If you've been following CNET's coverage over the past few years, you know we're pretty big fans of meal kits. We've tested dozens to find our favorites across all categories, including ready-to-eat meals, vegan options and the best budget picks.
While I don't use meal kits every single week, during especially busy seasons of my life or when I find myself in need of new recipe ideas, they are my go-to solution. With pre-portioned ingredients delivered directly to my door, it's so easy (and dare I say, enjoyable?) to have dinner on the table each night. Plus, as someone who isn't the most experienced home chef, meal kits have given me the confidence I need in the kitchen and the practice to master delectable dishes on the regular.
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Although the meal kits come with most of the items and ingredients you need, there are a handful of must-have pantry staples and cooking tools that will make your meal kit journey as smooth as possible. Here's everything you should have before getting started.
Made In Chef's knife Because you still have to prepare the meals, there is some chopping involved in every meal kit. Whether it's an onion, shallot, potatoes or a bunch of bok choy, you'll need a solid chef's knife to complete the majority of meal kits. These are our top picks. $179 at Made In $130 at Amazon
CNET Cutting board A cutting board goes hand-in-hand with a chef's knife, so it's another must-have. I personally prefer wooden cutting boards, but it is nice to have a small plastic cutting board on hand for when you need to cut raw meat or coat it in spices. With a plastic cutting board, the juices won't soak into the board like they would with a wooden one and you can pop it right in the dishwasher when you're done. These are our picks for the best cutting boards, which include both options. $60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy
ALLEKO/Getty Images A quality baking sheet pan One of the best parts about meal kits, in my opinion, is that many of the meals require minimal effort, making them ideal for busy individuals, new cooks or anyone who simply doesn't enjoy spending hours in the kitchen. Because there is often a focus on meals that take less than 30 minutes to prepare, we're seeing more sheet pan recipes (my favorite) Just toss everything in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, then serve. These are the ones I personally use, but really, any type will do. $30 at Amazon $30 at Walmart
Caraway/Bloomingdale's A pot Many of the recipes I've tried use rice or noodles as a base, so a pot is another must-have, unless you plan to avoid those types of meals entirely (which I don't recommend because they're usually delicious). You could get away with one pot if needed, but I recommend having a couple in different sizes. I use Caraway's cookware set – CNET's pick for best ceramic cookware – which includes a saucepan, frying pan, Dutch oven and a sauté pan. $445 at Caraway $135 at Bloomingdale's
OXO/Macy's Mixing bowl In theory, you could use the aforementioned pot as a mixing bowl if you're in a pinch, but I highly recommend investing in a mixing bowl, or a set of them, to make your life a whole lot easier. My mixing bowls double as popcorn bowls, food scrap holders and more, so I definitely think they're worth the money. $70 at OXO $70 at Macy's
Capelle.r/Getty Images Peeler This is nice to have, but not a necessity since you can technically peel potatoes, carrots and other produce with a knife, but a peeler is a much safer choice, especially if you're new in the kitchen. $12 at Amazon
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