In a way, cooking still has that “deprecation” feel. Like when you use a kitchen tool that is like 2 orders of magnitude above what you are currently using.
For me it was knives. It was a serrated knife set that was a gift and got me through college. Once I got a real job and could get something of quality. A friend recommended I change out my knives for a chef quality knives. Started out with some Global knives and have never went back to my old set. Been slowly adding over time (ie, bread knife, cleaver, paring).
Also, switched from non-stick to stainless steel because fuck PFOA. Also picked up a quality rice cooker from Zojirushi.
Technique can get you very far in cooking, but to make that dish perfect got to have the right tools.