Kitchen Tools That Simplify Weekly Meal Prep

ByAshley

Before you dive into meal prep recipes, having the right tools makes everything run more smoothly, like faster cooking, easier storage, and meals that hold up beautifully throughout the week.

Over the years, I've used just about every container, jar, pan, gadget, and these essentials are the ones I keep coming back to. They're reliable and perfect for building a solid meal prep routine that lasts.

Glass Containers vs. Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are lightweight, but they can warp, stain, and retain odors over time. The best way to use plastic containers is for foods that require no heating. Think salads and sauces.

Glass containers are my go-to for meal prep because they hold heat well, don't stain, and make reheating meals simple and safe.

If you prep often, a mix of both works best: Glass for full meals and reheating, and plastic for snacks, salads, and items that do not need any reheating.

Glass Jars

These are great for smoothies and overnight oats.

Sheet Pans

I generally stay away from dark colored sheet pans because they can get too hot and cook the food faster than intended. I really love the USA Pan brand, which is professionally tested and family-owned.

Overall note: A reliable sheet pan helps ingredients roast evenly, making batch cooking quick and efficient.

Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker

This tool is perfect for cooking grains, beans, and proteins in large batches and quickly with minimal effort.

Sharp Chef's Knife

Quality sharp knifes speeds up chopping and slicing, so prep feels smoother and safer.

Cutting Boards (Large)

A clean, well-kept working surface keeps ingredients organized and prevents cross-contamination.

Wooden Cutting Board

Hardwood (Maple or Walnut): Good for all-purpose chopping. However, know that it's not dishwasher safe.

Example: A classic John Boos Chop-N-Slice Maple Cutting Board is the standard for home cooks and professionals.

Plastic Cutting Board

Plastic (High-Density Polyethylene - HDPE) is best for raw protein (meat, poultry, fish). Plastic is non-porous and can be run through a dishwasher or sanitized with bleach, which is crucial for preventing cross-contamination when dealing with raw meat. (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service)

Example: The Joseph Joseph Folio 4-Piece Chopping Board Set is an organized method for color-coding their tasks (e.g., white for meat, green for vegetables).

Silicone Baking Mats

Help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze when roasting vegetables, meats, or baking cookies. If you use silicone baking mats, you won't need to use parchment paper.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Unless you are an expert chef, you are likely to follow a recipe, and that requires accurate measurements to ensure consistent results for grains, sauces, and when baking.

Measuring Liquids

Measuring liquids: Use a liquid measuring cup. I like Pyrex measuring glasses because they're a trusted brand, and they can be used in the microwave.

Measuring Dry Ingredients

Measuring Dry Ingredients: Use a Dry Measuring Cup (or a digital kitchen scale, which is the most accurate method for baking).

Mixing Bowls

A mixing bowl set can be handy for marinating proteins, tossing vegetables, making sauce, and assembling big batch recipes.