Best Food Storage Containers: Glass vs Plastic

Review
By Noah Taylor

Keeping your kitchen organized and your food fresh requires the right storage containers. Whether you’re meal prepping, storing leftovers, or packing lunches, having quality containers makes a huge difference. From leakproof seals to eco-friendly materials, today’s options offer features that extend food freshness and make your life easier.

1. Glasslock Assorted Container Set

© Amazon.com

Ever wondered why professional chefs prefer glass containers? Glasslock’s tempered glass set resists stains and odors that plague plastic alternatives. The airtight, four-sided locking system creates a perfect seal, preventing leaks even when filled with soup.

These containers transition seamlessly from freezer to oven (up to 450°F), making meal prep incredibly convenient. No need to transfer food to different dishes when reheating!

Available in various sizes from tiny sauce containers to large meal-prep bowls, this 18-piece collection offers versatility for every storage need. The clear glass lets you instantly identify contents, eliminating the mystery of what’s hiding in your fridge.

2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage

© Rubbermaid

Crystal-clear and beautifully designed, these containers showcase your food like edible art in your refrigerator. The glass bases feature a premium look that won’t absorb stains or smells, even from notorious culprits like tomato sauce and curry.

What truly sets this collection apart are the innovative lids. They include built-in vents that allow steam to escape during microwave heating when the latches are open. When closed, the airtight seal keeps food remarkably fresh.

The modular design stacks perfectly in your refrigerator or cabinet, maximizing space efficiency. Users particularly love how these containers don’t develop that cloudy appearance that plagues lower-quality options after repeated dishwasher cycles.

3. Pyrex Simply Store Glass Set

© Pyrex

A kitchen classic for generations, Pyrex containers combine old-school reliability with modern features. The colored lids make organization simple—assign different colors to different family members or food types for easy identification.

Made from tempered glass that resists thermal shock, these containers handle temperature changes like champions. Transfer them directly from freezer to microwave without worrying about cracking or shattering.

The BPA-free plastic lids create a tight seal that preserves freshness remarkably well. While not completely leakproof for liquids when tipped, they excel at keeping foods fresh and preventing refrigerator odors from affecting your stored items. Their nested design means the entire set takes minimal cabinet space when stored.

4. Rubbermaid Brilliance Plastic Containers

© Rubbermaid

Lightweight champions of meal prep, these containers solve the staining and odor problems that plague typical plastic storage. The crystal-clear Tritan plastic stays transparent even after hundreds of uses with tomato-based foods and curries.

The ingenious lid design features a silicone seal and locking latches that create a 100% leakproof barrier. Toss these in your lunch bag without fear—soup stays where it belongs!

Unlike cheaper plastic options, these containers resist warping even when used in the microwave repeatedly. The modular, stackable design creates a satisfyingly organized refrigerator or pantry. For families transitioning away from single-use plastics but not ready for the weight and breakability of glass, these provide the perfect middle ground.

5. OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Set

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The silicone gasket on these containers creates such a strong seal that you can actually feel the air resistance when opening them. This exceptional sealing ability keeps foods fresher noticeably longer than standard containers.

Made from borosilicate glass (the same material as laboratory beakers), these containers handle extreme temperature changes without breaking. The thoughtful design includes measurement markings on the sides—perfect for storing leftover soups or sauces when you need precise amounts for recipes later.

The lids feature tabs that align perfectly with the container edges for easy opening. No more struggling with stubborn lids! While slightly pricier than basic options, the durability and smart features make these containers a worthy long-term investment for serious home cooks.

6. Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags

© Stasher Bags

Forget traditional containers altogether! These innovative silicone bags represent the future of food storage. Made from platinum-grade silicone, they eliminate the environmental impact of disposable plastic bags while offering incredible versatility.

The pinch-lock seal creates an airtight closure that rivals traditional containers. Unlike rigid options, these bags can be frozen flat, saving valuable freezer space. They’re also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Beyond storage, these multitaskers can be used for sous vide cooking, microwaving, or even baking. Available in multiple sizes from snack-sized to half-gallon capacity, they’re perfect for everything from sandwich storage to marinating meats. The transparent material lets you easily identify contents while the self-sealing design prevents spills.

7. Sistema Klip It Collection Containers

© Sistema® Plastics

Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality, these containers have earned a cult following among meal preppers. The distinctive colored clips on each side lock the lids securely in place, creating a reliable seal that prevents leaks and keeps food fresh.

The modular design allows for efficient stacking, maximizing storage space in crowded refrigerators. The BPA-free plastic is microwave-safe with the vents open, making reheating convenient and preventing those annoying sauce explosions.

Particularly beloved for packing lunches, these lightweight containers won’t weigh down bags. The clear design allows for easy content identification while the colored clips add a fun pop of color to your meal prep routine. Their affordability means you won’t stress if one occasionally gets left behind at work or school.

8. W&P Porter Ceramic Bowls

© W&P

Tired of plastic containers that look obviously utilitarian? These stylish ceramic bowls with silicone sleeves elevate lunchtime with their Instagram-worthy design. The ceramic interior prevents food staining and won’t impart flavors to your meals like some plastic options.

The protective silicone wrap adds durability while serving as insulation to keep foods at more stable temperatures. The silicone lid creates a secure seal that prevents most leaks when carried upright.

Perfect for salads, grain bowls, or leftovers you’ll eat directly from the container, these eliminate the need to transfer food to a separate dish. Though not suitable for soup transport, they excel at storing solid foods with style. These containers make bringing lunch from home feel like a luxury rather than a compromise.

9. Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Set

© Pyrex

Combining the best of both worlds, these containers feature Pyrex glass bottoms with secure plastic Snapware lids. The glass bases handle hot foods without absorbing flavors or staining, while the innovative lids create a four-way lock that prevents leaks completely.

The write-and-erase tabs on each lid solve the mystery of what’s inside and how long it’s been there. Simply write the contents and date with a dry-erase marker, then wipe clean when the container is empty.

Unlike some glass containers with inflexible lids that crack over time, these feature a more durable plastic that maintains its seal through hundreds of uses. The comprehensive set includes various shapes and sizes perfect for everything from tiny portions of salad dressing to complete meals.