Container quality significantly impacts meal prep success. Poor containers leak, don't seal properly, warp in the microwave, or absorb food odours. Investing in quality containers upfront saves frustration and money long-term.
Glass containers are the gold standard. Glass is non-toxic, doesn't leach chemicals into food when heated, doesn't absorb odours, is dishwasher-safe, and lasts indefinitely. Pyrex and OXO Good Grips glass containers are available at Kmart, Target, and major supermarkets in Australia for $20-50 per set. The downsides are weight (heavier in a bag) and breakage risk, though tempered glass containers are quite durable.
BPA-free plastic containers are the practical, lightweight alternative. Sistema (Australian brand) makes excellent lunch boxes and storage containers at Woolworths and Coles for $5-15 per container. They're airtight, microwave-safe (lids vented), lightweight, and come in sizes perfect for single meal portions. For portion control and macro tracking, use containers with specific volume markings. A matching set with uniform sizes is more practical than mixed containers - they stack efficiently in the fridge and dishwasher. Stainless steel containers are excellent for work lunches (don't break) but aren't microwave-safe. For most meal preppers, a combination of 5-7 medium glass containers and 4-5 smaller containers for snacks covers all needs.