There are so many overplayed, typical gifts for dads on Father’s Day: the tie, the pair of socks, the shaving kit, the subscription box to his favourite “thing.” There are only so many hot sauces and shaving accessories dad can use! This year might just be the one to think outside the box. Get dad something that suits a completely different hobby that might often go overlooked: cooking or baking. And you can do that with a thoughtful gift of a small appliance. He’ll be able to use and enjoy it over and over again, all year ’round and beyond.
Dad might already use a variety of small appliances in the kitchen. But chances are at least one of them is old and outdated. You can replace it with something new to surprise him. Or, if there’s a small appliance he has mentioned wanting or that you think he might love, it might be worth considering adding something new.
Help him experiment with healthier fried foods
If dad loves to both fry up a storm and is looking to adopt healthier eating habits (or you simply care about him and wish he would care a bit more about what he eats!) an air fryer is a perfect gift. Dad will love the opportunity to experiment with everything from homemade chicken nuggets to fish and chips, chicken wings, spring rolls, and more. Even if dad’s kitchen skills are limited to reheating and popping frozen foods in the oven, he will appreciate just how much easier an air fryer makes this process. After getting one myself, my husband, who is an occasional cook, has become completely hooked on the concept. Read our air fryer buying guide to help you choose the right model.
Small appliances for sauces, dips, smoothies, and more
Some dads love to play around with making their own sauces and dips. It might be to serve with appetizers and snacks while watching the big game with buddies. Or maybe the dad who loves to barbecue is trying his own custom sauces for ribs on the smoker or wings on the barbecue. There are small appliances that can help make things easier for him.
An immersion blender is perfect for making sauces and dips. They are also good for blending things like homemade soup and homemade tomato sauce. Grab one with variable speed options and plenty of accessories and attachments. This way, dad can try it with different things. He might whip cream for a knockout dessert or smooth out pasta sauce to jar and gift to friends and family.
For me, I have absolutely fallen in love with my new food processor for making a homemade edamame and kale dip. The process, from mixing to clean-up, is effortless, something any dad will appreciate. In no time, he’ll be using it for much more than dips. A food processor can be used to slice and dice vegetables, for example, or even grate cheese for Taco Tuesdays. See the food processor buying guide to learn what features and attachments to look for based on what you think dad might want to do with one.
Dads who are on a health kick are more likely than not becoming obsessed with health smoothies and protein shakes. If you want to help dad really up his game and make complex smoothies at home, consider a full-sized blender. Not only are these great for smoothies, but for all of his blending needs. Learn the difference between a blender and a juicer and all about different features you can get with blenders, from built-in heating to dual-function as juicers, in the blender and juicers buying guide.
For dads who are on-the-go, a personal blender might be a cool option. Some come with a takeaway blending cup with lid so dad can make his protein shake or smoothie, pop on the lid, and go. It minimizes clean-up, something any dad (or anyone, for that matter) can appreciate. And they won’t take up as much room on the kitchen counter as a full-sized blender, great for smaller kitchens with minimal space.
For the dad who doesn’t cook
Not every dad loves to cook. Some dads just don’t count cooking among their skillsets. But maybe what they can do is make a mean cup of coffee. If so, you can cater to their love of java with a fancy coffee or espresso machine. Get dad the machine with a milk frother (if it doesn’t already come bundled with one) and grab a bag or two of fresh coffee beans to go with it. Make sure the machine has a built-in grinder or grab him a coffee grinder to go with it as well to complete the experience.
Go all out and make it a full gift basket with flavoured syrups as well. Dad will be experimenting and learning how to make the best cup of coffee. He’ll also be making cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more until he declares himself the family’s certified at-home barista. Caramel vanilla macchiato with a double-shot of espresso and made with oat milk? Coming right up!
Get a small appliance for the dad who’s still learning
Not every dad is a veteran cook. Some dads are still learning the ropes and picking up cooking and/or baking as a hobby. In these instances, it’s a good idea to get a small appliance that can help ease them into things.
A multicooker or pressure cooker is an obvious choice as dad can use them to try a variety of recipes, from those that need to be slow cooked to ones that need to cook under high pressure. For the ultimate in versatility, I always recommend the Instant Pot, which is a favourite in my kitchen. My husband loves making quick and easy chicken dinners in it, or steaming corn or even pierogies for a quick lunch or side dish. Not sure which model would be best for dad? Read through our Instant Pot buying guide that compares and contrasts the features and functions in the most popular models.
Another thoughtful option is a rice cooker. It’s funny how, even the most skilled home cooks still can’t seem to get stovetop rice right. With a rice cooker, dad can put in the water or stock and rice and let the machine do its thing. He’ll get rice at the perfect consistency for his dish every time. And he can focus all of his attention on perfecting the more complicated proteins or vegetables that are going to go with it.
Something for the outdoor dad
Is dad more skilled on the barbecue and smoker outside than the oven and stovetop inside? Or maybe he just prefers to throw on an apron, light up the grill, and cook under the sun, a cool breeze blowing in his hair. If this is the case, you can cater to his skill and preference with another outdoor small appliance he can use alongside a barbecue and/or smoker. A great option any dad will love? An outdoor pizza oven. After he makes and perfects his first pie, there’s no going back. The take-out bills will all but disappear and dad will be pushing pizza nights at least once a week. Chances are, no one in the family will be complaining, though. Dad can try out different homemade crusts, tweak toppings, and have pizza ready to go in mere minutes.
A small appliance is a gift that keeps on giving
Surprise dad this year with a small appliance for the kitchen that he will truly love and that will keep on giving all year ’round. Dad will not only appreciate what he can do with the perfect small appliance, but the smiles and sighs of delight as the family chows down on his latest creations will be worth every penny.
Visit Best Buy Online to check out a wide selection of small appliances to choose from for dad this Father’s Day.
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