10 Kitchen Tools Nutritionists Recommend for Sticking to Your Healthy Eating Goals
If you’re determined to stay committed to your health goals this year, then you want to make sure your kitchen is set up for success. The right cooking tools can help with food preparation and reduce the time you spend cooking. Some kitchen technology can help you do multiple dishes at once or act as a shortcut when cooking. It is also important to have basic tools, such as a good chef’s knife and storage containers, on hand.
Dietitians and nutritionists have helped us narrow down the kitchen tools you should invest in if you’re serious about staying on track with your health goals in 2026. Having the right tools on hand will also help establish healthy habits, so you’re more likely to stick with them over time.
A pressure cooker
A pressure cooker is a useful tool to have in your kitchen when you are short on time but still want healthy food that is easily available. Abra Pappa, a licensed nutritionist, swears by her Instant Pot, saying, “This is a game changer for busy home cooks because it allows you to make flavorful, nutritious soups, stews, beans and broths using less time.” Pappa recommends it to his customers who want healthy food but don’t have time to stand over the stove.
If you’re looking for a pressure cooker, these are our favorite pressure cookers.
Countertop air fryer
If you love fried food but are trying to cut down on saturated fat, an air fryer is the appliance you’ll want to have. “The air fryer is one of the most useful tools for eating lots of vegetables on a regular basis,” explains Pappa. “You can throw in fresh or frozen vegetables, walk away and it automatically shuts off when it’s done — perfect for busy families.” What you end up with is roasted and crispy vegetables. Other foods you can cook in an air fryer include meat, potatoes, boiled eggs and even reheated pizza.
“In my clinical work, the goal is always the same: reduce friction, reduce preparation time and make healthy cooking feel easy and rewarding,” says Pappa. If you’re looking for air fryer options and don’t know where to start, you can use our list of the best air fryers for guidance.
A cutting board
A sturdy cutting board is key to easily preparing your favorite health-conscious meals. You can choose from wood, plastic, stone or glass, depending on your preferences and needs. Wood and plastic tend to be the most popular choices, but you also want to make sure your board is easy to clean.
Avoid cutting boards that are not stain resistant and have soft surfaces because the knife can penetrate them. Lindsey Schoenfeld, a registered dietitian and professional chef, relies on a dishwasher-safe cutting board. “I Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board it’s lightweight, easy to store, protects your knife and can be cleaned in the dishwasher,” he says.
A chef’s knife
A chef’s knife can make or break your food preparation. You want to invest in a quality chef’s knife because it makes your preparation process more efficient. The last thing you want is a knife with a dull blade that leaves nasty, uneven cuts on the food you’re chopping.
When choosing a chef’s knife, look for one that is versatile enough to cut meat, vegetables and herbs. Additionally, you want to research the different chef’s knives available and consider the blade, weight, handle and materials.
“I recommend the WüsthofClassic 8-Inch Chef’s Knifebut there are many to choose from,” said Schoenfeld.” He advises choosing an 8-centimeter chef’s knife when shopping because “even though it looks big, it’s functional and easy to maneuver to slice and dice.”
Food processor
A food processor is useful for chopping, grating and slicing everything from meats and cheeses to vegetables and more. It’s a handy, compact option if you don’t have the counter space for a large blender. Devon Golem, registered dietitian at The Nuanced Nutritionist, says a food processor is necessary to get vegetables into your diet. One of her favorite mixes involves mashing carrots, celery and onions together to spice up dishes from chicken noodle soup to pasta.
“Completely blend any veggie with a food processor to make delicious fillings for lasagna, sauces, stews, soups or smoothies,” recommends Golem. Simplifying the preparation of vegetables increases the chances of including these antioxidant- and fiber-rich foods in your diet. These are our top picks, if you’re interested in buying a food processor.
Garlic press
A garlic press will make preparing the basis of your healthy diet easier. Instead of chopping and mincing garlic with a knife, a garlic press allows you to crush it into a paste with one press.
Pappa always uses a garlic press in his kitchen. “This is one of my favorite ‘small but mighty’ tools,” he explains. “You don’t even have to peel the garlic — just press and go — which cuts down on prep time and makes it more likely that people will actually cook with fresh garlic.” Pappa recommends the OXO Garlic Press for your cooking needs.
High quality cookware
One of the best kitchen tools to invest in is a decent cook set. “A high-quality sauté pan will do more for your consistency in the kitchen than any gadget,” says Pappa. That’s because you’ll use it every day, and a durable cookware set will last you years. “They greatly reduce friction in cooking — which is key to staying on track,” Pappa added.
If you are looking for a set, you can start by looking at our favorite cooking sets.
Chef-grade blender
A chef-grade blender will make preparing salsas, smoothies, batters or blending multiple foods together a breeze. A high quality blender will last for years and is versatile for many recipes. Schoenfeld swears by his Vitamix for preparing healthy meals. “Its power makes healthy eating easier by easily preparing smoothies, dressings, sauces and soups,” he said. Many store-bought items have added sodium, sugar and additives, but these foods can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients.
Schoenfeld also uses his Vitamix for other purposes. “Whether I need a smooth puree or chopped nuts — sometimes I skip my food processor — the[Vitamix]is versatile enough for both.” Favorite foods to make in the Vitamix include pestos, hummus, smoothies and soups.
If you’re looking to invest in a chef-grade blender or similar, CNET has tested and rated the best blenders available. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’ve been eyeing a Vitamix or prefer something on a budget.
Measuring spoons
Having measuring spoons on hand will make cooking easier as you will have a way to measure the ingredients of the recipes you are preparing. Some people automatically know how much to add certain spices, but for those who don’t, measuring spoons take the guesswork out of it.
“In order to watch how I eat salt but have well-seasoned food, I add a quarter teaspoon at a time and reduce the teaspoon of salt when I cook six servings,” said Golem. Choose stainless steel measuring spoons for a dishwasher-safe option.
Glass storage containers
When you’re done preparing food, it’s important to have reliable storage to keep your food fresh in the refrigerator. Glass storage containers are the best choice because they won’t degrade into microplastics like plastic containers and are easy to clean.
Registered dietitian Shaira Daya’s favorite containers are Pyrex glass food containers with lids. “I use containers to hold marinades and pre-cut ingredients, which help me save time during busy weeks,” explains Daya.
Clear glass containers also reduce food waste because you can see what’s inside as soon as you open your refrigerator. If you are reducing plastics in your kitchen to avoid microplastics, glass containers are a durable option that will last for years.
