10 Best Airtight Containers Ranked & Reviewed
Buying airtight containers for storing food or for packing lunches can sometimes seem like an unnecessary expenditure, but let’s talk about some of their unique characteristics that make them very useful.
Airtight containers rarely open accidentally inside your bag, spilling out the contents. Second, because they are airtight, they keep your chopped vegetables, for instance, fresh for longer. They also keep in moisture and air, and keep out those pesky food critters who love to munch on your cereals, coffee, sugar, flour, and other kitchen staples. And finally, airtight containers are usually easy to store (especially compared to the boxes food is usually sold in).
So, there are lots of reasons that make airtight containers necessary in the kitchen: they help you (and your kids) carry your lunches to work or school, they are more eco-friendly than single-use containers, they prevent spillage, and they help you organize space in your kitchen and keep it tidier.
What to look for when buying an airtight container
The most important thing to consider when buying an airtight container is the material it is made from. That, and what you want it for, as you will want to buy different containers for storing to the ones you would buy for carrying your food, both in terms of material and compartments.
Materials:
1. Glass
Glass containers are among the most popular as glass doesn’t stain and is odor-free. Glass is also considered one of the safest materials for storing food as it doesn’t contain any chemicals that might affect the quality of the contents. On the other hand, glass containers are heavy and prone to shattering if they fall, so they are not as well suited for transporting food.
2. Plastic
The most important quality of plastic airtight containers is they are lightweight, making them well suited for carrying food. But be careful when buying plastic containers as they can be made from material containing the toxic chemical BPA. Make sure that you choose products labeled BPA-free.
3. Acrylic
This is another type of plastic, so, again, check it is BPA-free. It is more durable than simple plastic, so some people choose it over other plastics.
4. Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the most durable material for airtight food containers. They are free from harmful chemicals and are guaranteed to keep your food fresh for a long time because they also protect the contents from daylight. On the downside, stainless steel containers are heavier than plastic or acrylic ones, and you can’t easily see what’s inside.
Airtight Containers Top Features
There are several features to consider when buying airtight containers, apart from the material they are made of. Decide what you are going to be storing, as there are several sizes available, and you will need a larger size for food you buy in larger quantities, such as flour, and smaller-sized containers for things like cocoa. Make sure that the lid is airtight, but also that it’s easy to open and close, even with one hand.
Try to look for transparent containers, as you will want to be able to easily monitor how much is left and when to refill; you don’t want to start baking only to find that you are out of flour. Choose durable materials that are chip-resistant and won’t shatter easily. Also, look for containers that are odor resistant. The best material for this is glass as it won’t affect the flavor of your food. It’s also useful when your airtight container is microwave safe. Glass containers also double as microwave dishes, so you won’t have to transfer your food every time you want to heat it up.
When deciding which to purchase, keep in mind that they also need cleaning, so choose one that make this easy. Pay attention to the design and how easy your containers are to store, as you will want a product that is both stylish and easy to fit on your counter or inside your cabinets.
Functions
Airtight containers can store raw or cooked food items, and so do lunch boxes so it is advisable to buy specific items for each function. With airtight lunch boxes, it is important to have several compartments inside, to separate different foods. Also, keep in mind that these types of containers need to be light, especially if using them for kid’s lunches. Look for BPA-free plastic containers with an airtight lid and lots of compartments.
Best Airtight Containers Ranked
1. Oxo Pop Containers
Highly recommended by many Reddit users, Oxo containers come in several sizes, suitable for spices, candy, nuts, brown sugar, snacks, spaghetti, sugar, rice, flour, cereal, and bulk food. For an airtight seal, the boxes come with a button that seals and releases the air when pushed. It also doubles up as a handle.
The containers are ergonomically shaped and are stackable, taking up very little space on your counter or inside your kitchen cabinets. They can also be used for storing crafts and toys and are suitable for other rooms in the house, such as the bathroom or the office. Made from BPA-free plastic, the containers are light and come with great recommendations from many Amazon customers.
Oxo Good Grips containers are my favorite. I have these containers in many sizes. My main reason for getting the containers is that we have a lot of bugs in Hawaii. I was having an especially difficult time with roaches and ants. These containers have never let any bugs in them and I’ve been using them for about 2 years now.
2. Colibrox Glass Meal Prep Containers
Colibrox containers are available in a variety of materials: silicon, glass, and plastic. The glass containers are made from borosilicate glass, which adjusts to temperature changes better than simple glass, making them suitable for use in the fridge as well as being microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.
The solid glass is easy to clean in the dishwasher and it doesn’t retain and food odors. The lid comes off perfectly clean every time, with no food residues stuck around the rubber seal.
We’ve been using these for a month now and are pleased. I hand wash the plastic lids since they are rarely very dirty and so that the plastic doesn’t degrade in the dishwasher like my other brands have. They snap closed quietly and easily and are a good size for my athletic husband to have a good size lunch portion. Many of the other brands are too small for this.
3. Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers
The Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers are airtight glass containers with two compartments. That means that you can use one container to store more than one type of food, saving space and money. Made from borosilicate glass, the containers can be used in the freezer, microwave, and oven.
However, keep in mind that the plastic lids with rubber seals are not meant to be used in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven. The containers come in sets of 5 pieces and are leakproof and easy to open. The containers are large and can hold a significant amount of food, making them ideal for meal prep on Sundays.
What I love about these containers is that they’re deeper than most meal prep containers, allowing you to reduce some bulk. There is also a lovely glass divider built into the container! Though heavy, because they are glass, my family has easily thrown these into their lunch bags, and let’s just say that they’re not the most delicate of creatures…but the meal prep containers arrive back home perfectly intact with no leaks or spills!
4. Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Organization & Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids
The Rubbermaid modular food storage container set is suitable for pasta, baking ingredients, bread crumbs, and even pet food as the containers are easy to clean and scoop food from. An airtight rubber seal keeps moisture and humidity out, helping keep food fresh longer. The containers can be stacked to minimize storage space, something made easier by their rectangular shape.
The plastic is freezer safe and BPA-free, and it can be cleaned in the dishwasher, on the top rack. The Rubbermaid containers are very durable and come at a reasonable price compared to other brands that are not as sturdy.
These containers are the bomb y’all. These things seal so nice. They are sturdy. They wash well. They are pretty close to perfect. I think these are more visually appealing compared to others.
5. Zeppoli Air-Tight Food Storage Container Set
Zeppoli containers come in four different sizes, which perfectly fit all kinds of edibles, from cereal to pasta and snacks. They are also suitable for liquids, such as water, juice, and soup, which will not spill as the airtight technology seals everything inside the container once the handle has been pushed down. And the corners allow for easy pouring, making them even more suitable for liquids.
The ring on the lid guarantees no spills. Once the ring is pushed down, the silicone seal expands and locks the jar completely, making it airtight. To clean the containers, remove the silicone ring and wash with soap. Then wrap the silicone ring around the lid and seal the jar. The containers are made from BPA-free plastic and are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Excellent & fantastic product! Feels durable and looks gorgeous! I love them – I’m going to buy the 15 count right now. I wish I could buy some of the sizes individually. I endorse this product 200%.
6. Prepara Evak Fresh Saver Airless Canister
With a patented airtight system that needs no switches, pumps, or levers, Evak Fresh containers are truly airtight. The system guarantees keeping the flavors locked into the container for longer, and the BPA-free plastic resists any odors or stains.
The containers come in different sizes and are stackable, saving space on your countertop or in the pantry. They are also designed to nest within each other when they are not in use. They are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe. However, the manufacturer recommends hand washing the lid.
I know it seals because I cut onions for stir-fry and pushed the lid down to seal. The next day I smelled the container and there was absolutely no smell of onion. When the lid was removed, the onion smell was very strong. I am ordering another today. Very attractive unit and easy to clean.
7. Oggi Clear Canister Set with Clamp Lids Airtight Containers
Versatile and stackable, Oggi food storage containers organize the space of any kitchen stylishly. The design has a rustic farmhouse theme, with glass lids and a slim shape. Thanks to the silicone seal technology, the lid helps preserve stored food for longer because of the complete airtightness. The set includes 5 canisters, ideal for all storage needs. Made of acrylic, they are BPA-free and are easy to clean. The product is very sturdy and cleans easily.
I use these for powdered sugar, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and flour. They get used fairly regularly and sit out on the counter most of the time. They have remained crystal clear and in great working condition. The seal works as it should. I don’t know if it’s truly ‘airtight’ but we have not had any problems with ants getting into the sugar. This isn’t going to keep your brown sugar from getting hard, but it does delay the process better than keeping it in an opened bag.
8. Lock & Lock Easy Essentials On The Go Meal Prep Lunch Box
Suitable as an airtight lunchbox and as an kitchen storage unit, the Easy Essentials on the Go Meals divided container allows you to separate different foods inside one container. It can be used for work, schools, picnics, parties, but also for storing all kinds of food. The lid has a 4-point locking system that seals the box, keeping food fresh for longer and preventing unwanted drips and spills.
The container is made from BPA-free plastic and is microwave and dishwasher safe, so it can be easily cleaned but also used in the freezer, pantry, or refrigerator. A convenient divider allows you to customize your container space storage.
Love these containers – they are heavier than similar brands and are built to last. The divided compartments inside are removable for easy cleaning. I use one of these in my six-year-old son’s lunch – they fit one sandwich (with the crust cut off) and two sides perfectly portioned for him. The flaps are built into the lid and it is all one piece. I had purchased other brands that had hinges and those broke after only a couple of months of use. These are a quality product.
9. Bento Box 3 Compartment Lunch Box Food Containers
A lunch box perfect for food prep, storage, organizing, and carrying, the Bento Box has three compartments that help plan a well-balanced meal. The container comes with flatware, which easily fits inside the box. All materials used for the container are BPA-free, and it is smell- and stain-resistant.
The container is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. The manufacturer recommends it for a few types of food, including pasta, chicken, salad, sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and sushi.
I bought this lunch box for my 17-month-old daughter to use. She saw the food in the box and got very excited. She picked up the fork and tried to eat with it. I picked up the phone recorded some video to share with all family and friends. It’s great. My daughter likes eating from this bento box.
10. Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers
This 7-piece container set from Vtopmart offers different sized containers, perfect for storing flour, sugar, rice, grains, nuts, beans, snacks, pasta, coffee, and tea. Durable and shatterproof, the containers are made from BPA-free plastic, allowing you to easily see what you have stored inside each one. The food remains fresh for longer thanks to the special sealing mechanism.
The containers are durable and useful for reorganizing the pantry and keeping it in order, and like its easy-to-use closure system.
Our pantry was in complete disarray, even though I organize it every few months the best I can. With these new food containers, things are already much better and I haven’t even reorganized yet! Quality is great here for the price and the sizes of the various containers are good. We love the tall pasta container, and by itself, I think it’s more than half the total cost here, so adding in 6 more containers is a very solid deal. We haven’t used all the small containers yet, but it has bubble gumballs in it, and there’s plenty more candy around the house we could throw inside. The closure systems/lids are very nice…super easy to use and a very solid feeling. All in all, we are both very happy with this purchase/gift.
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Kid’s Lunchbox Ideas
As recommended by chef Katrina Springer, lunchboxes for kids need to be fun, varied, and healthy. You can pre-organize the ingredients you will need for a week, following one simple rule: every day, make sure you provide five types of food children need every day: grains, vegetables, dairy, fruit, and protein. By organizing the compartments of the lunchbox according to these categories, you will make sure that your kid has all the components of healthy nutrition. Here are two examples of what to pack in a lunchbox from the same chef.
1. For grains, protein, dairy, and some vegetables, bake some cheesy bacon and vegetable muffins.
These are a perfect sandwich substitute that actually pack more vegetables than a sandwiche and they can be frozen.
To make the muffins, mix 2 cups of self-rising flour, ½ cup of milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 3 eggs. Whisk until combined, then add 1 grated carrot, 1 grated zucchini, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, 4 diced bacon rashers, and 1 1/3 cup grated cheese of your choice. Spoon the mixture evenly into a 12-hole muffin tin and bake in a preheated oven at 356 °F for 15-18 minutes or until golden. Allow to rest in the muffin pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
To complete the vegetable and dairy necessary, add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and snap peas, along with cheese cubes. Add some salty crackers to go with the cheese. For fruit, slice half a peach. Your child will certainly love the variety and the bright colors in the lunchbox. Or course, use an airtight product so that the food remains fresh.
2. For another day, prepare a fruity surprise.
Fill some raspberries with white chocolate chips and combine them with some blueberries for a fruity snack. Add carrot sticks and some mashed avocado (or guacamole) for a good serving of vegetables. For the grains, use mini rice cakes (they can also be eaten with the avocado). For proteins and dairy, make some small ham, lettuce, and cheese sandwiches. Butter the bread and add sliced ham, cheese slices, and lettuce leaves. Cut off the edges of the bread and cut the sandwiches into bite-sized portions that will fit a container with several compartments.
Nest of Chef is reader-supported. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, though this not impact the product selection, which is done independently by our editors and contributors.
Nest of Chef is part of the Amazon Associate Program and earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, though this not impact the product selection, which is done independently by our editors and contributors.
