Mepal Storage Boxes vs Cirqula Bowls: Which One for Meal Prep?

Quick answer

For versatile meal prep that goes from freezer to microwave to table, choose Mepal Cirqula bowls. For portioned sides and dressings, the EasyClip boxes are a compact, budget-friendly option. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize all-in-one convenience or precise portion control.

Meal prep is all about having ready-to-eat components that save time during the week. Mepal offers two popular lines—EasyClip storage boxes and Cirqula bowls—each designed with different strengths. Understanding their differences helps you build a system that matches how you actually cook and eat.

This comparison focuses on the EasyClip food storage box 450 ml, the Cirqula multi bowl round 1000 ml, and the multi bowl Cirqula rectangular 1500 ml. We'll look at capacity, temperature versatility, and everyday practicality, so you can decide which belongs in your kitchen.

Capacity and portion sizes

The EasyClip box holds 450 ml, making it ideal for single servings of chopped vegetables, homemade dressings, or small snacks. It's a grab-and-go option that fits neatly in a lunch bag or fridge drawer. The Cirqula round bowl offers 1000 ml, enough for a substantial pasta salad or a serving of curry. The rectangular Cirqula goes up to 1500 ml, perfect for larger batches or family-size portions.

When prepping for the week, consider how many people you're feeding and whether you prefer individual portions or bulk storage. The EasyClip suits those who like to portion out sides and condiments. The Cirqula bowls accommodate main dishes and leftovers that need more room, reducing the number of containers you need.

• Use the EasyClip for dressings, chopped veggies, and small sides.
• Choose the 1000 ml round bowl for single main-dish portions.
• The 1500 ml rectangular bowl works for big batches and meal prepping for multiple days.

Temperature versatility: freezer to microwave

A key difference is how each container handles temperature extremes. The Cirqula bowls are explicitly described as suitable for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, and they go straight to the table. This makes them a true all-rounder for meal prep: cook a batch, freeze portions, reheat in the microwave, and serve—all in the same bowl.

The EasyClip box facts do not mention freezer or microwave use, focusing instead on storing chopped vegetables or dressings with a visible seal that ensures freshness. If you often reheat leftovers or freeze prepped meals, the Cirqula line offers more flexibility. For cold storage and lunch packing, the EasyClip is perfectly adequate.

• Cirqula bowls are designed for freezer-to-microwave-to-table convenience.
• EasyClip is best for cold storage and on-the-go portions.
• If you reheat frequently, Cirqula saves you from transferring food between containers.

Design and everyday use

The Cirqula bowls combine style with functionality, available in Nordic blue and Vivid lilac. They look presentable enough to serve directly at the table, cutting down on extra dishes. The rectangular 1500 ml version is described as a fantastic all-rounder, stylish on any table. This aesthetic appeal makes them a favorite for those who value presentation.

The EasyClip box in Nordic white is more utilitarian, with a clearly visible seal that gives confidence in freshness. It's a straightforward container for storage without the need for serving appeal. If you like to keep your fridge organized and grab portions easily, the EasyClip's compact size and clarity are practical. But if you want containers that double as serving dishes, Cirqula wins.

• Cirqula bowls double as serving dishes—bring them to the table.
• EasyClip boxes are discreet and stackable for fridge organization.
• Consider how often you serve directly from the container.

Trade-offs to consider

• Portion control vs. bulk storage: EasyClip's 450 ml is perfect for individual sides and dressings, but too small for mains. Cirqula bowls offer 1000–1500 ml, better for full meals and batch cooking. If you prep full meals, Cirqula is more efficient; if you only prep sides, EasyClip suffices.
• Temperature flexibility vs. simplicity: Cirqula goes from freezer to microwave to table, saving dishes and time. EasyClip lacks these claims, making it best for cold storage only. Choose Cirqula if you reheat or freeze often; choose EasyClip for simple cold storage.
• Aesthetic appeal vs. discreet storage: Cirqula bowls in Nordic blue and Vivid lilac look nice enough to serve from. EasyClip's Nordic white is more utilitarian and blends into the fridge. If you value serving directly from the container, Cirqula is worth the extra cost.

Product facts at a glance

• EasyClip food storage box 450 ml - Nordic white: Perfect for storing chopped vegetables or a fresh homemade dressing, ready to grab when you need it. The clearly visible seal ensures confident freshness. This box is ideal for small, cold items you want to prep ahead and grab quickly without worrying about leaks or stale food.
• Cirqula multi bowl round 1000 ml | 34 oz - Nordic blue: This bowl with a capacity of 1000 ml is ideal for a fresh pasta salad or a serving of curry. From freezer to microwave and straight to the table: this bowl combines style with functionality. Perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers. The 1000 ml capacity and freezer-to-table versatility make it a solid choice for individual meal preps and leftovers that need reheating.
• multi bowl cirqula rectangular 1500 ml / 50.7 oz - Vivid lilac: This multi bowl Cirqula rectangular has a capacity of 1500 ml / 50.7 oz and is a fantastic all-rounder in the kitchen. The bowl is suitable for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher will look stylish on any table. All in one! For larger batches and family meals, this rectangular bowl offers generous space and the same temperature flexibility, reducing the number of containers you need.

Which should you choose?

Best for

• Meal preppers who cook in batches and want freezer-to-microwave convenience—Cirqula bowls
• Those who like to serve dishes straight from the container—Cirqula bowls
• People who need compact boxes for dressings, chopped veggies, and small sides—EasyClip

Not for

• If you primarily store cold items and don't need to reheat, Cirqula's extra capacity and cost may be unnecessary—consider EasyClip
• If you need to freeze individual portions, EasyClip's lack of freezer claims makes Cirqula a safer bet

Both Mepal storage boxes and Cirqula bowls have a place in a well-organized kitchen. The EasyClip excels at small, cold portions, while the Cirqula bowls offer versatility for cooking, storing, reheating, and serving. Assess your meal prep habits—portion size, temperature needs, and presentation—and choose the line that fits your routine best.