10Best.Guide

Food Containers

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Leakproof and great for transporting
  • Airtight, keeping food fresh for longer
  • Microwave safe for up to 30 seconds
  • Clear plastic design allows for easy visibility of contents
  • Well made with a gasket around the opening
Cons
  • Not microwave safe for longer than 30 seconds
  • Plastic bottoms can melt in the oven
Bottom Line
Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are a great option for those looking for leakproof and airtight containers that are microwave safe for short periods of time. However, they may not be the most durable option and are not suitable for use in the oven.
Pros
  • Easy to Organize and Stack
  • Great for left overs; school snacks and day trips
  • Easy to portion
  • Easy to clean (except for tomato sauces that can stain a bit if stored past a day)
  • Lids have a venting hole for microwaving
Cons
  • Lids are hard to get on
  • Lids can pop off
Bottom Line
Rubbermaid containers are great for organizing, portioning, and storing food. They are easy to clean and have a venting hole for microwaving. However, lids can be hard to get on and small containers are too small for leftovers.
Pros
  • Durable and can survive drops
  • Airtight and leak-proof
  • Great for meal prepping and leftovers
  • Stackable and space-saving
  • Dishwasher safe
Cons
  • Some sizes are too small
  • Rubber band piece is tricky to stay on
Bottom Line
These glass containers are a great option for those looking for an affordable, durable, and healthier alternative to plastic containers. While some sizes may be too small and the rubber band piece can be tricky, they are airtight, leak-proof, and stackable, making them great for meal prepping and leftovers.
Pros
  • Incredibly sturdy
  • Easy to clean in the dishwasher
  • Perfect size for meal prepping
  • Glass containers preserve food well
  • Heavy duty and well put together
Cons
  • Rubber placers tangle up and don't stay in place
  • Peel and stick plastic takes forever to remove
Bottom Line
These glass meal prep containers are incredibly sturdy, easy to clean, and perfect for meal prepping. They preserve food well and are heavy duty with no cracks or leaks. However, buyers should be aware of the rubber placers tangling up, peel and stick plastic taking forever to remove, plastic hinges occasionally coming loose, missing warranty card and care instructions, and lids chipping when stacked without them.
Pros
  • Glass material
  • Seal well with two locks
  • Stackable design
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Lids are brittle and crack easily
  • Some lids may have loose locking tabs
Bottom Line
Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are a great option for those looking for high-quality, glass food storage containers that are easy to clean and can be used for cooking. However, buyers should be aware that the lids may crack easily and may not be leakproof after several months of use.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Food Containers: Types, Features, Tips & More

Overview

Food containers are essential for meal prep, storage, and organization. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we'll break down the different types of food containers, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, important features to look for, pricing, tips for using and maintaining your containers, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Plastic Containers: These are lightweight, affordable, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, they may contain BPA and other harmful chemicals.

2. Glass Containers: These are durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean. However, they can be heavy and breakable.

3. Stainless Steel Containers: These are eco-friendly, durable, and non-toxic. However, they can be expensive and not microwave-safe.

4. Silicone Containers: These are lightweight, flexible, and easy to clean. However, they may retain odors and stains.

Key Considerations

1. Size and Capacity: Choose containers that are the right size for your needs and can hold the amount of food you want to store.

2. Material: Consider the material of the container and whether it is safe for your health and the environment.

3. Airtight and Leak-proof: Look for containers that have tight-fitting lids to prevent leaks and keep your food fresh.

4. Microwave and Freezer-safe: If you plan to reheat or freeze your food, make sure the containers are safe to use in the microwave or freezer.

5. Durability: Choose containers that are durable and can withstand daily use and frequent washing.

Features

1. Stackable: Containers that can be stacked save space and make it easy to store multiple containers.

2. Dividers: Containers with dividers are great for separating different foods and keeping them fresh.

3. Labels: Containers with labels make it easy to identify the contents and keep your fridge or pantry organized.

4. Handles: Containers with handles make it easy to carry your food on the go or to and from work.

Prices

Food containers range in price from a few dollars to over $50, depending on the size, material, and features. Plastic containers are generally the most affordable, while glass and stainless steel containers tend to be more expensive.

Tips

1. Clean your containers thoroughly before and after use to prevent bacteria growth and odors.

2. Avoid microwaving plastic containers, as they may release harmful chemicals into your food.

3. Use containers with dividers to separate different foods and prevent them from mixing.

4. Label your containers with the date and contents to keep track of what you've stored and when it was made.

FAQs

Q: Are plastic containers safe for food storage?

A: - Plastic containers may contain harmful chemicals like BPA, so it's best to choose BPA-free options or opt for glass or stainless steel containers.

Q: Can I microwave food in glass containers?

A: - Yes, as long as the glass is microwave-safe and the lid is removed.

Q: Can I freeze food in silicone containers?

A: - Yes, silicone containers are freezer-safe and can be used to store food for later.

Q: How do I clean my food containers?

A: - Wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge or brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Airtight seal keeps food fresh and bug-free.
  • Sturdy plastic that is not likely to crack or break.
  • Different sizes for versatile use.
  • Labels and chalk pen included for easy organization.
Cons
  • Containers are smaller than expected.
  • Lids can be hard to get on.
Bottom Line
These containers are a good value for the money and are great for keeping food fresh and organized. However, buyers should be aware of the smaller size and potential storage issues.
Pros
  • Different sizes for different needs
  • Good quality and durable
  • Leak-proof and airtight
  • Versatile for freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher
  • Stackable for easy storage
Cons
  • Some lids are difficult to close
  • Smaller sizes may not be suitable for larger portions
Bottom Line
These glass food storage containers are a good choice for those who prioritize durability, versatility, and leak-proof features. However, buyers should be mindful of the lid issues and smaller sizes.
Pros
  • Custom-fit lids keep food fresh and secure during transport.
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe.
  • Affordable and comes with many containers.
  • Good capacity for meal prepping.
  • Easy to clean and stack in the fridge.
Cons
  • Not absolutely leakproof.
  • Material is thin and can break easily.
Bottom Line
The Bentgo Prep 1-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers are a great option for affordable meal prep and storage, but may not be the most durable or leakproof option on the market.
Pros
  • Tight storage and leak-proof.
  • Impressive capacity.
  • Sturdy and easy to clean.
  • Different sizes to choose from.
  • Neat storage solutions.
Cons
  • Lids are close to being unusable.
  • Can't stack containers of the same size.
Bottom Line
These containers are a great option for consolidating storage of bulk items, storing leftovers, and packing lunches. They are leak-proof, easy to clean, and come in different sizes. However, some lids may be unusable, containers of the same size can't be stacked, and the photo examples are misleading.
Pros
  • Good variety of sizes
  • Snap lids are easy to open and close
  • Containers are sturdy and durable
  • Comes with chalkboard labels and marker
  • Good seal to keep food fresh
Cons
  • Lids cannot be microwaved
  • Containers are smaller than expected
Bottom Line
The Chef's Path food storage set offers a good variety of sizes and sturdy containers with snap lids that provide a good seal to keep food fresh. However, the lids cannot be microwaved and the containers are smaller than expected. The soft plastic may not be suitable for reheating in the microwave.
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