40 Kitchen Gadgets Our Editors Always Keep On Hand

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If you're shopping for a master home cook or a professional chef, you may be thinking, What don't they already have? Most avid cooks already own the basics, so it can be tricky trying to find the right kitchen gift. You don't want to look silly buying them something they won't use or already have.

This is where we come in. We consulted with Team Delish and professional chefs to put together this list of must-have gifts for chefs. Whether it's a luxury item like a Le Creuset Dutch oven, a Japanese knife, or everyday items like aprons and kitchen towels, any chef or home cook is sure to love any of these picks.

If you're looking for more culinary gift inspo, we have plenty more recs. Check out our guide for the best kitchen gifts, gifts for bakers, and gifts for wine lovers.

Hedley & Bennett All Day Crossback Apron

Hedley & Bennett aprons are very popular among chefs, and they're recommended by Justin Sullivan, associate food producer at Delish. They come in plenty of other colors, patterns, and styles.

Pineapple Collaborative The Olive Oil

This beautifully packaged olive oil is recommended by Delish associate food editor Francesca Zani. It's made using Arbosana and Koroneiki olives. Plus, it's organic.

Zwilling Enfinigy Milk Frother

Craft your own lattes at home with this insulated milk frother, recommended by Zani.

Enso HD 7" Bunka Knife

Sullivan also recommends the Enso Bunka Knife, which provides great control and is ideal for anyone with small hands.

Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender

Every kitchen needs a good blender, and a Vitamix is a powerhouse. This model is also our pick for the best blender.

The Big Book of Pizza

All the pizzaiolos in your life deserve this treasure trove of topping inspo from Food Network Magazine.

GoNanas Original Banana Bread Mix

Just because you can cook, doesn't mean you always have to. "It’s instant happiness in your oven," said Tyler Malek, co-founder and head ice cream maker at Salt & Straw. "They roll out new flavors every month, and each time they come out with a new combo I freak out and buy five."

Imperia Pasta Machine

Nothing beats homemade pasta. This pasta maker will take your dishes to the next level.

OffLimits Cereal Variety Pack

Another go-to for Malek is OffLimits Cereal. "Thoughtfully delicious cereals for those of us who nostalgically remember the 90’s cereal boom, sugar-crusted debauchery that it was, and hope for something more," he said. "The Zombie Pandan cereal is one of my favorites of all time and, as a pleasant side effect, is laced with adaptogenics to help you ‘chill.’"

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven

Every chef can use a big cast-iron Dutch oven.

Cheese Grotto Piatto

"As a huge cheese nerd, I'm treating myself to this cheese grotto this year," said Mackenzie Filson, Delish's temporary assistant digital food producer.

Diaspora Co. The Full Flavor Makeover

These are the bestselling spices from Diaspora Co., a company that sources single-origin spices directly from small family farms.

Modern Acacia Wood Serveware Charcuterie Board

These beautiful wood charcuterie boards are available in three sizes—perfect for cheese, pizza, and appetizers.

Braun MQ5000 Immersion Blender

This immersion blender is not just affordable, but Sullivan said that it's great for blending ingredients in pots and also saves space.

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank and Wifi

Lindsey Ramsey, Delish's director of content operations, is a big fan of this ice maker. It makes those little ice nuggets we all know and love.

Messermeister Preservation Recycled Knife Roll

This knife roll has plenty of room for knives, notebooks, and other kitchen gadgets.

Riedel Double Rocks Glasses, Set of 4

Every home bar needs a high-quality set of rocks glasses.

Mercer Culinary 7 Piece Plating Spoon Kit

“Serving spoons are just as important to chefs as a set of knives," said Oscar Cabezas, executive chef of Teleferic Barcelona. "They’re extremely versatile and used throughout the entire cooking process.”

Breville Smoking Gun

Infuse food and drinks with a smoky flavor.

AeroGarden Harvest

Fresh herbs can make all the difference in a meal. With this indoor herb garden, they'll have fresh herbs at their fingertips.

Five Two Everyday Soft Cotton Cloth Napkins

These napkins are made out of 100 percent cotton and are durable enough to use every day.

Rabbit Pro Aerating Wine Decanter

A good bottle of wine is a perfect complement to any meal. This decanter aerates wine and filters out sediment.

Fly By Jing By Jing Box

This set from Fly By Jing is guaranteed to kick up the flavor in your cooking.

Emile Henry French Ceramic Ruffled Pie Dish

Made of Burgundian clay, this pie dish distributes heat evenly for perfectly baked pies.

Standing Stone Farms Basic Beginner Cheese Making Kit

This kit comes with everything you need (minus the milk) to make a variety of homemade cheeses, such as burrata, mozzarella, and ricotta.

Benriner Mandoline Slicer, with 4 Japanese Stainless Steel Blades, BPA Free, New Model

“The mandoline is one of my most used kitchen tools. Every chef has one and if they don’t, that’s what I’m gifting them," said Matthew Dolan, executive chef of San Francisco's 25 Lusk. "I suggest even buying two; they’re so cheap and you’ll use it all the time.”

Le Creuset Classic Skillet, 9"

A good cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly and can be used to cook nearly anything.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

If you're a serious chef, a KitchenAid mixer can be a great addition to the kitchen. You can also purchase attachments such as a food grinder and a pasta roller and cutter.

Molcajete

Whether you're grinding spices or mixing guacamole, a molcajete will do the trick.

Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor

Save time in the kitchen with a food processor that can chop, knead, and mix ingredients for things like pesto and salsa.

Wüsthof ® Classic 8" Chef's Knife

This knife is one of the best out there—no surprise that it also made our list for the best chef's knives.

Deiss PRO Zester

A microplane can be used for zesting, sure, but also for finely grating cheeses and vegetables. This one has a non-slip handle for comfortable use all day.

Zeppoli Classic Kitchen Towels, 15-Pack

You can never have enough of these classic kitchen towels. They're popular among chefs and master home cooks for their durability and versatility. Plus, they won't scratch silverware or leave lint on dishes.

Boos Edge-Grain Carving Board, Maple

John Boos & Co. has been making butcher blocks since 1887. This durable board is NSF-certified and built to last.

Murray's Cheese Cheeses of the World Sampler

Let them taste their way through top cheeses from around the world with this sampler.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skinny Grill

Great for searing steaks or charring veggies, a good grill pan is a must-have for any home cook.

simplehuman Slim 45-Liter Step-On Trash Can

Don't underestimate the importance of a good kitchen trash can. simplehuman is known for its high-quality, durable products. There are plenty of other shapes and sizes available too.

Brightland The Mini Essentials

This gift set from Brightland includes mini versions of the brand's high-quality oils and vinegars. It's currently out of stock, but you can join the waitlist.

Williams Sonoma Deluxe Cheese & Charcuterie Hamper

Treat the chef in your life to a selection of high-quality meats, cheeses, and other antipasti.

Marble & Brass Round Charcuterie Board

Use it as a cheese board or stylish serving tray. It's a beaut!

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