A Gift Guide To Make Cooking Easier For The Struggle Chef In Your Life

Source: Kmatta / Getty

If the holidays remind us of anything, it’s that it’s a time of pressure for people who like to cook and even for those who don’t. From Friendsgivings to family Thanksgiving and small Christmas gatherings, so many events near the end of the year involve and surround food. Good food or bust.

Some people are natural chefs. They have recipes saved that belonged to their grandmothers and they can whip up an impressive meal like it’s no big deal. When they bring a dish for any gathering, they’re confident in the fact that everyone will want to dig in.

Then there are those who are struggle chefs. They didn’t bring anything on Thanksgiving because they know good and well it would just sit (and who wants to end up in their feelings over something like that on a holiday?). They try to cook something that’s “simple” and it still goes to hell in a hand basket.

But we’re firm believers that anybody can cook, there are just some who need a little more help. With that in mind, we put together a gift guide with a few products and appliances that make cooking easier and much, much faster. Impressing friends and family will be more likely this time next year (especially if we’re past COVID) with the assistance of these kitchen must-haves.

Source: Our Place / Always Pan

The Always Pan

If you’ve been on Instagram or YouTube for more than a few minutes, there’s a chance that you’ve probably run across an ad for Our Place’s Always Pan. It’s lauded as the pan that you can do just about anything with. It will help clear out cabinets filled with clunker pots and pans that you bought back in college. The Always Pan helps you to fry, saute, steam, make sauces, braise, sear, saute, boil and just be a darn good non-stick pan if nothing else. On top of that, it comes with its own spatula, spoon rest and steamer basket. It’s made of tough aluminum for an even heat, has a pour spout and is lightweight enough for you to carry from the stove to the table. Whatever your struggle chef throws in there, they’ll have a hard time burning up. The pan generally sells for $145 but is currently on sale for $95.

Source: Instant Pot / Instant Brands

The Instant Pot Duo

The Instant Pot pressure cooker and multicooker is popular for good reason. We personally love it because you can make whatever tickles your fancy: rice, stews, yogurts, chili, potatoes and more. Throw the ingredients in it, some seasoning, and then walk away and let it cook. Not only will it cook well, but it will cook fast. The Duo model comes in three different sizes depending on who your struggle chef plans to cook for: a 3, 6 and 8 quart. There are also “Smart Programs” to help those who own it figure out the best ways to cook their meals of choice with the press of a button. The Instant Pot Duo sells, depending on quart size, for $59-99.99.

Source: Hamilton Beach / HB

Hamilton Beach 2-8 Cup Rice Cooker

Okay, so admittedly, rice can be tricky to cook. Sometimes it comes out too firm, and other times it comes out too mushy. To get it to come out perfectly takes just the right amount of time, but a struggle chef doesn’t have enough time to try and figure that out. Make things easier for them with this very helpful and simple rice cooker from Hamilton Beach. It’s compact in size to throw in a corner in the kitchen and cooks rice in true chef’s kiss fashion each and every time. Your loved one won’t be able to mess up this batch of rice with the cooker’s simple one-touch operation. It comes with a rice rinser/steam basket, measuring cup and rice paddle. It’s helpful and relatively cheap, selling for around $29.99 at your favorite retailers.

Source: Proctor Silex / NACCO Industries, Inc.

Proctor Silex 1.5 Liter Air Fryer

By now, you’ve probably heard somebody rave about the air fryer in their life. They fry things faster and healthier, from your favorite fish, fries, homemade chips, veggies and meats. This particular model, the Proctor Silex 1.5 Liter Air Fryer, has hundreds of great reviews, probably because it makes the process of frying much simpler and with a lot less mess (because there’s a lot less oil being used, if any). Easy cleanup, easy handling (there’s a cool-touch handle) and easy dinner with 1-2 servings for your struggle chef and a special someone. Another affordable but effective appliance, this Proctor Silex model sells for around $49.99.