I’ve tested basically every meal kit on the market over the past few 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 reach for every single time a new box arrives at my door, full of ingredients to cook. From my favorite pan to the best oil to have around, consider these essentials if you’re cooking more at home. Of course, you probably already have a cutting board and a pan. But if you’re looking for an upgrade, I highly recommend the pieces in this guide.
Be sure to check out our other kitchen guides, including the Best Carbon Steel Pans, Best Soda Makers, Best Wireless Meat Thermometers, and Best Gifts for the Home Chef.
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Is There Anything Else I Should Have on Hand?
I go through a lot of paper towels when I’m making meal kits. I also highly recommend having a Rachael Ray–inspired “garbage bowl” on the counter for things like random plastic bits and aforementioned paper towels. (And a separate one for veggie scraps, if you compost.) Another thing worth noting is that you will likely use a lot of dishes when cooking 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 around for cutting open sauce packets or snipping green onions. I don’t think you really need specialty kitchen shears, but if you’ve got some, they’ll come in handy. Otherwise just grab whatever (clean!) pair you’ve got on hand.
I’ve used every single item in this guide while cooking dozens, if not hundreds, of dishes, both for work and in my personal life. I’ve washed them, I’ve stored them, I’ve chopped on them, and I’ve recommended them to my friends. (Congrats, reader—we’re friends now.)
