Best Food Storage Containers For Keeping Food Fresh 2017 – 2018

Best Food Storage Containers For Keeping Food Fresh For A Long Time

Introduction

Nowadays, people would like to store food in order to bring it to somewhere or to save the market time. However, we are so confused about how to keep it safe and preserve its taste. That’s the reason why we should use the best food storage container – a vessel designed to keep foodstuff.

However, food storage containers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and in an array of materials and colors. With such a wide range of solutions, it’s difficult to choose the suitable one for your demands. This post is written to help you just that!

There is a wide range of products available on the market today, and below I have reviewed 5 of the very best options.

**Below, you will find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.

Types of Food Storage Container

Plastic

This material is very popular to make containers for storing food. Some kinds are made to be light and flexible, while others can be hardened to a near-glass texture. It’s an ideal place for storing dry foods like nuts, popcorn, noodles, dried herbs or tea. Also, wet foods can be stored in it for a short time.

However, the plastic’s ability to withstand high temperature is limited. After holding oily food, the ordinary plastic is usually difficult to wash. Furthermore, it tends to retain tastes and odors of previous foods. Luckily, polypropylene plastic can curb these drawbacks.

Glass

The food storage container which is made of glass has several benefits. It’s much more durable and exists longer than a plastic one. It’s also suitable for freezing and pre-heating. It’s easy to clean as well. With the clear body, you can see what inside the container and their state.

Because glass doesn’t contain bacteria, this type is regarded as the most hygienic way of storing food. It’s seen to be quite heavy and easy to break. But the advanced technology of using Pyrex or tempered glass helps to improve the resistance to the pressure of product and prevents it from breaking due to a simple fall.

Metal

The metal container can be industrially used to store large quantities of food. Thanks to the vacuuming process before sealing, food in metal tends to get a long shelf life. Also, the sturdy nature of metal helps the products to stand out the harsh environmental conditions.

Moreover, the container made of stainless steel is widely used in homes. It’s considered as a great substitute for glass and plastic container because it’s durable, easy to clean and lightweight. Since it doesn’t include any harmful chemical, you don’t need to be worry that harmful toxins can leach into your food.

How to Buy the Best Food Storage Containers

Shape and Size

Photo credit: Dennis Wilkinson via Foter.com / CC BY-NC

Each shape of the container has its own benefits and drawbacks. The space of the square and rectangle is larger than the round, so they can hold more quantity of food. The round containers should be the holder for various kinds of liquid and ferment vegetable.

The sizes of the containers are measured in Oz (ounce). 1 ounce equals to 29.57 ml. Some containers are small which is only enough for some kinds of nuts, while others are large. Therefore, you should choose a set or a collection which has several sizes and heights to choose. If your kitchen includes too many containers with several sizes, you may get trouble in organizing them. This video will help you a lot.

Material

We should choose the containers that have long shelf life. On account of their main function, they can withstand the extreme conditions or fall down on the floor. The factor deciding the lifespan of the containers is the material. These materials include plastic, glass and metal. As mentioned above, each material has different pros and cons. In general, glass and metal containers are more durable than plastic ones.

Lid

Photo credit: Rubbermaid Products via Foter.com / CC BY-NC

A critical feature to verify before choosing the best storage containers is the lid’s design. You should pick up the containers which have bright-colored lids and the Easy-Find Lid system to save time on finding and locating them in the fridge or cupboard.

Furthermore, the lids must be easy to open. Hence, you should look for products which are ergonomically friendly. Some containers have heavy-duty latches design to connect the lid and the body, which may cause difficulty for some people to open them.

Air-Tight and Leak-Proof

Because the air is the enemy of the food, the container must include secure and tight lids in order to not only prevent the air, humidity from entering the container but also protect the food out of microorganisms and other insects. Therefore, food in the container will stay fresh and last longer when in storage.

So as to create a tight lid, the lid must have an inner silicone seal. It helps to stop the food from popping up when the containers fall. If you store the liquid in the container, a tight lid will prevent it from leaking. Therefore, this design is ideal for those who want to bring food container when traveling.

Good for Heath

BPA is known as a toxic chemical because it can affect our brain, prostate gland and behavior of fetuses, infants and children. The containers that have BPA are not suitable for long-term storage in the fridge or heating in the oven and microwave. Therefore, you should choose the products that are BPA-free.

Product Reviews – The Best Food Storage Container

1. Bellemain 4 Piece Acrylic Canister Set

There are 4 acrylic canisters in this set with the size from 22oz (2.75 cups) to 65oz (8 cups) and the height from 4 to 9 inches tall. This set becomes the best food storage containers for beans, cookies, pasta, flour and crackers. Due to the acrylic material, you always know exactly what is in the container and how much that food left at a glance.

When we drop them by chance, they will bounce, so you are no need to worry when your kids and pets are playing with them. Each canister includes a metal clamp and a silicone gasket to ensure the secure and tight fit every time, which keeps the food fresh and safe from bugs and ants.


Pros

  • Contain food with a large quantity
  • Lightweight, long-lasting and drop-resistant
  • Silicone gasket and clamp provide a secure fit

Cons

  • The gasket is quite thin to seal the container.
  • Acrylic seems quite flimsy

2. 20-Pack Compartment Meal Containers

This set includes 20 durable pieces which are made from highest-quality plastic without BPA. Each of them is divided into two separate compartments to organize the portion sizes easily. Therefore, using it for every meal helps you to maintain the healthy eating habits. Moreover, with 20 clear airtight lids included, you can clearly see what are inside in each container.

Thanks to its ideal size, you are able to take it to anywhere. For example, when bringing food to work, you can organize rice and vegetables like broccoli, red or green tomato separately in one piece and put some fruits in another such as orange, watermelon, etc. After finishing the meal, you can wash it easily by hands or put in the dishwasher. Plus, it’s safely used in the microwave, too.


Pros

  • Freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Made of resistant and durable plastic
  • It’s reusable to use it again and again
  • 20 pieces with 20 clear airtight lids

Cons

  • Some liquid can leak out from this model.

3. Rubbermaid 50-Piece Food Storage Set

With 50-piece including 25 containers and 25 lids, this set is considered as the best food storage container for all the food preparation and storage needs. They are made from BPA-free plastic which is lightweight, strong and durable. The outstanding feature of this set is the red lids which help you to locate the position of the container in the cupboard or fridge.

They also securely fit onto the containers; therefore, no liquid can escape from the containers, which is convenient to move them away. Moreover, thanks to the Easy-Find Lid system allowing the lids to snap together and to the bottom of containers, you can organize the cabinets and never have to worry about hunting for the lost lids.


Pros

  • Lids snap to other lids and base
  • Freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Easy to locate in the cupboard and fridge
  • Can see the food inside through the transparent plastic containers

Cons

  • Quite tough to open lids
  • Plastic may stain

4. Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set

This 18-piece set includes 9 containers and 9 lids. They are made of silica, limestone, soda ash and other natural components, which makes them BPA-free, durable and recyclable. Moreover, the clear and transparent body glass allows you to see the state of the food inside when you put it in the microwave or freezer.

The included tight-fitting lids stop the entry of unwanted things and prevent the leakages in order to ensure the high-quality of the food. This set comes in different types and sizes so that you can put various kinds of food and liquid with a different amount. It will be the best food storage container set for those who want to prepare food for a few friends or larger number of guests in a picnic.


Pros

  • Nice design with clear glass
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Safe for use in fridge, microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher
  • Can contain both food and liquid without leakage

Cons

  • Risk of breaking when falling or collapsing with other metallic items
  • Hard to close the lids

5. Stainless Steel Bowls Container

This set includes 5 stainless steel bowls with lids with different size. They are known as a multi-functional set because they are not only used as a food storage container which stores cold or hot food, but also used as lunch container, or mixing bowl. Plus, they are a perfect option for serving dishes at parties or picnics.

These containers are made of durable and strong stainless steel which is BPA-free. The five lids included are lined with silicone seals to protect the food from leaking and keep it in freshness. You can easily clean them by hand or by putting it in the dishwasher. They are safe in the freezer, conventional oven but are not suitable for microwave.


Pros

  • Made of high-quality stainless steel
  • Dishwasher, freezer, conventional oven safe
  • No chemical reaction with food
  • Function as lunch container, mixing bowl and food storage container

Cons

  • Not be used in microwave
  • Can’t see the food inside the container
  • Lids can’t be put in oven since the gaskets can break.

Choosing the Best Food Storage Containers For Keeping Food Fresh For A Long Time

Those are the best food storage containers which are essential in every kitchen. If your budget allows, you should purchase the Stainless Steel Bowls Containers. If you want to buy a set of 50 pieces with a low budget, the Rubbermaid 50-piece Food Storage Set is for you. It also comes with brightl-colored lids and the Find-Easy Lid system.

You can buy the 20-Pack Compartment Meal Containers to take the portion meals to your school or company. If you want to prepare food for a picnic, the Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set is a great option for both food and liquid. Finally, the Bellemain 4-Piece Acrylic Canister Set can help you contain noodles, pasta, flour and beans. It’s right time for you to make your decision!

James G. Craig
 

James G. Craig is a gardening enthusiast who splits his spare time between growing vegetables, preening his flower gardens, and blogging about his experiences at the Gardener Corner.

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