Oh the stress of meal preps! Let me be real with you—meal prepping used to feel like a chore. I’d start with all the motivation in the world, armed with Pinterest recipes and good intentions… only to be knee-deep in vegetable peels, crying over onions, and wondering why my cutting board was sliding like a hockey puck. Sound familiar? That’s when I realized: it wasn’t me—it was my tools. The truth is, having the best kitchen tools for meal prep completely changes the game. I’m talking faster chopping, easier cleanup, and actual joy in prepping meals ahead (yes, joy!).
So in this post, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—plus the 7 kitchen tools that seriously saved my time, sanity, and Sunday afternoons.
If you’re ready to prep like a pro (without losing your mind), you’re in the right place.
Let’s prepare some yummy meals. 👇
Why Kitchen Tools Matter for Meal Prep?
You wouldn’t paint a masterpiece with a broken brush. Same thing with cooking.
Having the best kitchen tools for meal prep isn’t about being fancy—it’s about being efficient.
Here’s what good tools do:
- Save time: Think spiralizers, dicers, and food processors that reduce your prep time by half.
- Reduce mess: Less mess = less stress = you might actually enjoy cooking.
- Boost consistency: Uniform slices = even cooking = no more burnt bits.
- Encourage healthier habits: When tools make it easier, you’re more likely to stick to clean, homemade meals.
From premium advanced cooking tools to wooden kitchen tools that are tried and true, every item in your arsenal plays a role in better, faster prep.
🍴 Types of Kitchen Tools for Meal Prep
Before we jump into all the cool tools and time-saving gadgets, let’s talk about the different types of kitchen tools out there—because not every tool does the same job, and knowing what’s what can seriously level up your meal prep game. Some tools are all about chopping and slicing, others help you mix or store, and then there are the clever little gadgets that just make life easier (looking at you, veggie chopper). Whether you’re a minimalist cook or someone who loves trying every new gadget from TikTok, understanding these categories will help you choose smarter and prep better.
So let’s break it down—you might just find your next favorite tool hiding in one of these types. Before we dive into the must-haves, let’s break down the different types of kitchen tools that show up during meal prep.
- Cutting tools: Knives, peelers, mandolines—perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Mixing tools: Mixing bowls, whisks, measuring spoons.
- Storage tools: Containers, mason jars, reusable freezer bags.
- Cooking tools for kitchen use: Air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers.
- Cool new kitchen gadgets: Spiralizers, avocado slicers, and other niche-but-handy tools.
- Smart kitchen tools for healthier cooking: Digital food scales, portion control containers, oil spray bottles.
Whatever your prep style is, you’ll want a few of each in your kitchen tools list.
1. Digital Food Scale
Portion control is key if you’re tracking macros, calories, or prepping for weight loss. A smart kitchen tool for healthier cooking, it removes all the guesswork.
Features to look for:
- Grams + ounces modes
- Backlit screen
- Tare function
Pro tip: Always weigh protein after cooking for best accuracy.
2. Multi-Blade Vegetable Chopper
Dicing onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in seconds? Yes, please. One of the best kitchen tools for meal prep if you hate crying over onions.
Features to look for:
- Interchangeable blades
- Non-slip base
- Easy to clean
Bonus: You’ll save 20+ minutes per session.
3. Stackable Glass Meal Prep Containers
What’s meal prep without smart storage? These aren’t just pretty—they’re leak-proof, microwavable, and stackable.
Look for:
- BPA-free lids
- Divided compartments
- Freezer-safe
Where to buy: Just search kitchen tools near me or hop onto kitchen tools section.
4. Mini Food Processor
Chop herbs, mince garlic, puree sauces. It’s compact but mighty—ideal for small kitchens and fast prep.
Features:
- One-touch operation
- Easy cleanup
- Sharp stainless steel blades
Best for: Busy weeknight sauces or overnight marinades.
Time to move towards some of the real meal prep tool types!
7 Must-Have Classy Kitchen Tools
Okay, we’ve talked about why the right tools are a total game-changer—and now it’s time to show you exactly which ones deserve a spot in your kitchen.
These are not your average gadgets collecting dust in the back of a drawer. Nope. These are the best kitchen tools for meal prep that’ll actually save you time, cut down the mess, and make you wonder how you ever lived without them.
Whether you’re into advanced cooking tools, love a good wooden spoon, or want smart kitchen tools for healthier cooking, this list has something for every kind of home chef. Ready? Let’s dig in.
Best for Quick Veggie Chopping
LIBERHAUS 2-in-1 Vegetable Scissors
Credit: amazon.ae
Meal Prep Essentials
- Combo of knife + mini cutting board in one tool
- Stainless steel blades with safety lock
- Cleans easily with just soap and water
- Compact design, saves drawer space
Color
Grey, White
Blade Material
Stainless Steel
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
Home cooks rave about how this gadget trims down their prep time without compromising quality. They love using it to dice tomatoes and snip herbs straight into bowls — no cutting board required. It’s become a go-to for quick salads, stews, and even slicing bacon.
Chef’s Favourites
- Great for fast salad and stir-fry prep
- No need for cutting boards
- Ideal for fruits, veggies, and meats
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Not ideal for large or hard foods
- Needs grip strength for tougher items
You know those days when dinner needs to happen fast and your cutting board is still in the dishwasher? That’s exactly when these veggie scissors shine. The LIBERHAUS 2-in-1 tool combines razor-sharp stainless steel blades with a mini built-in cutting board, letting you chop, slice, and snip straight into the pot or salad bowl. I use it for tomatoes, bell peppers, even cooked chicken — no mess, no fuss. And the safety lock? Total peace of mind when little hands are hovering around.
It’s perfect for those chaotic “what’s for dinner” nights where you just want something quick, healthy, and homemade. These scissors help you skip the whole knife-and-board routine and still get a fresh meal on the table in minutes.
I used to dread dinner prep after work — pulling out a knife, board, and cleaning up the mess. But now? I just snip everything straight into the pan. On lazy days, I literally prep stir-fry one-handed while texting.
Best for Portion Control
Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale
Credit: amazon.ca
Meal Prep Essentials
- Weighs up to 11 lbs (5kg) in 5 different units
- Stainless steel top with backlit LCD screen
- Comes with batteries
- Tare function for measuring in bowls
Color
Stainless Steel
Display Type
LCD
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
Meal preppers, bakers, and fitness gurus all agree: this scale is ridiculously accurate. It’s especially loved by people doing keto, baking finicky desserts, or measuring baby formula. The tare function is a favorite for simplifying portioning in bowls.
Chef’s Favourites
- Ultra precise for baking and meal prep
- Compact and easy to store
- Simple to use and clean
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Battery-powered (though batteries are included)
- Not waterproof — keep it dry
Let’s talk about measuring chaos — like when your recipe calls for 120g of flour and you eyeball it with a cereal spoon. Nope. That’s where the Etekcity digital kitchen scale comes in. It’s sleek, compact, and gives you exact measurements in grams, ounces, milliliters, and more. I use it for everything: morning smoothies, baby food portions, keto snacks, and even pet food.
The backlit LCD screen is super easy to read, even in early morning zombie mode, and it fits in the smallest drawer when you’re done. Best part? It wipes clean in a second. No food buildup, no fuss.
I use it every single day — from portioning out my overnight oats to making sure I don’t overfeed my dog. It’s fast, doesn’t take up space, and I’ve even started using it to weigh craft materials. Worth every penny.
Best for Dough Duty
ALLTOP Bench Scraper & Chopper
Meal Prep Essentials
- Stainless steel blade with dual measurement sides
- Ergonomic, non-slip olive-shaped handle
- Dishwasher safe and super durable
- Includes conversion chart
Blade Material
Stainless Steel
Handle Material
Plastic (Olive-shaped ergonomic handle)
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
Bread bakers and pastry lovers swear by this scraper for how it makes shaping dough easier and cleaner. But it’s not just for baking — they use it to scrape veggie scraps into the trash or scoop chopped onions into the pot. The engraved measurements are a big bonus for pros.
Chef’s Favourites
- Great for baking, scraping, chopping
- Helps portion dough easily
- Multipurpose and compact
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Sharp enough to keep away from kids
- Not foldable — takes up a bit of space
If you’ve ever tried transferring chopped onions from your board to a pan using your hands… you already know why this scraper is a hero. But it’s not just for clean-up — this ALLTOP scraper chops dough, smooths batter, slices brownies, spreads frosting, and even helps you decorate cakes like a pro. It’s the tool you didn’t know you needed until you can’t live without it.
And the handle? So. Comfortable. Unlike flat metal scrapers that dig into your palm, this olive-shaped handle fits like a glove. Plus, it has built-in measurement lines that won’t rub off—perfect for even dough portions. If you’re building your kitchen toolkit, don’t miss our roundup of the best oil frying grill pans—they pair perfectly with tools that make prep effortless.
I started baking sourdough during lockdown and this was the first real tool I bought. I use it to divide the dough, clean my counter, even smooth cake frosting. My husband even uses it to flip pancakes on the griddle!
Best for Shredding Chicken Fast
SURETIVIAN Handheld Chicken Shredder
Meal Prep Essentials
- Transparent body to see shredded texture
- Manual rotation — no batteries or cords
- Ergonomic, snap-on handle
- Made from food-grade plastic
Color
Transparent
Material
Food Grade Plastic
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
Bread bakers and pastry lovers swear by this scraper for how it makes shaping dough easier and cleaner. But it’s not just for baking — they use it to scrape veggie scraps into the trash or scoop chopped onions into the pot. The engraved measurements are a big bonus for pros.
Chef’s Favourites
- Shreds meat in seconds
- Kid-friendly and quiet
- Perfect for protein meal prep
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Manual — not ideal for weak wrists
- Not for huge meat chunks
Tired of shredding chicken with two forks like it’s 2009? SAME. That’s why this chicken shredder tool from SURETIVIAN has become my go-to for taco night, BBQ sandwiches, and meal-prep Sundays. It’s small but powerful — just pop in your meat, twist the lid a few times, and out comes perfectly shredded goodness.
No slipping, no noise, and zero mess. And because it’s transparent, you can literally watch the magic happen (and control how fine the shredding gets). Bonus: it takes up less space than a salad spinner, and the handle snaps right off for easy cleaning.
I started baking sourdough during lockdown and this was the first real tool I bought. I use it to divide the dough, clean my counter, even smooth cake frosting. My husband even uses it to flip pancakes on the griddle!
Best for Fruit Salad Lovers
TEWODILA Fruit Slicer Cup
Meal Prep Essentials
- Stainless steel blades inside a safe ABS shell
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- No sharp edges — kid-friendly
- Ideal for strawberries, grapes, eggs, mushrooms
Color
Red
Blade Material
Stainless Steel
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
Parents and smoothie fans love it for how easily it slices soft fruits without needing a knife. It's especially popular among those making toddler snacks, bento boxes, or quick fruit salads on the go.
Chef’s Favourites
- Safe and easy for kids
- Cuts prep time for fruit salads
- No need for a separate cutting board
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Not for hard fruits or root veggies
- Hand wash only
Making fruit salad shouldn’t be harder than making dinner, but somehow it always is — until I found these slicer cups. The TEWODILA Fruit Slicer feels like a kitchen toy that actually works. You drop in a strawberry or grape, press the lid, and out comes perfectly sliced fruit with zero mess. It’s fast, fun, and safe enough for kids to use without you holding your breath.
The bottom push plate helps you guide fruit through, so even sticky bananas or soft-boiled eggs get sliced clean. I use it daily for school lunches and smoothie bowls. It’s compact, lightweight, and doesn’t take up space like a big slicer would. If you’re packing meals for your little ones, check out our best lunch boxes for kids—perfect companions for quick, healthy meals.
My 5-year-old uses this on strawberries like it’s a game. No more worrying about knives, and fruit prep is done in seconds. I pack her school lunch while sipping coffee — no mess, no cutting board, just easy.
Best for Stuffed Pepper Prep
Swicado Pepper Seed Corer Remover
Meal Prep Essentials
- Sharp, angled plastic blade for smooth coring
- Twist-and-pull design removes seeds in seconds
- Dishwasher safe for fast cleanup
- Great for peppers, tomatoes, and even hollowed fruits
Color
Green
Blade Material
Blade Material
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
Meal preppers love how fast it clears bell peppers without slicing them open. It’s especially useful for making stuffed peppers look uniform and clean — a must-have for anyone who loves neat presentation.
Chef’s Favourites
- Easy for beginners to use
- Reduces mess from pepper prep
- Works quickly and consistently
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Not ideal for very small peppers
- Plastic blade not meant for hard produce
If you’ve ever tried coring a bell pepper with a spoon (and accidentally ripped it in half), you already know why this tool exists. The Swicado Pepper Seed Corer Remover takes the mess, stress, and weird knife angles out of the picture. With just a simple twist and pull, your pepper is cleared — seeds, stem, and all — and ready to stuff, grill, or toss into a stir-fry. It’s small, it’s lightweight, and honestly… it’s kinda satisfying to use.
I especially love it when I’m making fajitas or prepping multiple peppers for a party tray. It keeps my hands clean and makes everything look prettier on the plate. Whether you’re a beginner or just sick of soggy pepper guts on your cutting board, this gadget is a total prep-time saver.
I make stuffed peppers at least once a week, and this has cut my prep time in half. I don’t worry about tearing the pepper or digging seeds out with my fingers anymore. One twist — done.
Best for All-in-One Chopping
Fullstar Vegetable Chopper & Spiralizer
Meal Prep Essentials
- 420 stainless steel rust-resistant blades
- Soft-grip handle and non-slip rubber base
- Built-in catch tray keeps counters clean
- Dishwasher safe
Color
White
Blade Material
Stainless Steel
👨🍳 What Kitchen Enthusiasts Say?
This is a fan favorite among food bloggers and batch cookers. They love the container system that keeps prep neat, and how quickly it handles large quantities without hand cramps.
Chef’s Favourites
- Dices veggies fast and evenly
- No cutting board or knife needed
- Spiralizes and chops in one tool
Prep Time Pitfalls
- Takes up more storage space than a hand tool
- Some blade inserts require hand cleaning
You know when your cutting board is covered in chopped veggies and you still have three more things to dice? Enter: the Fullstar 4-in-1 chopper. It’s one of those TikTok-famous gadgets that actually lives up to the hype. This thing slices, dices, and spiralizes like it’s on a mission—all into a built-in container that catches everything mess-free. (If you’re juggling tools and want fewer gadgets on your counter, check out this comparison of colanders vs strainers—because yes, the right kitchen tools really do matter.)
I use it for onions (no more tears), cucumbers, potatoes, and even carrots. The rubber base keeps it from sliding around, and cleanup is insanely easy — just toss it in the dishwasher. Whether you’re cooking for one or prepping a week’s worth of meals, this tool is like having your own sous chef.
I’m obsessed. I meal prep every Sunday and this has shaved off 30 minutes from my chopping time. My counter stays clean, and my veggies come out looking Pinterest-perfect.
How to Choose the Right Meal Prep Tools
Walking into a kitchen tools store or browsing kitchen tools on Amazon can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow it down:
- Go multipurpose – Choose advanced tools for innovative cooking that can do more than one task.
- Pick easy-to-clean items – If it’s dishwasher safe, that’s a win.
- Match your cooking habits – Veggie lovers may want a spiralizer. Meat preppers? A good marinating container.
- Durability > Trendy – Even the coolest kitchen gadgets are useless if they break in a month.
- Check brand trust – Look up reviews and go for a kitchen tools brand with credibility.
Wrapping it Up
Summing up; meal prepping is half mindset, half muscle—and kitchen tools and equipment make up the rest.
If you’ve ever said “meal prep is too hard” or “I don’t have time,” maybe the problem isn’t your motivation. Maybe it’s your tools.
So whether you’re browsing the kitchen tools Amazon bestsellers or walking into a kitchen tools store nearby, choose smart. Choose efficient. Choose tools that work with you, not against you.
The right setup can turn a Sunday night prep session from dread… to delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Time to answer some of your most asked questions.
What are the essential kitchen tools for cooking?
Knives, cutting boards, measuring spoons, mixing bowls, and storage containers.
Where can I buy the best kitchen tools for meal prep?
You can check your local kitchen tools store or search kitchen tools on Amazon for a wider variety.
What tools help make cooking healthier?
Digital food scales, oil spray bottles, and silicone mats are great smart kitchen tools for healthier cooking.
Are wooden kitchen tools better than metal?
Wooden tools are gentler on cookware, long-lasting, and have a natural look. They’re great for stirring and mixing.
What’s the best way to organize kitchen tools?
Use drawer organizers, magnetic holders, and stackable bins to keep your kitchen tools and equipment neat and accessible.
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