I have tried every meal kit on the market over the past few years. And while not denying the absolute convenience it offers, there are also a few tips and tricks I’ve learned to make the experience smoother – namely, the gadgets and gizmos I love every time a new box arrives at my door, full of ingredients for cooking. From your favorite pan to the best oil, consider these essentials if you’re cooking at home. Of course, you 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, the Best Soda Makers, the Best Wireless Meat Thermometers, and the Best Gifts for the Home Chef. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get the best-in-class reports that matter so much to your attention for only $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today. Is There Anything Else I Should Have? I also recommend having a Rachael Ray-inspired “trash bowl” on your desk for things like the aforementioned random pieces of plastic and paper towels. (And a separate one for vegetable scraps, if you’re composting.) Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be using a lot of dishes when cooking a meal kit. Start with the dishes done and the dishwasher empty for the best experience. And finally, I like to have scissors for cutting open packets of sauce or chopping green onions. I don’t think you really need a pair of kitchen shears, but if you have some, they’ll come in handy. Otherwise, just grab whatever (clean!) pair you have on hand.ButtonsContainerAccordionItemsI’ve used every item in this guide while cooking dozens, if not hundreds, of dishes, both for work and in my personal life. I’ve washed it, I’ve saved it, I’ve chopped it, and I’ve recommended it to friends. (Congratulations, reader—we’re friends now.)
