The Best Under-$40 Kitchen Tools to Make Meal Prep a Breeze, According to a Food Editor

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Amazon (3); W and P (1)

Amazon (3); W and P (1)

On busy weekdays it’s tempting to opt for a convenient drive-thru breakfast sandwich, lunch out, or takeout dinner. But if your 2025 goals include saving money andcooking more meals at home, the snap decision to eat out can quickly become a bad habit.

4 Expert-Recommended Meal Prep Tools

KitchenAid Nonstick Baking Sheet

Amazon

$15 at Amazon

This versatile baking sheet is ideal for whipping up everything from cookies to roasted veggies, and its size is ideal for meal prepping large batches.

“A large sheet pan comes in handy when I’m prepping a batch of roasted vegetables,” Loh explained. “I use those vegetables in grain bowls and salads throughout the week for lunch and dinner. I like that the KitchenAid sheet pan extends slightly, making it easier to grab out of the oven without the oven mitts touching the food and getting dirty.”

W&P Portion Cubes Freezer Tray

W and P

$25 at Wandp.com

“These freezer storage trays are handy when I make a batch of sauce or soup,” Loh shared. “I can portion any extras into the tray and then have it available when I need a quick meal in the future.”

Each cube in this six-cube freezer tray holds one cup, making it easy to defrost a single serving when needed. The silicone base is reinforced with a metal frame, which helps prevent spills and provide a smooth transition from the counter to the freezer, while a plastic lid ensures your food stays fresh.

Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers Set of 4

$35 at Amazon

Food storage containers are essential for dividing portions or prepared ingredients and packing meals to eat on-the-go. Although, not all containers are made equal. “These containers from Rubbermaid have lasted years. I like that I can throw them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup,” Loh shared of the “reliable” pick.

Not only are they dishwasher safe, they also withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven, have microwave-safe lids for mess free reheating, and can be stored in the freezer.

Juzari Dry Erase Magnetic Meal Planner

$9$7 at Amazon

A visual reminder can be a great way to stay on track with your meal plan or help you prep for an upcoming grocery trip. After all, “meal prepping depends on organization,” says Loh. “I find it helpful to write out all of my meals for the week so I know what I’m eating when,” she shared.

This budget-friendly dry-erase board is ideal for those who prefer a physical list. It has boxes for each day, which users can wipe clean at the end of the week. Plus, the magnetic backing makes it easy to place on your fridge for visibility.

Snap up these expert picks to make meal prepping a breeze. Or if you’d prefer someone else did the cooking for you,consider subscribing to Factor, which is currently offering 50 percent off and free shipping on new subscriber’s first box. Choose between 40 premade meals each week, which are shipped directly to your door, then simply reheat and enjoy.

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source: people.com