Moving is stressful, and the new kitchen is often the room where the most is missing. Traditionally, people bring bread and salt to a housewarming. If you would like to give something more that will really be used day to day, here are five ideas for the new kitchen – from a cookware set to an espresso machine.
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What do you give for a housewarming? The idea in one sentence
Ideally something every kitchen needs, that lasts and does not take up too much space. Quality kitchen helpers rather than decoration: pots, knives, a roaster or a small appliance for everyday use.
1. Cookware set: the basic equipment for the hob
People who have just moved in often have only a few pots. According to the manufacturer, the WMF Provence Plus cookware set has 5 pieces made of Cromargan stainless steel 18/10 with glass lids, suits induction, gas, electric and glass-ceramic hobs, and is dishwasher-safe. That fits almost any type of cooker. Uncoated stainless steel needs a little fat and some practice when frying so that nothing burns.
Suits: anyone equipping a kitchen from scratch or replacing old pots.
2. Knife block: sharp knives without much effort
The ZWILLING Gourmet knife block is a 7-piece set with scissors in which the knives are sharpened automatically as you pull them out (according to the manufacturer, with built-in ceramic sharpening stones). This keeps the knives in shape day to day; after longer use, proper sharpening can still make sense. Whether a block like this is worth it is explained in our guide Self-sharpening knife block: is it worth it?. The block needs some space on the worktop.
Suits: anyone who likes cooking and wants a complete set from one source.
3. Cast-iron roaster: a pot for life
The Le Creuset Signature roaster (24 cm, 4.2 litres) is suitable for stews, pot roasts, soups and even for baking bread. It suits all types of hob including induction. Cast iron is heavy (about 4.3 kg according to the Amazon listing) but keeps heat for a long time. If you like slow-cooked dishes and want a long-lasting gift, this is a good choice.
Suits: keen home cooks and anyone who likes braises and stews.
4. Contact grill: grill quickly, even without a garden
The Tefal OptiGrill+ XL has 9 cooking programmes, a doneness indicator and, according to the manufacturer, a grill surface for 6 to 8 people. It is suitable for meat, vegetables and sandwiches when something needs to be on the table quickly. The appliance needs space on the worktop, and the plates must be cleaned after use.
Suits: anyone who wants to grill without fuss, even without a balcony or garden.
5. Espresso machine with portafilter: for coffee fans
The De'Longhi Dedica Style is only 15 cm wide and therefore fits in small kitchens too. It is a portafilter machine: making espresso yourself takes some practice, and a coffee grinder is not included. More in the guide Portafilter machines for beginners. If you want coffee at the touch of a button, our guide Giving a bean-to-cup machine compares two of them.
Suits: coffee fans and small kitchens.
Which gift suits whom? Overview
| Situation | Suitable idea | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First own flat, little equipment | WMF cookware set | Basic equipment for any type of hob |
| The person enjoys cooking | ZWILLING knife block or Le Creuset roaster | Tools that last |
| Small kitchen | De'Longhi Dedica | Only 15 cm wide |
| Quick meals, many guests | Tefal OptiGrill+ XL | Grill surface for 6 to 8 people (according to the manufacturer) |
| New induction hob | Cookware set or roaster | Both are suitable for induction |
Tips for choosing
- Check the hob type and space: ask whether the kitchen has an induction hob and how much worktop is free. This avoids wrong purchases.
- Consider the weight: cast iron is heavy. For someone who does not like lifting heavy things, a cookware set is often the better choice.
- Give together: a bigger gift such as a roaster can easily be given jointly with others.
- Add bread and salt: the tradition combines easily with a practical gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical housewarming gift?
Traditionally bread and salt. Practical things for the kitchen are also popular, such as pots, knives or a small kitchen appliance.
What do you give besides bread and salt for a housewarming?
Anything that makes the new home cosier or the kitchen better equipped: a cookware set, a knife block, a roaster or an espresso machine. What matters is what the person really needs.
What is a good housewarming gift for the kitchen?
A durable kitchen helper that is used every day – for example a cookware set or knife block. For coffee fans, an espresso machine fits.
Which gifts suit an induction hob?
According to the manufacturers, the WMF cookware set and the Le Creuset roaster are suitable for induction. Please check the details with the seller.
Where can I find more gift ideas?
In our gift ideas and in the guide Christmas gifts 2026.
All information without guarantee. Current prices, features and reviews can be found with the respective seller. The images are symbolic images.