The Best Gifts Under $50 for Cooks and Food Lovers

A Thermopop

ThermoWorks ThermoPop

Buy on Thermoworks.com

Yes, we trot this gadget out—or its pricier cousin, the Thermapen—pretty much every time we make a list like this. But that's a testament to its quality, its affordable price tag, and the fact that an instant-read thermometer is a necessity for any recipe that depends on cooking to a specific temperature (both for food safety reasons and consistent results). We recommend the ThermoPop as a budget option because, apart from being inexpensive, it's reliable and easy to use, and it blows the competition away. It is, without exaggeration, an essential piece of gear for every cook and baker. What's even better: From 12/14-12/16, ThermoWorks is offering 40% off the ThermoPop to Serious Eats readers, bringing the thermometer down to just $21. Use code SETHERMOPOP at checkout to receive the discount.

Beautiful Serveware

Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Serving Platter

Buy on Williams-Sonoma

At Serious Eats, we're all about finding and sharing the most reliable cooking techniques and the best kitchen equipment. But there's no denying we eat with our eyes too, so we want our food to look as good as it tastes. That's why we recommend an assortment of beautiful serving platters. If you have the budget, we like to complement a neutral serving dish with some color and maybe even some mood lighting. Throw in a perfectly packaged candle in a scent like saffron or cardamom for that extra ambiance.

A Cast Iron Pan

Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Buy on Amazon

Every home should have at least one cast iron pan. They're affordable, durable, and great for a wide range of applications, from searing steaks to baking and serving dessert. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation about cast iron pans out there that can make them seem overly daunting and high-maintenance (spoiler: yes you can wash them with soap!). If your giftee is feeling stressed about caring for their new piece of equipment, just send them the basics of cast-iron care to quell all their fears. If they're still in doubt, this unbelievably rich chocolate skillet cake should convince them to embrace cast iron in all its glory.

A Wok

Joyce Chen Carbon Steel Wok

Buy on Amazon

This carbon steel wok, which features a flat bottom designed to work on Western stoves, isn't just a gateway to the stir-fry recipes for which woks are best known. It's also a great vessel for steaming, deep-frying, and indoor smoking, too.

If you want to achieve that signature smoky wok hei at home, you might want to throw in a torch, too. (Carefully, of course.)

A Great Chef's Knife

Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef's Knife

Buy on Amazon

In our quest to discover the best chef's knives, we found that not all good knives need to be super expensive. There are plenty that will help you slice and dice like a pro that are also extremely affordable, like this Western-style chef's knife from Mercer Culinary. Pair the knife with a handsome magnetic rack for easy access and safe storage.

Killer Condiments and Sauces

Blank Slate Kitchen Sichuan Chili Oil

Buy on Amazon

While we often prefer to make our own condiments—like XO sauce and chili crisp—we wouldn't turn our noses up at purchasing good-quality ones that'll save us time and energy. Take colatura, for example, Italy's answer to fish sauce. It'll serve you well for Sasha's spaghetti con la colatura di alici and any other recipe needing a salty, savory bite.

We also are loving this tomato concentrate from Gustiamo. It'll amp up any pasta dish with rich, punchy umami flavor. A little bit goes a long way to making every meal more delicious.

For heat seekers, try Blank Slate Chili Oil (a quicker, no-fuss chili crisp) or Shaquanda's hot sauce (which you can learn all about here, and put to use in a few burger recipes).

All of these condiments and sauces will add vibrancy to anything you're making—and they make excellent and affordable gifts that'll last a lifetime in the fridge, though we doubt they'll actually last that long.

Fragrant Oils and Extracts

La Tourangelle Roasted Hazelnut Oil

Buy on Amazon

If you know a budding baker, baking wizard Stella wrote a whole post about oils, extracts, and waters that can give a little extra life to classic desserts. A few drops of hazelnut oil, for example, will bring an extra-rich, nutty flavor to homemade Nutella.

Tweezers

Mercer Culinary Fine-Tip Tweezers

Buy on Amazon

Tweezers are incredibly useful in the kitchen, whether you're twirling pasta, flipping meat, or even getting a bit of eggshell out of a bowl of batter. Both the large and fine-tipped versions are also very affordable. Pick up a pair for under $13 and slide them right into stockings for a gift that is as nerdy as it is functional.

A Salt Cellar or Pig

Zero Japan Salt Box

Buy on Amazon

One of the primary differences between an okay cook and a good cook is the knowledge of how to season food adequately. And, because salt is the seasoning every cook relies on most heavily, the first step toward this goal is ensuring easy access. If you've ever watched a family member reach for a little saltshaker while cooking—then spend way too much time agitating it up and down, squinting to see the tiny grains as they tumble out—get that person a salt pig or cellar, stat. These wide-mouthed vessels allow you to apply salt the way it should be applied: in big pinches, which you can then toss straight into your pasta water or sprinkle between your fingers onto a roast in a careful, controlled manner. (For a more detailed argument for this handy tool, read Daniel's impassioned plea.)

Something Sweet

Sol Cacao 72% Madagascar Chocolate

Buy on Solcacao.com

You can never go wrong with chocolate. But instead of getting those grocery store boxes of questionable old truffles, upgrade to small-batch brands that care about the process, like Sol Cacao. Sol Cacao operates out of the Bronx and was founded by three brothers from Trinidad and Tobago. They grew up surrounded by cacao trees, often enjoying chocolate that they picked and made for themselves. Now, they offer single-origin bars with beans from Madagascar, Peru, and Ecuador (wrapped in lovely packaging to boot). Made simply of cacao beans and raw cane sugar, these bars are deeply flavorful with nuances like plum, raisins, and honeydew. They're the ideal gift for anyone who values ending a long day with a really good bar of chocolate. (Which might just be everyone.)

A Chef's Press

The Chef's Press 8-Ounce Chef's Press

Buy on Thechefspress.com

We've written about why Chef's Presses are the best. Use one (or stack a few) for a perfect sear on your chops, a bubbly brown quesadilla, or an oozing grilled cheese. They make for a gloriously functional gift, and they're so affordable, you might even consider throwing in some bacon a beef tenderloin to go along with it.

An Inexpensive Espresso Alternative

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker

Buy on Amazon

If fancy espresso machines aren't realistic for your price range (join the club!), that's okay. We have an affordable solution: the moka pot. You can plop this handy percolating device right on your stove for very good, very strong coffee whenever you need it. You can use any kind of roast you like; just make sure to use coffee that's ground finer than drip coffee but a bit courser than a typical espresso grind. Once you have your cup, get fancy like our Assistant Social Media Editor, Yasmine, by warming up some milk, frothing it, and plopping it right on top.

A French Press

Espro French Press Everyday P3

Buy on Amazon

A French press is a simple and quick way to brew coffee—not to mention it takes up much less space on your countertop than a bulky drip coffee machine. The process of pouring hot water over coarsely ground coffee, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then pressing down produces a brew that’s beautifully bold and heavy. A French press is also a great option for those who enjoy camping, as it can pack easily and brew on the go.

A Cold Brew Coffee Maker

OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Buy on Amazon

Cold brew may seem like a complicated process that’s best left to the pros and picked up at your local coffee shop, but it’s actually incredibly simple to make at home. The method is practically foolproof, and the real coffee aficionado in your life will get a kick out of making their own cold brew at home.

A Handy Dandy Milk Frother

Golde Superwhisk

Buy on Golde.co

Maybe you know someone who’s looking to cut their spending on Starbucks—that’s where a milk frother comes in. It can take a cup of coffee with milk to a cafe-worthy latte in a matter of seconds. The handheld option is easy to use and store, making it an ideal stocking stuffer.

A Travel Mug

Stanley Legacy Quadvac Trigger-Action Mug

Buy on Amazon

A leak from a travel mug or a sip of lukewarm coffee is the easiest way to spoil someone’s whole day. Make sure your loved ones who are headed back to the office are armed with the best—a travel mug that keeps liquids hot or cold, is easy to sip from, and fits perfectly in their car’s cup holder.

A Reliable Toaster

Cuisinart CPT-142 4-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster

Buy on Amazon

There’s nothing better than a golden piece of toast or a perfectly browned bagel to start off the day. A toaster is an essential piece of kitchen equipment, and our winning models are space savers that both clock in at under $50. If your giftee is often in charge of breakfast duty, the 4-slot option is the way to go. For a more affordable toaster for simpler mornings, opt for a two-slice model like this one.

A Wine Opener (and Saver)

Vacu Vin Wine Opener and Wine Saver Pump

Buy on Amazon

Our Senior Editorial Director, Tess Koman, is a fan of this gadget. The wine opener works well, but the star of this gift set show is the saver and two vacuum bottle stoppers. "They're seamless, easy to clean, and preserve quality seemingly very well," Koman says.