10 Innovative Gifts for Home Chefs

As a foodie and lover of kitchen gadgets, I annually compose a list of my favorite gifts for a home chef.

Some of these I already own, but some are even on my Christmas wish list.

These suggestions are for people like me, who would rather spend money at Williams-Sonoma, than at Loft.

Let me know what is on YOUR kitchen wish list by replying at the end of the post.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I will receive a few cents for each purchase.

1.ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4 –

The Mk4 takes all the accuracy and speed of the Classic Thermapen and adds a couple of nifty features that improve the user experience: its display now auto-rotates, lights up in low light, and wakes up when the unit is picked up. It takes a single AAA alkaline battery and is also more water-resistant than the Classic, capable of surviving a half-hour bath.

2..OXO Good Grips Triple Timer –

This squat, sturdy triple timer is simple and intuitive, with a dedicated “clear” button and a full 0-to-9 keypad, chefs can enter times by typing instead of scrolling. It displays all of its timers at once, so you can check everything at a glance, and its stainless-steel face repels messes.

I love being able to track multiple dishes, all on one timer.

3. Set of Silicone Balloon Whisk

You just don’t realize how valuable these little tools are until you don’t have them. Most home chefs have their favorite non-stick skillet – and more times than not – it is expensive. It is an investment. Protect that investment by using silicone whisk.

Durable and dishwasher safe, these have a replacement guarantee. Simply won’t discolor, warp, crack, melt or rust like any other whisks. so you’ll enjoy it for years and decades to come.

4. The Smart Oven by Breville –

This well-designed oven is simple to use, with a large display screen. You can toast and cook uniformly. I have had mine for over five years and it continues to produce a steady, controlled heat.

It is ideal for cooking in the summertime when you do not want to heat up the kitchen using the built in oven. The compact design does not take up very much counter space. And comes with a sized baking sheet.

Another favorite feature is it is very easy to clean.

5.Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee maker

Home cooks everywhere need to have their coffee. This innovation allows you to make a cup for yourself or a pot for the whole family. It accommodates K-cups or coffee grounds. This particular model has heating chambers for both the carafe and single serve mugs.

Single serve side brews up tp 10 oz. or 14 oz. with K-cup
Carafe side brews up to 12 cups
Programmable timer with 2-hour automatic shutoff on carafe side
Regular and bold brew strength selector

6. Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Farm

Growing your own mushrooms has never been easier. This unique packaging includes organic soil, oyster mushroom spores and a spray mister for easy watering. Guaranteed to sprout in 10 days or your money back. This product is completely GMO free!

Loaded in Vitamin D and iron, a cup of mushrooms only has 21 calories.

7. AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit

This gift is under $100 and will produce herbs all winter long. Includes 6-Pod seed kits; Genovese Basil, Curly Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Thai Basil and Mint. Herbs are grown hydroponically – not with soil.

Has a 20-watt LED lighting system to encourage photosynthesis – and a LCD control panel tells you when to add water. So it is like fail-proof. Ideal for any home cook using fresh herbs. A variety of herb seeds can be tried each winter.

8.Subscription to Cook’s Country Magazine

Absolutely the authority when it comes to home cooking – especially southern recipes. I include Cook’s Country as my “go-to” for information and foodie news. I have been cooking from their cookbooks for years and I have NEVER had a bad recipe. Directions are thorough – pictures are beautiful. What a wonderful gift that keeps giving throughout the year.

This is also available in a Kindle edition.

9.FoodSaver V3460 Automatic Vacuum Sealing System

I purchased mine over 5 years ago and it is still is working like it was brand new. I love the vertical design so it takes up very little counter space {Height: 9.7″ x Width: 5.9″ x Length: 16″}. Moist and dry food settings for optimal use. Ideally works with “Food Saver” brand bags and has a storage compartment for one roll.

Just pull out the amount of bag needed for the food; slide the knife blade to cut the bag; place food in the bag; slide it under the heated sealing element and that is it!

This is a time and money saver. I make trips to my local Sam’s Club – buy enough meats for a month or so and then portion them out, storing them in the vacuum sealed bags. Throw the bags in the deep freezer and you have food ready for whatever meal tantalizes your taste buds.

10. Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother

This is one of my favorite gifts my husband has ever bought me. Not many things do I enjoy as much as an afternoon latte when I am writing, especially when the weather is cold outside. My husband enjoys his occasional cappuccino too. This frother has attachments for each!

A latte frothing disc for smooth and silky milk.
A cappuccino frothing disk for thick and creamy froth

Select your desired temperature and the machine automatically shuts off when it has been reached.

So, what is on your Christmas Wish List?