Need to find the perfect gift for the outdoor chef in your life? Our Go {Cook} Ambassador Jimmy Kennedy recommends some of his favorites.
Grizzly Cooler
A good cooler is one of the most important things for anyone who spends time in the outdoors, and especially for the outdoor cook. For a fisherman packing a fresh catch off the water, a hunter bringing fresh game to the table, families going to camp for the weekend or any other reason a cooler is needed, the Grizzly will get the job done and then some. Grizzly coolers aren’t only bear-proof; they protect against the heat of the sun, as well. All Grizzly coolers have gone through extensive testing to make sure they hold ice the longest and in the most extreme conditions. Grizzly coolers are available in eight sizes and a variety of colors in the hard-sided lineup . They can also be customized for that truly special gift. Grizzlycoolers.com; $149.99-$849.99
MiniMax Big Green Egg
The MiniMax Big Green Egg is proof that big things come in small packages and will even fit under the Christmas tree. The MiniMax is perfect for camping, tailgating, picnics or just keeping in the backyard for everyday use. The MiniMax is built to perform and is ready to travel or just stay close to home. Big Green Eggs have a loyal and devoted following, and for good reason. The Eggs can serve as a grill, oven, smoker or roaster and are engineered to be stronger and more durable and provide better heat retention than any other outdoor cooker on the market.
The MiniMax has a stainless-steel cooking grid measuring 13 inches in diameter for a whopping 133 square inches of cooking area — all within a convenient 19.5 inch height. The MiniMax is constructed from the same ultrahigh-quality ceramics as the other six Egg sizes and comes with the same best-in-class limited lifetime warranty. Biggreenegg.com; $628
Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron
Every outdoor chef needs a good apron, and the Waxman is the one you are looking for. It’s made from an all-natural, water-resistant canvas that is supertough but comfortable and stylish. Because of the natural properties of the canvas, the apron will, over time, develop a one-of-a-kind, leather-like patina that will personalize the apron and make it even more special. The Waxman features soft, reinforced leather straps, a seamless chest pocket and square lap pockets with rivets. It comes in four colors, including woodland camo. Hedleyandbenett.com; $120
Lodge Cast Iron Classic Cast-Iron Skillet
It would be very difficult to not include a cast-iron pan in any conversation about cooking outdoors. A well-seasoned cast-iron pan will serve the outdoor cook and his or her family well for a lifetime and then some. The Classic is preseasoned, and you can use it for just about everything — to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry or grill. Use it in the oven or on the stove, induction tops, grill or campfire. The Lodge Cast Iron Classic comes in nine sizes and ranges in price according to size. They’re all more than worth the money and are sure to find plenty of use inside as well as out. Lodgecastiron.com; $6.95-$54.95
MAC MTH-80 Kitchen Knife
Give the gift that would give pause and delight to any chef or cook. MAC’s slogan is “The World’s Sharpest Knives,” and they do a great job of living up to that claim. The MTH-80 sports an 8-inch blade and many features of their Professional series, with a thin, 2.5 mm blade and bolster that allows the knife to easily cut, slice, dice, mince or chop any food on the cutting board. Few tools will give the outdoor chef more use than a good, sharp knife, and this one has won many awards and high reviews, including “top pick” by Buzzfeed and Epicurious, just to name a couple. As serious knives go, the MTH-80 is reasonably priced, and with proper care and maintenance, it will provide many, many years of cooking happiness. MACknife.com; $175
Looft Lighter
A great alternative to a charcoal chimney or lighter fluid, the Looft Lighter will get your grill started without any CO2 or toxic chemical emissions. Using superheated air, the Looft Lighter reaches a temperature of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, then uses an internal fan to boost the fire to a blaze, all in just 60 seconds . It works on briquettes, charcoal or logs. The Looft Lighter I is corded and great for use at home, while the Looft Lighter X is battery-powered, which is perfect for camping trips or tailgating. Looft.com; $69.99 (Looft Lighter I), $299.99 (Looft Lighter X)
Rapala Folding Fillet Board
As any outdoor cook knows, having a nice, clean place to cut and prep is very important and something that we always need more of. This is one of those simple tools you’ll find you can’t cook outside without, and you’ll wonder what you did previously.
Simple in design and brilliant in function, this cutting board folds for compact storage and transport, then opens for a USDA- and FDA-approved cutting surface for filleting, slicing and dicing. It’s a perfect choice for fishing, hunting, the kitchen and camping. The cutting board comes in two sizes, a 12- x 23-inch version that folds to 12 x 12 and a larger version, 16- x 31-inches, that folds to 16 x 16. Rapala.com; $25.89-$38.99
Breeo Outpost 24 Grill With Bag
If you’re looking for a gift for the outdoor cook who enjoys cooking over a campfire or firepit, this is the gift you’re looking for. The Breeo Outpost is a very portable yet large, incredibly sturdy and adjustable grill. The Outpost uses the grill post to secure an anchor (Anchorpoint System) into the ground around a campfire or pit. The fully adjustable grill is then attached, giving you a very stable grilling surface that can be rotated, raised or lowered for total control during cooking or for serving. The grate, post and Anchorpoint come with a bag that can be stored flat for easy transport. Campfire cooking isn’t always feasible, but if it is, this is the way to go. Breoo.co; $200
CHARD Stainless Steel 8 Tray Dehydrator
Preserving foods is a popular way to enjoy some of your favorite snacks all year long. Whether it’s game harvest in the fall, fresh fish caught in the spring or homegrown vegetables from the garden, a dehydrator will produce some of the most delicious treats you and your family will enjoy all year. The CHARD Stainless Steel 8 Tray Dehydrator makes it easy to control the temperature and time with the LED control and, with 1,300 square inches of drying space, it’s convenient for small and large batches. Easily view your food throughout the drying process with the clear, tempered glass magnetic closed door and, with its nonstick drop sheet, the cleanup process is quick and fast. Chardproducts.com; $229.99
Thermoworks ThermaPop Thermometer
A good thermometer is a key tool every outdoor chef needs. The ThermaPop pocket thermometer is simple to use and gives a quick reading in just 3 to 4 seconds. With a large, backlit display, it’s easy to read at the grill or over a campfire, and its molded-in seals and buttons make it splash proof and durable. The Thermoworks Thermapop thermometer has switchable temperature settings, with a temperature range of -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 to 300-degrees Celsius), and has a lithium battery life of 5,000 hours. Thermoworks.com; $35
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
Similar to the dehydrator, a vacuum sealer will keep your foods preserved for future enjoyment. With three settings, the Nesco Deluxe Vacuum Sealer has you covered for dry and moist foods. Choose from normal or gentle vacuum pressure to ensure the perfect amount of air extraction for whatever you choose to store. Whether you are processing wild game, storing freshly caught fish or large batches of pasta sauce or other preservatives, the double heat seal will provide strength and stability when sealing liquid or moist foods. The sealer can accommodate bags up to 11.8 inches wide, which allows for versatile use depending on the size and need of your seal. The sealer has built-in roll storage and a built-in bag cutter for even more convenience. Nesco.com; $132.99
