Gifts for the Outdoor Chef

The great Canadian outdoors; delectable scents, hanging out with friends and family, and sharing a delicious meal prepared by your outdoor chef. You know who they are, the ones that go the extra kilometer to keep serving up treats from the grill, the barbecue or campfire – no matter the weather. 

Outdoor chefs brave the elements – and we know, in Canada, they can be extreme - to make their passion come to life. 

Fire up the grill masters, BBQ fanatics and camping enthusiasts in your life this holiday season with quality professional tools they will flip for. If these tools can handle the heat of busy restaurant kitchens, you know they can withstand regular backyard or backwoods feasts. 

Here’s a list of 18 products recommended by the Outdoor Chefs at ChefEquipment.com: 

1.

Lodge | Camp Dutch Oven, Cast Iron

One of the benefits of having an outdoor chef in your life is reaping the delicious rewards no matter where they are. This cast iron camp dutch oven offers amazing heat retention to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise or fry on the grill or over a campfire.

It’s really the gift that keeps on giving.  The bail handle means it can be hung on a tripod (or moved easily from the fire to the table) and the lid can be used as a cooking surface!  It comes with a recipe booklet, maybe flag a couple recipes you wouldn't taste testing. 

2.

Lodge | Fire and Cooking Stand, Cast/Wrought Iron

Bring some style and convenience to the fire pit, even if it's in the backyard, with this fire and cooking stand from Lodge.  It will hold kindling to get the fire started - the form allows great air flow for building fires - then simply leave it there to be in the heat of things and ready to go when the cooking starts!

Used either vertical or horizontal, this cooking stand can be used with most Lodge cast iron cookware sizes (including skillets, grills and griddles).   

3.

Taylor | Leave-In Dial Meat Thermometer

If your outdoor chef loves cooking large roasts and cuts of meat, this thermometer should be in their arsenal.  The time and attention they give to choosing the cut of meat, planning the seasoning and calculating cooking times deserves a close watch and a leave-in thermometer is a great choice. 

The thermometer is able to withstand the heat of the grill and constantly monitor the internal temperature of their creations. It has a simple, easy to read dial and doesn’t need batteries or need to be plugged in. It’s so simple, they may even trust you to check on their creations. 

4.

 

 

SignatureWares | 1/3 Size Food Pan, 24 Gauge Stainless Steel

Food pans, inserts, hotel pans, steam table pans – they have many names, but your outdoor chef will call them convenient. Indispensable in commercial kitchens, these strong, durable and easy to clean pans can roast, bake, poach, prep and store. A great help to creative grillers. 

With various depths and sizes available there’s not much these pans can’t do. They are perfect for safely thawing meat in the fridge (with a cover, of course), marinating veggies or chicken, heating up side dishes on the grill or keeping a sauce warm. Deep food pans can also be flipped over and used to cover cuts of meat that need a rest before slicing - retaining heat and protecting cuts of meat from fingers itching to get a taste.

Remember to get a cover! We have solid or slotted options available. Imperative when working outside to reduce contaminants like bugs, birds, leaves and stray baseballs from the game going on in the side yard. 

5.

Carlisle | 13.75" Heavy-Duty Wood Handle Scraper w/ Tempered Steel Bristles 

Serious grillers are serious about their grills. That means caring and protecting them like a prized possession. This scraper and brush will help them take care of their baby, get into all the nooks and corners, and keep their grills pristine and ready for the next feast.

Designed for safely cleaning hot grills and ovens in busy restaurant kitchens, this scraper brush can handle the mess. 

6.

Vollrath | Hamburger Turner, 7.75" x 3" Blade, Wood Handle 

Burgers fresh off the grill.  Can you taste them?  No matter what type of burgers your outdoor chef creates, this serious hamburger turner will flip them with ease. 

The large sturdy blade easily slides under the bacon infused beef burger or cilantro ginger chicken patties for a smooth effortless turn. The wooden handle keeps their grip cool and comfortable. 

Your outdoor chef will think it’s flipping awesome!  

7.

Crown Verity | EZ-Clean BBQ and Grill Cleaner

If your outdoor chef is passionate about their grill, if they give it the white glove treatment, then trust us, they will be ecstatic to receive this cleaner. Crown Verity builds top-of-the-line, last-a-lifetime grills, so if their name is on the label you know this cleaner is the best.

Maybe wear sunglasses to the next patio party, because their grill is going to shine! 

8.

Carlisle | Sparta 3" Silicone Basting Brush 

Get saucy at the grill with a basting brush built for professionals.  Your outdoor chef can sauce until their heart’s content.  The specially designed silicone bristles grab more sauce and spread better than traditional basing brushes. 

Able to handle the high heat of a grill, this basting brush is stain and odour resistant and has a convenient hook to hang on the side of a pan keeping the handle clean and ready to grab.  Dishwasher safe means easy to clean and ready for the next saucing event. 

9.

Lodge | Cast Iron Skillet

From the kitchen to the grill, a cast iron skillet offers strength and reliability like no other piece of cookware. Plus, it's attractive enough to go directly from barbeque to table. 

Patio parties are a great way to celebrate with friends and family so who wants to be stuck in the kitchen away from the action.  Used to make baked dips, eggs and side dishes or a simple way to manage dietary restrictions (inevitable in big groups), cast iron skillets of various sizes can save the day. 

10.

Vollrath | Kool-Touch Heavy Duty One-Piece Tongs, 16" 

No matter how long your outdoor chef toils over a hot grill, they can keep their cool with these Kool Touch tongs.  The length of these tongs keeps them away from the heat without compromising on having a gentle yet firm grip on the food. When your griller needs to get right into the heat, tongs can protect your hands. 

One piece design makes clean up a breeze.  Colour coding means they can have one set of tongs for each type of protein that hits their grill.  

11.

SignatureWares | Digital Pocket Thermometer

Whether your outdoor chef is new to grilling or well-seasoned, a thermometer is the only way to know for sure if foods are cooked to the correct temperature. 

This classic digital thermometer is compact enough to fit into an apron pocket or chef coat sleeve pocket and simple to use.  A protective sleeve with convenient clip keeps the probe safe and secure, reducing the risk of accidental drops off the deck or onto patio stones. 

12.

Nordic Ware | Cactus Shape Kabob Skewer

Give your grill master a delicate hand with this uniquely shaped skewer. Designed with three flat prongs, one simple turn and three skewers are flipped.  Strong stainless steel constructions means your chef can load up these skewers to create their ultimate outdoor feast.

Dishwasher safe and a great choice for those looking to add more sustainable cooking tools to their arsenal.

13.

Tucker Safety | Burnguard Conventional Oven Mitt, 18"

Durable enough for constant use in a professional kitchen, oven mitts designed for commercial use can take the heat. Up to 450°F, in fact.

Hands stay safe when oven mitts are constructed with a VaporGuard barrier to protect from hot liquids and grease.  Extra durability built into the gusset (between the thumb and forefinger) gives an added layer of protection for your outdoor chef.

They will appreciate the hanging loop for storage and that this oven mitt can be wiped or rinsed clean after use. 

14.

Labell | Utility Cutting Board with Edge Groove, 3/4" Thick, Edge Grain Maple  

Elevate their grill or BBQ game with a cutting board worthy enough to bear their delicious masterpiece. Strong enough to handle prep, beautiful enough for the table, this maple wood cutting board is sure to please. 

Every drop of juice is collected in the edge groove of this board. Maple is a durable wood that resists scratches and cuts.  Its neutral appearance means the food is always the focus and suits most presentation styles. 

Remember to get them some treatment solution to keep their cutting board in prime condition. 

15.

Zwilling | Pro Slicing Knife, Black

Form meets function with a touch of class.  Other than your favourite grill master, this knife will be the star of the show. 

Professional chefs, passionate cooks and BBQ fanatics will adore the well balanced feel of this knife that slices with ease.  A traditionally designed knife boasting a blade that provides superior control and fantastic sharpness gets a modern touch.  

A knife that your backyard chef will proudly use standing at the head of the table to carve their delicious creation. 

16.

Lodge | Kickoff Grill Portable Cast Iron Grill, 12"

If the outdoor food party sometimes goes on the road, to the game, cottage or backwoods, your chef would love to have this portable grill. Constructed using cast iron for superior heat retention (and therefore needing less charcoal), it also comes with removable steel hooks and carrying handles to safely lift and adjust the grill grate.

Your outdoor chef will love the simple airflow adjustment design to dial in the perfect cooking temperature - the grill grate rotates!

Offer to drive for the next adventure and maybe they will offer you a spot to be first in line for food.

17.

Crown Verity | Mobile 30" Gas Grill with Roll Dome, Bun Rack, End Shelves and Cover

 

Droolworthy. This ridiculously beautiful grill will have your outdoor chef jumping for joy and all of their friends and family reaping the delicious benefits. Crown Verity builds their grills to last a generation.  How else can they offer a lifetime warranty on the body and cooking grids?  Both made of stainless steel.

With up to 15,000 BTU of power for each burner, your grill master can and will create perfectly cooked dishes.  This deluxe model come with a roll dome lid, adjustable bun rack, two removable end shelves and a cover to keep their baby in pristine condition.

If your outdoor chef lands on the nice list year after year - give them what they deserve. It will definitely get you on the nice list.

18.

Lodge | Cast Iron Double Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle, 19.5" x 10"

Designed for use on the grill, over a fire, in the oven or on the stove, there is no place this grill or griddle can't help out!  Sure, it can take the heat, but it can even make a statement as a platter for crostini, charcuterie, or grilled pineapple and ginger pound cake skewers.  Guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Lodge has been crafting cast iron cookware for over a century.  Trusted by chefs and cooks for their durability and versatility, Lodge also pays attention to the details.  This uniquely designed piece has angled handles making it easy to pick up whether your grill master is using the grill or the griddle side, a drip tray (on both sides) keeps unwanted fats and juices away from cooking food and the cast iron construction offers incredible heat retention.