The best airtight containers will preserve and keep your food fresh. Humans have been finding ways to preserve fresh food throughout history. It used to be difficult. So difficult that man roamed from place to place to find food. In fact, one of the ways we progressed as humans was when we learned to store food.
We started out by relying on things like salt, fermentation and drying food to make things last. Now it’s simple to store food. We have refrigerators, science and airtight containers to help us out.
When you’re done cooking, the simplest way to keep leftovers fresh is to reach for a handy airtight container. When you reheat your food in the microwave, always remember to use a great microwave plate cover to keep your food from drying out and also splattering.
It’s hard to choose from all the options on the market. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top airtight containers out there.
There are all kinds of reasons to store food. You may need to store freezer meals, lunches or cereal to keep it from getting stale in the cupboard. Coffee, flour, nuts, crackers and sugar all do well in countertop, room temperature airtight containers.
When you’re done creating a delicious dinner, reach for an airtight container. Leftovers can be portioned out, prepped and put in your lunch bag for work the next day. With an airtight container, you can even keep pet food smells under control. Whatever your needs, we think there’s something on this list for you.
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Airtight Storage Containers Comparison Table
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Our Reviews of the Top 10 Airtight Containers
As you consider what kind of airtight containers to choose, think about what you plan to use them for. You should consider your needs for size, weight, material, type of lid, quality and budget. Whether you need just a few containers, one really big one or a giant set of sizes, this list has lots of options.
1. Best Pick - Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, 14-Piece Set
This Rubbermaid set of 7, BPA-Free containers of various sizes have leakproof lids that come with latches. Whether you’re storing leftover soup, prepping lunchtime salads, or portioning out snacks, there’s a size for the job.
It comes with four 10.4-ounce containers, two 25.6-ounce containers and one 76.8-ounce container. The largest container is big enough to store bacon or several chicken breasts.
These containers are stackable. They’re designed to fit together in the fridge or cabinet for easy, neat storage. The lids and the sides of these containers are clear. You’ll be able to see what’s inside from any angle. It will be easy to keep track of what food is where in your fridge.
Key Details
You can microwave these containers with the lid on in 30-second intervals. They’re designed with a vent to allow steam to escape as your food heats up.
You won’t have to worry about cleaning up soup splatters with the lids as a cover. When you’re done using them, you can throw them right in the dishwasher.
Rubbermaid backs these containers with a lifetime guarantee. These containers are built to last. But if you ever have a problem, you can reach out to Rubbermaid and they’ll help you out.
Pros
- 7 BPA-Free containers with lids included.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Too few containers for some.
- Latches might be a bit difficult to open for some.
- Rubber parts of lids can be difficult to clean by hand.
2. Komax Biokips Extra Large Food Storage Container (48.6-Cups)
The Komax 48.6 cup airtight container is BPA-Free and designed to store bulk dry items. It holds up to 18 pounds of rice, dried beans, quinoa, popcorn, 20 pounds of flour, sugar, or oatmeal. You can also whip up homemade almond milk and store up to 3 gallons of it in this container.
In addition, if you have pet food you want to keep dry and odorless, this is a great option. You can store up to 15 pounds of kibble in it.
This airtight container is microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. You won’t have to worry about temperature changes with this container.
Key Details
At 13.4″ L x 9.8″ W x 7″ H inches, this giant container comes with an airtight and watertight lid. The lid has a handle on it that folds flat against the top for easy storage.
You’ll be able to lift this container with ease, even when heavy. It weighs 1.85 pounds when empty.
Warranty information is hard to track down for this product. Try consulting your product manual or reaching out to the manufacturer if you have problems.
Pros
- Ideal for those who store items in bulk.
- Comes with 1 BPA-free 48.6 cup container and locking lid with handle.
- Freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe.
Cons
- Some may find the lid difficult to attach.
- May be too large to easily store in some kitchen cabinets.
- Warranty information is difficult to determine.
3. Dwellza Kitchen Airtight Food Storage Containers with Lids – 6 Piece Set
The Dwellza set of six, BPA-free 4.2 cup containers are a great way to display your pantry items neatly on your shelf. The clear containers are topped by black locking lids. The rectangular shape slides nicely in place on a baker’s rack, against your backsplash or on a tray.
These containers are great for storing pasta, crackers, nuts, beans, coffee, granola, bulk spices, chia seeds and other items you use often. They’ll keep your food fresh. Just place the lid on the container when it’s full and set the lid on top.
You just push down on the tab on the lid to seal the flavors and freshness in. When it’s time to take your food out, simply pull up on the tab to release the seal.
Key Details
At 5.2″ L x 3.8″ W x 6.25″ H, these airtight containers will easily fit in your cabinets. You can stack these containers on top of each other.
When it’s time to clean them, just remove the silicone gasket from the lid and hand wash them in warm water with soap. They’ll also easily clean up with just a damp microfiber washcloth.
Abrasive sponges may scratch the plastic. We do not recommend throwing these containers in the dishwasher or the microwave.
Dwellza provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee for this product. They’ll help you out should any issues come up.
Pros
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- 6 clear containers with black tops make a neat, stylish storage solution.
- Easy open tabs make it simple to use these containers.
Cons
- Does not come with a variety of sizes.
- May be too small for some applications.
- Cannot use in dishwasher or microwave.
4. Royal Air-Tight Food Storage Container - 10 Piece Set
Considering the number of quality, BPA-Free containers in this set, the Royal Air is a great budget pick. You get 10 airtight containers in this set: two 2qt containers, two 1.5qt containers, four 9qt containers, and two .35qt mini containers. This gives you a variety of sizes to choose from as you store your food.
You shouldn’t put these containers in the dishwasher though. Instead, remove the silicone seal and hand wash the parts with a microfiber washcloth.
When you’re done, dry them completely and replace the seal. They’ll be ready for use again with little effort.
Key Details
You can store liquids or dry goods in these containers. The seal will stay watertight. When it’s time to close up your containers, just set the lid on top and push down on the locking mechanism.
The leakproof, airtight seal will set. You just press down on the mechanism to open the container.
It’s hard to determine the warranty on this set. Your product manual may have more information and you should reach out to the manufacturer directly if you have issues.
Pros
- 10 BPA-free containers in various sizes.
- Liquids can be stored in these containers.
- Sturdy plastic construction with a stylish black top.
Cons
- Not dishwasher or microwave safe.
- Warranty information difficult to determine.
- May take time to fully dry out after washing.
5. OXO Good Grips POP Container – Airtight Food Storage
If you’re looking for a way to store cereal, flour, sugar or other pantry items in bulk, this 4-quart container from OXO may be the right choice for you. It’s made by a quality brand and has the recognizable pop seal.
You can fit a 5-pound bag of flour or sugar in this container. You can trust your food will stay airtight.
Key Details
At 6.2″ L x 6.2″ W x 9.3″ H with the lid fully buttoned down, it can accomodate all kinds of items including the storage of toys and crafts if you like. You should allow 10.5 inches of height for storage.
We recommend cleaning this product by hand when you need to. Just use a non-abrasive cloth and soapy water. If you want, you can put the silicone seal in the dishwasher.
This product comes with the OXO Better Guarantee. Just get in touch with OXO if you have any problems with the product and they’ll help you out.
Pros
- One 4 qt container useful for bulk storage—can hold a 5lb bag of flour.
- Backed by OXO Better Guarantee.
- Square container is easy to store in your pantry.
Cons
- Does not come with multiple containers.
- Not all parts are dishwasher safe.
- Some may find it tricky to reassemble after washing.
6. Best Budget Pick - Bellemain 4 Piece Airtight Acrylic Canister Set
This Bellemain set of four BPA-Free acrylic canisters is a budget option that will make storing dry goods extremely convenient. They’re made for storing flour and sugar or other items you use often.
With clear sides and tops, you’ll always be able to see what’s inside. Fortunately, they’re break-proof. If your kids drop one it will just bounce when it hits the ground.
These canisters use a silicone gasket and clamp to create the airtight seal. The lid stays attached to the canister. When you’ve filled them, just close the lid, hook the clamp on the top of the lid, then push the tab down to seal the jar.
You have four sizes to choose from with this set: one 8 cup canister, one 6 cup canister, one 3.25 cup canister, and one 2.75 cup canister. Each of them have 5-inch openings at the top.
Key Details
You won’t be able to fit a large measuring cup into them to scoop out an ingredient such as flour. Opt for a spoon to transfer your baking ingredients into the measuring cups instead.
They’re all lightweight and easy to handle when you wash them. Warm water and soap will do the trick to clean them up.
You shouldn’t put them in the dishwasher either. Lastly, remember to let your canisters dry completely before filling them with dry goods.
Warranty information is hard to find for this product. If you have an issue with your airtight container, reach out to Bellemain and see if they can help you out.
Pros
- 4 airtight containers in varying sizes included.
- Break-proof acrylic looks great and is kid/cat-proof.
- Great budget option.
Cons
- 5-inch opening may be too small for some.
- Warranty information hard to determine.
- Not dishwasher safe.
7. Prepworks by Progressive 6-Piece ProKeeper Set
You get 6 clear airtight containers with this Prepworks by Progressive set. These jars are great for baking ingredients because of their wide openings.
They’re oval shaped so you can easily use your measuring cups to scoop out flour and sugar. You can put anything you want in these airtight containers.
They have a stainless-steel hinge that keeps the lids attached. But the cool thing about this set is the detailed construction and tiny extras included in each size.
These BPA-free containers are specially built for baking ingredients. You get a 4-quart container that will hold a 5-pound bag of flour.
It has a specially designed leveling bar clip across the lid so you can quickly get the right measurement. When you don’t need it, it will snap into the bottom of the lid.
There’s also a 2.5qt container that can hold a 4-pound bag of sugar. It has a flip-to-pour spout that lets you pour out your sugar as you need it.
Key Details
The 1.5qt container is made for holding brown sugar. It comes with a terra cotta disk.
You can soak it in water, then add it to your brown sugar or snap it under the lid. It will keep your brown sugar from getting dried out.
The 1.4qt container is designed to hold a 1-pound bag of powdered sugar. It comes with a dusting/measuring spoon. It also comes with a leveling bar. You can use these tools to measure sugar or dust the tops of beautiful cakes.
The two 1.5 cup mini containers come with a dusting screen that slides under the lid. You can put sprinkles, spices or any small items you want in these. It holds a standard box of baking soda.
You can toss these containers in the dishwasher when you’re done. They’re easy to clean.
If you’re a baker and use these ingredients often, these containers will be a huge help in your kitchen. If you’re looking for containers to hold non-baking specific ingredients, these may be a bit too specialized. You might want to look for another option on this list.
Lastly, there is a manufacturer’s warranty on this product, but you should consult your product manual for the details.
Pros
- 6 specially-designed containers for baking ingredients included.
- Manufacturer’s warranty included.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons
- May be more specialized than some prefer.
- Attached labels are a bit difficult to remove.
- May crack if dropped—handle with care.
8. Utopia Kitchen Glass Food Storage Container Set - 18 Pieces
This glass storage set from Utopia comes with 9 containers in varying sizes. The snap-lock, rubber-sealed lids ensure that you get a great, airtight seal.
There’s a lot of versatility in this set. You get one square 10.8-ounce container, one square 27-ounce container, one rectangular 51-ounce container, one round 8-ounce container, one round 13.6-ounce container, one round 32-ounce container, one rectangular 11-ounce container, and two rectangular 28-ounce containers.
They’re watertight and won’t leak. They’re also clear so you can easily see what’s inside.
Key Details
These containers will go in your fridge or freezer. You can make your freezer meals and store them in the large containers or store your leftovers in the fridge.
You can warm up your food in the oven too. These containers are oven safe up to 400 degrees. They will easily go into the microwave as well.
When it’s time to clean up, these containers are dishwasher safe. The borosilicate glass will clean easily. Consider using the top rack to wash your lids. This will keep them away from the heating element. You can also hand wash them.
Warranty information was difficult to track down on this set. You should contact the manufacturer for help if you have issues with the product. You can also check the instruction manual for more details.
Pros
- Large number of sizes for convenient, versatile storage.
- Microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe.
- Budget option for a large number of containers.
Cons
- Labels may be a bit difficult to remove.
- Warranty information difficult to determine.
- Some may prefer larger containers.
9. Shazo Food Storage Containers 20-Piece Set
You get 10 containers with airtight lids in this set from Shazo. They’re clear and made with BPA-Free plastic, so you can see exactly what’s in them. Included are 18 vinyl, matte, chalkboard labels and a marker. You can use these to design gorgeous labels to help you organize your kitchen.
In this set you get stackable, slim containers that all have the same dimensions—3.5″ L x 6.5″ W. They vary in height.
You get two 8.25-inch tall containers, two 5.5-inch tall containers, four 4.25-inch tall containers, and two 2.75-inch tall containers. The varying sizes will be great for storing all kinds of things like raisins, crackers, nuts, flour, cereal and more.
Key Details
The lids should be easy to remove even for those with arthritis in their hands. You get a good seal on these containers and the rounded corners make it easy to pour out your food.
There are two flaps for pouring—one completely open and the other with holes for slower pouring. The lids are interchangeable. You never have to worry if you’re grabbing the right lid for the container you just filled.
We recommend hand washing these containers and their lids. The manufacturer of this product seems to be responsive. Reach out to them if you have trouble with your containers. Warranty information is difficult to determine.
Pros
- Interchangeable lids.
- Stackable, clear design that comes with chalkboard labels and marker.
- Large variety of sizes.
Cons
- May be too small for some.
- Warranty information difficult to find.
- May crack if dropped (Handle with care)
10. Vtopmart Large 5.2L Food Containers with Measuring Cups
This set from Dragonn includes 10 containers made with BPA-Free plastic. These containers are dishwasher safe.
All you have to do is remove the silicone gasket and toss the other two pieces in the dishwasher. Make sure you let all the pieces completely dry before using them to store food.
You get a ton of variety in this set. There are lots of sizes to choose from as you store your food.
Key Details
Included are 1 square at 4″ L x 4″ W x 4″ H, 2 squares at 4″ L x 4″ W x 6″ H, 1 square at 5″ L x 5″ W x 5″ H, 1 square at 4″ L x 4″ W x 8″ H, 1 square at 5″ L x 5″ W x 7″ H, 1 square at 5″ L x 5″ W x 12″ H, 2 rectangles at 6″ L x 4″ W x 6″ H and 1 rectangle at 6″ L x 4″ W x 12″ H. The tallest container is tall enough to store spaghetti noodles inside.
The lids for these containers seal by flipping a looped latch on the top. They’ll keep your food fresh. Your stored ingredients will be easy to identify through the clear plastic.
If you have any problems with your set, reach out to the Dragonn—they seem to have a responsive customer service team. Your product manual may have more details about any warranty.
Pros
- Tallest container can store spaghetti noodles.
- Budget option.
- BPA-Free plastic is dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Parts can crack with heavy use—be gentle with your containers/lids.
- Water can get inside the lids—prevent this by hand washing them.
- Warranty information is difficult to determine.
Airtight Container Buyer’s Guide
Keeping your cabinet stocked with airtight containers is a great way to eat healthy all week and live a greener life. If you love to meal prep and cook large amounts of food in a slow cooker, these containers will come in very handy in storing all your food for the week.
You won’t ever have to grab a zip-top plastic bag again. In addition, you can buy in bulk at the grocery store and keep your food in an airtight pantry container when you get home. Choosing the best option for your kitchen can be difficult though. So we’ve put together a few details for you to consider.
How to Select the Best Airtight Food Containers
As you select the best option for your needs, think about the kind of food you typically store. Consider your shelf space and where you’d like to store your food. Style may not be an important consideration if you’re putting your containers behind a door.
But if you have open storage in your kitchen, it may be important to choose a container that looks great on your countertop. If you have very young kids that help a lot in the kitchen, consider a break-proof material.
All of the options on our list will give you an airtight container that will keep your food fresh. This guide will help you narrow your search down to your own personal top pick.
Storage Type
If you’re looking for a way to store dry goods, there are a variety of options on this list. Of course, any of the list items can store dry goods. However, for pantry items typically a canister works best. On this list are options from Dragonn, Shazo, Bellemain, OXO, Royal Airtight, Dwellza and Prepworks.
Any of these canister style choices can be stored out in the open or in your pantry. A few have an especially sharp look great for storing on your counter. The Dwellza and Royal Airtight containers each come with black lids and clear canisters. The Shazo set comes with chalkboard labels and a marker. You can customize your labels to make them look great.
The Prepworks canisters are ideal for bakers. They come with customized construction that helps you store flour, sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar. You can also store things like almond and oat flour if you’d like. Use the mini canisters to store sprinkles, baking soda or a cinnamon sugar blend. Try making these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with the ingredients you store in this set.
If you’re looking for storage for leftovers or refrigerated food, try the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers. The Utopia set is also a good option. These choices will give you a variety of sizes that will help you prep lunches for your kids or store fruits and veggies for snacks. You can microwave these sets and throw them in the dishwasher. The Utopia set will even go in your oven up to 400 degrees.
Variable, Stackable, One-Size Options
The Komax option is ideal for storing a large quantity of one dry good. Put your rice, beans, pet food or cereal in this extra-large storage container and store it in your pantry. The OXO 4qt container will also hold a full gallon of one item.
The Dwellza choice gives you six 4.2 cup containers that will line up neatly in a line on your shelf. If you like a standardized look, this is a great choice. These are stackable containers but they’re a bit tall–if you have room to stack them up they’ll look nice.
Other stackable containers on this list are made by Shazo, Royal Airtight and Dragonn. Each of these will save space and stack up neatly on your shelf.
If you’re looking for a set with a lot of varying sizes, try the Rubbermaid, Dragonn, Shazo, Bellemain, Royal Airtight, Utopia and Prepworks. Each of these sets will give you a number of choices in terms of size. You’ll have plenty of options to meet your storage needs.
Material
Options from Dragonn, Royal Airtight, Shazo, Komax, Dwellza, Rubbermaid, Prepworks and OXO are all made from BPA-free plastic. Many of these include silicone rings as a part of their seal. These are sturdy choices that will last you a while. They’re food safe so you won’t have to worry about harmful BPA leeching into your food.
The Utopia choice is the only glass option on this list. Glass is a great choice if you’re looking for something you can throw in the fridge, freezer, microwave or oven. This tempered glass set will handle a lot of temperatures—up to 400 degrees.
Make sure you don’t take your glass piece out of the oven and set it directly on a cold countertop. The quick temperature change can cause it to shatter.
The Bellemain set is made from break-proof acrylic. This is a great choice if you have little hands helping you in the kitchen. It’s a hard material but will be forgiving if it gets bumped around.
Warranty
The Prepworks, Dwellza, OXO and Rubbermaid choices on this list all come with some type of guarantee or warranty from the manufacturer. Our top pick, the Rubbermaid, comes with a full lifetime warranty. If you’re looking for a warranty with your product, we recommend choosing one of these sets.
Other choices on this list may or may not have warranties. You should consult the product manual that comes with the sets for more information or contact the manufacturer directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which airtight containers are best?
A: Our pick is the Rubbermaid Brilliance 14-piece set. This is a great quality option. You get a large variety of sizes for the money.
It comes with four 10.4-ounce containers, two 25.6-ounce containers and one 76.8-ounce container. You can microwave these stackable containers in 30-second intervals. If you ever have any problems with them, just contact Rubbermaid. This whole set is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Q: What can you store in an airtight container?
A: The short answer is you can store anything you want to keep fresh for a while in them. Different containers work better for different jobs. Dragonn, Shazo, Bellemain, OXO, Royal Airtight, Dwellza and Prepworks all offer containers on this list that are ideal for dry goods storage.
The Prepworks option is specially constructed for common baking goods. Sets for fridge and freezer storage on this list are made by Utopia and Rubbermaid. You can also store pet food in large quantities. Komax is our favorite option if you’re looking for extra-large storage.
Q: What are the best pantry storage containers?
A: Unique pantry storage choices on this list are the Prepworks and Komax options. Komax gives you an extra-large container for pet food storage. Prepworks has a set of baking ingredient storage containers designed to make baking easier.
Our top pick for standard pantry storage containers on this list is the set made by Dwellza. You get 6 stylish containers backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Q: Are airtight containers for flour and sugar necessary?
A: Yes, they are. You should definitely store your flour and sugar in an airtight container if your living space is prone to bugs or humidity. Exposure to either can cause your ingredients to spoil. Even if you live in a dry climate with no bugs, it’s still a good idea. It will keep your ingredients fresh for as long as possible.
Q: Can you microwave an airtight container with the lid on?
A: If your containers are microwave safe, you can microwave your container with the lid loosely set on top of it. Do not close the lid all the way. Doing so can cause your lid to warp and your airtight container to become unusable.
Conclusion
Airtight containers come in different sizes and serve various needs. Any of the options on this list will help you keep your food fresh and your pantry organized.
Choosing the best set for your kitchen is a matter of thinking through your typical storage needs in terms of quantity, type of food, and storage space. Whether you’re starting a new organization project in your kitchen, or looking to replace old, worn out storage containers, this list has plenty of choices.
We hope that after reading our detailed airtight container reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best airtight containers that are perfect for your kitchen.
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