Smart food storage
Food storage containers are essential for a well-organized kitchen, making it easy to save leftovers for future meals. In our household, we prioritize home-cooked meals at least five days a week, especially with the rising costs of dining out. We often cook a bit extra, so it’s rare for an evening to pass without leftovers that need to be stored and refrigerated.
However, storing food containers can quickly eat up valuable cabinet space, especially in smaller kitchens. The solution? Opt for nested containers that save space and make organization easy. While there are countless options on the market, over the years, I’ve come to rely on a few trusted brands that deliver both quality and great value.
Rubbermaid
Food Storage Set, Red Vented Lids
Rubbermaid is a leading brand in the world of storage containers, and it’s easy to see why. Their containers tick nearly every box: they come in a variety of sizes, feature vented lids, and, best of all, they nest neatly to save valuable cabinet space. In terms of durability, our set of Rubbermaid containers has lasted over two years and is still going strong.
Rubbermaid offers two main types of nesting plastic containers: the standard line and the premium ‘Brilliance’ line. The standard containers feature a slightly opaque plastic, while the Brilliance line is made of crystal-clear Tritan plastic, designed to look like glass with the lightweight benefits of plastic. Both types are BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. However, the Brilliance containers are significantly more expensive, costing about three times as much as the standard ones.
So, which is the better option? Personally, I recommend the standard containers for a couple of reasons.
First, the vented lids on the standard containers allow steam to escape, making them ideal for microwaving or cooling down warm food before refrigeration. Second, in my experience, the Brilliance containers tend to develop cracks over time, likely due to the heat from the dishwasher and microwave, which diminishes their crystal-clear appearance. While the regular containers also develop some white stains over time, likely from microwave heat exposure, they seem to hold up better overall. Given the significantly higher price of the Brilliance line, the standard containers offer a better value—they’re more affordable and can be replaced as needed.
Joseph Joseph
Nest Lock Food Storage Container set
Joseph Joseph is a popular brand known for its intelligently designed home products. Their 10-piece nesting food storage container set is an excellent alternative or complement to Rubbermaid containers, featuring a compact, nested design with color-coded lids that snap together for easy storage. The containers are lockable, airtight, leakproof, and the color coding makes it easy to match each lid with its container.
After a couple of years of use, I’ve noticed these containers develop white stains similar to those on standard Rubbermaid containers due to heat exposure. Personally, I slightly prefer the Rubbermaid containers since they include vents in the lids to allow steam to escape. However, for storing cold foods like salads, the Joseph Joseph containers are a solid, well-designed space saving option.
Plastic vs Glass
While many plastic containers are labeled as microwave- and dishwasher-safe, repeated exposure to heat often causes them to develop white stains over time, as noted above. Generally, plastic food containers last up to two years. Once staining is evident, they should be replaced. Additionally, plastic can sometimes absorb food odors and is prone to staining.
For better durability and versatility, glass containers are ideal, as they are safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and oven. However, there are limited options for nested glass storage containers on the market. Pyrex, the leading brand for glass food storage, does not offer a nested set, however I’ve collected various sizes of Pyrex containers and stacked the smaller ones inside the larger ones, though they don’t fit as neatly as a true nested set.
Here are some brands that offer nested glass food storage container sets. I haven’t personally tried them, but they have generally positive reviews. However, some users have reported issues with chipping and difficulty separating the containers when nested
Anchor Hocking 26 Piece Glass Storage Containers with Lids
Vtopmart 4Pack Glass Bowls with Lids
Joseph Joseph Nest Glass Storage Dishes-Multi-Colour, Set of 4
I recommend using a set of nested plastic containers for items like vegetables and salads, while reserving glass containers for foods that will need reheating. This combination provides a practical balance of convenience and functionality. Alternatively, you can transfer food from plastic containers to a ceramic plate before reheating, although it’s a less convenient option.