This is not the question of the century, nor are the teams of scientists allocated millions of dollars resources to answer. The same question is asked by most of the people in their homes, and they always find them in a fix whether what is really a better container for food storage plastic or glass.
If you go for plastic containers, various materials give off a bad chemical in the microwave, and you can’t make food in them either, but still, they are great for stacking, affordable, and easy to store and wash. The glass containers are always costly, and you have to worry about handling them with care for extended use. Yes, you can use glass containers in the oven, but some porous glass containers are as bad as an unwashed dish that will infuse a stale smell to the food.
There are merits and demerits to each container. We will inform you of everything you need to know for making the best decision for a perfect set of food containers that will make you feel accomplished, fulfilled, and satisfied.
In the quest of ultimate knowledge, let’s start our endeavor:
In the quest of ultimate knowledge, let’s start our endeavor:
Why are glass containers preferable to plastic containers?
Let’s have a look over the competitive advantage and some serious benefits of glass containers over the plastic ones:
Hygienic and safe
Containers made of glass do not have leaching characteristics to infuse harmful chemicals into the food during the heating and cooking process in the microwave or oven, respectively. And you can use glass to heat and cook all sorts of foods in the microwave and various ovens without any hassle. The structure is easy to clean, and there be no food residues and leftovers.
Heat retention
The glass behaves as an insulator, and all the heat stays inside the stricture. If you put cold food and dishes, they will remain chilled for some extended time. The heat retention capability of the glass containers makes them a preferred choice for the people in the kitchen. And they are oven safe and microwave safe.
No smell and odors
The food is all about taste and smell. When you store the food in the freezer, you don’t want to eat two dishes simultaneously by having the smell from the previous occupant. Glass walls don’t give off the smell from the previously-stored food. You can have as many different food variations stored in the glass containers without the fear of getting a smell from any previous occupants.
Why are glass containers not preferable to plastic containers?
Expensive
The most significant drawback of glass containers in the eyes of some people is their higher price. The glass food container set is comparatively expensive than the plastic counterpart.
Fragile
You have to take special care of the glass containers a fallen container from the kitchen counter might tear into several pieces.
Best glass containers
1. Glasslock Oven Safe Container Set
Key features
- Sealed lids
- Glass and lids are stain and odour-free
- Oven and freezer safe
When you want to use a food container in a microwave, the most drastic thing is splatter because of steam and extreme temperature variation. But when you are using these containers, you don’t have to worry about such unwarranted incidents and accidents. The lids and the glass structure allow you to use them hassle-free in the oven.
The product is safe to use up to 400 F in the oven to manage all of your food choices with these containers’ help. You don’t have to worry about numbering the lids from leak-free perfect storage. All the lids are replaceable and offer robust grip and tightness without spoiling your food. There is no stale smell and stain tension when you are using these containers. BPA-free lids and the glass structure are recycle-able for an environmentally friendly approach.
2. Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set
Key features
- Package for an entire family
- Stackable design
- lockable lids for perfect closure
When more is not enough for your large family and your home-cooked meal cravings, these containers offer you the perfect stackable design. There are many containers to store separate dishes for every family member in the perfect stackable way. These containers won’t take much space and offer you plenty of storage for your favorite food.
The containers come in different sizes and shapes, and all the products are easy to stack. You can carry them to your office or on a picnic. The containers have four lock lids that keep your food sealed inside. And you can use all the glass containers in the freeze, microwave, dishwasher, and on-the-go sprees. Buy this set and get the sturdiest and remarkable glass container set that will stay by your side for some extended time.
Why are plastic containers preferable to glass containers?
Affordability
Plastic containers are the most affordable container options in the food storage and container quest. Some plastic containers are so cheap that you don`t have to worry about forgetting them at your picnic or party. The plastic containers are affordable, and you can find them even on the corner shop around.
Sortable
These containers don’t weigh at all, and you can store them anyplace you want. You don`t have to assign special places in the cupboard or in the freezer to place them. You can put them diagonally or standing tall any way is a pleasing way with the plastic containers. Stacking them in the cupboard, fridge, or freezer is not an issue at all.
Easy to carry
These containers can be lunch boxes for your children, and you can also take your favorite food to the office the way you please. The plastic food storage boxes are easy to carry, and you won`t have to worry about breaking them by throwing them on the floor deliberately or accidentally.
Why are plastic containers preferable to glass containers?
Not suitable for oven
The downside of the plastic containers is that they are not safe for the oven. You cannot place them in heat or high temperatures. The plastic containers which are microwave free cost a bit higher than the regular ones (we have mentioned such products in our list.)
Smell
Some say that most plastic containers infuse smell to the food, and this stale smell makes it impossible for you to eat and enjoy your food. Though this is not the case with all the plastic containers but the cheaper versions are the culprits of destroying your food with a rotten smell.
Best plastic containers
1. Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lids Food Storage
Key features
- Air vents
- Leak-proof
- Durable
The plastic containers are made with high-quality material that doesn’t give off a bad smell, and you don’t have to worry about getting your food spoiled or giving off a bad smell when you refrigerate it for days. The air vent allows you to microwave your food without the hassle of spills.
These food containers are a lifesaver for professionals who have to spend a lot of time working. The product is made with durable plastic that is robust and sturdy to handle extreme temperatures. The food container allows you to place it in the freezer. You can reheat the food in the microwave without worrying about getting it broken.
The leak-proof lid is made with safe and BPA-free technology. You don’t have to worry about the food spilling or getting a stale smell. You can use it to store any food directly in the freezer, and it also allows you to reheat the food in this robust food container.
These plastic containers are stain-free, and cleaning them is child`s play. Put it in the dishwasher, and you will get the stain and smell-free container to store your food for the days you want.
2. Utopia Kitchen Plastic Food Container with Lids
Key features
- Durable structure
- Freezer safe
- High-quality plastic
When you buy these containers, you get more than you have bargained for. First of all, you get nine rectangular containers that are easy to stack and store in the freezer. The next thing is that the nine containers allow you to freeze all the ration for your family for five days by safely and healthily saving everything you cooked on the weekend.
The containers allow you to freeze your favorite dish in the freezer. The durable plastic is non-porous, and you won’t have to worry about the previous dish’s smell. The lids are made from BPA-free material, and the whole structure is first rack dishwasher safe. You get safety and hygiene at the most affordable price.
The four-lock sealing lids keep everything fresh and healthy for some extended time. The lids make them spill-free, and you can even take your favorite food to your office or give lunch to your kids in it.
Conclusion
We are not making any verdict here for a better food container. You must look for your needs and read about the benefits and disadvantages of the containers in the article above. The merits and demerits will make it clear for you to compromise on the drawbacks and go for the advantages you will get from your preferred food container. If you want to cook food in the container or use it in the oven at a high temperature, pay some extra dollars and buy glass containers. But if you are more into ease of use, microwave-safe, and easy to carry containers, you must invest in the plastic containers we have mentioned in our list of best plastic containers. Decide by looking for your demands and things you have to compromise so you won`t have to regret later.