From Humble Beginnings to a Foodie’s Paradise
The story of Chef’s Complements
Proudly owned and operated by Vicki and Andy, Chef’s Complements began life as a small local shop some Taupō locals might remember as Payless Plastics, Plastic Box, or STAK. The transformation began in 2003 when we expanded our offering to cater for home cooks, foodies and aspiring chefs — and Chef’s Complements was born.
After moving into 8 Gascoigne Street in 2004, we made our biggest leap in 2017, crossing the road to 11 Gascoigne Street, and opening our 750sqm superstore, complete with an in-store demonstration kitchen, 12+ metres of knife displays, and aisles adorned with tantalising displays.
Today, we’re proud to be New Zealand’s most extensive kitchenware store — a true destination for locals and visitors alike. (Frequently regarded by big names in our industry as “One of the greatest kitchenware stores worldwide”) Whether you’re a weekend baker, a seasoned chef, or running a bustling hospitality business, we have something for you.
From Home to Hospitality
It’s not our tagline for no reason!
With over 20,000 products on our shelves, including many exclusive brands you won’t find anywhere else, Chef’s Complements is your one-stop shop for everything kitchen.
We’re home to NZ’s largest selection of KitchenAid and Le Creuset, and stock top global and local brands for every budget and skill level.
And it’s not just home cooks we serve — we also supply the hospitality scene with everything from commercial cookware to tableware, buffetware, and barware.
Real Advice from Real Chefs
What makes Chef’s Complements truly special is our team.
We’ve grown from a husband-and-wife duo to a crew of 20+ passionate team members, including seven trained chefs and a generous pinch of keen cooks and a sprinkle of bakers & cake decorators! We love helping you find the perfect tool, gadget, or gift — and we’re always up for a good kitchen chat!
More Than Just a Store — It’s an Experience
Step through our doors and you’ll find more than just products on shelves — you’ll discover ideas, inspiration, and a team who truly cares. Whether you’re upgrading your cookware, choosing your first chef’s knife, or just browsing for a gift, we’re here to guide you. Many of our regulars say they “just pop in for a look” — and leave with something they never knew they needed (or even existed)! We also regularly have shoppers let us know they’ve come from across the country, specifically to shop with us, and that it’s a bucket list activity to tick off!
See You In-Store
Come celebrate with us and see why we’re still “the most asked-for kitchenware store” in Taupō.
Let’s raise a glass to 25 years — and many more to come.
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