Prepping meals for the week is made easy by using an oven. However, optimizing the fridge and freezer space with containers is the challenge.
Whether it is freshly made food for week or reheating leftovers, selecting the right oven meal prep containers will save time and be more efficient to for storage. With the right containers, you can simply prep, bake, refrigerate, and reheat without a problem.
There are lot of variety of oven meal prep containers to choose from. And the question lies whether each containers are safe to put in the oven.
Can you put meal prep containers in the oven? Yes, you can put oven-safe meal prep containers in the oven. The containers must be openable and specifically designed for high heat appliances.
Therefore, meal prep containers that are not oven-ready or capable of enduring high heat should never be placed in the oven since it can melt, start a fire, or cause injury and damages.
Meal prep containers comes in various material from plastic, glass, Pyrex and even disposable ones. Other than looking for oven safe indication on the bottom of the container, it is hard to know which ones to use for meal prepping when using the oven.
This article answers frequently asked questions about the best oven safe sets for your household needs. A quality set of oven safe containers is the way to last for years and years to make your investment worthwhile.
How do you know if a container is oven safe?
The easiest way to identify whether the container is oven safe or not is by looking for a symbol of an oven or temperature range printed on the bottom of the container.
When there is no indication of oven symbols, look for numbers. These numbers show the maximum temperature that the container is oven-proof, which is generally oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius.
If you can’t find out if the container is oven safe, contact the manufacturer before using the container in the oven to prevent from potential damage and injury.
Typically, containers made from specific materials such as glass or ceramic are oven-safe. However, be aware that some glass and ceramics are not safe, especially ones that have bubbles in the glassware that will shatter when exposed to high heat.
Remember any container with wood or plastic lid is not oven-safe unless otherwise suggested. Always check the lid and remove or loosely cover with foil or wet towel before placing the container in the oven for heating.
What containers should I use for meal prepping?
After all the hassle to preparing meal, storing in the right containers is the key to success. It helps food last, keeps food fresh, and quickly able to reheat to enjoy.
But, narrowing down what containers to use for meal prepping is the challenge.
Depending on the portion amount, food size, quantities, and budget, the selection of containers may vary.
- Size: Aim for 25 to 30 ounce containers for prepping food on the go. But for large quantities that does not need to carry around, then 40 ounce and above containers works the best.
- Quantities: Typically, prepping lunch or dinners for a working week require 5 containers that equals one for each day. The number of meal prep containers depends on the household size.
- Budget: Generally, meal prep container prices range from $1.50 to $39.99 per piece, though this may vary depending on the brand and material.
Best oven meal prep containers
Oven meal prep containers make it easy to reheat, clean, and prepare meal in advance to enjoy for the week. Pyrex, glass, and ceramic materials are often the safest for oven use to help making meal prep faster and convenient.
With a diverse size and shapes, it makes easy to store and organize well in the fridge or freezer. Comes in 10 pc, 18 pc, or 24 pcs sets depending on the usage and budget. The features include easy to clean, sturdy, durable, and versatility, which is what most customers love about this product.
Pros:Resist stains and odors
BPA-free plastic lid that fits snug over the glass containers
Lid colors add stylish design touch to the storage
Freezer and dishwasher safe on top-rack
Some may have leakage issue due to click lock lids
If you are looking space saving meal prep container, this one is for you. The modular Rubbermaid containers are an excellent pieces for stacking and organization.
Pros:Leak-proof and airtight lid
Odor and stain resistant
Glass bases are heat resistance and safe up to 450 degree Fahrenheit
Dishwasher safe but lids require top rack only
Freezer safe
Overtime the plastic posts that hold the lid start to break down
Beautifully made and designed bento box styles meal prep containers that keeps food fresh. The glass compartments on the lid helps to see the inside and be able to organize accordingly.
Pros:Made with non-toxic materials
Safe for microwave, oven, fridge, and freezer
Ceramic coated glass containers
Comes with food storage and complimentary organizers
Lids are inserts are not oven safe
High price point
Glasslock is made out of silica, soda ash, limestone and other natural material to make recyclable and BPA free. Comes in different sizes and types that matches everyone’s need.
Pros:Transparent and clear glass helps to identify the contents inside
Easy latching lids for airtight and leak-proof
Safe to use in oven, microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and fridge
Trapping moisture around the lid plastic
Difficult to clean
Make meal prep, storing leftovers, and all storage needed for food, this container has a variety of sizes that does the job well. Compared to others, this glass container does not absorb stains or smells, making it the best choice for acidic foods.
Pros:Tolerate rapid temperature changes from freezer to oven.
Does not absorb stains or smells
Glossy surface aids to last long periods of time
Stackable
Dishwasher friendly
Lids are not dishwasher safe
Lightweight containers to keep food protected in the freezer or fridge without freezer burn. Additionally, retain the quality of your meal prep in this portion controlled reusable and disposable vessel.
Pros:Dome shaped lid helps to keep moisture and offer extra storage inside.
Dishwasher safe
Perfect for on-the-go meals
BPA free
Great size for family meal prep
Lid does not snap in place once used in oven
Perfect round shaped meal prep containers for soup and stew to transport anywhere without leaking. The tempered glass is tough enough to use in the oven.
Pros:Glass does not stain or absorb odors
More affordable than Pyrex containers
Easy to clean
Poor quality lids that do not last long
Do not stack well with other products
Containers for Oven Meal Prep: Conclusion
From glass to disposables, hope this list of oven meal prep containers is useful in your search for the best. When it comes to finding the right one for your needs, it really depends on preference, budget, purpose, and size.
High quality oven safe containers make it easy for meal prepping, cleaning, reheating, and storing to keep food fresh and enjoy when heated.
Cooking, storing, prepping and reheating food in a single container saves time and money, so picking the right meal prep containers to use in the oven is important.