The Best Kitchen Appliances Worth Investing In (Plus Pros & Cons)
When it comes to creating a smooth, stress-free kitchen routine, the right appliances make all the difference. Whether you're cooking daily, meal prepping for the week, or simply trying to save time, investing in high-quality tools can completely transform how you work in the kitchen. Below is a breakdown of the best kitchen appliances to own, why they’re worth it, and the pros and cons of each—so you can confidently choose the products that fit your lifestyle.
1. Air Fryer
The air fryer is a must-have for busy families, meal preppers, and health-focused cooks. It crisps, reheats, and cooks meals quickly—all with less oil. My favorites are the Chefman Airfryer, a 4-quart model for smaller families. Another great buy for larger families is the ARLIME 14-in-1 Airfryer. It sits on the counter and also functions as a small oven and toaster, and it has a 26-quart capacity.
Why You’ll Love It
Cook crispy meals fast
Great for chicken, veggies, frozen foods, and leftovers
Healthier alternative to frying
Pros
Fast cooking time
Easy cleanup
Versatile for snacks, proteins, and sides
Cons
Basket sizes can be limiting
Takes up counter space
2. Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
If you love convenience, you’ll use this appliance constantly. It pressure-cooks meats, rice, beans, soups, and more in a fraction of the time. A popular pick is the InstantPot. This one holds up the 3 quarts, but larger ones are available based on your preference
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for meal prep
Huge time-saver
Set it and forget it
Pros
Reduces cook time by 70%
Very versatile (rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, etc.)
Great for batch cooking
Cons
Learning curve for beginners
Doesn’t brown foods like traditional pots
Bulky to store
3. Blender (High-Speed)
Ideal for smoothies, sauces, soups, and even batters, a good blender makes clean eating and quick meals effortless. This Sangcon blender is much like a Nutribullet, for a fraction of the price! I use mine almost every morning for smoothies and frequently use it to make sauces!
Why You’ll Love It
Makes healthy recipes fast
Great for families and meal preppers
Pros
Powerful and efficient
Easy for grab-and-go breakfasts
Cleans quickly
Cons
Higher-end models can be expensive
Loud during use
4. Food Processor
If you cook a lot, this appliance is a game-changer for chopping, shredding, dicing, and blending. There is nothing worse that I hate than shredding my own cheese when I make homemade mac-and-cheese. These will save you so much time and wrist pain! I have the Ninja food processor and love it.
Why You’ll Love It
Speeds up prep work
Perfect for dips, salsas, and shredded ingredients
Pros
Saves tons of prep time
Multiple blade options
Great for large recipes
Cons
Many parts to clean
Can be bulky in smaller kitchens
Choosing the right kitchen appliances is truly an investment in convenience, time-savings, and better meals—whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family. Add the ones that match your lifestyle, and you’ll feel the difference every time you step into your kitchen.
Meal Prep Essentials
It all begins with an idea.
If you’ve ever wished for healthier meals, less stress during the week, and more time back in your day, meal prepping might just become your new favorite habit. Whether you’re a busy parent, working long hours, or simply trying to eat more intentionally, having the right essentials makes all the difference. Here’s your go-to guide for building a meal prep routine and all of the essentials you will need to make it simpler.
#1 Start With the Right Containers
Your containers are the foundation of successful meal prep. In my opinion, glass containers are the only option for storing your meals. They will outlast any plastic container, are microwave-safe, and won’t stain. Try out this 10-pack of different-sized glass containers on Amazon - Glass Containers.
Also equally as important as the glass containers are meal prep jars. These are great for overnight oats, salads, soups, and snacks. Check out these also on Amazon - Meal Prep Jars.
Investing in high-quality containers keeps your food fresh longer and helps you stay organized.
#2 A Set of Sharp, Reliable Knives
Chopping ingredients is often the most time-consuming part of meal prep. A good chef’s knife (and a small paring knife) can drastically speed up your prep time and make cooking feel smoother and safer. If you don’t already have a good set, this is a perfect one on Amazon that I use almost every day. Knife set
#3 Sheet Pans, Pots & Skillets
Meal prepping doesn’t require a fully stocked kitchen—just the basics:
Sheet pans for roasting veggies, proteins, and one-pan meals.
A large skillet for stir-fries, sautés, and quick dinners.
A sturdy pot for soups, grains, and pasta.
With these three items, you can prep almost anything.
#4 Time-Saving Appliances
You don’t need fancy gadgets, but a few tools can make prepping faster:
Slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off meals.
Air fryer for quick, crispy veggies and proteins.
Blender for smoothies, dressings, and sauces.
These are especially helpful if you prep multiple meals at once.
#5 Meal Prep Staples to Keep on Hand
Stocking your pantry with versatile basics makes planning easier:
Grains: rice, quinoa, couscous, whole-grain pasta
Proteins: chicken, tofu, beans, canned tuna or salmon
Veggies: broccoli, peppers, carrots, leafy greens, frozen vegetables
Healthy fats: olive oil, nuts, avocado
Seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
With these staples, you can mix and match ingredients without overthinking meals.
#6 A Weekly Plan (Even a Simple One)
Meal prepping doesn’t mean eating the same thing every day. Instead:
Choose 2–3 proteins
Add 2–3 veggies
Prep one grain
Add sauces or seasonings for variety
A simple plan prevents overwhelm and keeps your meals exciting.
#7 A Clean, Clear Workspace
Before you start prepping:
Wipe your counters
Lay out ingredients
Set up containers
Make space for cooling meals
You’ll move faster and enjoy the process more when everything is organized.
#8 Labeling Makes a Big Difference
It sounds small, but labeling your meals with:
The name
Date prepared
Reheat instructions (optional)
…keeps your fridge organized and helps reduce food waste.
Final Thoughts
Meal prepping isn’t about perfection—it’s about making your week easier, healthier, and less stressful. With a few key tools and a simple plan, you can set yourself up for success and actually enjoy the process.
Why Buying a Meal Planning Guide Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make
It all begins with an idea.
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen wondering what to cook, feeling overwhelmed at the grocery store, or struggling to stay consistent with healthy eating, a meal planning guide might be exactly what you need. While free recipes and online tips are great, having a structured guide takes the guesswork out of your week—and saves you time, stress, and money. Try out some of these meal planning guides on Amazon to help you stay on track - Acrylic Magnetic Meal Planner Menu Board for Kitchen and Sweetzer & Orange Meal Planner Notepad and Grocery List.
1. It Gives You a Clear, Simple Plan
A good meal planning guide provides organized recipes, shopping lists, and step-by-step prep instructions. Instead of scrambling to figure out meals each day, you can follow a ready-made plan that actually works with your lifestyle.
2. You Save Money Without Even Trying
With a guide, you shop with intention. No more buying random ingredients or wasting food that sits in the fridge. By following a set plan, you’ll use what you buy—meaning fewer impulse purchases and less waste.
3. It Helps You Eat Healthier Consistently
Healthy eating becomes so much easier when meals are pre-planned. Guides often include balanced recipes, portion suggestions, and swaps to fit your goals, whether that’s weight loss, clean eating, or simply feeding your family better.
4. Perfect for Busy People
If you’re juggling work, kids, school, or all of the above, a guide removes the mental load. Everything is laid out for you, so all you have to do is cook.
5. It Builds Long-Term Habits
Beyond just recipes, meal planning guides teach you how to structure your weeks, prep efficiently, and build a fridge stocked with foods you love. Over time, you’ll become more confident and intentional with your choices.
Final Thoughts
Buying a meal planning guide isn’t just about getting recipes—it’s about gaining structure, reducing stress, and finally feeling in control of your eating routine. It’s a small investment that can make everyday life noticeably easier.
Must-Have Cleaning Supplies for a Sparkling Kitchen
Keeping your kitchen clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about hygiene, safety, and making cooking more enjoyable. With the right cleaning supplies, you can tackle messes quickly, prevent bacteria, and maintain a healthy kitchen environment. Here’s a list of essential items every kitchen should have.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Your kitchen surfaces face a lot of spills, grease, and crumbs. An all-purpose cleaner is versatile enough for countertops, cabinets, and even appliances. Choose one that’s safe for food prep areas and surfaces. I love the Meyer’s Cleaning Spray because of their organic, nontoxic ingredients.
2. Dish Soap
A high-quality dish soap is a must—not just for washing dishes, but also for cleaning small spills, scrubbing cutting boards, and even hand-washing delicate items.
3. Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are perfect for streak-free cleaning. They’re reusable, absorbent, and gentle on surfaces like stainless steel, glass, and counters. Keep a few separate cloths for dishes, counters, and appliances.
4. Scrub Brushes & Sponges
For stuck-on food, a good scrub brush or sponge is a lifesaver. Look for:
Non-scratch sponges for delicate surfaces
Scrub brushes with handles for pots, pans, and grout
Bottle brushes for jars and vases
Here is a great set off of Amazon - 6-pack dish brushes.
7. Gloves
Protect your hands from hot water, soap, and cleaning chemicals with a reliable pair of reusable gloves. They also help prevent skin irritation from frequent washing.
Final Thoughts
A clean kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Stocking these must-have cleaning supplies ensures you’re prepared for anything—from small spills to deep cleaning sessions. With the right tools, maintaining a sparkling kitchen becomes fast, simple, and stress-free.
MY GO TO meal prep recipes
It all begins with an idea.
Meal prepping is one of the easiest ways to stay organized, save time, and eat healthier throughout the week. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or simply want to make your days smoother, having meals ready to go can make a huge difference. The best part? Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple recipes, you can have delicious, ready-to-eat meals waiting for you whenever you need them. Here are my top three favorite recipes that are always in my rotation. If you are new to meal prep, check out my Meal Prep Essentials and Meal Planning Guides that will help you get started.
ONE: Turkey taco bowl. or regular taco bowl… whichever you prefer
These are my favorite. Few ingredients, easy to make, and still taste great all week. There are also so many ways you can alter this recipe to your taste.
Makes 4 servings
1 lb of ground turkey or beef
Taco seasoning
Cheese - I like shredded colby jack, but you can use any
2 cups of rice - I like to use instant rice.
1 can of Beans - black beans, pinto beans, refried beans
2 cups of lettuce
Sala - optional
Sour cream - optional
Avacado - optional
Directions:
Brown the meat on medium heat in a large skillet. Add taco seasoning and cook according to package directions. While cooking the meat, cook your rice according to directions. My rice cooker from Amazon saves me so much time and mess. Lay out 4 meal prep containers. These glass containers from Amazon are all you need. To each container, add 1/4 of the meat, 1/4 of the rice, and 1/4 of the beans of choice.
I like to add my lettuce and cheese to 4 zip-lock baggies, 1 to go with each container. Add the salsa, sour cream, or avacado to smaller go containers. I use these condiment containers almost everyday.
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TWO: Pesto pasta
These are great, balanced meals. Protein, healthy fats, carbs, and veggies. They also reheat perfectly.
Makes 4 servings.
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
1 lb chicken breast or Italian sausage - I like Italian sausage because I’m not a fan of reheated chicken
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup spinach
½ cup pesto
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Grated parmesan - optional
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, saving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
If using chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked.
If using Italian sausage, remove from casing and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
While the meat is cooking, cut your veggies. A veggie chopper saves me so much time, and the veggies also come out perfectly. Sauté the veggies. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add broccoli and sauté 3–4 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and cook another 2–3 minutes. Add spinach last and stir until wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, meat, and pesto to the skillet with the veggies.
Pour in a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat everything evenly.
Lay our 4 meal prep containers. Add 1/4 of the pasta mixture to each container. I like to add grated parmesan cheese to small zip=lock baggies to take with my pasta.
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THREE: Chicken Salad Jars
Chicken salad is another one you can easily alter to your liking. If there is a veggie or fruit you are not a fan of in this recipe, then don’t add it! Chicken salad is perfect for meal prep because it is easy to make and doesn’t have to be reheated. These meal prep jars are perfect for storing your chicken salad, and they also work great for overnight oats.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. I love to use a rotisserie chicken and shred it using my chicken shredder.
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
1 cup of red grapes
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Fresh dill, finely chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Crackers, bread, or croissants (my favorite)
Directions
Add chicken, celery, and onion to a bowl. Stir in mayo, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully coated, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Lay our 4 meal prep jars. Add 1/4 of chicken salad to each jar. That’s it!!!
When indulging, put it on bread or croissant, or eat with crackers if desired.
