The Best Freezer Containers to Keep Food Fresh
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Use them for preserving fresh fruit, storing pre-made meals, and sending large batches of Bolognese into the deep freezer.
Stasher
Freezing is a reliable solution for storing food and preventing waste. "The more I freeze, the more I become convinced you can freeze almost anything," says Ali Rosen, author of Modern Freezer Meals. Whether you're freezing leftover soups, pot roast, or scrambled eggs (yes, really), good storage containers make all the difference.
You want freezer containers to be durable and easy to clean, but what's most important is an air-tight seal: "Air and temperature fluctuation are the enemies of freezer food," says Rosen. You might also look for thermal shock resistance if you plan to take containers from the freezer to oven. We considered factors like these to hone our list of the best silicone, plastic, and glass freezer containers, including some editor-tested favorites.
Best Overall: Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set
Pros
This set can go straight from the freezer to the oven or microwave. They're also resistant to odors and stains.
Cons
The containers are bulky, so they take up a lot of space in the freezer.
Glass is an excellent and eco-friendly choice for storage, but not all glass containers are created equal. This set from Glasslock features thick walls and a sturdy build that is meant to go from freezer to microwave or oven with ease. The clear sides allow you to see what's inside the container for easy identification, and the BPA-free plastic lids have a silicone gasket that helps keep air out to prolong the freshness of its contents. With nine containers (and their lids) of various shapes and sizes, you'll always have the right one on hand to store leftover stews and soups, pre-portioned lasagna, and more.
The glass itself is resistant to odors and staining, which helps make the cleaning process easy. The containers and lids are also dishwasher safe, and the silicone gaskets can be removed for deep cleaning. Our editors have tested Glasslock containers at home and recommend them for their strong glass construction and versatility. In addition to storing food in the fridge and freezer, we've used them to heat cold leftovers in the microwave and bake single fish fillets in the oven.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Glass body with BPA-free plastic/silicone lids
Size Options: Set includes 5, 14, 16, 30, 32, and 58 ounces
Freezer-to-microwave safe: Yes
Best Value: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers
Pros
This set has a nice assortment of sizes and is stackable, so it takes up less room in the freezer.
Cons
They are prone to staining and may get a little soft in the microwave.
If you want a comprehensive set of freezer storage at a fantastic price, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 40-Piece Set is exactly what you need. Made of BPA-free plastic, this set comes equipped with ridged lids that help you stack and store food without taking up too much space. They're lightweight and safe to use in the freezer, refrigerator, and microwave (without the lids). It's got a great assortment of sizes, so whether you're storing sauces or an entire batch of chili, you'll have the right size container on hand.
One drawback is that they are less durable than more expensive brands, so they'll wear out quicker than glass or silicone options. They're also more prone to staining with tomato-based sauces, so it's something to consider. But the good news is, they're so inexpensive that you won't feel bad if you have to throw one away. They're top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup but can be easily hand washed too.
Price at time of publish: $17
Material: BPA-free plastic
Size Options: Set includes four 0.5 cup, two 1.2 cup, four 2.1 cup, four 2.9 cup, four 3.2 cup, and two 6.2 cup
Freezer-to-microwave safe: Yes
Best Microwavable: Mepal Microwavable Nested Storage Boxes
Pros
This set is super stylish and nests for easy storage. The windowed tops allow you to see what's inside.
Cons
These are on the pricey side, and only come in a set of three.
Made in Holland, this three-piece set from Rosti is a stylish choice for freezer storage. While they're a bit pricey, you get what you pay for here—they're made of durable BPA-free Polypropylene & TPE and come with windowed, tight-fitting lids that make keep air out so your food is less likely to get freezer burn. Pop off the lids and put the containers right into the microwave for hassle-free reheating.
This set comes in several color options and is offered as a shallow or deep version to cater to your volume needs. They can be put into the dishwasher without worry, and the containers nest for compact storage.
Price at time of publish: $65 for Shallow (Set of 3)
Material: BPA-free plastic
Size Options: Shallow set includes 17, 34, and 64 ounces; deep set includes 40, 70, and 101 ounces
Freezer-to-microwave safe: Yes
Best For Soup: Souper Cubes 1-Cup Extra-Large Silicone Freezing Tray
Pros
The ice cube tray style makes popping out frozen soup easy. The lid ensures that unwanted smells are kept out of the tray.
Cons
You'll have to transfer your cubes of broth or soup to another container for reheating.
The innovative Souper Cubes Silicone Freezing Tray lets you pre-portion soups, stocks, smoothies, and sauces in a flexible tray so you can pop out just the amount you need without having to defrost the entire container. It works just like an ice cube tray, but it has larger-sized wells that can accommodate a 1-cup portion size — they're also available in 1/2-cup and 2-cup options. The mold is made of food-grade silicone, and also features a wire rim that keeps the tray stable. The lid ensures the contents stay protected from "freezer smell" and the dreaded freezer burn.
Inside the 1-cup wells, there are markings for 1/2-cup and 1-cup portions, a handy feature for anyone interested in batch prepping and portioning foods. The tray can also be used to make large ice cubes for punch bowls, and when you need to clean them, they are dishwasher safe for no-fuss cleaning.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Food-grade silicone
Size Options: 1/2 cup, 1 cup, 2 cups
Freezer-to-microwave safe: No
Best Glass: Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set
Pros
This set is simply designed and easy to clean. They can go from freezer to microwave and are also dishwasher safe.
Cons
These pieces are not designed for extreme temperature changes, so you'll need to watch where you use them.
Pyrex has a long-standing reputation for quality glass products, and this set lives up to that high standard. Its durable, non-porous glass is resistant to stains and odors and easily can go from the freezer to microwave reheating. They're not meant for use on the stove or under a broiler due to their sensitivity to extreme temperature changes, but can be used in a pre-heated oven.
This set includes nine containers and lids, with a nice variety of sizes to accommodate soups, casseroles, and more. The multi-colored lids add a bit of whimsy to the collection and are labeled with sizes so you always know the volume of your container. All pieces are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning — be sure to put the lids on the top rack only.
Price at time of publish: $45
Material: Glass and BPA-free plastic
Size Options: Set includes one 1 cup, two 2 cup, two 3 cup, two 4 cup, one 6 cup, and one 7 cup
Freezer-to-microwave safe: Yes
Best Plastic: Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Plastic Food Storage Set
Pros
These leakproof containers are stain and odor resistant. They feature built-in Write + Erase labels for easy identification.
Cons
You will likely have to dry these by hand when they come out of the dishwasher to remove any remaining moisture from the wash cycle. The snap-on lids may wear over time.
For lightweight freezer storage, these containers from Snapware are a wonderful choice. Made of BPA-free plastic, this set offers tight-fitting lids that snap onto the bodies to keep foods fresh and freezer burn at bay. Since they're see-through, you will be able to monitor what's inside, but there's also a built-in Write + Erase space on each lid so you can label it with the date or contents (using a dry erase marker) for easy identification.
The containers can go from freezer to microwave without the lids, so you don't have to get an extra dish dirty when defrosting soup, stews, or whatever you've decided to freeze. This comprehensive set includes two each of five sizes, ranging from 1.2 cups to 8.5 cups. The set is also top-rack dishwasher safe, but you may find you'll need to take some time to dry off the containers to remove any water that gets trapped in the gaskets before storing.
Price at time of publish: $33
Material: BPA-free plastic
Size Options: Set includes two each of 1.2 cup, 3 cup, 4 cup, 5.5 cup, and 8.5 cup
Freezer-to-microwave safe: Yes
Best Silicone: Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags
Pros
Silicone makes these bags ultra-durable and they come in a useful array of size options.
Cons
They are fairly pricey per piece.
We love an eco-friendly storage solution, and these reusable storage bags from Stasher are the perfect alternative to buying single-use plastic freezer bags. They come in several chic colors and an array of sizes, from a small, 4-ounce "pocket" size to a generous 104-ounce version. Reach for these to freeze bananas for smoothies or to store pre-portioned cookie dough balls — the resealable edge keeps air out and its contents secure for short or long-term freezing.
Made of 100% food-grade silicone, these bags are also great to use for dry storage, in the fridge, or for use in the microwave, Instant Pot, or sous-vide cooking (they can withstand temps up to 425ºF). They also feature single-piece construction, meaning they're made without any glue or adhesives. Our editors have tested Stasher bags at home and love them as an alternative to freezer-safe zip-top bags. We've put frozen Stasher bags under hot water to thaw them and can vouch that they don't change the taste of food. Some foods, like tomato sauce, will linger and stain, so you may need to put in a little effort. Wash by hand or turn them inside out and pop them into the dishwasher for a run through the wash cycle.
Price at time of publish: $37
Material: Silicone
Size Options: Set includes two 15-fluid ounce and two 9.9-fluid ounce bags
Freezer-to-microwave safe: Yes
Our Favorite
For short- or long-term freezer storage, our top pick is the Glasslock 18-Piece Oven Safe Set because of its durability and versatility. The set's range of sizes and shapes allows you to freeze essentially any food, with the 6.3-cup container being large enough to hold hunks of meat or several portions of soup. Plus, in addition to being dishwasher safe, these containers can go in the oven and microwave when you're not relying on them to freeze food, and they're great for packing lunches.
Factors to Consider
Material
Freezer-safe storage containers typically come in a few different materials and each has its pros and cons. Glass is stain- and odor-proof, and gives you the ability to see what's inside, but is often heavy (especially in larger sizes) and can break if dropped. Plastic tends to be lightweight and less bulky, but depending on the quality of the plastic, might be prone to cracking or degrading when heated. Silicone is a great choice for food storage, but it lacks rigidity, so it isn't an ideal material for protecting food that needs to hold its shape, like slices of cake.
Shapes and Sizes
Picking the right shapes and sizes for freezer containers depends on the volume capacity of your freezer. Rectangular and square containers that stack will help you maximize your storage, but if space isn't an issue, round containers will do just fine. Bag-style freezer storage is also a great option for saving space since they're flexible. If you tend to batch prep large amounts for freezing—think stews or soups—you'll want to make sure your containers can accommodate that. Consider purchasing a set that offers a variety of sizes to suit your storage needs.
Thermal Shock Resistance
Glass containers in particular are susceptible to damage when exposed to a sudden change of temperature. Certain glass containers can go from the freezer to the oven, but not all. "You definitely can freeze glass as long as it is tempered — the packaging will say if it is freezer safe, or sometimes it will have a little snowflake decal," says Rosen. "If you're unsure of whether your container is ready for the freezer, I'd avoid testing it out, since untempered glass can crack." Read the manufacturer's manual to ensure you are handling your freezer containers correctly. Plastic and silicone are less prone to damage from temperature swings, but still check with your owner's manual to confirm the minimum and maximum temperature ranges for your product.
Cleanup
Another factor to keep in mind is the ease of cleaning. If you're easily annoyed by hand washing, be sure that your freezer containers are dishwasher safe. Some containers are only top rack dishwasher safe, so double-check to ensure you're washing your containers properly so they last as long as possible.
The Research
In addition to drawing on her own experience, our writer consulted two culinary experts to determine which qualities make the best freezer storage containers and then selected several options that are among the most popular brands on the market. She narrowed the list down to those that met or exceeded expectations for quality of construction, value, and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze glass containers?
Yes, you can, with a few precautions. "If the glass is extremely warm, thermal shock could happen, and the glass would shatter," says Brian Jupiter, executive chef at The Frontier in Chicago. "To avoid this, make sure the glass container is at, or close to, room temperature."
Can you freeze bananas?
"Bananas freeze great in the right contexts," says Rosen. "Peel them and freeze them whole to use them in smoothies or cut them into pieces, dip them in chocolate and save them as a frozen dessert." Rosen notes that freezing can alter the texture of foods. For example, as defrosted bananas tend to be wet and mushy, it's best to use them while they're still frozen or to blend or mash them for banana bread and other baked goods if they are thawed.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes. "You want to make sure it's a little undercooked before freezing since to heat it back up again you will want to add a bit of water," says Rosen. "You also want to store it in small batches so you can heat it from frozen without overcooking the outside."
Can you freeze tomatoes?
"If you are using tomatoes in a dish, such as a stew or a soup, you can freeze them beforehand," says Jupiter. "If you are making anything other than a stew or soup, do not freeze tomatoes. When they defrost they will be extremely grimy and unnaturally wet."
How long does meat last in the freezer?
It depends on how well you've stored it — air and temperature fluctuation are what can make frozen food go bad. "If you are mitigating those factors, meat and other proteins can last for years in the freezer," says Rosen. Ensure the meat is wrapped well with a non-porous material and then is stored in a deep freezer that isn't constantly being opened and allowing warm air in.
Our Expertise
This piece was written by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a stint at Williams Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.
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