Today I’m going to share with you some of my favorite meal prepping tools and supplies!
NOTE: This lesson contains Amazon affiliate links which means if you purchase something using my links I earn a small commission AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I always want to keep this challenge FREE and accessible to ANYONE seeking meal prepping advice, so your support in this way helps make that possible…THANK YOU! Plus, you will never-ever encounter annoying pop-ups or banner ads on my website because I think it makes for a very negative user experience.
FOOD STORAGE
You’ll obviously need some storage containers if you plan on prepping a lot of your meals.
However, you don’t need to go totally crazy…chances are you already have what you need to get started!
Clear plastic or glass containers are preferable as they allow you to see what you have which reduces the chances your freshly prepped food will be forgotten. Sectioned containers make for fancy-looking social media and blog photos, but they are mostly unnecessary.
However, if you want to give them a try ChefLand and Bento Boxes are two popular brands, and they also come with single compartments which I think are slightly more versatile and practical. But just a heads up…there is a CRAZY-GOOD LIGHTNING DEAL going on right now for the two-compartment Bento Boxes…a 20 pack of 32oz. containers for $17.99 marked down from $50!!! There is also another deal for the single-compartment Bento Boxes for $12.99.
I’m also thinking about throwing away all my mismatched Ziploc storage containers and jumping on this awesome deal for a 20 piece glass storage set for $39.99 marked down from $133.99!!
Wide-mouth mason jars are inexpensive and great for storing chopped fruits, veggies, salad fixings, and hard-boiled eggs. I like the 1-quart size the best. These 1-quart jars are the #1 best-seller on Amazon.com right now and are the same ones I have in my kitchen.
Gallon-size plastic storage bags are perfect for storing large quantities of fruits and veggies, marinating meat or freezing leftover soups and stews. Sandwich and snack-size bags are ideal for smaller quantities. Freezer bags are thicker than regular plastic bags making them more resistant to moisture and oxygen, making your food less likely to get freezer burn.
Disposable freezer pans are great if you’re planning on freezing ready-to-bake casseroles, pasta dishes, marinara and more. However I typically don’t end up freezing my food because we don’t have a lot of freezer space.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
— Slow cookers are great for preparing lean protein (such as chicken breast) as well as hearty soups, stews and even casseroles.
— Rice cookers can be used to cook quinoa, dried beans, lentils, bigger batches of oatmeal, and steamed veggies (if yours has a steamer rack).
— And then of course we have the Instant Pot which is a slow cooker + rice cooker + pressure cooker + steamer + yogurt maker + a whole lot of happiness rolled into one appliance!!
I have the 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 which is the most popular Instant Pot. The DUO has the yogurt feature which is the biggest difference compared to the LUX model. I contemplated getting the 8-quart since I like to do a lot of meal prepping, but I’m glad I decided to start with the 6-quart. The 8-quart also takes longer to come to pressure which was a big factor for me. The 6-quart DUO typically sells for around $99 on Amazon and most other stores, but every once in a while Amazon has lightning deals and Prime Days where they sell them for $85.95.
I’ve heard you can find a 6 quart for $79.99 at WalMart and some other stores, but these are typically the LUX model and not the DUO. The LUX doesn’t have the yogurt-making feature or low pressure and the DUO has both of those. Even if you hate yogurt I still recommend the DUO so you have the option for low pressure.
BTW once this challenge is over I’m going to set-up a page on my website I’ll keep updated with the latest and greatest Instant Pot and meal prepping related deals on Amazon so you don’t miss out!
— An immersion blender can be handy for pureeing soups and sauces without making a mess of your blender. I wish I had one!! I really don’t know enough about them to make a good recommendation, but I DO know it’s important to get one with a detachable head for easy cleaning!
— A food processor with the right attachments can save LOTS of time slicing, dicing, mincing and shredding. It also opens up a whole new world of delicious recipes, like homemade pesto and more. My Cuisinart food processor is an attachment that came with the blender I got at my bridal shower (18+ years ago!!) and still works great BUT it only holds 3 cups so I’d like to have a bigger one if it ever bites the dust.
INSTANT POT ACCESSORIES
I’ve had my Instant Pot for a little over a year now, and I’ve only used two accessories so far…
1. A steamer basket.
The steamer basket I had BEFORE I got my Instant Pot, and since it wasn’t made for the IP using it can be a little awkward. But it seems to get the job done. This wire mesh basket is crazy-popular with hard-core IPers since you can use it for steaming veggies, eggs, etc. as well as straining yogurt, BUT you’ll need to manually remove the handles. It’s also 1/4 of the price of the “official” IP steamer basket and many others.
2. A glass lid.
My slow cooker died right before I got my Instant Pot and I wish I saved the lid! Occasionally I use my IP as a slow cooker and even though you can use the regular IP lid I like being able to look in there and see what’s going on. You can also use a clear lid for making yogurt. You might already have a glass or clear lid from your cookware that fits, so be sure to check them before ordering something you already have! The official IP glass lid for the most popular 6qt is almost always sold out on Amazon, but this one would probably make a good alternative.
Any item that is “oven safe” can be used in the Instant Pot including stainless steel, aluminum, non-stick bakeware, silicone bakeware, and oven safe glassware.
And of course, the other consideration is “Will it fit in my Instant Pot??”
The dimensions of the most popular 6qt inner pot are 8.66in. wide by 6.3in. high so you can use accessories that are about 7in diameter.
The silicone ring on the underside of the lid is an essential part of the pressure cooker, but it absorbs odors as you cook. So many people buy a second ring to have on hand for desserts and other mild tasting foods. I haven’t made any desserts yet but I’d like to soon, so I’ll probably end up ordering one.
Besides that, when it comes to IP accessories it really depends on what you want to make with your IP. If you’re new to the IP you most likely don’t need anything besides your IP to get started!
However, as you start discovering more recipes you’ll probably want to order some fun accessories too. 🙂
I currently have my eye on these stackable insert pans (there’s a Lightning Deal for almost 40% off right now!!) and these silicone cups for egg muffins, mini-meatloaves, and other yummies!
/// QUESTION OF THE DAY ///
Besides the Instant Pot, what’s your favorite kitchen tool for cooking or meal prepping? Be sure to post your answers in the Facebook group under our daily thread here –> https://www.facebook.com/groups/290505694685477/permalink/474787812923930/