Meal Prep Time Estimator

Plan Smarter with a Meal Prep Time Estimator

Cooking multiple dishes can feel like juggling—there’s chopping, boiling, baking, and somehow keeping track of it all. That’s where a tool to calculate kitchen timing comes in handy. Whether you’re prepping a holiday feast or just trying to get dinner on the table, knowing how long everything will take is half the battle.

Why Timing Matters in the Kitchen

Ever started cooking only to realize you’re still chopping when the oven timer dings? A good estimate of prep and cook durations helps avoid those chaotic moments. It lets you prioritize tasks, decide what can simmer while you slice, and ultimately enjoy the process instead of stressing. For busy parents, working professionals, or anyone batch-cooking for the week, this kind of planning turns a daunting task into a smooth routine.

Tips for Efficient Meal Prep

Start by listing your recipes and breaking them into steps. Group tasks that can overlap, like marinating while veggies roast. And don’t forget to account for your own pace—some of us are speedy with a knife, others take it slow. With a little foresight, you’ll spend less time wondering what’s next and more time savoring the results.

FAQs

How does the overlap feature work in this tool?

Great question! When you select 'yes' for overlap on a dish, it assumes you can multitask—like chopping veggies while something simmers. The tool cuts 50% of that dish’s prep time from the total to reflect the time saved. It’s not exact since everyone’s kitchen flow is different, but it gives a realistic estimate for most cooks.

Can I trust the estimated times to be accurate?

The times are a solid starting point, but they’re not set in stone. They depend on your cooking speed, familiarity with recipes, and even your kitchen setup. Think of this as a guide to help you plan—add a little buffer if you’re new to a dish or working in a cramped space!

Why can I only input up to 5 dishes?

We capped it at 5 to keep things manageable and focused, especially for home cooks planning a single session. Most meals or weekly preps don’t go beyond that number, and it helps the tool stay simple to use. If you’ve got more, just run a second calculation for the extras.