Best Dry Food Storage Containers | Review | 2020
An excellent set of dry meals storage containers will maintain your elements recent longer and your cabinets and counters organized and tidy. After greater than 17 hours of researching and testing dry storage containers, we discovered that Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers have been the clear winner of all of the fashions we examined. They’re sturdy, tight sealing, and out there in numerous handy sizes.
Tight-sealing lids
“You want the container to seal tightly,” stated Sarah Carey, the editorial director of meals and entertaining for Martha Stewart Living. A hermetic seal helps shield cereal, grains, and snacks from staleness, and retains brown sugar or tender raisins from turning rock onerous. It additionally helps maintain out pests like pantry moths, which may squeeze by way of surprisingly small areas and multiply quickly. As Maria Speck, writer of Ancient Grains for Modern Meals, identified, moths often cover in store-bought baggage of grain or flour. “I’ve heard from so many people about how their cabinets are now infested,” she stated. But if you happen to make a behavior of transferring all dry items to containers with safe lids, these tiny stowaways can’t get uncontrolled.
You can discover a vary of vacuum-sealing containers on the market, resembling the favored OXO Pop containers, which have a lid that pulls air out of the container because it seals. These would appear like the plain alternative for a hermetic container, however, we discovered sufficient complaints about leaks and moth infestations in Amazon critiques (and in a submit on Kitchn) to be skeptical. In our exams, we discovered them to be no extra hermetic than another container (and actually, generally much less hermetic).
See-through
For Speck, it’s additionally “key to be able to see what we have.” Clear containers make it straightforward to take inventory of what you have got and the way a lot of it. (Even higher if measurements are marked on the surface.) With opaque containers, you must go to the difficulty of creating labels, and also you’re nonetheless more likely to overlook these costly heirloom beans to procure. For that cause, we selected to not check any steel, ceramic, or in any other case opaque containers.
Useful styles and sizes
Dry storage containers ought to match properly in a kitchen cupboard. Square or rectangular containers use house extra effectively, although we additionally thought of some spherical containers as a result of they are often simpler to pour from. We additionally appeared for containers with a gap extensive sufficient to simply scoop from with a 1-cup measuring cup.
To maintain issues trying neatly, Toni Hammersley, writer of The Complete Book of Home Organization, recommends sticking to containers in three sizes: massive for bulk components like flour, medium for snacks like pretzels, and small for issues like nuts. People who have an in-depth pantry might want one or two extra sizes. You received to discover a constant vary of sizes from model to model, however, we examined solely these containers that got here in a dimension massive sufficient to carry a 5-pound bag of all-purpose flour, which is someplace between four and 5 quarts in quantity (it varies primarily based on how compacted or aerated the flour is).
A stackable design
The specialists have been divided on whether or not containers must also be capable of stack simply. Hammersley stated stacking “can get in the way,” making components “not as easily accessible.” Carey, nevertheless, stated it could possibly be helpful “if you have a lot of stuff.” We suppose it’s good to a minimum of have the choice of stacking securely, particularly if in case you have restricted pantry house, and we restricted our testing to containers that appeared stackable.
Durable plastic
After researching the choices, we determined to check solely plastic containers. Glass tends to be heavier and might break simply, which makes pouring a full container or pulling it from a excessive shelf dangerous. The glass containers accessible are sometimes extra ornamental than sensible and are available in solely smaller sizes meant for countertop shows. All the specialists we spoke to did suggest some model of a primary canning jar for its tight seal, however, we selected to not check any jars as a result of they don’t stack, their opening is usually too slim to scoop from, and the bigger sizes are unwieldy to pour.
Not all plastics are equally sturdy both, so among the many plastic containers we examined, we appeared for fashions that wouldn’t shatter if dropped.
Easy to scrub
Depending on what you retailer, chances are you’ll not want to clean dry storage containers typically, however, a container ought to nonetheless be straightforward to scrub, with out difficult crevices. Ideally, each the lid and base need to be dishwasher secure, although we did check some fashions that weren’t. We didn’t contemplate hand-wash-only to be a dealbreaker just because these containers don’t have to be washed on every day and even weekly foundation.
Reasonably priced
Price varies extensively amongst containers, however, for a container massive sufficient to carry 5 kilos of flour (someplace between four and 6 liters), costs largely vary from $10 to $20. Since most individuals need to purchase fairly just a few containers, $20 was on the excessive finish of something we thought of. Containers that are available in a set are often a greater worth per piece, however, we should always word that almost all units rely on lids and bases as separate items, so an eight-piece set often contains solely 4 containers.
Best Choice: Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers
Sturdy, tight-sealing home storage
These sturdy, well-sealed plastic containers match simply in most cupboards. They are available in a number of sizes, can stack securely, and are simple to scoop or pour from.
The sturdy Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers held up by a number of drop checks and journeys by the dishwasher. Impressively, the lids are fully watertight, making these a number of the tightest-sealing containers we tried. A slim design permits the containers to stack properly and match effectively into kitchen cupboards. They additionally pour simply and match a measuring cup nicely. You can purchase them individually or as a set, and so they’re cheaper than a number of the way more fragile fashions we tried.
The Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Containers are the perfect dry storage containers for most individuals. The lids and containers on this set are very sturdy and seal tightly, even after a number of runs by the dishwasher. Their rectangular form is slim sufficient to suit neatly in kitchen cupboards however nonetheless lots extensive sufficient to suit a 1-cup measuring cup. They are available in 9 sizes, which match certainly one of three totally different lids. We additionally like that these containers can be found individually or in a reasonably priced six-, eight-, or 20-piece set.
The standout characteristic of those Rubbermaid containers is their distinctive seal. The silicone band that runs the perimeter of every lid, mixed with two locking clasps that snap down tightly, stored even a drop from escaping once we crammed the containers with water and held them the wrong way up. Other canisters we examined, just like the OXO Pop Big Square Containers and the ClickClack Cube Storage Containers, dribbled steadily when full of water. Though we don’t advocate storing liquids or leftovers in these containers (now we have separate information for that type of meal storage), their watertight seal is a sign of how nicely they’ll hold dry elements recent.
Rubbermaid’s comparatively slim Brilliance canisters are designed to suit properly facet by facet in a kitchen cupboard. They even have a transparent lid, making it simple to see what’s in them even when they’re in a deep drawer or on a low shelf. And stacking the containers is straightforward: The slight rim across the lid retains the containers from sliding around on prime of each other and helps safe them in place. While every little thing we tried was technically stackable, containers such because the Oggi Acrylic Canisters had a very easy lid, with nothing to maintain the highest container from sliding off the underside on the slightest disturbance.
Although the Rubbermaid containers are considerably slender, a 1-cup measuring cup does match simply by the opening of all however the small, 1.3-cup and 0.5-cup sizes and has sufficient room to maneuver once you’re scooping from the underside of the container. The slim form with rounded ends can also be simple to grip with one hand and to pour, whereas a lot of the different containers we examined required us to make use of two fingers. The 16-cup container completely holds a 5-pound bag of flour, whereas the 12-cup container neatly matches a 4-pound bag of sugar. We discovered these two to be essentially the most helpful sizes for storing most dry elements.
The giant container—19.9 cups—is a perfect receptacle for storing an enormous field of cereal, whereas the small containers of 1. Three cups and 0.5 cups are good for packing nuts or granola in a lunch. The 8.1-cup canister, designed particularly to carry spaghetti, is a bit awkward as a result of it’s so tall and slim. But we like that its peak makes it simple to succeed in when saved behind a deep cabinet.
The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers, that are fabricated from Tritan plastic, are very sturdy and dishwasher secure. They emerged from our drop check without a scratch, whereas different, pricier opponents such because the OXO containers shattered on the primary drop. Although Rubbermaid claims the containers are additionally microwave secure, we’ve learned opinions that recommend they warp or crack after being subjected to excessive warmth. We didn’t expertise any of those points once we microwaved them in our checks, however since we advocate them just for dry meal storage, we don’t suppose this drawback will even come up for most individuals.
Some Flaws
As talked about above, we’ve learn a variety of buyer opinions on-line that declare the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers warp, crack, discolor, or leak after microwaving. But since we advocate utilizing these containers just for storing dry elements, not leftovers, we’re not overly involved about these points (for storing leftovers, see our information to the perfect meals storage containers). However, we’ll proceed to long-term check these containers to see if any issues come up.
If the Brilliance containers hit the ground lid-first, the lids are liable to pop off. Since the containers didn’t crack or scuff on impression in our checks, we don’t suppose it is a dealbreaker, however it’s one thing to pay attention to before you purchase.
We want measurements had been printed on the facet of the containers, as on the Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers, so you possibly can gauge roughly how a lot of an ingredient you have got at any given time. But since a lot of the containers we examined lacked this characteristic, we don’t suppose it’s a disqualifying issue.
The plastic clasps on the Brilliance lids require a number of steps to open and shut, in contrast with container designs that will let you peel the lid off in a single movement. Also, the silicone band alongside the perimeter of the lids has a variety of nooks and crannies that may be tough to wash by hand. But we expect the benefits of the tight-sealing lids will outweigh this flaw for most individuals.
If you propose to nest the containers once you’re not utilizing them, remember that they are often fairly tall (as an illustration, the 16-cup and 19.9-cup containers measure about 14 inches excessive when stacked). But that is actually a difficulty solely when you’ve got brief cabinets. Sometimes the containers generally tend to stay when nested, however since most individuals hold their dry storage containers in fixed rotation, we don’t suppose it is a enormous deal.
Also Recommended: Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers
For those with more to store
These industrial containers are designed for restaurant kitchens, in order that they’re tremendous sturdy. They additionally are available in many various sizes, starting from 2 quarts to 22 quarts. But they’re cumbersome and higher for these with quite a lot of houses.
The Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers are workhorses, designed to face up to the abuse of an industrial kitchen. They’re much like Cambro containers, the containers mostly present in restaurant kitchens, however, the Rubbermaid variations have a number of benefits. Unlike these within the Cambro line, the smaller Rubbermaid containers have an identical footprint because the 6- and 8-quart containers, they usually all have handles. The lids are additionally a lot tighter. The largemouth makes scooping simple but in addition make these containers higher suited to massive, walk-in pantries or cabinets with loads of room.
For individuals who have a spacious pantry or who often buy elements in bulk, the Rubbermaid Commercial Space Saving Food Storage Containers are an excellent choice. These are Rubbermaid’s model of a Cambro, the storage container present in nearly each restaurant kitchen within the nation. Like Cambro containers, they’re rugged, sturdy workhorses designed to outlive innumerable bangs, drops, and journeys via a high-heat dishwasher. They have measurements in liters and quarts clearly stamped and painted on the surface, and they’re accessible in sizes starting from 2 to 22 quarts.
The Rubbermaid Commercial containers have a number of options that make them higher than Cambro fashions. Rubbermaid’s lids match a lot tighter than Cambro’s lids, which leaked profusely (issue eating places usually resolve by simply wrapping the entire container in plastic wrap). The Rubbermaid lids dripped solely frivolously across the corners of the container and at all times stayed firmly in place throughout our drop check, whereas the lid popped proper off a dropped Cambro. The sole drawback is that the Rubbermaid lids are so tight that they’ll really be laborious to snap on all the best way—it took an agency smack on our half to ensure each nook was totally closed in our testing.
Rubbermaid additionally makes all of its smaller containers (as much as Eight quarts) the identical form, in order that they stack simply. In distinction, Cambro’s 2- and 4-quart containers have a lot smaller footprint than the bigger sizes, to allow them to stack or line up neatly with bigger sizes. Whereas the Rubbermaid offered as Four quarts really has a 4-liter capability, which is loads of room for a 5-pound bag of flour, the 4-quart Cambro barely has room for five kilos of flour.
All of the Rubbermaid containers additionally include two handles on the edges, whereas solely these Cambro containers bigger than Eight quarts (bigger than most individuals ever want for dwelling use) have handled. But handles make it a lot simpler to choose up these cumbersome, slick-sided containers—you’ll be able to even carry them with one hand, one thing unattainable to do with the Cambro containers.
The appreciable width makes these Rubbermaid containers simple to scoop from, a profit that frequent bakers particularly will recognize. Their dimension, nevertheless, means they’re not your best option for a restricted cupboard house.
Since they’re designed for restaurant use, the Rubbermaid Commercial containers are fairly reasonably priced (around $12 for a 6-quart container) but in addition considerably troublesome to get. Rubbermaid itself sells them solely in packs of 12, so you must flip to a restaurant to provide shops like WebstaurantStore to purchase them individually. You received discover them at shops like Target, and even available on Amazon is spotty. It’s additionally vital to notice that the lids and containers are offered individually, which is a blessing for those who are inclined to lose lids but in addition an annoying additional step on the subject of ordering.
Some Other Suggestions
Cambro’s Square Food Storage Containers are the restaurant-kitchen normal and are available really useful by Cook’s Illustrated. But the lid allowed water to pour out and popped off simply in our assessments. Plus, the 6-quart containers are a distinct form than the 2- and 4-quart containers, so the lids aren’t interchangeable.
Cook’s Illustrated really helpful ClickClack’s Cube Storage Containers with reservations, however we didn’t just like the vacuum-seal lid, which may entice water and have to be washed by hand. These additionally are available in graduated sizes that don’t stack effectively and shattered the primary time we dropped them.
We noticed suggestions for the Lock & Lock Rectangular Food Containers in boards on Chowhound and Kitchen. They sealed simply as tightly because of the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers and survived all of our drop assessments simply. But their units have a tendency to supply smaller sizes which might be geared towards storing leftovers and fewer giant containers for storing bulk dry gadgets.
Oggi’s Acrylic Canisters appeared nicer than a lot of the containers we tried, however, the {hardware} felt flimsy. They additionally didn’t seal tightly and cracked after we dropped them on a nook. And spherical containers waste more room than rectangular ones.
OXO’s Pop Containers are vastly well-liked on Amazon and got here advisable by Real Simple. They look good, and the lid is straightforward to open with one hand, however in any other case they aren’t definitely worth the worth. The lids didn’t at all times really feel tight (we had been capable of pull off among the lids even within the “closed” place), the containers aren’t dishwasher secure, and so they shattered instantly once we dropped them. One of the OXO containers, in actual fact, cracked even earlier than our drop take a look at, simply from knocking in opposition to the counter.
The Sistema Klip It Rectangle Containers are extremely rated on Amazon, with 4.Four stars out of 5 throughout greater than 600 evaluations at this writing. But they felt flimsy, and one even broke throughout transport. The lids have been leaky in our assessments, and the sizes massive sufficient to suit 5 kilos of flour are vast and shallow, not the perfect form for kitchen cupboards.
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