Dads are special humans who can do things that most don't even know about. Aside from making a great parental teammate, they can do things like make their babies even smarter and raise their daughter's ambitions. The things is, they're often underestimated as parents in our culture and in movies and TV shows. Although, the stereotypes are starting to change (can anyone recall that dad who did his daughter's hair with a vacuum cleaner?) And one stereotype is that dad either grills, and only grills, or lets moms do all the cooking. While dad can totally be a boss at grilling a mean burger, he's just as capable of being a good (and healthy) cook, too. So many dads are the main cooks in their families for many reasons, whether they are the only one who can do it competently, or simply because they just love it. No matter the reason, these chef dads should be celebrated.
While we can't give him his own Food Network show à la Guy Fieri, we can share some special gifts the cook in him will love. There is even one cookbook in the lineup by good ole' Chef Bobby Flay. In this list, the cooking gifts are fun and cool and, in many cases, a huge help in the kitchen. Because flattering the family cook isn't so much about telling him things he knows (or wants to experiment with). Nor is it getting him things he might not need or already have. It's about thinking outside of the box (er, kitchen?) and gifting him an item that will truly make a difference.
Father's Day is a good time to do this, so we decided to really think about this and find the items a cooking-obsessed dad will love. Like, the kind of gift he'll love so much he won't be able to wait to start using it. In turn, everybody involved wins, because dad will use his gift and, hopefully, everyone else will get a great meal out of it. From fun items like barbecue steak branders to more practical ones, like a cutting board or pasta maker, papa chef will definitely find something here to add to his cooking collection.
Microwave Potato Chip Maker
Chips are super easy to eat and as it turns out, super easy to make — with a microwavable potato chip maker. Just let Chef Dad take the lead for a fun pre- or post-dinner snack.
Microwave Potato Chip Maker ($13, Uncommon Goods)
BBQ Briefcase
Make sure dad is prepared for all the barbecues this summer whether he's flipping kebabs or charring fresh corn. Get him a BBQ "briefcase" that travels well, because it's in a portable case, after all.
BBQ Briefcase ($84, Uncommon Goods)
Reel Salt & Pepper Mills
Cooking isn't complete without the seasoning and salt and pepper are the basics. Give dad a nautical twist to his shakers with these reel shakers. Perfect if dad's also into fishing.
Reel Salt and Pepper Mills ($130, Uncommon Goods)
Real Men Cook Cutting Board
Real men cook. Make sure dads knows that with a cutting board with his new mantra. Each board is handmade out of bamboo and made to order.
Real Men Cook Cutting Board ($30, FavorUniverse/Etsy)
Dads Kitchen Apron
Everyone knows dad is the king of the kitchen, but make it official with his own apron. It says "Dad's Kitchen" front and center.
Dad's Kitchen Apron ($19, PoppyAndPetalDesign/Etsy)
Phone/Tablet Stump Stand
Following recipes on a tablet or phone is hard when it has to lay flat on a potentially messy countertop. Help dad prop it up with an iPad stand that holds it in three different positions: ramp, lean and upright.
iPad Stump Stand ($24, Amazon)
Cast Iron Reversible Grill Griddle
If dad is in charge of breakfast (hey, pancakes) or simply likes grilling, the cast iron two-sided grill is just the kitchen tool he needs. It sits on the stove, above the burners, and makes grilling in the kitchen a breeze.
Cast Iron Reversible Grill Griddle ($22, Amazon)
Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Up dad's sandwich game (and efficiency) with a breakfast sandwich maker like this one from Hamilton Beach. It makes up to two 'wiches in five minutes (and comes with a timer.)
Breakfast Sandwich Maker ($40, Amazon)
Sous Vide Precision Cooker
A serious chef like dad deserves a serious cooking tool, especially when it comes to meat (or veggies). It works anywhere with Wi-Fi and can be controlled with a smartphone.
Sous Vide Precision Cooker ($159, Amazon)
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Cast Iron skillets are a staple for most kitchens, and a good one to start with would be this Amazon bestseller. Dad can season it to his liking and cook what his heart desires.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet ($27, Amazon)
'Brunch at Bobby's' Cookbook
Book brunch with dad for weekends, and with Food Network star's Bobby Flay's brunch cookbook featuring 140 recipes, he'll be able to follow through. Cocktails are included in that for adults involved.
Brunch at Bobby's Cookbook ($17, Amazon)
Meat Handler & Shredder
It can't get any more manlier than ripping up meat Wolverine style. But in all seriousness, the Bear Paw meat handler will make shredding chicken or pork a much easier task so dad can focus on the rest of the meal.
Meat Shredder ($13, The Grommet)
Kale Razor & Herb Stripping Tool
It's all about the herbs, baby. Whether dad is an herb connoisseur or has his own garden, he'll be able to handle herbs more precisely with the kale razor and herb stripping tool.
Kale Razor and Herb Stripping Tool ($15, The Grommet)
Multi-Blade Sharpener
Sharp knifes make cooking go much smoother and create finer chopped ingredients. Help dad keep his knifes as sharp as possible with the multi-blade sharpener.
Multi-Blade Sharpener ($30, The Grommet)
Monogrammed Steak Brand, Triple-Initial
Dad may not be a restaurateur, but he can feel like one with a three-initial steak monogram. He will run to the grill to brand his steaks after getting this gift.
Monogrammed Steak Brand, Triple-Initial ($65, Williams Sonoma)
Lock N' Lift Can Opener
Cooking isn't just about the flavors and tasting (as good as that part is), it's also about the prep of it all. Thankfully, a can opener like the Lock N' Lift can assist in that department. It opens cans, but also features a lid lift magnet.
Lock N' Lift Can Opener ($13, Amazon)
Jaccard Meat Tenderizer
Meat tastes better when it's tender, but dad won't have to go to a steakhouse to get it. He can make get tender meat in the comfort of his own home with the "Simply Better" stainless steal meat tenderizer.
Jaccard Meat Tenderizer ($30, Amazon)
Pasta Machine
Pasta lovers need a pasta machine. No ifs and or buts. The Cucina Pro 150 does the trick as its heavy duty and comes with a grip handle. Plus, its made in Italy which is as authentic as it gets.
Imperia Pasta Maker Machine ($48, Amazon)
Ardente Gourmet Stirrer
Things can get busy in the kitchen. Bless dad with an automatic stirrer to shave minutes of time stirring that he can spend whipping up something else amazing.
Ardente Gourmet Stirrer ($83, Amazon)
Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray & Food Defroster
One word: Bacon. Help dad become a bacon cooking master with an actual bacon tray. It holds "many" slices of bacon and is angled to drain the grease away from the meat. You're welcome, dad.
Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray & Food Defroster ($15, Amazon)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
