Choosing the Right Containers
Hey there! When you’re on the hunt for the best containers to haul your culinary creations, it’s all about choosing between glass and plastic. Both play nice in their own right, but your pick depends on how you roll in the kitchen.
Glass vs. Plastic Containers
It’s not always easy picking between glass and plastic lunch buddies, with a ton of options and all. Here’s my take to help you get a handle on things:
Glass Containers:
- Safety First: These champs are solid for the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Talk about a triple threat! Perfect for those who love flexibility in the kitchen.
- Keep It Fresh: No funky smells or stubborn stains here; these stay clean no matter how saucy your meals get.
- Eye-Candy: With some slick silicone jackets, they’re not just functional but look snazzy too.
Plastic Containers:
- Safe & Sound: As long they wave the BPA-free flag, these plastic pals are cool with storing your snacks and surviving microwave blitzes.
- Tough Love: While they may bend under a hot oven’s heat, they’re lightweight and can handle a fall or two.
- Easy Peasy: Affordable and happy to stack like a pro in your cabinets.
Here’s a handy little comparison:
| Features | Glass Containers | Plastic Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave-Friendly | Yes | Yes (if BPA-free) |
| Dishwasher-Proof | Yes | Yes (if BPA-free) |
| No Stinks or Stains | Yes | Nope |
| Toughness | High (but can break) | Medium (teeter-proof) |
| Heft | Heavy | Light as air |
| Looks | High five! | Good enough |
| Cost | A tad pricey | Wallet-friendly |
Factors to Consider When Selecting Containers
When you’re sifting through options for the perfect meal storage, here’s what ya might wanna chew on:
- Material:
- Glass: Microwaves and ovens give this a thumbs up.
- Plastic: Easy on the wallet and the biceps, especially for those with lighter loads.
- Size:
- Whether you’re all about portions or mixing it up, it’s handy to have a selection to fit any feast or snack.
- Compartments:
- Single Slot: Great if you’re tossing a big, hearty dish in.
- Multi-Slots: Perfect for keeping things like those TikTok-famous bento bowls organized.
- Leak-Proof:
- For the folks commuting with their eats, make sure those seals are tight. Nobody wants soup in their laptop bag.
- Storage:
- Stacking’s where it’s at if you want more room in your cabinets for that air fryer.
- Cleaning:
- If the dishwasher does the dirty work, consider it a win.
Choosing just the right container isn’t just practical—it’s a way to join the meal prep elite! For more tasty tips, don’t be shy and sneak a peek at our article on best meal prep recipes.
Pick whichever fits your style, whether it’s cool-looking glass or tough plastic—it’s all in keeping meal times easy and tasty.
Types of Meal Prep Containers
Let’s be honest, nailing meal prep hinges on scoring the right containers. I’ve juggled my share of glass, plastic, and stainless steel to figure out what suits me best. Curious? Here’s my lowdown on each one.
Glass Meal Prep Containers
Glass containers, oh, how I love thee. These bad boys can take the heat—literally. Pop ’em in the oven, nuke ’em in the microwave, and toss ’em in the dishwasher without a hiccup! They’re BPA-free to boot, so no sketchy chemicals lurking around your lunch (thanks, Pyrex). My go-to? Pyrex all the way, with their sturdy, variably shaped, and size-diverse collection that screams durability (Budget Bytes).
| Feature | Glass Containers |
|---|---|
| BPA-Free | Yup |
| Oven Safe | For sure |
| Microwave Safe | Absolutely |
| Dishwasher Safe | You betcha |
| Stain and Odor Resistant | Totally |
| Shapes and Sizes | All sorts |
Even though they weigh a bit more and are prone to a dramatic shatter if dropped, their long life and snazzy look make ’em a meal prep must-have in my book.
Plastic Meal Prep Containers
When light and cheap is the order of the day, plastic containers got your back. I love how easy they are to carry around when I’m darting between errands. However, they aren’t as hardy as glass and can sometimes smell like last Tuesday’s curry (Workweek Lunch).
| Feature | Plastic Containers |
|---|---|
| BPA-Free | Usually (but check it out) |
| Oven Safe | Nah |
| Microwave Safe | Depends on the label |
| Dishwasher Safe | Sure, top shelf mostly |
| Stain and Odor Resistant | Not always |
| Shapes and Sizes | A bunch |
Plastic containers are my pals for toting meals to the office or school. They do the job for portioning pretty well, just stick to BPA-free heroes and mind the dishwasher settings to keep the nasties away.
Stainless Steel Meal Prep Containers
Steely resolve comes to mind with stainless steel containers. They’re tough, savvy for the environment, and surprisingly lightweight, great for hectic meal-prep days. I totally use them for keeping salads cool or stashing away meals that need pre-heating elsewhere.
| Feature | Stainless Steel Containers |
|---|---|
| BPA-Free | Of course |
| Oven Safe | Please no |
| Microwave Safe | Nope |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yep |
| Stain and Odor Resistant | Yes indeed |
| Shapes and Sizes | Plenty |
While not microwave or oven-friendly, they win in the “keeping stuff fresh” department. I trust them for meal preps needing a long-lasting stash before getting warmed up.
Choosing the perfect container set is all about what fits your life and eats best. Glass, plastic, or stainless steel, they each bring their perks to the table. Feel free to wander over to check out my best containers for meal prep for more of my top picks.
Multi-Compartment Containers
Benefits of Multi-Compartment Containers
I gotta tell ya—when I got into meal prepping, these multi-compartment containers were like a magic trick I’d been missing all my life. Imagine being able to keep everything where it belongs without your lunchtime pasta swimming in salad dressing! These handy helpers have perfectly divided sections so each part of your meal keeps its dignity, not to mention its taste and feel.
But what’s in it for you, you ask? Well, check this out:
- Portion Control: Helps you keep your portions on point. Perfect if you’re counting calories or just trying not to eat the whole lasagna in one sitting.
- Convenience: Toss a whole meal in one container without playing Tetris in your fridge. No more juggling multiple containers like a circus act.
- Food Separation: If you’re like me and don’t like your mashed potatoes getting cozy with your green beans, these compartments keep everything in their personal space.
- Variety: You can jam different foods in there, packing a whole smorgasbord without them mingling. Lunch doesn’t have to be the same ol’ same ol’ every day.
Suitability for Different Meal Types
You’d think these containers were made just for salads, but they’re little Swiss Army knives for all kinds of meals. Here’s a quick rundown to match meals with their perfect container homes:
| Meal Type | Suitable Container | Best Features | Internal Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salads | Salad Containers | Keeps greens, protein, and dressing in their lanes | best meal prep salads |
| Entrees | Bigger Compartments | Keep your main and sides in separate universes | best chicken meal prep recipes |
| Snacks | Tiny Compartments | Best for nuts, fruits, dips—no snack left behind | best meal prep lunch box |
| Lunches | Double or Triple | Perfect for a complete meal when you’re on the move | best meal prep containers |
Grab a salad container and keep those greens snapping fresh, while a little protein sits tight in another compartment and you’re good to go with undisturbed dressing. Crunch, munch, whatever your pleasure—everything’s just right.
If you’re going heavy with high protein meal preps, stash your meat in one spot, potatoes in another, and veggies in the last. This way, each stands tall and tastes just as you prepped it.
Plus, these containers save bucks big time especially if you’re on a meal prepping budget. Stock up on bulk ingredients, prep away, and keep that garlic bread from tasting like chicken curry. They’re also ace for meal prep lunches that travel to work or school, keeping your food fabulous and neatly stacked.
Make these multi-compartment wonders your meal prep sidekick, boss your portions, and chow down on a wide range of foods without making extra work for yourself.
For more meal prep wisdom and to scout out the best containers for meal prepping, check out these links and keep your prep game top-notch!
Specialized Containers
Hey there! Meal prepping can be a lifesaver and having the right kind of containers to store your grub is like finding your TV remote in the couch. Total game changer. Let’s chat about two types of containers that’ll level-up your meal prepping hustle: salad containers and insulated containers.
Salad Containers
Salads can be a bit tricky, but a good salad container is like a superhero cape for your veggies—keeping ’em fresh and separate till it’s chow time. If you’re the type who digs prepping salads for the whole week, you’re gonna want one of these bad boys. They have nifty compartments for proteins, wet veggies, cheeses, and the crunchy greens, so none of your salad stuff gets soggy.
One you might wanna check out is the Oxo Good Grips Prep and Go Salad Container. It’s got separate compartments so your salad tastes fresh like it just got made (CNN Underscored).
Here’s a cheat sheet of some cool salad containers:
| Salad Container | What It’s Got | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oxo Good Grips Prep and Go Salad Container | Has compartments and an airtight lid | $14.99 |
| Bentgo Salad Container | Comes with a fork and a big salad bowl | $19.99 |
| Freshware Meal Prep Containers | Tough and dishwasher-friendly | $12.99 for 3-pack |
If you hustle through long workdays or just like eating fresh without breaking a sweat, these are your go-tos. Check out even more salad ideas in our best meal prep salads.
Insulated Containers
Yo, if you’re into keeping your food just the right temp till you’re ready to eat, insulated containers are your MVPs. They’re the deal for keeping things hot or cool—perfect for soups or a chilled chicken salad.
Need to keep that stew warm for hours? An insulated container’s got your back. They’re like afternoon magic for students, gym rats, or anyone who needs to keep their meal snug all day. OmieGo Bento Container’s a solid pick, offering insulated sections that handle everything from soups to sushi.
Check out some of the top insulated containers:
| Insulated Container | What It’s Got | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OmieGo Bento Container | Insulated and spill-free | $39.99 |
| Thermos Stainless King Food Jar | Has double insulation, easy to carry around | $24.99 |
| Zojirushi Stainless Steel Lunch Jar | Comes with multiple compartments, vacuum insulation | $45.99 |
For more on meal-prep hacks, hit up our guide to the best containers for meal prepping.
Grabbing the right containers can seriously up your meal prep game, making your food taste prime and feel fresh. Swing by our articles on topics like best meal prep recipes and best meal prep containers for more tasty tips!
Recommended Meal Prep Containers
If you’re knee-deep in the meal prep game, picking the right container isn’t just a task—it’s an art. You need to ensure those tasty morsels stay fresh, and your fridge looks like a neat parade of orderliness. Let me give you the lowdown on my favorite meal prep containers, ideal for hustling professionals and anyone else wanting to streamline their prep routine.
Prep Naturals Glass Containers
Think of these guys as the Holy Grail for meal preppers who might be just a tad paranoid about plastics. Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers come fully loaded with sturdy borosilicate glass, letting you toss ‘em in the oven, microwave, or fridge without a second thought. It’s all about escaping the clutches of plastic, and these containers are waving that freedom flag.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Borosilicate Glass |
| Uses | Oven, Microwave, Freezer |
| Lid | BPA-Free Plastic |
| Price Range | $20 – $40 (set) |
Bentgo 2-Compartment Containers
Ever had your kale salad tragically mix with your pasta? Fear not! Bentgo 2-Compartment Meal-Prep Containers are here to save your day. With their well-fitted lids and stylish embossed indicators, portion control is gonna feel less like a chore and more like a breeze. Sure, they’re on the slim side, but these warriors battle on in the microwave, freezer, and even the dishwasher.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Compartment | 2 |
| Uses | Microwave, Freezer, Dishwasher |
| Price Range | $15 – $25 (set) |
OmieGo Bento Containers
For all you earth lovers out there, let me introduce you to OmieGo Bento containers. Their quirky non-plastic, plant-based material makes you feel like you’re feeding mother nature alongside yourself. They give you peace of mind knowing that even if your stacking abilities lean towards chaotic, these containers will lock snugly in place. Just a heads-up—they’re cool with microwaves and freezers but scoot away from the oven.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Plant-based Plastic |
| Stackable | Yes |
| Uses | Microwave, Freezer, Dishwasher |
| Price Range | $25 – $35 (set) |
If you want to nerd out on meal prep container maintenance and keep your investments sparkling like new, make sure to browse our related reads on the best meal prep containers and best glass meal prep containers.
Popular Container Brands
When you’re on the lookout for solid containers that make meal prepping a snap, I’ve got a few favorites that hit the mark. These guys are my go-to picks every time.
Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Containers
Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Food Storage Containers are my top choice for multiple good reasons. They’re made from strong tempered glass and seal up tighter than my grandma’s old cookie jar, which is perfect for vacuum-sealing leftovers (The Spruce Eats). I particularly enjoy the clear lids; they let me spy on my snacks without opening them.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Tempered Glass |
| Seal | Totally Airtight |
| Oven Safe | Yes (minus the lids) |
| Microwave Safe | Yep |
| Freezer Safe | You bet |
| Dishwasher Safe | Of course |
These are a stellar pick if you want versatility—they can handle the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Just remember: no lids in the oven, unless you like melted surprises.
Good Cook 2-Compartment Containers
If I need to pack some snacks, the Good Cook 2-Compartment Meal Prep Containers are my winner. They’re compact and have handy compartments that allow me to tuck away all sorts of healthy munchies. They might not be leakproof, but they do the job for non-splashy stuff (The Spruce Eats).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compartments | 2 |
| Leakproof | Nah |
| Microwave Safe | Absolutely |
| Freezer Safe | Sure was |
| Dishwasher Safe | Certainly |
I find them super useful for planning snacks because their compartments keep everything surprisingly organized and fresh.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Plastic Food Storage Containers have earned their name for leak-proof greatness and BPA-free plastic, cornerstones in my cooking duties. The lids snap on snugly to keep your grub fresh as a daisy (Vote Chris Carrillo).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free Plastic |
| Seal | Airtight |
| Leakproof | Absolutely |
| Microwave Safe | Yes it is |
| Freezer Safe | Check |
| Dishwasher Safe | Indeed |
They’re perfect for moving food from fridge to microwave without batting an eye. Plus, their stackable nature turns the messy kitchen into a place of zen, or close to it.
For more scoop on the best containers for meal prepping, swing by our reviews on best containers for meal prep and find your perfect fit. And if you’re into glass containers, look no further than best glass meal prep containers.
User-Friendly Container Features
Every successful meal prep enthusiast knows that the right container can make or break your routine. Let me share some must-have features to keep your meals fresh and organized.
No Leak, No Stress
Let’s face it: no one wants lunch remnants dribbling out in their bag. Leak-proof is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must! Take the Rubbermaid Brilliance line, for example. It’s got all the bells and whistles: leak-proof and airtight, keeping your grub where it belongs. Made from BPA-free plastic, these gems snap together like a charm and are immune to the catastrophes of random juice spills while you’re on the go. I mean, who needs that kind of stress, right?
| Brand | Material | Leak-Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Brilliance | Plastic | Yes |
| Anchor Hocking TrueSeal | Tempered Glass | Yes |
| Good Cook 2-Compartment | Plastic | No |
| Snapware Total Solution | Glass | Yes |
| OmieGo Bento | Plant-based | Yes |
Not just leak-proof, they’re also microwave and dishwasher-friendly. Imagine the convenience. You can even nuke your lasagna and have the Rubbermaid take the heat like a pro. It’s all about effortless meal prep!
Stack ’em Up
Let’s talk stackability. If you’re like me and your fridge is a game of real-life Tetris, you need containers that won’t hog space. OmieGo Bento containers are a real win here; they lock together as though they’re lego buddies in your fridge or cupboard. You can fit a week’s meals in a tiny space, and they’re so easy to align, you’ll feel like a pantry arranger extraordinaire!
| Brand | Stackable | Microwave Safe | Freezer Safe | Dishwasher Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Brilliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anchor Hocking TrueSeal | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| Good Cook 2-Compartment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Snapware Total Solution | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OmieGo Bento | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Just a note with the TrueSeal—ditch the lid before it hits the oven.
With these buddies, you’re not just prepping meals, you’re transforming your fridge into a space-saving haven! Need more organizing ideas? Peek at our guide to best meal prep bags and take your meal prep game to new heights.
By investing in key features like no-doubt-no-mess operations and smart stackability, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re setting the stage for deliciously smooth meal prep. Check out our full rundown of the 9 best meal prep containers if you’re hungry for more recommendations.
Meal Prep Container Care
Keepin’ your meal prep containers in tip-top shape is key to makin’ ’em last and keepin’ your food safe. I’ve got some nuggets of wisdom to share to make sure you get the most outta your best meal prep containers.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
1. Hand Washing vs. Dishwasher:
Wanna know a secret? Even if your containers say they’re dishwasher-safe, givin’ ’em a personal scrub can help ’em stick around longer. Glass ones, like our friends at Texas Real Food suggest are okay for the dishwasher, but those lids might appreciate a lil’ hand washin’ love.
2. Use Mild Detergents:
Think twice before grabbin’ the harsh stuff! Stick with mild, earth-friendly soaps. They’re easier on the containers, especially the plastic variety.
3. Remove Stains and Odors:
Got a stubborn stain or weird smell hangin’ around? Soak your containers in some bakin’ soda and water. For tougher spots, whip up a bakin’ soda paste and give those stains a good scrubbin’.
4. Regular Inspections:
Make it a habit to check for anything off, like cracks or funny shapes. Even the fanciest meal prep containers aren’t immortal!
Proper Storage Practices
1. Dry Completely:
Before you toss ’em back on the shelf, make sure they’re bone dry—no mold or mildew if they stay nice and dry.
2. Store with Lids Off:
Keep the lids off when stored empty. This lets them breathe and keeps the smells from settlin’ in.
3. Organized Storage:
Wanna keep your kitchen neat? Stack like with like. Line up the glass meal prep containers so you find what you need without a Tupperware avalanche.
4. Temperature Considerations:
Each material’s got its own preferences. Glass can take the chill of the freezer and the heat of the oven (Vote Chris Carrillo), while plastics do better hopscotchin’ between the fridge and the microwave.
5. Secure Seals:
Always double-check those lids! A good seal keeps freshness in and spills out, especially for champs like Rubbermaid Brilliance that are famous for their super seals (Vote Chris Carrillo).
Keepin’ these tricks in mind will help you stay a meal prep maestro. For more handy tips and best meal prep recipes, keep your eyes glued right here.
