Mmm, that sounds nice, I didn't even think of cooking. That's another story entirely as well, depending on what you are actively cooking, and what you're pairing with it. I'd say more upbeat rock music (but no metal, also more eras, often oldies -- though not limited to cooking either) specifically if it's many elements being cooked all at the same time.

Calmer music if it's mainly prep. I would say more instrumental -- except more so movie soundtracks, Danny Elfman of course comes to mind, but a lot more that I can't think of off the top of my head at the moment.