But if the lid has a removable gasket, remove the gasket from time to time and clean it separately from the lid to make sure no mold can grow. due to high, uneven heat, humidity, and chemicals from detergent. We noticed a few of our Glasslock lids began to break after four years of putting them through the dishwasher, and our Pyrex lids have cracked over time, too.

Hand-washing them with water no hotter than what comes from your tap, or at least avoiding the heated dry cycle if your dishwasher has one when you do use the dishwasher, may help extend their lifespan. After removing glass food-storage containers from a hot dishwasher, the experts we spoke to recommend letting them cool before stacking them in a cupboard.

To store, dry the lids completely before putting away. We recommend leaving the lids resting on top of the containers, but not snapped shut, which helps to protect the longevity of the seal.

Never subject your glass food storage containers to extreme thermal stresses such as taking containers from the freezer and placing them directly into a hot oven and vice versa. If you prefer borosilicate glass containers: We liked the shape and size variation of the OXO 16 Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set.

But if you plan on using your containers frequently in the oven or freezer, or the Glasslock containers are sold out, we think this is a good option. The white lids stained in our tomato sauce tests of course , and because the lids are glass, the containers are heavy and not ideal for transport.

If you want to switch between plastic and glass containers: We appreciate that the lids on the Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Set are interchangeable with those of the plastic Snapware set.

This set was our former runner-up pick for glass containers though it used to have 18 pieces and slightly different shape options. Because the silicone-bordered lids are a little harder to clean by hand than those of the Glasslocks containers, we recommend these only if having interchangeable lids between plastic and glass sets is important to you.

If the Snapware set is sold out: We like the lids on the plastic OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Plastic Container Set just as much as the ones on the glass version.

The lids on all of our picks the locking-style lids on the Glasslocks or Snapware containers and the press-on style lids from Pyrex and Rubbermaid take some effort to get on and off.

Suction lids, by contrast, simply sit atop a bowl or container you already own to cover it. We also tried the GIR lids, which come in more sizes and colors. I found them easier to put on, take off, and clean than firmer lids with ridges or tabs; maybe you will too.

There are just two shape and size options in the Rubbermaid Brilliance glass set, and the lids are more difficult to shut and pry off than those of our picks. The Anchor Hocking Glass Food Storage Set survived our drop tests, but the containers leaked more than the similarly designed glass Pyrex containers we tested.

The flimsy lids in this set also held onto odors more than our picks. They also have fewer shape options, and the locking lids require more force to shut than our plastic containers pick. The lids are a little harder to align and lock, compared with our picks. In our update, these were the only plastic containers to have freezer burn and to stain after our tomato sauce test.

These containers also shattered in our drop test. The Rubbermaid Premier set did very well in nearly all of our tests, but it was difficult to tell when the lid was sealed properly.

We also thought the container sizes were a little too small for holding leftovers. The Snapware Airtight Plastic Food Container Set we recommended in had faulty lid flaps that were difficult to close when they were tested again in This set also held onto food odors and stains more than the competition.

This set is no longer available in these shapes, but there is a set of round containers. These containers also no longer come in a set with varying shapes and sizes, so every piece must be purchased individually. The Glad MatchWare color-coded lids and containers made matching pairs easy.

But they leaked, stained, and left ground meat covered with freezer burn. These containers also exploded in our drop tests. The colors and patterns on this set have changed since our original review, though the containers are the same.

Nicole Papantoniou, The Best Food Storage Containers , Good Housekeeping, January 22, Sharon Franke, The Best Food Storage Containers of , Reviewed, February 16, The Best Food-Storage Containers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers , The Strategist, September 8, Faith Durand, executive editor for The Kitchn , email interview.

Michele Thomas, then executive editor at the International Culinary Center , email interview, January 28, Jane Cook, PhD, then chief scientist at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York , phone interview, September 15, and March 16, William C.

LaCourse, PhD, then professor in the Glass Engineering Science department at Alfred University in Alfred, New York , phone interview, September 12, Heated Glass Comparison , Vitroglazings. Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter.

During her time at Wirecutter, she reported on various topics including sports bras, board games, and light bulbs. Previously she wrote food and lifestyle pieces for Saveur and Kinfolk magazines. Anna is a mentor at Girls Write Now and a member of the Online News Association.

Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since Previously, he was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York. He has worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade. After testing 19 food storage container sets over the years, we recommend the Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers and the Rubbermaid Commercial Containers.

We have the best freezer containers, plus expert advice on saving money and reducing waste by getting the most from your freezer. If you want to give someone a food gift to show you care, consider cooking for them, ordering a gift basket or delivery, or organizing a meal train.

Food storage container lids are incredibly annoying to deal with—unless you have the YouCopia StoraLid Container Lid Organizer.

Everything we recommend. Our pick. Pyrex Simply Store Piece Set The best glass container set. Snapware Total Solution Piece Food Storage Set The best plastic container set.

Glasslock Piece Container Set The best leakproof glass container set. Budget pick. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers Containers you can leave behind.

Back to top Why you should trust us Who should get this Choosing between glass and plastic containers How we picked and tested Our glass pick: Pyrex Simply Store Piece Set Our pick: Snapware Total Solution Piece Food Storage Set Runner-up: Glasslock Piece Container Set Budget pick: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers Care and maintenance Other good food storage containers The competition Sources.

Why you should trust us. Who should get this. Choosing between glass and plastic containers. Wondering which material to get? Choose one of our glass picks if any of the following apply:. You store foods that tend to stain or smell. You prefer oven-safe containers though you should still double-check whether a container can go in a preheated or cold oven.

Choose one of our plastic picks if any of the following apply:. You want something that is less likely to shatter. You want a cheaper option that you can leave behind at potlucks or stock up on for meal prep.

Your family members tend to lose containers. You want something lighter to carry around. A note on tempered vs. other types of glass. How we picked and tested. Not only will a good seal help food last longer, but leakproof construction is also important for transporting liquids.

Many of the models we tested have a gasket seal around the lip and plastic hinges that snap shut, so you know the container is sealed properly. Easy to clean: We wanted containers that could go in the dishwasher. For easier cleanup, we preferred containers that had sealing lids with removable gaskets because you can remove and wash them separately this also prevents mold buildup.

Easy to stack and store: Containers that can nest or stack neatly will be easier to store and nicer to look at. And the shapes and sizes will affect how easy it is to store containers—square or rectangular containers will maximize fridge or freezer space.

We tried to pick sets with a good range from large to small, with emphasis on rectangular or square space-saving shapes. We also preferred glass and plastic sets that had interchangeable lids among containers, so finding the right lid will be a little easier. Heat-safe: We wanted containers that could go in the microwave, so that eliminated stainless steel.

For glass containers, we also preferred options that were preheated-oven—safe or oven-safe so you can warm food in the same container.

Translucent: The containers should be clear or easy to see through, so you know what is inside without having to open them. So we avoided ceramic containers they can also break easily. Containers in a set are generally less expensive per piece. Although price was a factor when we made our pick, we also considered that glass containers will last a long time.

Keep in mind that most manufacturers include both the containers and the lids in the total set count. Our glass pick: Pyrex Simply Store Piece Set. We recommend storing soupier foods in the round Pyrex containers; the rectangular ones leaked from the corners in our tests.

Photo: Michael Murtaugh. Flaws but not dealbreakers. Our pick: Snapware Total Solution Piece Food Storage Set. The Snapware set comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, with larger containers to store leftovers and smaller ones for dressings or sauces.

Runner-up: Glasslock Piece Container Set. The Glasslock containers are oven-safe and nice enough to serve from, just like the Pyrex containers. How the Glasslock containers have held up. Budget pick: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers.

Compared with other budget options we considered, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs offer a better range of shapes and sizes the containers from the piece set are pictured here.

Care and maintenance. Other good food storage containers. The competition. This article was edited by Marilyn Ong and Marguerite Preston. LaCourse, PhD, then professor in the Glass Engineering Science department at Alfred University in Alfred, New York , phone interview, September 12, Heated Glass Comparison , Vitroglazings.

Meet your guides. Anna Perling. Michael Sullivan. Ganda Suthivarakom. Further reading. The Best Dry Food Storage Containers by Arianna Flores, Michael Sullivan, and Marguerite Preston After testing 19 food storage container sets over the years, we recommend the Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers and the Rubbermaid Commercial Containers.

To test how tightly each plastic container sealed, we filled each partly with water, put the lid on, and turned it upside down. This is not a perfectly accurate test, since the pressure of water flowing out of a container is stronger than the pressure of air flowing in. But a lot of water leaking out is a pretty good indication that a lid is not tight enough to keep food fresh or pests out.

We put the lids on and took them off all the containers multiple times, paying attention to how simple or hard it was to do so and looking for signs of wear. We also filled each container of the appropriate size with 5 pounds of flour and 4 pounds of sugar to see how easy it was to do so.

Using a 1-cup measuring cup , we tried scooping flour from each brand of container both when it was full and when it was nearly empty.

To test sturdiness, we filled each plastic container with 2 pounds of beans and slid it off a counter onto the kitchen floor so that it landed sideways. We also dropped them all from waist height at other angles—upright, upside down, and on a corner—to see if they cracked or if the lids popped off.

We added two new tests for the models we included in our update. First, to find out whether they were appropriately bug-proof, we poured a powdered sugar and water sludge into each container.

Then we left them outside overnight during springtime in rural Texas a season notorious for an abundance of creepy-crawlies. The next day, we opened each container to inspect for bugs.

Second, to test how well the plastic containers kept food fresh, we filled each model with Goldfish crackers. The lids and containers in this set are very sturdy and seal tightly, even after multiple runs through the dishwasher.

Their rectangular shape is narrow enough to fit neatly in kitchen cabinets but still plenty wide enough to fit a 1-cup measuring cup. The pack we tested included nine sizes, which fit one of three different lids.

We also like that these containers are available both individually and sold in various sets. The standout feature of these Rubbermaid containers is their exceptional seal.

The gasket that runs the perimeter of each lid, combined with two locking clasps that snap down tightly, prevented even a drop from escaping when we filled the containers with water and held them upside down.

Other canisters we tested, like the OXO Pop Big Square Containers and the ClickClack Cube Storage Containers , dribbled steadily when filled with water. Indeed, they were the only containers to keep Goldfish crackers crunchy for a full three weeks during our tests.

And when we left a container with powdered sugar sludge outside overnight, no bugs were able to penetrate the seal although this was true for all the plastic containers we tested.

And stacking the containers is easy: The slight rim around the lid keeps the containers from sliding around on top of one another and helps secure them in place——a feature not every container we tested had. Although the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are somewhat slender, a 1-cup measuring cup does fit easily through the opening of all but the small 1.

The narrow shape with rounded ends was also generally easy for us to grip with one hand and to pour depending on the weight of what was in the container , whereas most of the other containers we tested required us to use two hands.

The cup Brilliance container perfectly holds a 5-pound bag of flour, while the cup container neatly fits a 4-pound bag of sugar. We found these two to be the most useful sizes for storing most dry ingredients.

The largest container— The 8. But we like that its height makes it easy to reach when stored in the back of a deep cupboard. The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers, which are made of Tritan plastic, are durable and dishwasher safe. They emerged from our drop test without a scratch, while other, pricier competitors such as the OXO containers shattered on the first drop.

Wirecutter senior staff writer Kaitlyn Wells purchased this set in response to finding grain weevils and ants in her pantry. She finds the seal much better than another brand she purchased previously, and is happy with how critter-free her cabinets have been since. Rubbermaid does not offer replacement parts.

If the Brilliance containers hit the floor lid first, the lids can sometimes pop off. We wish measurements were printed on the side of the containers, as on the Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers , so you can gauge approximately how much of an ingredient you have at any given time.

The plastic clasps on the Brilliance lids require multiple steps to open and close, compared with container designs that allow you to peel the lid off in one motion. Also, the silicone band along the perimeter of the lids has a lot of nooks and crannies that can be difficult to clean by hand.

But we think the advantages of the tight-sealing lids will outweigh this flaw for most people. When we inquired about replacement parts , Rubbermaid customer service told us that, outside of the one-year warranty, they will consider sending free replacements for damaged parts on a case by case basis.

We wish it were easier to replace a single component, though this is a common problem among the containers we tested. But this is really an issue only if you have short cupboards. For people who have a spacious pantry or who regularly purchase ingredients in bulk, the Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers are a great option.

They have measurements in liters and quarts clearly stamped and painted on the outside, and they are available in sizes ranging from 2 to 22 quarts.

The Rubbermaid Commercial containers have a few features that make them better than Cambro models. The Rubbermaid lids dripped only lightly around the corners of the container and always stayed firmly in place during our drop test, while the lid popped right off a dropped Cambro.

The only downside to that tight seal is that the Rubbermaid Commercial lids can actually be hard to snap on all the way.

It took a firm smack on our part to make sure every corner was fully closed in our testing. And prying the lid off can take a pretty big tug, too. If you have trouble gripping, pulling, or snapping tight lids, these containers might not be best suited for you. Rubbermaid makes all of its smaller containers up to 8 quarts the same shape, so that they stack easily.

Whereas the Rubbermaid sold as 4 quarts actually has a 4-liter capacity, which is plenty of room for a 5-pound bag of flour, the 4-quart Cambro barely has room for 5 pounds of flour. All of the Rubbermaid Commercial containers also come with handles on two sides, whereas only those Cambro containers larger than 8 quarts larger than most people ever need for home use have handles.

But handles make it much easier to pick up these bulky, slick-sided containers—some people might even be able to carry them with one hand, which is impossible to do with the Cambro containers. Their considerable width makes these Rubbermaid containers easier to to scoop from than any other container we tested aside from the similar Cambros , a benefit that frequent bakers especially will appreciate, since flour has a tendency to fly everywhere.

We keep a large stack of the Rubbermaid Commercial containers in the Wirecutter test kitchen, where we use them for storing flour, sugar, and other dry goods. In the test kitchen we also use them to store the mountains of leftovers—from dehydrating pounds of apples, say, or slow cooking three pot roasts—we regularly produce in our testing.

Of the many containers we have, one has developed a hairline crack. But for the most part these containers have held up well to lots of abuse, and the one with the small crack is still perfectly usable for things like organizing cake decorating supplies. So, in , we decided to try out a few different ceramic and glass models.

We had to tweak the original criteria we used for selecting plastic storage containers as we searched for glass and ceramic containers to test. Ceramic and glass will always run the risk of shattering when dropped, but we did look for containers that were made of thicker material to better withstand abuse.

As we predicted, there are several big drawbacks to these glass and ceramic containers. In general, Goldfish crackers became stale more quickly in these types of containers during our tests. And when we left them outside overnight, small bugs got into several of the ceramic models we tested.

Many of the containers we tested run small, and the ceramic containers specifically are significantly heavier than plastic ones, making them harder to pick up and pour from. Because of their shortcomings, we decided against recommending ceramic or glass containers as an official pick.

We could see these containers lasting for years if treated well like many other Le Creuset products. However, these containers come in three sizes that are all on the smaller side, the largest being only 2.

If you want ceramic containers that are simple and easy to handle: The Williams Sonoma Pantry Canisters had a few solid things going for them. We thought their all-white look was classy and versatile, and we especially appreciated the handles on top of their lids. They also come in larger sizes think round, and wide, like a classic cookie-jar than most other ceramic containers, which could be useful to some people.

However, the seal on these containers left something to be desired, even compared with other ceramic containers, and bugs got inside them when we left them outside overnight. We found the square containers were easier to handle than the round ones, which had a very wide footprint and could make scooping difficult since ingredients could spread into a thin layer across their wide bottoms.

They can be stacked safely if need be, thanks to the upturned lip on their lids, and their sleek exteriors would look lovely on any countertop.

Several Wirecutter staffers attest that canning jars are a solid non-plastic option for storing dry ingredients à la The Great British Bake Off.

Jars from brands like Ball , Le Parfait , IKEA , and Kilner come in a variety of sizes; you might even have some at home that you can repurpose. Using good dry food storage containers can be an environmentally-conscious practice in and of itself.

For one thing, good containers help extend the shelf life of your dry ingredients for as long as possible. With proper storage in a cool, dry place a safe distance from the oven , many dry ingredients can last months or more in good containers.

Whole grains typically have a shorter shelf life because of their higher protein content, while things like white flour and white rice will last longer. Rubbermaid also has a program through Terracycle where you can mail in old plastic and glass containers of any brand to be broken down into their raw formats, which are then used to make new containers.

Of course, reusing things you already own is more sustainable than buying a new product. You might have some leftover vessels in and around your home that could do the trick nicely.

Some dry ingredients fit well in unconventional containers, as long as you can find something well-sized for your needs with a decent-sealing lid.

If the mouths of your containers give you trouble when it comes time to replenish your supply, Clark recommends using a funnel when re-filling to make everything easier and mess-free.

But the lid allowed water to pour out and popped off easily in our tests. We saw recommendations for the LocknLock Rectangular Food Containers in forums on Chowhound and Kitchn. They sealed just as tightly as the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers and survived all of our drop tests easily.

But their sets tend to offer smaller sizes that are geared toward storing leftovers and fewer large containers for storing bulk dry items. Mepal Modula Stackable Storage Containers are some of the sleekest plastic containers we tested.

We wish their performance matched their good looks. One of the OXO containers, in fact, cracked even before our drop test, just from knocking against the counter. The Sistema Klip It Rectangle Containers are highly rated on Amazon.

But they felt flimsy, and one even broke during shipping. The lids were leaky in our tests, and the sizes large enough to fit 5 pounds of flour are wide and shallow, not the best shape for kitchen cabinets.

We also found their size options limited. Because the containers are pretty narrow, they also can be difficult to scoop out of with a 1-cup scoop. We also tested the Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware and the pricier West Elm Kaloh ceramic canisters. For both sets, each container has a uniquely sized lid, which makes them a pain to match.

Plus, the lids themselves were made out of wood that felt flimsier and less-finished than, say, the polished tops of the Le Creuset containers.

I know Dollar Tree is great for plastic storage baskets but don't recall seeing sealable clear containers there Missing Best Overall Dry Food Storage Containers: Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Container Set at Amazon ($67) ; Best Budget Dry Food Storage

Affordable food storage solutions - Our top picks: ; Best Overall Food Storage Containers. Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. $47 at Amazon ; Best Value Food Storage I know Dollar Tree is great for plastic storage baskets but don't recall seeing sealable clear containers there Missing Best Overall Dry Food Storage Containers: Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Container Set at Amazon ($67) ; Best Budget Dry Food Storage

We also found that the rectangular containers leaked from the corners. The Pyrex set includes nine glass containers with matching lids , and they range in size from 1 to 7 cups. The containers nest well, or you can stack the sealed containers on top of each other.

Also, according to the company, Pyrex will replace any glass product that breaks due to oven heat. If this happens, just be sure to keep the damaged item, since you may be asked to return it.

Contact the Pyrex Customer Care Center for returns or replacements. Like the other glass containers we tested, the Pyrex set we looked at had a number of visible flaws in the glass. All tempered glassware runs the risk of spontaneously shattering.

Glass is a brittle material and needs to be treated with care. Several Amazon reviewers have complained that the lids can crack or warp even after just a few uses, but Wirecutter staffers reported that their Pyrex lids stayed intact even after two to three years.

Pyrex does sell replacement lids if you need them. You may be able to prolong the life of your lids by hand-washing them, although it may be inconvenient to do so. Out of all the plastic sets we tested, we recommend the Snapware Total Solution Piece Food Storage Set.

But the plastic, locking Snapware set is cheaper, lighter, and more convenient for transporting food than our glass picks. Snapware is owned by the same company as Pyrex, and similarly, it offers replaceable lids and a long warranty.

These sets have held up well over time in our home kitchens, too. For those reasons, we think the Snapware set is the best option from our picks if you want to prep your meal ahead and grab your container from the fridge on your way out the door. The lids in the Snapware Total Solution set are easy to snap closed unlike those in the Snapware Airtight set, which were difficult to latch and repeatedly popped open, or the Rubbermaid Brilliance lids, which sprang shut violently, like a mousetrap.

With the locking tabs, these containers are more likely to stay shut than sets with press-on lids from IKEA or our budget pick, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs.

The containers themselves were also stain-free. And the Snapware Total Solution set performed admirably in our drop tests: Only a small piece on the corner of the lid broke off, after the third drop. We appreciate that the Snapware containers nest, for easy storage, or stack neatly in the fridge and freezer.

The set comes with 10 containers and matching lids in a variety of shapes and sizes that we think will work for most foods—from small circular containers for storing sauces or dressings to deeper, rounded rectangles for lasagna or curry.

We found the Snapware lids slightly easier to lock and pop off than the Glasslock lids thanks to a small protruding tab at the rim. The key difference between the two containers is that you can remove the gaskets on the Glasslock lids for cleaning, but the gaskets on the Snapware lids we tested are attached.

The instructions on the Snapware Total Solution product page recommend removing the gasket for cleaning. These containers are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.

Snapware also sells replaceable lids for every shape in the set if you need them: round , square , and rectangular.

Like Pyrex, Snapware is a Corelle brand. Like a lot of glass containers we considered, these have a history of chipping over time although many Wirecutter staffers report no issues after years of use. But they also put pressure on the edge of the glass, which, according to the glass experts we spoke with, may be causing stress that results in breakage.

Several reviewers also mentioned that their containers chipped after they nested them for storage. We were told by Jane Cook, then chief scientist at the Corning Museum of Glass , that stacking glass can cause stress over time because the two hard surfaces rub together, and this may eventually lead to chipping.

You can stack the containers on top of each other with the lids on instead, or layer a paper towel between containers. Per piece, the set also costs less than other glass options we considered. In our tests, greens remained sprightly, and cut strawberries tasted just a touch off after being refrigerated for two weeks.

Impressively, the Glasslock set bounced in our drop tests, with no damage to the glass containers. For kicks, we even tried dropping a Glasslock container onto cement. It broke on a corner only after three other attempts to crack the thing. The Glasslock set comes with nine square, rectangular, and round containers ranging from 0.

Though the containers are clear, you can choose to get them with clear lids with a sea-green gasket or with translucent cornflower-blue lids.

This set has a wider range of shapes than the glass Rubbermaid Brilliance set. The Glasslock walls are thick but perfectly see-through, and same-shape containers of different sizes nest even with the lids on. These containers stack beautifully in the fridge, making it easy to see what leftovers you have.

And we still saw complaints of chipping in the reviews. You can order the right-size lid on its website by looking for the product code etched into the bottom of your container.

Like all tempered glassware, the Glasslock containers can spontaneously shatter albeit very rarely due to surface damage, manufacturing flaws, or extreme thermal stresses.

The chipping is probably due to the pressure that the locking lids put on the glass when you snap them shut, or from stacking the containers. Cook said that you can also put stress on glass by rubbing it against a material as hard or harder than itself which happens when you stack glass containers on top of each other.

That stress is also exacerbated when you stack warm containers that have expanded. We also subjected the Glasslock containers to extreme thermal stresses , and they survived unscathed.

This seems to happen only to sets that people hand-wash. Some Amazon reviewers have complained that the flaps on the lids of the Glasslock containers make a racket when snapped shut. Marilyn Ong, supervising editor on our kitchen team, has owned Glasslock containers for roughly seven years, and she uses them frequently to store leftovers for her family of five.

She ordered new lids for free from the Glasslock website , paid a few dollars for shipping, and received them less than a week later. And while other budget plastic containers we tested, like those from Reditainer and Glad, shattered immediately when filled with water and dropped from waist height, the Rubbermaid container we dropped remained fully sealed for two drops.

Only after the fourth drop did the base of the Rubbermaid crack. The plastic becomes soft when microwaved, though not as soft as the Ziploc and Glad containers. The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs also stained slightly and retained a faint tomato scent after dishwashing, which was a problem we encountered with all of the cheap plastic sets we tested.

We also like deli containers , which stack and are designed to be disposable if you want to give food away or leave your container behind. Your containers will likely outlast your lids, but you can try and take a little extra care of them to prolong their lifespan.

No sealed lid benefits from the vacuum effect that happens when you heat your food in the microwave. Abusing the lid in this way can cause it to warp and lose its seal. When you microwave, if you must keep the lid on to prevent splatter, always make sure to loosen the lid completely and set it slightly ajar across the top of the container.

An even better option is to put a vented microwave cover or a paper towel over your container when you zap it.

But if the lid has a removable gasket, remove the gasket from time to time and clean it separately from the lid to make sure no mold can grow. due to high, uneven heat, humidity, and chemicals from detergent. We noticed a few of our Glasslock lids began to break after four years of putting them through the dishwasher, and our Pyrex lids have cracked over time, too.

Hand-washing them with water no hotter than what comes from your tap, or at least avoiding the heated dry cycle if your dishwasher has one when you do use the dishwasher, may help extend their lifespan. After removing glass food-storage containers from a hot dishwasher, the experts we spoke to recommend letting them cool before stacking them in a cupboard.

To store, dry the lids completely before putting away. We recommend leaving the lids resting on top of the containers, but not snapped shut, which helps to protect the longevity of the seal.

Never subject your glass food storage containers to extreme thermal stresses such as taking containers from the freezer and placing them directly into a hot oven and vice versa.

If you prefer borosilicate glass containers: We liked the shape and size variation of the OXO 16 Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set. But if you plan on using your containers frequently in the oven or freezer, or the Glasslock containers are sold out, we think this is a good option. The white lids stained in our tomato sauce tests of course , and because the lids are glass, the containers are heavy and not ideal for transport.

If you want to switch between plastic and glass containers: We appreciate that the lids on the Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Set are interchangeable with those of the plastic Snapware set.

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By Bernadette Machard de Gramont. Bernadette Machard de Gramont. Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a freelance writer specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products, specifically cookware. In This Article Expand. Our top picks. Our Favorite. The Tests. Other Food Storage Containers We Tested.

Factors to Consider. Our Top Picks. Best Glass:. Best Plastic:. Best Value, Glass:. Best Value, Plastic:. Best Reusable Bags:. Best Pantry Storage:. Best Glass. Glasslock Piece Assorted Container Set. Pros This set can go in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven without the lids. Best Plastic.

Rubbermaid Premier Storage Containers. Cons We noticed the plastic held on to some odors when we washed them by hand. Best Value, Glass. Pyrex Piece Glass Food Storage Container. Pros We love the assortment of sizes in this set, which make it extra versatile.

Best Value, Plastic. Rubbermaid Brilliance Piece Container Set. Pros The Tritan construction gives you a perfectly clear view of each containers contents from every angle. Cons You may need to supplement with additional large pieces if you tend to store larger batches.

Best Reusable Bags. Stasher 4-Pack Storage Starter Bundle. Pros The silicone construction makes these extremely versatile and durable. Best Pantry Storage. Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Container Set. Pros It includes a nice number of pieces, and all parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Cons Some may need more than one set for adequate storage and organization. Our Favorite As we mentioned, the best set of storage containers depend on your preferences. The Tests We tested 76 food storage container sets, which included 35 plastic sets, 24 glass sets, 13 reusable silicone bags, two reusable fabric bags, and two ceramic canister sets.

Factors to Consider Material Food storage containers typically come in sturdy plastic, glass, or stoneware, while reusable bags tend to be made of silicone or fabric.

Seal To keep contents fresh, you want a container or bag that seals well. Capacity When picking a storage set, you want to be sure that the sizes included are useful for your household.

Cleaning Most food storage containers and reusable bags can be easily washed by hand, but for a more thorough cleaning, you may prefer to pick a set that is dishwasher-safe. Frequently Asked Questions. How do you organize food storage containers? How many food storage containers do I need?

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Related Articles. You might have some leftover vessels in and around your home that could do the trick nicely. Some dry ingredients fit well in unconventional containers, as long as you can find something well-sized for your needs with a decent-sealing lid.

If the mouths of your containers give you trouble when it comes time to replenish your supply, Clark recommends using a funnel when re-filling to make everything easier and mess-free.

But the lid allowed water to pour out and popped off easily in our tests. We saw recommendations for the LocknLock Rectangular Food Containers in forums on Chowhound and Kitchn. They sealed just as tightly as the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers and survived all of our drop tests easily.

But their sets tend to offer smaller sizes that are geared toward storing leftovers and fewer large containers for storing bulk dry items. Mepal Modula Stackable Storage Containers are some of the sleekest plastic containers we tested. We wish their performance matched their good looks. One of the OXO containers, in fact, cracked even before our drop test, just from knocking against the counter.

The Sistema Klip It Rectangle Containers are highly rated on Amazon. But they felt flimsy, and one even broke during shipping. The lids were leaky in our tests, and the sizes large enough to fit 5 pounds of flour are wide and shallow, not the best shape for kitchen cabinets.

We also found their size options limited. Because the containers are pretty narrow, they also can be difficult to scoop out of with a 1-cup scoop. We also tested the Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware and the pricier West Elm Kaloh ceramic canisters.

For both sets, each container has a uniquely sized lid, which makes them a pain to match. Plus, the lids themselves were made out of wood that felt flimsier and less-finished than, say, the polished tops of the Le Creuset containers.

The larger sizes are also difficult to grip and pour without a firm two hands on them. Toni Hammersley, founder of A Bowl Full of Lemons and author of The Complete Book of Home Organization , interview. Sarah Carey, editorial director of food and entertaining at Martha Stewart Living , interview.

Maria Speck, author of Ancient Grains for Modern Meals , interview. Food Storage Container Reviews , Good Housekeeping. Emma Christensen, What Are the Best Airtight Storage Containers? Arianna Flores was an updates writer at Wirecutter covering kitchen and appliances.

Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since Previously, he was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York.

He has worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade. Marguerite Preston is a senior editor covering kitchen gear and appliances at Wirecutter, and has written guides to baking equipment, meal kit delivery services, and more.

She previously worked as an editor for Eater New York and as a freelance food writer. Before that, she learned her way around professional kitchens as a pastry cook in New York.

After years of using and abusing food-storage containers, we recommend the glass Pyrex Simply Store Piece Set and the Snapware Total Solution Piece Set. We have the best freezer containers, plus expert advice on saving money and reducing waste by getting the most from your freezer.

After extensive testing, these seven storage bins, boxes, and totes are our favorites for keeping stuff clean and dry, inside or out.

Uncovering what makes fresh pet food different from the traditional stuff—and why you might consider it.

Everything we recommend. Our pick. Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers The best dry food storage containers. Also great. Rubbermaid Commercial Space-Saving Square Food Containers For those with more to store. How we tested Multiple drops. We knocked all the plastic containers off a counter to test durability.

Goldfish crackers. Leak test. Back to top Why you should trust us Who should get dry storage containers How we picked How we tested Our pick: Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers Also great: Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers What about glass and ceramic containers?

Environmental impact of food storage containers The competition Sources. Why you should trust us. Who should get dry storage containers.

How we picked. How we tested. Our pick: Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers. The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are completely watertight.

Photo: Sarah Kobos. How the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers have held up. Photo: Ciara Murray Jordan.

Flaws but not dealbreakers. Also great: Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers. How the Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving containers have held up. I use them for all kinds of things beyond dry ingredients, including storing leftovers, dry-brining meat, transporting baked goods, and bringing salads to potlucks.

I do find it nearly impossible to snap on all four corners of the lid when the container is frozen, but otherwise the lids don't give me problems.

Photo: Marguerite Preston. What about glass and ceramic containers? Environmental impact of food storage containers.

The competition. This article was edited by Marguerite Preston and Marilyn Ong. Meet your guides. Arianna Flores. Michael Sullivan.

Affordable food storage solutions - Our top picks: ; Best Overall Food Storage Containers. Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. $47 at Amazon ; Best Value Food Storage I know Dollar Tree is great for plastic storage baskets but don't recall seeing sealable clear containers there Missing Best Overall Dry Food Storage Containers: Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Container Set at Amazon ($67) ; Best Budget Dry Food Storage

KORKEN Jar with lid, 34 oz. More options KORKEN Jar with lid 34 oz. HAVSTOBIS Food container with lid, set of 5. VARDAGEN Jar with lid, 64 oz.

Last chance to buy. More options VARDAGEN Jar with lid 64 oz. Showing 24 of Your pantry deserves to look good too Say goodbye to a messy spice cabinet and hello to organized bliss. Food and pantry storage made easy With our clever food storage containers, keeping your food fresh is a piece of cake note: cake sold separately!

Organize your food storage Organization is the key to an efficient kitchen. Made from food-grade silicone, these bags are flexible, durable, and resealable, making them perfect for storing all kinds of foods, from snacks and sandwiches to fruits and vegetables. They are safe for sous-vide cooking, allowing you to cook your favorite meals in a water bath without any risk of toxins leaching into your food.

Cloth produce bags are perfect for storing fruits and vegetables because they are designed for better air circulation, which helps to preserve the freshness of your produce for a longer time.

Using them also means reducing the need for plastic bags at the grocery store. Ceramic jars and containers do not only add a touch of beauty to your kitchen but also offer excellent storage solutions for items such as coffee, sugar, and pasta.

They can last a long time with proper care and are easy to clean. Wooden containers, like bamboo or acacia wood, are a stylish and eco-friendly way to store dry goods in your kitchen. Their airtight lids ensure that your goods stay fresh and safe from moisture and pests.

Cloth bowl covers, which can be easily made at home, are perfect for covering leftovers and salad bowls. They are washable and reusable and can act as a barrier to keep insects or pests away from your food when dining outdoors or during picnics.

Plant-based food wraps use ingredients like hemp, beeswax, and tree resin to create a flexible and eco-friendly wrap that molds to the shape of your food.

They can be gently washed with cool water and mild soap, air-dried, and then they are ready to be used once more.

When used with proper care, they can last up to a year. Beeswax wraps are a popular type of plant-based food wrap. Making the switch to eco-friendly and zero-waste food storage options is a vital and necessary step towards creating a safer and healthier environment for our loved ones, especially our children.

Not only does it benefit the environment, but it also offers numerous advantages for our health and well-being. Moreover, it encourages us to become more mindful of the food we buy, consume, and discard, leading to a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our planet.

If you need some recommendations on where to shop for the zero-waste food storage items other than Amazon , check out these online stores:.

A plastic free bathroom not only saves lots of packaging and money, it also looks clean and stylish. Plastic-free July is here! These easy-to adopt activities will help you become plastic-free in no time. Living plastic free also works on a budget.

Here are the best tips and tricks on saving money while ditching single-use plastic. FOR HOTELS. I created a comprehensive, page e-book about how going green boosts your hotel's brand, bookings and revenue. This e-book is packed with all the research and data to demonstrate that going plastic-free is the most impactful way to boost your unique value proposition, attract the eco-conscious, high-paying traveler and double your profits.

The piece set the count includes the lids has four rectangular containers in varying sizes, two square containers in a small and large size, and three different-sized round containers.

The containers themselves are recyclable glass made from silica, soda ash, limestone, and other natural components. They're also oven-safe.

Each of the BPA-free plastic lids has a rubber gasket and four latches, making them completely airtight and as leak-proof as it gets. We were impressed by the airtight lock and the fact that these containers are easily stackable, allowing for compact, convenient storage.

The fact that garlicky sauces and left-over Thai food were stored in these containers, yet left no residual scents after a quick wash, should speak for itself. We did notice that the lids are a little hard to close at first but that's the price you pay for an airtight seal.

Material: Glass Number in Set: 9 Items: 1 6. This simple piece set includes 10 sturdy borosilicate glass bases and 10 BPA-free plastic lids. We love the variety this set provides, with different shapes and sizes to accommodate all types of food storage needs—whether you need a smaller 1.

In total, there are five rectangular containers, three round containers, and two square containers. During testing, we felt comfortable traveling with these since the lids have a silicone barrier that won't let food escape. They passed our leak tests with flying colors no water came through the seal.

Likewise, all of the food we added to the containers stayed fresh and never acquired freezer burn. The glass material is super durable and won't stain from holding foods like spaghetti sauce or curry.

Considering the quality, this set offers great value and will likely last a long time. Material: Borosilicate glass bases and BPA-free plastic lids Number in Set: 10 Items: 2 1.

This set is perfect for storing dry goods: the containers look gorgeous out on the counter or shelf, they don't take on any stains or smells from ingredients stored inside, and they're airtight enough to keep brown sugar from drying out.

The one issue we noted during testing was that there was some leakage with liquid ingredients, though thick liquids would likely not be a problem. This is a great option for anyone who is avoiding plastic, but the downside is that the glass could shatter if dropped, so the containers should be kept out of reach of small children.

The glass containers are dishwasher-safe, but the wooden lids are designated as hand-wash only, though we ran them through the dishwasher without any issues. Material: Glass, silicone seals, bamboo lids Number in Set: 5 Items: 1 6. During testing, we loved how completely leakproof these containers were; there was a visibly trapped-in seal, and the brown sugar stored in them didn't dry out.

The containers didn't shatter when dropped, and aside from a little bit of lingering onion smell before going through the dishwasher, they passed our stain and smell tests beautifully. Other features of this set that we loved were the easy-stacking, nice-looking aesthetics, and spacious capacity.

Material: BPA-free plastic Number in Set: 4 Items: 1 6. We loved this option for cereal because of how well it keeps contents from drying out and getting stale—it kept brown sugar from drying out even a tiny bit. It's dishwasher-safe and came out of the wash cycle without any hints of smell or stain.

There was a slight smell from the onion we had stored in it before washing. During testing, we noted and appreciated the design, especially the ergonomic spot for your hands and two different openings: one to fill the container and one to fill your bowl of cereal.

Our main complaint was that it doesn't come with more containers in more sizes to do more jobs. Material: BPA-free plastic Number in Set: 1 Items: 1 4. These gorgeous ceramic containers are beautiful for storing dry items, like coffee, flour, and sugar, on the countertop. They each come with a scoop that nests in a handle on the side of the container, and their bigger-than-average capacities can accommodate large quantities without taking up too much counter space.

If you do want to store items with liquid components like fermenting vegetables , these containers got a perfect score on our leak and splash tests.

We also noted that the containers were completely stain-, streak-, and smell-proof, and that the nice seal of the lids prevented brown sugar from drying out. The containers themselves are dishwasher-safe, while the wooden lids are recommended to be wiped down by hand.

They're no longer available as a set, but you can purchase them separately in small ounce , medium ounce , large ounce , and extra-large 4-quart sizes. Material: Glazed stoneware ceramic , hardwood lids Number in Set: 1 Sizes Available: ounce, ounce, ounce, or 4-quart.

This beautifully designed organizer set from iDesign and The Spruce can help you keep things in order and look good doing it. The seven-piece set includes a berry bin, a small divided bin, a large divided bin, two small bins, an egg bin, and a bottle store bin—but it's also available in three-, four-, and five-piece sets.

The bins each have a coordinating lid that has notches that keep out excess moisture and keep your produce fresher for longer. No need to fumble around the fridge searching for a specific ingredient.

The set comes in three different colors—clear and matte gray, clear and matte white, and just full clear. Not only do they look good, they can make you feel good, too, since the clear plastic is made of recycled bottles. The Spruce is owned by The Spruce Eats' parent company, Dotdash Meredith.

Material: Recycled BPA-free plastic Number in Set: 7 Items: 1 berry bin, 8-cup, 2 crisp bin, 1 small divided bin, 1 large divided bin, 1 egg bin, 1 beverage storage bin 6-cup, 2 3.

We love the large capacity of this five-container set and the different sizes that accommodate an array of uses. They kept brown sugar from drying out in our tests, and they impressed our testers with their ease of cleaning.

The previous version of this set was not fully dishwasher-safe, but this current version features both containers and lids that can be popped in the dishwasher or washed by hand. When we tested by purposefully dropping the containers to see if they'd open or shatter, the top popped open, and the contents went everywhere, so you may want to be cautious.

There was also a bit of leakage when storing more liquid ingredients. However, we still found them to be a solid choice overall and loved the set for all the sizes and uses. Plus, they look clean and neat, so if you have some on the countertop they are not an eyesore.

Material: BPA-free plastic Number in Set: 5 containers, 3 accessories Items: 2 0. These large containers are all the same size, so they're great for storing large quantities of bulk pantry items.

They even do well for storing liquids, as our testing found that they're completely leakproof and very airtight. These containers are also pretty durable when dropped, which makes them more kid-friendly. They were also very stain- and odor-resistant in our Lab testing.

We like that this set is dishwasher-safe and comes with labels, markers, and a scoop set. If you like the versatility of having different-sized containers, this set may not be for you, but it's a sturdy and reliable option that can help to organize your pantry. Material: BPA-free plastic Number in Set: 4 Items: 4 4.

The Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Airtight Food Storage Container Set is our top plastic choice after diligent testing due to its durable design and complete lack of leakage, staining, or smell accumulation.

Another big hit among our tests was the Glasslock Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set , which has similarly great performance and is dishwasher-safe. We sent top-rated plastic, glass, and ceramic food storage container sets to our dedicated Testing Lab, where we evaluated their performance, capacity, ease of cleaning, and design through several side-by-side tests.

We tested how well each set kept one cup of brown sugar from drying out over a set period, how well each set resisted picking up stains from tomato sauce and odors from chopped raw onion over time before and after cleaning , how well each set protected against potential leaks and spills, and in the case of plastic container sets, how durable they were when dropped.

We also sent 19 glass food storage containers and 19 plastic food storage containers to our editors and experts to use in their own kitchens. To test the leakproof capabilities, we filled each container to its maximum capacity with water, sealed it with the lid, and vigorously shook the container for one minute to see how much water leaked out.

We also conducted freshness tests with perishable foods in both the refrigerator and the freezer, as well as a stain test with foods like tomato sauce, turmeric, and red beets.

Food storage containers tend to be made from three types of materials: glass, hard plastic, or flexible plastic—each has its pros and cons. Glass containers are durable but heavy.

Hard plastic containers are great for canister-type storage for flour , sugar, and other pantry ingredients. Flexible plastic containers are the least expensive. Lids also come in a variety of materials that might be different from the container material. While plastic lids are common, certain sets have silicone gaskets for a tighter seal.

While all food storage containers have lids that seal, some are more secure than others. Other lids have flaps that snap onto the side of the containers, which are more secure but take longer to open and close, and the hinged section could break with excessive use.

Other lids have buttons or levers on top that seal with a press or pull. Freezer-Safe: Freezer-safe containers are a must if you make food ahead of time to store in the freezer.

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