Is Home Chef Affordable? (an honest review)
Is Home Chef affordable? Does the luxury of a home meal delivery service fit my budget conscious life style? Does it work for a family with kids?? I tried it, and this is my honest review from a frugal mom’s perspective.
I have always wanted to try a home meal delivery service. The idea of ingredients for fun meals showing up at my door seemed like such a fun luxury, but I could never get over the price. At least until now!
This post contains affiliate links.
Is Home Chef affordable?
Home Chef is offering new customers 18 free meals, which makes Home Chef affordable to try for at least once.
You can try Home Chef for less than $35 shipped! That price includes 2 meals with 2 portions per meal.
When I heard about the promotion for new customers, I jumped on the opportunity to try Home Chef. Keep reading for my experience, to see if I would consider Home Chef affordable without the promotion, and who I recommend (and don’t recommend!) using Home Chef.
How does Home Chef & the special discount work?
Of course I tried Home Chef to be able to tell you exactly how it works and to describe the process of signing up. This was my experience the first time.
Step 1: Click this link and the 18 free meals promotion is automatically applied. Make sure the green bar at the top of your screen says, “Voucher code successfully applied.”
Step 2: Enter email address. They will send you order updates, menu updates, and future promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Step 3: Pick the number of portions (2,4, or 6) & number of meals per week (2-6). If you pick 4 or more portions, shipping is free. If you pick 2 portions, shipping is free with 3 or more meals per week. Otherwise, shipping is $10.
Step 4: Indicate food preferences. You can select if you are interested in vegetarian, low-calorie, or low-carb. You can also list foods to avoid. Each week’s menu features 18+ different meal options, but your choices will be more limited if you indicate different food preferences in this section.
Step 5: Enter shipping information, and pick your first delivery date. You will be charged for this delivery upon checkout. Your preferred weekly delivery day can be changed anytime. You don’t need to be home when your meals are delivered.
Step 6: Enter payment information. With the 18 free meals promotion, the cheapest option is 2 meal per week with 2 portions per meal for just $23.98, plus shipping. I selected 4 portions 2 times a week.
At this point in the process, you will be charged for your first delivery. Yes, this happens before you can pick your meals, which I didn’t like. Check the comments for a list of the meal options for the next few weeks. The meals in the comments have been updated for June & July 2023!
For all future deliveries, you will be charged the Friday before your order arrives. You can choose to skip a future delivery by the Friday before the delivery date at noon CST.
Step 7: Pick your meals. Most meal options are $9.95 per serving, but they also have salad entrees options for just $6.99 per serving. The amount your credit card is charged will be adjusted depending on the price of the meals you select.
Click here for 18 free meals.
My Home Chef Experience
I opted to order 2 meals with 4 portions per meal because I didn’t want to make a second meal for my 3 kids on top of the Home Chef meal. Especially because I knew that the cooking process would take me longer since I would be documenting it all for this review.
Also, I wanted to see if my kids liked the Home Chef meals I selected. Spoiler Alert: They loved them!
I ordered crispy orange chicken and Italian sausage & pepper risotto. We enjoyed both meals, but the orange chicken was our favorite. Grace requested that I make it for her birthday meal in September.
The 4 portions per meal made plenty of food for my family of 5. My children are young (10, 7, and 2) and eat pretty light. I was pleased to have leftovers for lunch.
What I learned
Home Chef sends one bag of ingredients for every 2 portions you order. (The meat is packaged separately.) This made it very convenient to gather all the ingredients I needed when it was time to cook.
However, the recipe card is written as if only 2 portions are being prepared. With the first meal I prepare, crispy orange chicken, I realized I needed to double the amount of water for the rice that the recipe card was calling for.
When I made the risotto meal, I completely forgot! The texture of my risotto was not quite right, and it wasn’t until the next day I realized that was because I didn’t add enough water.
I wish the recipe cards had a reminder to increase ingredients if making more than 2 portions.
I wish I would have paid more attention to how long the website said the meals would take to prepare and the experience level for each recipe.
Both recipes took me over an hour to make. Part of that was because I was taking breaks to document the process for this review and Instagram. Part of it is because I was making 4 portions instead of 2 (the more portions you make the longer it will take). Another reason is because my recipes were considered “expert” and “intermediate” level meals.
Probably the biggest reason why the meals took me so long to prepare (besides me documenting the process), is because I was trying new recipes and cooking methods that I was not used to. I did that on purpose when I ordered. I liked the idea of trying something new, but it did slow me down.
If I order from Home Chef again, I will be careful about selecting “expert” level meals, and will make sure I don’t forget to increase the ingredients. (Update: Since originally writing this review, I have ordered from Home Chef several more times, and the cooking time was less when I didn’t order expert level meals and document the process.)
Overall, I enjoyed my Home Chef experience. The food was excellent. The process was fun. The packaging was convenient – did I mention the chicken breast came pre-chopped!?
I recommend Home Chef to:
- Everyone if you are using the 18 free meals promotion! This is a great deal, and very affordable. But who do I think should try Home Chef at the full price? Keep reading!
- couples or singles – the price for 2 portions is fairly reasonable, especially if there ends up being leftovers
- people currently eating out often – if you spend more than $10 per person in takeout multiple times a week, this would save you money
- couples who enjoy at-home date nights – If you don’t mind throwing a frozen pizza in the oven for your kids, Home Chef would be perfect for a nice romantic meal at home (and cheaper than a restaurant!).
- those wanting to learn how to cook – if you are in a cooking rut or have limited cooking experience, this is a good way to try new recipes
- anyone wanting to experiment with a diet – Home Chef would be a great way to dip your toe into different diets like low-carb, low-calorie, vegetarian, or gluten free
- people in a busy season in life – Home Chef offers “oven ready” meals, salads ready in 5-10 minutes, quick meals ready in 10-15 minutes
I do NOT recommend Home Chef to:
- those with a strict budget – If saving money on food (or in general) is a high priority, there are cheaper food options than Home Chef. At $10 per portion, Home Chef is not the most frugal way to cook. (The exception to this would be if you are normally spending more than $10 per person, but I would still argue that there are easy ways you could cut your budget even lower than $10 per person.)
- families – The price per meal goes up with each additional serving you add to your Home Chef plan. Spending $20 for a nice meal in for 2 isn’t bad, but $40 for a family of 4 or $60 for a family of 6 seems high to me even if it is cheaper than a restaurant.
- very picky eaters – Home Chef does a great job offering a variety of 18+ different meal options each week (and we loved what we ordered!), but if you are very picky, you might prefer to have complete control over the recipes you prepare.
In conclusion . . .
With the 18 free meals promotion, I think everyone should give Home Chef a try. Spending $35 for 2 meals with 2 portions each is very affordable, and it would be a fun experience to try.
At full price, there are a lot of people that I think could benefit from Home Chef. However, if you are accustomed to budget conscious meal planning and you normally cook all/most of your meals, Home Chef will probably cost more than you are willing to spend on a regular basis.
Click here 18 free Home Chef meals.
Is Home Chef affordable in your opinion? Let me know your thoughts on home delivery meal services.
Check out these other honest reviews:
Disclosure: Offer limited to one per household. New customers only. May not be combined with other offers. May not be used for gift cards. Not redeemable for cash. Not eligible in all states. Percent discount does not apply to any delivery charge. Free delivery with order of $49 or more. Click here for additional details. Void where prohibited. This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you.
Home Chef Menu for Week of Feb. 18th:
BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Bacon Potatoes
Cheddar Chicken with Parmesan Zucchini & Corn
Chicken Ricotta Flatbreads with Spinach & Mushrooms
Creole Fishcakes with Chipotle Crema
Scallops & Creamy Tuscan Farrotto
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Breast & Walnut-Goat Cheese Butter
Garlic Peppercorn Salmon Scampi
Chipotle Mini Pork Meatloaves
Ginger-Crusted Chicken with Tonkatsu Sauce
Japanese Steak Tacos with Sriracha Slaw
Beef Empanada Rice Bowl
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Pears
Chicken Breast with Red Wine Bordelaise
Cashew Tofu
Three Cheese Mexican Sweet Corn Gnocchi
Apple & Brussels Sprout Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Carrot & Pea Salad with Mango Vinaigrette and Sliced Almonds
Home Chef Menu for Week of Feb. 25:
Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken & Honey Butter
BBQ Beef Enchiladas
Garlic-Thyme Roasted Chicken
Cali Turkey Burger
Thai-Chili Chicken with Edamame Fried Rice
Mahi Mahi & Caper Aioli
Steak Strip Gnocchi Carbonara
Goat Cheese & Walnut-Crusted Steak with Shallot Demi Sauce
Shrimp de Jonghe Pene
Sausage & Mushroom Stuffed Peppers
Pineapple Pepper Jelly Pork Chops
Fajita Chicken with Mexican Rice
Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops with Roasted Green Beans
Spicy Plantain & Black Bean Tacos
Mushroom Campanella with Goat Cheese Cream Sauce
Italian Beef Meatball Wedding Soup
Golden BBQ Ranch Salad
Fig & Arugula Salad
Home Chef Menu Week of March 3rd:
Crispy Orange Chicken
Steak Pad Thai
Sirloin & Mushroom Demi-Glaze
Chicken & Thyme Gravy
Salmon with Lemon Piccata Butter
Chesapeake Shrimp & Grits
Tortilla Chicken
Pork Chop with Apple Bacon Shallot Jam
Mushroom-Smothered Turkey Meatballs
Golden BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos with Ranch Slaw
Honey Balsamic Chicken Breasts
Sun-Dried Tomato Mozzarella Chicken
Italian Sausage Stuffed Pepper Risotto
Fontina & Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni
Loaded Chicken & Potato Chowder
Cheddar & Corn Spinach Salad with Ranch Dressing
Apple, Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad
Home Chef Menu Week of March 10th:
White Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Chicken
Steak with Garlic Chive Butter
Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp Rice Bowl
Chicken Scampi Spaghetti
Salmon & Lemon Herb Beurre Blanc
Korean Pork Noodle Bowl
Argentinean Steak & Potato Tacos
Chicken Chimichangas
Hearty Chicken Stew
Pretzel-Crusted Pork Chop
Chicken Breast with Garlic-Demi Glaze
Cheddar Bacon Crusted Chicken with Ranch Potatoes
Pot Roast Meatballs
Triple Mushroom Risotto
Baked French Onion Penne
Cheddar Pork Chop Meatballs & Chipotle Cream
Chipotle Guacamole Salad
Cranberry & Goat Cheese Spinach Salad
Home Chef Menu Week of March 17th:
Steak & Mushroom Herb Demi
Cheesy Chipotle Steak Enchiladas
Mahi Mahi & Tuscan Herb Sauce
Honey Mustard Pork Meatloaf
Salmon with Dill Crema
Farmhouse Fried Chicken Tenders
Spicy Korean Beef & Broccoli Rice Bowl
Chicken with Porcini Cream Sauce
Pot Roast Bone-In Pork Chop & Onion Demi
Southwest Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps
Pulled Pork Pot Sticker Bowl
Lemon Chicken with Penne Alfredo
Pork Tacos with Chili Lime Rice & Corn
Umami Miso-Mushroom Cream Gemelli Pasta
Butternut Squash Chowder
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne
Crispy Buffalo Chickpea Salad
Southwestern Avocado Mozzarella Salad
Thanks for the analysis and recommendations! I might try this since there are gluten free options.
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of May 9, 2023:
Candied Bacon & Smoked Gouda Burger
Panko-Crusted Mahi-Mahi
Sirloin and Lemon Alfredo Sauce
Peppercorn Chicken Breast
Creamy Orzo and Shrimp
Asian-Style Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Steak Strip and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Cheddar-Crusted Chicken
Stanta Fe Style Pork and Potato Stew
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of May 16, 2023:
Fiesta Shrimp Fajita Rice Bowl
BBQ Beef Meatloaf and Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Pimiento Cheeseburger
Chicken Gyro Lettuce Cups
Italian Sausage and Pepper Risotto
Greek Style Beef and Rice Bowl
Steak Strip Fajita Tacos
Philly Style Cheesesteak Enchiladas
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf
Parmesan Crusted Salmon
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of May 23, 2023:
NY Strip Steak with potato gratin
Mahi-Mahi and Tuscan Herb Sauce
Candied Bacon Burger and Fries
Beef Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
Shrimp Fettuccine
Turkey Meatballs and Mushroom Sauce
Creamy Tomato Skillet Lasagna
One-Pan Buffalo Style Chicken Quesadillas
Honey Mustard Butter Salmon and Mashed Potatoes
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of May 31, 2023:
Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine
Chicken and Feta Crema
Pesto Turkey Meatloaf
BBQ Ranch Pork Flautas
Cheesy Steak Strip Torta
Crispy Chicken Biscuit Open-Faced Sandwiches
Greek Style Pork Chops
Filipino Style Pork Lettuce Wraps
Garlic Shrimp and Cilantro Rice Bowl
Philly Cheese Style Pot Roast Tacos
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of June 6, 2023:
Steakhouse Sirloin with Stuffed Mushrooms
Crispy Onion Crusted Salmon
Steak Sandwich and Pineapple Salsa
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chop and Brussel Sprouts
Teriyaki Steak and Peppers
Pesto Ricotta and Vegetable Flatbread
One Pot Italian Sausage Minestrone Style Soup
Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tacos
Almond Pesto Chicken
Southwest Style Pork Skillet
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of June 13, 2023:
Rosemary Chicken & Gnocchi Alfredo
Buffalo Shrimp Salad
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Sausage Stuffed Pizza Peppers
Philly Beef Cheese Steaks
Crispy Chicken with Garlic Green Beans
Orange Ginger-Glazed Salmon
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of June 20, 2023:
Shrimp Scampi
BBQ Ranch Steak Flatbread
French Onion Pork Chop with Green Beans
Chipotle Cheddar Turkey Meatloaf
Chicken Gyro with Feta & Tzatziki
Maple Mustard Glazed Pork Chops
Zuppa Toscana with Italian Sausage
Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Cheddar Crusted Chicken with Zucchini
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of June 27, 2023:
Brown Butter Almond Salmon
Beef and Cheddar Pasta Bake
Italian Style Pork Meatballs
One-Pan Beef Tamale Pie
Crispy Shrimp Tacos
Citrus Seared Mahi-Mahi
Creamy Turkey Tortilla Soup
Shrimp Lemon Carbonara
Chicken Enchilada Pasta
Sesame Crusted Salmon with Garlic Potatoes
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of July 5, 2023:
Cheddar-Stuffed Beef Burger with Rosemary Fries
Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
Turkey Bolognese Stuffed Peppers
Cajun-Style Salmon Burger
Sausage Tamale Pie
One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Sirloin Steak with Mashed Potatoes
Sesame_Crusted Chicken with Brussel Sprouts
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
Some Highlights of Home Chef’s Menu for the Week of July 11, 2023:
Chipotle Peach Glazed Salmon
Hazelnut Butter Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes
Cheddar and Apple Beef Burger and Fries
Creamy Roasted Tomato Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Pork Meatloaf with Chipotle Queso Sauce
One-Pot Italian Sausage and Pepper Risotto
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Risotto
Fried Mahi-Mahi Sandwich
Alfredo Chicken
Honey Cashew and Salmon Noodle Bowl
(See the Home Chef website for the complete menu.)
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