Best Meal Prep Tools to Save Time The Kitchen

When it comes to healthy eating, having the right tools makes everything easier. You don’t need a fully loaded kitchen or every gadget out there. But a few key tools? They can seriously save time, reduce stress, and help you follow through with your meal prep plans.

In this post, I’m sharing the best meal prep tools I use all the time, a few nice-to-have upgrades, and some bonus items for the kitchen nerds. I’m also going to touch on non-toxic cookware — what to look for and what to avoid — and share a free resource to help you get started with planning before you even chop a thing.

Essential Meal Prep Tools

Let’s start with the basics. These are the tools I reach for almost every day. If you’re new to cooking or meal prepping, these are the ones I recommend starting with.

• Sharp knives: A good knife makes prep work faster and safer. You don’t need a huge set, just a solid chef’s knife will do the trick.
• Cutting boards: I like having a few on hand.
• Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for baking and helpful for sauces and dressings.
• Mixing bowls: I’m obsessed with my Pyrex glass bowls. They double as mixing bowls and are heat-proof, so you can melt things in them too.
• Baking sheets: Super versatile for roasting veggies, baking proteins, or making granola. Line with parchment for easy cleanup.

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Time-Saving Meal Prep Tools

Meal prep doesn’t require fancy tools, but the right ones can seriously save you time. Here is a list of my favourite time-saving gadgets that make healthy eating way easier, especially on busy weeknights or during Sunday meal prep.

• Food processor: Probably one of the most used tools in my kitchen! Look for one that comes with a grater attachment.
• Slow cooker: Good for meal prep because you just put everything into the slow cooker, turn it on, and forget about it.
• Immersion blender: Great for blending soups and sauces right in the pot. No transferring, no extra cleanup.
• Mini food processor: Perfect for chopping herbs, garlic, or making small-batch sauces. I also use it for salad dressings.
• Rice cooker: It cooks grains while you focus on other tasks. Set it and forget it.
• Steamer basket: A simple way to cook veggies. Some pots even come with one built in.
• Salad spinner: I don’t own one, but I really should. I always end up shaking lettuce over the sink.
• Garlic press: I love using mine when I’m cooking at home. It saves me from chopping and smelling like garlic all day.

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Bonus Tools for the Kitchen Nerds

These definitely aren’t must-haves, but if you love cooking or want to batch prep like a pro, they’re fun to add to your kitchen.

• High-powered blender: I use a Vitamix, and I love it. It’s an investment, but if you make smoothies, soups, or sauces regularly, it’s totally worth it.
• Mandolin slicer: Super helpful for getting uniform slices — especially if you’re prepping lots of veggies.
• Veggie chopper: Think Slap Chop! Great for batch prep if you’re chopping a lot at once.
• Spice grinder: I use the blade attachment from my Magic Bullet or a mortar and pestle; both work.
• Vacuum sealer: Amazing if you’re freezing meals. It keeps things fresher longer.
• Spiralizer: Great for zucchini noodles and veggie-based meals. It’s not essential, but fun to have.
• Juicer: I used to love juicing, but the cleanup is a bit much these days. Still, it’s a great way to get more fresh produce in.

All of these are helpful, but again, don’t feel like you need to rush out and buy them all. The best meal prep tools are the ones that fit your lifestyle and cooking habits.

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What to Look for in Non-Toxic Cookware

This is a big one. I get asked about non-toxic cookware all the time, so let’s talk about it.

My #1 piece of advice: use what you already have. There’s no need to toss everything out and start from scratch. But when things start to break, chip, or disappear into the mysterious kitchen void, it’s worth thinking about safer swaps.

Here’s what I use and recommend:

• Utensils: Stainless steel, wood, or bamboo. Great for stirring, flipping, and serving.
• Mixing bowls: I love my glass Pyrex bowls. Stainless steel is great too.
• Measuring tools: I have a mix of stainless steel spoons and old plastic cups. Use what works, and replace plastic if it cracks or wears down.
• Cookware:
  • Stainless steel pots are my go-to. They’re safe, durable, and cook evenly.
  • Cast iron is awesome, especially for recipes that go from stove to oven.
  • Ceramic-coated pans are a great alternative to non-stick. There are a lot of good-quality, non-toxic ceramic options out there. Some are more non-stick than others, so read the reviews.
  • Dutch ovens are dreamy and still on my wishlist!
• Food-grade silicone: I love silicone muffin liners and portion trays. You can freeze individual servings, pop them out, and store them in freezer bags — super handy for batch cooking.

What we’re trying to avoid are things like Teflon, PFAS, and plastic that break down under heat. Those materials can leach into food and your body has to work to detox them.

Remember, the best meal prep tools aren’t just about convenience — they should also support your long-term health.

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Before You Meal Prep… You Need a Plan

Now that you know which tools can save you time and make cooking more enjoyable, here’s the truth: even the best meal prep tools won’t help if you don’t have a plan.

That’s where my Free Meal Planning Template comes in.

Before you prep a single veggie or fire up your rice cooker, you need to know what you’re cooking and when you’ll be eating it. Otherwise, things go to waste, or you end up ordering takeout anyway.

My meal planning template is simple, flexible, and designed to fit real life — not some picture-perfect Pinterest board. It helps you plan around your schedule, leftovers, and even picky eaters.

Download the Free Meal Planning Template here

Trust me, once you combine a solid plan with the best meal prep tools, healthy eating becomes so much easier and more realistic — even on your busiest days.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.