Freezer bag cooking is a great way to prepare healthy and affordable family meals for those busy nights ahead. Having the right tools will make the entire process more efficient and stress-free.
Here are 10 essential supplies for freezer cooking.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
1. Slow cooker with a timer
Crock-Pot Multi-Cooker, Programmable 5.6 Litre
A slow cooker is one of the most essential supplies for freezer cooking.
You probably already have a slow cooker, but if not, or you are looking to upgrade to a new one, it is worth to invest one that is big enough to cook 6-8 servings and has a programmable timer on it.
I can assure that you will get your money worth from this cooking gadget.
My pick for the ultimate slower cooker is the Crock-Pot Multi-Cooker, Programmable 5.6 Litre. The standout features are the ability to saute without using an additional pan, and the removable bowl is also dishwasher safe.
2. Instant Pot
Electric Multi Function Instant Pot 8L / 8Q
Instant pot is the new kid on the block over the recent years. It is a multi-functional smart cooker that you can use for pressure cooking, slow cooking, saute, steaming, and warming food.
When choosing an Instant pot, make sure you pick one that is large enough for your family.
Which is better, a slow cooker or an Instant pot?
It depends on what you will use the most for. The main difference between a slow cooker and an Instant pot is the time required to cook a meal. With Instant Pot’s ability to pressure cook, it can cook things much faster. It also has a variety of uses.
However, a slow cooker only has 2 main functions and can do them very well – slow cook & keep the food warm.
3. Ziplock bags
ZigZag Trading Ltd IKEA ISTAD – Plastic bag Turquoise/light turquoise 30 pack
Ziplock bags are used for freezer cooking to store all the ingredients.
Storing prepared meals in ziplock bags (laying flat) in the freezer takes much less space than storing in containers.
The best affordable high-quality ziplock bags for freezer cooking are the Ikea zigzag bag, which is now available on Amazon.
The colour you need is turquoise which has two sizes 6 litre (6 quart) and 4.5 litre (5 quart).
4. Food processor/ handheld blender
Kenwood Hand Blender
So I am on my second one of these hand held blenders, as they are just that good (the first one broke due to user error :-).
Mine gets used almost daily, and Amazon conveniently just told me I last purchased this item on the 30th May 2016. It’s just a superb set. I am always open for better alternative, but I just couldn’t find anything better.
Comparing with the traditional food processor, I particularly love the handheld feature for the slow cooking recipe because it means I can blend and blitz things straight from the slow cooker.
5. Sharpies
Have some good O sharpies, so you can label each freezer bag meal. Rather than taking the recipe out again, I found it’s much quicker & easier to write the remaining steps on the bag.
Try to stick with dark colours for ease of reading.
6. Veggie chopper
OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper With Easy-Pour Opening
Veggie choppers is another essential supply for freezer bag cooking. Not only it saves you time, but also makes it safe for the kids to help out. I use this one from Oxo Good Grips.
The one I use is a simple but high-quality one. It only has the one chopping size, but you really don’t need the multiple options others provide. Instead, they will just clutter your drawers.
It also has a neat opening on the back so you can easily tip the contents into a zip lock bag, pan or slow cooker. It also has a smart rubber grid to help remove all the trapped bits in the chopper part, making cleaning a doddle.
7. Freezer bag holders
SHOE SLOTZ Baggy Rack Food Storage Bags (4 pcs)
Ok so I admit it, I do have a thing for kitchen gadgets.
These clever tools hold your zip lock bags perfect for you to easily add your freezer bag contents, without the bag folding and collapsing on you, leaving you with a messy zip that won’t seal.
They are height adjustable and have a non-slip base. You can also use them as drying racks if you choose to reuse bags or use the silicone type storage bags.
8. Kitchen scale
Salter Digital Kitchen Weighing Scales
You can’t go wrong with Salter, they have been the No.1 in the UK since the eighteenth century.
You might be picturing the classic balance scales with proper weights. But I am talking about super slimline, digital scales, that can even measure fluids! The same bowl feature is fantastic, just hit zero every time and keep adding the ingredients.
9. Bear paw shredder
Bear Claws Meat Shredder for BBQ
Freezer bag cooking or slow cooking often results in you having some very tender delicious pieces of meat, that is just crying out to be shredded, making the meat even juicier and certainly easier to eat for any little ones.
These Bear Paw Shredder work way better than the fork you currently use – the right tool for the right job and all that. I also found they are great for lifting a chicken or turkey out of the pot.
10. Measuring supplies – Cups, Tablespoons, and Teaspoons
Joseph Joseph Nest Measure Measuring Cup Set, 8 Piece
Another small but essential supplies for freezer cooking are measuring cups and spoons, you will definitely be needing them. Cup measuring has come over from the US, and is a quick and easy system, especially for freezer bags.
Having these in your drawer will mean you can stop googling conversions from cups to tablespoons or grams every time you use a recipe. This nested set save space, keeps your drawers tidy and each item clips together, rather than on a ring, so can be easily washed on its own.
Related reads:
Final thoughts on 10 essential supplies for freezer cooking
So here you have it – the 10 must-have supplies for freezer cooking. These clever gadgets will help you prepare meals like a prob, save time, and make less mess.
What kitchen tools have you come across that are game changer? I’d love to hear from you from the comments below…
I love these essentials. I love cooking and try to do as much as fresh as possible. However, with winter i can use some of the stuff mentioned here. Thanks for this well-written article and great pics.
So glad you found these tools for freezer bag cooking helpful. Totally agree, in the winter, it’s all about stews and what a better way to prepare multiple meals for slow cooker all at once =)
Great post! Freezer bag cooking is a life saver! It makes week night meals a breeze. The instant pot is a necessity.
Totally agree, thanks for stopping by!
The bear paw shredder is so cool, I have not seen something like that! Love measuring cups toooo, they’re so colorful and I love how there are so many cute designs out there x thank you for sharing!
The bear paw shredder is a new discovery for me too! It quickly made to the list of essentials for my freezer bag cooking.
I love my InstaPot and as busy single mom, having ready to go meals is very important to me! Great post!
Having healthy meals ready to go is a god sent for busy parents. Instapot is certainly a game changer!