“Secure food storage containers are ideal as they prevent cooked foods from leaking and protect food from harmful bacteria,” says Rosa Lu, product manager at Buydeem. There are endless options available when it comes to food storage containers – glass, plastic, stainless steel, and even silicone storage bags. To find the best food storage containers, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, size, capacity, and usage. We also consulted Rosa Lu, product manager at Buydeem, for additional insight. Overall, the best food storage containers are the Rubbermaid 4-Piece Brilliance Food Storage Container because they are durable, stain resistant, and feature a locking lid that will help prevent messy spills. Here, the best food storage containers. Keep in Mind: With each set you’ll only get one size container, so you’ll have to buy a few different ones for a variety. The storage containers are offered in a variety of sizes, so you’ll be able to choose which works best for your kitchen. Just keep in mind that there’s only one size per set, so may have to purchase a few different sets depending on your needs. If you want to store sauces, soups, and stews, you’ll appreciate that the containers have locking lids that are designed to be leak-proof. And, since they’re clear, you’ll see what you have in each container with ease. Price at time of publish: $36 Product Details: Dimension: 7.9 x 5.6 x 3.4 inches | Capacity: 4.7 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Several small ridges can make the lids challenging to clean. The set includes five rectangle containers that are made of BPA-free plastic that’s constructed to resist stains and not absorb odors. The food storage containers are also top-rack dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, so you’ll be able to get tons of use out of them. The containers also feature write and erase labels on the lids, so you’ll be able to write what you prepared and when you did it. Just keep in mind that while the lids are effective at preventing leaks, they do have several ridges that can trap food and make them difficult to clean. These lids can benefit from a quick rinse or wipe down to get into the seams before going in the dishwasher. Price at time of publish: $13 Product Details: Dimension: 9.61 x 7.95 x 7.87 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Material: BPA-free plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: They’re on the taller side, so they may not fit in every cabinet. This set of two BPA-free plastic food storage canisters can hold up to 6.5 liters of your favorite grains, pasta, or rice, as well as cereals, chips, and other snacks. Tight lids with a four-side locking system ensure your ingredients will stay fresh and won’t spill. Part of what makes these some of the best food storage containers is in addition to the containers, the set includes a few accessories as well. In addition to four measuring cups, you’ll also get eight labels and a chalkboard pen, so you can stay organized and remember what you put in each one. Price at time of publish: $40 Product Details: Dimension: 5 x 3 x 3 inches | Capacity: 27.47 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Not listed Keep in Mind: They’re meant to be used for dry food storage only, so they may not be the best fit depending on what you want to use them for. They also aren’t microwave safe, unlike some other picks. This set comes with four containers: one 6.5-cup square container, one 10.1-cup container, one 16-cup container, and one 19.4-cup container. Thanks to the different sizes, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your pantry staples. Plus, a convenient flip lid with a food-grade safe seal makes measuring your ingredients a breeze. The containers and lids are dishwasher safe but keep in you will want to hand wash the silicone seal. The containers, which aren’t microwave safe, are recommended for dry food storage only, so you’ll want to consider what exactly you have to store. Price at time of publish: $30 Product Details: Dimension: 17.5 x 6 x 12 Inches | Capacity: From 6.5 cups | Material: BPA-Free Durable Material | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (container and lid; handwash silicone seal) | Freezer Safe: Not listed | Microwave Safe: No Keep in Mind: Most pieces have to be hand washed, as opposed to fully dishwasher safe pieces. Its airtight seal conveniently opens with a single press, while two silicone seals keep cereal, granola, and snacks fresh for longer than its original packaging would. Designed with pouring in mind, the contoured container is comfortable to hold even if the dispenser is full to capacity. It’s also shaped to fit conveniently on countertops and inside cabinets. The lid is easy to remove and designed to be interchangeable with other OXO container sizes. Just keep in mind that most parts of this container are meant to be hand washed, unlike many other picks that are dishwasher safe. Price at time of publish: $23 Product Details: Dimension: 10.2 x 4.3 x 10.5 inches | Capacity: 13.6 cups | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (silicone gasket; handwash other pieces) | Freezer Safe: Not listed | Microwave Safe: Not listed Keep in Mind: It’s not leakproof, so you’ll have to be mindful of what you’re packing in the container. Keep in mind that the lunchbox isn’t leakproof, so you’ll want to try to stick to packing dry foods. The container is not microwave safe, so it’s not ideal for packing food that may need to be heated up before you eat it. Price at time of publish: $44 Product Details: Dimension: 6 x 4 x 3 inches | Capacity: 0.63 cups | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Not listed | Microwave Safe: No Keep in Mind: Depending on the size, they may be more expensive than some other options. The Stasher bags, which are available in tons of sizes and colors, feature a patented airtight seal to keep food fresh. They are made from durable, food-grade silicone that is safe for use in the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, boiling water, and oven up to 425 degrees as well, so you’ll be able to get tons of use out of them. The bags are sold both individually and in bundles. Although they may be more expensive than some other options, keep in mind you’ll end up saving as you won’t have to purchase plastic bags or other food storage containers. Price at time of publish: $13 Product Details: Dimension: 7.5 x 7.5 x 1 inches | Capacity: 1.88 cups | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: They’re not clear so you may consider purchasing labels to keep track of your leftovers. The set includes four containers of different sizes: 1.4 cups, 2.1 cups, 3.3 cups container, and 5.07 cups. They are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe as well as easy to store—when they aren’t in use, they collapse to be a little over one inch thick.This set is a vibrant mint green color, which will make it easy to spot in the fridge. The only drawback is that unlike some other picks, these containers aren’t clear so you may want to purchase labels to help see what’s in each one. Price at time of publish: $23 Product Details: Dimension: From 5.3 x 3.9 x 2.5 inches | Capacity: From 1.4 cups | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes Keep in Mind: Since they’re made of glass, they’re more fragile than other options. This set comes with screw-on airtight lids made of tin-plated steel with a BPA- free plastisol liner. The jars are dishwasher and microwave safe, though you may want to wash the lids by hand. Like all glass containers, you’ll want to handle these with care when transporting them to avoid breakage. Price at time of publish: $12 Product Details: Dimension: 9.61 x 7.91 x 3.58 inches | Capacity: 3 cups | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Not listed | Microwave Safe: Not listed Keep in Mind: Requires replacement filters, sold separately. Plastic bags or traditional food storage containers can limit airflow and enable moisture buildup, which can cause that beautiful produce to spoil more quickly. Part of what makes the GreenSaver Produce Keeper one of the best food storage containers is it solves this problem by using all-natural activated carbon filters to trap and absorb ethylene, a gas emitted by fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening process. The five-quart container features a removable basket that facilitates airflow and stops moisture buildup by keeping produce away from the bottom and sides of the canister. A sliding vent on the lid helps you control the humidity level based on the specific produce being stored. The container is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. It comes with one carbon filter that lasts up to 90 days, so keep in mind you’ll have to purchase filter refills separately. Price at time of publish: $15Product Details: Dimension: 13.18 x 6.38 x 5.59 inches | Capacity: 20 cups | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Freezer Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes
What to Know About Food Storage Containers Before Shopping
Material
Reusable food storage containers are most commonly found in one of four materials, each of which has its own pros and cons: glass, plastic, stainless steel, and silicone. While plastic containers are often less expensive, they can also contain harmful chemicals that can seep into your food especially when microwaved. While shopping, check that a plastic option is BPA-free to ensure it’s safer to use. Glass containers, meanwhile, are safer, but can be heavy and less convenient to carry around. Glass is also more fragile than other materials and runs the risk of breaking easier. Silicone containers can be a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic and easier to transport than glass containers but they are typically more expensive. Stainless steel containers can also be on the pricey side but are fairly durable. Just keep in mind that, unlike other materials, they aren’t going to be microwave-safe.
Container Shape
Food storage containers are typically round or square. Which you choose depends on your individual preferences, though it’s worth keeping in mind kitchen space and durability. While square containers can more easily fit into most cabinets and lunch bags, some prefer round storage containers as they are said to be more durable as they don’t have edges or corners that can weaken or break over time.
Lid Type
Whether you go square or round with your food storage containers, you’ll want to look for an option with an airtight, locking lid whenever possible. This will ensure your food from picking up outside odors, as well as will prevent messy spills.
Usage Restrictions
If you plan on storing or reheating meals, make sure the food container you choose is microwave and freezer safe. You’ll also want to double check whether it’s dishwasher safe before purchasing, as it can be time-consuming to handwash pieces often.
Your Questions, Answered
Is it better to store food in glass or plastic?
When it comes to food storage, whether or not you go with glass or plastic depends on a few factors, like the durability of the container and what you want to use them for. “We prefer glass containers as they can store a diverse range of foods, are easier to clean, and are more stable than plastic,” Lu says. “Glass containers can also be washed in the dishwasher as they can withstand higher temperatures. They don’t melt or warp like some plastic containers.” If you do decide to go plastic, you’ll want to make sure they are BPA-Free by looking at the number stamped on the product. Containers that are labeled with a 1, 2, or 5 are considered BPA-Free.
What type of container is best for storage of dry goods?
When storing dry goods in the pantry, airtightness is crucial. This is especially true in climates with high humidity because if moisture breaches the container, the food inside will become stale and musty quickly. Ease of use is another thing to consider. A container that’s opened regularly, say a flour container, needs to have a lid that’s easy to remove and replace.“Clear storage containers are also ideal so you can easily identify stored foods,” Lu says. “Plus, you’ll want containers of varying sizes to hold different sized items, from cookies to spaghetti and rice.”
Are square or round containers better?
Both square and round containers can get the job done in terms of protecting your food and keeping it fresh. In terms of cleaning, a round option may be better as it has fewer nooks and crannies to clean. However, when it comes to storage, take note of your cabinet space and refrigerator. A round pick won’t fit into corners as well as a square option, which can make the most of your space.
Who We Are
This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best food storage containers she researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, size, capacity, and usage. She also consulted Rosa Lu, product manager for Buydeem.
