Knowing the best kitchen equipment for batch cooking will help you get your meals on the table all week long, and save time while you’re at it. Being able to batch cook and store food safely for future meals is probably the best and most important time-saver in the kitchen. If you start batch cooking now, you’ll be sold forever. And, hey, this list is great for any kind of cooking.
Of all the different ways I try to save meal prep time, batch cooking is the best. And, with the right equipment, it just gets that much better. In my upcoming Meal Prep Plan, I go into details about how to prepare your week’s meals all at once in just 90 minutes or less.
Here you’ll find a list of the best kitchen equipment, good for anyone … these are my absolute favorites. It includes essentials for cooking and food storage, too. Whether you’re a new cook or you’ve been at it for ages, you’ll find what you need here.
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Why Get Special Kitchen Equipment?
Well, the whole idea of batch cooking is to save time. And, if you’re trying to deal with equipment that holds you back and makes you inefficient in the kitchen you’ll be wasting a lot of time.
I’m sharing here the pieces of equipment that have been the best for me. You may have a different brand in your kitchen, and if it’s working great for you, then don’t try to change it. Consider though, that quality equipment is usually worth its cost and will last you for years and years.
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The Best Kitchen Equipment for Batch Cooking
Instant Pot – I use this for many different things, not just batch cooking. It has been worth its weight in gold and I use it several times per week.
Slow Cooker – When you use a slow-cooker, your food can be cooking while you’re away running errands or working.
Soup Pot – You’ll want a large 6-8 quart pot for making soup, chili, and even spaghetti sauce. I love having my Le Creuset pot because the bottom is nice and heavy so I don’t scorch what I’m cooking. It can also be used in the oven. I have been using it for 20+ years now. If you’re looking for something a little easier on your wallet, check out these.
Saucepan – Most People have a saucepan already. Keep in mind, you’ll want to have a thick-bottomed pan so things like tomato sauce won’t burn.
Saute Pan – I prefer to use cast-iron pans for most things, but if that’s not your thing you’ll want a good quality nonstick pan that has the coating intact. You don’t want microscopic bits of the nonstick coating in your food.
Pasta Pot – Life is so much easier with a pasta pot. I love that I can boil it away, then just lift the strainer right out with the pasta in it. This allows me to save the hot water too, which can be reused for vegetables or adding to the sauce (this is frequently called for in authentic pasta dishes), which adds a nice creaminess.
Baking Pan – Having a nice big pan will allow you to spread out your food so it gets better heat distribution.
Parchment Paper – When I discovered these parchment sheets that are the perfect size for my baking pan I think I heard angels singing. It has changed my dishwashing life forever!
Casserole Dish – Having casserole dishes that can go from freezer or fridge to oven is an absolute must. If that means giving up those pretty pans for a more simple one, it’s worth it.
Storage Containers – Glass storage is best because you can easily see through them. You do not want your food to disappear in the refrigerator because you couldn’t see it. Also, many of the glass storage containers can go from fridge to freezer to oven or microwave.
Food Chopper – This isn’t a necessity, but it is a huge timesaver. It can dice your onions and chop your garlic in seconds.
Good Chef Knife – This may be obvious, but a good quality knife will stick by your side forever. It will make everything so much easier and reduce your chopping time. Also, there’s no need for one of those big sets of 15 knives. Get one good knife and you can use it for everything. Just wash it in between to avoid cross-contamination.
Microplane – If you haven’t used one of these before you’re missing out. I love it for garlic, ginger, and parmesan cheese. It grates them so small that it almost makes a paste.
Large Cutting Board – Having room to spread out is awesome on a great big cutting board. I like to chop all my vegetables at once and place them in little piles around the cutting board. If you don’t have a big one, you’ll have to remove each item from the cutting board to make room for chopping the next one.
Mixing Bowls – I love having mixing bowls with the measurements on the inside. It cuts down on one more item to get out and clean up, saving me additional time.
Stand Mixer – A kitchen Aid will help you when it comes to mixing ground meat for meatballs and meatloaf, shredding chicken, and mixing up big batches of breads and batters.
There’s probably a never-ending list of things we’d love to add to our kitchens, but the reality is — there’s just not enough space for all of it. This is why everything really has to pack a punch.
The best kitchen equipment pieces are things that have multiple uses and makes our lives easier at the same time.
And, that’s exactly why these items are considered the BEST kitchen equipment pieces. Another thing to consider though, is that these are really the best things to have in anybody’s kitchen.
I’d love to know if there are kitchen items that help you to be more efficient. I’m always looking for more suggestions.
