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. This modern white meal prep container is just the perfect size for a meal and matches any kitchen set.
Plus, it has a durable seal and will become your new built-in BFF. On a budget? How about purchasing this nine-pack of glass meal prep containers with locking lids? Particularly, the depth of these meal prep containers makes them stand out from the rest.
The Bentgo Glass Leakproof Salad Container is so well-designed. Uniquely structured, the BlenderBottle GoStak Food Storage Containers is an easy way to organize and transport all of your snacks for a quick bite throughout the day. Plus, you can carry each miniature container separately if desired.
However, the Skinny Stacks are specially designed to be slim, whether for on-the-go use or to store before eating. Meet the meal prep containers that not only work for your food but also work for your kitchen cabinets.
If portion control is your mission, the Lanfubiao containers are how to get there. These small containers do the job of holding all of your citrus fruits, apples and other favorites to ensure you meet your health goals and feel satiated.
For some, meal prep container bowls may be preferred, likely for the maximized depth to store thicker cuts of meat and heftier soups or chili.
If you're making big batches of food to leave at home, you can opt for something bigger. In terms of shape, rectangular containers are the norm, but you might want one with dividers or bowl-shaped containers, depending on what you're cooking.
Though most meal prep containers favor function over style, the clear, see-through containers make it easy to see and keep track of what food is inside. Whatever design you choose, the basic qualities you should look for are whether a container is leak-proof and safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer.
It depends on how many meals you're planning on making in advance four days is Koren's "rule of thumb" for all meal preps and how much storage space you have at home. Many will find that those ounce containers are just the right size for a single meal.
Sometimes the lids have different specifications than the containers themselves, so don't forget to double-check that information as well. Generally speaking, glass containers are preferable to plastic containers when freezing and microwaving, since some plastic materials release chemicals when heated.
This piece was written by Cindy Brzostowski, a freelance writer and avid home cook who previously worked in cookbook publishing. Her writing has been published in Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell, among others, and she used her background in the food space to steer her research.
Cindy also consulted with Talia Koren , cookbook author and founder of the blog and digital meal plan subscription Workweek Lunch.
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Our Top Pick: Bayco Glass Piece Food Storage Containers. Buy on Amazon. Why It's Great: Good value for price per container; rubber seals to prevent leakage; versatile Grain of Salt: Lids might require hand-washing to lengthen lifespan.
Best Budget: Enther Pack Meal Prep Containers. Why It's Great: Airtight lids; lightweight; stackable Grain of Salt: Won't last as long as glass options. Best Plastic: Rubbermaid Piece Brilliance Food Storage Containers. Why It's Great: Secure, two-latch design; vents for mess-free microwaving; variety of sizes Grain of Salt: May scratch easily.
The 10 Best Lunch Boxes for On-the-Go Meals. Best Glass: Pyrex Piece Simply Store Glass Food Containers. Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart. Why It's Great: Long-lasting, durable construction; stain and odor resistant; assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors Grain of Salt: Plastic lids may crack over time.
Best with Dividers: Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box. Buy on Amazon Buy on Target Buy on Walmart. Why It's Great: Features two stackable containers; includes utensils; handy strap for portability Grain of Salt: On the pricier side; not leak-proof.
Best for the Freezer: 9-Pack Glass Food Storage Containers. Why It's Great: Made with high-quality glass; can handle up to ° Fahrenheit; easy to stack Grain of Salt: Lids aren't oven safe. Best Leak-Proof: OXO Good Grips Piece Glass Container Set.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Home Depot Buy on Oxo. Why It's Great: Made with thick glass; ideal for sauce and other liquids; four locking tabs to prevent spills Grain of Salt: Lids can be tricky to close; small capacity.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Wandpdesign. Why It's Great: Ideal for liquids; stylish design; convenient screw-top lid Grain of Salt: Pricey for one container. We Tested 21 Food Storage Containers—Here Are the Ones Worth Buying.
Our Takeaway After extensive research, the Bayco Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids earned the top spot thanks to their durability, versatility, affordability, and leak-proof sealing.
How to Pick the Right Meal Prep Containers Material Glass or plastic are your two main choices when it comes to material. Shape and Size The right shape and size for you depends on the food you make and how you want to store it.
Style Though most meal prep containers favor function over style, the clear, see-through containers make it easy to see and keep track of what food is inside.
Meal Prep Containers in Food Storage Containers(+) · Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Cup Deep Square Food Storage Containers, Set of 4, Red · Pyrex Easy Grab Bake & Bayco glass storage containers with lids. Verel glass food storage containers with bamboo lids. Reusable storage bags (set of 3) * Ball Mason Our Top Picks: ; What's in My Kitchen: Ello Duraglass Meal Prep Containers – $ at Walmart ; Best Glass Set: Pyrex Simply Store Piece Glass