My essential kitchen toolkit: A deep dive into a healthy kitchen — the tools and why they matter

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Meal Prep Series! If you missed part one, we discussed whether meal prep is worth your time.

Have you ever stood in front of a wall of kitchen gadgets, wondering which ones will actually make life easier and which will end up in the donation pile?

As a mom of nine and health coach, I can tell you having the best kitchen tools for meal prep can make or break our dedication.

Meal prep is supposed to make our life easier, not more difficult. I’ve tried all kinds of tools over the years, and I’m a firm believer you get what you pay for.

Budget and Diet

I’ve been on all sides of the budget throughout the years, and I’ve found there are some gadgets worth spending extra on while others are not as important.

As someone who follows a Blue Zones diet, I require tools designed for a more plant-based kitchen. Though I have kids who would never want to eat spaghetti without meatballs, so I’m prepared for all.

Different diet preferences or restrictions (such as gluten-free, low-carb, vegan, etc.) might affect choices. The gadgets you keep in your kitchen support your meal prep journey in every way; it’s worth taking the time to evaluate what’s best for you.

In each section, I’ve concluded with a question to help organize your needs and wants to help make this process easier.

I’m excited for you to begin your meal prep journey; it’s a great investment of time and energy and truly changes the way your home flows.

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

Tip: Begin a notebook, binder, or digital app dedicated to meal prep. Here you can write out meal plans, ideas, grocery lists, and new recipes to try. This also makes for a record of your weekly plans for easy replication in the future.

Delicious and Dippable Taco Dip

An easy taco layer dip: a flavorful crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Find the Taco Dip recipe here.

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, nut or oat milk, and 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 — sauces, salsas, homemade nut or oat milk.

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

My Favorite-Vitamix | Budget-friendly alternative-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.

Instant Pots and Crockpots

Instant Pot

This is one of my most used appliances — in fact, I have 3 for meal prep day. I make beans, lentils, and chickpeas from scratch in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove, with no pre-soaking required.

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

Crock Pots

Throw in your ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and come home to a pot of delicious homemade soup or stew — comfort food at its best.

The flavors meld 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 a 2 quart. 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 two favorite cast iron Dutch Ovens are STAUB and Cuisinart.

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

Tip: Don’t be swayed by trends. While instant pots are popular, if you find yourself more inclined towards slow-cooked meals, a crockpot might serve you better.

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.

My Favorite Miscellaneous Appliances

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

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
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.
My Favorite Air Fryer-DASH
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
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
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
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 | Budget-friendly alternative-COSORI
Espresso Machine (Barista style coffee at home)
Why it’s essential: My family loves lattes, and this is such an easy, healthier, and inexpensive way for them to create their favorites at home. It pays for itself over time.
My Favorite Espresso Machine-Breville | Budget-friendly alternative-EspressoWorks
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 Housewares
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
Citrus Juicer (For all your citrus needs)
Why it’s essential: Designed exclusively 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.

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 spoons (gentle on pans),
Slotted spoons (for draining)
Stainless Steel (Durable and resistant to rust)
Silicone (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 out sauces.
My Favorite-All-Clad

Whisk

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

Tongs

Why they’re essential: They act as an extension of your hand, making it easier to flip, turn, and serve 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: The longevity of your utensils depends on how you care for them. Always read cleaning and care instructions. For instance, wooden spoons are best hand-washed, while some stainless steel items can go 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 I use sometimes, while my budget-friendly knife is my go-to because it’s more comfortable for me.

But — quality still matters.

The key is to invest in a well-made knife that feels right for you and keep it well-sharpened. So choose what works for you, and remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all.

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.

Blue Zones Inspired Recipes For a Fresh Start

Cutting Boards

A good cutting board makes everything easier. I’ve tried most types of cutting boards out there — I could never find the right one. But when I got a John Boos board, I’ve never looked back. I’ve had it since 2016, and it’s still like brand new.

What do you prefer? It’s a personal choice, but it’s worth finding one that feels good to you.

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 might need replacing more frequently.

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.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel mixing bowls are a great choice. However, they can react with acidic foods.
Glass: Microwave-safe and non-reactive; glass mixing bowls are another great choice.
Plastic: KitchenAid and OXO are my favorites.
Ceramic: Sturdy and heavy, easy to clean, and doesn’t absorb odors. This is my favorite.

Question: What type of meals or dishes do you find yourself preparing the most, and how could the right mixing bowl simplify that process?

Tip: A mixing bowl with a grip base can prevent sliding, especially when whisking or mixing vigorously.

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: Perfect in 16 oz and 32 oz 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: Perfect for cold storage, like in your lunchbox or for storing dry goods.
Freezer Bags: Perfect 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

A quick and easy mug cake—a simple, delicious treat. A moment for mindfulness that invites you to slow down and savor the present moment. Find the pumpkin mug cake recipe here.

Additional Tools to Make Meal Prep Easier

Baking Essentials

Ceramic Baking Dish- Mora Ceramic
Why it’s my favorite: Deep, quality, and easy to clean.

Smaller Baking Dishes- Mora Ceramic
Why it’s my favorite: Breads, desserts, roasting, etc.

Baking Sheets- TeamFar
Why it’s my favorite: Stainless steel and non-toxic.

Ramekins- Mora Ceramic
Why it’s my favorite: Cute, easy, and durable.

Muffin Pans- E-far
Why it’s my favorite: Non-toxic, sturdy, and easy.

Parchment Baking Sheets- SmartTake
Why it’s my favorite: Precut, unbleached, and clean up is so easy.

Cupcake Liners- Gifbera
Why it’s my favorite: Unbleached, natural, and budget-friendly for easy clean up.

Measurement Tools

Measuring cups- Hudson Essentials and Spoons-U-Taste
Why it’s my favorite: Durable, stainless steel, and easy.

Large Liquid Measuring Cup- Anchor Hocking
Why it’s my favorite: Perfect for large batches and durable.

Smaller Liquid Measuring Cup- Pyrex
Why it’s my favorite: Easy to use and measure.

Miscellaneous Favorites

Label Maker- Phomemo or Label stickers- Savvy & Sorted
Why it’s my favorite: Easy organization of pantry items, spices, and more.

Mesh strainer- U.S. Kitchen Supply
Why it’s my favorite: Perfect for cleaning rice, quinoa, and small legumes.

Colander
Why it’s my favorite: For draining pasta and rinsing fruits and vegetables. The holes allow water to drain quickly, speeding up meal prep.
My Favorite Colander- All-Clad | Budget-friendly alternative- OXO

Ice Cream Scoops
Why it’s my favorite: Stainless steel, durable, and perfect for meatballs, melons, cookies, etc.
My favorite ice cream scoops- Jenaluca

Spice Racks Organizers- Copco
Why it’s my favorite: Easy organization and space-saving.

Kitchen Scissors- KitchenAid
Why it’s my favorite: Convenient and durable.

Sun Tea Jars- Anwoi
Why it’s my favorite: Glass, airtight, and the perfect size.

Spouting Jars- Haswe
Why it’s my favorite: Easy and money-saving to make your own sprouts at home. A great project for kids too.

Mandoline Slicer- Benriner
Why it’s my favorite: Ideal for thin, uniform slices of vegetables and fruits quickly.

Coffee/Spice Grinder- Krups
Why it’s my favorite: Grinds flax seeds, coffee beans, and spices to get the freshest flavors.

Potato Masher- KitchenAid
Why it’s my favorite: Essential for homemade mashed potatoes, guacamole, or mashing up beans for burritos.

Ramen Bowls- Lareina
Why it’s my favorite: Perfect for that oh-so-delicious bowl of elegant-looking ramen.

Question: Think about your typical week. Which of these additional items could significantly 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 Vegan Raman Photo

Before You Go: Making the Most of Your Kitchen Journey

Consider bookmarking or printing this guide for future reference.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your own kitchen tools, gift ideas for fellow home chefs, 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 my insights help 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.

Best Kitchen Tools for Meal Prep