How To Meal Prep For The Entire Week In 2 Hours
You can meal prep a whole week in two hours — if your gear doesn’t slow you down. I’m a meal-prep coach who cooks, packs, and cleans for a busy household every week; these picks cut the time you spend packing, washing, and tossing food. Below you’ll find stackable, compartmented containers for fast portioning, a vacuum-seal set that keeps cooked food usable for days, and a ready-to-go lunch kit with ice packs and a shaker so mornings are one motion. If you buy one starter combo: get Rubbermaid Brilliance for everyday lunches and add the Lasting Freshness vacuum set if you cook in bulk.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Kitchen Gadgets
Best All-in-One Meal Kit: ThinkFit Large Black Meal Prep Lunch Bag, 8 Portion Control Containers, Pill Dispenser, Shaker Cup & 2 XL Reusable Ice Packs
$69.95 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- ThinkFit Large Black Meal Prep Lunch Bag, 8 Portion Control Containers, Pill Dispenser, Shaker Cup & 2 XL Reusable Ice Packs
- Freshware Meal Prep Containers [15 Pack] 2 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Containers, Bento Box, BPA Free, Stackable, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe (28 oz), Black
- Lasting Freshness Vacuum Seal Food Storage Containers with Hand Pump – BPA-Free Plastic, Airtight Meal Prep & Leftovers Containers, Keep Food Fresh 5X Longer, 19-Piece Set
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers, 2-Compartment Food Storage Containers, 2.85 Cup, 5-Pack, BPA-Free, Clear/Grey
- Bentgo Prep - 20-Piece 2-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids, PFAS & BPA Free Materials, Durable, Microwave, Freezer, & Dishwasher Safe To Go Food Storage (Burgundy)
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Pick capacity to match your portions — Freshware’s 28 oz two-compartment boxes and the 20-piece Bentgo set give you bigger portions for dinners, while Rubbermaid Brilliance’s 2.85‑cup containers are ideal for leaner, grab-and-go lunches; choose by how much you actually eat, not how much looks impressive.
- Use vacuum sealing to cut waste and recook time — the Lasting Freshness pump-rated system keeps proteins and cooked meals usable far longer (they claim up to 5×), so you spend less time re-prepping and more time reheating.
- Favor leakproof lids and simple seals for real-world speed — Rubbermaid Brilliance’s latches and ThinkFit’s insulated bag with ice packs mean no midweek spills or soggy salads, which saves you time on emergency cleanups and laundry.
- Make cleaning fast: dishwasher-safe, microwave- and freezer-safe materials matter — Bentgo, Freshware, and Rubbermaid are all built to go in the dishwasher and handle reheating, while vacuum sets have extra parts to wash but pay back time by reducing waste.
- Buy by workflow, not just pieces — if you need an all-in-one grab-and-go solution get the ThinkFit bag kit; if you batch-cook for the freezer and want maximum shelf-life add Lasting Freshness; for everyday speed and clarity go Rubbermaid Brilliance as your core set.
Our Top Picks
![Freshware Meal Prep Containers [15 Pack] 2 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Containers, Bento Box, BPA Free, Stackable, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe (28 oz), Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71br9Gt7jRL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
More Details on Our Top Picks
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ThinkFit Large Black Meal Prep Lunch Bag, 8 Portion Control Containers, Pill Dispenser, Shaker Cup & 2 XL Reusable Ice Packs
🏆 Best For: Best All-in-One Meal Kit
ThinkFit's Large Meal Prep Lunch Bag earns "Best All-in-One Meal Kit" because it actually replaces the pile of mismatched containers, coolers, and gym bottles you use now. You get an insulated, roomy bag plus eight portion-control containers, a pill dispenser, a shaker cup, and two XL ice packs — everything you need to prep and carry a week’s worth of lunches in one grab-and-go unit. At $69.95 and 4.5 stars, it’s built for regular use, not just a one-off Instagram photo.
The real wins are practicality and time saved. The containers stack and fit neatly in the bag, so you’re not wrestling with storage. The ice packs keep temps sensible for commute and office days, and the shaker cup handles smoothies or dressings without a second bottle. The pill dispenser keeps supplements and vitamins sorted, so you don’t have to hunt around. In my routine I prep eight portions on Sunday, toss the containers in the top rack, wipe the bag, and I’m out the door — one two-hour session covers the whole week.
Who should buy this: you if you regularly prep 5–8 meals, commute, hit the gym after work, or track macros. It’s also solid for parents packing multiple lunches at once. It’s less ideal if you need glass containers or have tiny locker space, but for most busy cooks this kit replaces several single-purpose items and cuts prep friction dramatically.
There are a few trade-offs. The bag is substantial — great for capacity, cumbersome in a small backpack. The plastic containers are lighter-duty than glass, and you’ll see wear and staining faster with tomato sauces. Ice packs take freezer real estate. Still, for a single, durable kit that shaves hours off your week and keeps things organized, I recommend it — especially if you want one reliable system, not eight loose pieces.
✅ Pros
- Complete kit replaces multiple single items
- Holds eight portion-controlled meals comfortably
- Saves hours on weekly meal prep
❌ Cons
- Bag can be bulky in small lockers
- Plastics show wear and staining over time
- Key Ingredient: Complete kit (bag, 8 containers, shaker, pill, 2 XL ice packs)
- Scent Profile: Neutral — no added fragrances
- Best For: Best All-in-One Meal Kit
- Size / Volume: Large tote fits eight portion containers
- Material: Insulated nylon bag; reusable plastic containers
- Special Feature: Pill dispenser and XL reusable ice packs included
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Freshware Meal Prep Containers [15 Pack] 2 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Containers, Bento Box, BPA Free, Stackable, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe (28 oz), Black
🏆 Best For: Best Stackable Bento Set
This Freshware 15-pack earns "Best Stackable Bento Set" because it solves the three things you actually care about: space, speed, and consistency. Fifteen identical 28‑oz, two‑compartment containers stack cleanly in the fridge, fit on baking-sheet racks, and make packing seven days of lunches predictable — no guessing which size will fit where. At roughly $12.71 for the set and a 4.5‑star reputation, it’s one of the few meal‑prep buys that pays for itself the first month.
Features you’ll use: sturdy BPA‑free plastic, two compartments that keep mains and sides separate, and lids that snap on for compact stacking. They’re microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, so you can prep, freeze, and reheat without switching dishes. Because every box is the same size, you prep in batches, label quickly, and slide stacks into the fridge or grab a single meal for work without hunting. Cleaning is simple — toss lids and bases on the top rack and move on.
Buy this if you want a no‑friction system to batch‑cook breakfasts, lunches, or dinners for a week. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or families who lean toward solid meals (grains, proteins, roasted veggies, salads). It’s also the best budget option when you need a matching set that won’t collapse in the fridge or force you into a Tetris game each Sunday.
Honest caveats: the lids aren’t reliably leak‑proof for thin soups or dressings, so pack liquids in a separate small container. Like most plastic, they can stain or hold strong odors from tomato‑heavy or curry dishes over time. If you want glass-level longevity or absolute leak protection, upgrade one of these boxes to glass for saucy meals. Still — for stackability, speed, and price, they’re hard to beat. I recommend them if you want an efficient, inexpensive foundation for weekly meal prep.
✅ Pros
- Great stack-and-store footprint
- Microwave, dishwasher, freezer safe
- Excellent value — 15 containers
❌ Cons
- Not fully leakproof for thin liquids
- Plastic can stain or retain odors
- Key Ingredient: Stackable two‑compartment design
- Scent Profile: Neutral, low‑odor BPA‑free plastic
- Best For: Best Stackable Bento Set
- Size / Volume: 28 oz per container; two compartments
- Special Feature: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer safe
- Pack Size / Price: 15‑pack — $12.71 (high value)
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Lasting Freshness Vacuum Seal Food Storage Containers with Hand Pump – BPA-Free Plastic, Airtight Meal Prep & Leftovers Containers, Keep Food Fresh 5X Longer, 19-Piece Set
🏆 Best For: Best for Long-Term Freshness
This set earns the "Best for Long-Term Freshness" slot because it actually limits air exposure the way a small vacuum sealer does — without the cost, cords, or bags. The hand pump creates a tight seal across a full 19-piece kit, so your cooked grains, roasted vegetables, and prepped proteins stay noticeably fresher across the week. When you’re trying to cook once and eat all week, that extra life in the fridge translates directly into fewer wasted meals and fewer midweek runs to the store.
Key features you’ll use: a manual vacuum hand pump, BPA-free clear plastic, and an assortment of 19 container sizes so you can portion lunches, snacks, or family dinners. The clear walls make it easy to see what’s inside at a glance; lids sit flat so the set stacks and saves shelf space. In practice, vacuum-sealed rice stays fluffy longer, chicken keeps juicier, and prepped salads resist wilting for an extra day or two — which is the difference between eating what you cooked and throwing it out.
Buy this if you prep once or twice a week and hate losing meals to soggy textures or early spoilage. It’s ideal for singles and small families who batch-cook proteins, grains, and salad components and want easy portioning. Don’t expect this to replace a commercial vacuum-bag system for multi-month freezer storage — it’s built to extend fridge freshness, not to substitute for freezer-grade bag sealing.
Honest caveats: the hand pump works, but if you’re sealing 15+ containers in one session it becomes repetitive. Plastic will eventually show stains or retain strong odors if you store things like curry or tomato sauce frequently. Still, for weekly meal preppers who value time saved and less food waste, this set delivers a practical balance of performance and durability. I recommend it if you want longer-lasting fridge meals without buying a full vacuum-sealer system.
✅ Pros
- Extends fridge life up to five times
- Includes manual vacuum hand pump
- Assorted 19-piece sizes for portion control
❌ Cons
- Hand pump tedious for many containers
- Plastic can stain or retain odors
- Key Ingredient: Manual vacuum hand pump
- Scent Profile: Neutral plastic (may absorb strong aromas)
- Best For: Best for Long-Term Freshness
- Size / Volume: 19-piece assorted container set
- Material: BPA-free clear plastic
- Special Feature: Claims to keep food fresh 5X longer
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Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers, 2-Compartment Food Storage Containers, 2.85 Cup, 5-Pack, BPA-Free, Clear/Grey
🏆 Best For: Best for Visible Storage
What earns these Rubbermaid Brilliance containers the "Best for Visible Storage" slot is simple: the plastic is genuinely clear. You can identify meals at a glance without opening lids, which saves time when you're rotating lunches or grabbing a post-workout snack out of a crowded fridge. The clarity also makes inventory obvious—no more "Did I cook that?" guessing.
They come with two compartments, 2.85-cup capacity per container, and a four-lock lid system that seals tightly for most sauces and dressings. In practice that means you can pack protein and a side in one container, stack five of them neatly, and reheat the main compartment in the microwave without transferring dishes. The lids lock down and resist staining, the plastic is BPA-free, and everything survives the top rack of the dishwasher—so cleanup is quick and predictable.
If you prep lunches, portion snacks, or run a weekly batch-cook routine, these are the workhorses you want. They're ideal for anyone who needs fast visual sorting—commuters, parents juggling school lunches, or you when you’re doing a two-hour meal-prep session and need to load the fridge fast. The 2-compartment layout keeps wet and dry elements separate so meals stay fresher longer.
Honest caveats: lids add some bulk when stacked with the locks on, and the silicone seals can trap crumbs so you’ll want to pop them out occasionally to clean properly. The 2.85-cup size is great for lunches but can feel small for hearty dinners. Still, if visibility and dependable sealing matter to you, these are a dependable, time-saving choice. I recommend them for anyone who values quick identification and low-maintenance storage.
✅ Pros
- Crystal-clear plastic for instant meal ID
- Leak-resistant four-lock lid system
- Dishwasher, microwave, freezer safe; BPA-free
❌ Cons
- Lids add bulk when stacked
- Seals trap food bits; remove to clean
- Material: BPA-free clear plastic
- Capacity: 2.85 cups per container
- Compartments: 2-compartment layout
- Pack Size: 5-pack
- Care: Dishwasher top-rack, microwave, freezer safe
- Special Feature: Leak-resistant four-lock lids
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Bentgo Prep - 20-Piece 2-Compartment Reusable Meal Prep Containers with Lids, PFAS & BPA Free Materials, Durable, Microwave, Freezer, & Dishwasher Safe To Go Food Storage (Burgundy)
🏆 Best For: Best Durable BPA-Free Set
What earns the Bentgo Prep 20-piece set the "Best Durable BPA-Free Set" slot is simple: it's built from PFAS- and BPA-free materials, it survives daily use, and the two-compartment design makes portioning automatic. You get 20 pieces for about $13.99 — the price of a single insulated lunchbox — and each piece is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. For meal preppers who actually use containers every week, that durability and chemical safety matter.
In practice the set saves you time and scrubbing. The two compartments let you pack protein and sides without extra containers. The flat, stackable lids mean you can load 10 meals on a single tray and in the fridge without them toppling over. Microwave reheats are straightforward, and the containers stand up in the freezer without warping. Cleanup is quick — toss lids and bases in the dishwasher and move on.
Buy this if you want an affordable, hard-wearing set for weekday lunches, school meals, or bulk meal prep sessions. It’s especially good if you batch-cook once a week and need portion control without buying single-use plastic every time. Families, office commuters, and beginners who want low-fuss containers will get the most mileage.
Honest caveats: they aren't 100% leakproof for thin soups or dressings, so use a separate leakproof bottle for liquids. Also, very acidic sauces can darken lids over time. Despite those limits, if you want durable, affordable, and truly BPA-free containers that speed up weekly meal prep, this set is a reliable buy.
✅ Pros
- BPA & PFAS-free construction
- Microwave, freezer, dishwasher safe
- Two-compartment layout saves portioning time
❌ Cons
- Not fully leakproof for brothy soups
- Lids can stain with tomato sauces
- Key Ingredient: BPA & PFAS-free plastic
- Scent Profile: Neutral; may retain strong sauces
- Best For: Best Durable BPA-Free Set
- Size / Volume: 20-piece set (10 containers + 10 lids), about 3–4 cups each
- Special Feature: Two-compartment, stackable, snap-tight lids
- Care: Dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What size air fryer should I buy for weekly meal prep?
For single people or couples, a 4–6 quart basket air fryer handles portions for 3–4 meals at once; families should go for an oven-style 10–12 quart model to fit full sheet trays. Match the size to the trays and containers you already use — you want to cook full batches, not half-load and waste time.
Can I use an Instant Pot to prep multiple meals at once?
Yes — a 6–8 quart pressure cooker lets you batch-cook proteins, beans, and grains quickly, and you can stack stainless steam racks to cook two items at once. Use the pot for dense foods that benefit from pressure and finish quicker-cooking sides in the oven or air fryer to maximize your 2-hour window.
Are glass meal prep containers better than plastic?
Glass is more durable for hot foods, won’t stain or retain odors, and goes straight from oven to fridge; it’s heavier but lasts longer. Choose borosilicate or tempered glass with vented, leak-resistant lids; keep a few plastic containers for lightweight lunches and commuting.
How many containers do I need to prep a week’s worth of meals?
For five lunches and five dinners, plan 10 containers if you’re prepping full meals; you can cut that in half by storing proteins and sides separately and combining the night before. Buy a set that nests for storage and covers 16–32 oz and 24–48 oz sizes to match typical portioning.
Can I meal prep for the week using only my oven?
Yes — the oven is great for large sheet-pan batches of proteins and roasted vegetables; use two trays and rotate to save time. Pair oven roasting with stovetop quick grains or a blender for sauces to complete meals in your 2-hour block.
What blender wattage do I need for meal prep smoothies and soups?
For daily smoothies, dips, and hot soups, aim for 600–1000 watts; under 600W struggles with frozen fruit and fibrous veg. Look for a tamper and a sturdy pitcher — that saves time reprocessing and makes cleanup faster.
How do I keep prepped food fresh all week?
Cool food quickly, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate within two hours; acids like lemon or vinegar and a brief flash-freeze on a tray extend freshness for proteins and grains. Label containers with dates and plan to eat fresher dishes earlier in the week while freezing portions you won’t use in 3–4 days.
Conclusion
Meal prepping the whole week in about two hours is realistic when you choose gear that’s fast, easy to clean, and built to last — a mid-size multi-cooker, a roomy air fryer or oven, a reliable blender, and stackable glass containers are the core. If you want one confident buy that changes weekly cooking most dramatically, get a 6–8 quart Instant Pot and a set of stackable, vented glass containers; they’ll cut active time, shrink cleanup, and keep your food tasting fresh.
