ManageMeals vs BigOven vs ReciMe: App Comparison

Choosing the right meal planning app can be tricky with so many options out there. Whether you’re trying to save time, eat healthier, or just stop wondering what to cook every night, the right app can make a big difference. In this article, we’re breaking down three popular choices – ManageMeals, BigOven, and ReciMe – to help you figure out which one fits your lifestyle best. Let’s take a closer look.

Quick Snapshot: What Each App Does Best

Before we dive into the details of each app, here’s a quick at-a-glance comparison to give you an idea of where each one shines and what kind of user it’s built for.

Meet the Apps: Deep Dive

ReciMe

At ReciMe, we built the app we always wished existed. One that actually helps make planning, cooking, and shopping easier without the chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or a busy parent looking to organize dinner without a spreadsheet, ReciMe is here to make it effortless. And beyond the app, we’re building a real community of home cooks who support each other.

We’re active on Instagram and Facebook, where users regularly share recipe wins, meal planning ideas, and kitchen hacks. Our community is full of people just like you, sharing tips, asking questions, and learning together. We believe in making cooking fun, social, and approachable. It’s not just an app – it’s a movement to take the stress out of meals and bring joy back to your kitchen.

What We Offer:

• Smart recipe saving: Import recipes from anywhere – Instagram reels, Pinterest boards, TikTok videos, Facebook posts. It all lands in one clean, organized app.
• Automatic grocery lists: Your weekly grocery list builds itself as you plan. You can sort it by supermarket aisle or by recipe, and edit items quickly before you shop.
• Cookbooks: Categorize your saved recipes by meal type, cuisine, dietary preference, or your own custom labels. Create as many cookbooks as you like.
• Cloud sync & access across devices: Access your account on iOS or web anytime. Android is coming soon – we’re working hard on it.
• Screen stays awake while cooking: Our cook mode ensures your phone won’t lock while you’re in the middle of a recipe. Just follow along without the interruptions.

Where We Shine:

• Helping you centralize all your recipes
• Turning chaos into order with just a few taps
• Bringing people together around planning and cooking

Things to Know:

• Free version available (limited to 8 saved recipes)
• Best experience is on iOS for now (Android users can join the waitlist)

Just try it – you’ll love it:

ManageMeals

ManageMeals is built for serious meal planners. If you love optimizing your weekly menu down to the last gram of protein or penny saved at the store, this is your tool.

Top Features:

• Smart grocery lists based on what’s in your pantry
• Customizable meal templates for repeat weeks
• Leftovers tracker to reduce waste
• Deep nutrition analytics
• Supports multiple diets: keto, vegan, muscle gain, etc.

Where It Excels:

• Fitness and diet-conscious households
• Users who want maximum control and automation
• Saving money through optimized lists

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Learning curve for casual users
• Not as visually sleek or community-driven
• Recipe library is limited compared to BigOven

BigOven

BigOven has been around a while, and it shows in its massive library and community base. It’s a go-to for people who want inspiration, not just structure.

Key Features:

• 250,000+ crowd-sourced recipes
• “Use Up Leftovers” feature to minimize waste
• Meal planner with calendar
• Grocery list creation
• User reviews and community tips

Who It’s Best For:

• People who love browsing recipes
• New home cooks or anyone looking for variety
• Budget-conscious users using leftovers

Potential Downsides:

• Interface can feel a bit busy
• Ad-supported unless you upgrade
• Lacks advanced planning or nutrition tools

Real-Life Use Cases

For Families

• ReciMe: Planning meals for a whole family is no small task. With ReciMe, everyone can pitch in. Assign days to different family members, sort meals by preferences. Perfect for managing picky eaters and saving time at the store.
• ManageMeals: Built for families who want to eat with intent. You can adjust plans based on individual dietary needs, allergies, or goals. Each meal can be fine-tuned for nutrition, and leftovers won’t go to waste.
• BigOven: Offers a wide variety of crowd-tested family recipes. Handy for discovering new dinner ideas and putting leftovers to good use. Less helpful if you need structure or dietary tracking.

For Fitness Goals

• ReciMe: Whether you’re counting macros or just trying to eat clean, you can scale portions and see a full nutrition breakdown for every meal. The meal planner helps stick to goals without overthinking it.
• ManageMeals: Arguably the best for fitness buffs. Built-in nutrition tools, goal-based planning, and templates for different diet strategies make it ideal for prepping meals that align with your training.
• BigOven: You’ll find plenty of high-protein and healthy recipes, but without built-in tracking tools, you’ll need to calculate macros on your own or use a second app.

For People Who Hate Meal Planning

• ReciMe: We’ve heard this from users all the time – “I used to hate meal planning.” Our drag-and-drop interface, smart lists, and ability to save from anywhere take all the friction out. Plan your week in five minutes and never look back.
• ManageMeals: Can be overwhelming if you’re not goal-oriented or detail-focused. It’s powerful, but might feel like too much if you just want quick ideas.
• BigOven: Browsing is fun and the variety keeps it fresh, but it lacks structure. Easy to fall into endless scrolling and forget to plan.

App Performance and Ease of Use

Speed and Stability

• ReciMe: Snappy and reliable on iOS. Syncs seamlessly across devices. The interface is minimal but powerful, designed for real-world kitchen use.
• ManageMeals: Feature-rich but can feel overwhelming for first-timers. Performance is solid but navigating the full set of tools takes some learning.
• BigOven: Occasionally sluggish, especially with the free version that includes ads. Recipe browsing is generally smooth, but search results may vary in relevance.

User Interface and Design

• ReciMe: Clean, modern, and distraction-free. Designed for clarity and ease. Every tap serves a purpose.
• ManageMeals: Functional, though more utilitarian. Strong for those who enjoy control, but not as visually intuitive.
• BigOven: A bit dated compared to newer apps. Usable, but the cluttered layout may not appeal to everyone.

Subscription Overview

ReciMe

We offer a generous free version that includes all core features like meal planning, smart grocery lists, and cookbooks. You can save up to 8 recipes before needing a subscription. Our paid plan unlocks unlimited recipe saves and gives you full access to all advanced tools, like recipe import, full nutrition insights, and more. It’s especially valuable for users with existing recipe collections and those who want an effortless, modern planning experience without clutter.

ManageMeals

Provides a free trial so you can explore its full feature set before subscribing. The ongoing subscription unlocks a detailed planning experience including macros, leftovers management, and customizable templates. Ideal for users serious about food strategy, whether for health, fitness, or budgeting. The app’s pricing reflects its depth and value for committed planners.

BigOven

Offers a functional free version supported by ads. It includes access to many community recipes and basic planning tools. Upgrading to BigOven Pro removes ads and opens up features like advanced search, meal planning, and offline access. Best suited for home cooks who want variety and convenience without deep customization needs.

How to Get the Most Out of a Recipe App

Start with a Plan

Block out 15 minutes once a week to sit down and map out your meals. It doesn’t have to be perfect – just enough to avoid the “what’s for dinner?” scramble every night. This short investment of time saves hours of frustration during the week.

Import Your Favorite Go-To Recipes First

Don’t overwhelm yourself with new meals right away. Start by saving recipes you already know and love, like family staples or viral hits from TikTok. This gives you a comfortable base to build from and helps you transition smoothly into using the app.

Use Grocery Lists Smartly

Almost all recipe apps can build grocery lists automatically, but the real power comes when you personalize them. Before heading to the store, scan your pantry and remove anything you already have. It cuts down on clutter and food waste.

Organize Your Recipes

A well-organized digital cookbook saves you time. Use tags or folders to create categories like “quick dinners,” “meatless meals,” or “kid-approved.” The more structure you add up front, the faster you’ll find what you need later.

Try Collaborative Features

If your app supports it, get your partner, roommate, or family involved. Shared planning lightens your load and makes everyone feel included in the process. It also reduces those “I didn’t know we were having that” moments.

Stick With It for a Few Weeks

The benefits build with consistency. Use the app regularly for a few weeks and watch how it reduces stress, simplifies your week, and even helps you save money. What feels like a chore at first quickly becomes second nature.

Final Recommendations

There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe app, what works best depends on your cooking habits, goals, and lifestyle. ReciMe is perfect for people who want a simple, collaborative way to organize their recipes and meal plans with speed and ease. ManageMeals caters to those who need powerful features like nutritional tracking and waste reduction. BigOven, with its massive recipe library, is best for cooks who crave variety and enjoy discovering new dishes.

Ultimately, these apps exist to reduce stress in the kitchen and make cooking more enjoyable. Try one out, give yourself a few weeks to build the habit, and let the technology support your routines. A good meal planning app won’t just save you time – it can change the way you approach food entirely.

FAQs