Rubbermaid makes all of its smaller containers up to 8 quarts the same shape, so that they stack easily. Whereas the Rubbermaid sold as 4 quarts actually has a 4-liter capacity, which is plenty of room for a 5-pound bag of flour, the 4-quart Cambro barely has room for 5 pounds of flour.
All of the Rubbermaid Commercial containers also come with handles on two sides, whereas only those Cambro containers larger than 8 quarts larger than most people ever need for home use have handles. But handles make it much easier to pick up these bulky, slick-sided containers—some people might even be able to carry them with one hand, which is impossible to do with the Cambro containers.
Their considerable width makes these Rubbermaid containers easier to to scoop from than any other container we tested aside from the similar Cambros , a benefit that frequent bakers especially will appreciate, since flour has a tendency to fly everywhere.
We keep a large stack of the Rubbermaid Commercial containers in the Wirecutter test kitchen, where we use them for storing flour, sugar, and other dry goods.
In the test kitchen we also use them to store the mountains of leftovers—from dehydrating pounds of apples, say, or slow cooking three pot roasts—we regularly produce in our testing.
Of the many containers we have, one has developed a hairline crack. But for the most part these containers have held up well to lots of abuse, and the one with the small crack is still perfectly usable for things like organizing cake decorating supplies.
So, in , we decided to try out a few different ceramic and glass models. We had to tweak the original criteria we used for selecting plastic storage containers as we searched for glass and ceramic containers to test. Ceramic and glass will always run the risk of shattering when dropped, but we did look for containers that were made of thicker material to better withstand abuse.
As we predicted, there are several big drawbacks to these glass and ceramic containers. In general, Goldfish crackers became stale more quickly in these types of containers during our tests. And when we left them outside overnight, small bugs got into several of the ceramic models we tested.
Many of the containers we tested run small, and the ceramic containers specifically are significantly heavier than plastic ones, making them harder to pick up and pour from. Because of their shortcomings, we decided against recommending ceramic or glass containers as an official pick.
We could see these containers lasting for years if treated well like many other Le Creuset products. However, these containers come in three sizes that are all on the smaller side, the largest being only 2.
If you want ceramic containers that are simple and easy to handle: The Williams Sonoma Pantry Canisters had a few solid things going for them. We thought their all-white look was classy and versatile, and we especially appreciated the handles on top of their lids.
They also come in larger sizes think round, and wide, like a classic cookie-jar than most other ceramic containers, which could be useful to some people. However, the seal on these containers left something to be desired, even compared with other ceramic containers, and bugs got inside them when we left them outside overnight.
We found the square containers were easier to handle than the round ones, which had a very wide footprint and could make scooping difficult since ingredients could spread into a thin layer across their wide bottoms.
They can be stacked safely if need be, thanks to the upturned lip on their lids, and their sleek exteriors would look lovely on any countertop.
Several Wirecutter staffers attest that canning jars are a solid non-plastic option for storing dry ingredients à la The Great British Bake Off. Jars from brands like Ball , Le Parfait , IKEA , and Kilner come in a variety of sizes; you might even have some at home that you can repurpose.
Using good dry food storage containers can be an environmentally-conscious practice in and of itself. For one thing, good containers help extend the shelf life of your dry ingredients for as long as possible.
With proper storage in a cool, dry place a safe distance from the oven , many dry ingredients can last months or more in good containers. Whole grains typically have a shorter shelf life because of their higher protein content, while things like white flour and white rice will last longer.
Rubbermaid also has a program through Terracycle where you can mail in old plastic and glass containers of any brand to be broken down into their raw formats, which are then used to make new containers.
Of course, reusing things you already own is more sustainable than buying a new product. You might have some leftover vessels in and around your home that could do the trick nicely. Some dry ingredients fit well in unconventional containers, as long as you can find something well-sized for your needs with a decent-sealing lid.
If the mouths of your containers give you trouble when it comes time to replenish your supply, Clark recommends using a funnel when re-filling to make everything easier and mess-free. But the lid allowed water to pour out and popped off easily in our tests.
We saw recommendations for the LocknLock Rectangular Food Containers in forums on Chowhound and Kitchn. They sealed just as tightly as the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers and survived all of our drop tests easily. But their sets tend to offer smaller sizes that are geared toward storing leftovers and fewer large containers for storing bulk dry items.
Mepal Modula Stackable Storage Containers are some of the sleekest plastic containers we tested. We wish their performance matched their good looks. One of the OXO containers, in fact, cracked even before our drop test, just from knocking against the counter.
The Sistema Klip It Rectangle Containers are highly rated on Amazon. But they felt flimsy, and one even broke during shipping. The lids were leaky in our tests, and the sizes large enough to fit 5 pounds of flour are wide and shallow, not the best shape for kitchen cabinets.
We also found their size options limited. Because the containers are pretty narrow, they also can be difficult to scoop out of with a 1-cup scoop. We also tested the Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware and the pricier West Elm Kaloh ceramic canisters.
For both sets, each container has a uniquely sized lid, which makes them a pain to match. Plus, the lids themselves were made out of wood that felt flimsier and less-finished than, say, the polished tops of the Le Creuset containers. The larger sizes are also difficult to grip and pour without a firm two hands on them.
Toni Hammersley, founder of A Bowl Full of Lemons and author of The Complete Book of Home Organization , interview. Sarah Carey, editorial director of food and entertaining at Martha Stewart Living , interview. Maria Speck, author of Ancient Grains for Modern Meals , interview.
Food Storage Container Reviews , Good Housekeeping. Emma Christensen, What Are the Best Airtight Storage Containers? Arianna Flores was an updates writer at Wirecutter covering kitchen and appliances. 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. Marguerite Preston is a senior editor covering kitchen gear and appliances at Wirecutter, and has written guides to baking equipment, meal kit delivery services, and more. She previously worked as an editor for Eater New York and as a freelance food writer.
Before that, she learned her way around professional kitchens as a pastry cook in New York. After years of using and abusing food-storage containers, we recommend the glass Pyrex Simply Store Piece Set and the Snapware Total Solution Piece Set.
We have the best freezer containers, plus expert advice on saving money and reducing waste by getting the most from your freezer. After extensive testing, these seven storage bins, boxes, and totes are our favorites for keeping stuff clean and dry, inside or out.
Uncovering what makes fresh pet food different from the traditional stuff—and why you might consider it. Stash all your staples like flour, sugar, dried fruit, and nuts in the attractive clear Oxo Good Grips Pop containers and give your pantry shelves an instant upgrade.
The only part that can safely go in the dishwasher is the gasket and it takes a little finagling to figure out how to put it back in place after cleaning. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , TikTok , or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Sharon has tested and reviewed kitchen equipment for over 30 years. Before becoming a cooking tools maven, she worked as a professional chef in New York City restaurants.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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Parenting All Parenting Baby Monitors Strollers. Accessibility All Accessibility. Why trust Reviewed? Learn more about our product testing. Read More Pros Resilient glass construction Looks and feels fancy Oven safe Cons Silicone lids can stain No handles.
Read More Pros Lids are interchangeable Lids offer great seal Easy to store Cons Easy to stain or pit. Read More Pros Readily available and affordable Come in multiple sizes Cons Easy to stain or pit.
Read More Pros Durable glass Looks and feels classy Wide temperature range Cons Lids can stain. Read More Pros Doesn't stain Nice seal Cons Lids can leak Can't go from freezer to oven No rim or handles.
Written by Sharon Franke , Cooking tools maven and former professional chef in NYC. Best Overall. Pros Resilient glass construction Looks and feels fancy Oven safe. Cons Silicone lids can stain No handles.
Buy now at Williams Sonoma. Buy now at Amazon. Best Plastic Containers. Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Container Piece Set. Pros Lids are interchangeable Lids offer great seal Easy to store. Cons Easy to stain or pit. Best Value.
Pros Readily available and affordable Come in multiple sizes. OXO Good Grips 8 Piece Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Container Set. Pros Durable glass Looks and feels classy Wide temperature range.
Cons Lids can stain. Pyrex Simply Store 6-pc Rectangular Set. Pros Doesn't stain Nice seal. Cons Lids can leak Can't go from freezer to oven No rim or handles. Snapware Total Solution Plastic Food Storage pc Set. Pros Airtight seal.
Cons Lids pop open when dropped Can badly stain and pit. Glasslock Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set. Pros Shatterproof Oven safe Looks and feels professional. Cons Can't go from freezer to oven Tricky to clean. Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Food Storage pc Set. Pros Shatterproof Oven safe Good sealing function.
Cons Lids can stain easily. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Piece Set. Snapware also sells replaceable lids for every shape in the set if you need them: round , square , and rectangular. Like Pyrex, Snapware is a Corelle brand.
Like a lot of glass containers we considered, these have a history of chipping over time although many Wirecutter staffers report no issues after years of use. But they also put pressure on the edge of the glass, which, according to the glass experts we spoke with, may be causing stress that results in breakage.
Several reviewers also mentioned that their containers chipped after they nested them for storage. We were told by Jane Cook, then chief scientist at the Corning Museum of Glass , that stacking glass can cause stress over time because the two hard surfaces rub together, and this may eventually lead to chipping.
You can stack the containers on top of each other with the lids on instead, or layer a paper towel between containers. Per piece, the set also costs less than other glass options we considered.
In our tests, greens remained sprightly, and cut strawberries tasted just a touch off after being refrigerated for two weeks. Impressively, the Glasslock set bounced in our drop tests, with no damage to the glass containers.
For kicks, we even tried dropping a Glasslock container onto cement. It broke on a corner only after three other attempts to crack the thing. The Glasslock set comes with nine square, rectangular, and round containers ranging from 0.
Though the containers are clear, you can choose to get them with clear lids with a sea-green gasket or with translucent cornflower-blue lids. This set has a wider range of shapes than the glass Rubbermaid Brilliance set.
The Glasslock walls are thick but perfectly see-through, and same-shape containers of different sizes nest even with the lids on. These containers stack beautifully in the fridge, making it easy to see what leftovers you have. And we still saw complaints of chipping in the reviews. You can order the right-size lid on its website by looking for the product code etched into the bottom of your container.
Like all tempered glassware, the Glasslock containers can spontaneously shatter albeit very rarely due to surface damage, manufacturing flaws, or extreme thermal stresses. The chipping is probably due to the pressure that the locking lids put on the glass when you snap them shut, or from stacking the containers.
Cook said that you can also put stress on glass by rubbing it against a material as hard or harder than itself which happens when you stack glass containers on top of each other.
That stress is also exacerbated when you stack warm containers that have expanded. We also subjected the Glasslock containers to extreme thermal stresses , and they survived unscathed. This seems to happen only to sets that people hand-wash. Some Amazon reviewers have complained that the flaps on the lids of the Glasslock containers make a racket when snapped shut.
Marilyn Ong, supervising editor on our kitchen team, has owned Glasslock containers for roughly seven years, and she uses them frequently to store leftovers for her family of five. She ordered new lids for free from the Glasslock website , paid a few dollars for shipping, and received them less than a week later.
And while other budget plastic containers we tested, like those from Reditainer and Glad, shattered immediately when filled with water and dropped from waist height, the Rubbermaid container we dropped remained fully sealed for two drops.
Only after the fourth drop did the base of the Rubbermaid crack. The plastic becomes soft when microwaved, though not as soft as the Ziploc and Glad containers.
The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs also stained slightly and retained a faint tomato scent after dishwashing, which was a problem we encountered with all of the cheap plastic sets we tested. We also like deli containers , which stack and are designed to be disposable if you want to give food away or leave your container behind.
Your containers will likely outlast your lids, but you can try and take a little extra care of them to prolong their lifespan. No sealed lid benefits from the vacuum effect that happens when you heat your food in the microwave.
Abusing the lid in this way can cause it to warp and lose its seal. When you microwave, if you must keep the lid on to prevent splatter, always make sure to loosen the lid completely and set it slightly ajar across the top of the container. An even better option is to put a vented microwave cover or a paper towel over your container when you zap it.
But if the lid has a removable gasket, remove the gasket from time to time and clean it separately from the lid to make sure no mold can grow.
due to high, uneven heat, humidity, and chemicals from detergent. We noticed a few of our Glasslock lids began to break after four years of putting them through the dishwasher, and our Pyrex lids have cracked over time, too. Hand-washing them with water no hotter than what comes from your tap, or at least avoiding the heated dry cycle if your dishwasher has one when you do use the dishwasher, may help extend their lifespan.
After removing glass food-storage containers from a hot dishwasher, the experts we spoke to recommend letting them cool before stacking them in a cupboard.
To store, dry the lids completely before putting away. We recommend leaving the lids resting on top of the containers, but not snapped shut, which helps to protect the longevity of the seal. Never subject your glass food storage containers to extreme thermal stresses such as taking containers from the freezer and placing them directly into a hot oven and vice versa.
If you prefer borosilicate glass containers: We liked the shape and size variation of the OXO 16 Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set.
But if you plan on using your containers frequently in the oven or freezer, or the Glasslock containers are sold out, we think this is a good option. The white lids stained in our tomato sauce tests of course , and because the lids are glass, the containers are heavy and not ideal for transport.
If you want to switch between plastic and glass containers: We appreciate that the lids on the Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Set are interchangeable with those of the plastic Snapware set.
This set was our former runner-up pick for glass containers though it used to have 18 pieces and slightly different shape options. Because the silicone-bordered lids are a little harder to clean by hand than those of the Glasslocks containers, we recommend these only if having interchangeable lids between plastic and glass sets is important to you.
If the Snapware set is sold out: We like the lids on the plastic OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Plastic Container Set just as much as the ones on the glass version.
The lids on all of our picks the locking-style lids on the Glasslocks or Snapware containers and the press-on style lids from Pyrex and Rubbermaid take some effort to get on and off. Suction lids, by contrast, simply sit atop a bowl or container you already own to cover it.
We also tried the GIR lids, which come in more sizes and colors. I found them easier to put on, take off, and clean than firmer lids with ridges or tabs; maybe you will too.
There are just two shape and size options in the Rubbermaid Brilliance glass set, and the lids are more difficult to shut and pry off than those of our picks.
The Anchor Hocking Glass Food Storage Set survived our drop tests, but the containers leaked more than the similarly designed glass Pyrex containers we tested. The flimsy lids in this set also held onto odors more than our picks.
They also have fewer shape options, and the locking lids require more force to shut than our plastic containers pick. The lids are a little harder to align and lock, compared with our picks.
In our update, these were the only plastic containers to have freezer burn and to stain after our tomato sauce test.
These containers also shattered in our drop test. 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,
Hi! Wanting to organize my pantry/fridge with clear containers but don't want to pay an arm and leg for 'em. I know Dollar Tree is great for Our top picks: · 1. Brilliance Food Storage Containers · 2. Total Solution Plastic Food Storage · 3. TrueSeal Glass Food Storage Containers · 4 26 Pcs BPA Free Food Storage Containers with Lids, % Airtight, for Lunch. Add. $ current price $ 26 Pcs BPA Free Food Storage Containers with Lids
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