Getting first kitty! Want to give him/her the best life

Hi everyone, was just wanting to know what you would recommend on a litter box and type of food. Growing up, my family always gave my cats dry food. They lived a long life, but I remember reading that it isn’t the best for them. I saw they have self cleaning litter boxes now, which is crazy! But they’re a little out of my price range haha. I just want something that wouldn’t stink up my house, or is it all just about keeping up with cleaning it? A friend told me about Litter Genie, which looks like a good product. Was just wondering what yall would recommend. Either way, I’m super excited to love and raise a kitty of my own! Thanks for any responses:)