Cheaper versions made of bonded aluminum plate are effective. Traditionalists always prefer a Le Creuset. Dutch ovens can also go from stove top to oven to fridge with equal ease.

8. Oven Mitt

When the roast is done and it’s time to pull it out of the oven, use a pair of hearty, thick mitts to protect your manly hands. Serve casseroles family-style by gently extracting them from of the oven and bringing them directly to the table.

Today’s mitts are available in every kind of motif and design, from Darth Vader to the MLB teams. While you’re exploring mitts, consider a half dozen hunting themed pot holders. Just in case.

9. Griddle

Today’s griddles are self-contained and powered by electricity. Achieve awesome grill marks on prime hamburgers or steaks, or throw together a turkey and Havarti panini worthy of Bobby Flay.

Host a mini-grill party and grill veggies to order. Grill plates that fit snugly atop stove burners are a wonderful, convenient alternative.

10. Crockpot

Imagine tossing a bunch of tasty stuff into a pot and returning home hours later to a perfectly cooked heap of succulent amazingness? A crockpot will help you achieve this. It cooks just about anything through and through but at at low, slow temperature. Never any risk of burning or overcooking. Something about the low, gradual heat causes flavors to melt together and magnify. A must-have for busy bachelors who miss home-cooked goodness.

11. Keurig

Coffee is tantamount to your getting anything in your life done, including getting to work. But do you even need to be told? This automatic one-cup brewer ensures you get the daily eau de dark roast that is your birthright. Never again worry about proportion, grind or another bad cup of joe.

12. Mixing Bowls

Mix to your heart’s content: waffle batter, custom Chex party goodies, and salads. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately—as most baking recipes require. Mix Valentine’s Day chocolates. Mix jelly beans and Halloween candy. You get the picture.