When I call my dad on the phone, he’s guaranteed to be doing one of three things: Cooking an elaborate dinner, arguing with my mom about what’s for dinner, or watching a food show.
We’re the ultimate foodie family. For us, cooking is so much more than just food: It’s a bonding activity that comes straight from the heart. Baking bread until 2 a.m. with my grandpa, my aunt teaching me how to make the best matzah balls, Dad showing me how to grill the perfect steak… the list goes on and on.
So finding the right cooking gift for my chef-of-a-father on Father’s Day is especially hard. It has to be surprising, unique, useful — and something he doesn’t already own.
Here, we’ve rounded up some great cooking gadgets that’ll make any dad feel like a true master chef right in his own kitchen.
Our top 10 cooking gifts & gadgets for Dad on Father’s Day
Our editors & writers only recommend products that we think are awesome and you’ll love. We do occasionally use affiliate links, which means that we may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
1) Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set
Any home chef will tell you how essential a good knife set is. This affordable Cuisinart knife set comes with 15 pieces to fill all his chopping needs. Not only that, they’re stainless steel and carry a lifetime warranty.
2) “Stand Back, Dad Cooking” apron
This funny (and manly!) apron is a good fit for the dad who always gets a little too messy in the kitchen. It even has three large pockets to store all his tools while he gets down to business.
3) Weber Universal Stainless Steel Smoker Box
Help Dad be the ultimate grillmaster with this easy-to-use stainless steel smoker box — a fantastic cooking gift. He just has to put wood chips in the box and place it under the grill gates to add a delicious smoky flavor to all his favorite grilled meals.
4) ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer for Dad
Take all the guesswork out of cooking with this Dad-approved digital meat thermometer. This one’s especially fancy: Dad can receive the temperature reading on the included mobile receiver from 300 feet away … so no excuses for burnt chicken this year.
MORE: Fitness gifts for the dad who wants to be the next American Ninja Warrior
5) Dad’s Own Cookbook
Since this cooking gift book details everything from handling a knife properly to shopping for the ultimate meal, this guide “replaces intimidation with pleasure,” so he can become the best cook in the family!
6) George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
The weather will never stop your grillmaster father again! This indoor/outdoor grill is fully electric, so he gets high-quality grilling without charcoal and propane. With this 15-serving size, he’ll be able to grill the fam’s favorites all year round!
7) NoCry Cut-Resistant Gloves
Keep your daddy’s fingers safe while he’s working with a mandoline slicer, knife, cheese grater, or peeler with these handy cut-resistant gloves. No cooking-related trips to the ER in this house!
8) Flippin Love You Flippin Awesome BBQ Spatula
This gift reminds Dad how flippin’ awesome he is to you. The engraved message on the handle can even be personalized with your special name for him, making this a unique gift he can’t find anywhere else.
9) Le Creuset Signature Skillet
Every dad needs a cast iron skillet to fry up some yummy eggs and bacon on Sunday morning. This one’s a great investment because it doesn’t need to be seasoned, lasts forever, and can be used on the stovetop, grill and oven.
10) A personalized cutting board for dad on Father’s Day
This stylish cutting board is completely customizable. You pick the type of wood, style of board, and engraved message for your dad.