ~sage green~ air fryer if they manage to under or over cook their entree every dang time they use their oven. With this, they can crisp up fresh asparagus, cook salmon to flaky perfection, and even bake a GD lemon bundt cake if they so wish! Amazon, www. amazon.

com Promising review : “I don’t know why it took me so long to get an air fryer but this thing is a beast and a game changer for me. I was debating on getting this or one of those little ovens to bake and toast things in but I’m glad I decided to get this. Everything about it is easy to use and I haven’t had an issue with it at all.

I use it almost every day and the uses range from heating things up, toasting bread, frying frozen foods, destroying documents, whatever. It’s still going strong like the first day I had it. The 5-quart size is perfect for me and might be just a tad big for apartments but I can live with that since I like to load it up.

” — R Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $99. 99+ (available in four sizes and six colors).

15. And a set of magnetic air fryer cheat sheets they can affix to their fridge and then quickly crosscheck when they’re in the middle of making chicken fingers. That way, they don’t have to wash all the eggs and bread crumbs off their hands and fumble with their phone to pull up Google.

www. amazon. com The set comes with two different-size magnets.

See it in action on TikTok here . Promising review: “I thought it over a few times, and then I bought these so I could have a quick reference handy for those times I wanted to make something in my air fryer, which is quite a bit. What surprised me is how often I refer to it.

I just throw something in my air fryer, glance at the section that lists the item I’m cooking. Press a few buttons on my fryer, and I’m in business. No more having to search on my phone with wet fingers.

A frivolous buy that turned out to be worthwhile. ” — PickyExtra Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $7.

95+ (also in two colors and Spanish language). 16. A two-pack of handheld bag sealers they can use to cut and seal a variety of snack bags so their treats don’t go stale.

www. amazon. com , www.

amazon. com The portable sealers heat up on contact so there’s no downtime before use. They also come with batteries so you can use them right away! Promising review : “I couldn’t wait to see if these really worked.

As soon as I received them I went to work sealing bags of opened chip bags. They worked! No more stale chips. They have a built in magnet, so I can keep them handy on the fridge.

I am really impressed with them. No waiting time, no buttons to mess with. Just slide the protective cover away to expose the roller and run it across what you want to seal.

Easy!” — Monica Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get them from Amazon for $14. 39 (available in three color combinations).

17. An automatic pan stirrer because they can only be in so many places at once and sometimes, doing their makeup is a lil’ more important than scrambling their eggs. UncommonGoods The arm spins in the pan, disrupting whatever’s in it and effectively stirring for you.

The future is now! Promising review : “My husband loves to cook. We have two very small children, so while his meals are mostly yummy, they are also sometimes burnt. This was perfect for him.

He’s able to turn it on, run into the next room to save the day with a plastic bag and a washcloth for whatever blowout-esque mess I’m dealing with, forget he’s cooking, run back into the kitchen frantically when he remembers, and arrive only to find the meal practically cooking itself. Best. Gift.

Ever. ” — Jake the ChefturnedDaddy Shipping info: Economy, standard, expedited, and express (1–2 business days) shipping options are offered. Get it from UncommonGoods for $25+ (available in rechargeable and battery operated models).

18. A biodegradeable bacon sponge on which they can drain grease from fried foods because it could not only clog their drain if disposed of improperly, but their whole neighborhood sewer line as well. Amazon Handmade FYI: The towel absorbs 10 (!) times its weight in grease and absorbs liquids 20 times faster than other fabrics.

Plus, it comes from a woman-owned small business based in Denver, Colorado. Promising review: “I was skeptical about the bacon sponge but tired of watching everyone use piles of paper towels to drain bacon. It’s great at soaking up the grease, and then I just pop it in hot soapy water in the sink, let it soak a while, rinse it out and let it dry and it’s ready for the next batch.

I like it so much that I’m getting a backup. ” — Sansa Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon Handmade for $14.

99 . 19. A rapid egg cooker that’s simple, quick, and consistent when it comes to making soft, medium, and hard-boiled eggs.

Amazon The 1-pound appliance has room for six eggs and an auto-shutoff function which prevents overcooking. Promising review: “I love hard-boiled eggs for protein, especially when I’m on the go as a student/worker, but it’s hard to wait for the water to boil then put In the eggs and get ready all at the same time. This cooker is amazing!! Saves me time, it’s quick and I don’t have to watch it while it cooks — I can go get ready and then I hear a loud buzzer notifying me when the eggs are done! (The buzzer is really loud; sounds like a basketball game buzzer.

) I was surprised how fast the eggs cooked. ” — OnAJourney Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $16.

73+ (available in eight colors). Want to know a lil’ more? Read through our full review of the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker . 20.

An eight-speed immersion blender they can use to froth milk, whisk eggs, or create their own baby food. Pureed chicken, anyone? Amazon What’s included : A mixing wand, milk frother, egg whisk, and two-year warranty. Promising review : “I’ve used this blender a handful of times now.

I made my own mayo using the immersion attachment and worked like a dream. The two speed options are nice and it does get pretty fast. I used the whisk to make pickle dip.

Near the end, the blender did get a bit warm but I was using it on high speed for a good 30 minutes. I haven’t used the frother but my roommate did to make us lattes and they turned out well. Overall 10/10 would recommend!!” — Kim Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $32. 99 . 21.

A panini press because they’re always jonesing for a tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich but they don’t want to wait 30 minutes for one to arrive via DoorDash only to be cold (*especially* not for $20+. . .

) Amazon Promising review : “This is among my favorite purchases. Simple as can be and makes the best sandwiches, quesadillas, etc. .

. I have yet to grill a steak but turkey burgers came out perfect! All in all, a great little grill. ” — Patti Lee Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $44. 99 . 22.

A KitchenAid stand mixer just begging them to try their hand at every Christina Tosi creation. Imagine a world in which they perfect Milk Bar’s signature birthday cake and then you can eat it whenever you want. 🍰 🤤 Amazon The heavy duty mixer needs no introduction but I did find this fun fact: its spiral beater hits 67 touch points in order to thoroughly mix whatever you’re making.

What’s included : A coated flat beater, wire whip, coated spiral dough hook, and pouring shield. Promising review : “I bought this to replace my 17-year-old KitchenAid stand mixer that I had finally worked to death. (Actually, it wasn’t completely dead, just wheezing and coughing.

A death rattle, if you ask me. ) I am in love. It works just as well as the old one and I adore the color (matte velvet blue).

Here’s hoping that this one lasts me another 17 years. ” — Shannon C. Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $349. 95+ (available in 20 colors). 23.

A four-slice retro toaster with enough room to crisp sizable, NYC-style bagels — no smushing necessary. www. amazon.

com I’ve been using this toaster for 2 years now and can attest to it’s bagel-making capabilities 😇 It’s also very quiet when your toast/bagel/Pop Tart finishes, so it won’t startle you like that scene where Buddy the Elf is testing jack-in-the-box toys. Promising review : “Is it possible. .

. a toaster can be. .

. this sexy? Yes. Absolutely yes.

Pros: Four slots and they are the wide and long type meaning those fancier breads fit without squishing the sides of your slice. It has a bagel setting, as well as a nifty reheat button so your toast doesn’t get burnt or overly crispy if you aren’t hovering over it and miss it pop up and have to retoast it. It is fairly easy to clean, just dump the tray.

The knobs have a neat texture and are adjustable so you can time it just right for Pop Tarts, toast, or sandwich bread. Cons: My husband is a little jealous of how much I love this toaster, and has been asking me if it is better than him. What could I say? I mean it makes TOAST, all he makes is methane gas so.

. . ” — Alice R.

Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $47. 99+ (available in three colors).

24. A conveniently compact 8-in-1 spiralizer for spiralizing (duh), juicing, grating, shredding, and more. No need to search their kitchen for multiple gadgets when everything they need can be done with just one.

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, Amazon BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves this gadget: “I recently purchased this because it was my cheapest option for making zoodles, and also because my apartment is the size of a shoebox and there was no room for anything bigger. I LOVE how easy it is to swap out the caps to do other things, too — I’ve started grating my own cheeses and feel very fancy. But mostly I just love that it’s very safe to use (it comes with a finger guard!), super easy to figure out, very compact , and even has measurements on the inside of the cup if you’re ever portioning things out for a recipe.

” Promising review: “LOVE THIS. I absolutely love this. So far I’ve used the thicker spiralizer, two of the grater things, and then the juicer.

I love how easy this makes keeping everything together . And it’s sharp so it actually cuts through things without you needing to work super hard to do it. The only thing I don’t love is that the spiralizers are a bit hard to clean, but I guess that’s with all of them? Not sure because this is the first I’ve owned.

But, overall I’d recommend it :)” — Amazon Customer Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $19. 98 .

25. A breakfast sandwich maker that simultaneously cooks their egg, toasts their bread, warms precooked meat, and melts cheese so they can slap together the ultimate breakfast sammie without having to wait in line at Dunkin’ or Starbucks. www.

amazon. com Promising review: “I am actually excited for my weekday breakfast now . These homemade McMuffins are so good! My favorite version uses sliced tomatoes, Swiss cheese, and precooked bacon (from Costco).

So many options, so easy! My kindergartener and my teenager both love it. I may have to buy another one for our family. It’s also easy to clean with a quick wipe-down .

” — Joolie Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $29. 99 (available in two colors).

26. Or a super easy-to-use egg bite maker so they can make lil’ egg bebes that adhere to their keto/paleo/gluten free/vegetarian lifestyle and *don’t* cost $9 (plus the gas to get them to the drive thru). www.

amazon. com Psst — a lot of folks also use these for pancake and protein pancake bites, too! Promising review: “I bought this in hopes to make egg bites similar to Starbucks and I have not been disappointed. I chose this one after reading reviews on the smaller four-bite size.

I have used it multiple times and have had excellent results each time. I followed the recipe in the booklet and used a tip from another reviewer that suggested to triple the cottage cheese amount. It’s very easy to use and clean.

” — April124 Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $49. 99 (available in three colors).

27. A Levo II herbal oil and butter infusion machine if one of their absolute FAVORITE parts of going out to eat is getting that pre-meal basket of bread and a tiny dish of artisan oil to dip it in. Amazon, www.

instagram. com P. S.

you can even make soaps, bath bombs, and ~infused~ brownies or gummies with the Levo. All you have to do is fill the herb pod and set your dry or activation cycle, add oil or butter, set your infuse cycle, dispense, and enjoy Levo is a woman-owned small business founded in 2016 by Chrissy Bellman and based in Denver, Colorado. Promising review: “We love our Levo II! Can’t imagine a better way to spend time than learning how to make my own infused oils that help our whole family, whatever the need.

Want to add zest to a recipe? Make a concoction to help your loved one sleep? Try a new salad dressing without the mess? Whatever the need, LEVO II will help make an oil, a botanical, a new soap, tea or a lotion that is perfect. The app is abundant with recipes and ideas, so I feel supported with each and every step. East fast clean up.

End to end customer experience is exceptional!” — Kendall E. Coleman Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $239.

99 (available in five colors). 28. A compact Balmuda toaster that — according to reviewers — can take a 99-cent baguette and turn it into a boulangerie-worthy loaf.

Amazon, www. amazon. com The sleek Japanese appliance surrounds your food with a thin layer of steam that holds in moisture while also toasting its exterior.

While its “Artisan Bread Mode” is the most talked about feature, it also has settings for sandwiches, pizza, pastries, and overcooking (during which it toasts more strongly from above). Promising review : “Holy moly! Best toast I have ever made. I did a comparison taste test with the Balmuda toaster vs.

my cheapie $60 toaster oven. You can really taste the difference in the toast when it comes to texture and moistness. Hands down the Balmuda blew my other toaster out of the water.

So happy with this purchase!” — JL Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $299 (available in three colors). 29.

A mini waffle maker so they can push pause on their day and treat themselves to a warm snack that’s way more exciting than an Eggo. Alexandra Napoli / BuzzFeed Promising review : “If you like waffles, but don’t want to eat gigantic ones and/or don’t have a ton of counter space to spare for a full size waffle maker, this little thing is well worth the price . Another benefit of this smaller size is that you can use the waffles from this little machine to make sandwiches, for those who like breakfast on-the-go, not to mention a sweet and savory treat in the morning.

We have actually been surprised by how much we use this item considering other waffle makers we’ve purchased all end up collecting dust in the back of a cupboard. This really is a waffle maker that you’ll use more than once; in fact, diehard waffle fans will probably use it every day. ” — Memory Lane Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $9. 99+ (available in 20 colors/patterns). 30.

A versatile electric pasta maker if they watched Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy and are now determined to recreate the regional cuisine all on their own. www. amazon.

com Promising review: ” This pasta machine is very user friendly. I was making delicious pasta 15 minutes after unpacking and washing the components. It comes with three dies to get you started.

I love the die storage drawer under the machine, although it only holds three to four. I would highly recommend this pasta machine. It is fully worth the investment — and the pasta tastes amazing!! ” — Lisa Zehr Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $129. 95 (available in white and black). 31.

An instant-read digital thermometer that takes the guesswork out of cooking meat, baking bread, and tempering chocolate. The gadget is accurate to within a single degree and it only takes four to seven seconds to get a read. Amazon Promising review: ” As a working chef for over 30 years, I’ve gone through dozens of thermometers, and this one stands out.

I actually purchased this by accident while buying several thermometers to try with the intent of buying a dozen for my crew. I was looking for thermometers that can be field-calibrated and as far as I can tell, this one can’t. But I intend to buy more of these because they are accurate, easy to read, and just more pleasant to use.

They are tough, and I love the ring on the end; I keep this one hanging on a hook near our ranges so I don’t have to hunt it down. It does not ride easily in my chef’s coat, but that is due to the longer probe. Which I LOVE.

In two weeks I have used this one thermometer over 130 times, all with pleasure. ” — Cetaceous Dave Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $9.

98 . 32. A microwave potato cooker because sometimes, they crave a loaded baked potato but simply don’t have the patience to preheat their oven and then let it cook for 45 darn minutes! With this, they just pop it in the microwave, set it for four minutes, and — BOOM — finished potato.

www. youtube. com The nifty tool can also be used to cook corn on the cob or revive old tortillas and bread.

Promising review: “My husband bought this for us one day, and I was skeptical at first, but when I actually tried it myself, I loved it! It only takes me a few minutes to cook potatoes! And in the microwave. . .

not in the conventional oven where it will take me like 45 minutes to cook them!” — David Hemphill Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $14. 99 .

33. A pack of slow cooker liners if they love themselves a one-pot meal but don’t love having to scrape away baked-on food when they’re finished. Amazon PS: They also come in handy with dishes going into a water bath (think: cheesecakes, custards, and puddings).

Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get a pack of six from Amazon for $3. 48 .

34. A vented microwave food cover that’ll prevent spills, splatters, and small explosions (it happens to the best of us). The BPA-free perforated lid allows steam to escape (AKA no gross sheen of condensation) and when they’re done, it collapses down to less than an inch in height for easy storage.

www. amazon. com Promising review : “This is my third one.

One was melted on the stove burner recently by someone I seem to have married who doesn’t know fire is hot yet. The other lasted through five years of heavy use. This folds absolutely flat and can be used as is or partially opened for a thinner cover to put over a bowl, say.

Not difficult to clean since things don’t really stick to it but if you have a mess it just takes a small second to make sure the folds end holes are all clean. Another neat gift to give someone since it’s a handy gadget that saves space and something they’ll use a lot. ” — Ms.

Windermere Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $9. 99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

35. A veggie spiralizer so they can eat all of their favorite vegetables in spaghetti or fettuccini form! The tool uses 12 super-sharp stainless-steel blades to slice through zucchini, squash, and more. Amazon Promising review: “I almost bought a countertop spiralizer before realizing I didn’t have the counter space.

I ‘settled’ for this instead. Haha! As it turns out, I thoroughly enjoy this little gadget! Works great! I use it nearly every day. It is one of my favorite kitchen tools.

Very highly recommend this!” — Luke316 Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $15. 18 .

36. An Instant Pot that can whip up meals in 20 minutes or less! I’ve personally made pulled BBQ chicken, teriyaki chicken and rice, and mashed potatoes in one of these with little effort. Amazon Promising review : “After a childhood experience that involved a pressure cooker spewing black beans all over the ceiling, I had no interest in ever trying a pressure cooker again.

Until I started hearing about the Instant Pot. I’ve had it three weeks, and have used the pressure cooker function to make dishes as varied as black bean soup, butternut squash soup, dulce de leche, and cheesecake. My favorite aspect of it is that you set it and walk away.

No more having to monitor the temperature. No more having to time the pressure phase . ” — A.

Jennerjahn Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $79. 95+ (available in three sizes).

Learn more about the Instant Pot in ” I Tried The Instant Pot That Everyone’s Obsessed With . ” 37. A 3-in-1 avocado slicer for those who still haven’t gotten over their avo toast obsession.

Pick up one of these gadgets — it’ll split, pit, and slice their avocado — and they’ll whip up a plate worth $15 or more at their favorite cafe. Amazon Promising review: “I used to laugh at this kind of product until my friend was using hers. It made it all so easy! Honestly, I can’t believe someone as clumsy as me was functioning without it.

Where I used to use a knife and spoon or fork to deal with avocados, it’s now just this one thing. Each part of the tool does its job really well, and it’s easy to clean. Love it so much.

Even if you’re not a clever tool kinda person, just get it. It’s worth it. ” — kikikitten Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $11. 99 . 38.

An Oxo Good Grips veggie brush because it’s time to admit that giving their potatoes a “quick rinse” isn’t really doing anything other than appeasing their guilty conscience. Amazon, www. amazon.

com Promising review : “I know — it is a little strange to love a veggie brush but the bristles have just the right stiffness and ‘give’ to clean potatoes, carrots, parsnips, etc. I haven’t used it on corn-on-the-cob yet but I think it will do quite well without damaging the kernels. (If not, I’ll do a follow-up on this review.

) As with most Oxo products, it is ergonomically designed and even fits in my smaller, chunky hands — so much so, I believe it would be good tool for arthritic cooks. ” — D. Lofthus Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $15. 57 . 39.

A set of three dough presses that make easy work of hand pies, dumplings, ravioli, calzones, empanadas, and more. This way, they can get over the absolute chokehold that Trader Joe’s frozen gyozas have had on their life for the past six months. www.

amazon. com , www. amazon.

com Promising review: “This was a great purchase for the price. I was making empanadas and folding them by hand, which didn’t look too good. This set helps me cut them easily into circles and then easily presses them close.

Consistent look each time! I like that there are three sizes in the set so I can make them according to my mood. Easy to wash and use. Would highly recommend for the price and functionality!” — Sox Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get a set of three from Amazon for $12. 04 . 40.

A 3-in-1 Cuisinart burger press so they can whip up a picture-perfect Juicy Lucy 🍔 (thanks for the education, Top Chef: Kentucky ) right at home. Amazon Promising review: “Really well-made product. It is sturdy and works great, I foresee this lasting for quite some time.

It is very easy to use and can make stuffed burgers as well as regular burgers. I also bought the paper sheets recommended because then I can buy ground beef on sale and shape and freeze my own hamburger patties. It saves quite a bit of money to do it this way as opposed to buying already made ground beef patties, not to mention the taste is sooooo much better! ” — deborah Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $10. 30 . 41.

An all-in-one measuring cup that not only frees up space in their cupboard, but saves them from having to do any tricky fraction or decimal conversions. Look, for a long time, I only had a 2/3-cup measuring cup and my English major self was in a *world* of hurt. Amazon It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Measurements include: 1 cup, ½ cup, 1/3 cup, ¼ cup, 2 tbsp, 1 tbsp, ½ tbp, 1 tsp, ½ tsp, ¼ tsp, 120 ml, 80 ml, 60 ml, 30 ml, 15 ml, 7. 5 ml, 5 ml, 2. 5 ml, 1.

25 ml. Promising review: “First of all, I gotta say I don’t cook much and if there’s something I hate after cooking is having to wash all the bunch of utensils I have to use once I use them. This cube has been amazing, I don’t have to wash a million utensils over and over, it’s very easy to use, easy to clean and it’s very handy to use for when I’m meal prepping for the week.

I bought this out of curiosity and ended up enjoying it a lot. If a regular guy like me is enjoying it, I’m sure it would be a great tool for people who cooks or bakes in a regular basis. ” — Daniel Matajira Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $12. 99 . 42.

Or a set of space-saving measuring spoons (with dual sides for wet and dry ingredients) made to magnetically nest one in the other so they never lose their teaspoon and have to guestimate measurements using their tablespoon instead. Amazon Promising review : “I got so tired of measuring spoons either getting lost in my drawer or having to deal with ones on rings. These are fantastic.

The magnet holds them together well, and I love that each ‘spoon’ is actually two (each end is a different shape, too). ” — Alicia S. Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get the set from Amazon for $16. 97 (available in four color combinations). 43.

A Thaw Claw that’ll weigh down their meat in the sink and thaw it out seven times faster than if they left it on the counter. www. amazon.

com The gadget not only keeps your meat submerged, but the manufacturer says it also thaws it seven times faster than other methods! Promising review : “I am a stickler for properly defrosting meat after working in food service for years and this makes that process super easy and surprisingly quick! I’ve even convinced my father — a retired rocket scientist — that this is the best way to defrost. ” — Sarah Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $18.

95 (available in four colors). 44. A measuring cup made specifically for semi-solid ingredients like peanut butter, honey, shortening, and brown sugar.

This way, they’ll get every last bit into their bowl instead of all over their fingers. Amazon Promising review : “Saw Alton Brown using one of these to make peanut butter cookies and I had to have one. I’ve used it for PB, coconut oil, and sour cream so far, and it’s great.

Pop it apart and throw it in the dishwasher. No more scooping gooey ingredients into a measuring cup and then scooping them back out; just scoop them in and pop them out, scape with your spatula and it’s done. Love it.

” — Laura Marks Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $14. 43 .

45. A snap-on silicone strainer that easily attaches to the side of their pot so they don’t have to make room in their sink for a colander and then inevitably splash themselves with ~boiling~ hot water when haphazardly dumping their cavatappi. Amazon Promising review: “Makes straining pasta, veggies, etc.

, so easy. Easy cleanup and less clunky than a full-size strainer. I love it so much I’ve just bought four more as gifts.

” — LJ Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $14. 99+ (available in five colors).

46. A set of durable fridge liners which not only keep Tupperware condensation and takeout leaks to a minimum, but prolong the life of their fruits and veggies so they can stick to the meal plan they drafted up. Amazon Promising review: “Bought a new refrigerator so thought I would do it right.

Great product — lets the air get under the fruit/veggies and keeps them fresh longer, and keeps the drawers cleaner, too. ” — M. Kopp Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $8. 99 (available in three designs). 47.

A set of silicone baking mats that’ll replace reams and reams of parchment paper. If Netflix’s 10+ reality cooking competitions have inspired them to spend more time in the kitchen, they’ll pay for themselves in no time. Amazon, www.

amazon. com Promising review : “These baking mats are absolutely fantastic. The quality is superb, and SUCH a good price.

I use them for just about everything I put in the oven. From oven pizzas, cookies, you name it! I also love that besides food sliding easily off the nonstick surface, that they help protect all my baking sheets and such. It’s also super handy to just throw them in the top shelf of the dishwasher or even just wipe clean.

Update: I’ve had these mats and used them almost daily for nearly a year now. They still look brand new and I have had no problems with staining, melting, or wear. ” — Jezzhani Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get it from Amazon for $15. 19+ (available in packs of two, three, or four). 48.

Some reusable food huggers because sometimes, a splash of lemon (or acid, as the MasterChef judges would say) is all they need but they don’t want to waste perfectly good produce. Amazon Promising review: “I bought these because I got tired of throwing away plastic bags or plastic wrap for halves of lemons and lime. I wish I had found these sooner! They work great and are perfect for storing halves of citrus.

” – Cheryl Wood Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get the set of two from Amazon for $9. 99 .

49. A Carraway cookware set that not only comes with every pot and pan one could need, but storage solutions in the form of magnetic racks and a canvas lid holder. Amazon What’s included : A fry pan, sauce pan with lid, sauté pan with lid, Dutch oven with lid, modular pan rack, and three-slot canvas lid holder.

Promising review : “This cookware set checked every box for me. From the satisfying unboxing to the easy storage and easy cleanup this was worth every penny. I love the magnetic storage system that comes with it, it allows for easy on counter storage that looks great and is easy to access.

Gone are my days of rummaging through drawers and cabinets for my pans. The cookware itself looks beautiful, and I’m more than happy to go right from the stove to the dining room table with this set which is a breeze thanks to the included hot pads to place pots and pans on. Cooking with this set is everything you’d expect.

You can feel the quality of these pans just by holding them. A lot of products claim nonstick but this is the best nonstick pot or pan I’ve used. ” — AZ Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ).

Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $355+ (available in six colors). 50. A handy herb stripper for those looking for a quick and easy way to strip fresh cilantro and rosemary while cooking.

Slide them through and leave behind that bitter stem! Shop Collin Garrity / Etsy Collin Garrity is the St. Louis-based woodworker behind these lovely tools. Promising review: “Just exactly what I was looking for.

The wood is smooth and comfortable to use and just pretty to look at. Quickly becoming a staple utensil for my kitchen. ” — David and Amy Emler Shipping info: As this item is handmade, reach out the the Etsy seller for more specific shipping timelines/options.

Get it from Collin Garrity on Etsy for $18 (available in three types of wood). 51. And a marble mortar and pestle made to crush up whatever spices they like.

www. amazon. com Promising review : “This is a perfect size for small jobs.

I like the inside grooves which help when grinding things like rosemary as it keeps them from bouncing out and also introduces added friction. I purchased the 4. 5-inch one and it’s definitely small but it has enough weight to do the job.

Also it looks nice. ” — Melody Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members , and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon’s full shipping information here ). Get it from Amazon for $13.

95+ (available in two sizes). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. Share This Article Facebook Pinterest Twitter Mail Link.