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10 Kitchen Essentials Every Busy Mom Needs to Make Weeknights Easier
- Kiera Laeka
- Dec 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 2
Why These Kitchen Essentials for Busy Moms Actually Save Time
Weeknights hit different when you’re a busy mom — especially when you’re solo parenting, working full-time, and still trying to get dinner on the table before everyone melts down. The truth is: the right kitchen tools can make everyday cooking faster, easier, and way less stressful.
These are the 10 essentials I recommend to every mom who wants to save time, keep meals simple, and still feed the family well. I use many of these every single week — and they’ve genuinely made my life easier. These truly are the kitchen essentials for busy moms who need faster, easier weeknight meals without the stress.
1. Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Air Fryer Cooking System
This is the weeknight game-changer. It crisps, bakes, reheats, and cooks everything from salmon to chicken thighs to toddler nuggets — all in minutes. Plus, it comes with the glass TempWare containers that go from the microwave to the freezer to the dishwasher—a whole win.
If you’ve been wanting a fast, healthier way to cook but hate bulky appliances, this compact air fryer will change your whole routine.
2. Retro Electric Kettle
A cute electric kettle sounds small, but listen — when you’re solo parenting, boiling water in seconds is elite. Use it for:
Quick pasta
Tea before bed
Instant oatmeal
Pour-over ramen nights
Speeding up rice or boiling veggies
This one is adorable and fast, with auto shut-off for peace of mind.
3. Instant Pot Duo (7-in-1)
If weeknights are chaotic, the Instant Pot is the easiest “dump and go” solution ever. Chili, shredded chicken, soups, stews, turkey tacos… it does the work while you do everything else.
It also slow-cooks, sautés, steams, and warms — basically a whole kitchen in one pot.
4. Our Place Space-Saving Bakeware Set
This is the prettiest, most functional bakeware set—and everything nests so it doesn’t take over your cabinets. Great for sheet-pan meals, baked chicken, veggies, brownies, and casseroles. The nonstick is amazing.
5. MasterChef Knife Set with Block
A sharp knife instantly cuts your cooking time in half. This set stays sharp, looks clean on the counter, and the block keeps everything organized (and out of reach).
6. 30oz Glass Meal Prep Containers (10 Pack)
Whether you’re prepping lunches, storing leftovers, or keeping your fridge organized, these containers are clutch. Microwave, oven, freezer, dishwasher — they can handle it all. And the two-compartment design keeps food fresher.
7. Nonstick Saute Pan OR Cast Iron Everyday Skillet
Two options:
Ceramic Nonstick Saute Pan: https://amzn.to/4pSDRD3
My personal fav — Cast Iron Skillet I use daily: https://amzn.to/4pSPCJN
A good everyday pan is essential. The ceramic option is lightweight and non-toxic, while the cast iron is nearly indestructible and cooks everything perfectly — chicken, shrimp, turkey, veggies, stir-fries, and more.
8. Ninja Fit Personal Blender
This is perfect for quick breakfasts, toddler smoothies, sauces, or blending soups. It’s compact, powerful, and comes with two cups — making morning routines way smoother.
9. Platinum Silicone Utensil Set (8-Piece)
These heat-resistant silicone utensils don’t melt, scratch pans, or stain easily. They’re also pretty enough to keep on the counter — and 100% plastic-free.
10. Cuisinart Microwave Steamer
When you need a veggie fast, this is your best friend. Throw in broccoli, carrots, or green beans — 3 minutes later, you have a healthy side. Perfect for toddler plates or low-energy nights.
Final Thoughts
Being a solo or busy mom means cooking has to be simple, fast, and realistic — and these tools make everyday meals so much easier. Start with the items that fit your lifestyle right now (the Ninja Crispi is definitely that girl), and slowly build your kitchen essentials from there.
XO -
Kiera Laeka
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