Weekly Meal Preparation Essentials Streamlining Your Dinners
Ready-made meals in the fridge or freezer can help reduce the need for last-minute takeout food, making meal prep an increasingly popular choice for many. With various options available, we've rounded up some of the best freezer meal prep containers that combine freezer safety, microwave or oven reheating capability, durability, ease of cleaning, and good storage organization.
Pyrex Glass Containers
Highly recommended for freezer meal prep, Pyrex glass containers are freezer-safe, microwave-safe without lids, and oven-safe. Their glass construction is durable and non-porous, preventing stains or odors. Pyrex containers are available in various sizes and nest neatly, making them a convenient choice for storage. However, plastic lids can crack over time and are less durable in dishwashers.
Mainstays Polypropylene Plastic Containers
An affordable option, Mainstays polypropylene plastic containers are freezer-safe, microwave-safe (with lid removed), and dishwasher-safe. They have a modular design with some compartmentalization, suited for organized meal prep. While they should not be used in ovens or for dry heating in microwaves, they are a budget-friendly and durable choice for freezer storage and microwave reheating with some limitations.
U-Konserve Meal Prep Sets
U-Konserve meal prep sets feature a combination of freezer-safe, stackable stainless steel containers with platinum-grade silicone lids. They are oven-safe up to 300°F but not microwave safe and are free of BPA and other harmful chemicals. Their design includes dividers for portion control and they are lightweight and durable. U-Konserve containers are dishwasher safe.
Souper Cubes Trays
For large-batch freezer to table storage like soups or stews, Souper Cubes trays with thick silicone walls and BPA-free lids are excellent for freezing, portioning, stacking, and reheating. These provide a sturdy, leak-proof, and freezer-to-table solution. They stack well to save freezer space and prevent odor contamination.
In summary, Pyrex glass containers lead for versatility in both storing frozen meals and convenient reheating due to their oven-safe nature and durable glass. For chemical-free and durable stainless steel options, U-Konserve containers are the best choice but require oven use rather than microwave. For budget-friendly plastic options, Mainstays provides safe freezer storage and microwave reheating with some limitations. Souper Cubes trays are ideal for large-batch freezing and reheating of soups and stews.
Choosing depends on your reheating method preferences (oven vs microwave), material preferences, and budget. Happy meal prepping!
- Pyrex glass containers, ideal for those who prefer oven or microwave reheating, offer durability and good storage organization due to their glass construction and various sizes.
- Mainstays polypropylene plastic containers are an affordable choice for those who need budget-friendly storage solutions for frozen meals, offering freezer safety, microwave reheating (with lid removal), and dishwasher safety.
- U-Konserve meal prep sets, made of stainless steel and platinum-grade silicone, are chemical-free, compact, and durable, perfect for those who prioritize oven-safe containers and portion control.
- Souper Cubes trays, with thick silicone walls and BPA-free lids, are ideal for large-batch freezing and reheating of soups and stews, providing a sturdy, leak-proof, and freezer-to-table solution that saves space and prevents odor contamination.
