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Meal prepping isn’t much different from regular cooking—except for the scale. While it’s essentially the same work, preparing larger quantities demands a slightly adjusted method, especially when it comes to storing and transporting meals for the whole week.
When it comes to large-scale cooking, the right gear can make all the difference. No need for fancy or pricey gadgets—the best meal prep tools are budget-friendly and easy to find. In fact, you likely have most of them already stashed away somewhere. Here’s everything you need to prep, cook, store, and transport bulk meals like a pro.
Step 1: Prepare and cook
If you're committed to meal prepping, these four essential items will truly make your life easier. Uncover them from storage if they're already in your kitchen or order them online—you won’t regret it.
Half-size aluminum sheet pans
Honestly, is there anything a half-size sheet pan can’t handle? Whether you’re roasting vegetables, cooking several pounds of bacon at once, slow-cooking chicken for salads, baking chickpeas for a crispy topping, or preparing anything else in the oven, it’s nearly always the best choice. Large enough for bulk cooking, small enough for home ovens, and affordable enough to stock up on a few, I rely on half-size sheet pans for virtually everything—and you will too.
Oven- and/or microwave-safe cookware with lids
Having cookware that lets you both cook and store a meal in the same container reduces the pile of dishes and makes organizing your fridge more manageable. I love preparing lasagna, enchiladas, or a hearty casserole in a stoneware dish, then covering it with the lid and placing it straight into the fridge for later. For sheet cakes or anything else I prefer to bake in aluminum, I'm especially fond of my Nordic Ware lidded covered baking pans—the lid seals tightly and even doubles as a spare sheet pan when not in use. Though they are a bit more expensive and can't go in the dishwasher, their versatility makes them indispensable.
A salad spinner is a handy kitchen tool that makes washing and drying produce a breeze, especially for leafy greens. It can also save you a lot of time in meal prep by easily rinsing and drying just about any kind of produce. If you’re looking to speed up your cooking process, investing in a reliable and affordable salad spinner is a great idea.
Salad spinners are versatile tools that do more than just clean leafy greens. They simplify the washing, rinsing, and drying process for virtually any type of produce you need. Since washing produce can often feel like the most tedious part of meal prep, having a cost-effective salad spinner will save you a great deal of time and effort.
A larger cutting board is a must-have for anyone who frequently preps ingredients. If you're still using a small, cramped board, it's time to upgrade to something more spacious. A sturdy, dishwasher-safe cutting board from a reputable restaurant supply store (or online) is the way to go. Just remember to measure your dishwasher before ordering so it fits perfectly.
Stop using that tiny cutting board for all your prep work! If you want to cut a week’s worth of onions or other ingredients, invest in a larger, more durable board. Choose one that's spacious and preferably dishwasher-safe, available from restaurant supply stores or online. Pro tip: Always measure your dishwasher before buying to ensure it fits.
Step 2: Store. Once you've prepped your ingredients, the next step is to store them properly. Effective storage helps preserve freshness and organize your kitchen for easier meal prep in the future.
Once you’ve prepped a week’s worth of lunches, the next task is figuring out how to store them. This is where it can get tricky, as specialized “meal prep” containers often come with a hefty price tag—but don’t worry, you don’t really need them. As long as you can clearly see what you’ve got, that’s all that matters. You only need two simple things to make it work.
Tape and a Sharpie are essential tools when it comes to meal prep. They’re inexpensive, and they help you label and identify everything in your fridge, freezer, and pantry at a glance. I personally use masking tape, but painter’s tape is also a solid choice that gets the job done well.
Aside from a good, sharp knife, a reliable labeling system is crucial for meal prep. A simple setup with tape and a Sharpie makes it easy to see exactly what you have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry at all times. Masking tape is my go-to, though painter’s tape is another great option that’s also widely used.
For storing your prepped meals, you need containers that are both stackable and transparent. That’s the key. The perfect choice includes items like deli containers, clear plastic-lidded aluminum pans, Pyrex or similar glass containers, or even upcycled containers from other food products.
The ideal meal prep containers are those that are stackable and allow you to easily see what’s inside. Popular options include deli containers, aluminum pans with clear lids, Pyrex or other glass containers, and even containers that you’ve repurposed from other food items.
Step 3: Transport
When preparing meals to take with you, it's essential to have a reliable way to transport them without risking a mess. Whether you're on the move by car, train, or bus, a proper lunchbox ensures your food stays securely contained—no spills, no fuss.
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to lunchboxes, but a secure, spill-proof seal is essential for everyone. Beyond that, think about what works best for your routine: Do you prefer a soft, flexible option or something sturdy? Do you need insulation? Should it be dishwasher-safe? With so many options designed for meal-prep, you're bound to find one that fits your exact needs.
