When the Soldier and I tell the story of why we got married, we usually say, “Ours was an arranged marriage. He needed someone to cook for him; I wanted to continue living in a military family. Love came later.” That’s not true, of course, but it makes for great conversation. One thing that is true is that Hector couldn’t cook. The man can eat his weight in food, sure, but he was incapable of cooking for the longest time. I wasn’t going to teach him to cook, either. Then I go and die and he uses what I taught him to woo some other broad?!? No, sir. Ignorance is bliss. Recently, as Hector nears retirement, he’s started using my cookbook and this blog to learn a few things. It’s not a bad gig either. Now I can dedicate more time to blogging and homeschooling.
As a result of his newfound skill, I’ve compiled this list of the top 10 kitchen gifts for that special guy in your life. Because, let’s face it, they’re tired of socks and ties.
These top 10 Kitchen gifts are Amazon affiliate links that will help you get your guy’s presents to you in no time. There is an Amazon elf in every home, afterall.
Check out my disclosure page for all the legalese.
J.A. Henckels 10-Inch Chef’s Knife
My number one gift is a large chef’s knife. Equality be damned- men tend to have larger hands than women. Because of that, they’re more comfortable using a knife that’s larger than 8 inches.
Henckels is a top brand when it comes to knives, so this is worth the investment. With proper care, this knife will last your guy a lifetime.
Villa Acacia Wood Bar Board
Guys are all about efficiency. Compact and easily stored, this beautiful cutting board is going to be your guy’s go-to board. He can use it for slicing fruits for his cocktails, chopping garlic for his sauces, or trimming his double-cut pork chop for this recipe.
Butane Torch
Hector likes playing with fire- obviously, because he married me.
This butane torch is actually one of my favorite kitchen tools. It’s lightweight and compact, so if your guy likes to show off at your friend’s house, he can take it with him. You’ll just need a can of butane (not included) to attach it to and you’re ready to torch anything from meringues to crème brûlée.
Electric Meat Grinder
Your guy can be a true caveman with this electric meat grinder. With all the ground beef recalls recently, it’s actually not a bad idea to start grinding your own meat. Not only does it grind meat, it stuffs sausages. Charcuterie, anyone?
Small Batch Home Brewing Starter Kit
The number 5, of my 10 Kitchen Gifts for your guy, is the result of number 6- hold on, I’ll explain. Hector’s is determined to start micro-brewing once he’s retired. It’s not a terrible idea, but I have a feeling he’s going to be drinking more than brewing.
In the meantime, I’ll let him start small with this nifty starter kit. Hopefully, we won’t move to warehouse-size vats.
Modern Cider
Modern Cider, by my dear friend Emma Christensen, is the book that influenced Hector’s desire to start brewing at home. If your fave guy enjoys beers, hard ciders- even vinegars- this is the book he needs on his shelf.
This book and Emma’s other book: Brew Better Beer, will be under the tree for my guy this year…but don’t read that, Hector.
Wireless Remote Digital Meat Thermometer
Guys grill. It’s that caveman-fire obsession I mentioned earlier. Guys also love gadgets. It doesn’t matter what the gadget is, what it does, or how much it costs- they want it.
Get your guy a wireless meat thermometer and bridge the gap between fire, food, and tech.
Complete Outdoor Grilling Kit
Your guy won’t need another grilling kit once he has this set.
This kit contains a spatula, tongs, barbecue fork, an all-purpose knife, steak fork, serrated steak knife, corkscrew, cutting board, grill glove (because his hands are important), and salt & pepper shakers- all in a storage cooler bag that holds 15 cans of his beverage, or food, of choice!
There’s tons of successful tailgating parties, camping trips, and beach cookouts ahead!
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok
High-heat, fast stirring, and good food- all things guys enjoy.
This pre-seasoned wok is perfect for those Asian dishes you and your guy want to cook.
This wok has a built in base, so you don’t need to worry about fiddling with a separate ring. It also works beautifully on electric stovetops!
Mini Personal Portable Oven
A friend of mine received a portable oven as a gift from his wife. His job keeps him on the road a lot and she wanted to make sure he had hot, home-cooked meals. Is she not a keeper?!?
Plug this bad boy into a standard outlet, or into your car’s charger, and food is warmed in a jiff.
The guy who invented this is a freaking genius if you ask me.
Taste & See Cooks
When in doubt, get him a signed copy of my cookbook: Taste & See Cooks: Recipes to Inspire, Equip, and Enjoy.
This cookbook is full of hilarious stories and over 100 recipes for him to try out.
There’s my 10 Kitchen Must Haves for Your Favorite Guy!
Did I miss anything? What would you include for the men in your life?
**This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure page to find out what that means to you**
I really need a meet thermometer! One of my resolutions for the New Year is to invest on kitchen equipment 🙂
It’s a great investment- especially because it helps you want to cook more.
I really need a new knife, that one looks perfect x
Yes, these knives are pretty amazing.
My husband doesn’t cook, but I love to! I may have to check out some of these items for myself!
Go for it, Holly! Treat yourself!
My hubby would LOVE the brewery started kit!! Such a fun idea!
Yes! Most of the guys I polled thought this was the perfect gift, as well.
A good 10-inch chef’s nice is a must-have for EVERYONE! I’ve bought them for so many people over the years I’ve lost count!
I totally agree! Everyone should have one in their kitchen.
This is such a great roundup, guys can be so hard to shop for! Adding these to my gift ideas for sure!
I know! Shopping for my hubby has always been so difficult. This will come in handy!