What color and size of Le Creuset is worth the investment? Which nonstick pan won’t die within a year? How about the best chef’s knife for my nephew? This time of year, I get lots of texts asking for specific recs for cooking tools. I cut through the fat — I don’t believe in big cookware sets, which are so often an upsell. As my chef from school always said, you really only need a big knife, a small knife, and a bread knife. And I’m deeply suspicious of counter-cluttering trends, so if you’re looking for an excuse to buy an Air Fryer, this isn’t the gift guide for you. Rather, these are the cooking tools that I’ve personally bought for my brothers, recommended to my friends, and reach for my own kitchen. Happy roasting season.