15 Kitchen Tools That Make Cooking and Meal Planning Easier (Meal Prep Essentials I Use Every Week)

If you’ve read my post on why I’m such a huge fan of meal planning, you already know how much it simplifies life.  

But here's the real game-changer: the right kitchen tools turn meal prep from a chore into something smoother, faster, and even enjoyable. These are the exact essentials I reach for week after week—no fluff, just what works in my kitchen.

1. Bamboo Cutting Boards

It’s time to ditch plastic cutting boards—studies show microplastics can shed into food (not ideal for anyone prioritizing clean eating). Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, durable, and way prettier on the counter.

Why I love mine:

• Deep juice groove catches runoff from meat, fruits, or veggies—cleanup is a breeze

• Long-lasting and eco-friendly

• Aesthetic bonus: looks great displayed

This is the one I have and use: https://amzn.to/4s0CZxp

2. Fruit and Veggie Storage ContainersThese stackable heroes have been a game-changer in our house. I use them literally every week, for cut-up strawberries, cucumbers, grapes, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets—you name it.

Why they're a must:

• Wash produce right in the container

• Extend freshness (less waste!)

• Stack neatly in the fridge

• Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe

  
  

Perfect for eating more produce without it spoiling. This is the set I have (we actually have two sets): https://amzn.to/4ro1VPl

3. Rotary Cheese Grater

I shred my own cheese (no pre-shredded with anti-caking junk), and this makes it effortless. Multiple blades for cheese, carrots, zucchini, squash—whatever needs grating.

Why it's a lifesaver:

• Quick and consistent results

• Super easy to clean and store

• Versatile beyond cheese

If you grate often, grab one, this is 100% worth it: https://amzn.to/3OQGzM1

4. Small Glass Oil Sprayers

I keep one for olive oil and one for avocado oil right by the stove—perfect for light, even sprays without seed oils.

Why they make cooking smoother and why I love these:

• Sleek, compact, and pretty on the counter

• Glass (safe for oils—no plastic leaching)

• Easy one-hand use mid-cook

Little intentional upgrade: https://amzn.to/4c4h8As

5. Electric Ceramic Skillet

My go-to for one-pan wonders—this is nonstick ceramic, has adjustable temp settings, and is easy clean. It’s honestly AMAZING, and I use it almost weekly depending on the meals I have planned out.

I use it constantly for:

• Easy & Creamy Hippy Sausage Veggie Skillet (One-Pan Wonder)

• Breakfast hashes and egg scrambles

• Taco meat

• Amy’s Hippy Fried Rice

• Big batch cooking

A meal essential in my book and this is the one I have: https://amzn.to/4aHYR9A

6. Ground Meat Chopper

I don’t know what else to say other than this tool is amazing and a must in my kitchen – I literally use it every week.

• Breaks up ground beef, turkey, or sausage quickly

• Speeds up cooking

• Easy to clean

A simple tool that makes a huge difference: https://amzn.to/3MSu2qT

7. Electric Egg Cooker

I've had this little gadget for years and still reach for it often—it's one of those "why didn't I get this sooner?" tools. If you love hard-boiled eggs (snacks, egg salad, topping salads, or adding protein to your Hippy meals), this makes them foolproof and effortless.

• Has a built-in timer, buzzer and auto-shut off to get the eggs right every time

• Quicker than conventional stovetop methods

• Easy to clean and store

The one I’ve used forever and still love: https://amzn.to/4s4WntA

8. Handheld Milk Frother and Mixer

This little thing works harder than you’d think and works beyond just frothing coffee or milk:

• Mixing drink powders

• Blending greens into water

• Scrambling eggs and egg whites

• Mini-smoothies

It’s small but mighty: https://amzn.to/46M1170

9. Chicken and Meat Shredder

Bulkier but worth it for making shredding slow-cooked chicken incredibly easy—no hand cramps from forks, less mess than a mixer.

If you make shredded chicken regularly, it’s worth considering - https://amzn.to/4tLZgRg

10. Silicone Heat Resistance Mats for Countertops

I actually prefer these over individual pot holders, as they are most functional and practical.

• Lay flat and don’t slide

• Larger surface area

• Can hold multiple hot dishes

• Easy to roll up and store

The ones I have – https://amzn.to/4tMsH5x and https://amzn.to/4qOiuTD

11.  Mini Personal Blender for Shakes, Frozen Drinks, Baby Food & More, 15oz Travel Cup and Lid

This little blender has become one of my favorite kitchen tools. I mostly use it to make homemade sauces and salad dressings — it blends everything quickly and the 15-oz cup comes with a lid so I can store it directly in the fridge.

It’s also the perfect size to pour into a salad dressing carafe or keep a small batch ready for the week.

• Perfect size for small batches of sauces and dressings

• Can be used for a variety of things – sauces, salad dressings, smoothies, even baby food

• Easy to clean (dishwasher safe) and compact, doesn’t take up too much space

If you make dressings and sauces, this is the one I have that works great: https://amzn.to/4bBiMZu

12. Collapsible Collanders

If you’re low on storage space in your kitchen like I am, these work great and are such a space-saver. The large one is great when cleaning grapes and large vegetables, and I love that the handles extend over the sink.

• Three different sizes for every need

• Compact for easy storage

• Durable and easy to clean, dishwasher safe

While the three-piece set I have is no longer available (that’s how long I’ve had it), these are almost identical: https://amzn.to/3Niz2oV and https://amzn.to/4llEKTH

13. Vegetable Spiralizer

If you like making veggie noodles from zucchini or squash, this little gadget is a must-have. It’s one of those simple tools that makes cooking healthier easier and a lot more fun. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have when you want a quick, low-carb pasta alternative.

• Creates zucchini noodles, squash noodles, and veggie ribbons in seconds

• Multiple blade options for different cuts and textures

• Easy to clean, dishwasher safe

Mine is no longer available since I’ve had it for years, but this one is very similar: https://amzn.to/4rmQK8H

14. Mini-Tongs

You can never have too many—I use these constantly for flipping, serving, and grabbing.

• Great for everyday cooking

• Perfect for serving at parties

• Small and easy to store

• Easy to clean

Stock up: https://amzn.to/4c4I7vE

15. Magnetic Measuring Spoons

I love these and use them, as you can imagine, all the time. They’re great, especially for me, as they fit perfectly in the shallow drawer I use for various cooking utensils.

• Stack together so take up minimal space

• Easy to store and clean

• Aesthetically pleasing

The ones I have: https://amzn.to/4aY6ryo

Bonus Tool: Hands-Free Bag Holder (My Guilty Pleasure That's Way Too Handy)

Some might call this a guilty pleasure—and they'd be right! But I use it constantly because it makes pouring leftovers, snacks, or meal prep ingredients so much easier and cleaner. No more wrestling with bags or accidental spills (especially helpful when joints are achy).

Why it's a game-changer in my kitchen:

• Keeps plastic storage bags (or ziplock-style) open hands-free—no clips slipping or bags collapsing

• Perfect for portioning out prepped veggies, mixes, sauces, or leftovers

• Zero mess on counters—pour straight in without holding the bag

• Super quick for weekly meal prep or post-dinner cleanup

The one I have and use: https://amzn.to/4sAftHE

Final Thoughts

None of these are must-haves—start with what fits your kitchen and your needs. But when meal planning consistently, these small conveniences add up: less stress, faster prep, more enjoyment. And when cooking feels easier, you’re much more likely to stick with it and make healthier choices along the way. At least that’s what I’ve found through the years.

If you missed my meal planning post that started it all, check it out here:

Affiliate Disclosure:

Some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through them. I only share products I personally use and love and that truly make meal planning and cooking easier in our home. Thank you for supporting my content!