ByNancy Mock and Katie Bandurski
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated Sep. 04, 2024
It's a smart idea to keep ready-to-use ingredients and meals in the freezer. Here's what you need to start freezing!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
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High-End Vacuum Sealer
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Budget-Friendly Vacuum Sealer
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Freezer Labels
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Glass Storage Set
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Plastic Storage Set
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Bag Holder
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Sheet Pans
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Freezer Bags
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Reusable Freezer Bags
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Waxed Paper Squares
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Ice Cream Container
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Food Processor
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Portion Pods
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Divided Bins
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Baby Food Freezer Trays
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via amazon.com
High-End Vacuum Sealer
If you want to vacuum-seal like a professional, this machine is the way to go.Featuring a traditional edge sealer and one of the longest bars on the market, theVacMaster PRO380 ($430)is convenient, easy to use and relies on a heavy-duty seal to guard your food from freezer burn.
Why it made our list: This is our Test Kitchen’s recommended brand.
via amazon.com
Budget-Friendly Vacuum Sealer
For a more cost-effective vacuum sealer, turn tothis deluxe NESCO model ($135). While it’s a bit smaller than the VacMaster, it performs beautifully and comes with a variety of useful features. When sealing, choose between dry, moist or double settings, and toggle between both regular and gentle suction.
Why it made our list: NESCO has been a trusted kitchen brand for decades. (Just ask grandma about her roaster!)
via amazon.com
Freezer Labels
via amazon.com
Now that you’ve prepped and packaged all that food, make sure it’s labeled! These freezer labels ($9) are made to stick to plastic, paper, foil or glass, and make it easy for you to see what’s in the freezer at a glance. And the labels are easy to remove.
Why it made our list: The labels will stick to food both before putting in the freezer and after it’s frozen.
via amazon.com
Glass Storage Set
Take your meal preps to the next level with this glass storage set ($60). The sturdy design keeps your food insulated while the transparent glass makes it easy to see what you all have on-hand. Plus, they’re oven- and microwave-safe so reheating leftovers is a breeze.
Why it made our list: They’re dishwasher-safe, too, so cleanup’s a breeze.
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Plastic Storage Set
If you’re not prepping meals, you’ll still need containers to hold other freezable items. (Looking at you, cookies!) This 36-piece storage set ($50) is the perfect solution. Each piece holds anywhere from 1/2 a cup to nine cups of food, so there’s a size for every storage need.
Why it made our list: This is a great price for what all you get.
via amazon.com
Bag Holder
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Ziploc bags can be challenging to fill when working with liquidy foods like soups and sauces. Using a baggy rack ($13) will make this task so much more efficient! The rack grips and holds up the bags so you can fill them quickly without a mess.
Why it made our list: Amazon reviewers love using this gadget for freezer meals.
via amazon.com
Sheet Pans
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To freeze foods like berries, cut fruit, vegetables or meatballs, first arrange them in a single layer on nonstick sheet pans ($36 for 3). Then, cover the food and put the sheet pans in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the food to bags or containers. (Learn more in our guide to freezing food.)
Why it made our list: Taste of Home cookware is all Test Kitchen approved!
via amazon.com
Freezer Bags
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Keep plenty of freezer bags ($9) on hand so you can prep and freeze foods right after shopping. Choose bags specifically made for the freezer to give foods the best protection against leaks, freezer burn and off flavors.
Editor’s Tip: Lay filled bags flat in the freezer, then stack them once they’re frozen.
Why it made our list: The zippers on Ziploc bags tend to be very reliable, Amazon reviewers report.
via target.com
Reusable Freezer Bags
To cut down on cost and waste of disposable plastic bags, you could opt for reusable bags instead. These reusable options($20) are perfect for holding smoothie ingredients, sauce leftovers and more. Plus, the double-lock closure promises to keep your food fresh.
Why it made our list: One reusable bag can replace up to 300 disposable ones.
via amazon.com
Waxed Paper Squares
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Use them like butchers do to separate hamburger patties, but you’ll find that these precut waxed paper squares ($16) have other freezer uses as well. Place them between pancakes, cookies, tortillas, veggie burgers or any other thin and delicate items you’re planning to freeze. The waxed paper makes it a cinch to separate food.
Why it made our list: Reviewers love the value of this product—1,000 squares are only $15.
via surlatable.com
Ice Cream Container
If you love whipping up homemade ice creams, custards and sorbets, don’t settle for a plain ol’ storage container. This oval-shaped beauty($35) was designed with scooping in mind. Plus, the sturdy insulation and tight-fitting lid keep your ice cream fresh down to the last bite.
Why it made our list: This container is a generous size, holding 2.5 quarts.
via target.com
Food Processor
via target.com
Chopping veggies and pureeing soups can be very time-consuming, which is why a food processor ($223) will be your new favorite kitchen appliance. It has a large work bowl and attachments for chopping, shredding and slicing. It makes quick work of preparing foods for the freezer.
Why it made our list: This food processor was our Test Kitchen’s #1 pick after weeks of testing.
via bedbathandbeyond.com
Portion Pods
These freezer portion pods($15) are absolutely genius. Think of them as an ice cube tray—but for food. The medium size is perfect for holding purees, sauces, smoothies and other leftovers.
Why it made our list: They come in small and large varieties, too.
via containerstore.com
Divided Bins
One of the cardinal rules of freezing food? Taking stock of what you already have on-hand. These divided bins ($15-$22) make it easy to keep your freezer organized so all of those make-ahead meals are easy to find.
Why it made our list: The dividers are removable so each bin can fully suit your needs.
via bedbathandbeyond.com
Baby Food Freezer Trays
via bedbathandbeyond.com
Get a head start on ready-to-go foods for your littles with baby food freezer trays ($20). Fill the stackable trays with homemade purees of fruits and veggies, cover, then freeze. The baby food portions are easy to pop out as you need them.
Why it made our list: This is perfect for freezing single portions of baby food, and it’s mom-approved—along with our other picks for baby food storage containers.
Originally Published: May 08, 2020
Author
Nancy Mock
Nancy contributes writing, recipes and food photography to Taste of Home, where she covers regional eats, food history and trending dishes. Her work can also be seen on her website, Hungry Enough to Eat Six, as well as other food-focused publications. Nancy and her family live in New England and she’ll never say no to a plate of gravy-laden pouti...
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Author
Katie Bandurski
As Taste of Home's senior shopping editor, Katie connects readers with the best gifts, kitchen gear and home items on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments. Before joining the shopping team, Katie worked as a digital staff writer at Better Homes & Gardens and on the Taste of Ho...
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