10 Budget friendly gifts for the burgeoning home cook

[@coconutoil1614]

This looks like a good gift for my mom's son

[@suyashbhosale]

you mean your brother XD

[@ffwast]

Wait a second

[@max-junes2790]

@@suyashbhosale or himself

[@marcellkovacs5452]

@@max-junes2790 r/whoosh

[@sudo3915]

@@marcellkovacs5452 I don’t see how that a whoosh

[@spinakker14]

Beware of getting whetstones! Ever since I have them, I have an urge to sharpen my knives as soon as I feel they cut a bit slower, and whenever I'm at a friend's house I check their knives and start raving about whetstone sharpening

[@JapethSierra]

Yep, everytime I have time I sharpen a cheap knife, just because I want to do the process, I also have a decent knife that I sharpen every 2 weeks

[@michaelfranciotti3900]

The good thing about sharpening knives often, is that they need less strokes and time on the stone.

[@elyssatruman1292]

How did you learn to use it? Because I’m struggling

[@thambidave]

Next up, 10 gifts for the BLUDGEONING HOME COOK

[@Anewevisual]

Number 1: 10 lb whetstone

[@pizdamatii5001]

meat tenderizer mallet :)

[@deadfr0g]

A good, sturdy rolling pin

[@thisuniquechica]

Ethan’s cutting board

[@magnusnordstrom3927]

A sword, because knives are too dainty.

[@BNiche]

Disappointed that the deli containers weren't featured! My wife bought them for us after your videos and they have been a game changer for storage and preparation. And yes, cheap as well.

[@EmilyAliceTempest]

Do you have a link perhaps?

[@samuraistabber]

@@EmilyAliceTempest Just google heavy duty deli containers.

[@JessacaRedd]

Same here I love mine, I even reorganized my kitchen and maximized my storage by moving products to smaller containers. Love love love mine.

[@etherdog]

Good basic list, Ethan. Nothing to quibble about here. Your point about going to a restaurant supply shop is worth reinforcing because they generally have fairly good quality at a good price, and the items are standardized (not to mention that most items are NSF certified). Stuff like parchment paper, tongs, sheet trays, hotel pans, storage containers, organization tools, and so much more.

[@mightywaffle51]

Personal list: 1. A good chef knife. (Victorinox makes a great one for like 40 bucks.) 2. A good stainless steel 10" pan (Cuisinart makes a great one, even Calphalon has an affordable one as well.) 3. Stock pot. Probably 6 quart. (Again Cuisinart, or loathe as I am to admit, Rachel Ray's is actually great and cheap.) 4. Bench scraper. Buy a bench scraper. Use the bench scraper. Be happy about your bench scraper. Bench. Scraper. (They're like 10 bucks just pick one, some even have rulers on them.) 5. Sheet pan with rack. (40ish bucks) 6. Digi thermometer. (Don't go crazy with 8 prongs and wifi and yadda yadda. 10 bucks.) 7. Basic utensils. (You can get some crazy 30 piece sets for maybe 25 to 30 bucks and they'll be fine for a while.) 12ish years in the restaurant business and I feel like as long as I have these, I'm good to go. Anything else would be nice but not really mandatory; things like a microplane or the food processor. I think if you're hard pressed to pick one or the other, I'd go for a quality blender first before the processor. Immersion blenders are great fun, and as soon as you can get a cast iron skillet and dutch oven. Honestly after that just try and avoid one trick ponies like those obnoxious pulled pork knuckle things.

[@werox2045]

what do you think of whetstones? I mean they give you the edge /s. (didn't added it because you can pay someone else and/or is unimportant? or did you perhaps forgot about them?)

[@mattshadow81]

I love this dude. He's the kinda youtuber I aim to find. You're perfect Ethan, thanks bro

[@David_T]

I would go with a stick (immersion) blender before going to a small food processor. Stick blenders will do as much as a small food processor but cuts way down on the clean up.

[@Shadeadder]

Split the difference and get the Kitchenaid stick blender! It has an immersion blender, mini food processor, and whisk attachment.

[@mythbusta52]

I use my thermopop all the time. For anything that's big and takes longer I use a thermopro wireless thermometer. I use it on my grill to monitor the temp inside and my meats temp top.

[@priayief]

In my kitchen, I think I have some version of everything you mentioned. Great gift suggestions ... but ... I wouldn't dare give anyone any kind of sharpening stone unless they specifically expressed an interest in sharpening their own knives (which I love doing). I hate dull knives and I'm often appalled by the dull knives that friends and family are using. On occasion, when I sharpen their knives, they are shocked by the difference between dull and sharp. I've found most people just don't want to bother, even though they appreciate a sharp knife. Best gift for the? A gift certificate for a local knife sharpener. Cheers and thanks for posting.

[@josemartinhalle7923]

The magnetic kitchen organizer is the BEST!!!! Love having it close to the stove.

[@Abdullah34610]

Imagine being gifted salt. I'd be salty.

[@Vendzor]

I'd be ecstatic, I'm accustomed to the cheapo brand salt and would love to try Ethan's pick or something a bit more quality.

[@yun8996]

I would absolutely love getting maldon for christmas...Mordons would be great too

[@Vendzor]

@@yun8996 You and me both!

[@marcya4428]

@@Vendzor id appreciate someone spending more than $3 on me if they're going to bother buying me something from a store though lol

[@stephenasunnamedsource2943]

If someone bought me the flaky salt Josh uses I'd be beyond happy 😂😂😂

[@petervan1353]

Can you move the cast iron care/curing vid more forward? And tips and tricks on restoring cast iron! Would be highly appreciated!!!

[@laurentaubin435]

A vinegar/water bath followed by some scrubbing should be more than enough to remove all the rust on an old and uncared for pan. There are a lot of good videos on KZbin on that process if you're interested !

[@osmrrdgz]

@Peter not that I wouldn’t like for him to do a video about that, but I really would love to see him do the video on what he said, cast iron care. There’s plenty of awesome videos on restoring cast iron. Brad from Bon Appetit and Joshua Weissman have really good videos. And Brad’s is very short and to the point

[@thechiligarlicchannel1095]

I love using my digital thermometer. No more guessing. I think out of all things, this is probably the most crucial to have when cooking meat. 👍👌

[@Mir_Teiwaz]

I bought a blender that came with a food processor attachment and that has worked out pretty well for what I use it for. If you don't already have a blender, you might consider going that route.

[@VoodooViking]

I have a 70+ year old griddle that was in a barn for 20+ years. Had to sand it down to bare steel and restart the seasoning on it. But it’s the single best thing I have in my kitchen. Along with my 40 year old cast iron skillet with a lid. And my Le Crueset Dutch ove

[@nuri2125]

Personal preference for a starter knife is victorinox. Haven't tried many others tho

[@jacquesyoung1181]

that griddle works great if you have the oval burner. if you have an electric stove it is useless you get 2 hot spots and and cold spots in the center and edges

[@wolfingitdown2047]

I can easily say that a quality chef knife changed the game for me when I started cooking. Also, knife skills are a great way to show off while cooking for a date ;)

[@wolfingitdown2047]

@@madthumbs1564 oh I'm a huge knife nerd. I definitely recommend German steel to home cooks because they are far less difficult to maintain and can take a beating. The only time I recommend Japanese knives to someone is if they feel they are lacking precision or want to learn to whetstone sharpen and care for a work of art. I think that gifting a Wusthof isn't a half bad idea, however.

[@Scheeringiscaring]

@@madthumbs1564 you do realize most professional cooks scrape the board with the blade side because it‘s too much of a hassle to turn it upside down just to scrape together all your cut up produce? I do the same, my Japanese knives don’t mind a bit and last through a days prep with honing maybe once in between

[@Scheeringiscaring]

@@madthumbs1564 in my opinion the tojiro is an awesome beater knife. I use it for lots of heavy veg prep in the restaurant

[@francoplayzz3549]

I’m 17 right now, and I pray to god that you are still around when I become independent, so I can build the most badass kitchen 😎

[@memeguy6637]

I'm 14 lol even worse for me ur kinda set

[@whirlwind872]

Damn dude I was 17 last week and now I'm 24, it's fucked. Literally feels like I blinked and teleported to the future. Real talk don't be too eager to get older. Savor this time brother, your teens are precious and life is fleeting

[@federicoclaps5099]

Samee

[@liammullen2144]

@@whirlwind872 I'm with you man, I think you're going through a phase everyone goes through. You're becoming an adult, realizing life isn't endless, you can't do everything and you're gonna have to make some hard choices. It's just the shock of childhood ending, it will pass and you will eventually feel relatively young again, like you have a lot of time. Then one day you will feel like time is running out and next thing you know you'll die

[@byefelicia8632]

Badass kitchen? Sounds like a kitchen where drugs will be cooked more than food lol..

[@dv_xl]

A mandolin & box grater are quite useful too, just moved and missing them in my current setup

[@Ninetchka]

Hey Ethan I’m very happy to found your channel, still watching all your videos like a Netflix marathon. Thank you for how clear and informative straight to the point and humble you are. Your tips are helping me so much yo re think and re organize better my kitchen . 😊

[@nikovbn839]

3:42 an absolute value instead of a relative one - the smart, optimal way 👍

[@j_freed]

The simple 2 blade carbide knife sharpener from Lee Valley is great. I’ve used one for close to 15 years and it works a charm to keep a consistent “keen” on the knife edge without excessively wearing it down or reshaping it.

[@jacksonmin2058]

I’m so glad to see a chef that’s popular who is not using diamond crystal. Everyone is obsessed with dc

[@Ykhavari]

The Link to 1000/6000 whetstone takes you to the "Mercer Culinary M22608" Knife

[@EthanChlebowski]

Got it updated!

[@kaylaalbers1153]

Can confirm that the Mercer is a great starter knife! Howeeeever, I only used it for about a year before I craved a change because I got so tired of having to sharpen it every time I used it. It does not retain an edge for crap!

[@FaitMaker]

I can’t say enough about the Meater thermometer. I received it for Christmas last year and use it once a week for spatchcock chicken, pork tenderloins, pot roasts, etc. works great in the oven and Sous vide.

[@stevethea5250]

My rankings of the items:: Knife Salt Kitchen scale 3:40 Mini food processor Whetstone/knife sharpener Thermometers Magnetic knife rack Magnetic fridge organizer Griddle Metal spatula

[@tobibatiste7859]

I got gifted salt last year as a joke... However I loved it!

[@christophermartin7973]

Totally agree with the thermometer I bought the Thermopop and it is fantastic and removed any doubt when cooking to specific temperatures. I love it and use it daily.

[@macfady2181]

Love the Meater+ for BBQ, smoking etc as it displays the ambient air temperature as well. I never trust the appliance thermometer once it's loaded up with food.

[@One_Preacher]

As a former chef, the Tojiro DP series is of massive value

[@KingLumague]

I know the magnet isn't going to wear out anytime soon, but if you store your knives on a magnet strip, have the blade facing down so the handle is catching onto the strip itself.

[@jwmcq]

Ethan, I want you to know that you may have just changed my life by introducing me to the 'magnetic kitchen organiser'. This will be PERFECT for my space.

[@evacornman4771]

I love my boyfriend and will be keeping these in mind for his birthday and as lil treats

[@matheusbatista603]

So nice of you to post this right when Im moving to the US next year :P basically wish listed everything, will hit buy once I arrive there lol

[@MetalRenard]

Thanks for the video. Your passion for cooking is really inspiring me to take my own to the next level. My partner says my cooking is amazing but I find it's inconsistent. I think the thermometer will be a good buy for me.

[@MrRaivokasMagma]

I would say with kitchen scale, touch buttons on top. I have scale, with physical buttons on the side, that require quite a bit of force to press. Works well enough for heavier things, but if small things, you need to grab with other hand to tare.

[@1609Tommi]

A bit late to the party, but a tip a chef gave me and that i'd like to pass on, is to always hang your knifes on a magnetic strip with the handle UP not down. Sometimes a knive can slip or be to heavy for the strip, and when that happens you don't want your hand next to the falling blade. So handle Up not Down.

[@radishman6563]

oh this actually makes a lot of sense. If i ever drop my knife but my hand is above the blade ill thank you

[@kevinobrien7152]

I hope my girlfriend likes the box of salt I got her

[@valvenator]

Don't be such a chepskate. Get at least two!

[@conradbo1]

ha ha ha

[@lrrr9734]

I also hope your girlfriend likes the box of salt I got her

[@danielstrandby3678]

Can't wait to move into my own place and just show my friends and family this video from The Big Chlebowski so they know what to get me as a housewarming gift

[@federicoclaps5099]

S A L T

[@1050cc]

👏👏👏 Heeeeeeeeey.... That's WHY I like watching your channel. Salting the single most important skill !!! Oh YES !!! Yet, so few people know how to do this properly. Often people cook nice things well and then just fall at the last hurdle because they failed to taste, yes taste, and season. It just makes me sad when people do this and then they take you adding salt or suggesting they might add some as negative criticism and it's just a desire to see something good made better ! Thank you 👌👍👊😏

[@Q269]

I highly recommend reading the Manga Toriko.... It's a bit short, but very sweet.

[@bobestrada1]

That's the same magnetic knife block we just bought. Thanks for listing the made in USA one!

[@falxie_]

I love those magnetic knife strips

[@junlinyi4892]

Hey Ethan, great video! Could you make a video on the differences between pan materials like cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, nonstick and your recommendations? And also how to season and maintain pots/pans. Thanks!

[@queeny5613]

Thanks I needed some good chirsmas gift ideas

[@cityboyaz3375]

We have a few cheap knives that came in a knife set with one of those "steel wand"?!?!?! type sharpeners which some of the blades now have actual chips in the blade. I picked up a very cheap 400/1000 whetstone from Harbor Freight and honestly, for being a complete novice going into this I managed to get the majority of the chips out and re-hone the edges. Long story short, your sharpening video was one the ones I watched and I'm glad you published this with links as I've know invested in the whetstones by sharpton. I need to also look into the magnetic fridge organizer because storage space in the condo I live in pretty much doesn't exist. Love your videos and thank you for the kitchen gift suggestions, even when they might be just for myself, LOL :)

[@stevenan93]

just bought every single thing in this video, thanks bro!

[@jennifergeorge7280]

I love my magnetic knife strip. Best.

[@keegan9285]

Thank you very much Paul Felder

[@pjbyrne1997]

The best knife I would recommend for an absolute beginner home cook is a Kiwi Knife. When I was a beginner line cook, having just come off being a Dish Pig, I was given a Kiwi Knife with a wooden handle and seven inch blade by my Sous Chef. The Knife is only about $8 AUD, so they're a good little blade to learn how to use a whetstone and how to handle a knife, you won't get to attached if you make mistakes. Plus they come out of the box with an excellent edge and will cut through just about anything.

[@A-Wa]

my kiwi knife is probably 10 years old. I bought it as a beginner knife but never had the need to upgrade. They peform really good!

[@teedub1990]

A great list though I would consider adding a sheet pan and tongs and only have one thermometer on the list.

[@Koolaidman129]

A cast iron care video would be amazing I’m always worried I’m cleaning mine wrong but I love it so much

[@winmod70]

There are a gajillion cast iron videos out there (pretty much watched them all) but I recommend you start with the Culinary Fanatic and Cowboy Kent Rollins. Pretty much everything you need to know will be covered by those two.

[@OptimistInTheDark]

I have been coveting that cross-hub griddle pan for a number of videos. Last time I had something cast iron it did not go well so, much like a child who wants a hamster, got to prove to myself I can take care of it (and use it enough to justify it!) before taking the plunge.

[@simptrix007]

Oh boy I left my Lodge pan after few seasoning sessions in drawer. Found myself most happy with stainless pans/pots for every day use.

[@chriswhinery925]

On the magnetic knife rack, those are great, but do make sure that you remove and put back knives spine first on those. The "it won't dull your knife like a knife block can" aspect of it is kind of ruined if you're slamming the edge of the knife around on it. Just wanted to add a quick addendum regarding proper use of a very great product.

[@petervan1353]

Am so glad you're using the metric system for your recipes!!!!! So much easier then spoons cups etc... even better if you would use start using Celsius! :-)

[@1Caja]

Had a carrot that rolled too. Only scraped some skin but I was shocked looking at my finger thinking through how much more bad this could've been. Bought a whetstone the next day. Never again... and also cutting way more consciously.

[@GalgenchillerLP]

congratulations bro, you made it

[@dask7428]

Man. Your videos just hit the spot, I might get something for my little brother.

[@klearkhoswashokani1797]

Guy debord

[@dask7428]

@@klearkhoswashokani1797 Camus 👀👀

[@klearkhoswashokani1797]

@@dask7428 i don't like him much anymore, I put up this profile pic like 2 years ago

[@dask7428]

@@klearkhoswashokani1797 Where are you from and what do you study ? I didn't think Debord was that popular outside France and american academic circles ahah

[@klearkhoswashokani1797]

@@dask7428 I'm from Kurdistan, I just started university and I'm studying to be an english teacher. Writers like Debord are pretty familiar with anyone interested in such topics.

[@drakesmith471]

Ahhhh, I have wanted one of these videos from you, thank you for reading my mind.

[@TheErdogan84]

Was considering the Meater thermometer... Trying to justify the price, good to see it in practice!

[@simptrix007]

Almost pulled the trigger until I found out that ThermoPro TP03B perform like the fancy one (except for the waterproofness). For 10-15 USD I cant justify spending more. (Better to put money into kitchen robot saving account)

[@dannabridget517]

The quality of your videos are amazing 💯💯

[@tirtman]

Loved the ginger Ned Flanders look. Diddlydooo neighbour.

[@joelhenderson942]

+1 for a video on cast iron care/tips!!! Keep up the great work on your videos! 👌🏻

[@MosHD100]

Damn good video. Those items are really well considered!!

[@deliciousgroove]

Good ideas, Ethan. I have most of those. But, don't pull your electrical cord out of the socket like that. It will break the wiring.

[@schlammie446]

Tojiro has gone upmarket over the last several years and become more expensive. If saving 15 bucks will make or break it for you, try the Yahiko VG-10 western gyuto instead. Everyone says it's the same quality and finish, and they look nearly identical.

[@eddyk3]

Your old whetstone videos are how I found you way back when.

[@Painkill100]

Really helpful Video! Thank u Ethan! Keep. Up the great work! U became kne of my favorite YotubeChannels in terms of cooking etc. ❤️👍🏻

[@HowToCuisine]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you 😍

[@aidsp2520]

Thank you for using the metric system!!!

[@renatoszfr]

Great video! Really hope you release that cast iron care video soon!

[@andrewhy6469]

I've been waiting for this

[@Jacob-ir6zi]

I have that exact flat top cast iron. It basically lives on my stove top too

[@mrsunn6300]

Ok literally the exact same scenario where I sliced off a tiny piece of my finger when cutting a carrot with a not-so-dull knife 😂 went to the ER and they had to cauterized the wound instead of stitching. Get a sharp knife guys, and try not to cut carrots unless absolutely necessary 😂

[@matgggg55]

Honestly the odd tool I use every time I cook is a dough scraper/cutting thing I use it to move around chopped veggies or anything really that I’m cutting it’s way better then side of a chef knife.

[@markdcmountp]

Fantastic suggestions Ethan! Happy Holidays 👍🏼

[@heliosuh]

You gotta up your salt game Ethan. Please use Maldon salt

[@waltuhwhite9975]

Thank you so much! I am very much looking forward to your cast iron care vid!!!!

[@venom23rage]

Now I just need some friends

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I have almost everything on this list so I am apparently awesome.

[@mq1mq2]

I love the magnetic knife racks but i dont trust my cat to not knock everything down and hurt herself

[@mundanethings208]

lol same

[@retro34]

Your cat? Bro I don't trust the magnet itself to not just drop one right on my foot as I'm placing it or picking it up. Horribly dangerous item that imo really isn't worth it. There's other knife shelfs out there that leave your knife exposed but don't run the risk of hurting yourself.

[@yazilliclick]

@@retro34 Guessing you've never actually used a good one. I know with mine the magnet has such a good grip on the knife I have zero worries of any knife accidentally coming off it.

[@janner2006]

@@retro34 My family has had ours for pretty much as long as I remember and there has never been a mishap before. The only time a knife falls off the rack is when you irresponsibly put a knife on top of another one and pull out the one underneath. Good magnetic strips are no more dangerous than pulling out a knife from a knife block from a bad angle since that can easily knock the entire box down towards you

[@ChefknivestogoVideos]

Hi Ethan, Thanks for the link!

[@jaythehuman1071]

Any cutting board recommendations Mr. Chlebowski?

[@mkphilly]

My old Ninja Food processor/blender kitchen center has a small bowl that fits inside the large bowl so you don't need two appliances

[@immersediguana2326]

Hi! Does the cast iron top work well with electric stoves? Gas stoves/ovens are not commonplace in many countries in Europe (but of course they exist), and installing a gas stove would be too costly and inconvenient.

[@xTechnoWOW]

All great gift ideas!

[@Miguel-ez6sh]

$10 gift idea - a single pod of vanilla

[@awhite3747]

Great idea! Seriously.

[@osruidude929]

The idea of getting a magnetic knife strip with my curious puppy scares the shit outta me. If I get it, It would definitely go over the counter so he can't knock it!

[@lazyyethealthy9230]

I've read somewhere that a magnetic strip dulls knives in the long run

[@loganebeling9023]

Awesome video dude, thanks.

[@chalor182]

So as far as the salt goes, Diamond is nice because it comes in big flakes but you can just crush it in your fingers so you can adjust the grain size on the fly depending on what you're doing.. Mortons is solid crystals and doesn't crumble like that so unless it's getting dissolved you're stuck with one grain size. That said I also use Morton's all the time because stores around me don't reliably carry Diamond.

[@chalor182]

@@madthumbs1564 I mean... ferrocyanide is used as anti caking in Morton's but it doesn't have high enough toxicity to do anything to you. And science/chemistry-wise cyanides don't accumulate in your body or cause cancer or anything, they're only dangerous immediately. So you'd have to eat like a whole box of salt at once for it to ever, ever matter.

[@alexplom5958]

I can't believe this, just recently I got cut on the fingertip with my dull chef's knife while cutting carrots. I can confirm it is not a pleasant experience.

[@mouseymedic]

highly recommend the lodge cast iron griddle!

[@AFN2750]

If you are just starting with sharpening knives, they sell whetstones at the dollar tree in the US

[@bern1228]

I like the idea of a cast iron stove top gridle, but will it work as well with electric burners? Enjoying your content.

[@sharonoddlyenough]

My dad used to work at a foundry and made a big cast iron griddle, it worked great on our electric stove top.

[@bern1228]

@@sharonoddlyenough Thank you Sharon.

[@Klibidibi]

Oh lord please dont pull out the stick contact by the cord! 😱 Love your vids btw, made me start to organize my kitchen ☺

[@troyounce3295]

Give em the ol DP for Christmas

[@devansuyash8901]

Hi Nathan ! It is very informative......