We’ve evaluated numerous food-storage containers(reusable rectanglular container white) over the years, exposing them to repeated freezing, microwaving, and 3-foot falls onto hard surfaces. Most containers will crack or degrade over time, but we’re certain our selections are the top choices for storing leftovers, packing meals, or contributing to potlucks.
If you prefer glass (which is odor-resistant and often oven-safe, though heavy), we suggest the sturdy Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set. For plastic (which is lighter and less prone to breaking), we recommend the leakproof Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set. Both are budget-friendly options that will offer you many years of service.
Everything we recommend
Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set
The sleek containers in the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set are constructed from sturdy glass—they didn’t break in our drop tests. They stack efficiently, and their lids are among the simplest (of those we’ve tested) to put on and remove. Because the lids don’t snap shut like those on our second choice, the Glasslock containers, we advise caution if you intend to transport liquids in the Pyrex containers. (We were surprised that the set’s round containers didn’t leak in our tests, but the rectangular ones aren’t leakproof, and a locking lid will still be optimal for preventing leaks and spills.) You can use this set in a microwave, freezer, preheated oven, and dishwasher.
Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set
In our leak tests, the Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set’s containers remained sealed. And after being repeatedly dropped from waist height, they suffered only slight cracks on the edges of the lids. Additionally, stains and odors didn’t persist in these containers, and they looked excellent stacked in the fridge, filled with leftovers. The containers nest neatly, too, so in a cupboard they occupy less space than many other options.
Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set
We appreciate that the Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set(reusable rectanglular container white) includes lids that seal to prevent spills, and these containers withstood multiple drops from counter height. However, after four years of long-term testing, some of our containers have developed chips around their edges—a common issue with most glass containers we examined.
Their locking lids require more force to close than the lids of our top pick, the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set. We suspect that the repeated pressure of snapping the Glasslock containers’ lids shut is what caused some of them to chip (stacking the containers for storage can also place stress on glass and lead to chipping). That said, if you’re seeking leakproof glass containers for meal prep, these are the best we’ve tested. The Glasslock containers come in various shapes that fit well in the fridge, and they are safe for use in an oven, microwave, freezer, or dishwasher.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers
The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers are ideal for carrying food to parties and other events, and because they’re so affordable, you might not mind leaving some behind. This set offers a range of sizes, with containers that stack neatly for easy storage. Odors and stains lingered after washing, and a few containers leaked in our testing. However, we believe they’re the top choice when compared to other budget-friendly options.
Why you should trust us
We’ve refreshed this guide after years of using these container sets in our test kitchen and in our own homes, storing leftovers in the fridge or packing meals for our commutes. Anna Perling, who conducted testing for and wrote our previous update, spent over four years reviewing food-storage vessels, from travel mugs to food thermoses to lunch boxes. Her reporting built on senior staff writer Michael Sullivan’s in-depth exploration of the science of glass and comprehensive durability testing over several months. Ganda Suthivarakom, who wrote our original guide, devoted numerous hours researching and testing (filling, shaking, storing, freezing, microwaving, washing, and dropping) food containers.
To gather as much knowledge as possible about materials and what makes a great container, we’ve consulted with several experts over the years, including glass scientists and cookbook editors.
How we picked and tested
After years of research and testing, we know that whether you’re choosing glass or plastic, a great container should meet the following criteria:
Airtight and leakproof: “You want something that’s truly airtight with a reliable seal, if it’s something you plan to keep for a while,” Nancy Hopkins, then senior deputy food and entertaining editor for Better Homes & Gardens, told us. Not only will a good seal help food last longer, but leakproof construction is also crucial for transporting liquids. We’ve found that round containers are typically more leakproof than square or rectangular ones. Many of the models we tested feature a gasket seal around the lip and plastic hinges that snap shut, so you can be confident the container is sealed properly.
Stain-resistant: Resistance to stains and odors is essential—you don’t want to still smell or see yesterday’s pasta and tomato sauce on your clean container. Plastic containers tend to stain more easily than glass, but we’ve found that some are more stain-resistant than others.
Easy to clean: We preferred containers that could go in the dishwasher. For easier cleanup, we favored containers with sealing lids that have removable gaskets since you can remove and wash them separately (this also prevents mold buildup). We also avoided lids with microwave vents; they’re just another part to clean, and it’s more effective to remove the latches and simply rest the lid on top of the container in the microwave (or not use the lid at all, as some manufacturers suggest).
Easy to stack and store: Containers that can nest or stack efficiently will be easier to store and more visually appealing. The shapes and sizes also affect how easy it is to store containers—square or rectangular ones will optimize fridge or freezer space.
Heat-safe: We wanted containers that could be used in the microwave, so that ruled out stainless steel. For glass containers, we also favored options that were preheated-oven safe or oven-safe, allowing you to warm food in the same container.
Translucent: The containers should be clear or easy to see through, so you know what’s inside without having to open them. Therefore, we avoided ceramic containers (which can also break easily).
Affordable: Plastic or glass storage containers range from about $3 to $10 each. Containers in a set are generally less expensive per piece. While price was a factor when we made our selection, we also considered that glass containers last a long time. Keep in mind that most manufacturers count both the containers and the lids in the total set count. So if a set is sold as 14 pieces or 16 pieces, you’re really getting only seven or eight containers.
Our 2021 tests built upon the testing we conducted in previous years. We tested for leaks by filling containers with water and shaking them, both before and after they had been run through the dishwasher. To test how the containers would hold onto smells and stains, we filled them with tomato sauce, placed them in the refrigerator for five days and the freezer for two weeks, and reheated the sauce in the microwave for two minutes. Before reheating, we also checked the frozen tomato sauce for freezer-burn patterns, which show how well a container seals. Additionally, we submerged all of the lids in a large bowl of tomato sauce for 48 hours and then ran them through the dishwasher as an extra stain and odor test. Usability is crucial in a container. We considered how easy it was to open and close each set’s containers, how well they stacked, and how well their shapes and sizes worked with different types of food.
Keep in mind that most manufacturers count both the containers and the lids in the total set count. So if a set is sold as 14 pieces or 16 pieces, you’re really getting only seven or eight containers.
Previously, we froze quarter-pound portions of ground beef for two weeks to observe freezer-burn patterns. And, most fun of all, we conducted a drop test from waist height for all of the containers (including glass ones) to see whether they would break or if the lids would pop off. In an attempt to simulate a non-bouncy kitchen floor, we performed these drop tests on a piece of wood placed over cement.
In 2018, we also subjected the glass sets to extreme thermal stresses (which is something we strongly do not recommend trying at home): We pulled the containers from the freezer and filled them with boiling water; we took containers that had been in a 350 ºF oven for 10 minutes and filled them with ice water; we used the containers to reheat cold beef stew and tomato sauce in the microwave for three minutes; and, finally, we froze beef stew in the containers and put them directly into a 350 ºF oven for 10 minutes. Since most of our picks have remained consistent over the years, we didn’t repeat any drop or thermal shock tests in 2021.
Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set
The classic, streamlined Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set is the best glass container set we’ve tested. Made from tempered glass, these durable containers survived multiple counter-height drops onto wood without shattering. Unlike other glass containers we tested, the Pyrex containers feature a smooth rim that’s less likely to chip over time, and they look attractive enough to use for serving. Although not all of the lids are watertight, they’re quicker and easier to seal than the lids of our runner-up choice, the Glasslock containers (which require more effort to clip closed). And because each Pyrex lid shape is a different color, they’re easy to match with their corresponding containers. The lids will likely wear out faster than the containers themselves (especially if you run them through the dishwasher), but you can easily replace them from Pyrex. This set stacks efficiently and is safe to use in a microwave, freezer, preheated oven, and dishwasher.
We remain impressed by the longevity of the Pyrex set: After years of use in our home kitchens, our containers haven’t chipped or cracked. We’ve heard similar feedback from several Wirecutter staffers. One person told us, “They’ve held up remarkably well over the past two to three years of regular use.” Another said: “I use them constantly, they’ve lasted incredibly well for years now. [I] dishwash them, top or bottom rack, wherever they fit.” And yet another colleague shared: “I’d say I’ve had most of them for more than five years. Never had the glass break.”
These containers were also impressive in our initial drop tests. They survived multiple drops onto a wood board placed over a cement floor. At one point, a container missed the board completely and bounced off the cement without breaking. The containers also passed our thermal stress tests: They remained intact after being transferred directly from a 350 °F oven to the freezer and vice versa (we strongly advise against trying this at home). The Pyrex containers are relatively heavy, but that’s typical of all the glass models we tested (for lighter containers, we suggest plastic options).
Instead of locking on with clips, the flexible Pyrex lids press on, and they don’t require as much force to put on or remove. They’re easier to seal than the similar Anchor Hocking lids we tested and than Glasslock’s locking lids. The lids come in different colors that match the differently sized containers, providing a visual cue to help pair them together more easily. The lids are airtight, and we didn’t notice any signs of freezer burn on our tomato sauce. Even though the round containers we tested didn’t leak in our tests, we would hesitate to toss them into a backpack with a computer. We also found that the rectangular containers leaked from the corners. However, since you can simply choose to store soups and stews in the round containers, we’re willing to overlook this minor drawback.
Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set
Out of all the plastic sets we tested, we recommend the Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set. This plastic set doesn’t offer the same durability as the glass Pyrex set we suggest—we’ve noticed that plastic containers may scratch, discolor, or distort over time, while glass ones do not. But the plastic, locking Snapware set is more affordable, lighter, and more practical for transporting food than our glass picks. Snapware is owned by the same company as Pyrex, and similarly, it offers replaceable lids and a long warranty. These sets have also performed well over time in our home kitchens. For these reasons, we believe the Snapware set is the best choice from our picks if you want to prepare your meal ahead of time and grab your container from the fridge as you head out.
The lids in the Snapware Total Solution set are easy to secure (unlike those in the Snapware Airtight set, which were hard to latch and often popped open, or the Rubbermaid Brilliance lids, which snapped shut forcefully, like a mousetrap). With the Snapware containers, there’s also a small tab at the edge to use when removing the lid, though you may not need it (these lids didn’t suction as much as those like the Rubbermaid Brilliance). Still, the Snapware Total Solution containers and lids created a tight seal, which prevented any signs of freezer burn and didn’t leak (even after a run through the dishwasher). With the locking tabs, these containers are more likely to stay closed than sets with press-on lids from IKEA or our budget choice, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs.
Like most plastic lids, the Snapware ones kept a slight tomato-sauce scent after we marinated them separately in a large bowl of sauce for 48 hours, but they didn’t retain any discoloration. The containers themselves were also free from stains. In contrast, the Lock & Lock containers retained an oily orange residue (and when we previously tested the Snapware Airtight set and the Popit containers, we also found that these sets retained odors and stains). And the Snapware Total Solution set performed excellently in our drop tests: Only a small piece on the corner of the lid broke off after the third drop.
Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set
We suggest the Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set only if you’re looking for a glass set that’s leakproof. Like many glass containers we considered, these have a tendency to chip over time (though many Wirecutter staffers report no issues after years of use). The Glasslock containers’ snug-fitting lids keep food fresher for longer. But they also apply pressure to the edge of the glass, which, according to the glass experts we spoke with, may be causing stress that leads to breakage. (Several reviewers also noted that their containers chipped after they nested them for storage. We were informed by Jane Cook, then chief scientist at the Corning Museum of Glass, that stacking glass can create stress over time because the two hard surfaces rub together, potentially leading to chipping. You can stack the containers on top of one another with the lids on instead, or place a paper towel between containers.) That said, compared to other brands we tested, the Glasslock containers sealed more securely without leaking and didn’t break or pop open when dropped. Per piece, the set also costs less than other glass options we considered.
The plastic lids feature a rigid silicone gasket that fills the lid groove from edge to edge, providing a secure seal that doesn’t leak. Although the gaskets are removable, they’re more challenging to remove than the thicker rings on the OXO containers—we accidentally punctured the gasket on one of our Glasslock containers with a butter knife. Our testers found that the plastic flaps on the lids were more difficult to close than the press-on lids of the Pyrex glass containers, but that’s true of most locking containers. However, the Glasslock containers kept food fresher longer than many of the alternatives we tested, showing they’re airtight. In our tests, greens stayed fresh, and cut strawberries tasted slightly off after being refrigerated for two weeks. Tomato sauce didn’t show signs of freezer burn, and it didn’t leave stains or odors on the glass or the plastic lid.
Notably, the Glasslock set withstood our drop tests, with no damage to the glass containers. The lids stayed perfectly intact and didn’t pop off. (For fun, we even tried dropping a Glasslock container onto cement. It only broke at a corner after three previous attempts to crack it.) The glass Snapware set we tested didn’t hold up as well in our drop tests: Some of the flaps opened, and the corner of the lid cracked.
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers
If you need affordable containers that you’ll be less concerned about leaving behind at picnics or potlucks, the best ones we tested were the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers. We’ve tested a 40-piece set as well as a 52-piece set, and we found they came with a broader variety of shapes and sizes than any of the other less durable sets we tested. Although there can be a lot of pieces to keep track of, these containers and lids stack neatly and don’t occupy as much space as you might expect.
Unlike the comparable Ziploc and Glad containers, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs didn’t leak before or after we ran them through the dishwasher. And while other budget plastic containers we tested, like those from Reditainer and Glad, shattered immediately when filled with water and dropped from waist height, the Rubbermaid container we dropped stayed fully sealed for two drops. Only after the fourth drop did the base of the Rubbermaid crack.
The transparent plastic round and square bases of the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 52-Piece Storage Set. Stacked rectangular, square, and round red lids of the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 52-Piece Storage Set.
Like all throwaway sets, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs aren’t flawless, as they’re not designed for prolonged use. The plastic becomes pliable when microwaved, although not as pliable as the Ziploc and Glad containers. The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs also showed slight staining and kept a faint tomato odor after washing, an issue we encountered with all the budget plastic sets we tested. However, due to their low cost, variety of sizes, and resistance to leaking, we’re willing to overlook these shortcomings. We’ve encountered stock issues with various TakeAlong sets. But we’ve tested a broad selection of pieces from different sets (including smaller containers with screw-top lids for sauces or condiments), and we’ve found all containers and lids to be of similar quality and made from the same materials.
If you can’t locate the TakeAlongs, or you want to explore other alternatives that may be more convenient to pick up from a grocery or home goods store, there are a couple of additional affordable sets that could work if they’re easier for you to find. The nesting IKEA Pruta set didn’t stain or absorb odors, and it’s simple to grab while you’re already shopping at IKEA. However, we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to purchase this set, since it’s challenging to order online (our containers took three weeks to arrive, and the $5 shipping fee is almost as much as the $6 set), and it lacks as many shapes as the TakeAlongs set. We also like deli containers, which stack neatly and are meant to be disposable if you want to share food or leave your container behind. However, these don’t perform well in the microwave or freezer and aren’t available in as many sizes.
Care and maintenance
Your containers will likely outlive their lids, but you can take a few extra precautions to extend their lifespan. It’s tempting to leave the lids on while microwaving food in your containers, but avoid doing so. No sealed lid benefits from the vacuum effect that occurs when you heat food in the microwave. Overusing the lid in this way can lead to warping and a loss of its seal. If you must cover the container to prevent splatter, always ensure that the lid is loosened and positioned slightly ajar on top. An even better option is to use a vented microwave cover or place a paper towel over the container while microwaving. Keep in mind that if you’re using a microwave with a sensor reheat function, it may not work properly unless it can detect the moisture released from your food.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, or if you prefer to preserve the longevity of your lids, handwashing works perfectly for our recommended picks. If the lid features a removable gasket, be sure to remove and clean it separately from the lid periodically to prevent mold growth. When loading your containers into the dishwasher, always place plastic parts on the top rack, while glass parts can be placed anywhere in the dishwasher.
After years of use in our kitchens, we’ve found that washing the Glasslock lids in the dishwasher keeps them mold-free, even without removing the gaskets, which is convenient. However, Cook pointed out that “automatic dishwashers are tough on both plastic and glass due to high, uneven heat, humidity, and chemicals from detergents.” We noticed some of our Glasslock lids started to break after four years of dishwasher use, and Pyrex lids have cracked over time as well. To help prolong their lifespan, it’s advisable to hand wash them with water no hotter than what comes from your tap, or, if you do use the dishwasher, avoid the heated dry cycle if your machine has one. Ultimately, you’ll need to balance convenience with longevity when caring for your containers and lids.
After removing glass food-storage containers from a hot dishwasher, experts recommend allowing them to cool before stacking them in a cupboard. LaCourse advises, “When they’re hot and clean, they’re more likely to scratch easily.” Hot glass is also more prone to sticking. Cook explained, “When glass is warm, it expands slightly. As it cools, putting a colder piece inside a warmer one can cause them to stick together. This may require pounding or running water to separate them, which can result in surface damage and reduce their lifespan.” Even when not hot, stacking glass containers can cause stress on them, leading to potential chipping over time.
For storage, make sure to dry the lids completely before putting them away. We suggest leaving the lids resting on top of the containers without snapping them shut to help preserve the seal’s longevity.
While we’ve read customer reviews on Amazon and received feedback from readers reporting that their tempered glassware “spontaneously shattered,” it’s important to note that tempered glass is more durable than non-heat-treated soda-lime glass. However, it can still break. Never expose your glass food storage containers to extreme thermal shocks (such as transferring containers directly from the freezer to a hot oven or vice versa). Always follow the temperature guidelines outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage.
Other good food storage containers
If you prefer borosilicate glass containers: We were impressed with the variety in shape and size of the OXO 16-Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set. Made from borosilicate glass, which handles temperature changes better than tempered glass, these containers are pricier than other options we recommend—and we did find some reviews mentioning chipping. However, if you plan to use your containers frequently in the oven or freezer, or if the Glasslock containers are unavailable, this set is a strong contender. We also appreciated the lids: they feature a thicker gasket that is easier to remove and replace compared to the gasket on Glasslock containers. This added cushion could help prevent the OXO containers’ rims (which, like Glasslock’s, are slightly raised) from chipping.
If you want containers with minimal plastic: The Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set features glass lids with white silicone trim that evoke a chic, minimalist lifestyle—though this might not be the most practical option for storing food. The white lids stained during our tomato sauce tests, and since the lids are glass, the containers are heavier and not ideal for transport. However, the lids do suction well and are easy to peel off thanks to a protruding tab.
If you want the flexibility of switching between plastic and glass containers: We appreciate that the lids on the Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Set are interchangeable with those from the plastic Snapware set. If you want both plastic and glass containers for different purposes, using Snapware for both means you won’t have to search for mismatched lids. This set used to be our runner-up pick for glass containers (with 18 pieces and slightly different shape options). Like our current runner-up, the lids clip closed, but this may stress the lip of the containers, increasing the risk of breakage. Because the silicone-bordered lids are harder to clean by hand than Glasslock’s, we recommend this option only if interchangeable lids are important to you.
If the Snapware set is sold out: We like the lids on the plastic OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Plastic Container Set just as much as those on the glass version. Although this set is more expensive than our pick and lacks round shapes, it remains a good option if our preferred locking plastic set is unavailable.
If you want an easy-to-remove lid: You might prefer suction lids. While the locking-style lids on Glasslock or Snapware containers and the press-on lids from Pyrex and Rubbermaid can require effort to remove, suction lids simply sit atop a bowl or container. However, they’re not airtight and won’t prevent leaks or spills; they only suction when you lift the knob in the center. Among the suction lids we’ve tested, we favored the thicker, sturdier Lékué Suction Lid. We also tried the GIR lids, which come in more sizes and colors. These are a little floppier and don’t create as strong a seal, but they are easier to remove and clean. I, Anna Perling, am sharing a personal note here: During my recovery from a nerve damage injury, I used both GIR Suction Lids and Food52 Airtight Lids for several months. I found them easier to put on, take off, and clean than firmer lids with ridges or tabs—perhaps you will too.
The competition
Glass Options:
The Rubbermaid Brilliance glass set offers only two shapes and sizes, and the lids are more challenging to close and remove compared to those of our top picks.
The Anchor Hocking Glass Food Storage Set passed our drop tests, but it leaked more than similarly designed Pyrex containers we tested. Additionally, the lids in this set retained odors more than our recommended options.
The Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Glass Storage set earned a B+ rating from Good Housekeeping, but we decided against recommending them after reading Cook’s Illustrated (subscription required) reports that the seal loosened noticeably after 50 dishwasher cycles, causing the containers to leak excessively.
Plastic Options:
While we recommend the Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers for dry food storage, we don’t suggest them for daily use storing leftovers. We’ve encountered reports of them cracking in the dishwasher or microwave. They’re best used for longer-term dry storage, where frequent washing isn’t necessary. Additionally, the set has fewer shape options, and the locking lids require more effort to shut compared to our top plastic picks.
The Lock & Lock Easy Essentials Food Storage Container Set is affordable and offers a wide variety of shapes and sizes. However, the lids are harder to align and lock compared to our recommended picks. In our 2021 update, these were the only plastic containers to suffer from freezer burn and stain after our tomato sauce test.
For an inexpensive set with press-on lids, we recommend the IKEA Pruta set. Unfortunately, they’re hard to get online due to prolonged shipping times or extra costs (ours took three weeks to arrive, and IKEA charges shipping fees that almost match the cost of the containers). They also don’t offer as many shape options as our budget pick, and, like most flimsy plastic sets, they tend to warp over time.
The Reditainer Deli Food Storage Containers are commonly used in professional kitchens because they’re inexpensive in bulk, uniform, and store neatly. They’re affordable enough to leave behind at someone else’s house, too. While these containers didn’t leak and prevented freezer burn, they stained easily and retained food odors. They also shattered in our drop tests.
The Rubbermaid Easy Find Lid 42-Piece Set has stacking lids, which is convenient, but these containers leaked both before and after going through the dishwasher, so we decided against recommending them.
The Popit Little Big Box Food Plastic Container Set performed well in some areas, such as not leaking when filled with water, and the removable gasket made cleaning easy. However, it didn’t pass our drop tests—the flaps popped open, and one completely broke off.
The Rubbermaid Premier set did well in most of our tests, but we found it difficult to tell when the lid was sealed properly. Additionally, the container sizes seemed a bit small for holding leftovers.
The Snapware Airtight Plastic Food Container Set we recommended in 2015 had faulty lid flaps that were difficult to close when re-tested in 2016. This set also retained food odors and stains more than competing sets. (It’s no longer available in these shapes, but a set of round containers is still available.)
Sterilite Ultra-Seal containers, which are available at many retailers, received poor reviews from both Cook’s Illustrated and Good Housekeeping due to a seal that wasn’t airtight. (Additionally, these containers are no longer available in varying shapes and sizes, so every piece must be purchased individually.)
The Glad MatchWare containers made matching lids and containers easy thanks to their color-coded design. However, they leaked, stained, and left ground meat covered in freezer burn. They also exploded in our drop tests. (Though the colors and patterns on this set have changed, the containers themselves remain the same.)
Ziploc containers nest well, but they leaked and became excessively soft when microwaved.
What to look forward to
We recognize that this is just one of many factors people need to consider in making their choices. In our next round of testing, we plan to explore more options that use less plastic.
We’ll be testing bamboo reusable containers, silicone options from Stojo, Norwex, Vremi, and Lekue, IKEA’s stainless steel food containers, and even more glass selections from Caraway, Frigoverre, Anyday, Ello, and Frego.