One of the most important parts of food preparation is the food storage: making sure that your food stays fresh and hygienically sealed. Choosing the right food storage container will depend on a few factors:
- What will you be using the storage containers for – hot or cold food?
- Will you be storing the food in the fridge or freezer?
- Will you be using the container for outdoor purposes: school lunches, picnics, etc?
- Will you be using the container in the microwave to heat up food?
- Do you use a dishwasher?
There is a wide range of food containers to choose from: plastic, glass (tempered or heat-resistant Pyrex) and stainless steel. Food storage containers come with different features, some are microwave-safe and can be used in the dishwasher. Some products are stackable, which makes them easy to store away, and others come with brightly colored lids that make them easier to locate in the cupboard.
Whether you choose plastic, glass or stainless-steel, your choice will depend on what you will be using the container for and your particular storage needs.
Our Pick for the Best Food Storage Container
Happy Tiffin 5 Piece Stainless-steel Set of Food Storage Containers
There is so much to love about these containers: they are made from high-quality BPA-free durable and lightweight stainless-steel material, and they can be used for storing either hot or cold food. Your food is guaranteed to stay fresh and safe and secure inside the containers with no leakage as the lids are super strong with airtight silicone seals
Plastic, Glass, or Stainless-steel Food Storage?
Plastic
In the past, plastic has always been the material of choice for food storage containers, but with the rising concerns about the toxic chemical (BPA) that can be found in the lining of plastic containers, drinking bottles and also some cans, more people are shifting towards BPA-free products, especially if you are going to use them for cooking or reheating in a microwave oven.
But the great news is that most of the plastic containers that line the shelves in our favorite shopping centers and malls are made from BPA-free materials. But even though they are now considered to be safe, plastic is not always the ideal choice for food storage.
Plastic containers are ideal for storing dry foods and short-term storage of wet food like food from a restaurant, but they are not ideal for cooking at high temperatures, and light plastic is not good for low temperatures like long-term storage in the freezer. Plastic containers are harder to clean as they can get stained easily, and oily products leave a residue that is notoriously difficult to remove.
Glass
Choosing food storage containers that are made out glass have many advantages. Glass is longer lasting, easier to clean, and can be suitable for heating and freezing purposes, especially tempered glass and heat-resistant Pyrex. The downside of glass is that the product can be heavy and not so portable and they can break.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel containers are a great substitute for plastic and glass. They are lightweight, durable, have easy to open lids, easy to clean, and they do not contain any harmful chemicals, so you will have no concerns about harmful toxins that can leach into your food.
Choosing the Right Food Storage Container
When you are on the look-out for the right food storage container, there are seven things to take into consideration.
1. BPA Free
Aside from the general problems associated with BPA chemicals, plastic containers that have BPA toxins in them are not suitable for heating in the microwave or long-term storage in the fridge.
2. Microwave, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe
Whether you choose plastic or glass, check to see that it can be used in the microwave, and can be stored in the freezer and cleaned in the dishwasher.
3. Stain-proof
One of the downsides of using plastic and some glass products is that they can become tainted by unsightly stains that cannot be removed. So remember to read the product’s specifications before buying. A good tip to remember is: stainless steel is very good at staying stain-proof.
4. Leak-proof and Air-tight
Keeping your food products airtight will help them to last longer and stay fresh while in storage. Also, if you are storing liquids, look for a product that is leak-proof. Containers that have silicone-based plastic lids are more likely to stop any leakages.
5. Easy to open and close
One of the most annoying things about some food storage containers is that the lid can be difficult to open. Look for products that are ergonomically friendly with easy to open and close lids. There are some containers that have heavy-duty latches, but for some people they can be hard to open.
6. Colored lids
Food storage containers and especially their lids have an uncanny habit of disappearing into the Container Twilight Zone in the cupboard. I have lost count of the times that I have lost a lid or found it hard to even locate a suitable container as all clear plastic containers and lids look the same. A good storage tip is to choose food containers that have brightly colored lids.
7. A wide range of sizes
One thing is for certain, if you buy a food storage container, one will never be enough. Storage containers can come in a set with a range of sizes, there are rectangle and square containers, some are large and others can be small enough for herbs, and they can even be used for storing cosmetics like moisturizer or tablets. So another good storage tip is to look for a collection that has a wide range of different sizes to choose from.
Best Food Storage Container Reviews
1. Snapware 18-Piece Plastic Total Solution Food Storage Set
If plastic is still your ideal storage material, then the Snapware Total Solution Food Storage Set is a great choice. It contains 18 pieces ranging from large rectangle containers to small-sized containers. The plastic material is BPA (polypropylene) free, and the containers can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, and can be stored in the freezer.
The Snap Lock lids will keep your food airtight, which means you can use them for storing liquids as well, and the lids are durable and any stains or smells will not linger after washing. The plastic containers and lids are also compatible with other Pyrex glass containers in the Snapware Total Solution range.
What we like:
- Microwave-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
- Can be used in the freezer
- Airtight Snap Lock lids
- Stackable
What we don't like:
- Lids can be still prone to leakage
- Containers can stain after microwaving
- Cracks appear after long-term use
2. Rubbermaid 50 Piece Plastic Food Storage Set
Rubbermaid has been making high-quality products for in and around the home for over 80 years, and this mega 50 piece set of BPA-free crystal clear plastic containers is a prime example of their dedication to making your life easier in the kitchen. The containers are an ideal solution for all your food preparation and storage needs.
The brightly colored red lids help you to locate the containers in the fridge and in the cupboard, and the lids fit securely onto the containers, so that you will never have to go hunting for lost lids again, and you do not have to worry about any liquids escaping.
The individual lids can also be snapped firmly together separately, which means they are easy to store away, and the square shape of the bottom of the containers means they can be stacked neatly together, which will keep your cupboards organized, while also maximizing cupboard space.
The containers are strong and durable and can be used in the dishwasher, microwave, and the freezer. They are lightweight and ideal for short-term storage in the fridge and their portability means they are a great choice for picnics.
What we like:
- Good quality
- BPA free
- Lids and containers snap securely together
- Microwave-safe
- Can be stored in high-qualityfreezer
- Colorful lids are easy to see
- Leak-proof
What we don't like:
- Can be tough to open the lids
- Hand-washing provides a better clean
- Plastic material may stain
3. Misc Home 20 Piece Plastic Compartment Meal Preparation Containers
This 20 piece meal preparation set that has been created by Misc Home is not only ideal for food storage, but it also promotes healthy eating habits, by providing separate compartments for you to carefully organize your portion sizes.
Each container comes with its own clear airtight lid, and the clear plastic container means you can see what is inside. The containers are durable and made from high-quality BPA-free plastic, and can be used safely in the microwave and dishwasher, and with their convenient size, they can be safely stacked in the freezer. They are easy to wash and can be used again and again.
What we like:
- Good quality
- Affordable
- Huge 20-piece set with lids
- Ideal for long-term storage for dry food
- Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe
What we don't like:
- Some liquids may leak out
- Not ideal for long-term storage in the fridge
4. Glad MatchWare 20 Piece Plastic Variety Food Storage Pack
The Glad MatchWare 20 Piece Plastic Variety Food Storage Pack gives you a wide range of stackable containers to choose from. They come in packs of four with three round containers, three square containers, and four rectangle containers, and each pack is color-coded, in either green, light blue or purple, depending on the size.
You can safely reheat your food in the microwave as they are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are dishwasher safe and can be stored in the freezer.
The color-coded lids fit the containers tightly to lock in freshness, and they are designed to prevent food from leaking, and they are ideal for long-term storage of dry food ingredients. The bright colors will help you to easily find them in the cupboard and their funky colors will look great in your kitchen.
What we like:
- Stackable
- Color matching lids
- Microwave-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lids lock securely
What we don't like:
- Stain easily
- Can tend to leak
5. Utopia Kitchen 3 Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set
If you prefer to use glass, then the Three Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set by Utopia Kitchen is a great investment. The pack comes with three durable square-shaped containers that are made out of highly durable borosilicate glass with a polypropylene (PP) lid.
The clear containers allow you to easily view the contents, and each of the containers has the capacity to hold 520 ml. They feature an easy to open and close lid that is leak-proof and airtight, which guarantees that your food will stay fresh.
The containers are oven safe and can stand temperatures up to 400-degree centigrade, and are ideal for long-term storage in the freezer. They are easy to wash: you can either hand wash them or place them in the dishwasher. Their bright red lids and sturdy glass make them an excellent buffet container for use at parties.
What we like:
- Easy to store
- Made from durable BPA-free glass
- Sturdy and secure airtight lids
- Bright red colored lids
What we don't like:
- Stains are hard to remove from the glass
6. Snapware 18 Piece Total Solution Pyrex Glass Food Keeper Set
The Snapware collection is the ideal solution for all of your food storage needs. The 18 piece set comes with a graduated range of sizes from rectangle containers, square containers to small circular containers. Each container comes with their own color-coded lid that has easy to open and close latches, and are specially designed with a leak-proof silicone seal that will keep your food airtight and fresh.
The Pyrex glass is oven and microwave safe and the containers can be safely stored in the freezer. Cleaning the glass is a breeze, you can either clean the containers by hand or in the dishwasher.
This Total Solution set is an ideal choice if you want to shift away from using plastic products. The glass is durable and BPA free as approved by the FDA, so you can store your food knowing that the contents will safe from contaminants and toxic chemicals.
The brightly colored lids come with an innovative ‘Write ‘n Erase’ feature, which means you can easily label each container for quick identification and then you can remove it when you change the contents.
What we like:
- Made high quality strong Pyrex glass
- 18 containers to choose from
- Brightly color-coded lids
- Leak-proof silicone lids
- Microwave and oven-safe
- Write ‘n Erase feature
- Freezer-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
What we don't like:
- The lids can come off in the microwave
- The lids can warp in the microwave
7. Lifefactory 6 Piece Glass Food Storage & Bakeware
The LifeFactory 6-Piece Glass Food Storage & Bakeware Set is made from tempered green colored BPA-free shatter-resistant glass, and with the protective silicone sleeves and matching sturdy polypropylene lids, they are a great choice for home and outdoor use.
The set comes with two containers of each size: small (one cup capacity), medium (two cup capacity) and large (four cup capacity). The secured lids keep the containers safe while you are traveling, and the tempered glass means you can use the containers in the oven and microwave. The set can be stored in the freezer, and easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
What we like:
- Strong BPA-free glass
- Protective silicone sleeves
- Matching sturdy polypropylene lids
- Oven-proof
- Microwave-safe
- Freezer-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
- Stain-proof
What we don't like:
- Expensive
- The lids are difficult to latch shut (you need to press them down firmly otherwise they can leak
- Not enough sizes
8. Glasslock 18 Piece Tempered Glass Assorted Oven Safe Set
The Glasslock 18 Piece Tempered Assorted Oven Safe Set is the perfect choice for heating, cooking and storing all kinds of food and liquid. The strong and durable BPA-free tempered glass is shatterproof and can be used at hot or cold temperatures, so the containers are the perfect choice for heating and cooking food in the microwave and oven.
They can be neatly stacked in your freezer and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. One highlight of the Glasslock set is that the lids lock securely into place, which means you can be confident that there will be no leaks.
What we like:
- Made from heavy-duty and high quality tempered glass
- A wide range of sizes to choose from
- Clear glass makes it easy to see the contents
- Microwave-safe
- Oven-proof
- Freezer-safe
- Easy to clean and maintain: dishwasher-safe
- Leak-proof
- Odor and stain-free
What we don't like:
- The glass can still break if dropped from a height.
- Hard to locate in the cupboard
- Lids can be hard to close.
- The containers can be heavy when full
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If you are looking for an alternative to glass and plastic, then look no further than stainless steel. These bright and shiny containers not only look good in your kitchen, and are a great choice for an attractive serving option at parties, but they have many features that make them one of the best storage products for homemakers.
Firstly, the stainless steel material is lightweight but highly durable, it is BPA-free, and it is super easy to clean either by hand or in the dishwasher. The containers can be used to store hot and cold food, and they can go straight onto the stove-top.
They can be easily stored in the cupboard or stacked safely in the freezer. The only downside of choosing stainless steel is that the containers cannot be used in the microwave. You cannot see the contents inside and they can be expensive.
A great food storage container tip to remember is if you choose to purchase stainless steel, then buy a few BPA-free plastic or glass containers for the microwave.
Here are two of the best stainless steel food storage containers on the market.
9. Steelware Snap Seal 3 Piece Stainless Steel Food Storage and Lunch Containers
The stainless steel food storage set from Steelware is made from highly durable stainless that is BPA-free, lead and can resist heat damage, stains, and long-term wear, and are eco-friendly as they are BPA, lead and phthalate-free.
There are three containers to choose from:
- Large: 5.9″ x 2.75″ (1 Quart/32 oz)
- Medium: 5.1″ x 2.1″ (2.25 Cups/18 oz.)
- Small: 4.33″ x 1.9″ (1.5 Cups/12 oz.)
Each container in the Steelware three piece set comes with strong and secure snap-lock lids that create an airtight seal inside the lid, so you can be confident that the container will not leak and your food will stay fresher for longer.
The containers can be used for a wide range of food storage choices, they can be used as a lunch box, for storing dry food like rice and cereals, fresh fruit, and soup and sauces.
With their bright silver surface, they will look great in your kitchen. They are easy to clean, and the inner rubber seal can be removed before cleaning, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
There is so much to love about this set, and the only downside of this collection is that there are not enough sizes, so you may have to purchase two sets!
What we like:
- Good quality
- Lightweight
- Leak-proof
- Attractive shiny silver surface
- Dishwasher-safe
- Stackable
- Stain-free
What we don't like:
- Plastic lids can snap after long-term use
- Cannot be used in the microwave.
10. Happy Tiffin 5 Piece Stainless-steel Set of Food Storage Containers
This fancy and functional set of five stainless steel food storage containers from Happy Tiffin has the potential to be your pride and joy in the kitchen. They can be used for a wide range of food preparation and storage purposes: you can use them as a mixing bowl, or to carry or store hot or cold food.
The containers are made from strong, durable stainless steel that is BPA-free, and the lids are lined with silicone seals, which are designed to lock in freshness and to protect your food from leaking. Their stainless steel finish makes them an attractive option for serving dishes at parties, and they can be easily found in the cupboard.
The stainless steel material is lightweight, so the containers can be used for school lunches and picnics, and they can be easily stacked in the freezer. Stainless steel is easy to clean by hand or you can pop them straight into the dishwasher. The only downside of these containers is that they can only be used in conventional ovens and are not suitable for microwaves.
What we like:
- High-quality stainless-steel material
- Eco-friendly: BPA-Free
- Lightweight
- Leak-proof
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven-proof
- Freezer-safe
- Good range of sizes to choose from
What we don't like:
- Cannot be used in the microwave
- Cannot use lids in the oven as the gaskets can break
Our Pick for the Best Food Storage Container
Happy Tiffin 5 Piece Stainless-steel Set of Food Storage Containers
There is so much to love about these containers: they are made from high-quality BPA-free durable and lightweight stainless-steel material, and they can be used for storing either hot or cold food. Your food is guaranteed to stay fresh and safe and secure inside the containers with no leakage as the lids are super strong with airtight silicone seals
The bright stainless steel finish means that this set is ideal for parties and will make an attractive storage feature in your kitchen. Although the set cannot be used in the microwave, they can be used in normal ovens, they are dishwasher friendly, and they can easily be stacked away in the cupboard or in the freezer.
