Are you looking to store entire meals or just a few portions? Do you want to separate ingredients or stack them? With so many different kinds of food containers available it's easy to get lost in the amount of choice. To help make it easier for you to decide these are important factors to consider before purchasing:
- Material: Stainless steel food containers are great for lunch boxes as they hygienically store food, are more environmentally friendly than plastic food containers and are virtually indestructible (perfect for school!). Glass containers are great in that they aren't reactive to acidic foods and particularly thermal glass containers are great for refrigerating, reheating in the microwave or cleaning in the dishwasher. Plastic food containers are an affordable option, easy to clean and are also virtually indestructible. Silicone food containers or bags are also very popular as they can be used with sous-vide machines, are more compact and easy to store and the bonus of not having removable lids that can get lost!
- Size: We offer a broad range of sizing options and combinations, though when purchasing individually it's important to choose containers that will meet your needs both in terms of storing the quantity or capacities you require and the sizes of the ingredients you frequently need to store.
- Microwave-safe: While there are several plastic options available, glass containers tend to be mostly microwave and oven-safe with the ability to withstand high cooking temperatures without warping or melting. Be sure to check if the lids are microwave-safe as some containers require them to be removed before heating.
- Freezer-safe: a great consideration for those who wish to batch cook and keep food stored for longer periods than a few days.
- Dishwasher-safe: This is a must for busy families. We stock a huge range of glass containers that are dishwasher safe, though important to note that some plastic containers (generally our storage canisters) are not suitable for the dishwasher.
- Airtight lids: An airtight lid is a must especially if you plan on transporting food to school or work.
- Vented lids - We have a variety of food containers that feature vented lids that are useful when storing hot food where you can open the vent to allow steam to release to prevent it from becoming soggy as well as stop food splattering when heated in the microwave, especially sauces or soups.
Food storage container materials available
We stock a variety of different food storage containers in a range of materials including:
- Glass Containers - made from borosilicate or tempered glass. A great option for heating and refrigerating as well as being non-reactive to acidic foods as well as being non-porous so they won't absorb cooking oils making them very easy to clean
- Plastic Containers - we have a range of BPA-free plastic food containers that are a great choice for being affordable, light-weight and break-resistance. We also have some that are dishwasher and microwave safe for everyday convenience. There is also Tritan plastic that are exceptionally clear and make great pantry containers so ingredients are visible and easy to identify especially when you have several stacked or stored side by side.
- Stainless Steel Containers - a great option for those who prefer to reduce their dependence on plastic, stainless steel containers are very hygienic and make great lunchbox options especially for highly active kids where they wont break or shatter if dropped
- Silicone Food Containers - made with food-grade silicone, these are a great replacement for single-use plastic like cling-wrap and are flexible, making them easy to hold and to place in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Silicone food bags are also suitable for sous-vide cooking and store well in the refrigerator and freezer.
Glass Containers vs Plastic Containers
The most popular food storage containers are glass containers and plastic containers that have the following benefits:
Plastic - Plastic containers are affordable and convenient especially when they come with air-tight lids. Ideal for packing lunches for the kids or taking leftovers to work, these containers are durable and can be stacked without worrying about breakage.
Glass - Glass food containers are recyclable, chemical-free, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe and can withstand high temperatures which makes reheating food in the microwave and oven easy. If properly maintained, they can last much longer than plastic containers. They're also a great material choice for pantry storage canisters or preservation jars. They can however be susceptible to breakage from thermal-shock or dropping which is why we recommend tempered glass containers.
The best food storage container brands
If you're looking for the best food containers then you've come to the right place. Below are a few of our most popular food storage container brands and why:
Lock & Lock is one of the world's best-selling food container brands. Made in South Korea and BPA-free with American FDA and German SGS approved accreditations, these containers are virtually indestructible with the bonus of being fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe. As the name suggests, their lids lock shut and unlike other plastic food containers with lids that tend to break with use, Lock and Lock container lids tend to outlast the competition. They also produce a fantastic range of glass food containers in their Oven Glass range that are oven-safe up to 400℃.
OXO is renowned for producing some of the best kitchen tools and gadgets. Their popular OXO Pop Containers are fantastic for pantry storage as they have clever air-tight lids that close with a button that pushes inside the container lids making them easily stackable. A perfect choice for those who want to store dry foods.
Pyrex is an iconic brand of glass containers and mixing bowls, Pyrex containers come in a range of sizes and are made with thick tempered glass that is highly durable and perfect for not only storing foods but baking as well.
Glasslock is another fantastic brand that manufactures glass containers, Glasslock features tight-sealing lids and available in a broad range of size options and sets including baby container sets that are ideal for storing baby foods or small condiments.
Stasher Bags is the leader in silicone food storage bags. Featuring their patented self-closing seals, Stasher bags are great for storing leftover fruit, portioning food for storage in the fridge or freezer and are an environmentally friendly solution for replacing single-use cling wrap or plastic bags to store sandwiches and other ingredients.
BPA Free Food Containers
It's important when selecting food storage containers or food flasks that you're choosing BPA-free containers. BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical that is present in hard plastics, including drinking water bottles and many household items including single-use containers and packaging. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to BPA can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system. Rest assured we only choose to stock food containers from trusted and certified brands to ensure that they are BPA free as well as providing glass containers and food-safe silicone options for those who can be confident they can store foods without them coming in contact with unnecessary and harmful chemicals.
What containers should I use for pantry storage?
If you are looking for options to store dry foods in your kitchen or pantry, we recommend you view our selection of in our Storage Canisters and Jars category. Here we have a great selection of spice canisters and pantry storage canisters from brands like Brabantia as well as preservation jars from Kilner
