FAQs

Homemade is a marketplace that connects busy people with trusted private chefs and home cooks who prepare fresh meals right in clients’ kitchens. You get home-cooked food tailored to your tastes without the prep, mess, or stress.

1. Browse private chefs and home cooks in your area

2. Submit a booking request with your preferences

3. Tell us which ingredients you need your cook to shop for

4. Pay securely online

5. Enjoy your session! Your cook will arrive at the scheduled time and leave you with a clean kitchen and a stocked fridge.

Just access to your kitchen and basic kitchen tools. You choose whether to shop for groceries yourself or have the cook handle it (you’ll reimburse them through the platform).

Yes! All cooks who use Homemade:

• Complete a third-party background check

• Hold a valid food safety certification

• Have public reviews from other Homemade clients

Rates are set by each cook, but most sessions fall between $35–$60 per hour. Grocery costs are separate and depend on your selected meals. Check out the Cost Debunker tab on our site to see an estimated total cost.

Your cook’s time, the meal prep, and the Homemade platform’s services (e.g., matching, support, payment processing). A 15% platform fee is included in the cost to cover admin and support costs.

You’ll receive a secure Stripe payment link via email when you book your session. 

Absolutely! There’s no ongoing commitment. Many clients start with a one-time session to try it out, then rebook as often as they like.

Yes. When filling out your request form, you can share your dietary needs, favorite dishes, and any allergies. We'll use this info to match you with the right cooks.

Yes. You’ll be able to view sample menus from each cook and request any dishes you’d love to try. You’re welcome to ask for modifications to any dish based on your preferences or dietary needs. And if none of the suggested dishes appeal to you, you can request your own.

Tipping is optional but always appreciated. You can include a tip through Stripe when you pay, or provide one directly. 100% of your tip goes to the home cook.

Please cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled session. Late cancellations will incur a charge to cover the full cost of the service, including the cook’s time and any groceries they were asked to shop for. If your session is booked less than 48 hours in advance, it cannot be canceled without incurring this fee.

If your cook cancels for any reason, you will be refunded in full for both the service and any grocery costs already paid.

Email us at cookinghomemadeteam@gmail.com — we’re always happy to help. Once a session is scheduled, you’ll also be able to reach us via text for real-time support during your service window.