103 Best Meal Prep Tools and Kitchen Supplies to Make Your Life Easier
What are the food prep accessories every meal prepper should own to make prepping easier?
You’ve just bought all the ingredients.
You’re ready to make that delicious meal for you girlfriend.
Maybe you’re meal prepping your work week lunches.
Then you try to start cooking and realize…You don’t have the kitchen supplies needed to do the job!
Make your life easier and meal prepping less stressful with the following food prep accessories.
Also checkout our list of the most basic meal prep essentials.
Once you have the essentials, step up your meal prep game.
The following list are food prep accessories I found useful.
I think you’ll find them useful as well.
1. Crock Pot
Crock pots are work horses when it comes to meal prep. It’s the tried and true “set it and forget it” form of cooking.
Our lives are busy. Don’t spend all your time cooking.
Add some ingredients to the crock pot, turn it on, and let it do it’s thing.
If you’re adventurous, cook a separate meal at the same time. Now you have variety for the week.
2. Crock Pot Liner
Crock pot liners are large plastic bags.
Put them in your crock pot before adding you’re ingredients.
This makes cleanup a lot easier.
Simply throw away the liner when you’re done.
It’s not perfect, so always clean your crock pot with a wet paper towel.
This is just one of the many tips we’ve learned from our meal prep journey.
For more tips, checkout our ultimate guide on how to meal prep.
3. Baking Sheet
A baking sheet is great for large quantities of food.
Certain baking sheet meal prep recipes allow you to put everything on one baking sheet.
To increase the amount of food, simply use a second baking sheet and cook both at the same time.
You’ll need a baking sheet for cookies anyway!
4. Air Fryer
I prefer to use the air fryer when heating small portions of frozen food.
It doesn’t have enough capacity to make enough food for the week.
I like to use the air fryer to reheat food I previously froze.
I’ll cook and freeze bacon, potatoes, onions, peppers, and other protein.
The bacon and potatoes crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
I’ll then make fresh eggs and throw it all in a tortilla to make a delicious crispy breakfast burrito.
I choose not to freeze scrambled eggs because they become dense and lose their fluffiness in the freezer.
According to Cleveland Clinic, air fryers can be healthier than frying in oil, but it doesn’t “magically” make unhealthy food healthier.
5. Wood Spatula
Everyone needs a wooden spatula.
End of story
6. Good Chef’s Knife
A good knife is an essential when it comes to food prep accessories.
This will be needed for processing vegetables, potatoes, and meat.
You can get away with it if you’re cooking using a crock pot and mostly canned goods.
For everything else, you’ll need a good sharp knife.
8. Large Pot
There are many one pot meal recipes available which can be made in just one pot.
A large pot is also good for making homemade pasta sauce and boiling pasta.
I like to make chili and chicken soup using just a single pot.
Checkout our guide to high protein meal prep.
9. Large Pan
A large pan is a great way to cook a large amount of food.
I like to cook ground beef in a large pan and turn it into taco meat or asian style ground beef.
A large pan can also be used for boiling frozen food packaged in vacuum sealed bags.
The pan heats the water faster than the pot because I’m generally using less water.
When I seal food in vaccum bags, I like to press them flat so they fit nicely in the freezer.
These flat bags work well in the boiling water in the pan.
10. Large Plug-in Skillet
Sometimes cooking real estate can be limited.
A large plug in skillet can help with this problem as it adds a large amount of cooking capacity.
These skillets can get to significantly large sizes
11. Glass Tupperware
Glass tupperware is one of the best meal prep containers out there.
They’re the most versatile and the most appetizing way to keep your food in my opinion.
It works best when you have about a week or less worth of food.
This is because they take up a lot of space in the freezer and the fridge alike.
These will last longer than the plastic tupperware which will end up with cracks sooner.
12. Plastic Tupperware
Plastic Tupperware is a fantastic alternative to glass Tupperware and is an essential meal prep tool.
While not as durable as glass, it still is highly effective and is one of the main containers I use.
Plastic containers are also easier to find in larger sizes.
This is useful for when you need to store large amounts of food without portioning out the food
13. Top Loading Freezer
As you begin to make more variety of food, you’ll eventually need more space to store the meals
This is where a top loading freezer comes in handy.
There are different sizes of freezers to suit your needs.
Many times, you can find people giving away this meal prep tool at no cost.
14. Magic Bullet
When it comes to certain sauces, a blender is a must.
It doesn’t have to be a huge blender.
Cottage cheese is a amazing way to add protein and creaminess to your meals.
You’ll want to blend the cottage cheese with a little water, milk, or cream.
Not only that, this is one of the kitchen supplies I’ve used the most outside of cooking.
I use it to make delicious, creamy, and icy protein shakes which are one of the high protein snacks that help me meet my protein intake goals.
15. Handheld Vacuum Sealer
The handheld vacuum sealer is super convenient meal prep accessory.
Smaller than it’s countertop alternative and easier to use.
This is especially useful for freezing burritos.
It allows me to store a large quantity in the freezer without needing to individually wrap each one.
16. Countertop Vacuum Sealer
The countertop version of the vacuum sealer is great for larger jobs.
It also includes the function of sealing bags along with pulling the air out.
17. Disposable Vacuum Seal Bags
The disposable vacuum seal bags are fantastic with the countertop sealers.
They allow you to flatten the food so it stacks nicely in the freezer.
These bags also make reheating super easy.
Simply throw the whole bag in boiling water or even a Sous Vide.
The great thing about these bags is you can just throw them away after use for easy cleaning.
For this reason, you’ll be buying new packs more often.
18. Reusable Vacuum Seal Bags
These reusable bags are fantastic for things you don’t want to individually separate.
This is why they’re perfect for burritos.
Simply open the bag, take out a burrito, then re-seal the bag.
19. Paper Disposable Food Containers
The magic behind the paper containers is their disposability.
Simply throw it in the trash when you’re done.
No cleanup necessary.
For this reason, you’ll need to frequently buy new packs.
20. Spices
With the right spices, you can make a significant variety of food.
Spices are one of those non-negotiable food prep supplies everyone needs.
21. Silicone Spatula
A silicone spatula has high heat resistance and will not scratch your cookware.
It also allows you to easily scrape all the contents out of a bowl, pot, or pan.
You’ll have less waste using a silicone spatula
22. Refrigerator
A refrigerator is an important meal prep tool because without it, where will you store your food?
23. Sous Vide
A sous vide is fantastic for cooking raw meat to the exact temperature you want.
It’s also good for simply reheating already cooking food that has been stored in the freezer.
It’s a pretty passive and easy way to heat food.
You set the temperature so don’t really have to worry about exceeding temperature and time.
24. Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker help cook certain foods faster.
This can be good for foods that require time to become tender.
This usually applies to poultry, ribs, and other tougher cuts of meat.
25. Tongs
Tongs are an important part of the kitchen.
They act as an extension of your hands and fingers allowing you to safely handle hot foods.
They come is longer sizes for even more reach, keeping your hands safely away from the heat source.
26. Chicken Tenderizer
Step up your game with a chicken tenderizer.
In cooking, small improvements add up to make your meals even more delicious.
Tenderizing your chicken is just one of the many ways to improve your meals.
A chicken tenderizer is especially useful when you need your chicken to be flat and even.
This allows for more even cooking making the chicken tenderizer a must have food prep accessory if you’re making a chicken parmesan.
27. Large Tupperware
Large tupperware is great when you don’t have time or will to separate your meals into portions.
Sometimes you just don’t have the energy after cooking large quantities of food.
28. Zip Lock Bags
Zip lock bags are an amazing tool in the toolbox.
While not quite effective at long-term storage of food as a vacuum sealed bag, they still work great.
You can even store liquids like soup, stock, or broth in ziplock bags.
29. Large Spoon or Ladle
A large spoon or ladle is a must have food prep accessory especially when making soup or chili.
It will be useful for stirring to ensure even cooking and avoid burns.
It is also useful to transfer large amounts of food to your meal prep containers.
30. Chicken Shredder
I find a chicken shredder is far more useful than I ever imagined.
Instead of trying to mess around with forks, tongs, or even bare hands, the shredder makes it easy and fast.
Don’t mess around with other options.
Get your chicken shredded quickly, then move on.
31. Ginger Grater
Fresh ginger can make worlds of difference in your dishes.
It will take your meals to the next level.
A ginger crater makes utilizing fresh ginger super easy.
It may not be the most important when it comes to kitchen supplies, but you’ll be happy you have it.
32. Cheese Grater
A cheese grater can be an extremely useful tool.
If you’re interested in adding more protein to your meals, a cheese grater could be an essential.
Parmesan cheese has a high amount of protein.
Using a grater makes adding cheese to your meals far easier and more enjoyable.
33. Ice Cube Trays
Ice cube trays are an underrated food prep accessory.
Freeze sauce in the ice cube tray.
Add the frozen sauce to your food while reheating.
Have a variety of sauces ready on hand.
Use larger trays for soups and stocks.
34. Vegetable Steam Rack
A vegetable steam rack can be used for more than just steaming vegetables.
It can be used to steam chicken wings to render the fat out before frying or baking.
This allows them to crisp up more.
The steam rack can also be used to drain fat from cooked ground beef.
Simply place the rack in a large mixing bowl and add the cooked beef to it.
Allow some time for the fat to drain to the bottom.
Use a paper towel or spatula to move the fat to the trash can.
35. Oven Mitts
Oven mitts are an absolute must.
You can use a small towel, but look to eventually get proper mitts.
36. Salt Container
Salt is a stable in just about every recipe.
A salt container allows you to easily access salt for your meals.
It will allow for more control in the amount of salt added.
37. Pepper Grinder
Similar to salt, pepper is a staple in many recipes.
A pepper grinder will ensure fresh cracked pepper for every meal you make.
38. Sesame Seed Grinder
Sesame seeds are packed with nutrients and flavor.
To really access the benefits of the seeds, grinding them will be necessary.
39. Vegetable Peeler
A vegetable peeler will be needed for carrots, potatoes, and more.
Make your life easier by getting one for your kitchen.
This is one of those food prep accessories everyone should have.
You may not use it everyday, but you’ll be happy you have it when you need it.
40. 5 Blade Meat Masher
The five blade masher comes in handy for cooking ground beef.
The more you can breakup your meats, the more areas the flavor of your seasonings can reach.
This is an example of when your kitchen supplies actually make your food taste better.
The more you breakup the meat, the more surface area the seasoning can reach.
41. Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil can come in handy for all sorts of things in the kitchen.
The main use for me is wrapping my burritos in them before putting them in the freezer.
It’s not my preferred way of storing burritos in the freezer, but works in a pinch.
42. Vacuum Seal Glass Container
Vacuum seal glass containers can be a way to add longevity to your meals.
Keeping meals in the fridge does not keep your food fresh for as long as you may think.
Vacuum seal the air out to get more from your preps.
43. Large Mixing Bowl
A large mixing bowl is another important item when talking about food prep accessories.
Especially if you don’t have many cooking supplies.
You can cook one thing, move it to the bowl, then cook the others.
As mentioned before, the mixing bowls are excellent for draining fat from ground beef combined with a vegetable steamer rack.
Also, when processing vegetables or even marinating chicken, a large mixing bowl comes in handy.
44. Large Cutting Board
A good cutting board that wont move when you use it will save a lot of frustration.
It’s generally good to have one for meat and one for everything else.
This food prep accessory is a must have and goes hand in hand with a good knife.
45. Boning Knife
A boning knife is used for precision.
Sometimes you’ll find discounted poultry that still has the skin on it or bones in.
The boning knife will allow you to remove the skin and bones more easily making it an important meal prep accessory.
46. Pasta Server
Ever tried to hold a live fish with wet hands?
It’s the same thing with pasta when you don’t have a pasta server.
Make your life easier with a pasta server
You’ll effortlessly be able to taste test your pasta for doneness
The spiky parts on the server help separate longer noodles.
Spaghetti will cook unevenly if not properly separated.
47. Parchment Paper
When using a baking sheet, leying down parchment paper ahead of time can save a lot of cleanup.
48. Paring Knife
A paring knife is a smaller knife used for more precise cutting.
It can be used for removing skin of vegetables and potatoes.
It can also be used for mincing smaller ingredients like garlic and small peppers.
49. Stainless Steel Pan
A stainless steel pan is great for searing.
When you learn to use a stainless steel pan correctly it can improve your cooking significantly.
50. Knife Sharpener
Knives will innevitably go dull.
A sharp knife is one of those underrated food prep accessories people don’t think of.
When your knife is dull, it can make cooking frustrating and even dangerous.
51. Mandaline Slicer
This slicer is great for vegetables and potato dishes.
It can save time when you have to make many slices of the same size.
52. Magic Bullet
The Magic Bullet or another small blender is great for shakes and smoothies.
It’s also fantastic for making smooth and creamy sauces.
Use it to blend cottage cheese to add to creamy dishes for extra protein
53. Garlic Press
Garlic is used in so many recipes.
Sometimes garlic powder just doesn’t do the job.
Freshly pressed garlic will be an often used tool in your kitchen.
This can easily be done with this simple, yet effective food prep accessory.
54. Citrus Juicer
Lemon is another ingredient with tons of potential.
It can be added to many dishes to add layers and contrast to your food.
A juicer will make life just a little easier.
You can also use it to make freshly squeezed orange juice
55. Citrus Zester
A citrus zester helps you add fresh lemon, lime, or orange flavor to meals.
It removes the thin outer peel without the bitter white part.
Use it to brighten up salads, desserts, sauces, and drinks in seconds.
56. Bench Scraper
A bench scraper is a simple tool that makes kitchen prep easier.
You can use it to move chopped veggies, divide dough, or clean crumbs off the counter.
It saves time and keeps your workspace neat
57. Colander
A colander is perfect for draining pasta, rinsing fruits, and washing vegetables.
The small holes let water flow out while keeping food inside.
Every kitchen needs one for quick and easy cleanup.
58. Measuring Cup
Measuring cups help make recipes more accurate.
They are useful for measuring liquids, rice, flour, and other ingredients.
I like using measuring cups because they help meals turn out more consistent.
59. Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons are useful for spices, baking powder, and small amounts of ingredients.
They help keep recipes balanced and easy to follow.
Measuring your ingredients instead of eyeballing it will allow you to keep consistent results.
60. Food Thermometer
A food thermometer helps make sure meat is cooked safely.
It can also help prevent overcooking food.
You don’t have to be unsure your food is fully cooked.
Get a food thermometer and cut out the uncertainty
61. Kitchen Timer
A kitchen timer helps keep track of cooking time.
It is useful for baking, boiling eggs, and meal prep.
Get a decent kitchen timer with responisve buttons.
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to set the timer with food covered hands and the buttons don’t work half the time.
62. Rice Cooker
A rice cooker makes cooking rice simple and consistent.
Many rice cookers can also steam vegetables while the rice cooks.
If you plan on including rice with your meals, a rice cooker is an essential to make your life easier.
63. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender can blend soups and sauces directly in the pot.
It takes up less space than a regular blender.
I like using an immersion blender because cleanup is usually very easy.
64. Food Processor
A food processor is one of those food prep accessories that can make your life a whole lot easier.
It can chop vegetables, shred cheese, and mix ingredients quickly.
It can save a lot of time during meal prep.
I like using a food processor when making large batches of food.
65. Pantry Storage Bins
Pantry storage bins help organize snacks, canned food, and baking supplies.
Clear bins make it easier to see what items you already have.
This will allow you to better plan your meals and make sure you don’t waste food.
66. Silicone Food Bag
A silicone food bag is similar to a ziplock back.
You can store all sorts of food in it.
Unlike ziplock bags, you can put the silicone bag in the dish washer.
67. Freezer Labels
Freezer labels are designed to withstand the lower temperatures.
Use them to label your foods.
Another option is to simply use a Sharpie.
Either way, you’ll want to label your food so you don’t have to guess what it is.
When food it vacuum sealed and frozen, it can look a lot different.
Get this meal prep accessory to make it easier to know what you’re about to eat.
68. Stand Mixer
A stand mixer helps mix dough, batter, and other ingredients with less effort.
It is especially useful for baking bread and cookies.
Using a stand mixer is great because it can handle heavy mixing jobs easily
69. Mason Jars
Mason jars are useful for storing dry goods, sauces, and meal prep ingredients.
They can also be used for overnight oats and salads.
My brother uses mason jars to make pickled cabbage which goes spectacularly with many meals.
70. Shelf Risers
Shelf risers help create extra storage space inside cabinets.
They make it easier to see plates, bowls, and pantry items.
These can be especially helpful if you don’t have a whole of space.
71. Lazy Susan
A lazy susan makes it easier to reach spices, sauces, and condiments.
It spins so items in the back are easier to grab.
As you learn more and more recipes, you will build up a large amount of spices.
Use a lazy susan to more easily organize and find spices when you need them.
72. Spice Rack
A spice rack helps keep spices organized and easy to find.
It can save space on the counter or inside cabinets.
A spice rack is another great option to organize your spices as you attain more and more.
73. Whisk
A whisk is useful for mixing eggs, sauces, and pancake batter.
It helps blend ingredients smoothly.
A handheld whisk is great because it mixes food quickly without using electricity
74. Slotted Spoon
A slotted spoon helps remove food while letting liquid drain away.
It works well for vegetables, pasta, and boiled eggs.
When cooking using a crock pot or large pot, it can be used as a mixer as well to ensure your food doesn’t burn.
75. Can Opener
A can opener makes it easy to open canned food safely.
It is one of the basic food prep accessories every kitchen should have.
The can opener is one of those meal prep tools that is essential for anyone looking to prep.
76. Magnetic Spice Tins
Magnetic spice tins help save space in the kitchen.
They can stick to the refrigerator or a metal board.
These are fantastic because they keep spices easy to reach while cooking.
77. Paper Towel Holder
A paper towel holder keeps paper towels easy to grab during cooking.
It also helps keep the counter more organized.
The paper towel holder is especially useful when your hands or covered in food
78. Dutch Oven
A dutch oven is useful for soups, stews, chili, and bread.
It holds heat well and cooks food evenly.
Dutch ovens make the colder months much cozier with delicious slow cooked meals.
79. Sauce Pan
A saucepan is useful for boiling pasta, heating soup, and making sauces.
The tall sides help reduce spills while cooking.
Using a saucepan for smaller meals, side dishes, and reheating is a perfect use.
80. Apron
An apron helps protect clothes from spills and food stains.
Some aprons also have pockets for holding kitchen tools.
I’ve ruined several shirts because I wasn’t wearing an apron.
This is why an apron is a great investment because you’ll save money on buying new shirts.
81. Pot Holders
Pot holders help protect your hands from hot cookware.
They are important for safely moving pots and baking dishes.
I like keeping multiple pot holders nearby while cooking.
82. Cabinet
Kitchen cabinets help store dishes, cookware, and pantry items.
Good cabinet storage can make meal prep easier and more organized.
If you’re in an especially small space, a cabinet can get you utilize the vertical space in your environment
83. Tortilla Press
A tortilla press helps make homemade tortillas quickly.
It can flatten the dough evenly with less effort.
This is especially useful in saving money and making tortillas with only the ingredients you want.
84. Spiralizer
A spiralizer turns vegetables into noodle.
It works well with zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers.
Perfect for making simple low carb meals.
85. Potato Masher
A potato masher is useful for mashed potatoes and other soft foods.
It can also be used for beans and avocados.
Rice can get boring at times so mashed potatoes can shake things up a bit.
86. Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap helps keep leftovers fresh in the fridge.
It can cover bowls, plates, and meal prep containers.
You can also use plastic wrap to cover chicken when tenderizing it
87. Baking Dish or Casserole Dish
A baking dish is useful for casseroles, roasted vegetables, and desserts.
It can go from the oven directly to the table.
I love making breakfast casseroles and freezing them so I always have something delicious for breakfast.
88. Digital Recipe Tablet Stand
A digital recipe tablet stand keeps recipes easy to read while cooking.
It can help protect the tablet from spills on the counter.
I like using a tablet stand because it keeps my hands free while cooking
89. Rolling Pin
A rolling pin helps flatten dough evenly.
It is useful for cookies, pizza dough, and pie crusts.
I mainly use it to help make homemade tortillas for my burritos
90. Herb Keeper
A herb keeper helps fresh herbs last longer in the refrigerator.
It can help reduce food waste from spoiled herbs.
Ideally, you will use all your herbs quickly by making multiple recipes that require similar ingredients.
91. Produce Saver Bins
Produce save bins help fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer.
They improve airflow and reduce extra moisture.
I like using produce save bins because they help reduce wasted food.
92. Insulated Lunch Bag
An insulated lunch bag helps keep food hot or cold while traveling.
It is useful for work, school, or road trips.
You’ll need something to carry your homemade meal prep meals wherever you go.
93. Portable Food Heater
A portable food heater lets you warm food without a microwave.
It is useful for work, travel, and long days away from home.
It is best to use this with liquid type foods or foods that won’t stick and burn easily.
Foods like rice will end up sticking to the bottom of the food tray unless there is extra moisture
94. Grocery List Whiteboard
A grocery list whiteboard helps keep track of food that needs to be replaced.
It can make grocery shopping more organized.
You can snap a picture of the whiteboard to easily have a shopping list
95. Portion Scoops
Portion scoops help make serving sizes more consistent.
They are useful for cookies, rice, mashed potatoes, and meal prep.
This can be especially useful if you’re calorie counting
96. Oil Sprayer
An oil sprayer helps apply a thin layer of oil to food and pans.
It can help reduce the amount of oil used while cooking.
Sometimes the prefilled oil spray cans don’t work or stop working.
This leaves you with a lot of unused oil that may be difficult to use.
97. Kitchen Cart
A kitchen cart adds extra storage and counter space.
Many kitchen carts also include shelves and drawers.
Be sure to get one with good brakes so it doesn’t move around too much on you.
98. Marinade Injector
A marinade injector helps add flavor deep into meat.
It can help keep chicken, turkey, and pork more juicy.
This is perfect for barbecue and holiday meals
99. Food Chopper
A food chopper can quickly chop onions, peppers, and vegetables.
It helps speed up meal prep.
This can be especially useful when you’re making super large batches of food.
100. Yogurt Maker
A yogurt maker helps make homemade yogurt with simple ingredients.
It can save money compared to buying single serving yogurt cups.
Yogurt can be a great snack that’s not too difficult to digest.
For this reason it’s great at work when you need to use your energy to do you job instead of digestion
101. Dehydrator
A dehydrator removes moisture from food so it can last longer.
It is useful for making dried fruit, jerky, and herbs.
I like using a dehydrator because homemade dried snacks are easy to store.
102. Under Shelf Baskets
Under shelf baskets create extra storage space under shelves.
They are useful for wraps, snacks, and kitchen towels.
I like using under shelf baskets because they help organize small kitchens.
103. Meat Processor
When making things like meatballs or koobideh, you’ll need a meat processor to ground the meat thin.
You can also use it to make ground chicken and even sausages.
Processing the meat can make a delicious texture.
Conclusion
That’s our extensive list of all the best meal prep accessories and kitchen supplies.
It’s not everything and the list is always growing.
It’s super important to have the right food prep tools to get the job done.
Meal prepping and cooking in general is already hard enough.