Best Food Storage Containers Buying Guide
Are you trying to organize your fridge or just committed to meal prepping every week? Though food storage containers can make things a lot easier, investing in the wrong ones can do more harm than good.
You should know what to look for in the best food storage containers to ensure you are making the right choice. We've scoured the internet and created this buying guide for you.
What Feature Should You Look For in Food Storage Containers?
Food storage containers come in different sizes and materials. Thus, you should have a checklist beforehand to choose the one that caters to your needs.
Material
The three types of material that most food storage containers are made up of are flexible plastic, hard plastic, or glass, each with its pros and cons. You should consider buying a BPA-free container because of the associated health concerns of chemicals found in plastics. Though most manufacturers nowadays are introducing BPA-free products, it is wise to double-check before buying one.
Lid Types
While all food containers come with lids, some of them are more tight and secure to use. If you want to perfectly and safely cover food, it is better to go for lids that seal simply with pressure. However, such lids can easily pop up when the container is dropped or bumped.
Lids with flaps that can snap onto the containers’ sides are more secure, but the hinged section can break easily after excessive use. You will also find lids with levers or buttons on the top to secure it with a pull or press. Occasionally, you may encounter some round containers that have screw-on lids just like the ones on a glass jar.
Price
No matter what we are buying, the cost is always the primary consideration. In the case of food storage containers, you should consider whether you are buying them for personal or commercial use. Depending on the answer to this question, you can find a lot of single-use containers bulk amounts that will cost less than a dollar each. On the other side of the spectrum, a more comprehensive container set can cost somewhere between $20 to $30.
What Are Different Types of Food Storage Containers?
Depending on the usage and material, you are most likely to come across the following types of containers.
Glass
Though glass containers are heavy and sturdy, they don’t retain odors and are stain-proof. These come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are safe to use in microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers. However, it is always a good idea to check the instructions to be on the safe side.
Flexible Plastic
These are the least expensive containers that are usually sold in bulk and are manufactured for single-use. However, you can use them multiple times when handled with care. Higher-end flexible plastic containers are usually microwave and dishwasher safe, but one thing to keep in mind is that they are all prone to discoloration and cracking.
Hard Plastic
Hard plastic is a more durable material used for containers, making them as sturdy as your food processor’s bowl. These are on the pricier side as compared to flexible plastic ones.
Canister Storage
These are the best for holding sugar, flour, pasta, flour, and other pantry staples. Their lids are designed in a way to secure the food from pests. Since you may be using them while cooking, the lids are easy to open and close. And these are for long-term use for one product; you don’t need to wash these very often. Cleaning or wiping the sides can do the job.
Vacuum Storage
Though these are quite similar to canister storage sets, the vacuum system makes the difference. You may get a vacuum included with the set or have to buy a separate one to create the perfect vacuum inside. You can store food that might go stale, like whole grains or nuts. Besides, smaller vacuum storage containers are perfect for making quick-pickled vegetables, instantly marinating meat, or keeping cheese in the refrigerator. They are more expensive than ordinary containers and are best for foods that need a vacuum for long-term storage.
Freshness-retaining Containers
These are available in two types. The first one is entirely made up of plastic to preserve perishable foods. The other one comes with a bottom strainer to drain the moisture away from food.
Which Safety Features Should A Food Storage Container Have?
Having a food storage container is not enough if it’s not suitable according to your needs. Here are some safety features to look for in containers:
Dishwasher-safe
Some canister containers have lids that you cannot wash in the dishwasher. Some light-plastic or single-use containers can warp in the dishwasher. Thus, if you want to save your time, investing in dishwasher-safe containers is worth the price.
Freezer-safe
If you are in the habit of making food ahead of time, you might need food storage boxes that are freezer-friendly. Don’t buy low-quality plastic containers as they might become brittle or crack when kept at cold temperatures for a longer time.
Oven and Microwave Safe
Smaller containers come in handy when you have the option to put them in the microwave or oven. It is better to opt for glass containers as they are suitable for use in both microwaves and conventional oven.
Food Storage Container FAQ
Which Plastic Containers Are Safer To Use?
You should check if the food container is BPA-free. Though many manufacturers have announced that they have eliminated BPA from the products, you should always double-check anyway.
How Should You Organize Food Storage Containers?
It depends on the type of containers that you have. Some of them are stackable, and you can easily nest them together to save space for more items. Besides this, you can store containers and lids together by color, size, and type via print labels. Wall-mounted racks, plastic trays, and compartments are also efficient ways.
How Many Food Storage Containers Should You Buy?
The number of containers you might need will depend on the size of your household and how often you cook food. If you meal-prep more often, you might need more of them to store the food securely. You should have enough containers - both smaller ones and the bigger ones - to store leftovers, but not so many that they begin to pile in the sink.