Holiday Hosting Kitchen Essentials: 8 Tools That Make Cooking for a Crowd Easier

Cooking for a crowd is mostly about oven space, pot size and time. These eight tools each solve one hosting problem: a pot that goes from the oven to the table, a roaster for the big dish, an air fryer that reheats sides crisp, a cooker that keeps chili warm, knives for the prep and a small tool for drinks. We picked them from the well-reviewed items in Amazon's holiday hosting shop and the facts below come from each listing, not from our own cooking. Prices change often, so each pick shows a price tier instead of a number.

1. A Dutch oven that goes from the oven to the table

What it does for your table: A 3.5-quart enameled cast iron pot holds heat well, needs no seasoning and is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, so a braise, a baked side or a pot of beans can come out of the oven and sit on the table.

Who it suits: Cooks who want one long-lasting pot for braises, stews and small crowds, and who do not mind lifting heavy cast iron. It is small for a big party, so pair it with a larger pot.

2. A wide rondeau pot for one-pan holiday meals

What it does for your table: A 6-quart pot with high straight sides and a lid sears, braises and roasts in one pan, and it can go from the stovetop to the oven to the table.

Who it suits: People who like non-stick cooking and want a big pot for braised chicken, pot roast or a large batch of greens. Use gentle utensils to protect the coating.

3. A big roaster for the main dish

What it does for your table: A large cast aluminum oval roaster with removable steamer inserts is built for turkeys, hams and big roasts, and the listing says it heats quickly and evenly.

Who it suits: Hosts who feed a crowd once or twice a year. It weighs over 10 pounds empty and takes a lot of cabinet space, so make sure it fits your oven and storage first.

4. An air fryer for make-ahead sides

What it does for your table: A 5-quart air fryer with air fry, bake, roast, reheat and dehydrate functions can crisp up potatoes, Brussels sprouts or appetizers while the oven is busy with the main dish. Reheating is a listed function, which is handy for sides made earlier in the day.

Who it suits: Families of 3 to 5 who run out of oven space on holidays. Its 400 degree F maximum is lower than some air fryers, so check the recipe temperature.

5. A crowd-size cooker that keeps food warm

What it does for your table: An 8.5-quart cooker with nine functions (slow cook, sear, braise, steam, keep warm and more) has an oven-safe ceramic pot that goes to the table, and the listing says it fits chili for up to 20 people.

Who it suits: Hosts who want chili, stew or pulled meat made hands-off, with a keep-warm setting on the buffet table. It has only a few dozen ratings so far, so read recent reviews before you buy.

6. A budget knife set with blade guards

What it does for your table: A 12-piece set with six color-coded knives and matching blade guards covers paring, utility, Santoku, carving, chef and bread jobs, and it is listed as dishwasher-safe. It has over 26,000 ratings.

Who it suits: First kitchens, students and gift givers on a budget. Do not expect the edge life of a premium set.

7. A knife set that sharpens itself

What it does for your table: A 10-piece German stainless steel block with a built-in sharpener at the right angle. The listing says Ninja guarantees the knives stay sharp for 10 years or more when used and maintained as directed.

Who it suits: Gift givers and cooks who want sharp knives without learning to sharpen by hand. It is a premium price and has only about 130 ratings so far.

8. A jigger for drinks and small measures

What it does for your table: A two-sided stainless steel jigger measures 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 ounces in one tool, so mocktails, cocktails and small amounts of extract are easy to measure.

Who it suits: Home hosts and stocking stuffers. It is a low-cost, very well reviewed tool, but it only covers small amounts.