My Honest Review Of Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket vs. Rest EZ BBQ Blanket
The Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket Bundle and Rest EZ BBQ Blanket are two powerful yet distinctly different solutions for serious BBQ enthusiasts. If you’re a content creator or weekend warrior who values versatility and workspace organization, the Drip EZ bundle is a game-changer that transforms your prep work while also providing solid meat resting capabilities. However, if your primary goal is maximizing heat retention and achieving competition-level results for meat resting, the Rest EZ blanket is the specialist tool that dedicated pitmasters swear by.
The choice ultimately depends on whether you want one multi-purpose powerhouse for your entire BBQ workflow or a specialized piece of equipment focused exclusively on the critical resting phase. Both products earn strong customer recommendations, but they serve different priorities in the BBQ world.
Bottom Line: Purchase the Drip EZ bundle if you prep frequently and want to eliminate counter mess while having a reliable resting solution. Choose the Rest EZ blanket if you’re competition-focused or simply want the best possible heat retention specifically for the resting phase—it’s the specialized tool that delivers superior insulation.
Table of Contents
Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket Review Bundle
The Drip EZ prep tub system represents a revolutionary approach to BBQ preparation that extends far beyond traditional countertop prep work. This innovative collapsible design won the Men’s Journal 2025 Grilling Award, recognizing its impact on modern backyard cooking. The bundle typically includes three sizes (Junior, Original, and XL) plus a matching Rest EZ BBQ Blanket, creating a complete prep-to-rest ecosystem.
Key Features and Design
The XL prep tub measures 22.5″ L × 16.25″ W × 5.5″ D when fully expanded and features an accordion-style collapsible design that compresses to just about 2 inches thick for storage. The genius of this design lies in its multi-functionality. The base doubles as a full-width nylon cutting board with a 360-degree trough that captures meat juices as you slice, preventing the mess that typically comes with large cuts of meat. The silicone sides pop up to variable heights—you can raise them just an inch for minimal containment or several inches for deep marinades and seasoning applications.
The locking lid secures tightly (though not leakproof if turned upside down) and features improved locking tabs in the V2 version that make securing the tub for transport considerably easier than the original design. Easy-carry handles are molded into the design, making it practical to move from kitchen to cooler to serving area without spillage or mess.
Materials and Safety
The product utilizes BPA-free silicone for the collapsible sides and a durable nylon cutting board base, both of which are dishwasher safe for convenient cleanup. The materials are engineered to be higher temperature-rated than previous versions, though they’re not designed for use in ovens or direct grill/smoker applications.
Customer Experience from Real Users
Customers consistently praise the prep tub for eliminating the chaos of seasoning and marinading meat. One verified buyer noted: “The tub is WONDERFUL. EASY TO USE AND CLEAN” after using the XL to prepare baby back ribs, while another mentioned using it for multiple purposes throughout their family’s BBQ parties.
A three-year user from Atlanta Grills posted a detailed YouTube review highlighting how the collapsible design has made storage in limited spaces a non-issue, and he emphasized that the most valuable feature is the ability to use it for both prep and cleanup—filling it with hot water and soap post-cooking to clean all prep tools simultaneously. Professional competition cooks and caterers have adopted these tubs extensively; one Memphis in May competitor noted that “the collapsing sides and clips to hold the lid on have been my 2 favorite things about them.”
The bundle typically retails for $100-120 USD for the three-piece set, representing excellent value when you consider you’re getting three sizes plus a blanket.
Rest EZ BBQ Blanket Review
The Rest EZ BBQ Blanket is a purpose-built specialist tool designed exclusively for the critical meat resting phase—that crucial window after your meat comes off the smoker where it continues cooking internally and reabsorbs juices for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Specialized Design and Innovation
Unlike the versatile prep tub, the Rest EZ functions as an insulated meat resting bag with dimensions of 21.25″ L × 16″ W × 8″ H, weighing just 1 pound. The design features a durable exterior shell paired with a heat-reflective interior lining that maintains optimal temperature conditions during the resting phase. A heavy-duty zipper and wide-mouth opening accommodate even the largest cuts—full packer briskets, pork shoulders, and turkeys—without struggle.
The newer versions (available in black, green, and khaki) are made from recycled-material outer shells with upgraded stain-resistant finishes, while the classic tan version maintains the original proven design. This commitment to sustainability combined with performance makes it an attractive choice for environmentally-conscious pitmasters.
Heat Retention Performance
Professional testing conducted by Amazing Ribs (a trusted authority in BBQ science) demonstrated the blanket’s effectiveness dramatically. A whole packer brisket, hot off the smoker and probe tender at 205°F, was double-wrapped in foil and placed in the Rest EZ blanket. After 4 hours of resting, the internal temperature held at an impressive 145°F, demonstrating controlled heat loss that prevented overcooking while maintaining the heat necessary for juices to redistribute.
One Reddit user reported that the blanket “kept butts and briskets steaming hot 4+ hours after pulling off the smoker” and preferred it to the traditional towel method because cleanup was infinitely simpler—just run hot water through it immediately after use rather than dealing with stained, grease-soaked towels that often end up in the trash.
Customer Feedback and Concerns
On the Drip EZ website, 97% of customers recommend the Rest EZ blanket. A verified competitor noted using it during Super Bowl weekend and a brisket cook-off competition with excellent results, though they mentioned missing a promotional period that would have allowed bulk purchasing.
However, some users reported durability concerns. One customer noted the product “really like the product but it split at the seam after a hand full of usage” and purchased a second unit, expressing hope the replacement wouldn’t have the same issue. This indicates quality control may have been inconsistent in some early batches, though the overall recommendation rate suggests these are isolated incidents.
The blanket is priced individually at $29.99-$39.99 USD depending on color and retailer, making it an affordable addition to any pitmaster’s toolkit.
Head-to-Head Comparison Analysis
Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket Bundle vs. Rest EZ BBQ Blanket: Complete Feature Comparison
Primary Use Case Differences
The fundamental difference between these products is their scope. The Drip EZ bundle is a complete prep-to-table system designed to manage your entire BBQ workflow, while the Rest EZ blanket is a single-purpose specialist focused entirely on optimizing the resting phase.
Functionality and Versatility
For content creators and BBQ enthusiasts who document their cooking process, the Drip EZ prep tub offers unmatched visual appeal and practical benefits. You can season a brisket in the tub without any spice falling on your countertop, capture the juices for potential gravy, use the built-in cutting board for slicing, and then transport the finished product in the same vessel. This single-tool approach reduces the number of items in your workflow significantly.
The Rest EZ blanket, conversely, offers no prep capability—it’s designed solely for post-cook resting. However, it excels at its singular purpose through specialized insulation that the general-purpose tub cannot match.
Heat Retention Performance
While the Drip EZ bundle includes a rest-capable blanket, tests confirm that the dedicated Rest EZ design maintains heat more effectively over extended periods (2-4+ hours). The heat-reflective interior lining and specialized insulation create a thermal environment specifically optimized for controlled resting rather than general storage.
A YouTube reviewer testing the new Drip EZ prep tub bundle noted that while the blanket performs admirably, dedicated competition pitmasters might benefit from the Rest EZ’s superior insulation if they regularly perform 4+ hour rests.
Storage and Portability
The Drip EZ prep tub collapses to an extraordinarily flat profile—approximately the size of a large cookbook—making it ideal for those with limited cabinet space. The Rest EZ blanket, while compact at 1 pound, doesn’t collapse and requires storage space proportional to its full dimensions.
For traveling to competitions or events, the Drip EZ tub compresses dramatically for transportation, while the Rest EZ blanket is lightweight enough for easy carrying but takes up more space.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both products are easy to clean, but the Drip EZ offers a slight advantage in convenience—it’s fully dishwasher safe, whereas the Rest EZ requires hand washing with soap and warm water. Neither product should be exposed to direct heat sources like ovens, grills, or smokers.
Customer Satisfaction and Ratings
The Drip EZ prep tub bundle maintains a 4.9 out of 5-star rating with 229+ verified reviews, with 99% of customers recommending it. The Rest EZ blanket holds a 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, with 97% recommendation rate on the manufacturer’s site.
The higher rating for the Drip EZ likely reflects its broader appeal and multi-purpose nature—more people can find value in it for different applications. The Rest EZ’s slightly lower rating may be partially due to the durability concerns reported by some early buyers regarding seam integrity.
What Customers Are Really Saying: Deep Dive Into Reviews
Drip EZ Prep Tub Customer Testimonials
YouTube reviewers have provided extensively detailed assessments. One three-year owner from Atlanta emphasized the product’s durability and praised how the collapsible design allows him to use it for everything from marinating ribs overnight in the refrigerator to functioning as a wash basin for post-cook cleanup. He specifically noted the hooks that come with the blanket allow meat to be hung for resting during overnight marinades—a feature many casual users don’t realize.
Competition BBQ cooks have embraced the tubs extensively. Competitors at Memphis in May BBQ competition noted that “the collapsing sides and clips to hold the lid on have been my 2 favorite things about them,” highlighting how these features facilitate the demanding environment of large-scale competition cooking where reliability and speed matter.
Family buyers consistently mention gifting multiple tubs to their BBQ-loving relatives. One customer stated: “I have bought the bundle tubs for each one of the guys in our family! They are the best for all our BBQ parties!!”
Rest EZ Blanket Customer Feedback
Reddit discussions reveal nuanced perspectives on the Rest EZ blanket. While one user noted they prefer it to the traditional towel method specifically because “cleanup is easier,” acknowledging that “you just have to run some hot water through as soon as you pull the food out,” another pointed out that for many users, a cooler with towels and butcher paper costs significantly less and performs comparably if you’re not doing 4+ hour holds.
Professional testing by Amazing Ribs—one of the industry’s most respected BBQ authorities—provided a crucial endorsement, awarding the Rest EZ their Best Value Gold Medal. Their conclusion emphasized that while alternatives exist (coolers with towels remain viable), having a purpose-built product designed specifically for meat resting is “nice, neat, effective, and custom made for your smoked meat.”
Common Criticisms and Concerns
For the Drip EZ, some forum discussions mentioned concerns about durability of the silicone sides if used extensively as a cutting surface, with one commenter noting “the problem with multi-task things like this is they do everything a little bit, but don’t do anything as well as their single task equivalents.” However, this represents a philosophical preference rather than a performance failure.
For the Rest EZ, the most significant criticism involves reported seam splitting after limited use in some units, suggesting potential quality control issues in certain production batches. Users experiencing this issue purchased replacement units and expressed hope that the manufacturing had been improved.
The Science Behind Meat Resting: Why This Matters
Understanding why proper meat resting matters helps clarify why these products exist. When meat cooks, muscle fibers contract and push juices toward the surface. Immediate slicing releases all those juices onto the plate rather than keeping them within the meat. Resting allows the fibers to relax and reabsorb moisture evenly throughout the cut, resulting in dramatically improved tenderness and juiciness.
The ideal resting timeline depends on meat size:
- Brisket (10-15 lbs): 2-4 hours at 150-170°F
- Pork Shoulder: 1-3 hours at 155-170°F
- Ribs: 30-60 minutes at 145-160°F
Both the Drip EZ bundle blanket and the Rest EZ blanket are designed to maintain these temperature ranges while preventing excessive heat loss and condensation accumulation that can damage the bark on smoked meats.
Pricing and Value Analysis
Drip EZ Bundle Economics
The three-piece prep tub bundle retails for approximately $100-120 USD, offering three different size options plus a matching Rest EZ blanket. Breaking this down: you’re getting three complete prep tubs (each independently valued at $30-50) plus a blanket (valued at $30-40), making the bundle pricing quite competitive. When you consider that these replace the need for multiple single-use items (cutting boards, storage containers, serving dishes, mixing bowls), the value proposition becomes clearer.
Warranty coverage includes a 90-day parts warranty from the manufacturer.
Rest EZ Blanket Standalone Pricing
Individual Rest EZ blankets are available at $29.99-$39.99 USD depending on color selection (black, green, khaki, or tan) and retailer. This positions it as an affordable specialized tool for pitmasters who already have prep solutions and are focused specifically on optimizing the resting phase.
Cost-Benefit Comparison
A serious BBQ enthusiast might spend $120 on the Drip EZ bundle and get a complete ecosystem, or might purchase a Rest EZ blanket for $35-40 to add to existing tools. The Drip EZ represents a larger upfront investment but potentially eliminates the need for several other kitchen tools. The Rest EZ represents a smaller, targeted investment for those with simpler needs.
Who Should Buy What: Buying Guide
Choose the Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket Bundle if you:
- Prepare meat frequently for family gatherings, parties, or content creation
- Want to eliminate seasoning mess and maintain an organized workspace
- Document your BBQ process for blog posts, YouTube, or social media
- Are upgrading from using disposable aluminum pans and replacing them constantly
- Enjoy multiple BBQ applications beyond just the resting phase
- Have limited storage space and appreciate collapsible design
- Need multi-use versatility (prep, serve, transport, clean)
- Are price-conscious and want multiple tools in one purchase
- Value the ability to use the same vessel from prep through serving
Choose the Rest EZ BBQ Blanket if you:
- Are a serious pitmaster or competition-level cook
- Regularly perform extended rests (2-4+ hours) and need maximum heat retention
- Want a purpose-built solution optimized specifically for the resting phase
- Already have adequate prep solutions and just need a resting tool
- Prefer specialized equipment that does one thing exceptionally well
- Have minimal storage space and prefer lightweight solutions
- Want the most advanced insulation technology for heat maintenance
- Are willing to use traditional methods for prep but want premium resting equipment
- Compete in BBQ competitions where consistent results are critical
Drip EZ BBQ Blanket vs rest EZ BBQ blanket Comparison Table and Feature Breakdown
| Feature/Category | Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket Bundle | Rest EZ BBQ Blanket |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Multi-purpose prep, storage, serving, and meat resting | Specialized meat resting and holding |
| Design | Collapsible accordion design with cutting board base | Insulated zip-up bag design |
| Dimensions (XL Tub) | 22.5″ L × 16.25″ W × 5.5″ D | N/A (dedicated blanket only) |
| Dimensions (Blanket) | Included with bundle | 21.25″ L × 16″ W × 8″ H |
| Weight | Lightweight (silicone & plastic) | 1 lb |
| Material | BPA-Free Silicone sides with Nylon cutting board | Recycled PET outer shell with heat-reflective interior |
| Key Features | Locking lid, cutting board, collapsible sides, handles, 3 sizes available | Heavy-duty zipper, wide-mouth opening, heat-reflective lining |
| Heat Retention | Good for short-term resting in bundle | Excellent for extended resting (2-4+ hours) |
| Portability | Excellent – collapses flat for storage | Good – compact but not collapsible |
| Multipurpose Uses | Prep, marinating, seasoning, serving, transport, cleaning | Meat resting only (specialized function) |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe, BPA-free | Hand wash with soap and warm water |
| Price (approx.) | $100-120 USD (3-piece set) | $29.99-39.99 USD |
| Customer Rating | 4.9/5 stars (229+ reviews) | 4.2/5 stars on Amazon |
| Durability Reports | High quality, 90-day warranty, some locking issues noted | Some seam splitting reported in early use |
| Best For | Serious BBQ enthusiasts who prep frequently and need multi-use tools | Pitmasters and competition cooks focused on optimal meat resting |
YouTube Reviews and Video Evidence
Multiple YouTube creators have extensively reviewed both products. One prominent reviewer noted that the Drip EZ prep tub V2 improvements (better locking tabs and easier sidewall expansion compared to the original) make it noticeably more user-friendly than earlier versions.
In a separate test reviewing the new Rest EZ BBQ Blanket alongside the prep tub bundle, another creator demonstrated how both products work together synergistically—using the prep tub for brisket preparation and the blanket for the final rest phase, achieving exceptional results.
A detailed breakdown video showing the Drip EZ Prep Tub V2 versus the original emphasized that while the original performs well, the V2’s improvements in locking mechanisms and sidewall durability represent meaningful quality-of-life enhancements for frequent users.
Final Recommendations and Conclusion
For Content Creators and Serious Home BBQers: The Drip EZ XL Prep Tub & BBQ Blanket Bundle is the superior choice. It transforms how you document your prep process, eliminates workflow chaos, and provides an attractive prop for photography and video content. The versatility means you’ll use it for far more than just BBQ—marinades for grilling, vegetable prep, serving, and transport. The collapsible design fits real-world kitchens with limited space, and the ~$120 price point represents exceptional value for the capabilities offered. The included blanket handles standard resting needs admirably, and if you ever need specialized heat retention, you can add a Rest EZ blanket later.
For Competition Pitmasters: The Rest EZ BBQ Blanket deserves a place in your toolkit. When you’ve invested the time and skill to smoke meat perfectly, the resting phase is too critical to compromise. The specialized insulation maintains temperatures in the optimal range, prevents moisture loss that affects bark texture, and simplifies cleanup compared to traditional towel methods. At $35-40, it’s an affordable investment in consistency and results.
The Ideal Solution: Many dedicated BBQ enthusiasts use both—the Drip EZ tubs for their prep and multi-purpose versatility, plus a Rest EZ blanket specifically for extended rests during competition or when cooking for large groups. This combination provides the organization benefits of the prep tub ecosystem with the specialized heat retention of the dedicated blanket.
Should You Buy One? Absolutely yes—but choose based on your specific priorities. If you prep frequently and want to transform your workspace while improving your entire BBQ workflow, the Drip EZ bundle is a must-have investment. If you’re purely focused on maximizing heat retention during resting and already have adequate prep solutions, the Rest EZ blanket is a worthy specialized tool that truly excels at its purpose. Either way, you’re investing in equipment that serious BBQ enthusiasts recommend at a 97-99% rate—these aren’t gimmicks, they’re legitimate improvements to the BBQ process.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe provide value. Thank you.
