The 6 Best Food Storage Containers, According to Our Tests
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
We filled hundreds of containers to find our favorite sets.
Food & Wine / Meredith Food Studios
If you're someone who cooks often or in large quantities, chances are you're keeping your kitchen well stocked. Canned goods, jars, and bags of all sizes can quickly become a sea of disorganization, even when you have the space for them. Storage containers can create order in an overflowing pantry, in addition to keeping food fresh in the fridge or freezer.
We tested 76 glass, plastic, ceramic, and silicone food storage containers, considering everything from lid design to whether containers retained smells and stains. Our top picks all passed our tests, so the best food storage containers for your kitchen will come down to preference: think material, storage capacity, and cost. Here’s our overview.
Best Glass: Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set
Pros
This set can go in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven (without the lids).
Cons
Though containers can nest with their same shape, they may seem bulky if you’re limited on storage space. If you tend to cook in bulk, you may want to supplement the set with more large pieces.
Glasslock’s 18-piece storage set is perfect for those who want sturdy, reliable food storage without the risk of staining or retaining smells. Nine pieces and their lids are included, ranging in size from a 0.7-cup round container to a generous 6.3-cup rectangular container. The thick glass walls and airtight lids keep food protected from air and freezer burn, keeping contents fresher for longer. They’re easy to clean and safe to use in the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and even oven (with the lids off – one of our lids warped when left close to heat).
Testing this set, we were impressed with the overall construction and performance of these containers. It took a few days for a halved avocado to start browning, and even longer for cut lettuce to show signs of wilting. We also like that the tight-fitting seal makes these containers leakproof, so no need to worry about them dripping in a lunch box. One Food & Wine editor has used the same set for six years, so we can confirm that it’s worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $45
Material: Glass, polypropylene
Number of Pieces: 9 plus lids
Food & Wine / Awa Dia
Best Plastic: Rubbermaid Premier Storage Containers
Pros
They’re lightweight and sturdier than many other plastic storage options.
Cons
We noticed the plastic held on to some odors when we washed them by hand. Also, the largest container holds just 5 cups, so you may need to add more large pieces to your collection for batch cooking.
With so many plastic food storage container options out there, this 20-piece set from Rubbermaid rises above the competition with its shatterproof, stackable design. Made from Tritan plastic, these containers offer a crystal-clear view of contents so you can always find what you’re looking for. They’re safe to use in the fridge, freezer, and microwave, though you’ll want to avoid heating them with sauces that might stain (think marinara or yellow curry). Also, strong odors were difficult to remove from the lids with hand-washing alone, but running them through the dishwasher helped.
When we tested this set, its tight seals stood out to us — we kept a halved avocado fairly green after three days, and blueberries stayed fresher than if we had stored them in their original plastic tub. We further tested its sealing capabilities with zero leaks or spills to report, even when we vigorously shook a container with liquid inside. Overall, it’s a great quality plastic set that feels like it will hold up for a long time.
Price at time of publish: $47
Material: Tritan plastic
Number of Pieces: 10 plus lids
Food & Wine / Dana Fouchia
Best Value, Glass: Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set
Pros
We love the assortment of sizes in this set, which make it extra versatile.
Cons
The shapes and sizes don’t fully nest inside each other, making them a little bulky to store.
Pyrex really delivers when it comes to affordable glass kitchenware, and this food storage set is no exception. This 18-piece set includes a 7-cup round, a 6-cup rectangle, two 4-cup rounds, two 3-cup rectangles, two 2-cup round, and a 1-cup round container, each with its own lid. Made of tempered glass, these containers are safe to use in the dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven.
The food we stored in them held up very well – spaghetti leftovers and breakfast burritos didn’t turn soggy, cut produce stayed fresh, and frozen fruit avoided freezer burn. While some containers have ridges where the lids snap on, these have a smooth design that makes them especially easy to clean, whether by hand or in the dishwasher.
Price at time of publish: $38
Material: Tempered glass, plastic
Number of Pieces: 9 plus lids
Food & Wine / Ashley Schaubroeck
Best Value, Plastic: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage 14-Piece Container Set
Pros
The Tritan construction gives you a perfectly clear view of each containers contents from every angle.
Cons
You may need to supplement with additional large pieces if you tend to store larger batches.
Another outstanding collection from Rubbermaid, the Brilliance line consists of sturdy Tritan plastic, making it shatterproof and stain- and odor-resistant. This material also gives you a transparent view of what’s inside from every angle, while the gaskets and lid clips ensure a tight seal. This set includes a 0.5-cup, two 1.3-cup, two 3.2-cup, and a 9.6-cup rectangular container with lids, totaling 14 pieces.
When we tested fresh produce, these containers kept spinach, berries, and a halved avocado in pretty good shape over a few days. We also used a container to store egg whites, which stayed fresh and didn’t leak when tipped over. The Tritan plastic resisted staining notably well, even after holding red sauce and yellow curry for several days. The containers can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher, and are safe to use in the fridge, freezer, and microwave.
Price at the time of publish: $40
Material: Tritan plastic
Number of Pieces: 7 plus lids
Best Reusable Bags: Stasher 4-Pack Storage Starter Bundle
Pros
The silicone construction makes these extremely versatile and durable.
Cons
They’re a hefty initial investment for only a few pieces and they’re a little difficult to clean.
If you want to avoid single-use plastics, consider this set of food storage bags a worthy investment. Made of food-safe silicone, Stasher’s durable bags can store food in the fridge, freezer, or pantry, and can also be used in the microwave or as a pouch for sous-vide cooking. This set includes four pieces: a 64-ounce flat bag, a 56-ounce standing bag, an 18-ounce sandwich bag, and a 12-ounce snack bag.
One bag kept a halved avocado from going mushy in the fridge while another kept ice crystals from covering berries in the freezer. We also tested them for storing dry goods and appreciated that they work just as well as any airtight container as long as you close them properly. (One editor even uses them to pack liquid toiletries and makeup when traveling.) While the bags are dishwasher safe, the inside edges are harder to get clean; we used a straw cleaning brush to get into the corners and the grooves of the seal. They’re also difficult to dry in the dishwasher, so you may have to wipe them down by hand or air dry them on a rack to ensure no moisture gets trapped inside before storing.
Price at the time of publish: $67
Material: Silicone
Number of Pieces: 4
Food & Wine / Kathryn Standing
Best Pantry Storage: Rubbermaid Brilliance 10-Piece Pantry Food Storage Container Set
Pros
It includes a nice number of pieces, and all parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Cons
Some may need more than one set for adequate storage and organization.
In the pantry, storage containers can extend the shelf life of goods that arrive in hard-to-close packaging. Our third pick from Rubbermaid, this set has a modular design for easy stacking and space-saving. The containers are clear from top to bottom, so you can easily keep tabs on your inventory. Durable and thick, their BPA-free plastic construction makes them suitable for daily use, and each container comes with a lid that seals tightly, keeping out moisture and humidity. They're also leakproof and can be used in the freezer in addition to the pantry.
We were impressed with these containers for their tight seals, how easily they cleaned up, and the lack of stains and smells left behind. For more extensive organizing, Rubbermaid offers this set in several configurations, from individual pieces to larger sets. We find the 10-piece set just right for storing everything from pantry essentials to cut vegetables or fruit in the refrigerator.
Price at time of publish: $67
Material: BPA-free plastic
Number of Pieces: 10 plus lids
Our Favorite
As we mentioned, the best set of storage containers depend on your preferences. If we were to choose one best overall, it would be the Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Glass Storage Container Set for its strong, oven-safe glass; tight, locking lids; versatile shapes and sizes; and the fact that it can stand up to the oven and freezer alike. For a less expensive option, we’d recommend another glass set: the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set.
The Tests
We tested 76 food storage container sets, which included 35 plastic sets, 24 glass sets, 13 reusable silicone bags, two reusable fabric bags, and two ceramic canister sets. We tested containers in several everyday situations to see how well they could keep brown sugar from drying out, preserve cut avocados, freeze berries, and resist stains from tomato sauce and odors from raw onions, to name a few scenarios. We tested the containers as it made sense, so pantry canisters and taller bins did not go through our refrigerator, freezer, and microwave tests. The food storage containers that made our list received top marks in testing, in addition to meeting our standards for capacity, ease of cleaning, and design.
Other Food Storage Containers We Tested
Strong Contenders
Pyrex Freshlock 10-Piece Airtight Glass Food Storage Container Set ($34 at Amazon)
This set includes a nice assortment for singles or a couple. Made of thick glass with locking airtight lids, these containers can be used in the fridge, freezer, and microwave and can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. They’re also pretty affordable and seem like they’d hold up well in the long run.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Set of 9 Food Containers with Lids ($78 at Amazon)
This is a glass version of the popular Brilliance Tritan set on this list. The glass bases are suitable for use in the oven up to 450 degrees, allowing them to double as cookware and serveware. It’s a sturdy, easy-to-clean option with a great selection of sizes for a small family. It's more expensive than the average glass set, however.
OXO Good Grips Smart Seal 12-Piece Glass Container Set ($33 at Amazon)
Made of borosilicate glass, these containers can go from the freezer to the oven. We love that this set stacks and nests really well, saving space wherever you decide to use them. We also really like how they performed in our leak tests, giving us plenty of confidence that sauces and soups won’t spill during transport.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers, 52-Piece Set ($22 at Amazon)
For larger families that take meals to work and school, this set is perfect, as there’s a size for every need. It's a great value, so you won’t be too distraught if you misplace a piece or two. They performed well in our leakproof tests and are also easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
Tupperware Heritage Collection 36 Piece Food Storage Container Set ($100 at Amazon)
This vintage-styled set includes 18 containers with lids, ranging in size from 1.45 cups to 11.75 cups. The bowl-style silhouette works well for storing food, but it isn’t as transport-friendly as flatter rectangular or round options. They’re sturdy and seem like they’d last for a long time, but lids may be prone to staining from tomato or turmeric-based foods.
Joseph Joseph Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set ($30 at Amazon)
These stylish containers nest really nicely, making them easy to store when they’re not in use. This set is great for a one- or two-person home to preserve cut produce, meal prep, and holding leftovers. We love the look of them, and the price point makes this set a great value.
(re)zip 5-Piece Stand-Up Leakproof Reusable Storage Bag Pack ($25 at Amazon)
We really liked the easy, secure seal of these storage bags. The flat bottoms of these reusable bags make them extra versatile, working even better than your typical plastic zip storage bag. While these aren’t dishwasher safe, they’re pretty easy to clean by hand and air dry.
OXO Good Grips 8-Piece POP Container Set ($68 at Amazon)
A fantastic option for dry storage, these essential containers seal (and un-seal) with a press of the large button on the lid. This set is designed specifically for baking ingredients, with built-in scoops for larger sizes and a specially designed lid to keep brown sugar from hardening. If you’re big on baking, you’ll find this to be a smart option for keeping your ingredients organized.
What Didn’t Make the List
As we tested 76 storage container sets and reusable bag sets, we had to cut dozens from our final list for various reasons. For example, the Caraway Food Storage Container Set ($245 at Amazon) is visually stunning. It leaked during testing, however, which was a deal-breaker at this high of a price point. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Ziploc Food Storage Containers 14-Piece Set ($15 at Amazon) also leaked, and we found them too flimsy to recommend. Finally, we preferred storage containers to most reusable bags, and fabric storage bags ranked lowest in our tests. We couldn't get the Lunchskins Reusable Zippered Food Storage Bag Set ($11 at Amazon) to close all the way, which made us wary of using them. They’re prone to staining and aren’t waterproof.
Factors to Consider
Material
Food storage containers typically come in sturdy plastic, glass, or stoneware, while reusable bags tend to be made of silicone or fabric. Each material has its merits, so choosing one will depend on what is most important to you. Plastic containers tend to be less expensive, lightweight, and more durable than glass or stoneware. Glass and stoneware tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, heavier, a bit more expensive, and more fragile, on top of resisting stains and odors better than plastic, in general.
Seal
To keep contents fresh, you want a container or bag that seals well. Look for features like silicone or rubber gaskets that provide an air-tight seal and snap closures that help to keep items contained even if the bin takes a small tumble. If you're storing food in a deep drawer, you may prefer clear or windowed lids, and if you're storing in a pantry, you may prefer lids that allow you to stack containers securely to maximize space.
Capacity
When picking a storage set, you want to be sure that the sizes included are useful for your household. For pantry storage and leftovers, it's better to have containers that are slightly larger than you think you need. If you're packing containers for the office or school, on the other hand, you may want smaller containers or some designed for meal prep.
Cleaning
Most food storage containers and reusable bags can be easily washed by hand, but for a more thorough cleaning, you may prefer to pick a set that is dishwasher-safe. Always check with the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your set can be run through the dishwasher without warping or damaging its seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you organize food storage containers?
A set that stacks will take advantage of any vertical space you have. Place heavier, larger containers on the bottom, and stack lighter, smaller containers on top. If you're storing food in a deep drawer, you may want to opt for uniformly sized containers with see-through lids for easy identification. To make organization easier, you can also use a label maker or wine bottle pen to note each container's contents.
How many food storage containers do I need?
This depends on the quantities and varieties of food you need to store. We recommend starting with a small, buildable set that you can add onto once you know your storage needs. For example, keeping some containers in the freezer will mean having fewer on hand for workday lunches. And if you like to freeze meals, you'll likely want to supplement a set with more large containers.
If you stock your pantry with bulk ingredients like all-purpose flour, rice, dry beans, or nuts, you'll likely want larger, dedicated containers for each, as you can refill them when they're low or empty. If your pantry contains small quantities of a variety of ingredients — think chocolate chips, coconut flakes, nutritional yeast, and dried chilis — you may want an array of smaller containers.
For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Food & Wine.