When you’re looking for healthier alternatives for your family, you might consider switching foods, cookware, or even food storage containers. That’s why you might want to choose the best. In this case, you’re looking for the best glass food storage containers, but the research can get overwhelming quickly. That is why we did the research for you!
To make things easier, here is a list of the best glass food storage containers:
- Vtopmart 8 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers
- Liuruiyu 10 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers
- VERONES 30 Pieces Glass Food Storage Containers
- BiuLeon 40 PCS Glass Food Storage Containers
- Fusion Gourmet 8 Pack 35 oz Glass Containers
- M MCIRCO 24 Piece Glass Food Storage Containers
In this article, we will cover what to look for in a glass food storage container and why it’s worth choosing one in the first place. We’ll also cover the best place to store glass food containers and whether they are oven-safe.
These questions matter if you want to make the switch and need to know how to care for them so they last a long time. Overall, we hope this article helps, so let’s move on to more information!
What to Look for in Glass Food Storage Containers
Before we review each glass food storage container below, ask yourself: “What should I look for in a storage container?” Although it might not seem like a huge deal to some, others should know key factors, such as heat tolerance, budget-friendliness, and stain- and odor-resistance.
1. Heat Tolerance
Depending on the glass type, borosilicate glass can handle 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, while standard tempered soda-lime glass can handle 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When choosing a glass food storage container, know whether the glass is heat-resistant and what temperature it can handle. For example, people who meal prep and bring food to work to heat in the microwave should consider how much heat it can handle.
2. Price Range
Food storage containers are often more expensive than plastic or restaurant-style receptacles. Because of this, know your budget and stick to it.
Some glass food storage containers are less expensive than others. Note how many you will realistically need vs. how many come in a set. Some people might buy a pack of 10 containers, while others might only need 4 to get by.
3. Lid Type
Many glass food storage containers come with an airtight lid to keep out any unwanted guests or germs. However, there are a few types of lids to consider:
- Silicone lids: These lids are made from food-safe silicone and stretch and snap into place easily. The biggest con is that silicone lids can be difficult to put on.
- Bamboo and wood lids: These lids are a great non-toxic alternative that often comes with a sealant. However, wood lids are more prone to molding or mildew if left wet too long.
- Plastic lids: Plastic lids, especially heavy-duty ones, use a seal that makes them airtight. The biggest downside is that they may break, warp, or absorb stains and odors over time. Also, check whether the lids are dishwasher-safe.
- Glass lids: These lids often use a silicone seal, making them a fully non-toxic option. The biggest downfall is that the lids may be more prone to breaking and can be heavy to maneuver or store.
4. Design and Size
Some glass food storage containers are circular, square, or rectangular-shaped. Some people prefer one shape over another, so consider the design before purchasing. For example, some people want everything square to fit perfectly in their fridge or storage area, while others prefer a different shape.
On the other hand, some people prefer smaller containers, while others prefer bigger ones. If you have a large family, you may need bigger containers; if it is just you or you and one other person, consider smaller containers.
5. Storage
If you have plastic food storage containers, you can store them in one of two ways: neatly stacked so you can find them easily, or thrown into a large cabinet. However, store glass food storage containers neatly and in an orderly way.
Also, make sure you have a large enough cabinet to hold all these items, preferably on the bottom shelf so that the glass won’t collapse under its weight. Overall, consider your storage options before buying a glass food storage container.
6. Stain and Odor Resistance
Although glass itself will not stain or develop odors, lids, especially plastic, silicone, or nylon ones, may stain or develop odors over time. Prevent this by running the lids through the dishwasher’s top rack, soaking them in baking soda, or removing the gaskets to ensure no food gets trapped inside.
Why Choose Glass Food Storage Containers?
There are many reasons to choose glass food storage containers. Many households that want to switch to a toxin-free environment choose these food storage containers because they are free of BPA, BPS, lead, cadmium, and phthalates that many plastic food storage containers may contain. If you’re concerned about every aspect, check certifications and labels before purchasing, as some glass containers may still contain lead and cadmium.
Plus, it is non-porous, so no microplastics or chemicals will enter your food, especially when you heat it in the microwave or oven. Lastly, the glass doesn’t react with oils or acids, like tomato sauce or citrus. As mentioned above, this means the glass itself won’t develop an off smell or stain over time. However, while the glass may not, the lids may eventually, so keep that in mind.
What Are the Best Glass Food Storage Containers?
As promised, here are reviews of the best glass food storage containers today! We’ve done extensive research to find the most budget-friendly, safe containers, so you can feel confident these will fit well in your home.
1. Vtopmart 8 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers
For a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, look no further than the Vtopmart glass food storage container. Although this link leads to an 8-pack, you can easily find sets of 3, 6, 10, and 12, with multiple lid colors for more customization.
This set is made from high-quality borosilicate glass, so it’s more durable and can withstand higher temperatures; you can use it in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. This also means it holds up well from the refrigerator to the microwave.
Lastly, the glass containers come with a plastic lid and a removable silicone seal with a 4-hinge snap lock, ensuring no leaks or spills. This also keeps smells in and out and keeps food fresh longer.
2. Liuruiyu 10 Pack Glass Food Storage Containers
Here’s another great set, with 10 containers for a good price. These containers come in 2 sizes, and whether you use them for leftovers, meal prep, or something else, they are an excellent choice for everyday use. The biggest difference between these containers and the ones above is that they are made of high-quality tempered glass.
Still, you can put the Liuruiyu glass food storage containers in the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher because they are designed to withstand hot and cold temperatures. They also include a plastic lid with a silicone seal, so you can rest assured there will be no spills and your food will stay fresh longer!
3. VERONES 30 Pieces Glass Food Storage Containers
For those who need a little extra food storage, look no further than the Verones, which includes 15 containers in different shapes and sizes. Whether you need to store a little or a lot, this set has you covered. Plus, this set is made of superior borosilicate glass.
The airtight lids are easy to close and snap on securely. Many customers also praise how well these containers work for meal prep and leftovers, and how easy they are to clean. People also love the size options, though some want them a bit bigger, so it depends on your preference.
4. BiuLeon 40 PCS Glass Food Storage Containers
If you have a large family to accommodate and need a budget-friendly, non-toxic option that works for everyone, consider these. We recommend the BiuLeon glass food storage set, which includes 20 glass containers and 20 plastic lids in various sizes.
It’s not only budget-friendly, but it’s also high-quality borosilicate glass, meaning it can withstand extremely high temperatures and go straight from the fridge to the microwave without breaking.
Plus, the BiuLeon food storage containers will be a great addition to any meal prep. Thankfully, they come with lids that snap in 4 places, so you will not have to worry about food or liquid spillage.
5. Fusion Gourmet 8 Pack 35 oz Glass Containers
If you want all your containers to be the same size with a relatively large capacity, Fusion Gourmet has your back with a set of 8. They also offer 2 other options, but they come in different sizes, so keep that in mind before you buy.
The basics: this product is made of high-quality borosilicate glass, so it can handle higher temperatures and is a durable choice. You can use this product in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
Plus, since these containers are the same size, they’re ideal for meal prep. The biggest catch, however, is that they aren’t as budget-friendly as the other options we listed.
6. M MCIRCO 24 Piece Glass Food Storage Containers
Available in 5 lid colors, the M Mcirco 24-piece glass food storage containers include 12 glass containers and 12 lids with removable silicone seals to keep food from getting trapped.
Made from premium borosilicate glass, this set lasts a long time and is safe for the dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven without easily shattering. Customers appreciate that this set doesn’t leach chemicals into their food, so it lasts longer and is healthier in the long run. Lastly, the airtight seals snap on easily, making them user-friendly overall.
Should You Choose Glass Over Plastic Storage Containers?
Overall, choosing glass over plastic is safer and more cost-effective in the long run. However, those on a strict budget may choose plastic because it costs less upfront. Glass lasts much longer than plastic; plastic may last 2 to 5 years, depending on its durability, while glass containers can last 10 years or longer, giving you more value over time. The biggest concern with glass storage is that it is more fragile, so you need to handle it with care.
Another factor to consider is each container’s heat tolerance. For example, some plastic containers don’t cut it in the dishwasher or microwave. Some will melt or warp, while others can withstand higher temperatures. On the other hand, many glass storage containers handle heat well.
Next, glass is obviously heavier than plastic. If you are going camping or somewhere else, it is wise to consider how heavy you want things to be versus how light you want them to be. However, if you are going to work or using glass containers for leftovers or meal prep, they’re perfect for food storage!
Lastly, consider the stain factor, as mentioned above. Glass doesn’t stain, but plastic containers can over time, especially with curry and tomato sauce. Although plastic containers may be considered clean, they may not look as appealing or smell as good.
Are Glass Food Containers Oven-Safe?
Some glass food containers are oven-safe, whereas others will not do well in super hot environments. Here is a quick breakdown of which glass is oven-safe and which isn’t.
- Borosilicate glass: This glass can resist thermal shock and can usually withstand temperatures up to 450°F, with some rated up to 500°F.
- Tempered glass: This glass is more impact-resistant but has lower thermal shock resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Soda-lime glass: This glass is commonly used in modern bakeware, but it resists thermal shock less, so we don’t recommend it for oven use.
Does Food Last Longer in Glass Containers?
Yes, food does inevitably last much longer in glass containers. This is due to many reasons.
- Seals are more airtight: Glass containers keep air and moisture out and prevent them from escaping, helping food stay fresh longer.
- The surface is non-porous: Because glass does not absorb food odors, oils, or flavors, food will not retain a lingering smell.
- Does not develop micro-scratches: Over time, plastic can develop tiny scratches, especially when you eat out of it. As a result, tiny food particles may get into those small pores, trapping bacteria and allowing food to spoil faster.
- No chemical leaching: As mentioned above, glass food storage usually doesn’t contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates so it won’t alter your food’s taste.
Can You Freeze Food in Glass Containers?
One of our main worries is that glass might shatter in the freezer. This is because water expands in these containers, and if they’re sealed tightly, the pressure from the ice can break them. However, you might wonder whether you can freeze food in glass containers, and the simple answer is yes, but you need to follow specific instructions. Here are some tips to know:
- Let the food cool completely before freezing.
- Make sure the jar or container has enough headspace to ensure the liquid can expand properly.
- Use freezer-safe glass; otherwise, you’ll end up with a mess you don’t want to clean up.
- Avoid direct contact with the cooling elements in the freezer itself.
Where Should You Store Glass Food Containers?
You can store glass food containers in several ways, but with proper care, they can last a long time.
1. Use Dividers
Consider using dividers to keep each glass container from touching the others. For example, dividers can be glass storage pan protectors, cardboard, soft cloths, or something similar.
2. Accessibility
Store frequently used items somewhere easy to access. For example, if you use a large pan often but don’t want to put it under everything, we recommend finding a specific spot away from the others. Also, if you use containers for meal prepping each week, consider putting them somewhere you don’t have to go all the way to the back to get them.
Note: Inspect glass dishware before use, as cracks can harbor bacteria. Also, avoid extreme temperatures, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
Final Words
To summarize, you may have many glass food storage containers. The biggest takeaway is that buying these containers supports a healthier you because they don’t contain toxic chemicals like some other food storage containers. Overall, we hope this article was helpful, and remember, we are here for your everyday kitchen needs!