High quality meals storage containers are important for preserving leftovers, meal-prepping and packing, to not point out streamlining your kitchen. You need one thing sensible, sturdy and versatile — bonus factors if it is aesthetically pleasing and straightforward to wash! One of the best meals storage containers for 2024 take issues up a notch: Lots of them are microwave-, oven- and freezer-safe, which means you may go from prepping to serving to storing with out skipping a beat.
From plastic, glass and chrome steel to collapsible silicone (we discovered some spectacular reusable meals storage baggage too), these high-performing, hermetic containers span classes and genuinely impressed us. Hold studying to find out about how we examined and reviewed them and the way we selected our prime picks (tomato sauce was concerned!). Plus, we have got a lot of suggestions for selecting the right meals storage container or meals storage container set for you.
Extra tested-and-reviewed kitchen necessities:
A fast be aware earlier than we dig in: Each meals storage container that made our listing is BPA-free, in accordance with the manufacturers, and leak- and stain-proof, as confirmed in our testing. Every meals container comes with a lid, mirrored within the whole amount of things in every set (for 14 items, we’re speaking seven containers and 7 matching lids).
Additionally, a few of our prime picks are presently on sale for Amazon’s October Prime Day, so when you’re a Prime member, you are in luck.
Desk of contents:
Finest meals storage containers for 2024
Rubbermaid
Materials: Tritan plastic or glass bases with plastic lids | Care: Plastic containers are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe (bases and lids) | Amount: 24 items
Topping our listing are Rubbermaid’s Brilliance containers, which are available quite a lot of sizes, obtainable with both a glass or BPA-free Tritan plastic base. We examined the Tritan plastic and so they have been sturdy but light-weight, the flip-style lids have been straightforward to wash and, when locked, the set proved to be hermetic. Primarily based on our expertise, the containers are additionally odor- and stain-resistant, in order that they nonetheless scent contemporary and seem like new after getting used to retailer colorfully sauced meals equivalent to marinara sauce and — as pictured above — sizzling wings.
Not like another plastic containers in the marketplace, these containers have glorious readability — particularly useful when you want to establish meals shortly or navigate a completely stocked fridge. One other biggie: The bases and the lids in each the plastic and glass variations of this set are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe. A mixture of small, medium and huge containers stack collectively fantastically for orderly storing and transporting. Did we point out the set is an Amazon No. 1 bestseller with over 69,000 five-star opinions? Of be aware, Rubbermaid additionally affords one-compartment and multi-compartment units, in addition to pantry storage.
- Light-weight
- Stackable
- Locking lids
- Lifetime assure
- Plastic not oven-safe (although glass variations are as much as 450°F)
- One shade solely
- Mid-price vary
Different prime meals storage containers we advocate
Amazon
Materials: Plastic | Care: Microwave-, freezer- and top-rack dishwasher-safe | Amount: 40 items
This plastic meals storage assortment from Ziploc is our budget-friendly choose for a easy but dependable set that rivals a few of the dearer manufacturers we have examined. The containers are light-weight and nestle properly inside one another for compact stowing. The lids have little grooves that snap tightly into place so leftovers are stored protected.
Having owned and used these for a number of years, I can affirm they do not stain or leak — and so they’re top-rack dishwasher-friendly for hassle-free cleansing. I notably like and advocate utilizing the Twist ‘n Loc containers with a screw-style locking system (also sold separately) for a little bit further safety when transporting lunch, particularly soups and different liquids.
- Light-weight
- Stackable
- Consists of Twist ‘n Loc containers for liquids
- Funds-friendly
- Not oven-safe
- Plastic is on the thinner facet
FullStar
Materials: Plastic | Care: Dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe (bases solely) | Amount: 48 items, plus labels and pen
Should you just like the tumble-friendly attract of plastic with a thicker shell for extra sturdiness, this container set from FullStar carried out on the prime of its class, boasting 24 containers of various sizes for accommodating completely different meals sorts and appetites.
Every is dishwasher-safe (no hand-washing right here!) and comes with a lock-style lid that, as demonstrated in our testing, renders it fully leak-proof. The enclosed labels and pen are additionally nice for simply monitoring and recognizing contents and all-important use-by dates.
We’re smitten with this set and are in good firm. FullStar’s containers are an Amazon buyer favourite — backed by over 34,000 optimistic opinions — for on a regular basis meals storage and meal prepping.
Observe: Should you clip the $5 coupon for Prime Day, you may rating this set for $28, the bottom value of the yr.
- Light-weight
- Stackable
- Locking lids
- Label system
- Funds-friendly
- Not oven-safe
- One shade solely
Amazon
Materials: Glass bases with plastic lids | Care: Bases are freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe (lids are top-rack dishwasher-safe; not oven-safe) | Amount: 24 items
These sturdy, tempered glass containers from Pyrex can go from the freezer to the microwave or perhaps a preheated oven — then proper to the desk, because of their streamlined design — making this one of the vital versatile units we tried.
They stack properly within the fridge and include hermetic plastic lids in numerous colours for every dimension. These tight-sealing, colourful lids support in identification and group, lock in freshness and supply added grip when carrying.
Whereas the lids from this set held up nicely to leaks in testing, we advocate considered one of Pyrex’s lock-lid kinds (such as this, which also performed well in our testing) when you want to switch liquids past your eating room.
Observe: This set is on sale for Prime Day.
- Stackable
- Oven-safe base
- Funds-friendly
- Two-year restricted guarantee
- On the heavier facet
- Whereas sturdy, glass nonetheless has the potential to interrupt
Klean Kanteen
Materials: 18/8 chrome steel base with silicone lid | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe (base solely) | Amount: Two items
Like glass, chrome steel containers are non-reactive to acids in meals like citrus or tomatoes. Like plastic, they’re sometimes extra light-weight and fewer more likely to break.
Much more, the Rise containers are sustainable (made with 90% post-consumer recycled supplies) and — distinct from many different chrome steel choices — microwave-safe. They’re additionally 100% leak-resistant because of a singular seal-and-snap perform, confirmed by our analysis.
The oblong container proven is good for particular person servings equivalent to a small facet and a sandwich. For bigger lunches, take into account Klean Kanteen’s insulated canisters.
- Shatter- and rust-proof
- Microwave- and oven-safe base
- Obtainable in a number of shades
- Lifetime restricted guarantee
- Restricted configurations and dimensions
- Expensive
S’nicely
Materials: Chrome steel base with silicone lid | Care: Freezer- and top-rack dishwasher-safe | Amount: One bowl with lid, plus tray and ramekin
This chrome steel bowl package from S’nicely is spacious sufficient to carry a beneficiant portion of greens and comes with a tray and ramekin for conveniently separating toppings and dressing. The lid stays securely locked, guaranteeing salads — together with chilly pasta salads — keep contained when shaken.
We’re delighted to report the bowl stored lettuce contemporary and wilt-free for twenty-four to twenty-eight hours in our testing, making it a fantastic choice for make-ahead meal prep. It is also dishwasher-safe for straightforward cleansing.
Whereas the S’nicely bowl made our “better of” listing for its perform, we would be remiss if we did not level out the gorgeous patterns and colours it is available in, with equally putting names like Mountain Sage and Azurite.
Observe: This bowl package is at its lowest value ever proper now, thank to Prime Day.
- Shatter-resistant
- Beneficiant dimension
- Detachable ramekin and tray
- Expensive
- Not microwave- or oven-safe
OXO
Materials: Plastic | Care: Dishwasher-safe | Amount: 10 items
Oxo Good Grips’ pantry storage line is among the many most in depth and modern plastic choices we evaluated, that includes a variety of sizes and a signature “pop” button that, as confirmed in our testing, successfully locks in freshness.
The button is a cinch to make use of — you simply press it right down to create an hermetic seal that minimizes moisture. It stored our pantry objects, amongst them cereal, pasta and blended nuts, in good situation with no indicators of staleness.
As a result of the seal additionally mitigates evaporation, granular powders and sugars did not clump or harden. We additionally recognize the sensible vary of sizes, very best for stowing every thing from starches and baking necessities to espresso bar go-tos.
Each piece within the set is dishwasher-safe (aka low upkeep) — and for these in hotter climates, these containers are a robust weapon towards pantry moths. Oxo Good Grips additionally affords a three-piece canister set with scoops and a 20-piece collection for accommodating extra snacks.
- Stackable
- Hermetic button seal
- Handy shapes
- Not microwave- or oven-safe
- One shade solely
- Mid-price vary
JoyJolt
Materials: Glass bases with bamboo or chrome steel lids | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher- and microwave-safe (base solely) | Amount: 12 items
These pantry jars from JoyJolt are a sight to behold, pairing borosilicate glass cylinders with bamboo lids for a clear, pure look that leveled up our counter area and cupboards (there’s additionally a stainless-steel lid model for a sleeker aesthetic).
These canisters are simply as sensible as they’re fairly, full with an hermetic silicone seal that preserved dry pastas and different pantry objects in our testing for weeks on finish.
Given the elegant look they communicate, the jars additionally moonlight fantastically as lavatory storage, desk decor or vases (kudos for versatility!). In fact, as with all glass merchandise, they don’t seem to be shatter-proof, so we advocate conserving them out of the attain of babies.
- Principally pure supplies
- Microwave-safe
- Silicone-grip lids
- Funds-friendly
- Not oven-safe
- Whereas sturdy, glass nonetheless has the potential to interrupt
Stojo
Materials: Silicone bases with plastic lids | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher- and microwave-safe | Amount: Two items
Collapsible meals storage containers are a saving grace for these needing to preserve area — and these silicone wonders from Stojo are as compact and classy as they arrive.
The sandwich field is sufficiently big to suit a hearty sandwich or a small meal, whereas the 36-oz. container is good for giant salads and bowls (I additionally personal Stojo’s collapsible cups, that are nice for hydrating on the go).
The verifiably leak-proof, microwave-safe containers condense to a peak of only one.3 inches, in order that they tuck properly inside a bag when packing up after a seashore or park outing. I additionally prefer to hold considered one of these in tow for infrequent restaurant leftovers.
All by way of testing these collapsibles carried out nicely, and so they appeared fairly doing it, in colours starting from sunny yellows to muted blues in each opaque and transparent choices.
- Light-weight
- Collapsible
- Locking lids
- Vast shade choice
W&P
Materials: LFGB-grade silicone | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe | Amount: 5 items
Final however actually not least is that this set of reusable silicone baggage from W&P, consisting of three flat baggage and two standing baggage, every manufactured from LFGB-certified silicone (of higher quality, according to European standards) and that includes a transparent panel for added visibility.
I notably just like the depth of the standing baggage for storing — and never smushing — extra shapely produce, like lettuce, carrots and berries, and I can affirm from testing and private use that, when correctly sealed, they don’t leak.
These baggage are a splurge, however they usually go on sale and, in my case, have confirmed a worthy funding, inspiring me to take management of my fridge and eat extra fruits and veggies. Regardless of being baggage, they’re additionally microwave- and oven-safe!
W&P’s reusable baggage are available the identical shades because the model’s glass bowls — one other private favourite and a prime choose amongst skilled organizers — for matching. The model additionally affords Clean Kitchen Storage Sets for added financial savings and cohesion.
- Light-weight
- Sturdy seal
- Varied shade choices
- Consists of standing baggage for added depth
How to decide on one of the best meals storage containers
As a way to rank on our listing, we took the next under consideration:
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Lids: Plain and easy, a foul lid makes a foul storage container. Search for storage units with matching hermetic seals and locking lids to reduce spills. A number of the objects on our listing additionally characteristic screw-style caps for added safety when transporting liquids.
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Supplies:
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Chrome steel meals containers are more and more widespread for his or her heavy-duty but light-weight frames. When insulated, they will preserve meals temperatures for prolonged durations, however you will have to reheat meals in one other container (whereas some chrome steel containers stand as much as excessive warmth in an oven, most aren’t microwave-safe).
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Plastic meals storage containers are sometimes lighter than glass and tumble-friendly, making them very best for longer treks and faculty lunches. As a result of they aren’t insulated, they gained’t hold sizzling meals sizzling for lengthy durations. Some thinner plastics can take up stains and even soften beneath excessive temperatures, so that you’ll need to search for labels like “stain-resistant” “dishwasher-safe” and “microwave-safe.”
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Silicone meals storage containers are sometimes most light-weight, full with collapsible choices that condense for compact storage and carrying. Nonetheless, simply as with sure plastics, some silicone supplies can latch onto colourful sauces and lose type when uncovered to excessive temperatures.
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Glass meals storage containers are sometimes stain-resistant, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe. They’re additionally among the many purest supplies, freed from chemical compounds that can otherwise seep into food. That stated, glass containers can break with impression. Additionally they err on the heavier facet and are subsequently much less handy to hold.
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Consolation/care: Sure supplies are often simpler to maneuver (plastic is lighter, and rubber and silicone are simpler to know). A number of the meals storage containers on our listing are composed of a number of supplies, equivalent to chrome steel with a rubber lining or glass with a bamboo lid. Whereas these materials combos can have advantages, like added grip or flexibility, this will have an effect on sturdiness in addition to freezer-, microwave-, oven- or dishwasher-safety — so you may need to prioritize what’s most essential to you.
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Dimensions: Including to the consolation and upkeep facet would be the meals storage container’s dimension, depth and form. Shallow, rectangular containers are likely to line up and stack simply — within the fridge and dishwasher — permitting you to optimize area, whereas deep, spherical containers are a shoo-in for pastas and salads. Nesting, collapsible and flat-lay storage objects (like baggage) will be saviors for preserving cupboard area.
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Supposed use: In fact, a major consider selecting the fabric and dimension of a meals storage container can be how you intend to make use of it. Since silicone, chrome steel and plastic usually weigh much less, they are usually widespread for college and workplace lunches. Glass is nice for microwaving, cooking and serving. Chrome steel is sturdy and, when insulated, temperature-preserving, making it very best for outside adventures and touring. Lock-lid/zip and screw-top meals storage containers present added safety and are subsequently beneficial when coping with liquids — particularly on the go.
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Versatility/value: A meals storage container that permits you to toggle between makes use of will add extra worth in the long term. Every of the person picks and collections on our listing earned excessive scores in versatility, with all bases proving dishwasher-friendly (most heat-safe), in quite a lot of colours, kinds and dimensions for locating the right match. Whereas we take into account meals storage containers funding, most of the manufacturers represented right here additionally supply bundles and particular promotions for extra financial savings.
Different meals storage containers we examined
So many meals storage containers, so little area! Under, another containers we would advocate for various wants and tastes.
Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set (10-piece), $30: Whereas not as in depth because the Rubbermaid Brilliance set featured or some others on our listing, these containers from Joseph Joseph nest inside each other, making them a fantastic choice for individuals who could also be touring or have restricted storage. I personal and use them in my condominium and may attest they’re leak-proof, in addition to freezer- and microwave-, although not freezer-, protected
Snapware Total Solution Plastic Food Storage Containers Set (20-piece), $33: As confirmed by our testing, this plastic storage set from Snapware’s Whole Resolution line is totally leak-proof, in addition to top-rack dishwasher, freezer- and microwave-safe. The gathering is not as complete because the FullStar one in our prime picks — and subsequently not as conducive to meal-prepping — however we would take into account it a fantastic starter or on a regular basis set for preserving leftovers. Final time we checked, it was backed by greater than 4,000 Amazon scores.
Ello 3.4-cup Glass Meal Prep Set (10-piece), $45: Ello’s glass containers are an authorized leak-proof, freezer-safe choice for these wanting so as to add a pop of shade to their assortment, with the added safety of a silicone sleeve. Just like the Pyrex glass set in our prime picks, they’re additionally microwave- and oven-safe with out the lids. Not like the Pyrex set, which options completely different sizes and styles for prepping and serving completely different parts, the items are all the identical dimension, making them extra very best for meal-prepping. You are additionally taking a look at fewer items (see this set for a more minimalistic silicone pattern.)
Snapware Total Solution Glass Food Storage Container Set (24-piece), $67: This 24-piece set is complete and versatile, with 12 stackable, microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer- and oven-safe containers of various sizes and styles. Not like the Pyrex set in our prime picks, which options rubber lids that aren’t fully foolproof, hese containers have lock-style lids that hold every thing in — together with liquids. The tradeoff is that they arrive at a better value level than Pyrex for a similar quantity of items. You are additionally taking a look at extra sq. (versus rounded) shapes.
Ello Airtight Plastic Food Storage Canisters with Non-Slip Base (10-piece), $50: Ello’s plastic pantry canisters are amongst a few of the most effective — and aesthetically pleasing — we have tried. They hold meals contemporary, and we like how the(slip-proof, color-coded rubber bases and labels assist to maintain meals organized (my sister homes a set on her countertop and will get compliments on a regular basis). They’re supplied at a comparable value level to Oxo, the principle distinction, aside from aesthetics, being that Ello containers do not have Oxo’s pop-style lids for getting air out, although they do lock, and do not are available as many assortment choices (simply three and 5).
Ecolunchbox Seal Cups, starting at $12: In our unique writeup, we featured a Ecolunchbox Seal Cup set as a extra budget-friendly, nesting various to Klean Kanteen’s stainless steel canisters. Whereas it seems the set is not obtainable, you may nonetheless buy the plastic-free and verified leak-proof seal cups individually on the producer’s web site.
Bentgo All-in-One Salad Container, $30: Like S’nicely’s highlighted in our prime picks, Bentgo’s salad bowl has a detachable ramekin and tray fully leak-resistant per our analysis. It will not be as deep or sturdy or, for lack of inventive patterns, stunning … but it surely’s each dishwasher- and microwave-safe — plus colourful and sensible — making it a good selection for individuals who want plastic or are in search of a salad container at a decrease, usually discounted, value level (as strengthened by over 44,000 optimistic reviewers).
Caraway Ceramic-Coated Glass Food Storage Set (14-piece), $305: Caraway’s set has turn out to be considerably of a legend for its vary and aesthetic. It consists of 5 shiny glass containers enveloped within the model’s signature non-toxic, colourful ceramic coating, which makes them dishwasher-, microwave-, oven- and freezer- protected. It additionally options smaller container pods with lids, together with straps and a counter organizer. In our analysis, the containers did every thing Caraway says they do (they might simply be probably the most trendy we have ever examined), however they’re positively a splurge.
How we examined meals storage containers
If there’s one factor we take severely, it’s meals. We put loads of coronary heart and soul into our greatest meals storage container exams. Each meals storage container or bag on this listing was evaluated for sturdiness and leak resistance, in addition to every model’s claims of microwave, freezer and dishwasher security. All through the method, we engaged in in depth real-world meals prep, storage, freezing, refrigerating, reheating and cleansing.
We dropped plastic and silicone containers from counter and cupboard heights to make sure they didn’t bend or break and stretched storage baggage to verify they didn’t lose type. We stuffed containers with water, shaking them the wrong way up to check their leak-proof seals. Primarily based on our assessments, these profitable containers additionally seem like usually stain-resistant — to sizzling sauce and marinara, no less than.
Meals storage container FAQs
What’s the most secure meals storage container?
The most secure meals storage container is purest in its supplies and manufacturing — containing no poisonous chemical compounds equivalent to BPA or lead that might pose well being dangers — with glass and chrome steel amongst widespread picks. That stated, thinner-quality glass is shatter-prone and usually not heat-safe, so you may need to watch out to keep away from cuts.
Is it higher to retailer meals in glass or plastic containers?
Plastic containers have gotten a foul rap for holding sure toxins, specifically bisphenol A: a chemical in sure resins that may latch onto meals, particularly when heating meals in plastics at excessive temps. Due to this, we propose in search of labels like “BPA-free” (like all the containers on this listing). To keep away from compromising the integrity and security of your meals storage containers, observe product directions concerning washing and heating limitations.
What kind of container retains meals contemporary the longest?
Should you’re attempting to gauge one of the best materials for long-term meals storage, every of the supplies on this listing ought to usually do the trick. Glass and chrome steel have a tendency to carry up higher towards odors and stains, however in terms of spoiled meals, air and moisture are the principle culprits. Go for an air-sealed or no less than lock-tight lid to maintain meals dry and restrict oxygen — and remember to toss meals when it seems to be moldy, smells bitter or passes its expiration (that is the place these helpful labels are available).
How usually must you change meals storage containers?
There is not any hard-and-fast rule, however it is best to change containers as quickly as they’re broken — and that features in the event that they turn out to be discolored. Normally, glass meals storage containers lasts longer than plastic.
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We acquired complimentary samples of some merchandise and bought others ourselves, however we reviewed all merchandise utilizing the identical goal standards.
