Looking for gift ideas for a guy that likes to cook? Here are my top ten gift suggestions that will please any would be chef. Somewhat unique and kind of cool, these kitchen tools are still useful enough to be used on a regular basis. Sure to be appreciated.
1. Outset Nonstick Grill Skillet
This 12-inch nonstick skillet is perferated with lots of little holes that makes it great for cooking on the grill. Perfect for grilling vegetables, shrimp, or other small foods that would normally fall through the grates. Truly nonstick and resistant to high temperatures. About $30.
2. Crocs Professional Kitchen Shoes
Crocs are all the craze in kitchen footwear. (Even Mario Batali wears them!) These extremely comfortable and light clogs have an orthotic footbed that molds to your foot. Made of man-made materials, Professional Crocs have a closed top to protect your foot from spills or dropped tools. Vents on the side keep you cool. They come in a wide variety of colors and are very affordable at about $45.3. White Mountain Hand Crank Ice Cream Maker
There is nothing better than homemade ice cream. Rich and creamy, ice cream is as fun to make as it is to eat. I love these old-timey ice cream makers from White Mountain (now owned by Rival). Well-built, solid parts with a stainless steel can and maple-finished wood bucket. Although also available in electric models, I like the hand-cranked version because you have more control over the speed and can feel when the ice cream begins to thicken. 4-Quart or 6-Quart capacities. About $140.4. Totally Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo cutting boards have the feel and beauty of hardwood boards but are more environmentally friendly. Harder than maple, lighter than oak, bamboo grows extremely fast and is a much more sustainable source for cutting boards than the forests used to harvest hard woods. Also, bamboo absorbs little moisture, so there is less chance your board will suffer warping that sometimes happens with conventional cutting boards. $10 - $175.5. Grillslinger Barbecue Tool System
What's more macho that carrying your grilling tools in a holster? Nothing, that's what. Buckled belt system has 4 pockets, 3 that have washable plastic inserts. Includes spatula, grill knife, and tongs. About $100.6. Microplane Better Box Grater
My microplane zester is one of my favorite tools in the kitchen. The surgical grade stainless steel is extremely sharp and is so easy to use. Microplane's new Better Box Grater combines several functions into one. Use the fine side of the grater for citrus zest, hard cheeses, nuts, ginger, and garlic. Use the extra-course side for soft cheeses and vegetables. Comes with a slider attachment to protect your knuckles. About $25.7. Le Creuset Moroccan Tagine
A tagine is like a dutch oven for your stovetop. Perfect for braising, the cast-iron bottom is great for browning meats and vegetables while the glazed earthenware lid allows you to tightly close the pot and slow cook everything. The shape of the lid returns condensation back to the pot, resulting in moister, more flavorful dishes. This tagine comes with Le Creuset's 101-year-guarantee, so you know it's going to last. About $130.8. Villaware Pizzagrill BBQ Pizza Maker
Turn your grill into a brick oven pizza maker! Designed for gas grills, the Pizzagrill sets up off the grill, allowing the extra-thick pizza stone to really heat up. Bake pizzas with crisp crusts and bubbly toppings in just minutes. Includes a built in thermometer for precise baking. The Pizzagrill can also be used in a conventional oven. About $100.9. Cuisinart Griddler Panini Maker
Panini sandwiches are very much in style these days. Much more than a grilled sandwich, the special panini press used to cook these sandwiches creates toasted indentations that provide that sweet crunch typical of a panini sandwich. With changeable plates, Cuisinart's Griddler can be used as a panini press, griddle, or open grill. Adjustable temperature controls. About $130.10. Kershaw Shun Classic 2-Pc Carving Knife Set
Every man needs a carving set. Even if he doesn't cook, he will inevitably be chosen at some point to carve the holiday turkey, ham, goose, etc. Shun makes Japanese-style kitchen knives that are as beautiful as functional. This Shun carving set is no exception. The set includes an 8-inch blade slicing knife and 6 1/2-inch tines fork, both made of VG-10 steel clad with 33 layers of SUS410 high carbon stainless steel for a Damascus-style look. Presented in a bamboo gift box. About $240.