We heard from professional organizers on the best containers to store everything from leftovers to dry goods.
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Whether you’re looking for something for daily lunches at the office, bulk pantry storage, or extra-large storage containers for huge batches of sauces and soups, there’s a food storage container out there that fits the bill. Food storage containers are great for swapping out single-use plastic bags for lunches, and they’re also awesome for keeping your pantry staples like flour, sugar, cereal, and rice as fresh as possible, for as long as possible.
Food storage containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, sets, and materials, so consider how you plan to use them before purchasing. “Are you transporting them to and from work, or will your kids be taking them to school? If so, you’d want something more lightweight,” says Jamie Hord of Horderly, a professional organization service. “Plastic might be best for kids, but you usually have more options with glass because you can use it in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. But if you live in a small space, consider containers that nest together to save space.”
For this list, we considered all of the factors recommended by Hord, as well as Mindy Godding, partner and founder at Abundance Organizing, and Tonia Tomlin, owner of Sorted Out. Plus, we researched dozens of options to bring you the best food storage containers to fit every need.
The containers are leakproof and airtight, with a nice variety of sizes included in the set.
Because they are constructed from glass, they are somewhat heavy.
We love this 18-piece set of Rubbermaid Brilliance glass food storage containers because you get a nice variety of sizes, plus lids for all of them. There are lots of different sets from the Rubbermaid Brilliance line, but this one is a great addition to any kitchen. The glass containers are oven safe up to 450°F, and they can also be used as serveware, too. You can also stack the containers within one another to save space.
The lids for the containers are a huge selling point, as they’re 100% airtight and leakproof, plus odor and stain resistant. The lids are also microwave safe and have built-in lid vents to help prevent food splatters. And they’re made from BPA-free plastic and can be used in the dishwasher and freezer, but not the oven.
The latches on the sides snap onto the glass containers and keep food secure, and the clear lids make it easy to see what’s inside. All of these lids are universal for the Rubbermaid Brilliance line and will fit containers in the line regardless of material.
Material: Glass, plastic lids | Included: (2) 0.5-cup containers, (2) 1.3-cup containers, (2) 3.2-cup containers, (2) 4.7-cup containers, and (1) 9.6-cup container, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: Yes | Safe For: Freezer, microwave, dishwasher (top-rack only for lids), oven (up to 450°F)
You get lots of assorted sizes and containers for a great price.
The lids are not leakproof.
This set of plastic containers is a great buy with 52 total pieces (26 containers and 26 lids) in a range of small, medium, and large sizes that can work for leftovers, lunchboxes, snacks, and freezer items. They come with “Quik Clik Seal” lids that make a clicking sound when they’re securely closed, and all pieces are also BPA-free.
The containers and lids are stackable, which helps you stay organized and saves precious kitchen and cabinet space, too. Throw them in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning or in the microwave to reheat leftovers. All pieces are super lightweight, and they’re great for parties or for sharing meals with friends. (And since they’re so affordable, it isn't the end of the world if they aren't returned.) Just keep in mind that the lids are not leakproof, so be careful when transporting liquids in them.
Material: Plastic | Included: (4) 0.5-cup, (4) 3.2-cup, (4) 2.9-cup, (4) 2.1-cup, (4) 5.2-cup, (4) 4-cup, and (2) 8-cup containers, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: No | Safe For: Microwave, freezer, dishwasher (top-rack)
The containers can nest within each other and come in a variety of sizes.
The lids can be tough to snap on and off.
Made from soda ash, limestone, silica, and other natural ingredients, these glass containers from Glasslock don’t contain any harmful materials, and the plastic lids are BPA-free. This set comes with nine containers and nine lids, all in a variety of sizes that work well for lunches, leftovers, and more. Clear lids make it easy to see what’s inside, and they’re also airtight and leakproof—just latch the lids to the containers and you’re good to go.
The glass containers are oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe, but the plastic lids are not oven or microwave safe. Hand wash them, or put them on the top rack of the dishwasher. The lids are also odor and stain proof as well. For easy storage, the containers are designed to nest within each other, so you can stack them with ease in your cabinets.
Material: Glass | Included: (1) 6.3-cup rectangle, (2) 3.5-cup rectangles, (1) 1.6-cup rectangle, (1) 3.3-cup square, (1) 1.5-cup square, (1) 3.1-cup round, (1) 1.6-cup round, and (1) 0.7-cup round, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: Yes | Safe For: Microwave, oven, dishwasher, freezer (lids are not microwave or oven safe)
This beautiful set of food storage containers features unique pieces like a lunch bowl, a wide-mouth bottle, snack bags, and more.
The containers are somewhat small.
W&P is trying to get consumers away from single-use plastics, and their Fridge Bundle is a great starting point for those looking to invest in food storage containers. The eight-piece set includes the Porter Bowl, which is great for taking pastas and leftovers for lunch, as it comes with a silicone strap that locks down the lid. There’s also the Porter Wide Mouth Bottle, which is made of glass and comes with a screw-top lid—perfect for smoothies, juices, and even homemade stocks that you need to keep fresh. The Porter Glass is a portable, stemless wine glass that comes with a silicone lid so you can take it on the go, and the Porter Seal Tight bowls with screw-top lids are great for parfaits, oatmeal, and more. There’s also three included silicone bags (one snack size, one sandwich size, and one large, 50-ounce size) that work great for lunches, fruit, and more.
All pieces are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe. The glass construction ensures long term durability, while the silicone sleeves help protect the glass in the case that you drop it.
Material: Plastic, silicone, glass | Included: 1-liter bowl lunch bowl with lid, 16-ounce wide-mouth bottle with lid, 15-ounce wine glass with lid, 16-ounce seal tight bowl with lid, 24-ounce seal tight bowl with lid, 10-ounce snack bag, 34-ounce sandwich bag, 50-ounce stand-up bag | Airtight/Leakproof: No | Safe For: Dishwasher, microwave, freezer
These metal containers come in a wide range of sizes, starting at 12 ounces and going all the way up to 94 ounces.
Since they’re made of metal, they can’t be used in the microwave.
If you have small kids around and are worried about glass containers breaking, but you’re also looking for an alternative to plastic, then stainless steel containers are a great way to go. This set from HomeArray includes five containers with lids, and they nest within each other for easy storage. The lids have rubber seals that create an airtight seal that’s also leakproof, and latches on the side lock in contents. This set would work well for leftovers, lunch items, or even in the freezer for leftover soups or bulk meat supply.
We also like that the lids are clear, allowing you to see what’s inside without having to guess. Stainless steel is also super easy to clean and won’t leave residue behind like plastic containers. Toss the lids in the top rack of the dishwasher, and the containers can also go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. This heavy-duty set would also make a great gift, as they’re stylish and super functional.
Material: Stainless steel with plastic lids | Included: (1) 12-ounce container, (1) 19-ounce container, (1) 28-ounce container, (1) 56-ounce container, (1) 94-ounce container, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: Yes | Safe For: Dishwasher, freezer
This easy-to-use vacuum system keeps your food fresher for longer than standard containers.
The vacuum requires charging, which is an extra step involved.
To keep food fresher for longer in the freezer or fridge, a vacuum-sealed container or bag is a great solution. This set from Zwilling comes with a large food storage container, small and medium vacuum sealer bags, and a vacuum sealer machine. The container is great to keep things fresh for as long as possible in the fridge, and the vacuum sealer bags are great for produce, cheeses, meats, and more. Both the container and the vacuum sealer bags keep food fresh for up to five times longer than non-vacuum sealed containers, plus, the container and bags are reusable and resealable. Just place the vacuum sealer machine onto the air valve on the bag or container, and let the machine pull out all the excess air to create an airtight seal. You can even use the Zwilling Culinary World app to track your food storage, and it’ll let you know when food will spoil.
Material: Glass, plastic lids and bags with silicone valves | Included: (1) large plastic container with lid (2) small vacuum bags, (2) medium vacuum bags, (1) rechargeable vacuum pump | Airtight/Leakproof: Yes | Safe For: Freezer, microwave (without vacuum seal), dishwasher, oven (without lid), microwave
These bags completely replace your single-use plastic bags.
You have to make sure the bags are fully open for them to dry after washing.
For a simple solution to single-use plastic sandwich bags, a switch to reusable silicone bags is a must. And while the investment is a bit more up front, the cost pays off over time as you’re not buying single-use bags anymore. These bags from Stasher are great, as they’ll hold a standard sandwich or any of your favorite lunch items like chips and fruit. They even work for leftovers in the fridge.
These bags are safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and even the oven (up to 425°F). The silicone used is food grade and free from BPAs, latex, and lead. The bags come with a pinch-lock seal and are a smart choice for kids, as they don’t run the risk of breaking them. When it’s time to wash the bags, toss them in the dishwasher or use warm, soapy water. Getting the bags to dry after washing can be a little tricky—you’ll need to open them fully so they can air dry or wipe the inside down with a towel. It’s best not to turn the bags inside out though, as that can cause them to rip. Additional sizes and colors are available.
Material: Silicone | Size: 28-ounce bag | Airtight/Leakproof: Airtight, leak-resistant | Safe For: Dishwasher, microwave, oven (up to 425°F), freezer
The lids are airtight with the push of a button.
Because the containers are not safe for the oven, freezer, or microwave, their use is limited to the pantry.
For pantry staples like flour, sugar, pasta, beans, and cereal, a food storage container that has an airtight seal is great for keeping things fresh for as long as possible. OXO is known for making great food containers, and this set is a great buy. It comes with five containers, plus two half-cup scoops and a brown sugar saver.
The half-cup scoops are great to have on hand for measuring, and they fit inside the larger containers for easy storage. The brown sugar saver is an interesting but useful addition—it’s a terracotta disk that helps keep your brown sugar soft and prevent clumping. To use the airtight seal, just press the button on the lid to engage. These containers are designed to be stackable, and they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Material: Plastic | Included: (2) 0.4-quart containers, (1) 1.1-quart container, (2) 4.4-quart container; (2) 0.5-cup scoops, (1) brown sugar saver, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: Airtight | Safe For: Dishwasher
The pieces are all stackable for easy organization in the fridge or freezer.
We wish the lids were leakproof.
For a stackable solution, this 24-piece set from Pyrex is a great choice. It includes numerous sizes with lids, and the containers are made from food-safe glass, which means easy cleaning and no lingering stains or odors. The lids are made from BPA-free plastic that is freezer, microwave, and top-rack dishwasher safe, and the glass containers are also dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe.
And while the lids aren’t airtight or leakproof, they do fit snugly over the containers and are easy to stack, which we like for freezer organization. Numerous lid colors come in each set, and there are lots of different options for sets, too.
Material: Glass | Included: (3) 1-cup round containers with lids, (3) 2-cup round containers with lids, (3) 3-cup rectangular containers with lids, (3) 4-cup round containers, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: No | Safe For: Microwave, freezer, oven, dishwasher (lids top-rack only)
The gradation lines help with cooking and inventory.
We wish the lids were leakproof.
Chefs and serious home cooks need bulk storage for the essentials, and oftentimes, the sets sold in stores and online just don’t cut it. This set from TigerChef does the trick, with containers ranging from 2-quart to 22-quart sizes. The containers are made from polycarbonate, which is actually great in this case because containers are large, can become heavy, and would easily break if they were made of glass. The polycarbonate build is break resistant and durable, as well as resistant to odors and stains. The containers and lids can stack together, and the containers are all dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe.
Easy-to-read red gradations on the side help in measuring food, and the square build is great for space saving in larger refrigerators or storage rooms. The containers work well for dry goods and liquids, too, and the snap-tight lids come in a few colors to help with organization.
Material: Plastic | Included: (1) 2-quart container, (1) 4-quart container, (1) 6-quart container, (1) 8-quart container, (1) 12-quart container, (1) 18-quart container, (1) 22-quart container, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: No | Safe For: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer
The containers are stackable for easy fridge and freezer storage, and the twist-on lids ensure liquids won’t leak.
We wish there was more size variety.
When you need to store soups, broths, stews, and other liquids, a leakproof lid is essential. We like these from Ziploc because the twist-on lids are leakproof, and the containers themselves fit easily in the fridge or when you’re on the go in a lunchbox or larger carrying tote. This set comes with nine containers and lids, which are safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer. The wide openings make it easy to pour liquids into the containers, and all plastic used is BPA-free. Numerous sizes and counts are available, although we would like to see a single set that features a variety of different sizes.
Material: Plastic | Included: (9)1-liter containers, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: Leakproof | Safe For: Microwave, dishwasher, freezer
The three compartments keep food separate for mess-free meals.
It is recommended that you wash the lids by hand.
If you’re on the meal prep train and are regularly eating food from reusable food storage containers, glass is the way to go for longevity. This set from Bayco comes with eight three-compartment glass containers with lids, meaning you can go all week (plus a day) without running out of containers. They’ll hold up to 4 cups of food, and they're great for separating proteins, carbs, sauces, and even sweet treats.
Aside from daily meal prep, they’re also good for snacks, picnics, and sharing. The clear lids, made from BPA-free plastic, have latches on the side that attach to the container, and the containers can withstand high oven temperatures, plus can go in the microwave, freezer, or dishwasher. Just don’t put the lids in the microwave, and it’s best to hand wash them rather than putting them in the dishwasher. The containers are leakproof and airtight and won’t hold onto stains and odors or need replacing as often as plastic does.
Material: Glass, plastic lids | Included: (8) 4.1-cup containers, plus lids | Airtight/Leakproof: Yes | Safe For: Oven, microwave (not the lids), freezer, dishwasher
The Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage 18-Piece Set is our best overall pick because the containers are stackable, glass, have airtight and leakproof lids, and come in a nice variety of sizes. It’s a great collection for any kitchen, and the ways to use them are endless. For a more affordable set, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers are good because of the quantity you get for the money. Yes, they are plastic, but they come in a range of sizes and have “Quik Clik Seal” lids that keep contents contained.
Determining how often you’ll be using your food storage containers and for what purpose will help you decide what material is best for you. Typically, food storage containers are made from either glass, plastic, or stainless steel. We like glass the best, as it’s easy to clean, doesn’t stain, and doesn’t hold onto odors. However, it can shatter. Plastic is better if you have kids since it won’t shatter, but it can leave behind odors and stains. Stainless steel is another great option that won’t shatter and won’t leave behind stains and odors, but it’s not microwave safe. For container bags, silicone is a great option, but we recommend not using that in the oven or microwave.
Depending on what you’re using them for will determine what kind of food storage container you need. If you’ll be using them regularly for lunches or meal prep, a nice glass option with compartments would work well, but if you’re using them for your kids lunches, you might want to opt for plastic. Size also comes into play here, as do lids. For lunch bags, you’ll want something that is leakproof so you don’t wind up with your meal outside of the container. But for bulk pantry goods, for example, a leakproof lid isn’t as important as having enough space, so you’d want way bigger containers that stack well in a pantry. Take into account how you’ll use your containers, how often, and what size you’ll need.
Always follow care instructions if they’re included with your food containers. If there aren’t instructions though, you can always hand wash the containers with a mild soap and warm water. Just make sure you check to see if your containers are safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. To avoid cracks and breaking in glass containers, try to avoid high heat, and place dishwasher-safe lids on the top rack to prevent them from warping or melting.
We prefer glass for food storage over plastic because glass won’t leave stains and odors behind. Tomlin says, “You can choose BPA-free plastic, but glass has a non-porous surface, and won’t absorb like plastic.” Godding agrees on glass, but uses acrylic (plastic) containers for her pantry. “There are great solutions offered in both materials, we advise our clients to make the best decision based on their budget, aesthetic, and desired function. In my house, for example, I use both: clear acrylic canisters and bins for food storage in my pantry because I wanted a variety of sizes and styles that would all look uniform. I use glass storage for leftovers or food prep that I want to store in the fridge; mostly for ease of washing. I was tired of plastic food storage getting permanently stained from spaghetti sauce or getting warped in the dishwasher. I invested in uniform, stackable glass containers with airtight lids. No more hunting and pecking for a random plastic lid that you’re not even sure you still have!”
This will depend on what you’re using the containers for. If you’re using them for bulk goods in the pantry, you’ll need a bigger container than you would for lunches, for example. “I always suggest selecting food containers that store properly in your cabinet spaces,” says Tomlin. “Various sizes are recommended for food storage options and I always ask clients to think about what sizes they need based on what they use. For example: If they make their lunches for work, I’d recommend a larger quantity of smaller and medium size containers vs. larger sizes because that is what they will be mostly using. Purchasing sets in all the same brand is also recommended for ease of storage. Consider nesting your containers to save space.”
Amanda Ogle is a freelance writer and editor with seven years of experience covering food and drink, travel, and general lifestyle topics. For this list, she spent hours researching different types of food storage containers, considering factors such as size, materials, durability, and function. For expert insight, she consulted with professional organizers Jamie Hord of Horderly, Mindy Godding of Abundance Organizing, and Tonia Tomlin, owner of Sorted Out.
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