When it comes to meal prep, I want to start by saying: you don’t need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets to begin. If all you have is a cutting board, a knife, and a few containers—you can absolutely start building a meal prep habit that supports your health goals.
That said, there are a few tools that can make the process faster, easier, and honestly, more enjoyable. If you're planning to make meal prep a regular part of your week, these items are worth considering. Some are splurges, some are budget-friendly, and all are things I personally use and recommend.
1. A Food Scale
A food scale really helps cut down on extra dishes. Instead of using a million measuring spoons or cups, you can just use the scale. And it is a great tool if you are tracking your macros.
- 💎 Splurge Option: This OXO food scale has a pull-out screen that’s perfect for weighing food in big bowls or on large plates. I love how easy it is to read. Check it out on Amazon.
- 💸 Budget Option: This more affordable scale gets the job done without bells and whistles. See it here.
2. Large Baking Sheets (12x16)
Roasting protein and veggies in bulk is one of my go-to strategies, and these baking sheets give you plenty of space to do just that. Grab a set here.
Pair them with parchment paper for easier cleanup—because the less time you spend scrubbing, the more likely you’ll keep up the habit. Here’s a pack I use.
3. A Solid Knife
You don’t need a full knife block—just one good knife that you keep sharp can make all the difference. As a former chef, I’ve tried a lot of knives, and believe it or not, this one from Ikea has held up incredibly well, just make sure to have it sharpened every so often. Check it out.
4. Oversized Cutting Boards
When you’re chopping a lot of veggies or prepping multiple proteins, a big cutting board makes a huge difference. No more juggling tiny surfaces or stopping to clear space every five minutes. I use this oversized one that gives plenty of room to work. FYI- you won’t be able to fit it in your dishwasher because it is so large. Grab it here.
5. Containers That Work for You
The type of container you use will depend on what you’re prepping, but here are two of my favorites:
- 🥗 Glass Containers: Great for reheating and seeing what you’ve got prepped in the fridge. Here’s a reliable set.
- 🍓 Overnight Oats bowls: Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. These are my go-to.
6. Appliances That Save Time
These aren’t necessary, but if you’re ready to level up, they can seriously cut down on cooking time:
- 🍟 Air Fryer: Ideal for reheating and bringing new life to roasted veggies or quick protein without heating up the oven. This one is compact and works great.
- 🍚 Rice Cooker: In my household, rice is cooked weekly so a good rice cooker was a great investment for us. If you eat a lot of rice or grains, this makes batch cooking easy. Here’s one to consider.
- 🥘 Instant Pot: This multi-use appliance can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more—awesome for soups and bulk meal prep. See it here.
Final Thought
You don’t need to buy everything at once—or ever! Start with what you have, and as you build a meal prep habit, you might find it’s worth investing in a few time-saving tools.
Next week, I’ll be sharing the biggest time-wasters I see during meal prep—and how to avoid them. Spoiler: it’s not always the chopping!
