Gifts for Chefs

With over 70,000 foodservice products online, knowing where to start can be tricky. Check out our top 10 must-have items to help you get started:

1. Countertop Stand Mixer

Home cooks and chefs alike have long loved the dependability of a countertop mixer. These reliable, durable and high-powered mixers help you whip up anything from house-made breads and pizza doughs, to light-as-air meringues. Give the gift of an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, your chef will thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

2. Immersion Blender

Perhaps the most versatile little device in your kitchen, the immersion blender can do everything from making soups to whipped cream. There’s so much you can do with an immersion blender that we even featured 10 different ideas for you to get started.

 

 

 

 

3. Digital Thermometer

A good chef knows to always keep a thermometer close by. From perfectly-cooked protein to food safety essentials, a digital thermometer is by and large one of the most important tools that a chef relies on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Induction Range

When you pair sustainability and precision into your cooking equipment, you’ve really got a win-win situation. Induction ranges are nothing new to those in Europe, but here in the states it’s just starting to take hold in commercial kitchens. With as much as an 80% decrease in energy loss, chefs are loving this efficient and safe cooking equipment. Plus, your cast iron pans will still work on an induction range!

 

 

 

 

5. Catering Essentials

It’s the time of year when everybody gathers for fun festivities and holiday libations—and a great time to help your chef beef up his or her catering needs. Check out the new Cambro Black insulated Cam GoBox, which are super lightweight, durable, stackable and insulated. In other words, they’re every caterer’s dream!

 

 

 

 

 

6. Chef’s Knife

When it comes to gifts, one can never go wrong with a new Chef’s Knife. Used for practically every task in the kitchen, a chef’s knife works best when it’s sharp and honed. It’s true that some knives may hold an edge longer than others, which is why you should consider a high quality knife (like a Victorinox Chef’s Knife) that can withstand the toughest of jobs.

 

 

 

 

7. Chef Wear

Get yourself the gift of style and confidence with some new digs from Chef Works. Chef Works is the leader in rocking cool, urban styles like wet denim looks, grommets and more. The best part? Their collections also have usability in mind, featuring cooling vented technology, zippered fronts and other “hadn’t thought of it, but love to have it” type of features.

 

 

 

 

8. Glassware

One of the easiest ways to enhance your bar program is to invest in new glassware. Manufacturers like Cardinal make some wicked strong glasses that also come with a sheer rim for a touch of elegance. Also, we know that space behind the bar can be tight—why not consider making your new glassware perform double duty? For example, that rocks glass can serve more than liquor, what about using it to serve margaritas as well?

 

 

 

 

9. Food Prep Equipment

If there’s one thing all chefs need, it’s more time. But unless you’ve built a time machine, finding a way to add more hours to their day could be tricky. Enter food prep equipment. No more spending hours slicing tomatoes for sandwiches or dicing vegetables for salsa. With the right tools by your side, you can shave hours off their daily work.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Serveware

In today’s restaurant, nearly anything goes when it comes to serving. Companies like American Metalcraft are always reinventing serveware based on the new (and upcoming) trends. From stainless steel milk cans, to mini cast iron pans and faux “slate” melamine platters, creative serveware is an easy way to elevate your dishes.