Home Chef has it Has been my top choice for a long time Great meal kit For the beginning chef. I first tested the service in 2020, when meal kits grew in popularity due to the pandemic. And after another week of trying it, I still think it’s a great option for anyone looking to cook with a little guidance.
The first thing you’ll notice when opening a Home Chef delivery is how easy it is to put everything away. Each meal is packaged in its own zippered plastic bag, with the proteins sealed in their own package. I filled my fridge door with three dinners worth of stuff. When it was time to try a recipe, I simply grabbed the bag and the corresponding protein. I have a shared fridge that is chaotic at the best of times, so instead of rifling through leftovers to try to find a rogue vegetable or sauce packet, I quickly grab everything and throw it away. Appreciated being able to set up on my counter.
Photo: Lauren Stamp
What really sets HomeChef apart from many other meal kits are its recipe cards, which are among the most detailed I’ve seen. On the front, there’s a list of materials you’ll need to have, as well as a list of things you’ll need to supply. Usually this is olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe some aluminum foil. There is also a list of kitchen items you will need. It’s not perfect — you may still need to get a measuring cup or cooking utensils, for example — but it’s a good starting point. And I really appreciate the “Cook in…” section with suggested cook- or freeze-by dates, which will help you prioritize upcoming recipes so you don’t run the risk of ingredients spoiling. There’s also a chart with reminders about safe internal temperatures for meat, as well as doneness level and spice level.
Home chef Weekly menu There are filters for preferences and dietary needs such as carb-conscious, calorie-conscious, and vegetarian. Food is organized into categories, such as oven-ready (meals that come on a tray and are cooked in the oven), kitchen collections (meals with more adventurous ingredients and cooking techniques), express (meals that takes 30 minutes or less to make ), and more. There are optional add-ons and extras, such as breakfast muffins, dinner rolls, or desserts. Some recipes are customizable, allowing you to choose different proteins, double the protein, or upgrade the protein.
