Learn more. When you don't know what to make for dinner tonight, coming up with lunch three days from now may seem hopelessly ridiculous.

You use the best meal delivery services for backup, but by setting a time each week to plan and meal prep, you free your mind from deciding on your next meal.

Plus, you'll save time and money while reducing food waste. While meal prepping takes a little getting used to, the right cooking gadgets can help set you up for success. These are the eight best meal prep tools below that will help speed up your veggie chopping, bake multiple meals at once, and keep all your food fresh while shaving time off your prep and keeping you motivated for weeks to come.

A baking sheet is a must if you want to make delectable roasted vegetables or mouthwatering cookies. The Nordic Ware Natural Half Sheet is the top pick in our best baking sheets guide because it cooks food evenly and releases items easily. In our tests, a little olive oil was all that was needed to keep potatoes from sticking, and cookies slid right off, perfectly browned.

A food processor is an indispensable and efficient meal prep tool. I tested 10 units for our guide to the best food processors , and the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro is the best. It's on the pricier side, but you get a powerful, durable machine with several attachments to help you slice, dice, grate, shred, and just process foods.

Specifically, I was impressed with how well it grinds beef and emulsifies mayo. If the Sous Chef is out of your budget, consider the Hamilton Beach Food Processor. Read our full Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor review. With slow cookers, also known as crock pots, you can toss your ingredients in a pot before leaving for work and come home to a delectable, ready-to-eat meal.

I've tested 15 units for our best slow cookers guide, and the Cuisinart is the best because it maintains consistent temperatures, is easy to use and clean, and it produces tender, juicy roasts and evenly cooked chili. At half the price of the Cuisinart, the Crockpot Cook and Carry Slow Cooker is a good budget option.

It doesn't have a browning function and is harder to clean, but it also performed well in my tests and is easy to transport. Also known as electric pressure cookers, Instant Pots work much like slow cookers, only they add the element of pressure to speed up the cooking process. While the Instant Pot popularized electric pressure cookers and makes some of our favorite models, the smart pick in our best Instant Pot guide is from Chef iQ.

The Chef iQ Smart Cooker is packed full of features that make meal prep easier, and best of all, it performed well in our tests, quickly producing tender, flavorful beans and rice. Once you've cooked your meals, you'll need to divide them up into containers that are durable and easy to transport.

The Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Containers set is budget-friendly, versatile, and easy to stack, earning it a spot in our best food storage containers guide. All 42 pieces 21 containers plus 21 lids are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, though we recommend avoiding putting plastic in the microwave.

If you already have your meal prep containers or a ton of takeout containers you can't quite throw away , an insulated lunch box is great for easy transport without worrying about leakage or your food getting cold.

The L. Bean Lunch Box is the top pick in our guide to the best lunch boxes because it's durable, available in eight colors, and is designed to keep food cold. Even if a food processor does most of the slicing and dicing, you'll still need a good knife to prep ingredients for the processor and cut items down to size.

The Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Set is one of the best kitchen knife sets we've tested. The ergonomic handles don't get slippery when your hands are wet, and the knives are sharp out of the package.

This set has everything you'll need, from a short paring knife to a long serrated bread knife. Read our full Victorinox Swiss Classic Knife Set review. Of course, you need a good cutting board if you're cutting.

This will protect your counters and make cleaning up and transferring ingredients easier. The best cutting board we've tested is the Williams Sonoma Acacia End-Grain Cutting Board.

Promising review: "I bought a single one of these at the grocery store and loved it, so I bought these three from Amazon at a great price!

Much cheaper than at the grocery store. I love them for the material used to make them and how easy they are to clean. If using an oil based dressing it can hold onto the smell of the dressing if it has strong ingredients like garlic, shallots, or onions, but it goes away with a couple of cleanings.

I take everything apart to clean; there are three parts to this, the bottle, the collar and the screw on cap. They are nice and flexible and you can squeeze everything out nicely.

Love them! It even comes with a little ice block the blue thing that'll keep everything nice and chilled on your commute, until you can pop it in the office fridge. Promising review: "The size doesn't SEEM big, but when you actually load it up, it's perfect and generous!

There's room for so many ingredients in the top. I put tomatoes in the small section, two vegetables in the larger, and there's then plenty of room for protein in the largest section—including room for a whole hardboiled egg not cut in half.

It also includes a small container for dressing which can easily go loose in the lower section for salad or be packed to fit perfectly in the sections above.

Promising review: "These cups are awesome!! My biggest problem is keeping people from throwing them away like the paper liners!!! They clean beautifully with a little soap and water and air dry or gently dry with a paper towel. You don't even need the cupcake pans you can fill them and line them up on a cookie sheet.

Promising review of the silicone bag: "Needless to say, the seal is great and easy to operate, even for school-aged kids. It is flexible but keeps its form. This is perfect for juicy cut fruits with a long fork if eating out of the bag or grapes. I never put grapes in zipped reusable bags, in case the those bags and the grapes inside get crushed, thus making a mess inside and out.

Because this one is slightly stiffer, fruits, along with items like crackers and pretzel sticks are better-protected.

It washes fine in the dishwasher but can take a while to dry, depending on your dishwasher's drying technology. Be sure to straddle the bag across a few tines to keep the bag open during the wash. Promising reviews of the mason jars: "Love my new jars.

I use them for meal prep mostly. They hold up well in microwave, no problems in dishwasher, no rust on tops. Making and storing fruit jelly for my yogurt. Chopping onions, garlic with salt and olive oil in a food processor and placing it in these jars in the fridge, so when I cook it's ready, no need to cut before cooking.

These are just a few things I use them for. And learn more about batch-prepping smoothies from Simply Sissom. As a frequent mason-jar-salad-packer, this ~order of ingredients~ really does work; I just recommend also bringing or finding a plate or big-ish bowl to eat out of — because it'll be difficult to mix everything together, otherwise.

Browse 17 other mason jar salad recipes , or get the recipe for this simple salad on Pass the Plants. I love having the numbers etched into the metal.

It's a relief not having to worry about the markings wearing off like my old plastic set. For your basic day to day cooking, there's really no reason to dislike them! Promising review: "This is my second Oxo Angled 2-cup measure, the first one is still going strong, but I use it so much I wanted a spare.

The unique markings make it easy for left-handed cooks to use. I know this isn't a factor for right-handed people, but virtually all US measuring cups have the cup markings on the left side of the cup, designed to be read while holding it in the right hand.

Oxo solves the dilemma by making it possible to read the measurement from above, rather than the side. It also means no more stooping to read the correct level. Promising reviews: "The feature I love best is being able to change the notch size quickly.

Stem thickness varies from top to bottom, so to be able to quickly switch from one size to the next is a plus. Also it feels very much like using a knife in the hand, like, comfortable and known. Oh, and sometimes it works best to go "backward" on some parts of a stem so again, this design allows for that switch quickly and easily.

It saves a lot of time in preparation. Of course they're dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, and the glass is even safe in the oven. Promising review: "In a world where most new products are waaaaaay worse quality than they used to be — I'm delighted to say that these Pyrex bowls are the same good quality that they've always been.

Our trusty year-old set of Pyrex bowls were lost in a cross-country move this summer, and I was dreading ordering new ones, expecting that they would be shoddier than my old set. These are exactly identical! I ordered the set with lids because I thought So nice to be able to prep foods and then pop them right into the fridge if I need to.

Promising reviews: "I love these prep bowls. Well made and sturdy. They hold about a cup and they are useful in so many ways while you are working in the kitchen. BPA and Melamine free, microwavable also.

If you cook, you need these. Promising review: "I just received this yesterday and it may be my favorite kitchen device ever! As others have written, the directions on how to use weren't that clear, so I found a 1-minute YouTube video , and voila: 15 minutes later I was finished making my my first zoodles.

I used 2-medium size zucchini and it was really easy. I love that it's so small. The last thing I need is another big kitchen device taking up space. You have to use a little muscle, so if you have arthritis in your hands, this probably isn't the product for you.

But, it works great for me! Promising reviews: "Love these sooo much I bought 3! I use them to hold rice, homemade breadcrumbs and coconut flour which I have just discovered! The caps make a nice airtight lid and are very convenient to use and always right where to need them to be.

No longer do I need to use a rubber band to close the bag of rice. The container is just the right size to hold all the rice in a 4 pound bag. And now, pouring out the rice into the measuring cup is so easy.

No rice spills over onto the kitchen counter! Tasty's 7-Day Meal Plan Will Help Make Your Week So Much Easier. Here's A 7-Day No-Added-Sugar Meal Plan That's Actually Doable.

The Very Chill, Super Manageable Meal Prep Plan I Swear By, And You Will, Too. BuzzFeed Shopping logo BuzzFeed Shopping logo. Spicy Wasabi Salmon Salad Wrap. Some of my favorite kitchen gadgets for meal prep are silicone muffin cups and silicone baking liners.

Say goodbye to the frustration of scrubbing muffin tins and sheet pans and hello to convenient and hassle-free meal prep with silicone muffin cups and sheet pan liners. Enjoy these recipes without the headache of cleanup:. Apple Cinnamon Ginger Coffee Cake Muffins.

Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken With Veggies. As a cook, you know how crucial it is to have accurate measurements for ingredients. You can easily portion out everything from flour to spices, ensuring consistent results every time you cook.

I personally love using magnetic measuring cups and spoons, which stay together and are super easy to clean. They make it so much easier to measure and pour out liquids like oil and water with precision, helping you nail your recipes every time.

And while I definitely cook without measuring… ALL. with a little of this and a little of that… Baking is a different story. To make sure you get these baking recipes right, put your measuring tools to work:. Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Brownie Waffles.

At first, you might think food scales are just for people who are really into baking, but hear me out. A digital food kitchen scale is actually super helpful for cooking in general. You can weigh out your ingredients for a recipe so you get everything just right.

But, even beyond that, one of the greatest benefits of a food scale when it comes to healthy eating is for portion control. It takes the guesswork out of portioning and helps you stay on track with your goals. Here are a few recipes that benefit from a food scale, but also be sure to give portioning a try!

Cheesecake Factory Chocolate Cheesecake. A high-quality blender is an essential kitchen tool for meal prep, especially for those who love smoothies. Investing in a high-powered blender is important because it can make a huge difference in the texture and consistency of your blends.

Try these recipes with a blender:. A spiralizer vegetable slicer is a great tool for a gluten-free or low-carb diet. Not only can you make delicious veggie noodles that are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta, but you can also spiralize other veggies like zucchini, sweet potato, and cucumber for salads or as a crunchy addition to wraps and sandwiches.

Spiralizing veggies also allows them to cook faster, making meal prep a breeze. Try out your spiralizer on these recipes:. Shrimp Marinara Zucchini Pasta.

Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A mixing bowl for bigger batches. Also great Sleek spatulas. Our pick

Use our recommended Amazon meal prep supplies to prep like a pro. From labels to leak-proof containers, we found plenty of must-haves I've Been Meal Prepping for 5+ Years, and These 10 Kitchen Gadgets Save Me So Much Time and Energy ; Dash Deluxe Rapid Egg Cooker Meal Prep Containers in Food Storage Containers(+) · Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Cup Deep Square Food Storage Containers, Set of 4, Red · Pyrex Easy Grab Bake &: Cheap meal prep accessories

You can opt mel a Discounted bath and shower bundles steel or Free sample packs one. Absolutely will be renewing. Try these Bayco glass cheap meal prep accessories container set. But, even beyond that, mea of the greatest benefits of a food scale when it comes to healthy eating is for portion control. Use limited data to select advertising. And if those don't convince you then let us tell you what this versatile tool can make; soups, chilis, granola, meats, brownies, oatmeal, lasagna, meatloaf	If the Sous Chef is out of your budget, consider the Hamilton Beach Food Processor. A baking sheet A food processor A slow cooker An instant pot Food storage containers An insulated lunch box A knife set A cutting board. Meal planning on a budget can be tough and finding the right meal prep supplies and meal prep containers can add up. After mixing and tossing in 13 sets of bowls, we've found the glass and steel options we think are the best mixing bowls for most people. Kitchen Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Bean Lunch Box is the top pick in our guide to the best lunch boxes because it's durable, available in eight colors, and is designed to keep food cold. Grocery shopping doesn't have to be expensive.	Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A mixing bowl for bigger batches. Also great Sleek spatulas. Our pick	Kitchen scale for portioning. Budget pick Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A sharp paring knife. Our pick	Plastic containers for the week. Our pick Reusable silicone bags. Our pick Kitchen scale for portioning. Budget pick
Thunder Group Standard Freebies for review Discounted bath and shower bundles Steel Mixing Bowls Lightweight, reliable bowls in many sizes. Also known as electric pressure accesssories, Instant Acdessories work much like slow cookers, only vheap Discounted bath and shower bundles the element of pressure to speed up the cooking process. Bentgo Prep Snack Containers - Pewter. Browse Recipes Sign In Start Here Meal Prep Tips Meal Plan Subscription About WWL The WWL Team Press Meal Plans. The Stasher storage bags might seem pricey at first, but they've probably saved me money since I don't need to regularly buy plastic sandwich bags. I am obsessed with mine!	Spiralizing veggies also allows them to cook faster, making meal prep a breeze. Written by Kate Bratskeir and James Brains ; edited by Lily Alig. This meal plan is not customizable or editable! When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. BPA and Melamine free, microwavable also.	Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A mixing bowl for bigger batches. Also great Sleek spatulas. Our pick	Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers 3-Pack · Six-Quart Instant Pot · Pampered Chef Garlic Press · Rezip piece Ultimate Reusable Storage Bag Our meal prep sets have been designed specifically for multifunctionality. Microwave, dishwasher, freezer and oven-safe, they're ideal for meal prep Copy paper; 3-Ring Binder; Plastic Dividers; Labels; Sheet Protectors (Use sheet protectors to instantly “laminate” meal planning forms and use dry-erase	Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A mixing bowl for bigger batches. Also great Sleek spatulas. Our pick
Was cheap meal prep accessories page helpful? Get this easy one-pan recipe! Accessoriee you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Soooo happy! It indicates the ability to send an email.	They fit perfectly into a large container so you can carry one packaged meal prepped item! No such issues with this product. Hi there! This will protect your counters and make cleaning up and transferring ingredients easier. I've always hated chopping onions and peppers into tiny pieces, so I used to buy pre-cut veggies at the grocery store. Nothing except the shape!	Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A mixing bowl for bigger batches. Also great Sleek spatulas. Our pick	Our meal prep sets have been designed specifically for multifunctionality. Microwave, dishwasher, freezer and oven-safe, they're ideal for meal prep Take your meal prep game to the next level with these durable meal prep containers. Available in 1-compartment, 2-compartment, and 3-compartment options I've Been Meal Prepping for 5+ Years, and These 10 Kitchen Gadgets Save Me So Much Time and Energy ; Dash Deluxe Rapid Egg Cooker	A sharp paring knife. Our pick Use our recommended Amazon meal prep supplies to prep like a pro. From labels to leak-proof containers, we found plenty of must-haves Bentgo® Prep Piece Meal Prep Kit - Reusable Food Containers 1-Compartment, 2-Compartment, & 3-Compartments for Healthy Eating - Microwave, Freezer, &

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Cheap meal prep accessories - Kitchen scale for portioning. Budget pick Measuring cups for smaller ingredients. Our pick A mixing bowl for bigger batches. Also great Sleek spatulas. Our pick

Bentgo Prep Piece Variety Meal Prep Kit - Floral Pastels. Bentgo Prep Piece Variety Meal Prep Kit - Rich Shades. Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Blush Pink.

Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Periwinkle. Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Sky. Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Mint. Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Khaki Green. Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Gold.

Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Blush Pink. Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Burgundy. Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Rose Gold.

Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Navy Blue. Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Mint. Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Periwinkle. Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Sky. Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Lilac.

Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Navy Blue. Bentgo Prep 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers - Silver. Now all you have to do is decide what you're going to cook. These plug-'em-in-and-leave-'em appliances work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and rice cooker—and have the ability to sauté, steam, and warm foods.

Garlic is good for you. Research shows consuming garlic on a daily basis can be good for your health. And to get the freshest, most potent benefits without having to shell and pull apart cloves, all you have to do is shove your garlic through this press.

And voila, flavor. Stop buying so many plastic bags. In order to practice proper portion control, you have to know your portions. This multifunctional scale makes measuring a hell of a lot easier, and does the job well.

It comes with a removable bowl, a temperature sensor, and an alarm and timer with an electronic display so you can use it as a multipurpose tool in the kitchen. Eggs are the real mealtime MVP.

Enter the Dash Deluxe Egg Cooker, which can boil up to a dozen eggs at a time. If that's not your thing, you can also use it to prep everything from soft or medium eggs, to your special go-to omelet.

Cleaning your blender is annoying. The parts are clunky and hard to reach—and really, whipping up a smoothie or sauce should be easier. Your new best friend for small batch smoothies and other liquid goodies: the hand blender. Instead of putting the food to the blender, you simply add the blender to the food.

Then rinse it off like a normal utensil. A true kitchen hero. Do you really need a dozen steak knives, a machete, and a scalpel to make meals properly? Really, the only knives you probably need are a chef knife, serrated knife, and paring knife.