Food Storage Containers Buying Guide: Materials, Sizes, and Features

Juggling leftovers, prepping meals in advance, or simply trying to tidy up your cupboards can be a real daily challenge. Between leaky containers, boxes that stain at the first sight of tomato sauce, and the eternal hunt for a missing lid, choosing the right food storage containers is a more subtle art than it seems.

To help you make a clear choice, we've broken down the essential criteria and selected products that meet every need: from desk lunches to the meticulous organisation of your fridge or pantry.

How to Choose the Right Food Storage Containers

Before you jump on the first set you see, let's define your priorities. There are three key points to consider to make the right choice.

1. The Material: Glass, Stainless Steel, or Plastic?

This is the number one criterion. It determines the durability, potential uses, and ease of maintenance of your containers.

• Glass: An airtight glass container is a gold standard for its neutrality. Glass doesn't retain odours or stains, and it won't warp over time. It goes effortlessly from the refrigerator to the microwave (without its lid). Its only drawbacks are its weight and fragility.
• Stainless Steel: A stainless steel food container stands out for its robustness and light weight. It's a healthy, virtually indestructible material that resists corrosion. Ideal for transport and cold storage, but it's a definite no-go for the microwave.
• Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to stack, plastic remains incredibly practical. Of course, be sure to choose models guaranteed to be BPA-free. They are versatile for many uses but may stain or retain the odours of certain dishes.

2. The Use Case: On-the-Go Meals, Cold Storage, or Dry Goods?

How you plan to use them will determine the ideal type of container.

• For a desk lunch box, you'll want a 100% airtight model to prevent disasters in your backpack.
• For a meal prep container, a set of storage containers in identical or varied sizes is perfect for organising the week's meals. Microwave compatibility then becomes a major asset.
• For pantry organisation, transparent and stackable jars, like a storage jar, allow you to see your stock at a glance and optimise every square inch.

3. Practicality: Airtight, Stackable, and Easy to Clean

It's often the small details that make all the difference in daily use. A silicone seal on the lid guarantees a foolproof seal. The ability to stack the containers is a significant space-saver in cupboards or the fridge. Finally, make sure both the container and lid are dishwasher-safe to make your life easier.

Recommended Food Storage Containers

Keeping these criteria in mind, here are a few products that tick all the right boxes.

JORDAN&JUDY Set of 10 Borosilicate Glass Containers

The Editor's Pick: This set of storage containers is the perfect solution to get started with meal prep or to overhaul your entire collection at once. It includes ten pieces made of borosilicate glass, a material known for its resistance to thermal shock. The two sizes (five 1040 ml and five 370 ml) offer excellent versatility for main dishes as well as sides or snacks.

Highlights:

• Premium Material: Borosilicate glass, which retains neither odours nor stains.
• Versatility: Safe for the refrigerator, freezer, and microwave (without the lid).
• Perfect Seal: Four-clip lids with a silicone gasket for risk-free transport.
• Complete Kit: 10 containers to cover most of your weekly needs.

Who is it for? Ideal for anyone who brings their lunch to the office and for meal prep enthusiasts looking for a healthy, durable, and effective solution.

PURE COOK Set of 3 Deep 304 Stainless Steel Containers

The Most Durable: This set of three 304 stainless steel containers makes a strong impression with its durability and tall design. Unlike classic models, their significant height provides generous storage capacity for bulky salads, soups, or marinades. The transparent glass lid is a nice touch that lets you see the contents without having to open it.

Highlights:

• Pro-Grade Material: Food-grade 304 stainless steel body, with no coating and resistant to corrosion.
• Large Capacity: Deep format (1000 ml, 1800 ml, 3000 ml) for storing large quantities.
• Durability: Stainless steel is virtually unbreakable, perfect for picnics or camping.
• Convenience: The containers nest inside each other for maximum space-saving in the fridge.

Who is it for? Perfect for families, batch cooking pros, or anyone looking for a portable and ultra-durable alternative to plastic and glass.

Bodum Canteen Set of 12 Storage Jars

For Next-Level Organisation: This set is specially designed for pantry organisation. With 12 jars in four different sizes, it helps you harmonise and streamline the storage of your dry goods (pasta, rice, flour, cereal...). The clean Scandinavian design and transparent containers add an aesthetic touch while making it easy to identify products.

Highlights:

• Organization: A complete set to standardise your cupboard storage.
• Sleek Design: Transparent bodies and black lids for a modern, elegant look.
• Space Optimisation: Stackable design to maximise the use of your shelves.
• Optimal Freshness: Airtight lids with a silicone seal to preserve food freshness.

Who is it for? For those who dream of transforming their pantry into a space that is as beautiful as it is functional, saying goodbye to unsightly packaging.

Is Plastic Still Your Go-To Material?

For kids' snacks, impromptu picnics, or simply for ultra-lightweight containers, plastic has its advantages. Many other solutions are available.

? Discover our full range of plastic storage jars

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I choose between glass, stainless steel, and plastic? It all depends on your habits! Glass is the champion for at-home storage and reheating. Stainless steel is unbeatable for transport and cold storage but is not microwave-safe. Plastic (BPA-free) remains the lightest and most budget-friendly option, ideal for varied, on-the-go use.

2. Can all food storage containers go in the microwave? No, and this is a critical point to watch out for. Stainless steel must be kept out of the microwave. For glass or plastic, always check the manufacturer's recommendations and remember to remove the lid before reheating to avoid any risk of pressure build-up.

3. How can I properly maintain my containers to prevent odours? The secret is to act fast! Wash your containers as soon as possible after use. Most are dishwasher-safe. For a stubborn odour, a classic trick is to let the container soak in a mixture of hot water and baking soda (or white vinegar) for a few hours before rinsing.

By the Editors