I basically tested each meal kit on the market in recent years. And while there’s no denying the absolute convenience they offer, there are also a few tips and tricks I’ve learned to make the experience even smoother, namely the gadgets and gizmos I use every time a new box arrives at my door, full of ingredients for cooking. From my favorite pan to the best oil to have, consider these essentials if you’re cooking more at home. Of course, you probably already own a cutting board and a pan. But if you’re looking for an upgrade, I highly recommend the items in this guide.
Don’t forget to check out our other cooking guidesincluding the Best Carbon Steel Pans, Best Soda Makers, Best Wireless Meat ThermometersAnd Best Gifts for the Home Chef.
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Is there anything else I should have on hand?
I use a lot of paper towels when I make meal kits. I also highly recommend having a Rachael Ray-inspired “garbage bowl” on the counter for things like random pieces of plastic and the aforementioned paper towels. (And another for leftover vegetables, if you compost.) Another thing to note is that you will probably use a lot of dishes when you prepare meal kits. Start with your dishes done and your dishwasher empty for the best experience. And finally, I like to have a pair of scissors on hand for opening sauce packets or cutting green onions. I don’t think you really need specialty kitchen scissors, but if you do, they’ll come in handy. Otherwise, just grab the (clean!) pair you have on hand.
I’ve used every item in this guide while cooking dozens, if not hundreds, of dishes, both for work and in my personal life. I washed them, put them away, cut them up and recommended them to my friends. (Congratulations, reader, we’re friends now.)