People who cook a great deal are difficult to buy for, because they generally already own what they need and have opinions about the rest. The usual result is a gadget that gets used once, which is a shame given that some kitchen gifts are genuinely well received.
The Principle
Keen cooks want tools, not novelties. The distinction is whether the item makes several things better or one thing marginally easier.
They also tend to have strong preferences about knives, pans and anything that is a matter of feel. Buying those without knowing the preference is risky; buying tools where personal taste matters less is safer.
Why a Slicer Works as a Gift
Mandolines occupy an unusual position: they are unambiguously useful, moderately priced, and a substantial number of enthusiastic cooks have never bought one because it feels like a specialist purchase.
They also do things a knife cannot, which means the recipient discovers new preparations rather than doing familiar ones slightly faster. Japanese ranges such as benriner mandoline catalogues cover several bed widths, and the mid-size is the safe choice for a general kitchen.
Adding a cut-resistant glove alongside is thoughtful rather than patronising, since experienced cooks are as likely to be injured as anyone.
The Reliably Good Choices
- A mandoline, if they do not already own one, since many keen cooks do not
- Digital scales accurate to a gram, which serious bakers appreciate
- A good sharpening stone, which most home cooks lack
- A bench scraper and a fish spatula, both cheap and constantly used
- Really good ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, saffron, aged soy
- A cookbook by someone they follow, rather than a general one
What to Avoid
Knives, unless you know exactly what they use, since grip, weight and steel preference are personal. Novelty gadgets named after a single ingredient. Anything requiring substantial counter space without checking. Branded items chosen for appearance rather than function.
Also worth avoiding is anything implying their current equipment is inadequate, unless they have said so themselves.
Consumables Are Underrated
Good ingredients are received better than most equipment, because they get used and require no storage. A properly good olive oil, a bottle of aged vinegar, a tin of decent anchovies or a selection of whole spices are all appreciated by people who cook.
They also carry no risk of duplication, which is the main hazard with equipment.
Asking
The most reliable method remains asking, either directly or through someone who knows. Keen cooks generally have a specific list of things they have been meaning to buy, and receiving one of them is considerably better than receiving a surprise.
Where a surprise is the point, a gift receipt removes the awkwardness entirely and is not rude.