Do you like to have heavy food stock at home? Some cupboard essentials should be always in your pantry. Pasta, tinned, and processed food last long. It needs virtually no special storage conditions. What about perishable and non-perishable food? I prefer keeping them in glass storage containers with glass lids that lock. Do you think it’s a dated option? Quite naturally, plastic containers and bags have their benefits. They are lightweight, flexible, and affordable. But in terms of health and safety, glass is a better choice. Do you still doubt it? Let’s get into details.
What is the Best Glass Storage Containers?
Having a stockpile of non-perishable foods is essential. They are necessary in case of emergency, like a flood or epidemic situation. Grains and cereals, canned fish, and fruits have a long shelf life. Store them at room temperature for several months. Other foods require refrigeration or freezing.
Anyway, food safety is primary. We are to maintain it, providing proper storage conditions. In your pantry, it should be dark, clean, cool and dry. Temperature between 50 and 70 degrees F is beneficial. Metal, glass and plastic containers are suitable.
At home, I prefer using best glass food storage containers, as they are:
- functional;
- durable;
- clean;
- attractive;
- safe.
But I open their doors with confidence. My pantry stock is packed in large glass food storage containers. It always looks neat and attractive. Additionally, I see the containers’ content. So, it’s fast and easy to check what stocks to renew. When I go to the local grocery store or a supermarket, delays are dangerous.
Are Glass Food Storage Containers Safe?
What is your first thought when you hear about glass? This material should be fragile. If you drop a glass on the floor, it breaks easily. Sharp shards might cut your hands or feet. It concerns only thin-wall cut-glass ware.
Best airtight glass containers are impact-resistant. How comes? They consist of thick borosilicate glass. Let’s compare its properties with those of its plastic and metal counterparts.
Performance | Borosilicate Glass | HDPE Plastic | Aluminum |
---|---|---|---|
Chemical Resistance | high | excellent | poor |
Melting Point, °F | 2030 | 248-302 | 1220 |
Low Temperature Limit, °F | -40 | -58 | -49 |
Density, kg/m3 | 2,200-2,300 | 970 | 2,700 |
Young’s modulus, GPa | 62-64 | 0.8 | 69 |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansionat 68 °F, 10-6*K-1 | 3.3 | 67.0 | 12.8 |
Microwave-safe food containers with lids make your best choice. They consist of tempered glass that withstands temperature changes. These containers are resistant to thermal shock. So, it’s possible to cook food in them, store it in a fridge or freezer. Quite naturally, you need to cool your dishes up to room temperatures initially. It prevents container breakage, icing and condensation issues. Commonly, it’s safe to use glass containers in a microwave, oven and dishwasher.
What Are the Best Airtight Containers?
Metal food containers are not safe. Reacting with acids they release toxic compounds. Stainless steel pots are good options. These products are durable and lightweight. So, you can use them as lunch boxes, cookware or bread bins. Aluminum tins suit only storing dry foods, like cornmeal or sugar.
Plastic containers are handy: they are lightweight and flexible. But the items are easily stained. You’ll have to wash them by hand, as plastic doesn’t stand high temperatures. Additionally, this option is not healthy. Plastic surface is porous. It might leach toxic chemicals into your food.
How do I know if a container is airtight? These products feature various lids, such as:
- metal;
- plastic;
- silicone;
- glass.
Stainless steel lids retain heat. They keep your soup or stew hot for 20-30 minutes before serving. Plastic and silicone lids are flexible. They stretch to cover the food containers. The lids that contain LDPE plastic are food-safe, BPA-free. FDA approves using it for food contact. But they might warp or distort at high temperatures. So, it’s not safe to microwave or runs them in a dishwasher.
Are glass jars airtight? All lids that feature silicone or rubber gasket seal are leak-proof. These perfect accessories prevent spillage and leakage of liquids. Above all, seal makes your containers water-tight. Moreover, tight-fitting lids keep air out from the container. But they shouldn’t be hard to open. Just raise the snap-lock clips to unseal the lid easily.
Do Glass Containers Keep Food Fresh Longer?
Silicone lids are preferable. They are:
- chemical-free;
- non-stick;
- easy-to-clean;
- microwave and freezer-safe;
- long-lasting.
Silicone traps extra heat. For example, its surface is non-porous, grippy, and comfortable to touch. Even at once, after cooking or reheating your delicate dishes, it doesn’t get hot.
Glass food storage containers with glass locking lids are the healthiest options. They are thick and transparent. The lids come with metal clips on the sides. Glass jars are pretty decorative and charming. They are great to store coffee, spices, or herbs.
Glass surface is non-porous. It doesn’t absorb smells and stains. Therefore, glass containers are preferable for storing foods with intense smell and color. Airtight lids keep liquids from drying out. They don’t let groceries get soggy, absorbing moisture and odors. Meat and fish in glass containers don’t develop freezer burn.
Does Food Keep Better in Glass or Plastic?
Curious about the ultimate food storage face-off: glass vs. plastic? Let’s dive in!
- And glass, and plastic have their own perks. Glass is like the superhero of freshness – it won’t absorb odors, and it’s a champion at keeping flavors intact. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and can handle heat like a pro, making it a top pick for reheating leftovers.
- On the other hand, plastic is the lightweight champ, easy on clumsy hands and perfect for those on-the-go moments. It might not be as fancy as glass, but it won’t shatter if it takes a tumble from the fridge.
But here’s the scoop – both have their strengths! Glass for the gourmet, plastic for the practical. So, whether you’re preserving a gourmet masterpiece or just need a quick snack fix, pick your side wisely! It’s a kitchen showdown, and your taste buds are the judges!
Summary
Glass containers are healthy, versatile, and durable. They are safe to cook in them, reheat food, put into a refrigerator. Do you still doubt, considering glass items bulky and heavy-weight? Don’t hesitate to buy these clean, attractive-looking kits. How do you store glass containers and lids? The sets are perfectly stackable. Nest them together, when they are not in use. They don’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen cabinet or cupboard. So, make a good purchase and enjoy your handy kitchen means.
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