Cooking at home on a regular basis can be very challenging when you work a full-time job and lead a busy lifestyle, not to mention if you have kids. This is why more and more families are embracing smart kitchen technologies that can make the whole process easier and more enjoyable.
From smart and connected appliances to meal kit and grocery delivery apps, here are popular technologies and trends that can simplify your home cooking while making you healthier in the process.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
Smart kitchen appliances are on the rise, and for good reason. Devices like smart ovens, slow cookers, and refrigerators now come with Wi-Fi connectivity and app integration, allowing you to monitor and control your cooking from just about anywhere. For example, you can preheat a smart oven on the way home from work or get alerts when your meal is ready.
Smart appliances also come with preset cooking programs for various dishes, so perfect results are practically guaranteed every time. Whether you’re into precise sous vide cooking or want to learn to make healthier meals with air frying, these devices take the stress out of complex cooking techniques, allowing you to enjoy the process.
Food and Meal Kit Delivery Services
While cooking at home is ideal, we all have those days when we’re just too tired or busy. This is why food and meal kit delivery services like Hello Fresh, DoorDash, and Uber Eats are booming: they make it easy to enjoy a good meal without the hassle of cooking. But these services aren’t just about convenience (although thatβs a major draw); they also offer access to a variety of healthy meal options.
For example, many food delivery services now feature menus from health-conscious restaurants and give nutritional information for their dishes. Some meal kit delivery services, such as HelloFresh, also offer calorie-conscious meal kit subscription options that come with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, making it easy to prepare a fresh meal at home without the prep work.
Online Cooking Classes
Online cooking classes have become incredibly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why: they offer a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips. Platforms like MasterClass, Udemy, and even YouTube have tutorials from top chefs around the world, allowing you to learn new recipes, improve your cooking techniques, and even explore different cuisines from the comfort of your kitchen (or hey, even your bedroom).
These classes often include step-by-step videos that you can pause and replay as needed so you can learn at your own pace and gradually build your culinary skills. Plus, many of these platforms also have forums and community features where you can share your experiences and get feedback from fellow home cooks.
Automated Grocery Ordering Systems
Grocery shopping can be time-consuming, which is why online grocery ordering systems are on the rise. With services like Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart Grocery, you can order your groceries online and have them delivered right to your doorstep. You can create shopping lists, set up recurring orders for staples, and even take advantage of subscription services for items you use the most.
Most of these systems often integrate with smart kitchen appliances and meal-planning apps, making it easier to manage your pantry and reduce food waste. For instance, your smart fridge can track what’s running low and automatically add it to your shopping list. ‘Convenient’ is an understatement!
More Trends in Home Cooking
- Plant-based diets: Vegan and vegetarian diets are gaining popularity as more people opt for plant-based meals for health and environmental reasons. And with an increasing variety of plant-based products and recipes, it’s easier than ever to whip up delicious, nutritious dishes without meat.
- Global Flavors: More and more home cooks are exploring international cuisines, experimenting with spices, herbs, and cooking techniques from around the world. This trend is growing at least partly thanks to online cooking classes and the availability of diverse ingredients through online grocery stores.
- Sustainability: People are becoming more conscious of food waste, and as a result, many are composting, using reusable storage containers, and cooking with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Smart kitchen gadgets that help reduce waste, like food storage systems with built-in vacuum sealers, are also becoming more popular.