Here are my recommendations for some basic products for the beginner or experienced cook in need of some guidance.
Notice: All links are affiliate links meaning I do make a small profit from your purchases. Your price is not affected by this commission. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Holiday Gift Recommendations
Joy of Cooking Cookbook
Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt.
Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt.
OXO SteeL Chef's Mandoline Slicer
NEW! Thermapen One from Thermoworks
The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook
Cook's Illustrated Cookbook
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
Gates BBQ Sauce
Lodge 6 qt Dutch Oven
Wusthof Classic 8-Piece Knife Set
All-Clad 12-inch Fry Pan
ThermaQ Blue Kit
Top Recommendations
This category is reserved for the products that make me smile when I use them.
OXO SteeL Chef's Mandoline Slicer
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
Gates BBQ Sauce
Lodge 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Cuisinart 3.5 qt Slow Cooker
Victorinox Chef Knife
All-Clad 12-inch Fry Pan
All Clad 6.5 Qt Slow Cooker
Thermometers
Accurate thermometers are a must for accurate cooking. As they say, knowledge is power. A good thermometer will take you from an ok to an excellent cook.
I love my Thermapen, but it is expensive. A cheaper thermometer will be slower but will still be fine. A good thermometer (like the Thermapen) will outlast a cheaper thermometer many times over and save you lots of money and heartache with improperly prepared meat.
To grill well, you need to know the surface temperature of the grill. Don't spend a lot on this since they discolor and don't last long.
An oven thermometer should occasionally be used to check the accuracy of your cooking. The oven is one of the most common inaccuracies people have with cooking.
Taylor Oven Thermometer
NEW! Thermapen One from Thermoworks
ThermaQ Blue Kit
CDN Instant Read Thermometer
CDN Grill Surface Thermometer
Thermopop by Thermoworks
Knives
Good knives are a must. Dull cheap knives are much more likely to injure you and will make your cooking experience frustrating. There are many excellent brands. I personally own and use these recommendations daily.
Kitchen Electronics
These are always great kitchen toys and great gifts.
Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer
Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt.
Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt.
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
Cuisinart 3.5 qt Slow Cooker
All Clad 6.5 Qt Slow Cooker
Pots and Pans
The copper bottom stuff you grew up with will NOT do.
Modern cookware will conduct heat much better. I now use mostly All-Clad, but Calphalon and many others make excellent products.
Now go to William-Sonoma website and sign up for the mailing list. The daily emails are good but about once per month, they have an unbelievable deal.
Lastly, you must have some cast iron. It is cheap and lasts for generations. I like Lodge if your mother won't give you hers.
Baking Needs
Grilling Accessories
A few recommended grilling accessories. There are a ton of great toys to be had out there. These are useful.
NEW! Thermapen One from Thermoworks
Gates BBQ Sauce
Smoking Wood Chips
Cast Iron Smoker Box
ThermaQ Blue Kit
CDN Instant Read Thermometer
CDN Grill Surface Thermometer
Thermopop by Thermoworks
Kitchen Accessories
A few recommended cooking accessories. There are a ton of great toys to be had out there. These I use almost daily.
Some Cookbooks I Own
Last Updated November 3, 2018