Best Glass Food Storage Container
Many people like to store their foods in airtight containers. Not only does this help keep ingredients and snacks fresher for longer, but it can also help when it comes to keeping things neat and organized in your kitchen. But as you shop for food storage containers, what you will notice is that there are quite a few plastic options and there are also glass options.
There are several great reasons to stick with glass food storage containers. For example, if you want to go with a non-porous material that will be easy to clean, and won’t absorb odors, glass is a great choice. This is also an ideal option for those who want to avoid plastic products for health reasons, such as if you’re concerned about potential toxins in the plastic, and for those who don’t like the way plastic might affect the taste of food.
Glass is also durable, and when cared for properly, can last a long time. Unlike plastic, which might become cloudy over time, you can clean your glass food containers to keep them nice and clear, and you can also wash them at high temperatures without worrying about the heat damaging them.
Also, if you want to be a more environmentally conscious consumer, you might want to reduce your use of plastic products. And, because glass is recyclable, you can rest assured that you can take yet another step to help the planet even when you need to discard a glass container.
Are you ready to start looking for the best glass food storage containers available? We’re here to help! Check out the list of six products below to get a better idea of some of the top options that are available at affordable prices.
1. Editor’s Choice: OXO Good Grips 3.5 Cup Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Container
As you will see on this list, you can find a lot of sets of glass food storage containers. However, if you want to buy just one container, consider this option from OXO. You can select from a variety of sizes and different shapes, but this one, in particular, can hold 3.5 cups, it is rectangular, and it measures around 8” x 3.2”.
This container, which is made of borosilicate glass for durability, comes with a leakproof lid that has four locking tabs to ensure a secure fit. And this container can be used in the oven, freezer, and microwave, which is certainly a plus.
When you need to clean this container, it will be easy to do, as you can simply put it in your dishwasher. Plus, the silicone seal is also removable so you can clean that easily as well.
If you do end up buying more of these glass containers from this brand, you can rest assured that the lids will be interchangeable and that you will be able to nest and stack these containers for ease of storage too.
Pros:
- This container is made of borosilicate glass that is stain-proof and BPA free.
- The rectangular shape can help ensure you can fit a good amount of food in this container.
- You can wash it in the dishwasher, and it can also be placed in the microwave, oven, and freezer.
Cons:
- The lid is made of plastic.
2. Runner Up: Leaves and Trees Stackable Kitchen Canisters
Leaves and Trees’ pack of 5 stackable kitchen canisters are an attractive and efficient way of visualizing your kitchen’s potential while tidying up cluttered cupboards. Leaves and Trees outfits you with five distinct canisters across three sizes – the shortest being 4.1 inches tall and the largest being 11.4 inches. The two smallest canisters are good for 600ml, the medium sizes fit 1400ml, and the largest works best with long items like spaghetti at 2100ml of storage space.
These glass kitchen canisters also come in 3.9 inch and 3.3 inch lid sizes, differing by about `$10.00 USD in terms of price. The glass itself is food-grade and made of high percentage borosilicate glass. The canisters also come with tight fitting lids. With that said, anything that releases gas during the oxidization process – like freshly ground coffee – may go bad if not used within its regular shelf life.
Pros
- Includes 2 small, 2 medium, and 1 large jar (600ml, 1400ml, and 2100 ml respectively)
- Jars hold a wide range of dry ingredients such as rice, sugar, flour, and pasta
- Made of food-grad high borosilicate glass
- Comes in a 3.9 inch lid-size and a 3.3 inch lid-size.
- Air-tight, wood lids preserve freshness for everything up to and excluding high oxidization rate dry goods like coffee
- Good up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Primarily limited to dry goods, not as multi-functional as other items on this list
3. Best Multi-Compartment: Bayco 8 Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers 3 Compartment
Do you like food storage containers that have multiple compartments within them so you can store more than one food without them mixing together? Then you should definitely check out this set of glass meal prep containers, which feature three compartments for added convenience.
These containers are made of durable borosilicate glass, they can hold around 33 ounces, and they measure roughly 8.1” x 6.1” x 2.8”. You get a set of eight containers, and you can stack them to store them in a manner that will save much-needed space.
Another nice feature is the locking lid that helps prevent leaks and provides an airtight seal for keeping your food as fresh as possible. The sealing rubber ring is removable so you can clean it thoroughly as well.
You can place these jars in the freezer. If you plan on using them in your oven or microwave, just be sure to take the lids off first. Also, although the containers are dishwasher safe, it is best to wash the lids by hand.
Pros:
- This set includes eight glass containers and eight lids.
- Three compartments make it possible to store multiple ingredients in one container without them mixing.
- The locking lids are BPA free and designed to be easy to open and close.
Cons:
- The lids are not dishwasher safe.
- The lids are made of plastic.
4. Best Eco-Friendly: Urban Green Glass Containers with Bamboo Lids
As mentioned above, glass food storage containers are a great choice when you want to take a more eco-friendly approach to the products you buy for your kitchen. Well, these containers come with bamboo lids to make them even more environmentally friendly.
This set is a fantastic choice if you want to avoid plastic completely. It provides you with a total of five glass containers and matching bamboo lids with a food grade silicone ring for a tight seal. Also, each container is a different size. More specifically, this set includes containers that can hold 4 ounces, 12 ounces, 21 ounces, 35 ounces, and 50 ounces.
You can use these glass containers in the oven, microwave, freezer, and refrigerator. You should not use the lid in the microwave or oven, though. And you can also wash the glass containers in the dishwasher, but the lid should be washed by hand.
These are attractive enough to leave on your counter when you want to keep snacks within reach. And to store these, you can nest the glass containers, or if you keep the lids on, you can stack these as well.
Pros:
- These borosilicate glass containers are designed to be safe for people and the environment, and they are 100% recyclable.
- This set is plastic free and BPA free.
Cons:
- The lids should not be placed in the dishwasher.
5. Best Round: Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Round Glass Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids
When you are searching for round glass food storage containers, this set might give you exactly what you need. You get a set of three containers and three lids, for a total of six items. More specifically, you get one 2-cup container, one 4-cup container, and one 7- cup container. And the lids snap on and provide an airtight seal for freshness.
You can use these containers in a preheated oven, microwave, freezer, and refrigerator. And you can wash the containers and the lids in a dishwasher too, which is certainly a plus.
Each container comes with a matching BPA-free lid that helps prevent leaks and messes. And each container is a different size, so you will be able to nest them when you need to store them away, or you can stack them with the lids on.
Overall, this is a great product to go with when you want glass containers that will be easy to clean, that you can use for everything from baking to serving and storing, and that will not stain or warp.
Pros:
- You can wash the containers and the lids in the dishwasher.
- The lids provide an airtight seal that prevents leaks.
- This product is made in the USA.
Cons:
- The lids are plastic, so if you want to avoid all plastic, this wouldn’t be the ideal option.
6. Best Glass: Superior Glass Food Storage Containers
When you want to get a lot of glass containers for a low price, we recommend checking out this 24-piece set (that’s 12 containers and 12 lids). These food storage containers are stackable and you get a variety of shapes and sizes so you can always have the right container when you need it, whether you are transporting food or you need to store leftovers.
While the containers are made of high-quality borosilicate glass, the lids feature a hinged locking system and a removable rubber gasket for an airtight seal that is easy to open and close.
Plus, these are microwave safe, oven safe, and freezer safe. When you need to wash the containers, you can simply place them in your dishwasher. And when you need to store these, you can stack them or you can nest them to save space.
Pros:
- This set includes glass containers of various shapes and sizes, including square, round, and rectangular containers.
- The glass can tolerate rapid temperature changes.
- The lids are BPA free and provide a leakproof, airtight seal to prevent messes and maintain freshness.
Cons:
- The lids are made of plastic, so this might not suit all consumers.
7. Honorable Mention: Glasslock 18-Piece Set
Glasslock’s 18-piece set of oven-safe food storage containers are a sturdy addition for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen organization. Glasslock presents customers with two classic styles – clear, and for a slightly higher price point blue tinted. The 18-piece set comes with four rectangular containers, two square containers, and three circular containers. For those doing quick math you’ve likely noticed that this only comes up to 9 containers. This is because Glasslock includes the 9 lids for each container, totally 18 pieces – not 18 containers. This set off a few warning flags.
Glasslock’s set of 9 containers are also made of BPA free plastic, and are recyclable in the event of damage or breakage. In addition to being oven safe you can also run these containers through the microwave, which is a fantastic bonus for those on the go or using an office microwave. The containers themselves are both air-tight and leak-resistant. They’re also nestable so that you can cut down on how much space they take up in the kitchen. Two final notes. Consumer reports indicate some issues with the sealing plastic, in some cases where it traps moisture and leads to mold growth.
Pros
- Four rectangular containers: x1 6.3 cup, x2 3.5 cup, x1 1.6 cup
- Two square containers: x1 3.3 cup, x1 1.5 cup
- Three round containers: x1 3.1 cup, x1 1.6 cup, x1 0.7 cup
- BPA free and recyclable
- Microwave, oven, and freezer safe
- Nestable, air-tight, and leak-resistant
Cons
- Lids are plastic rather than glass – don’t leave them on when microwaving or using the oven
- Advertises 18-pieces, but actually has 9 lids and 9 containers
- Some reports of moisture trapping at the seal
8. Also Consider: Pyrex Simply Store
For almost 100 years Pyrex has been a household name, and for good reason. Pyrex’s Simply Store containers come with 9 vessels made of tempered glass and 9 lids made of plastic. The glass itself is BPA free in addition to being microwave, freezer, over (up to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit), and top-rack dishwasher safe. With all that said, the latest generation of Pyrex storage containers have had to cut corners. This comes in the shape of less secure lids, made of thin plastic. This isn’t a huge issue as the core containers are still great, but definitely something to keep in mind.
Hands down one of the most common complaints for both Pyrex and other competing grades are shattering in the microwave of oven. Generally speaking this is the result of thermal shock, or when a container moves from a cold to a hot environment or vice versa. This means that you absolutely cannot take a Pyrex container from the fridge and put it straight into the microwave. If you do you’ll shatter the glass almost guaranteed. For this reason Pyrex only offers a 2-year limited warranty on their lids rather than the entire set.
Pros
- Three rectangular containers: x1 6 cup, x2 3-cup
- Six round containers: x1 1 cup, x1 7 cup, x2 2-cup, x2 4 cup
- BPA free
- Microwave, freezer, and top-rack dishwasher safe
- 2-year limited warranty on lids
Cons
- Advertises 18-pieces, but actually has 9 lids and 9 containers
- Some consumer reports of Pyrex exploding, but see above for details on how to avoid this – commonly a result of unintentional thermal shock.
9. Best for Babies: OXO Tot Glass Baby Blocks
OXO’s specially designed tot glass baby blocks are perfect for new parents looking to portion out baby’s first meals in advance. OXO includes four kid-sized containers. They measure 3 inches by 7.5 inches by 7.7 inches. One of the best things about the Tot glass baby blocks is their easy-to-use snappable lids. OXO’s food storage containers are also BPA, PVC, and Pthalate free – meaning that your little one will be in safe hands.
OXO’s tot glass baby blocks also include more than a few nice quality-of-life features for parents on the go. For instance, OXO has printed measurement guidelines to make portioning easy as can be. They also have a stackable design for storage, and can go straight from the freezer into the microwave – also we would suggest using the fridge as an in-between step to reduce the risk of thermal shock. Finally, the OXO tot series is not just for the young ones. The compact size make them great for a variety of usages like freezing lemon juice, single servings of stock, or the like.
Pros
- Four kid-sized, square containers measuring 3 x 7.5 x 7.7 inches
- BPA, PVC, and Pthalate free
- Leak-proof snappable lids
- Measurement markings for petite portioning
- Stackable design
- Can go from freezer straight to microwave
Cons
- Some consumer reports of breakage at the clips/ handles or on the snaps themselves
Things to look out for:
As you shop for glass food storage containers, it is a good idea to keep a few things in mind. That way, you can rest assured that you will make the right choice for yourself and your family. Here are some things we recommend keeping an eye on:
Check if a glass food storage container is dishwasher safe, as that will definitely make it so much easier to clean. And glass containers that come with airtight lids are a good way to ensure your food will remain fresh and you can keep pests, such as bugs, out.
Many people like to label their food storage containers so they know what’s inside, even when those containers are clear glass. So, if you want this extra feature, look for glass containers that come with labels for added convenience.
If you plan on keeping your glass food storage containers in the refrigerator or freezer, check the product description on items carefully to make sure it is safe to do so. And the same is true if you are planning on heating up food in your glass container, or pouring hot food into it, as you’ll want to be sure the glass will be able to withstand the heat.
Sometimes, glass containers can be a little heavy, so if you want to go with products that are more lightweight, be sure to see if a product description provides the weight of a container before deciding if you are going to buy it.
Finally, for purposes of saving space and keeping things organized, you may want to go with glass containers that you can stack. And nesting containers are also great because you can save even more space when they are not in use.
FAQs
What are the best glass food storage containers?
At the time of writing the best food storage containers are a mix of new faces and tried and true brands. We can safely recommend Pyrex and OXO for this reason – both have a history of delivering on their products. With that said, make sure to check recent reviews to make sure that a current run of containers don’t have any factory defects. In terms of new(er) competitors we can also suggest Glasslock with few to no reservations.
Are glass food storage containers better than plastics?
In Sous Vide Guy’s opinion glass is definitely the better way to go if you can afford it. Although plastic is broadly speaking more durable we prefer glass due to its complete lack of even BPA-free chemicals. Plastic is convenient and lasts, but glass containers when treated properly can be passed down or through the family. We also like that fact that glass containers won’t absorb flavors or odors. No more tomato sauce stains.
Are glass food storage containers safe in the freezer?
Pretty much all glass food storage containers are freezer safe. The most important think to remember is that glass, unlike plastic, is susceptible to shattering when moved from extreme cold to extreme heat. We recommend letting glass containers from your freezer come up to room temperature before microwaving, unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise.
How do I organize my glass food storage containers and lids?
A: When it comes to organizing glass food containers we recommend nesting all containers and the same size within each other, then placing the lids as a divider between container sections, or next to the containers in a credit-card stack. You can also look into
Does food last longer in glass containers?
The short answer is absolutely. Glass containers don’t warp over time, which means that if you treat them well you’ll have an air-tight seal on day 1 and day 100. They also don’t absorb odors and smells in the same way that plastic does. We’ve all been in a position where, no matter the elbow grease, tomato stains just won’t go away. Glass containers are also better for the environment, and any non-tempered glass is recyclable if broken.
How much do glass food containers cost?
Glass food containers start around at their cheapest at around $25.00 USD from grocery store “no-name” brands. Medium quality containers will come in at between $30.00-$40.00 USD. Anything above $40.00 should ideally come with higher quality assurance standards, and premium design features such as bamboo lids, engraving, or the like.
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