Updated on 6 June 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
AmazonBasics HS0301 (x7 units)
Made from borosilicate glass with BPA-free plastic lids, these containers are highly affordable, resistant to high temperatures (up to 400°C) and waterproof.
This popular set from Amazon includes 7 food containers of different sizes and shapes. Made from borosilicate glass with BPA-free plastic clip lids, they are great value for money. The glass base is safe for use in the oven (up to 400°C), fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher (top rack). When we tested them, we confirmed that they were safe to use in the microwave. In addition, neither the containers nor the lids are discoloured, even when we put in foods and spices that normally leave stains. We also found them easy to open and close. On the other hand, although they did not leak, we noticed that the lids did not seal 100% when we closed them. As a result, we have our doubts about their long-term water-tightness. Despite this, we believe that this set is currently the best value for money on the market.
Some of the food containers we tried. Plastic containers are lightweight, but less strong and durable than glass or stainless steel. Glass containers are durable and easy to wash, but can break quickly if dropped. Choose the shape of the container according to its intended use. To avoid leakage, we advise you to opt for an airtight model. It is recommended to check the resistance to heat and cold. If you want to save space, opt for a set of stackable containers.
Pyrex Cook & Go (x7 units)
Although slightly more expensive, this set stands out for the different formats it offers. The glass containers are sturdy and have 4 flaps for a completely airtight seal.
Pyrex was one of the first brands to market products made from borosilicate glass. The set we have chosen includes 3 rectangular, 2 round and 2 square containers, making it one of the most complete sets in our range, alongside the Amazon set. Each shape is a different size, so you are spoilt for choice when it comes to storing or cooking your food. We particularly liked the fact that it is airtight. This is made possible by the 4 flaps on each lid. The lids are also very easy to open and close. We would also like to point out that it resisted stains (even on the lids) and did not suffer any damage in the microwave. In addition to the microwave, it can be frozen (down to -40°C) and baked (without its plastic lid, of course) up to 300°C. Finally, there are other sets in the Cook & Go collection for even more options: Pasta Box, in small jars, rectangular Lunchboxes…
Duralex Lys 525097 (x5 units)
These 5 containers of different capacities stand out for their affordable price, their resistance to thermal shock, their ease of opening, and their compatibility with the microwave and freezer.
Famous since 1945, Duralex is a brand well known for its Gigognes jars (the ones that show their age in the canteen). Made in France, these food containers are made of tempered glass, a robust material (resistant to thermal shock) and easy to clean. And during our tests, they survived the microwave without spoiling (without the lid). However, their pretty blue plastic lids quickly became stained by the food we put in them. And although these 5 square containers are airtight, we had our doubts when we tried to carry them in a bag. This is because their lids simply slide on, rather than snap on like the AmazonBasics and Pyrex lids. For these reasons, we have included them as an alternative. From a practical point of view, these containers are also dishwasher, freezer (to -20°C) and fridge safe. And although they can be heated up to 130°C, it is best not to put them in the oven. Finally, please note that the Lys collection also includes other containers, such as the round salad bowls and the baby set.
OXO Good Grips Pop (x5 units)
Waterproof, it is the only all-plastic container set in the selection. By the way, it has withstood the microwave without melting and includes two measuring spoons.
During our tests, we quickly realised that these food containers were very airtight thanks to their atypical lids. They include a button that is pressed to perfectly position the airtight seal. As a result, the containers did not leak and remained tight even when dropped from a height of 1m. And despite this excellent seal, they were very easy to re-open. All of these benefits make them ideal for storing foods such as sugar, flour and salt, as well as biscuits and nuts. The set also includes a brown sugar dispenser (a clay disc that can absorb moisture by drying out or adding moisture by soaking) and two measuring spoons of 120ml (1/2 cup) each. The containers can also be used in the microwave, and the American brand claims that they are dishwasher safe. On the other hand, they have been stained by contact with highly pigmented foods.
Our selection
Our choice, Best budget Best High-end Budget alternative High-end alternative AmazonBasics HS0301 (x7 units) Pyrex Cook & Go (x7 units) Duralex Lys 525097 (x5 units) OXO Good Grips Pop (x5 units) Made from borosilicate glass with BPA-free plastic lids, these containers are highly affordable, resistant to high temperatures (up to 400°C) and waterproof. Although slightly more expensive, this set stands out for the different formats it offers. The glass containers are sturdy and have 4 flaps for a completely airtight seal. These 5 containers of different capacities stand out for their affordable price, their resistance to thermal shock, their ease of opening, and their compatibility with the microwave and freezer. Waterproof, it is the only all-plastic container set in the selection. By the way, it has withstood the microwave without melting and includes two measuring spoons. £ 24.92 on Amazon £ 69.94 on Amazon See the price on Amazon £ 82.55 on Amazon
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How did we do the test?
To test the different food storage containers, we first looked at how practical they were and how easy they were to open and close. Then we filled each one with water and shook them to see how watertight they were. If they were made of plastic rather than glass, we dropped them from a height of about 1m to see how strong they were and whether they stayed closed properly.
Finally, we put some colouring food on them (ketchup, turmeric…) and put them in the microwave for a few seconds. This way we could see if they were resistant to the dye and if the plastic was strong enough.
| Name | Impermeability | Resistance to discolouration | Robustness (falling to the ground) | Microwave resistance | Ease of opening/closing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmazonBasics HS0301 | 3/5 | 5/5 | Glass, not tested | Yes | 5/5 |
| Pyrex Cook & Go 912S994 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Glass, not tested | Yes | 4/5 |
| Duralex 525097 | 3/5 | 3/5 | Glass, not tested | Yes | 5/5 |
| OXO Good Grips Pop | 5/5 | 0/5 | 5/5 | Yes | 5/5 |
| Pebbly PKV-3SRB | 0/5 | 5/5 | Glass, not tested | Yes | 5/5 |
| Joseph Joseph Nest Lock | 5/5 | 0/5 | 5/5 | No | 5/5 |
How to choose a food storage container?
Whether you keep leftovers in the fridge or take them to work, this type of container is an essential accessory for preserving food and preventing food waste. But before you choose, you need to know what you are buying it for. Depending on what you are going to use it for, you will opt for one material or another:
- Plastic: This material has the advantage of being lightweight and easy to transport. However, plastic containers are less durable, are not oven-safe and can become deformed if you put them in the dishwasher. In addition, it is better to opt for plastics that are at least certified to be free of BPA, a substance that is harmful to our bodies.
- Glass: these containers tend to be heavier and more prone to break if dropped, but they are also easier to wash and do not pick up the smell of the food they have been storing. If you are looking for containers that can be used for multiple purposes (reheating, cooking, freezing) it is better to opt for impact resistant and/or heat-resistant borosilicate glass.
- Stainless steel: lightweight and unbreakable, stainless steel is ideal for transporting the container without risk of breakage. However, they tend to be more difficult to find on the market and are not microwave compatible.
Then there is the quality and ergonomics of the product. In our opinion, these are the main criteria to be analysed:
- Capacity and shape: remember to choose a model that suits your habits. If you want to transport it, a small one, and in case of storing large quantities of food at home, a larger one.
- Airtightness: these canning containers can be airtight or not. While the former is practical to avoid leaks, whatever the contents, non-airtight models have the advantage of being more practical and, in general, offer an easy and accessible opening.
- Compatibility: to make your container versatile, don’t forget to check that it is compatible with the oven (and the maximum temperature it can withstand), microwave, dishwasher or freezer.
- Storage: to save space in your cupboards, it is a good idea to opt for a set of stackable containers.
Other food containers we recommend
Pebbly PKV-3SRB (£27.67 / 3 containers upon publication): a super handy option for the microwave, but it is not waterproof. During our tests, we found that these three borosilicate glass containers (400ml, 650ml and 1L) were not airtight at all. However, their plastic lids have four flaps to keep solid foods in. They are microwave-safe, oven safe up to 300°C (without the lid) and dishwasher-safe. We also found the whole set to be stain resistant.
Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 81081 (£39.32 / 5 containers upon publication): an airtight alternative. During our tests, we found that these containers could be shaken and even dropped without the contents escaping. This is thanks to the 4 flaps on the lids. We liked the colour coding system, which allowed us to quickly find the right lid for each container (a coloured dot on the bottom of the container and a colour on the rim of the lid). Furthermore, this batch of 5 containers covers a wide range of sizes, from 230ml to 3L. They are freezer and dishwasher-safe, and although the brand says they can be microwaved, we don’t recommend it, as they didn’t hold up very well when we heated a sweet sauce, melting the plastic on contact (fortunately they are BPA-free…).
Other food containers put to the test
AmazonBasics 41491 (18.60 / 3 containers upon publication): not only do these containers not withstand the colouring of the food, but they are also not very airtight when shaken. In case of a fall, the lids cannot withstand the impact and in contact with the heat of the microwave, the plastic seems to start to melt…
Emsa 508568 (£24.99 / 5 containers upon publication): the containers remained airtight when we shook them, but opened when they fell on the floor. In addition, the sweet foods melted the plastic when we heated them in the microwave and became coloured.
Mepal Modula 106994830600 (£50.10 / 7 containers upon publication): they are not waterproof, the lids do not stay in place when dropped, they are stained by the colouring of some foods, they do not withstand the heat of the microwave… Need we go on?
Joseph Josep 81071 (£59.95 / 5 containers upon publication): despite resisting staining and remaining airtight when shaken, we decided to remove them from our main selection after they failed the endurance tests (drop close to one metre in height).
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
