The right kitchen tools can make meal prep faster, easier, and a whole lot less frustrating. You don’t need a cabinet full of gadgets—just a few dependable essentials that actually earn their place in your kitchen.
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1. A good chef’s knife
A sharp, comfortable chef’s knife is one of the most useful tools you can have for meal prep. From chopping vegetables to slicing cooked chicken, a good knife can make everyday prep faster and more enjoyable.
See our recommended chef’s knife →
2. A large cutting board
A roomy cutting board gives you enough space to prep vegetables, herbs, proteins, and other ingredients without everything piling up. Look for one that’s sturdy, easy to clean, and large enough to be genuinely useful during meal prep.
**When choosing a cutting board, the material matters. The FDA actually recommends a separate board for raw meat to prevent cross-contamination. For that reason, we recommend 2 boards: a nonporous material like HDPE plastic for meat and a hard, close-grained wood like maple (more aesthetic also!).
See our recommended cutting board for raw meat →
See our recommended hardwood cutting board →
3. Meal prep containers
Good meal prep containers make it easier to portion meals, store leftovers, and grab food when you’re short on time. Key considerations are durability, leak-resistance, and the ability to stack easily in the fridge. It is also ideal to be able to transfer direct from the refrigerator to the microwave. We are partial to the glass containers since they are see-through (a surprisingly useful feature!), more visually appealing, and BPA free.
See our recommended glass meal prep containers →
See our recommended plastic meal prep containers →
4. A sheet pan
A sturdy sheet pan is necessary for easy, hands-off meal prep. You can roast vegetables, chicken, potatoes, and more all on one pan, making cooking simpler and reducing cleanup time. A durable, uncoated aluminum pan will likely last and hold up better, but if scraping stuck on food is your last straw, opt for a PFAS-free non-stick pan.
See our recommended sheet pan →
See our recommended non-stick sheet pan →
5. A large mixing bowl
A large mixing bowl gives you plenty of room to toss salads, season vegetables, mix ingredients, or prepare larger batches of food. Consider a non-slip base for when you want to work quickly.
See our recommended mixing bowls →
6. A rice cooker
A rice cooker can take one more task off your hands when you’re prepping meals for the week. It’s especially useful for making rice, quinoa, and other grains while you focus on the rest of your meal prep.
See our recommended rice cooker →
7. A slow cooker
A slow cooker is a great option for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s especially useful for soups, shredded chicken, chili, and other meals that can cook while you handle everything else on your list. Consider a multi-functional option, like the one recommended below.
See our recommended slow cooker →
8. A food storage organizer
Keeping food storage containers, lids, and meal-prep supplies organized can save more time than you might expect. A simple drawer or cabinet organizer makes it easier to find what you need and keep your kitchen ready for the next round of prep.
See our recommended food storage organizer →
9. A digital kitchen scale
A digital kitchen scale can make portioning ingredients more consistent and takes the guesswork out of measuring certain foods. It’s especially useful for baking, meal prep, and recipes where accurate portions matter.
See our recommended kitchen scale →
10. An immersion blender
An immersion blender makes it easy to blend soups, sauces, and smoothies without transferring everything to a full-size blender. It’s compact, easy to store, and especially handy when you want to keep cleanup to a minimum.
