You’ve heard it before: it’s all about the tools! Today, I’m sharing my list of 10 essential meal prep tools for your prepping success. These items will set you on the right path by saving time, energy, and your sanity.
Meal prepping is easier with the right gear. Whether you’re just starting out or want to make things quicker, these are some of the best tools for meal prepping that will help you whip up meals fast, stay organized and stress-free.
I’ve also added some links to my favorite products. These are the ones I trust and use myself. They can help you tackle meal prep without a hassle. Let’s get into it!
1. Strong Meal Prep Containers
- Why You Need Them: They keep your food fresh, stop spills, and help you manage portions easily. Investing in meal prep containers makes storing and transporting your food much easier. The container can fit right into your lunch bag and then at lunch time, just pop it into the microwave to warm it up.
- Tips: Choose glass or BPA-free containers that can go in the microwave and dishwasher. They should also stack well for easier storage. Pick ones with tight seals to keep your meals fresh longer.
- Looking for reliable meal prep containers? Check out this top-rated container set.
2. A Good Knife Set
- Why You Need Them: A solid knife set helps you chop, slice, and dice quickly. This makes cooking quicker and more fun. Plus, a good knife can help keep you safe. A dull knife forces you to press harder than you should because it doesn’t cut well, increasing the risk of slipping and injury. Doing so can cause it to slip off the veggie and cut you. It happened to me while cutting a jalapeño and I still have the scar to prove it! I found this interesting article about knives and the importance of keeping them sharp if you want to check it out further.
- Tips: Find knives that are sharp and strong. Look for handles that are comfy to hold. A solid set should have a chef’s knife (great for many tasks), a paring knife (for small jobs), and a serrated knife (perfect for bread or tomatoes). Beginner sets often come with a storage block to keep everything neat and safe. Remember to sharpen your knives often to keep them in good shape.
- Recommendation: If you’re new to cooking, check out this knife set. It has all the important knives you need plus a sharpener. The design is user-friendly, making it a good choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
3. Cutting Board with Non-Slip Grip
- Why You Need It: A cutting board with a non-slip grip is important for safe cooking and a must have in your arsenal of meal prep tools. It stops the board from sliding around when you chop or slice. Plus, it helps keep your countertops safe from cuts and scratches. Avoid cutting your veggies directly on the countertop. You’ll mark it up.
- Tips: Go for one made of strong materials like bamboo, wood, or a good plastic. If your board doesn’t have non-slip grips, just put a damp kitchen towel or some non-slip shelf liner under it. This will keep it steady while you chop. This is a great way to make your old cutting board safer too.
- Recommendation: Check out this cutting board that’s solid bamboo and is designed to not slip while you cut on it. I like that it has a built in groove to catch liquid. When I’m working with tofu, this feature really helps prevent the countertop from getting soaked.
4. Food Processor and Blender Combo
- Why You Need It: A food processor and blender combo makes cooking easier. You can chop veggies, blend sauces, make smoothies, soups, and even nut butter. It’s super useful for meal prep. Sometimes I just don’t want to chop onions so I quarter them and let the food processor do the rest.
- Tips: Find a combo that’s small and won’t take up too much space—great for tiny kitchens or if you want to keep things tidy. Look for one with different speed settings and strong blades. Dishwasher-safe parts are a nice bonus for quick cleaning.
- Recommendation: Check out the Ninja Food Processor Blender Combo. It’s a great choice that combines both tools in one. It’s powerful and comes with different attachments for slicing, dicing, blending, and pureeing making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. I like that it has individual smoothie cups that you can blend in then drink from.
5. Instant Pot
- Why You Need It: The Instant Pot is a great meal prep tool because it can cook a lot of food quickly. You can make soups, steam veggies, or cook grains all in one pot. This makes cooking big meals easy and saves time. I love using mine for cooking beans. It reduces cooking time by 50-75%, depending on the type of bean. That is a win in my book!
- Tips: Try it for soups, quinoa, oatmeal or beans. You can cook rice or farro much faster than with regular methods. It even has features like ‘delayed start’ and ‘keep warm’, so you can set it and walk away. If you’re new to it, start with simple recipes and move on to tougher ones as you get the hang of it.
- Recommendation: Check out this Instant Pot if you’d like to up your meal prep game. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to save time in the kitchen.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Why You Need Them: Getting the measurements right is key to cooking well. Measuring cups and spoons help you keep portions consistent. They also help you follow recipes accurately to get the spice ratios correct.
- Tips: Choose a set made of tough stainless steel. They last a long time, are easy to clean, and don’t rust. A set that includes both cups and spoons is handy for all your measuring. Look for rectangular spoons too. They fit easily into spice jars, making it easier for you to measure.
- Recommendation: Check out this stainless steel measuring set. It has both cups and spoons, and the rectangular spoons fit right into standard sized spice jars. I just love that feature! Plus, they’re durable and dishwasher-safe.
7. Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid
- Why you need it: A stainless steel stock pot is a great tool for your kitchen. You can use it to make big batches of soups, stews, pasta, or grains. It heats evenly, which is perfect for slow cooking or simmering. It’s incredibly versatile. You can use it for almost anything, which is why I love it.
- Tips: Pick a pot with a heavy bottom. This helps keep food from sticking or burning. Also, get one with a good lid to keep in heat and moisture. Stainless steel is tough, easy to clean, and won’t hold onto smells or stains. Choose a size based on how much you cook. Bigger pots are good for large meals, but a medium size might work better for smaller families.
- Recommendation: Check out this stainless steel stock pot. It has a solid lid and cooks evenly. It’s great for everything from boiling grains to making delicious soups.
8. A Mandoline Slicer
- Why You Need It: A mandoline slicer is a meal prep tool that will get your chopping done a lot faster. It helps you slice veggies thin and even. Whether it’s zucchini, potato, or carrot slices, this tool will help save you time on prep work but also cook your food more evenly because all the veggies will be the same size.
- Tips: Choose a mandoline with adjustable thickness so you can use it for different recipes. Safety is important so pick one with a hand guard to keep your fingers safe. If you’re a beginner, get a model with a sturdy, non-slip base, and one that are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. This tool is great for prepping large quantities of veggies in no time.
- Recommendation: I like this mandoline slicer. It has adjustable thickness settings, a safety hand guard, suction feet that keep it planted onto the counter, and a compact design for easy storage. It’s perfect for prepping veggies quickly.
9. Glass Storage Jars
- Why You Need Them: Glass storage jars are incredibly versatile and eco-friendly meal prep tools. They can hold dressings, sauces, overnight oats, or snacks. They keep your food fresh and easy to find. Plus, they are sturdy and safe. It’s nice not to worry about chemicals that can be in plastic. (I have a hard time remembering all the chemicals we are supposed to avoid… with glass, I don’t have that problem!)
- Tips: Look for jars with tight lids to keep things fresh. A 16oz jar is just right for one serving, so you can grab it when you’re in a hurry. They’re dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze, and you can use them for both hot and cold food. You can even use them for salads or storing dry stuff like nuts and grains.
- Recommendation: Check out this 8-pack of 16oz mason jars. They feature airtight lids and are perfect for everything from snacks to smoothies. Since they are reusable, you’ll also be cutting down on waste too.
10. Non-Stick Skillet with Lid
- Why You Need It: A non-stick skillet with a lid is super handy for cooking. You can use it for grains, sauces, or one-pan meals. The non-stick surface makes cooking and cleanup pretty easy.
- Tips: To keep your skillet in good shape, use silicone, rubber, or wooden utensils. This will stop it from getting scratched. Look for a skillet with a strong, heat-resistant handle. A lid is great because it helps keep heat and moisture in when you’re simmering or steaming. Choose a size that fits your typical meal prep needs. Medium skillets are usually the most versatile.
- Recommendation: Check out this affordable non-stick skillet with lid. It’s tough, easy to clean, and comes with a good lid. It’s a great addition to your kitchen!
Wrapping It Up: Meal Prep Tools will Save You Time!
Outfitting your kitchen with the right tools can make meal prepping easier and more enjoyable. You need the right stuff for cutting, cooking, and storing. These 10 must-have tools will save you time and help keep things neat. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing this for a while, the right gear will make a big difference.
Want to learn more about meal prep? Check out my guide to Plant-Based Meal Prep for Beginners. It’s full of tips and ideas to help you get the hang of it and turn meal prep into a regular thing for you.
Which tool will you grab first? Tell me in the comments! Also, share any meal prep tips you have. Let’s keep meal prep simple and enjoyable!
