Whether you’re a novice or a budding Michelin-level chef, anyone who has ever stepped foot in a kitchen has juggled a mixing bowl in one hand, spatula in the other, and attempted to turn the page of their recipe book of choice with their nose.
Many of us don’t so much mind the weathered, torn and stained look of an old grimoire-esque recipe book, for it is the visible proof of triumph: each splatter and smudge representing the many trials and tribulations endured on the journey to crafting the perfect dish.
Nevertheless, even for the shorter and simpler recipes on file, it can be a mammoth task just keeping a hefty hardback open on the right page. Plus, as recipe books become increasingly popular amongst post-lockdown cuisiniers (us included), and TikTok chefs continue to rise in popularity (cue the release of ten more life hack-style recipe books this month) – the demand and subsequent usage of those glorious keepers of curated dishes is rife.
In which case, many of us will be in the need for a sturdy, yet aesthetically pleasing recipe stand – a kitchen accessory that some Gen Z’ers might not even be aware of (no judgement here). We, for one, can recall with the utmost nostalgia the cast iron recipe book holders which oddly resemble the logo for DK Publishing sat atop our grandmother’s kitchen counter – unmoved in decades and yet somehow entirely battered and sun-bleached.
No matter if you’re the type of chef that uses the internet instead of the old-school style printed or hand-written recipe, the majority of cookbook stands double up as nifty tablet holders.
Keep scrolling for our round-up of the best recipe book stands and holders on the market.
Best blenders reviewed: Top jug-style blenders for smoothies, sauces and more
Best pasta makers: Top machines for fresh at-home pasta dishes
Best food storage containers from plastic boxes to glass jars
Best student cookbooks for easy and delicious meals on a budget
Best Japanese cookbooks for inspiring recipes to try at home
Cookbook Stand - Robert Welch
You might recognise this cast iron dream from those weekends at grandma’s during your childhood – back when you required a stepladder just to so much as get your nose over the kitchen counter.
Robert Welch began designing kitchenware in a disused workshop situated in the Cotswolds back in 1955. Over 65 years later, he would go on to receive an MBE and become a Royal Designer for Industry. Since his passing, the family business continues to run under the watchful eyes of Welch’s children.
This cookbook stand is just one of many enduring styles by the eponymous kitchenware innovator, and you’d be remiss not to add this heritage piece to your collection. It measures a decent 26 x 25 cm, large enough for most cookbooks, and is plenty sturdy thanks to the cast iron design. The classic weighted strings will prevent you from losing your page, and also work as handy page markers.
Buy now £63.00, Cast In Style
Acacia Wood Cookbook/Tablet Stand
Crafted with a beautifully stained acacia wood grain, this 22.4 x 24.5cm may be slightly on the shorter side, but its significant width and high edge - paired with the sturdy stand at the back - will ensure even your largest cookbooks remain in place.
Buy now £22.00, John Lewis
Amelie Country Cream Cookbook Stand
This cookbook comes in at a whopping height of 36cm, so is the perfect option for those of you who have a vast array of collectible hardback cookbooks and personal recipe files. It is made from a tough yet delicately crafted wrought iron with an ivory white finish, and boasts an adorable scrolled heart design for the ultimate cottage core vibe. It’s also got two chained page weights with the same finish for easy reading, and is collapsible for simplicity in storage. Now that’s practicality.
Buy now £16.00, B&Q
Dexam Compact Folding Cookbook and Tablet Stand
We just love the easel-like design of this cookbook stand by Dexam. A wonderful gift for artists and art enthusiasts who adore spending time in the kitchen, you’ll struggle to tell whether this stand a vehicle for a canvas. It’s made from bamboo and is designed at the perfect angle for worktop reading, while the wooden thumbs hold your recipe device of choice firmly in place. Who knows, maybe it could double up as a real easel too? It measures 31.5 x 18 cm.
Buy now £16.00, Harts of Stur
The New Brilliant Reading Rest - Sage Green
For a cookbook stand with a delightful pop of colour, look no further than this sage green reading rest. The deep ledge accommodates for larger books or tablets, and the incredibly useful non-stick rubber pads will keep your recipes upright and open on the correct page. Though it measures 34.5 x 24.3 cm, it is completely collapsible and can be adjusted to fit to any book thanks to the adjustable arms.
Buy now £20.50, Amazon
Modern Book Stand / Kitchen Cookbook Stand
The attractive, ergonomic and minimalistic design of this cookbook rest immediately stood out for us. Though at first glance this stand appears to be more of a décor piece than something with a dedicated use, it’s got oodles of discrete practicality.
Due to the comfortable 30cm width and extra high edge, this stand easily withstands heavier cookbooks and perches them at the ideal angle for countertop reading. The four rubber feet prevent slippage and it comes in four colours to suit your personal taste: white floss, cream gloss, grey and green.
Buy now £44.95, NOTHS
Industrial Kitchen Metal / Wooden Cookbook Stand & Tablet Holder
Handcrafted from natural mango wood and iron, this cookbook stand and tablet holder is the perfect amalgamation of industrial chic. Whether you’re a tech savvy chef and prefer the ease of a touchscreen, or someone who prefers a good old, worn and weathered recipe book – the juxtaposing materials work for every aesthetic.
Buy now £25.99, Cook Serve Enjoy
