Simple kitchen tools that save you money by meal prepping at home

The right kitchen tools can keep you committed to cooking at home. (Fox News Composite)

Making meals at home doesn’t have to feel like a chore — especially when the right tools can save you time and money compared to takeout. We rounded up kitchen favorites that are actually worth buying, including everything from air fryers to veggie steamers, to simplify everyday cooking.

Mueller The Real Original Pro chopper: $29.97 (40% off)

Original price: $49.99

Save time on food prep with this clever device. (Amazon)

Think of this veggie chopper as an all-in-one kitchen sidekick that barely takes up any space. It chops, slices, dices and even works as a mandoline. The set comes with multiple stainless steel blades and a built-in container to catch everything as you go. While it might look a bit intimidating, the setup is surprisingly intuitive, with a locking system that keeps things safe and secure.

Cuisinart defrosting tray: $29.98

This tray defrosts foods fast without using heat. (Amazon)

Don't let dinner plans get derailed by frozen meat. This Cuisinart defrosting tray helps you stay on track by thawing proteins quickly without having to use the microwave. It’s made from lightweight aluminum that helps defrost food faster and more evenly to help lock-in flavor.

Oil sprayer: $8.99 (10% off)

Original price: $9.99

Control how much oil you use with this handy sprayer. (Amazon)

Take charge in the kitchen with the help of this glass oil sprayer. Spray in a fine mist for light, even coverage with less waste. There's also a pour option when you need a larger amount.

Ninja Foodi Smart XL air fryer: $279.99

Built for family cooking or weekly prep. (Amazon)

More than an air fryer, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL works as a smokeless indoor grill, using 500 degrees of cyclonic air for char-grilled flavor. The built-in smart thermometer uses protein presets and doneness levels to give you more consistent results. Sear, sizzle and crisp everything from kebabs to weeknight chicken, plus roast, bake, broil and dehydrate.

READ MORE: Tools that help you cook breakfast at home faster – and order out less

Portion control meal prep containers: $33.99

These containers prevent messes thanks to a leakproof design. (Amazon)

Designed to prevent spills, Rubbermaid Brilliance containers have a leakproof seal and two compartments to keep main dishes and sides separate. They’re dishwasher- and freezer-safe, with a clear, stain-resistant design that makes contents easy to spot. Built-in vents allow for splatter-free reheating.

Vitamix 5200 standard blender: $499.95

Blend soups and create nut butter in large batches. (Vitamix)

Choose this Vitamix 5200 blender as your go-to for smoothies, soups, sauces and more. The 64-ounce container handles medium to large batches, and the speed dial lets you blend to your preferred texture. It even comes with a tamper to process thick mixtures without stopping the machine.

Steam basket: $8.29

A steam basket that expands and fits almost any pot size. (Amazon)

You don’t need a bulky appliance to steam veggies properly. This stainless-steel basket sits over boiling water for one of the healthiest ways to cook. It expands up to 9.2 inches to fit most pots, pans or even pressure cookers — then folds up for easy storage.

Digital food scale: $6.99 (50% off)

Original price: $13.99

Control your food portions with a digital scale. (Amazon)

A digital food scale is the right tool for portion control and cooking measurements. Battery-operated, it has a tare function for accuracy and a bright, readable screen. Find the right vibe for your kitchen with stainless steel or pastel color options.

READ MORE: 15 smart kitchen upgrades that instantly cut the clutter

Meat thermometer: $12.99 (35% off)

Original price: $19.99

This gadget makes you feel braver about roasting a chicken or cooking steak. (Amazon)

With this battery-operated meat thermometer, get almost-instant, accurate readings in just a few seconds. The screen flips automatically for better visibility, even if you’re left-handed. 

Garlic press and peeler: $22.99

Crush cloves in seconds with this garlic press. (Kohl's)

Grab this garlic press to save yourself the hassle of chopping garlic and getting odor on your hands. Designed to crush multiple cloves at once, the press features built-in studs that extract more paste in seconds. A silicone peeler is included to remove skins, while a brush makes cleanup quick. Fun color options include pink, light blue, red and lavender.

Instant Pot Rio mini: $99.99

This appliance handles cooking rice and even makes yogurt. (Kohl's)

Looking for an appliance that helps you make home-cooked meals in a dash? Try the Instant Pot Rio Mini. This compact kitchen workhorse handles everything from rice to pasta, cooking up to 70% faster than slow methods. It has seven functions (including pressure cook, sauté, steam and even yogurt) and its 4-quart size is just right for up to four servings. Plus, it comes in a soft, sea salt color that works with a variety of counters.

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KitchenAid 7-cup food processor: $109.99

Chop, shed, slice and puree with this one machine. (Kohl's)

Chop, shred, slice and puree smoothly with the 7-cup KitchenAid food processor. A twist-free, one-click assembly and latched lid make setup simple, with all parts fitting neatly inside the bowl for convenient storage. It’s available in red or white. 

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.