By Sara Karnish

Home cooking is cool again. According to the 2025 International Housewares Association’s State of the Industry Report, 58% of consumers planned to do more cooking at home this year. Saving money, eating more healthfully, and cooking to relieve stress are the top reasons for this shift.

This gives houseware retailers plenty of ways to connect with consumers as they look for gadgets, cookware, and recipes to use in their home kitchens. Consumers are most interested in these types of tools:

Everyday essentials. Tools for new chefs or replacing well-worn items, such as knife sets, utensils, and mixing bowls.

Upgrades. As cooks get more comfortable in the kitchen, they will want more sophisticated cookware to match their skill level. For instance, a KitchenAid stand mixer, complete with its various blades and accessories, might be the next step for a cook who was using a basic model.

Healthy eating. There is a big demand for cookware that makes preparing healthy meals quick and easy, such as a mandolin, hand chopper, or small knife set.

Faster/easier. Cooking at home can take time, but other demands will not wait. Consumers are interested in tools like a quality food processor that get the job done in less time.

Specialty items. They have the basics, and now they are ready for items that do specific jobs. Try recommending something like an ice cream or pasta machine, sourdough bread maker, or sushi-making kit.