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Best Kitchen Tools for Meal Prep

Julie Gaeta smiling.
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My essential kitchen toolkit: A look into a healthy kitchen, the tools and why they matter.

If you’re looking to simplify your routine, don’t miss Is Meal Prep Worth Your Time? or my complete in-depth guide on Vegan Meal Prep for Beginners.

Best Kitchen Tools for Meal Prep

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of never-ending kitchen tools wondering which ones actually make life easier—and which ones will end up in the donation pile—I’ve been there too.

Feeding nine kids on a mostly plant-based approach means I’ve had my fair share of kitchen fails… but I’ve also found a few tools that I use constantly.

I’ve tested out all kinds of gadgets over the years, and I’ve learned the best kitchen tools are the ones that fit your life. I have three blenders and somehow use all of them—but that doesn’t mean you need the same setup.

Budget and diet

I’ve been on all sides of the budget spectrum over the years, and I’ve learned which tools are worth the splurge and which ones just take up space.

Since I mostly follow a plant-based lifestyle (Blue Zones style), I rely on tools that make veggie-forward meals easier. That said, I have kids who would never want to eat spaghetti without meatballs, so our kitchen has a little bit of everything.

Your diet preferences, whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, vegan, or just figuring it all out, will definitely shape what tools work best for you.

The right tools make meal prep smoother and more enjoyable, so it’s worth taking a little time to think through what actually supports your routine.

At the end of each section, I’ve added a quick question to help you think about your own kitchen needs, because this isn’t about having the perfect setup, just one that works for you.

Meal Prep has made a huge difference in the way our home flows. I hope it brings that same ease to you, too.

Jump to:

Question: What does your family’s diet and budget allow and require for your kitchen tools?

Tip: Start a notebook, binder, or even a notes app just for meal prep. Jot down your favorite meals, grocery lists, new recipes you want to try, or even quick ideas that come to you while cooking. Over time, it turns into your own little system, and you can look back at old weeks anytime you need a reset.

Vegan 7 Layer-Dip.

Delicious and Dippable 7-Layer Dip

An easy 7-layer taco dip is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. And if you love Mexican-inspired food as much as I do, don't miss my 25 Mexican meal prep recipes for even more make-ahead ideas.

Blender vs. food processor vs. immersion blender

You may be torn between investing in a blender, a food processor, or an immersion blender. I know I hesitated at first: “Do I really need all of this?”

But each has its unique strengths.

Blender

High-speed blenders aren’t just great for smoothies; they’re indispensable, especially for plant-based kitchens.

They excel at creating velvety smoothies, homemade cashew milk, and creamy dairy-free sauces. The first time I decided to go all-in on a high-end blender, I hesitated for months. Would it just become another dust collector or make its way to the donation pile?

But it turned out to be the best investment ever, making smoothie prep so easy. Our green smoothies weren’t chunky anymore, and suddenly, I found myself using the blender for everything, especially sauces, salsas, homemade nut butters, and milk.

And with smoothies now a part of everyday life, I even set up a simple smoothie station.

The ease of it helps me stay consistent in maintaining a healthier lifestyle, and is there a better investment than that?

My favorite-Vitamix | high-powered Blendtec

Food Processor

A food processor is unbeatable for chopping veggies, making shredded salads, blending up chickpeas for falafel, or grinding nuts for homemade nut butter.

My favorite Breville |budget-friendly alternative Ninja

Immersion blender

This handheld device lets you blend soups and beans in the pot, saving you from transferring hot liquid to a blender.

It’s a quick and convenient way to get creamy textures without the extra cleanup.

It ultimately comes down to your cooking habits and what you find yourself making most often. But having all of these has saved me more time than I can count, especially with all the different types of foods I prepare.

My favorite Vitamix |Budget-friendly alternative Mueller Austria

Question: Which appliance do you find yourself needing most often for your specific recipes: a blender, food processor, or immersion blender?

Tip: Start by investing in the one you’ll use the most, then expand your toolkit as you explore more recipes and cooking techniques.

Rustic vegetable soup.

Instant Pots and Crockpots

Instant pot

This is one of the appliances I use most. In fact, I have three. I make homemade refried beans, lentils, Instant Pot chickpeas, and recipes like Instant Pot vegan Mac and Cheese from scratch in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove.

They also work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and even a yogurt maker.
My favorite Instant Pot

Slow Cookers

Throw in your ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and come home to a pot of delicious homemade soup, stew, or beans, like this slow cooker black bean soup (comfort food at its best).

The flavors come together slowly, giving food a rich, complex flavor that’s hard to beat.
My favorite crock pot

Pots and pans

Good-quality pans make or break our cooking experience. The less expensive pans never quite delivered what they promised for me, and I found myself replacing them over and over again.

The types I rely on most are cast iron, ceramic, and stainless steel. Most of my stainless steel pots are All-Clad. I purchased them one by one, starting with the 2 quart pan. They’re on the higher end, but they’re an investment that pays for itself over time.

Ceramic is also an excellent choice; hands down, this Our Place pan is my favorite.

I also use cast-iron skillets and pots, which are tried-and-true favorites. My favorite cast-iron Dutch Ovens are STAUB, Cuisinart, and Great Jones.

Question: Considering your cooking style, which do you rely on more, quick pressure-cooked meals, slow-cooked delicacies, or traditional pan-cooked dishes?

Tip: While Instant Pots are popular, if you find yourself more inclined towards slow-cooked meals, a crockpot might serve you better.

Chart showing pros, cons, use cases, pricing, and best brands to know, for cast iron, ceramic, and stainless steel pans.

Stand mixer & hand mixer

Every cook or baker knows the value of a good mixer. It’s a crucial part of my cooking adventures.

Stand mixer

Why it’s essential: As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, my stand mixer has become an invaluable tool. It’s my go-to for kneading bread I bake in the oven, whipping up light and fluffy creams, and even for certain savory tasks.
My favorite stand mixer-KitchenAid | Budget-friendly alternative-Cuisinart

Hand mixer

Why it’s essential: While the stand mixer is my heavy lifter, the hand mixer is perfect for quick tasks, smaller batches, or when I need to move around the kitchen.
My favorite hand mixer - KitchenAid

Question: What baking or cooking tasks seem time-consuming? Consider whether a stand mixer could streamline these processes, giving you more time for creativity and less time for strenuous mixing.

Tip: When investing in a stand mixer, consider its capacity, power, and available attachments. A mixer that grows with you, thanks to add-ons, changes everything.

Meal prep appliances.

My favorite miscellaneous appliances

Expanding your kitchen tools? This section highlights some invaluable appliances I rely on for meal prep.

  1. Wok (Stir-fry)
    Why it’s essential: A wok’s shape allows for faster cooking at high temperatures, ensuring crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked proteins in stir-fried dishes.
    My favorite wok-Craft
  2. Air Fryer (french fries the healthy and fast way)
    Why it’s essential: Achieve the crispy texture of fried foods without the added oils, making for healthier dishes in a fraction of the time. Two of my go-tos: crispy sweet potato wedges and Yukon Gold wedges in the air fryer. So simple and good.
    My favorite Air Fryer-DASH
  3. Belgian Waffle Maker (Perfect for Sunday mornings)
    Why it’s essential: Makes thick, fluffy waffles with deep pockets for syrup and toppings.
    My favorite waffle Maker-Cuisinart | Budget-friendly alternative-Cuisinart
  4. Electric Griddler (Veggie burgers and panini)
    Why it’s essential: Beyond just sandwiches, its adaptability lets you grill veggies, burgers, and even make pancakes.
    My favorite Griddler-Cuisinart
  5. Bread Machine (No-knead homemade bread)
    Why it’s essential: Freshly baked bread without the kneading and proofing hassles — a game-changer for bread lovers.
    My favorite bread machine-Zojirushi | Budget-friendly alternative-Cuisinart
  6. Dehydrator (Healthy and easy snacking)
    Why it’s essential: Easy and consistent preservation of fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, herbs, and vegetables, offering a nutritious and convenient snacking option.
    My favorite dehydrator-Excalibur | COSORI
  7. Espresso Machine (barista-style coffee at home)
    Why it’s essential: My family loves lattes, and this is such an easy way for them to create their favorites at home. It pays for itself over time.
    My favorite espresso machine-Breville
  8. Rice Cooker (Effortless rice)
    Why it’s essential: Consistent, perfect rice without the guesswork, allowing you to focus on other parts of the meal.
    My favorite rice cooker-CUCKOO | Budget-friendly alternative-Aroma
  9. Juicer (Nutrient-packed juices)
    Why it’s essential: Extract the maximum nutrients from fruits and vegetables for fresh, homemade juices tailored to your taste.
    My favorite juicer-Breville | Budget-friendly alternative-Hamilton Beach
  10. Citrus Juicer (For all your citrus needs)
    Why it’s essential: It's designed for citrus fruits, making it easier to extract more juice.
    My favorite manual citrus juicer-Zulay | My favorite citrus juicer-Black+Decker

Question: Which appliance could make a difference in saving time or improving the quality of your dishes?

Tip: Before buying a new appliance, consider if it’s replacing something else or if it’s fulfilling a new need. Space is a premium in many kitchens, so make each square inch count.

Curry noodle soup.

Essential kitchen utensils

While high-tech gadgets and fancy appliances might steal the spotlight, it’s often the simplest tools in our kitchen we reach for the most. These make the cooking process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.

Spatulas

Why they’re essential: Whether you’re flipping pancakes, stirring a delicate sauce, or scraping the last bit of batter from a bowl, spatulas are indispensable.
Turner silicone spatula: Great for flipping
Rubber spatula: Great for scraping
Offset spatula: Ideal for frosting cakes

Spoons

Why they’re essential: From stirring soups to serving salads, spoons are a kitchen staple.
Types:
Wooden spoon (gentle on pans)
Slotted spoon (for draining)
Stainless steel spoon (durable and resistant to rust)
Silicone spoon (heat-resistant and gentle on non-stick surfaces)

Ladles

Why they’re essential: The deep-bowl shape makes them perfect for serving soups, stews, or ladling sauces.
My favorite All-Clad

Rustic vegetable soup.

Whisk

Why they’re essential: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly and introducing air into mixtures.
My favorite All-Clad

Tongs

Why they’re essential: I use tongs for tossing salads, turning vegetables, and serving food.
My favorite-OXO

Peeler

Why they’re essential: Peelers reduce the time and effort required to remove the skin from vegetables and fruits while ensuring minimal waste.

Y-Peeler (or Horizontal Peeler)
Advantages
-Comfortable for prolonged use.
-Ideal for peeling broad surfaces, like squash.
-Easily make vegetable ribbons for garnishes.
My favorite-OXO

Swivel Peeler (or Straight Peeler)
Advantages
-Conforms to the contours of produce.
-Similar to holding a knife.
-Better for round items like apples or long ones like carrots.
My favorite-OXO

Tip: Many keep both types on hand, using each for different tasks. If in doubt, try both and see which feels better for your needs.

Pizza Cutter

Why they’re essential: Beyond pizza, they’re versatile for cutting pastry dough, sandwiches, and portioning brownies. Provides a clean cut.
My favorite-OXO

Question: Which utensil do you find yourself reaching for the most? Is it time to upgrade or replace it with a better version?

Tip: I always hand-wash wooden spoons. Stainless steel varies, so check the care instructions before putting it in the dishwasher.

Knives

Knives are another essential tool for meal prep, but you don’t have to break the bank for a quality knife.

I once thought expensive knives were the way to go, but I no longer feel the same. When it comes to knives, it’s not about how much you spend; it’s about how it feels in your hand.

I have higher-end knives that I really like, but my budget-friendly knife is often my go-to because it’s more comfortable in my hand.

But quality still matters.

The key is to invest in a well-made knife that feels right for you. And then keep it well-sharpened with a knife sharpener.

Your knife, like your meal plan, should be tailored to fit you.

Did you know? A dull knife makes meal prep a chore and is a safety hazard. Using more force to cut through ingredients increases the chances of slipping and injuries. A well-sharpened knife is safer, faster, and makes meal prep more enjoyable.

Question: Have you found a knife brand or style that you naturally gravitate towards, or are you still in search of the one?

Tip: Holding a knife before purchasing can make all the difference. The grip, balance, and weight need to feel right in your hand.

Cutting boards

A good cutting board makes everything easier. I’ve tried most types over the years, and these are two I really like.

I've had my John Boos board since 2016, and it’s still like new.

I also have a Bevel & Bond end-grain maple cutting board. It’s a beautiful, well-made board, and at over 10 pounds, it stays put while I’m chopping.

If you want a substantial wood board that stays in place while you work, both are worth considering.

Question: Do you prefer a heavier, more durable cutting board or something lighter and more portable?

Tip: While wooden cutting boards need more care, they can be gentler on knives and last for years. Plastic boards are lighter and often dishwasher-safe, but may need to be replaced more frequently.

Table showing pros and cons of wooden, bamboo, plastic, composite, glass, and stone cutting boards.

Mixing bowls

Whether you’re mixing up a batch of muffins, tossing a salad, or marinating tofu, a good set of mixing bowls is invaluable.

Types of mixing bowls

I have a variety of each, as they all have different uses.

Food storage

Storing your meals is just as important as making them, especially when you have a busy household to manage or are following a plant-based diet that includes more perishable items.

Types of food storage solutions

  • Glass containers: I prefer using glass for meal prep. They’re non-reactive, durable, and microwave-safe.
  • Mason Jars: These 16 oz jars and 32 oz jars for storing sauces, soups, salads, overnight oats, and so on. Air-tight containers help food stay fresher longer.
  • Plastic containers: They’re convenient and lightweight, but make sure you're using BPA-free. They can stain and retain odors, so they’re better for dry or less aromatic foods.
  • Stainless Steel: Great for cold storage, like in your lunchbox or for storing dry goods.
  • Freezer bags: Great for storing fruits, vegetables, or portions of soups and stews.
  • Storage plastic bags: Convenient for short-term storage or for packing dry items like nuts, grains, or snacks.
  • Silicone bags: Reusable and excellent for freezing and heating, and an eco-friendly option.

What to look for

  • Airtight & leakproof: To keep food fresh for longer and avoid any spills.
  • Size variety: Different sizes for different needs — smaller containers for snacks and larger ones for main meals.
  • Stackability: If you’re prepping multiple meals, stackable containers save fridge and freezer space.
  • Dishwasher-safe: For easier cleanup.

Question: Do you often find yourself storing leftovers, or are you more into batch cooking and storing meals for the week?

Tip: If you’re into batch cooking, invest in stackable containers. They make organizing your fridge or freezer much easier.

Pumpkin mug cake.

Pumpkin mug cake

A quick and easy pumpkin mug cake. Simple and delicious.

Additional tools to make meal prep easier

Baking essentials

Measurement tools

Miscellaneous favorites

Question: Think about your typical week. Which of these items could streamline your cooking process?

Tip: Items like label makers might seem unnecessary, but they’re game-changers in a busy kitchen, helping you quickly identify and locate ingredients or leftovers.

Becomingyouwithjulie delicious ramen photo.

Making the most of your kitchen

Bookmark this guide for future reference.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your own meal prep tools, gift ideas for fellow home cooks, or just beginning your meal prep journey, this list offers a comprehensive overview to set you up for success.

These tools aren’t just about efficiency and convenience; they’re foundational in setting up a successful meal prep routine. They make it easy to enjoy healthy, delicious meals while saving you time for what really matters.

I hope this helps you create lots of cherished moments in your kitchen. Remember, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the memories we make in the process.

By the way, if you’re going all-in on meal prep, you might like my post on 3 Simple Ways to Meal Plan with a Family, my 3-Day Plant-Based Challenge, and this roundup of my 25 plant-based Mexican Meal Prep Recipes.

And if you’re looking beyond the kitchen, my Holistic Lifestyle Guide walks you through simple changes that make a big difference.

Julie Gaeta smiling

Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.

More Vegan Meal Prep

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