Using a high-quality food storage container is very important to ensure the hygiene of the food. It is not always possible to consume all the food that you have prepared or bought from restaurants, and in such scenarios, you need a highly efficient storage unit to keep your food fresh and safe. Keeping food in the open will attract mold and bacterial growth, which damage the food, thus forcing you to throw it.
Food storage containers are available in different shapes and sizes, so you can buy a storage container set that meets your requirements the best. Check out consumer reports food storage containers reviews to find out which container set suits you the best. Food storage containers are made of 3 materials, details of which you can find in the buying guide that follows after the reviews, where all the information related to food storage containers are mentioned to help you buy the right product.
Reviews Of 5 Best Food Storage Containers
1. Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container
If you are looking for 100% leak-proof storage containers for keeping your food fresh and secure, then you should buy Rubbermaid Brilliance food storage containers, which come with Tritan lids and bases that have 360-degree clarity. The containers come with airtight seal and secure latches, which prevent leaks and spills. You can store a variety of food items, thus letting you use these storage containers for different types of occasions and events. These containers are clear like glass, thus letting you see what’s inside.
The containers are made of stain-resistant material, which keeps the food container in a new condition and resists odors. The containers feature vents under the latches that allow you to use them in an over the range microwave with the lid on. You can stack the containers one over the other to save space and stay organized. You can keep the containers in a freezer and clean them in a dishwasher, which shows how durable these units are. The company offers a lifetime warranty on the containers.
2. OXO Good Grips POP Airtight Food Storage Container
OXO brings to you a set of airtight containers, which you can use to keep dry foods fresh and secure. The containers are designed in a space-efficient design, thus keeping your cupboards organized. The containers are made using BPA-free material and are very durable. Cleaning these containers is very easy, as they are dishwasher safe. The presence of a fill line in all containers makes it easier for you to store staples like flour, rice, sugar, cereal, coffee, pasta, nuts, and snacks.
Each container comes with an A lid type, which is compatible with a date dial, labels, leveler, dusting scoop, coffee scoop, and half cup scoop, but you will have to get the accessories separately. To enable the airtight seal, you just need to push a button, which can also be used as a handle for the lid, which I won’t recommend because it might get a break if you put too much pressure on it.
3. Chef's Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set
This is another top-quality food storage container set, which is coming from a company like Chef’s Path. You can select the number of containers as per your requirements, but the one in the discussion is a 24-pc set. The set also includes a chalkboard marker, reusable chalkboard labels, and a measuring spoon set to be precise about the quantity of the ingredients added into each of the containers. No matter if your kitchen is running out of space, you will still be able to find a place to store these containers, as you can stack them one over the other.
These airtight storage units will keep your food fresh for longer periods, be it granules, solids, or liquids. You can keep these storage containers in your cupboard, closet, fridge, or freezer. Cleaning these containers is also easy, as the food doesn’t stick too deeply onto the containers. The company offers a money-back guarantee on their products in case you are not satisfied with them.
4. FineDine 24-Piece Superior Glass Food Storage Containers Set
If you are looking for a food storage container set that is made of glass, then you can consider this set from FineDine, which is a 24-piece set that consists of 12 containers and as many lids of various shapes and sizes. All containers are made from borosilicate transparent glass, which is a durable material. The containers won’t crack or warp and will also handle rapid temperature changes. You can take them out of a freezer and put them in a microwave without worrying about damages because there won’t be any.
Since these containers are made of glass, they won’t smell or absorb stains, hence ideal for acidic foods. The glossy surface of the containers helps keep retain the food taste for longer periods. The use of glass instead of plastic is not just better for your health but the environment as well. The lids are designed using innovative hinged-lids technology that allows the lids to flip open and shut in a fraction of a second. You can clean the containers in a dishwasher, which makes cleaning a breeze.
5. Fullstar Food Storage Containers With Lids
Check out this food storage container set, which consists of 17 containers and 17 lids. You can keep different food items in these containers, from liquids to solids and granule food items. The snap-lock containers will keep the food safe inside. There won’t be any leakage or spills, even if you are carrying them along on a trip, thanks to the leak-proof 4-hinge locking system that forms an airtight and watertight seal between the container and lid. The translucent design of the containers allows you to see the contents inside without opening the containers.
You will get containers of different sizes and shapes in the set, which are meant for different use. Despite being made of plastic, the containers contain no BPA, phthalates, or other toxins that could contaminate the food items. You can keep the containers in a refrigerator, freezer, and microwave, as it is designed to withstand rapid temperature changes. The space-saving design of the containers allows you to store them in the confined spots of your kitchen. In case, you are not satisfied with the product, then you can contact the customer service of the company and ask for a replacement or refund.
Types Of Food Storage Containers
One of the first choices to make when buying food storage containers, and probably the most important, is the material. In the range of food storage containers, there are generally three categories of materials: glass, plastic, and metal. They each have their advantages and disadvantages, and I will try in a few lines to guide you in your choice.
Glass storage containers: Glass storage containers offer many advantages. It is a natural and noble material, very easy to maintain, and offers total health security. No potentially toxic element can be released.
Glass containers are therefore preferred for heating dishes in the oven or the microwave. Resistant and durable, they are containers that you can use for life, depending on the quality of the airtight lid that accompanies them. Perfectly transparent, we can easily distinguish the contents, once placed in the fridge.
But, if the pyrex or borosilicate glass storage containers are particularly resistant, they are not unbreakable and can break in the event of a strong impact. Plastic is, therefore still more commonly used for transporting meals, because it is safer and above all less heavy than glass.
Finally comes the pricing, so in this aspect, glass food storage containers will burn a bigger hole in your pocket compared to plastic containers, but you will get a more durable set to store your food. This is an element to take into account for large families, who need a large number of containers.
Plastic storage containers: Plastic storage containers are among the most commonly used storage units, which are lighter and cheaper than glass. Unbreakable and completely waterproof when accompanied by a hermetic valve cover with a gasket. This is the preferred option for taking your lunch to work, school, or hiking.
However, plastic food storage containers have several major drawbacks. If the plastic is of poor quality, it can deform, scratch, retain stains, stain, in short, deteriorate quickly. Special precautions must also be taken when reheating the cans in the microwave.
To avoid premature deformation of the lid or the container, overheating must be avoided. To do this, you must limit the heating time and microwave power to what is strictly necessary.
For maximum health security, and to avoid rapid degradation, it is necessary to choose the type of container. In particular, it must be guaranteed without BPA, and in accordance with European regulations. The plastic top prize and low end are avoided for food use. One of the best plastics to use in the kitchen is polypropylene, as it is non-toxic, both flexible and resistant, plus it offers the best guarantees and increased longevity.
Metal food storage container: Metal food storage containers can be a great alternative to glass and plastic containers. In this category, we find stainless steel or aluminum food storage containers.
Stainless steel is an alloy of natural metals, completely safe for your health. Particularly aesthetic and durable, it is very easy to clean and does not retain tastes and odors.
Stainless steel contains no chemical additives and can be steam-sterilized. It is, therefore, the healthiest material for food use, ideal for example for feeding infants.
You can use stainless steel food storage containers in an oven, freezer, or refrigerator when they are with a tight lid.
Aluminum is also commonly used for food storage. It is an economical and lightweight material, generally used in the manufacture of disposable single-use trays. Aluminum food storage containers are not particularly useful for storing food at home in the fridge. They are nevertheless very interesting for baking in the oven, or for transporting catering dishes.
In the range of metal food storage containers, there are also many decorative containers with a more or less vintage design. Generally not very airtight, they are mainly used for the storage of bulk food.
How To Choose The Best Food Storage Container?
Material
Most food storage containers are made of plastic, but there are also glass containers. They are then heavier and break more easily in the event of a fall. However, they wash more easily and take up less of the smell of the food they have stored. They are also a little more expensive.
Use
Some containers are not designed for microwave use. Others are specially designed for freezing. It is worth checking the label to make sure the container is suitable for the intended use.
Storage
Nothing is more annoying than a drawer full of mismatched containers. If you choose too many different models, it is often tedious to find the right cover. And if these are not products of the same series, then it is difficult to stack them correctly.
Strength and resistance
Like any container, food storage containers benefit from being resistant. They must survive many times in the dishwasher, microwave, or freezer. As they are often transported, they must also be sturdy.
Sealing
A good food container is completely airtight. Nobody likes to find part of their meal at the bottom of their bag.
Problematic substances
Some plastics can contain toxic substances. Cadmium is, for example, a heavy metal dangerous for the kidneys, which is sometimes used for the coloring or stabilization of plastics. Some containers also contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be carcinogenic. Phthalates are said to have a hormonal effect.
Summing Up
It is hard to imagine a kitchen without food storage containers. These storage units are used to keep all types of food items safe and secure for days, be it solids, liquids, or granules. Since you have read consumer reports food storage containers reviews along with buying guide, you can buy the best storage container that is made of the material you consider most suitable for the food items you wish to store.