About .cooking domain
.cooking is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by MMX (Minds + Machines). It was delegated to the root zone in March 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry's stated goal for this extension is to provide a dedicated, easily identifiable namespace for anyone with an interest in cooking. It is an open gTLD with no registration restrictions, designed to encourage broad adoption for any legal purpose related to the activity.
Who can register .cooking domain
Registration for a .cooking domain name is open to anyone worldwide. There are no geographic, organizational, or membership-based restrictions. The registry explicitly rejected more restrictive policies to encourage as many registrants as possible to associate themselves with cooking. No special verification or documentation is required; individuals, businesses, and organizations can all register.
How to register .cooking domain
- Search for availability: Use a domain name registrar's search tool to check if your desired .cooking name is available. Consider searching for variations or checking if the name might be reserved as a premium domain.
- Compare registrars and select a term: Compare pricing, included features (like WHOIS privacy), and renewal rates across different accredited registrars. Choose your initial registration term, which is typically one to ten years.
- Complete the purchase: Add the domain to your cart and proceed through the checkout process. You will provide registrant contact details and payment information at this stage.
- Configure your domain: After purchase, verify your contact email and access your registrar's control panel to configure DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point your new .cooking domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .cooking domain
The .cooking extension is most commonly used by individuals and businesses within the culinary world to create a clear and relevant online identity. Professional chefs, amateur cooks, food bloggers, and culinary schools use it for personal sites, recipe blogs, and educational platforms. Restaurants, kitchen appliance brands, food-focused e-commerce sites, and culinary organizations also adopt .cooking domains as a direct marketing tool to attract customers interested in food and cooking, setting their websites apart from more generic alternatives.
Tips for registering .cooking domain
- The registry has stated it will comply with all applicable ICANN WHOIS policies and laws regarding registrant privacy, but specific availability of WHOIS privacy services should be confirmed with your chosen registrar.
- As an open gTLD, there are no content requirements or audit rights mandated by the registry for owning a .cooking domain, provided its use is for a legal purpose.
- Be aware that some desirable .cooking domain names may be classified as "premium" by the registry, which means they are sold at a higher price point, often through an auction or direct sale.