List of 8 Essential Kitchen Items

I also already had everything I needed in my kitchen to get started.

Here are the only 8 tools you need in your kitchen! If you’re missing one or two know that each item is extremely low cost and I have linked my recommendations to make this process as easy as possible for you.

No one needs extra work with everything going on. So check out this kitchen essentials checklist for everything you need in the kitchen.

The 8 Essential Meal Plan tools you need…and already have in your kitchen!

1. A Permanent Marker

This may seem like an odd item to have on your list of kitchen items. But you will need a permanent marker to write the name of the recipe along with cooking instructions on the freezer bag. This way when you (or your husband *wink*) pulls it out for dinner all you have to do is read the label. Easy and fast!

Permanent Markers tend to stay readable on the freezer bags very well which is why I recommend them.

If you don’t have permanent markers, then just order them here!

How to Meal Plan | What do you need to meal plan | Meal Planning Made Easy

2. Gallon Freezer Bags (I prefer Ziplock)

I have found that Ziplock brand freezer bags really do work the best. I am not a brand person at all but sometimes the quality really is there. I have hardly ever had an issue with these bags breaking in the freezer or fridge.

An essential for freezer meal planning on your list of kitchen items.

If you don’t have gallon freezer bag you can buy what I recommend here!

3. Quart Freezer Bags (I prefer Ziplock)

Ziplock freezer bags really have been a quality and trustworthy freezer bag from my experience. The quart sized bags will be for sauces or smaller additions to be added to your meal as it cooks.

Click here to order what I recommend.

I LOVE MY SLOW COOKER! It saves me so much time! Throw in a dinner and it cooks slowly throughout the day making my home smell great and allowing me so much more time to do whatever…

An Instapot that will work well too.

If you don’t own either I recommend starting out with a slow cooker. You can get a great one at a low cost and it will be one of the most time saving items in your kitchen.

Here is a great low-cost slow cooker I recommend.

5. Cutting Board

I can’t imagine meal prep without a cutting board! Gotta get all those veggies and herbs chopped up!

When it comes to your basic kitchen needs list this is a must have. Whether you meal plan or not everyone needs a good cutting board.

If you don’t have one, then you can purchase one here that I recommend for a great price!

6. Sharp Knife

Sharp knives can make a huge difference when meal prepping. I have been so frustrated in the past with how hard it can be to cut, dice and chop items with a dull knife. You don’t even need a whole knife set just one good knife that you use to meal prep.

This must have kitchen items list must include a sharp knife.

If you don’t have one, then you can purchase one here!

7. Blender

I prefer a high-speed blender and I currently use a ninja. We got it as a wedding present, and I can honestly say that I use it daily.

BUT you do not need to make an investment in a ninja to meal plan. Any blender will work for my recipes.

If you are interested in investing in a ninja here is the one that I use all the time!

8. One Hour for a Week of Food

The best thing about this tool is it is free. Haha I like to schedule in my meal planning for the day after my grocery shopping trip. That way everything is fresh.

3-5 hours one day a month will be enough to get you 12-15 freezer meals ready to go!

Ok, you are ready!

Now that you know about the 8 essential tools you need and already have, give meal planning a try, comment below and let me know how it goes!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQ’s

Here is a broken down list of 8 essential kitchen items every kitchen needs to meal plan.

Permanent Marker
Gallon Freezer Bags
Quart Freezer Bags
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Blender or Food Processor
One Hour a Week

If you are trying to decide what items to buy for your first kitchen here are a couple basics. A sharp knife, cutting board and mixing bowls are a great way to start. There are a million great items out there buy if you love to meal plan then read the article above for all the details on your list of kitchen items to meal plan in a new kitchen.

When it comes to meal planning the top 10 kitchen utensils are as follows.

Permanent Marker
Gallon Freezer Bags
Quart Freezer Bags
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Blender or Food Processor
Scale
Measuring Cups
Small Bowls

There are so many great brands out there for great kitchen tools. My favorite, and more expensive, brand is Williams and Sonoma. But if you are looking for great quality and affordability I would go to bed bath and beyond for the best kitchen tools.

A basic kitchen needs a quality knife set, mixing bowls, cutting board, measuring cups, a frying pan and pot. With those items you should be able to make about anything.

There are so many fancy kitchen gadgets making it confusing to know what you really need in the kitchen. I would advice ignoring any selective specialty gadgets good for one purpose. Most likely something else will be just as useful that you already have. Such as a citrus juicer, try using a fork to juice a lemon instead of a lemon juicer.

All you really need in your kitchen are a quality knife set, mixing bowls, cutting board, measuring cups, a frying pan and pot. With those items you should be able to make about anything.