Gifts for Foodies

Kitchen gadgets and appliances can make great gifts. But do not go shopping blindly, arm yourself with some ideas from the experts at Consumer Reports.

"We test hundreds of kitchen appliances every year and we have a gift to fit a chef of any skill level," said Consumer Reports Home Editor Paul Hope.

First, how about a gift that replaces several appliances?

The seven in one Instant Pot is a great option for someone who loves to cook as much as someone who just wants to make an easy one-pot meal. It is seven functions can make large batches of yogurt, perfectly cooked brown rice, fall off the bone slow cooked meals and tender ribs. It costs $99.

Even the most basic chef will find the $260 Cuisinart Toaster Oven very easy to use. It offers a convection setting, comes with an extra rack and pizza stone and delivers whether you are broiling or baking.

If your chef has all the basics why not give something the pro's use -- a Sous Vide appliance.

"Sous Vide cooking is a process where you vacuum seal foods and cook them in a hot water bath. It lets you cook through foods to a perfect internal temperature without overcooking them."

The $199 Joule has an app but must be controlled by your smartphone. The $149 Anova can be controlled by your phone or keep it simple and manually set temperature and press go.

"The Sous Vide appliances we tested had different features but we liked the results from both as long as you follow the directions."

Whichever one you choose is sure to deliver tasty results.