Food storage containers- what do you use?

[Becky]

It's time to replace my dwindling collection of food containers. I usually buy those Ziploc/Glad disposable resuables, but they're not lasting long enough for my tastes and I'm tired of cleaning up the mess from cracked containers. Time for something sturdier!

So far, my criteria are:

Leakproof! Screw-tops would be nice for soups, fruit, etc.
Microwave-safe
Not fragile- DH and I both commute by bike some days, and we both work outside some days. We need durable stuff.
Easily stackable- I have a small kitchen with only one drawer devoted to food containers.

We pack lunches most days, so I'm looking for an assortment of 1 cup - 3 cup sizes that lend themselves well to leftovers, sandwiches, etc. I only occasionally have huge amounts of food to pack away. Right now, cost is only a minor consideration- I don't mind paying for something really good.

What do you use and like? Thanks in advance!

[sfa]

We have a hodge podge of all kinds of storage containers--the Glad containers, prepared frosting containers (they are always 2 cups and seal really well and are super durable), some odd sized containers we got from various carryout places (Noodles and Co. uses nice containers), and some random things from Ikea.

My favorite ones, though, and the only ones I bought intentionally, are Rubbermaid Take Alongs Twist and Seal containers. I got a set of one cup sized containers that I use for everything--kids' snacks, my daily fruit and cottage cheese, small amounts of leftovers, etc. The plastic is BPA free and is more durable than the Glad containers but lighter and more pliable than most other containers we have. They are textured around the bottom so are easy to grip and don't slip out of your hands. Same texturing on the screw-top lid. They stack easily (although it's hard to keep the lids stacked with them), don't leak, and are microwaveable and dishwasher safe. Their website says they are available in two cup size as well as the one cup version I have.

Rubbermaid also makes other things in the TakeAlongs line, but I haven't tried them. The screw top lids of the ones I have are what really attracted me.

[Pax]

I use something similar to this when I'm not using glass. They seal well and stack/nest nicely in the drawer.

[Tri Girl]

if you care about BPA and using plastic, how about some stainless steel containers? Durable, long-lasting, won't retain odors. If you get various sizes, you could stack them inside each other for storage.

I have these (and actually the lunch bots container also):
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Konserve-...p_ob_k_title_0


I also have these screw-top ones:
http://www.amazon.com/LunchBots-Stai...ref=pd_sbs_k_3

Granted, you can't microwave them, but at work I have a set of stoneware dishes (bowl and plate) that I use to transfer soups and other things to that need to be heated in the microwave.


For sandwiches and things I use these:
http://www.amazon.com/LunchSkins-Reu...ef=pd_sim_k_19

[Blueberry]

I have these and love them. Of course, they can't go in the microwave. But, I still love them (and I don't worry about leaching from them).

[Becky]

These are all great ideas! Keep them coming!

I specifically didn't mention any preferences regarding material because I want to see how many different ideas y'all have, and I've not been disappointed

I don't really have an issue with putting stuff in/on other dishes to nuke it. It might be a little harder to sell DH on the idea....

[Crankin]

I use the cheapest Ziplock/Glad containers around. I used to have some Tupperware, but those parties make me ill.
I am about to throw out what I have, because it is getting tired. We just discussed buying some decent food storage containers, but I'll let DH do this. I am lazy about this stuff. And I nuke everything... so, yea, I'll probably be dead from it. I got tired of the science teacher lecturing me about this in my old job .

[OakLeaf]

Corningware makes lids for some of their lightweight bowls. You'd have to use a different lid for nuking - those flat silicone lids are great.

Eta: I have to say it - dying isn't what I worry about. I've seen too many people suffer horribly from breast cancer, whether or not that's what they eventually die of. Please everyone be careful.

[malkin]

A couple years ago we ditched all the hodgepodge and got those rubbermaid ones with the base that snaps to the bottom for storage. We had about 4 sizes that we used and we had bunches of each.

Recently we just ditched all of them--ok, converted them to storage for parts and non edible stuff and got glass snap top ones from Costco.

[Melalvai]

We don't like plastic so we have lots of pyrex of all different sizes. The lids are plastic but we don't microwave those. The lids don't do well in the dishwasher or the freezer, so we ordered a bunch of extra lids from the pyrex website.

[Mr. Bloom]

Has there been any progress in eliminating BPA?

[Miranda]

Has there been any progress in eliminating BPA?

Gheez, I know I live under a rock sometimes. OK, so I decided to finally google the ill effects of BPA. Just did a little bit of reading.

OK, which number are safe to use?

Meaning one way suggested is to tell by the recycle number if one present. For example, bottled drinking water is a 1, and I think not said to have BPA.

But what about 4? The first thing I thought of was my beloved cheap water bottles for riding. They are nice and soft and squishy, simple, etc etc. I love em, hope they don't have BPA. Also, I think a number 6 is said to have BPA. Yikes, that's our basic cheap glasses we use regularly (kids don't break em).

TO OP... sorry about slight side track, but I guess imporant to know if you are getting plastic for your containers. We have an assortment atm. Some old Tupperware. Glass Pyrex with rubber lids. Baggies are easy if it works for your food travel. Though not as environmentally friendly, I do try to re-use the baggie if possible.

[Brandi]

I use large glass ball jars with either plastic lids (they make them for ball jars) or the metal ones. I also use chinese take out box's I get at smart and final. Those are really great. And you can easily give them to people with left over's and not care about getting back. They also make great last minute gift box's. (god I sound like Martha Stewart)

[Brandi]

The box's are like 100 for 14.00

[Becky]

This is all good stuff- thanks!

This morning, I tried to pin DH down on his preferences. I find myself leaning towards glass, due to it being both non-plastic and nuke-able. However, DH has concerns about breakage, particularly when he's in the field (see OP). Can anyone comment about durability for the Pyrex/Glasslock/Rubbermaid options? I'm considering stainless steel for field days....it's not like we have a microwave out there!

I'm definitely getting some of those Lunchskins! Hopefully, I can find them locally....