The Most Useful Cookware Christmas Gifts

Cookware Christmas gifts are well received and here is my Christmas gift giving guide. I do a good job of stress testing cookware. I’ve discovered cookware that is durable and useful in the kitchen. I only recommend cookware as gifts that are functional or something I would use. The Christmas Gifts listed below is cookware or related kitchen items I use or recommend giving as a gift and the reason why I recommend it. As a cook, I love to receive cookware and give it as gifts. With Christmas around the corner, this is my “Christmas Gift-Giving Guide.” The prices from Amazon.com are always up to date.

My Christmas Gift-Giving Guide

1) Serving Platters

We eat with our eyes first. Any dish can whet the appetite when served on a nice platter. Pfaltzgraff and Fiesta serving platters make beautiful Christmas gifts that can make any dish look fantastic. I use them when taking pictures of my work for my Home Cooking Academy. There are many beautiful ways to present your masterful, or even ordinary, creations. Find serving platters here.

2) NonStick Frying Pan Combos

Nonstick frying pans wear out. Quickly. It’s always better to replace them before they get too many cuts or peeling. I prefer the 10″ and 12″ combo’s as they are more useful. Here is a quick listing of NonStick Frying Pan Combos.

3) Combo – Nordic Ware Bakers Half Sheet & CIA Masters Collection Wire Cooling Rack

This is a 2-item combo. Each are great, but when given as a gift together, the possibilities are endless. The Nordic Ware baking sheet is very durable. When friends see this they think it’s commercial grade. It is. I love it. The CIA Masters Collection cooling rack is also commercial strength and very strong.

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet and Big Sheet

(40229)

$42.60

NOTE:Please measure your oven and confirm if this item will fit before purchasing. Baker's Half Sheet and Big Sheet natural aluminum commercial bakeware is made of pure aluminum which will never rust for a lifetime of durability Baked goods rise and ... read more

(as of March 31 12:57 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

ELO MIT FREUDE KOCHEN! 12 Inch x 17 Inch Wire Cooling Rack, Chrome Plate Steel

(791)

$19.99 $15.99

Sturdy construction Fits 1/2 sheet pan Top honors from national cooking magazine in 2008 Chrome over steel construction Closely spaced wires prevent 'sagging'

(as of March 31 12:57 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

4) Lodge Color 6qt Dutch Oven

Lodge makes terrific enameled cast iron cookware rivaling the French Le Creuset or Staub and at significantly less money. A 6qt Dutch Oven is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used on top of the stove or in the oven. Lodge enameled cookware makes excellent Christmas gifts! They come in a variety of attractive colors and are a steal at these prices. The price varies depending on color. Pick from a variety of colors. HIGHLY reviewed!

Lodge EC6D33 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

(42308)

$133.00 $69.90

A flawless pairing of form and function that doesn't quit, the Lodge Dutch Oven is an enameled cast iron classic that's great for preparing and serving memorable meals. WHAT IS PORCELAIN ENAMEL ON CAST IRON. It is actually glass that becomes bonded t... read more

(as of March 31 12:57 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

5) Cast Iron Cookware

Cast Iron cookware has been a fan favorite for generations, and nothing has changed. Even with all the new styles and nonstick formulations, cast iron cookware remains a fan favorite and very inexpensive. Whether you go native or the enameled variations, cast iron is always a favorite. Here is the full selection of cast iron cookware. Here is one of my favorite pieces:

Lodge EC4D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 4.6-Quart, Island Spice Red

(42308)

$116.25 $72.20

A flawless pairing of form and function that doesn't quit, the Lodge Dutch Oven is an enameled cast iron classic that's great for preparing and serving memorable meals. WHAT IS PORCELAIN ENAMEL ON CAST IRON? It is actually glass that becomes bonded t... read more

(as of March 31 12:57 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

6) Le Creuset 1.5 quart Enamel Cast Iron Oval Baker

Le Creuset enamel cast iron is beautiful and functional. The rich color and even heating characteristics makes this 1.5 quart oval baker a go-to piece of cookware. Baking potato au gratin, warming left-overs, or cooking a small roast is easy with this oven to table cast iron oval baker. A perfect Christmas gift.

Le Creuset Cast Iron Oval Bakers

7) All-Clad Brushed Stainless Steel D5 10-pc Cookware Set

All-Clad is the absolute best American stainless steel cookware manufacturer. If you need to get a gift for someone you know who likes to cook and is adventurous, this is a fantastic gift! This is the new D5 brushed stainless steel outside. It has 5 layers to evenly distribute heat. You not only need but also can’t beat stainless steel skillets for saute and deglazing sauces. I recommend folks who want a nonstick cookware set to also get a stainless steel skillet for sauteeing. The 10-piece set gives you all the necessary pieces. No, it is not cheap. If you want the best quality, look no further.

All-Clad D5 5-Ply Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broil Safe 600F Pots and Pans

(1145)

$1,429.94 $899.95

Set includes: 8 & 10-inch fry pan, 1.5 & 3-quart sauce pan w/ lid, 3-quart sauté pan, and 8qt stock pot 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum for warp-free durability and supremely even heating that elimina... read more

(as of April 1 09:38 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

8) Scanpan CTX 12 ¾” Nonstick Eco-Friendly PFOA-Free Skillet

When it comes to healthy or eco-friendly cookware, I love Scanpan. While the surface still uses PTFE in the manufacturing process it is PFOA free and uses an environmentally friendly cast aluminum core. It is a very good nonstick surface given it does not have the PFOA’s. Best of all, it is also dishwasher safe. Scanpan CTX 12-3/4-Inch PFOA Free Fry Pan.

Scanpan CTX 12.75 Inch Fry Pan

(963)

$109.95

5-layer cast aluminum Polished 18/10 stainless steel exterior Ceramic-titanium nonstick Riveted stainless steel handle Will not warp, peel, blister or crack

(as of April 1 02:38 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

9) Emile Henry Flame Top Stewpot Dutch Oven

I love Emile Henry Flame Top products. This is the only clay cookware that can be used on the stove top as well as in the stove since the old Cornflower Corningware cookware. It is pretty, useful, and the clay surrounds the food with a steady even heat that is great for braising or slow cooking. This Dutch Oven is very versatile and makes a great presentation from stove to table. Best of all, it looks like an enameled cast iron piece, but it doesn’t weigh a ton like cast iron! All Emile Henry products are wonderful. Here is the Emile Henry page.

Emile Henry Flame Round Stewpot Dutch Oven, 4.2 Quart, Burgundy

(234)

$122.13

MADE IN FRANCE. Made of all natural materials and manufactured using Emile Henry's proprietary Flame technology SAFE TO USE IN THE OVEN, ON TOP OF THE STOVE or ON BBQ GRILLS. Can be used in all types of ovens and also used under the broiler. Can go d... read more

(as of March 31 12:57 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

10) J.A. Henckels International Definition Knife Set

Every home cook needs a good knife set. Sharp knives are safer. This Definition knife set includes 3″ Paring Knife, 5″ Serrated Utility Knife, 8″ Bread Knife, 5″ Hollow Edge Santoku, 8″ Chef’s Knife, 4x 4.5″ Steak Knife, 9″ Sharpening Steel, Kitchen Shears, and Hardwood Knife Block. This machined knife set is beautiful and perfectly functional.

J.A. Henckels Definition Knives

11) Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set

I love stainless steel for cooking. It is healthy, durable, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. As I’ve stated before the best brand is All-Clad. Cuisinart Multiclad Pro is next on this list. As you see, All-Clad is premium quality and premium priced. For a near performance equivalent, the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro is unbeatable for performance and price. I use Cuisinart MultiClad Pro and love it. To complete the set I recommend the All-Clad nonstick skillets above or the Scanpan skillet to provide a very complete and dishwasher safe cookware set.

12 Piece Cookware Set by Cuisinart, MultiClad Pro Triple Ply, Silver, MCP-12N

(9919)

$299.95 $212.89

SET INCLUDES: 1.5 Quart saucepan with cover, 3 Quart saucepan with cover, 3.5 Quart sauté pan with helper handle and cover, 8 Quart stockpot with cover, 8" skillet, 10" skillet, 20cm steamer insert with cover DURABLE DESIGN: Elegant and contemporary,... read more

(as of April 1 19:49 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

12) Scanpan Classic 11-Piece Cookware Set

For the discerning cook who wants the best performance and style, Scanpan Classic is it. At around $500 it is not cheap, but it is a great value. The PFOA free nonstick interior is amazing. I use the Classic skillet myself and LOVE it. It works great on flat top stoves. The aluminum core surrounds the food with an even heat that makes cooking a joy. Check it out here:

Scanpan Classic Cookware Sets 11 pc. Deluxe Cookware Set

(1722)

$449.95 $359.06

Dishwasher Safe Oven safe to 500° F No blistering, peeling or warping

(as of April 1 10:58 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)