Materials Used For Airtight Containers
Airtight containers are extremely popular (and extremely useful) and you will find them in almost every home. They keep food fresh and can be used for storing leftovers, pre-cooked meals, etc. There is a large market for food storage containers but there is also an abundance of choices. It can be very difficult deciding which ones to purchase for your home. The main factors for making your purchasing decisions should be: sizes, materials, and cost. Since you should already have a pretty good idea of what the container sizes should be (before making your purchase), here are some more details about the different materials that are available for airtight containers.
Stainless Steel Airtight Containers
Quality stainless steel airtight containers can be used in a variety of locations. They can be used to store food in the freezer, the fridge, and they can be put directly into the toaster oven or stove top. They should be used in the toaster/stove for warming purposes, not to cook the food! Keep in mind that the lids might have some kind of synthetic material liner used to seal the lid and the container so these would not be oven safe. They are also dishwasher safe which makes it a lot easier to maintain.
Stainless steel food storage containers also don’t retain any flavors from the food. If you have ever stored foods with strong flavors (onions, curries, etc) plastic food containers have a tendency to absorb the odors and are very difficult to clean afterwards. They are also non breakable (compared to glass containers). If they’re dropped or mishandled, it might put a ding in it, but rest assured that the container will still be in excellent condition. They are also extremely lightweight and are easy to take everywhere.
Keep in mind that there are various downsides to owning stainless steel airtight containers. Most likely they will be expensive. Here is one of the more popular Wojirushi bento boxes at $43! Pricey, but they are guaranteed to last a long (long) time. They also aren’t see through, so it is a bit of a hassle to organize in the fridge and to know what is what. You can write on the outsides with a non-permanent marker but most people are used to actually seeing the food rather than looking at handwritten labels.
Glass Airtight Containers
Glass airtight containers do not contain any chemicals so there is no need to worry about anything being transferred to your foods. They are completed non toxic. They can be reused over and over and are extremely durable. Glass does not wear down at all but you do have to worry about the lids which might lose their shape after a while which would stop them from providing an airtight seal.
Glass retains heat better than the other materials, so these are great if food will be sitting for extended amounts of time. They are extremely easy to clean and are dishwasher safe. There is no need to worry about warping or any scratches to the surfaces. Of course keep in mind that (obviously) they are breakable. They also do not retain any odors from strong foods nor will they stain.
Glass airtight containers are extremely heavy though which means you would be limited to using them at your home and not using them to transport your food. If you do use them to transport food, you run the risk of permanent damage if they are broken.
Plastic Airtight Containers
Plastic airtight containers are the most popular option out of the three. They can be found in several sizes and shapes and are available just about everywhere. They are excellent options for storing dry food items – pasta, cereal, and rice but only so-so for leftovers, high acidic foods, etc. Plastic food storage containers can absorb flavors/odors from food if stored long enough, but if it is only stored for short amounts of time like 1-2 days, then this will not be a problem. They are also THE cheapest option. Keep in mind though that there are studies out there outlining the risks of using these plastic airtight containers. Check out the NPR article Study: Most Plastics Leach Hormone-Like Chemicals for more details.
About the Author
Provididng the best articles and information on Airtight Containers. Check it out!
Round Hamburger Shape Plastic Bento Lunch Box with Fork & Spoon Christmas Gift from Dinodirect.com
|
|
EasyLunchboxes 3-compartment Bento Lunch Box Containers (Set of 4) BPA-Free. Easy-Open Lids (Not Leakproof) $13.95 Save time, money, paper, and plastic when you use EasyLunchboxes. No more wasteful baggies or mismatched plastic containers. Now you can pack lunches fast for work or school. Even make homemade “Lunchables®!” Created by a mom of three, these bento-style, 3-compartment containers are designed to be carried upright in the EasyLunchboxes cooler bag (choose from 7 vibrant colors). Container lids stay… |
|
|
Kotobuki Plastic Egg Mold, Rabbit and Bear $1.45 With this set of egg molds, it is fun to make and eat boiled egg. This set shapes the egg into rabbit and bear. The egg molds work great with the large size eggs. The egg molds are safe between -4° f and 212° F. They are not safe for microwave or dishwasher. Instructions: 1) Boils a big-size egg and removes the shell 2) Places the egg into the mold while it is still being hot 3) Locks the mold w… |
|
|
Zojirushi SL-JAE14 Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar $43.99 Zojirushi’s Mr. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar in Silver is unique and functional. Stainless steel construction and vacuum insulation. Four microwaveable inner bowls and washable container. Includes a convenient carry strap for easy transport and a easy to carry bag…. |
|
|
Simplastics – Little Toolbox $6.95 A durable plastic toolbox with a sturdy handle and snap-shut latch. The toolbox measures 12″ x 5½” x 4″ high. Ages 3 and up. Categories: Montessori Supplies Montessori Materials Woodworking > Tools… |
|
|
Fit & Fresh Lunch on the Go (Colors May Vary) $6.40 Fit & Fresh 216 Lunch On The Go Bowl, Assorted Prepare healthy meals to take with you the perfect way to take your own meal with you wherever you go. The generous large compartments are perfect for sides, condiments or storing your coldcuts seperately. Microwave safe. top cover keeps tight seal to ensure that food stays fresh and cool. may also be used as a plate mivrowave safe side dish container… |
|
|
Spiderman Funtainer Bottle $15.99 Spiderman Funtainer Bottle… |
|
|
Fit & Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bowl $6.41 Great for Portion control!Three seperate compartments keep fruit and vegetables chilled and fresh. Center compartment includes small lid and is perfect for dip, yogurt or cottage cheese. The Fit and Fresh Fruit and Veggie bowl helps with portion control and ensures safe food transport.top cover keeps a tight seal to ensure that food stays fresh and cool. the cover may also be used as a plate.ice r… |
|
|
Onigiri Rice Ball Seaweed Wrappers Nori & Sushi Rice Mold $8.45 The excellent and extremely logical nori wrappers. These wrappers are coated with plastic with a special rip-off piece. You wrap the rice with it but the rice and nori don’t touch until you eat it so it will stay crispy. LOVE!!… |
|
|
Transformers plastic sandwich box- Transformers food container … |
|
|
Japanese Fun: Realistic Shrimp Meal Phone Charm $6.95 When in Japan, do what the Japanese do! It is a common thing in Japan for Japanese restaurants to display their food out for potential customers to see. The food is very realistic yet they are all very fake. Well now you can do what the Japanese do as well! You can own your very own favorite Japanese Food as a phone charm! This 2-inch phone charm features a realistic looking Bento lunch tray fill… |
Tags: bento, food, lunch, lunchbox, plastic bento, plastic bento boxes, plastic bento boxes for sale, plastic bento containers, plastic bento lunch boxes, shopping