The Unexpected Appliances That Can Transform Your Meal Prep

Building an Efficient Workflow for Quick Weeknight Meals

Published on August 20, 2025

by Tara Parker-Pope

If you’re someone who loves to cook and prepare meals at home, then you are probably always on the lookout for new and innovative kitchen appliances. With technological advances and increasing demand for convenience, there are now more options than ever when it comes to efficient cooking. While many of us are familiar with traditional appliances like microwaves, blenders, and slow cookers, there are some unexpected appliances that can truly transform your meal prep. Here are some game-changing devices that may surprise you.The Unexpected Appliances That Can Transform Your Meal Prep

The Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years, and for good reason. This multi-functional electric pressure cooker can perform the roles of several different appliances in one. With the ability to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and steam, the Instant Pot can significantly cut down on the time and effort required for cooking. It is perfect for busy individuals who want to prepare meals quickly and easily without sacrificing flavor.

How it Transforms Meal Prep

The Instant Pot allows for easy and convenient meal prep in a fraction of the time. With its pressure cooking function, it can cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional methods. This means you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in minutes, even on the busiest of nights. It also has a delay start timer, which means you can set it to start cooking at a specific time, making it perfect for those who like to meal prep in advance.

The Air Fryer

If you love fried food but want a healthier alternative, then the air fryer is the appliance for you. Using only a small amount of oil, the air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it the crispy texture of fried food without the added fat. It is also versatile and can cook a wide variety of foods.

How it Transforms Meal Prep

The air fryer is not just for making fried food, it can also be used for roasting, grilling, and even baking. This means you can prepare a whole range of meals in one device, making meal prep a breeze. It also doesn’t require any preheating, so you can save even more time when preparing meals. Additionally, the air fryer is easy to clean, with most parts being dishwasher safe, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.

The Rice Cooker

Although the rice cooker has been around for quite some time, it is still an unexpected appliance for many when it comes to meal prep. This simple device takes the guesswork out of cooking rice and other grains, producing perfectly cooked results every time. It is also versatile, with many newer models having the ability to cook other types of food as well.

How it Transforms Meal Prep

The rice cooker is a time saver as it eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring while cooking rice. It also frees up a burner on your stovetop, making it perfect for preparing other dishes at the same time. With the added feature of being able to steam vegetables, meat, and even make soups and stews, the rice cooker can be a valuable addition to your meal prep routine.

The Sous Vide Cooker

The sous vide cooking method has gained popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. This technique involves cooking food in a water bath at a constant low temperature, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender meats every time. While it may seem like a complicated process, the sous vide cooker makes it a breeze.

How it Transforms Meal Prep

Sous vide cooking is perfect for meal prep as it allows you to cook large batches of food at once and store them for later. The precise temperature control ensures that your food is cooked to perfection without any risk of overcooking. It also produces consistently cooked results, so you can be sure that each meal will taste just as good as the last.

With these unexpected appliances in your kitchen arsenal, you can transform your meal prep routine and save time and effort in the process. Whether you’re a busy individual or just looking for a more efficient way to cook, these devices are sure to make a significant impact on your cooking game. So give them a try and see the difference they can make in your cooking experience.