Every holiday season, my kitchen turns into a mini testing lab that runs on equal parts chaos and caffeine. Between Everyday Health’s writers and editorial team, we put hundreds of kitchen and cooking products through their paces this year. Some made the cut because they were practical and foolproof; others earned a spot because they made us smile. Some just helped us make healthier food we actually liked.

This guide is packed with gifts we’d genuinely give (and hope to receive): beautifully designed cookware, high-performing gadgets, and a few splurge-worthy upgrades for food-obsessed friends who already own everything. Whether the recipient loves slow Sunday breakfasts or simply needs to survive hectic weeknight dinners without relying on takeout, these are the kitchen and cooking gifts they’ll actually use.

Kitchen Appliances

If your giftee takes Sunday meal prep a little too seriously — or dreams of sous vide precision without a water bath — the Anova Precision Oven 2.0 is the upgrade they’ll talk about for years. It works for baking, steaming, air frying, and sous vide, all in one countertop package.

Editor Lili Ladaga loves its versatility. “It's easy to use and intuitive,” she says. “If you connect the oven to the free app — or $1.99 subscription to access all the features — you can look for recipes, with helpful user comments, and control the oven via the app.” It’s a splurge, but if you know someone who loves restaurant-quality results, the Precision Oven 2.0 is almost guaranteed to impress.

This is the gift for the person who looks at a banana and sees potential. The Excalibur’s precise temperature control and even airflow make it easy to turn fruits, veggies, and herbs into shelf-stable snacks or pantry staples. It’s large enough for bulk batches, yet easy enough even for first-timers.

“I have already told all my friends [who] have the old-school, rounded, plastic dehydrators that they need to replace them with this item. It works well, [is] easy to clean and makes you want to dehydrate food,” says health writer Raki Swanson.

The Ninja Crispi Pro is what happens when an air fryer decides it’s done blending in. Instead of a metal basket, it comes with two PTFE- and PFAS-free glass containers that let you watch your food crisp up in real time. Even better, the glass doubles as serve-ware and storage, so you can cook, plate, and pop leftovers in the fridge without dirtying a second dish. It also takes up surprisingly little space (a boon in my cramped kitchen), and its vaguely Jetsons-esque design is the kind of thing that makes visitors pause and ask, “Wait — what is that?”

This compact machine turns cream and creativity into dessert in under 20 minutes. The FastFreeze feature eliminates the overnight chill step, so spontaneous cravings become reality faster than you can say, “Just one scoop.”

It’s surprisingly versatile, too. “You can also make a variety of things with this: ice cream, yes, but also sorbet, slushies, milkshakes, etc. It also blends it right into a dessert cup that’s a good, small portion,” says editorial director Simone Scully.

If you love the convenience of slow cooking but wish it could do more, this do-it-all countertop wonder delivers. “I hate having a lot of kitchen appliances, and this product can easily replace my current slow cooker, rice cooker, and more,” says writer Ysolt Usigan. This multicooker lets you cook rice, sauté, sear, and sous vide, saving you time and precious storage space. It even has a timer, so you know your food will be ready right when you want it (perfect for hectic weeknights).

Whether roasting veggies, reheating leftovers, or roasting a whole chicken, this air fryer does it all. It heats evenly and cleans up easily, making it a perfect gift for someone with a small kitchen. “You can do a lot with it: bake, broil, air fry, proof, toast, bagel, and warm,” says Vargas. “It's nice and modern looking, very sleek.” She also likes that it could replace both her oven and her toaster.

For anyone who has been intimidated by pressure cookers in the past (like I was), this sleek stainless steel model will change their mind. The idea of using a pressure cooker, let alone a stovetop model, made me nervous. However, once I tried it, I fell in love with how quick and easy it was to cook dishes that would typically simmer for hours. The VitaVit is intuitive and sturdy, and Fissler also puts out a very helpful cookbook that makes mastering pressure cooking easy (the mushroom risotto is a favorite in my house).

A powerhouse performer for half the price of premium models, this stand mixer earned rave reviews. Swanson, who tested this mixer, says it is “the closest thing you can get to a very powerful mixer without spending a small fortune,” adding that it tackled thick doughs with ease. She also loved the practical touches: a splash guard, an easy-to-lock bowl, and multiple attachments to make baking smoother (and less messy).

This griddle just might become your weekend MVP. The nonstick surface heats evenly, pancakes release like a dream, and cleanup is done before the coffee’s finished brewing. It’s equally great for grilled sandwiches or crispy bacon when you’re feeding a crowd.

It’s big and beautiful, and it makes brunch feel like a celebration. “We cooked pancakes, bacon, eggs, and burgers on it, and they all turned out great,” says writer Lindsay Modglin. “They all cooked more evenly on this griddle than in a traditional skillet. We were able to wipe the griddle top off afterward without any food sticking to the surface.”

Coffee and Espresso

Meet the coffee maker for people who think drip coffee deserves the same respect as espresso. This Fellow Aiden coffee maker is sleek, smart, and customizable, letting you choose custom recipes or presets. The thermal carafe keeps your brew warm while you putter around on busy mornings. Plus, do you see how sleek it looks? All this comes together to ensure that you get the tastiest possible cup of coffee. Writer Brittany Vargas says, “I don't fully understand how, but it makes pour-over quality coffee despite being mechanical.”

This one’s an editor favorite (mine) for good reason. It’s quick, is consistent, and produces balanced coffee every time. I’ve tested dozens of drip machines, and this Moccamaster still brews my favorite cup — bold, aromatic, and effortless. And if you’re looking for a pop of color, you have 20 shades to choose from. It’s a bit of a splurge for a drip coffee maker, but Moccamaster has really perfected the combination of temperature and water distribution to create a great cup of coffee every time.

“This is a very sexy French press,” says Swanson. However, it’s more than grit-free coffee, thanks to its patented double microfilter — the double-walled construction helps keep coffee piping hot, too. If you’re worried about having another single-use gadget in your kitchen, you can also use it for brewing tea. This is an elegant gift for a person who takes their morning coffee or tea ritual seriously.

Cookware and Bakeware

Some pans can’t handle the heat, but Yeti practically dares you to try. Although it’s surprisingly light, this pre-seasoned cast-iron pan is built to withstand high-heat searing and oven finishes. I especially appreciate how deep it is; it might replace my roasting pan for bigger cuts of meat. Its high sides also make it ideal for frying. And if you take a little time to maintain the seasoning, cleanup will be fairly painless. If you know a cook who sautés, roasts, and sometimes scorches, this pan’s rugged build means it can take a little kitchen chaos in stride.

If your baking sheets have seen one too many burned batches, this gleaming, nine-piece set is the professional-grade reset. Crafted from tri-ply stainless steel for even heat distribution, it turns out perfectly golden cookies and evenly baked pastries every time. The rolled edges prevent warping at high temps, while the polished finish makes cleanup painless.

“So, I have some bake sets I love, and I was happy with the ones I have ... and then these arrived at my door, and oh boy did I fall in love,” says Scully. “The stainless steel is stunning, and each pan is well-made and durable. (You can just tell.) There's a weight to these — they’re not flimsy, so it would be hard to dent them. And they all have some very nice, thick handles on the sides. You can just tell that they meant it when they said it was meant to last a lifetime; these are easily the kinds of pans you could pass down as a family heirloom.”

Think of this American-made set as the perfect introduction to cooking with cast iron. The pan comes pre-seasoned with three layers of organic grape-seed oil, and with a perfectly balanced weight that makes flipping and searing feel effortless. It heats evenly, cleans easily, and develops that deep patina that cast-iron devotees brag about. (If you don’t believe me, check out the cast iron subreddit.) This set also includes a chain-mail scrubber, brush, and seasoning oil so you can maintain this pan’s beautiful finish.

Starting from scratch? This full cookware set covers all the essentials — fry pans, saucepans, stockpots, and lids — all crafted from non-toxic stainless steel that heats evenly and looks beautiful on the stovetop. The brushed finish resists scratches, and the ergonomic handles remain comfortably cool throughout cooking.

“The pots themselves are good-looking, with bronze handles and lid accents,” says writer Caitlin Beale, RDN. “I love that the pots have pour spouts, making it easy to drain water or pour directly into something. They feel solid without being too heavy.”

Hosting season is easier (and far prettier) with this luxe bakeware set. The even heat distribution and sturdy stainless steel make it worth the investment. I tested these pans myself, and while the multipiece set is a splurge, the quality is impressive; it’s the kind of bakeware that will last for decades. The mirrorlike finish might show smudges, but honestly, that’s just proof it’s getting used — which is the best sign of a good gift.

If cozy soups or batch-cooked broths are part of your winter routine, this stainless steel soup pot and steamer set will become your kitchen MVP. I personally love this one for how sturdy yet lightweight it feels; plus, the tri-ply base heats evenly and looks gorgeous on the stove (even when you’re making something as decidedly mundane as steamed broccoli). It’s a timeless and functional piece, especially for anyone building a grown-up cookware collection.

A good frying pan set is the backbone of any kitchen, and this sleek T-Fal trio proves you don’t need to splurge to get pro-level performance. The stainless steel heats evenly, and the pans feel sturdy without being heavy. Plus, the set stacks neatly without scratching — ideal for small kitchens or anyone tight on space. Whether you’re stir-frying veggies or searing steak, these pans deliver consistent results and make cooking feel high-end without a hefty price tag.

This elegant stainless steel pan from Cristel feels straight out of a professional kitchen. I tested it personally, and it’s the perfect combination of performance and beauty — responsive on the stove, easy to clean, and stylish enough to display. I love the details that Cristel puts into these pans, like the rounded corners for easy stirring and cleaning, and the measurements embossed on the inside of the skillet. It’s an heirloom-quality piece that strikes the right balance between classic French craftsmanship and modern usability.

Knives, Boards, and Prep Tools

End-grain maple is the gold standard for serious cooks — tough on knife marks, gentle on blades. The Boardsmith version takes it further, with handcrafted joinery, non-slip feet, and a finish so smooth it almost feels wrong to cut on it (almost). This board can handle years of dicing and slicing, and it’s beautiful to boot. If you know someone who longs for their own butcher block, this would be an heirloom-worthy gift.

Hand-forged in Portland from high-carbon American steel, the Steelport Chef Knife is what kitchen dreams are made of. It glides through vegetables with buttery ease and feels naturally balanced, thanks to its smooth, ergonomically shaped walnut handle. Each blade is finished by hand, making it a standout gift for the home cook who’s genuinely ready for a next-level knife.

“The knives themselves are very sharp — and the brand says they’ll sharpen them for you for life — and very durable,” says Scully, who tested both the chef knife and the bread knife. “These are, quite simply, the most gorgeous knives I have ever seen.”

For the friend who loves a coordinated kitchen aesthetic, this sleek Hestan set is as beautiful as it is functional. These felt special right out of the box. The stainless steel construction is solid, the tools feel balanced in your hand, and the mirrored finish is stunning. The set also comes with a nice variety, including a fish spatula (everyone should own one — trust me on this), and the porcelain holder gives this set an overall elegant feel for something as utilitarian as a kitchen tool set.

Knife lovers can be tricky to shop for — but this block set is the rare gift that can impress even seasoned home cooks. The blades are beautifully balanced, the handles feel ergonomic, and the walnut wood block is as striking as the knives themselves — and they’re cheaper than several other sets we tested. “This knife set is gorgeous,” said editorial director Simone Scully. “It comes with seven knives — an 8.5-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef knife, 7-inch santoku knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 5-inch fine-edge utility knife and 4-inch paring knife — which is honestly pretty much everything I personally use.”

Hear me out: I was skeptical when I first unwrapped this tortilla press. I thought for sure there was no way that I’d ever use it. Then I tried making tortillas from scratch for the first time ever and found the process to be surprisingly fun. This press is weighty enough to flatten dough evenly, but it’s also remarkably compact, making it easy to store. It can also be used for more than tortillas (think empanadas, dumpling wrappers, and naan). If you want to give someone a gift that could become one of their favorite kitchen tools, consider this handy little press.

A great cutting board is a gift that you'll never regret giving. John Boos boards are a favorite for a reason: They’re thick and sturdy, and made from sustainably sourced wood that only gets better with use. “These are gorgeous, truly,” says Scully. “There's a reason these boards are in professional chefs' kitchens. You just want to have them out on display.” For a classic, practical gift that will see daily action for decades, one of these cutting boards makes a handsome gift.

This set replaces every mismatched can opener, peeler, and pizza cutter you’ve ever owned with plastic-free, stainless steel tools that come in their own birchwood storage tray. Even better, the wooden organizer “fits perfectly in most kitchen drawers, though it's pretty enough to be left out somewhere,” Scully says. Each set includes a vegetable peeler, pizza cutter, ice cream scoop, can opener, and hand-held grater, covering your most-reached-for kitchen tools. While you do have to treat these gently (Caraway recommends avoiding the dishwasher), we found that cleanup was hardly a chore.

A must-have for bakers, salad preppers, and meal-prep lovers alike, this stainless steel bowl set includes every size you could need, and the pieces even nest for easy storage. These bowls are sturdy, are easy to clean, and come with tight-fitting lids, so you don’t need to dirty extra containers if you need to store a bowl of whipped cream or cookie dough overnight. The home cook in your life is bound to use them constantly.

My niece requested that I include this silicone spoon rest and steam releaser, since it’s the item in my kitchen that she’s most likely to steal. Besides being cute, this little crab is BPA-free, is dishwasher-safe, and keeps spoons and tongs off countertops while you’re cooking. If you’re on the hunt for a random stocking stuffer that will bring a smile to your giftee's face, this spoon rest is my pick.

If you’re a baker or meal prepper who loves precision, this KitchenAid scale can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. “I like that it's very compact,” says Beale. “It also automatically turns off after a while, which is nice [because] it doesn't waste batteries.” The tempered-glass surface is easy to wipe clean, and the digital display is bright enough to read even when midmeasure. If you’ve ever weighed flour or tracked macros, you’ll appreciate the convenience — and having fewer bowls and spoons to clean after your latest holiday baking project.

This generously sized board is a stunner for serving or carving. The rich acacia wood is durable and beautifully grained. It has a juice groove for drip-free carving and comes with a carving knife, fork, and sharpening steel — basically everything you need to carve a holiday turkey. It is perfect for roasts, veggie spreads, and over-the-top cheese boards. Swanson calls it “stunning,” adding that it instantly elevates any table.

Outdoor Grilling and Pizza Ovens

This electric grill is a total game-changer for apartment dwellers and anyone tired of messing with propane tanks. It heats fast, holds temp, and delivers smoky, char-kissed flavor without the hassle of traditional grilling. It even impressed electric grill skeptic and writer Raki Swanson, who already owns a charcoal grill and a Blackstone griddle. “I’ve cooked everything on this grill from meat to veggies — every time, precision cooking,” she said.

This cutting board–slash–resting station is built for serious grillers (and messy cooks). The collapsible design makes transferring and marinating easier, while the built-in drip tray keeps juices contained. It’s sturdy enough for brisket and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. And the accompanying resting blanket — which is, as my husband described it, “like a sleeping bag for meat” — ensures that your rack of ribs stays at temp without losing any of those juices.

This is pizza engineering at its finest. The Model P Smart Oven pairs sleek design with serious heat control: Dual sensors track temperature to the degree, and the built-in app lets you tweak preheating, timing, and recovery remotely. The matching cart and cover turn it into a full-blown backyard station.

“So this is the ultimate foodie gift. If you like making your own pizzas at home — or roasting veggies in the pizza oven, which is both delicious and healthy — this is your new favorite thing,” says Scully. “I love that the pizza oven is smart: It makes it so much easier to know when your pizza is ready or the temps are right. I also like that I can use this inside and outside — a lot of the ovens are one or the other.”

Storage and Leftovers

Textiles and Towels

Waffle-weave cotton is the secret to kitchen towels that actually work. These absorbent, quick-drying cloths look elevated enough to hang out in plain sight, and they get softer with every wash.

“I didn’t have any issues drying my dishes (they work better than my old ones), and they dried way faster than my usual ones,” says Scully. Plus, with plenty of cute patterns to choose from, there’s something for everyone. “My son also liked them, because the ones we were sent had cats on them,” Scully adds.

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Katie Tuttle

Author

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.

Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.

When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

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Simone Scully

Editor

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.

Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.

Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.

Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.

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