The airtight lids yielded no leaks, nor did any liquid creep into the seal. This is especially helpful if you store your dry goods in drawers instead of cabinets. The vacuum seal containers are easy to use and help keep your leftovers airtight. Its simple geometry! Nicole runs the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab where she oversees the content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear; shes an experienced product tester and developer, as well as recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. Just don't store any liquids in them. We found that the lids can get slightly deformed after multiple cycles which may lead to leaking if storing liquids. To compile this list, we tested 21 food storage containers in our Lab and evaluated each on design, capacity, ease of cleaning, and performance. Nicole Papantoniou runs the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab where she oversees all content and testing related to cooking products. During our testing, it performed well, as it barely leaked and had a faint smell of tomato and onion after we put it through the dishwasher. Who it isn't for: People who want food storage containers they can take with them on the go. We did three tests to measure the above categories. The bases are made of glass and can be used in the oven up to 425F. There are large bins that are good for storing large amounts of dry food, such as cereal, pasta, cereal and flour. We also liked the variety of sizes available in this set and that it is safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Before you store your plastic or glass food storage container in the freezer, check your instruction manual to see that the material is able to survive in the freezer (not all can). The best food storage containers are durable, spill-resistant, and sealed tightly enough to keep out pantry pests and survive a fall without breaking or causing a mess. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Material: Glass container with plastic lid; plastic food storage bags Dishwasher-safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher safe Freezer-safe: Yes Microwave-safe: Yes. The Le'raze Kitchen Canisters lived up to the hypeafter our pre-wash test, our tester said that the canister smelled "fresh as a daisy" and exhibited no staining. We were impressed by how well it performed during our shake test, only losing a small amount of water. Two things to keep in mind is that these are designed for dry goods only, and as such, aren't microwave-safe or freezer-safe, which may be a dealbreaker for some buyers. The larger sizes are great for batch cooking. The screw-on top keeps these containers sealed tightly after multiple shake tests, this container barely lost any liquid. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all kinds of kitchen gear, from air fryers to chef's knives to food storage containers. Love our recommendations? Who it's for: People who want a budget-friendly container set that comes with labels. Crate & Barrel Aspen White Ceramic Canisters with Scoop: This chic canister set from is great for people who want food storage containers that also look pretty enough to display on their kitchen countertop. Who it's for: People who only need one large food storage container. We also tested the 1-quart version with a stainless steel lid, and while these lids are not dishwasher safe, hand washing was a breeze and the bases can be thrown in the dishwasher. They seal and open easily. We then tested the containers that claimed to have a tight seal, or boasted that they were "spill-resistant," to see if any leakage occurred. Plus, they're made of oven-safe borosilicate glass, which makes reheating leftover lasagna that much easier. Below are their favorite containers for repackaging food to keep it fresher, longer. However, when we dropped these food storage containers, they did leak a little bit since one side came open. In our dishwasher test, we ran each 4-cup round container and 3-cup rectangular container through the dishwasher five times. Food director Chris Morocco is also team glass for frankly any food, but hes loyal to GlassLock containers which come in a range of sizes and have strong snap-on latches. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Theyre cheap, reliable, and standard in many restaurant kitchens for good reason. The lids also boast an airtight seal so powerful that during our fall test, the lid stayed completely still, resulting in no cracks or breakage to the body of the canisters. Who it isn't for: People who want a food storage container set with varying sizes. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Skip the plastic containers and go with glass ones. For each dishwasher-safe container, we performed over 10 hours of washing on the highest heat and water cycle to evaluate disfiguration and record any damages that occur during each cleaning cycle. This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Learn more about our, The Best Food Storage Containers, Tested by Experts, Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Grips Eight-Piece POP Container Baking Set, Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set, Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer Machine Starter Set, Twist and Seal Five-Piece Dry Storage Set, How to shop for the best food storage container, Director, Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab. All rights reserved. Ad Choices. This is a great choice for families who cook a lot and need a large amount of staple ingredients and foods on hand, such as flour, sugar, pasta, oats, or rice. They come in an assortment of sets and sizes, and some containers come with removable dividers, which make meal prepping and lunch packing easy. Brilliant for many reasons, these food storage containers are completely see-through (aside from the seal), stack easily and are perfect for taking on the go since they're light and sturdy. In our Lab, we tested the 1-quart size and loved how well it held up in the dishwasher. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Material: Plastic Dishwasher-safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher safe Freezer-safe: Yes Microwave-safe: Yes, These lock lid containers from Snapware are stackable, help keep your refrigerator organized and are a good value for just under $15. In our previous testing, we also tried the Snapware's Total Solution Glass line and if you're looking for containers that will keep food fresh for a long time, (say, if you're putting meals in the freezer for long-term storage), you may want to opt for those as they're less prone to staining. We assessed staining, damage and how well they cleaned. Its easy to have a love/hate relationship with food storage containers. Who it isn't for: People looking for containers for leftovers. I have a jar hoarding problem and save most coconut oil/ghee/peanut butter/jam jars for storing salad dressings and uncooked rice, says Lalli Music. During our freezer-to-microwave testing, we used more than 25 24-ounce jars of traditional pasta sauce to see how well each container performed in the freezer and then in the microwave. Still, check to see if your food storage container can handle the harsh temperatures in the freezer and microwave. The area between the gasket and the part of the lid where the gasket slides into is difficult to get completely dry due to the lack of airflow. If you have trouble securing the lid onto your food storage container, or if you notice that stored food doesn't taste as fresh as it once did, then it's time to replace them. The set features a tight seal that snaps closed for extra protection but also provides ventilation when unsnapped, which made reheating a breeze. It held up very nicely when run through the dishwasher, and we were impressed by how thick and durable the glass was. The containers nest, and their lids are slim for easy storage. This baking set comes with containers designed to perfectly fit 5-pound bags of flour and sugar, as well as a 1-pound box of brown sugar. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 10 Best Dog Carriers of 2022 For the Dog On The Go, 9 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers, 13 Best Workout Shoes for At-Home and Gym Fitness, These Are the Most Comfortable Shoes You Can Buy, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. While we haven't tested the insulation on this particular style, yet according to the brand the TempShield technology helps keep hot foods hot and cold food cold. The silicone seal helps keep air out, which is ideal for storing pasta, flour and other dry goods while the rounded edges allow for easy pouring. Here's How to Tell. Made with a thick-but-flexible silicone and equipped with flat bottoms, Zip Top bags are durable, leakproof, and can stand upright without flopping over. The set also includes plenty of containers big and small and is safe to put in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Top Products Tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, Lids crack on side after many uses but can be replaced, Not great for transporting liquids because lids can come loose, Flexible, stand-up design takes up minimal room in fridge. During our test, we were impressed that the ball jars didnt leak at all even after being left upsidedown for 24-hours. The downside is that if it's not made with a strong type of glass, it can break easily on impact. Keep in mind that while containers are dishwasher-safe, the brand recommends you clean the lids by hand. 9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant, Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? However, they did leak so much that our tester would not recommend them for liquids, and during our fall test, they cracked completely. However, plastic containers are more likely to stain, scratch, and aren't as good as glass at hiding odor. During our testing, not only were there no stains or smell after washing, but they also didn't leak a single bit. We love the Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set for its versatility and durability. They're made of thick, but flexible silicone that's transparent and comes in an assortment of colors and sizes. The Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set is able to achieve this lack of leakage due to the design of its lid, which features a rubber gasket to keep things airtight and two snap-on latches for extra protection from spills. Despite this, and the fact that the canisters barely leaked during our tests, our tester would not recommend using them for storing or reheating leftovers. Oxo Good Grips Smart Seal glass food storage set, loves these space-saving, BPA-free plastic square containers with leakproof lids. For leakage testing, we filled each container with water to its maximum capacity and weighed how much was lost after vigorously shaking for one minute. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. We filled the containers up with water mixed with food coloring, wrapped them in a towel, and shook vigorously to see if any of the dyed liquid appeared on our towel. Not only did it have no stains or smell after our pre-wash, which wasn't the case with most of the plastic food storage containers we tested, but it was also "intensely sealed," resulting in "zero leaks," according to our tester. Senior editor Sarah Jampel loves these space-saving, BPA-free plastic square containers with leakproof lids. These containers also work wonders for storing bulk portions of other dry goods like lentils, beans, and grains. There's a Name for ThatHere Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It. When youre ready to open the container, push the silicone button on the lid to release the air. Glass and plastic food storage containers are usually dishwasher-safe (make sure to double check from the manufacturer though). Material: Silicone Dishwasher-safe: Yes, top-rack dishwasher safe Freezer-safe: Yes Microwave-safe: Yes. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference). Food storage containers are a lifeline for home cooks. They're less likely to break on impact and are much lighter to carry around than glass. These insulated food jars from Hydro Flask are not only stylish but are the perfect size for transporting hot and cold foods theyre available in 12-, 20- and 28-ounce jars. A food storage container set that doubles as a set of drinking glasses? PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party togethereven when you're far apart. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. We love that the Neat Stack lunch containers can be stored in your cabinets without taking up too much space. A good storage container should have a tight seal and even better if its leakproof for food like soup. Chef's Path 14-Pack Airtight Food Storage Container Set: We love how affordable this 14-pack is, as it provides a handful of big and small food containers to use, whether you're storing leftovers or dry ingredients. Glass can often be used in the oven, while plastic cannot. For the plastic containers, we tested durability by dropping them onto the floor, filled with liquid, to see if they broke or if the lid popped off. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Glass is durable, less likely to stain from stored food, and is able to keep smells at bay. Cooking advice that works. If you make large batches of food, such as stews, or your own salad dressings alongside portioned meals, get a set that has big, medium, and small-sized food storage containers. Our tester also liked that this set came with labels, markers for the labels, and a scoop set, the latter of which isn't a common accessory with food storage containers. Who it isn't for: People who want food storage containers for wet baking ingredients. You can also store dry foods in canisters, which are great for dry foods you use so often that they're best stored on your kitchen countertop for easy access. Who it's for: People looking for air-tight containers. Our top pick is the Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Food Storage Container Set, which stands out for its versatility and resistance to leaks, stains, and smells. In our humble opinion, some of the best food storage containers with lidsor at least the best plastic onesare practically free. We did notice staining during our freezer to microwave test so keep that in mind when heating pigment-rich foods. Instead of having multiple boxes take up space in your cabinets or pantry, pour it all into the PrepWorks Large Cereal Keeper. The Seseno 7-Pack Airtight Food Storage Container Set is stackable and safe to use in the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave (although the lids are not). You need a nonporous material that wont turn a faint shade of red post-tomato sauce and an airtight seal so nothing leaks. We put 21 food storage containers to the test in our Lab, including plastic and glass options, and evaluated their design, capacity, ease of cleaning, and performance, including whether or not they stained and held on to smells after cleaning. She started testing and developing cooking tools, gadgets, gear and appliances in 2014 though she started using them all when she started cooking at 12 years old. The lids snap onto the containers to create a tight seal, though we found leaking during our testing and wouldn't recommend them for liquids. But a good food storage container makes all the difference: You can neatly refrigerate meal-prepped servings, take healthy lunch leftovers to work, reheat and even serve food out of some. Although whether plastic containers are microwave and dishwasher safe is a matter of debate (we recommend hand-washing, but if you're going to toss them into the dishwasher, at least use the top rack), we love them for freezing; the quart size is perfect for storing big batches of stock in portions that are convenient for most recipes. We tested 21 different food storage containers and sets, including 15 made of plastic and six made of glass. Similar to other plastic containers we tested, these are prone to staining if used with highly pigmented foods. The lids are slim, easier to clean and dishwasher safe. Ease of Use: We evaluated ease of use by observing how well each container held up in the dishwasher as well as how it performed in the freezer and microwave. If that's the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Sets feature many of the same size food storage containers or multiple sizes to accommodate different sizes of leftovers. This cereal keeper is dishwasher-safe, and after we washed it during our testing, it showed no stains, streaks, and "sealed quite nicely," according to our tester. OXO's well-known POP containers can be closed with one hand simply press the button down to form a tight seal. This cereal keeper can store 4.5 quarts, or 18 cups, of cereal. Best Overall Food Storage Containers: Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set, Best Budget Food Storage Containers: Seseno 7-Pack Airtight Food Storage Container Set, Best Small Food Storage Containers: Better Homes & Gardens 4-Pack Canister Set, Best Large Food Storage Containers: Vtopmart 4-Pack Large Food Storage Container Set, Best Food Storage Container for Cereal: PrepWorks Large Cereal Keeper, Best Food Storage Containers for Baking: Oxo Good Grips 8-Piece Baking Essentials POP Container Set, Best Glass Food Storage Containers: Le'raze 5-Pack Glass Kitchen Canister Set with Bamboo Lids, The 7 Best Watering Cans, According to Our Testing, The 7 Best Gardening Gloves for All Types of Gardeners, According to Our Tests, The 6 Best Coffee Makers With Grinders, According to Our Tests, The 7 Best Garden Hoses, Tested in Our Lab, All products and services featured are selected by our editors. What's more, it comes with its own labels. This model was a top performer during our leak tests, and once sealed properly the lid didn't budge. This is why you always have to let your pans cool down before washing them. If you only need food storage containers to store your bulk dry goods, this set from Vtopmart is a solid option. Although highly-rated, we found that the performance of this Oxo set could use some improvement. First, we filled each container with a cup of tomato sauce and chopped yellow onion. As such, this set is great for dry goods that are stored in drawers or shelves, and not food that you want to transport. Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Pearl Jones. They have all the benefits of cylindrical deli containerslightweight, affordable but not disposableand they also nestle into my shelves like puzzle pieces, she says. If youre one to buy 2025-pound bags of rice, Beggs recommends this 13.21-quart Tellfresh airtight container, which has a hefty handle. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. And unlike other food storage containers, which tend to be lacking in the style department, these canisters are pretty enough to double as kitchen countertop decor. Stocking up on a giant tin of Frantoia olive oil is a great investment, but its almost impossible to pour a tablespoon straight from its container. This line features nested containers and nested lids, so when you put them away, you only have to clear space for the largest-sized container. Stockwell replaces the two-part canning lid on Mason jars with these plastic tops, which are easier to clean and make it less likely that your vinaigrette will leak all over your lunch box. Most food storage containers are either made of glass or plastic, both of which come with pros and cons. We tend to prefer lids without clasps because theyre thinner and store more easily, but it's worth noting that the clasps offer an extra source of leak protection. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our teamput through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. The manufacturer may have the lifespan of your food storage containers in the instruction manual. Our editors favorite ways to repackage food and keep it fresher, longer. When putting them in the dishwasher, make sure to remove the gasket around the lid, if there is one. If not, the best way to determine if they need to be replaced is to look for signs of wear, including scratches or warping. We updated this story in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product. Our test kitchen staff may be hopelessly devoted to standard deli containers for their convenience, price, and stacking capabilities, but theres one thing we cant ignore: Their cylindrical shape wastes a lot of space on refrigerator shelves. Unlike other food storage container lids, the Better Homes & Gardens canister lids each feature a small handle that allows you to carry it around with your fingers. Our favorite picks below include an array of plastic and glass containers, plus silicone bags intended to replace disposable baggies. Food storage containers can last a long time. The lids here are a real standout. Read on to learn more about our top picks, as well as advice on which types of food storage containers will work best in your kitchen. Yes, so long as the food storage container is marked as freezer- and microwave-safe. She is trained in classic culinary arts and is a professional recipe developer. Then, we refilled each container with water and left them upside down for 24 hours to see how much they retained. When buying food storage containers, make sure that they fit your storage lifestyle. Glass containers are also more likely to be oven-safe than plastic containers. TikTok's "Product Overload" Trend Is Dangerous, The Best Spanish-Language Shows on Netflix, Best Long-Lasting Food Storage Containers, Best Glass Food Storage Containers For Leftovers, Best Food Storage Containers for Dry Foods, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Plus, since many canisters come in stylish designs, they can also double as kitchen decor. Both Zip Top and Stasher bags come in a variety of sizes and are dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, freezer-safebut most importantly, they make great sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic bags. Copyright 2022, Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Food Storage Container Set, Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set, Seseno 7-Pack Airtight Food Storage Container Set, Better Homes & Gardens 4-Pack Canister Set, Vtopmart 4-Pack Large Food Storage Container Set, Oxo Good Grips 8-Piece Baking Essentials POP Container Set, Le'raze 5-Pack Glass Kitchen Canister Set with Bamboo Lids, The 19 Best Kitchen Cabinet Organizers for Every Storage Need, The 9 Best Glass Food Storage Containers for Keeping Your Food Fresh, Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage, Crate & Barrel Aspen White Ceramic Canisters with Scoop, Chef's Path 14-Pack Airtight Food Storage Container Set, Leftovers stored in food storage containers, Food storage containers can last a long time. The extra tall options are great for storing spaghetti, while the tall container is good for cereal or dry beans. Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind. Real footage of your kitchen, before reading our advice. The vacuum sealer is compact and attaches to the lid of the container to seal it with the press of a button. Material: Plastic Dishwasher-safe: Base is top-rack dishwasher safe, the lid is not Freezer-safe: No Microwave-safe: No. Raena Loper is the Product and Reviews Updates Editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering home, textiles, wellness, tech, outdoors and more. A top performer in our cleanability test, the jars showed no signs of damage after multiple runs on high heat in the dishwasher. All you need is a tape measure and a little free time. Raena Loper is the Product and Reviews Associate for the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering home, textiles, wellness, tech, outdoors and more.