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Best Meal Prep Tools for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best tools for every meal prep need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 13th, 2024

🍽️Meal prepping isn't just a buzzword; it's a great strategy to save time, money, and eat healthier. Having the right tools can really make a difference in how smooth and enjoyable the process is.

We've checked out a bunch of products to find the best meal prep tools for 2024, catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you're just getting started or you're a meal prep pro, these picks will help streamline your kitchen tasks and make meal prep a breeze.

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Overall Best: Cuisinart Food Processor

Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, Shredding, P...

The Cuisinart Food Processor is our top choice for its sheer versatility and robust performance. Its spacious 14-cup capacity is perfect for any meal prepper, handling tasks from chopping vegetables to kneading dough with ease. The food processor boasts a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for all skill levels. According to our research, users consistently praise its durable build and reliable operation. The manufacturer lists it as equipped with a powerful 720-watt motor, making it a real workhorse in the kitchen.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$198.99 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Instant Pot

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

The Instant Pot takes the runner-up spot for its multifunctionality and time-saving capabilities. This multi-cooker can seamlessly switch between roles as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. It's a game-changer for batch cooking and preparing large meals with minimal effort. Fans of the Instant Pot love its ability to whip up a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and even homemade yogurt. The manufacturer emphasizes its ease of use and consistent performance, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to simplify their meal prep routine.

Lowest at Amazon

$79.95 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$66.93 at AliExpress.com

More Answers

Still curious about the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Can the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart make yogurt?

Yep, the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart can make yogurt! It's one of its cool features. The manufacturer's description points out that yogurt-making is part of its lineup, so you're covered there. From what we've gathered, making yogurt with it can be a bit of an adventure. A lot of folks have managed to whip up some tasty homemade yogurt, perfect for those who want to keep things natural without any unwanted additives. But, getting that recipe just right might take a bit of experimenting. Some people mention that the recipes and guides out there can vary, so you might have to tweak things like the type of milk or adjust to your taste. If you're planning on making yogurt frequently, diving into online communities could be super helpful. People love sharing tips and tricks there, and you can pick up great advice on incubation periods and temperature settings, which seem to be key for nailing that consistency and flavor. In general, the [Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB00FLYWNYQ%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is appreciated not just for its versatility but also for how it simplifies things like making yogurt, which traditionally takes more effort. Whether you're a yogurt pro or a beginner wanting to try out homemade yogurt, this little gadget offers a handy way to do it. Plus, the learning process can be fun as you hunt for that perfect recipe that suits your taste. With some practice and the tips you gather from others, you’ll likely enjoy the results with the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart.

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How long does it take to cook rice in the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart?

Cooking rice in the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart is pretty straightforward and quick. Typically, it takes around 12 minutes for the rice to cook once the pot reaches pressure. Here's how you can do it: 1. **Preparation**: Rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear—this helps make the rice fluffier by getting rid of excess starch. 2. **Setting Up**: Put the rinsed rice and the right amount of water into the Instant Pot. For this model, a 1:1 ratio of rice to water is common, but you can tweak it if you like your rice firmer or softer. 3. **Cooking Time**: Lock the lid and make sure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the ‘Rice’ function. It's preset for white rice and will adjust automatically for the amount of rice you have. 4. **Pressure Build-Up**: The pot will take about 5-10 minutes to build up pressure before the cooking time kicks in. Then, the rice will cook for roughly 12 minutes. 5. **Pressure Release**: Once it's done cooking, let the pot do a natural release for about 10 minutes—just let it sit. Switch the valve to 'Venting' after that to release any leftover steam. This part only takes a minute or so. 6. **Fluff and Serve**: Carefully open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and you're good to go. From what we've found, the Duo Mini is great for small spaces or if you're cooking for one or two people. It's compact, but still packs a punch with its efficiency and versatility for making all sorts of dishes. So, if you're looking to keep meal prep simple and consistent, this might just do the trick!

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What is the capacity of the Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart?

If you're considering the Instant Pot Duo Mini, it's handy to know that its capacity is 3 quarts. It's a nice compact size compared to the bigger 6-quart or 8-quart models, which makes it perfect for small households, couples, or even if you're just cooking for yourself. It’s great if you don’t have a ton of kitchen space or if you prefer not to cook large batches. Despite its smaller size, this little gadget is pretty versatile. According to the manufacturer, it has 7 functions in one unit. It works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. So, you save space without needing a bunch of different appliances. People often wonder about the yogurt-making feature—a cool part of its versatility. You can make yogurt from scratch, which is satisfying once you get the hang of the process. It involves a few steps like heating milk and adding cultures, but it seems many find it rewarding. Overall, if you’re short on space or not cooking for an army, the Instant Pot Duo Mini could be a good fit. It lets you try new cooking techniques and whip up various dishes without taking over your whole kitchen.

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Best Budget Option: Ozeri Pronto Digital Kitchen Scale

Ozeri ZK14-S Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale, Elegant Black

For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Ozeri Pronto Digital Kitchen Scale is outstanding in maintaining precision and consistency in meal prepping. This scale is revered for its accuracy, with users often highlighting how it aids in portion control and ingredient tracking. Its straightforward, easy-to-use design is perfect for anyone keeping a close eye on their dietary intake. The manufacturer's description points out its compact size and high precision, making it a valuable tool for detailed meal planning without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$12.22 at Amazon

Best for Fresh Produce: OXO Glass Salad Spinner

Crucial for keeping your greens fresh and free from excess moisture, the OXO Glass Salad Spinner is a top pick for handling fresh produce. Designed with a sturdy build and non-slip base, this salad spinner is loved by users for its ability to clean and dry leafy greens efficiently. Its functional design ensures your salads are crisp and ready for storage or immediate consumption. According to the manufacturer, the durable glass body and excellent spin mechanism enhance its reliability and longevity in the kitchen.

Lowest at Amazon

$57.36 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$56.41 at AliExpress.com

Best Storage Solution: Glasslock Assorted Oven Safe Container Set

Glasslock 11292 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set

For food storage, the Glasslock Assorted Oven Safe Container Set leads the pack due to its durability and versatility. These containers transition seamlessly from the refrigerator to the oven, making them ideal for meal prep. Their airtight seals keep food fresh for longer periods, which is essential for effective meal prepping. Users appreciate the robust glass construction and secure lids, which prevent leaks and maintain freshness. The manufacturer highlights their BPA-free composition and oven-safe capabilities, ensuring they meet high safety and quality standards.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$52.99 at Amazon

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