What color and size of Le Creuset is worth the investment? Which nonstick pan won’t die within a year? How about the best chef’s knife for my nephew? This time of year, I get lots of texts asking for specific recs for cooking tools. I cut through the fat — I don’t believe in big cookware sets, which are so often an upsell. As my chef from school always said, you really only need a big knife, a small knife, and a bread knife. And I’m deeply suspicious of counter-cluttering trends, so if you’re looking for an excuse to buy an Air Fryer, this isn’t the gift guide for you. Rather, these are the cooking tools that I’ve personally bought for my brothers, recommended to my friends, and reach for my own kitchen. Happy roasting season.
Le Creuset Enameled Dutch Oven (Flame, 5.5 quarts)
All-Clad Stainless Steel Sauté Pan (Straight Sided with Lid, 4 quarts)
Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet (10.25 inches)
Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan (10 inches)
Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife (8 inches)
Tojiro DP Japanese Chef’s Knife (8.25 inches)
Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer
GIR Silicone Spatula
Emile Henry Pie Dish (9 inches)
Vitamin Professional-Grade Blender
While I love supporting local shops, I’m a writer scraping by. This post contains affiliate links.
