The 7 Best Microwavable Containers for Food

If you’ve ever popped your leftovers in the microwave and experienced melting (or exploding) plastic, you know all too well what can happen when you don’t have proper food storage containers. If you need some new microwavable options, we’ve rounded up some of the best—and safest—containers on the market.

It’s convenient to have food containers you can take out of the fridge and safely pop right in the microwave. Of course, like everything else, not all food storage is created equal. That’s why we’re sharing some tips to consider before purchasing new food containers, as well as our top recommendations.

Best Overall: C Crest Glass Food Storage Container Set

Pros:

• Two different sizes for versatile food storage options
• BPA-free plastic lids for safety
• Borosilicate glass containers safe for oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher
• Stackable design for space-saving storage
• Silicone seals and snap locks for leak-proof functionality

Cons:

• Lids are not vented, which will require before microwaving

With this sturdy set of 10 glass food storage containers, you can store and transport foods confidently, without having to worry about spills or leaks. The two sizes make these containers perfect for storing snacks and meals at the size that works for you.

The bundle features five, 34-ounce containers that measure 7.67 x 5.70 x 2.36 inches, and five 12-ounce that measure 5.66 x 4.09 x 1.69 inches.

We love that the lids are made with BPA-free plastic. Plus, the high-quality borosilicate glass portions of the containers are safe for all of the following:

• Oven
• Microwave
• Fridge
• Freezer
• Dishwasher

These are also stackable for easy nesting. The silicone seals in the lids and snap locks provide additional leak-proof functionality. Unfortunately, the lids aren’t vented, so you’ll have to remove them before microwaving your meal.

Best Plastic: Rubbermaid Brilliance Container Set

Pros:

• Affordable option with a smaller bundle
• Comes with five containers and matching lids
• Leak-proof, BPA-free plastic lids for safe warming and storage
• Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
• Crystal-clear appearance resembling glass but lighter

Cons:

• Plastic containers may expand in the freezer

If you desire a smaller bundle or more modest investment, this Rubbermaid brilliance set of containers might be the best option. This set comes with five, 3.2-cup containers with matching lids, for a total of 10 pieces. Each container measures 10.2 x 8.19 x 5.67 inches.

The leak-proof, BPA-free plastic, locking lids make these safe for both warming and storing. They’re also dishwasher-, microwave-, fridge-, and freezer-safe. Talk about convenience! They look nice, too, because they’re crystal-clear like glass but much lighter and safer for packing in a lunch box.

Best Bulk Buy: Promoze 50-Pack

Pros:

• Economical option for bulk buying
• Affordable at around 60 cents per container
• BPA-safe plastic for microwave use
• Generous 28-ounce capacity for storing meals

Cons:

• Not as versatile in size as other sets (only one size available)
• May not be as suitable for smaller households or limited storage space

Whether you do a lot of batch cooking and meal prep, or just have an upcoming event that’s likely to leave you with loads of leftovers, these storage containers from PROMOZE are perfect.

For around 60 cents per container, you get BPA-safe plastic, which means they’re microwaveable. Each container holds 28 ounces of whatever delicious meal you’ve cooked up, and measures 13.5 x 9.2 x 6.5 inches.

Many prefer these iconic containers—you’ll notice many restaurants use them to pack their takeout orders. And if one busts or cracks, there’s no need to fret because you get 50!

Best Space Savers: EcoMorning Collapsible Containers

Pros:

• Collapsible design saves space in small kitchens
• Portable and suitable for work or school due to their ability to fit in backpacks and bags
• Leak-proof design with locking lids
• Freezer-safe and microwave-safe with an air-vent valve for added convenience
• Ideal for people on the go or with limited storage space

Cons:

• Not as durable as glass or plastic

These collapsible food containers are fantastic for small kitchens, as they break down to just over an inch high. Each of the three containers will hold up to 12 ounces of food and, at full height, they measure 5.2 x 3.8 x 2.6 inches.

They’re great for taking to work or school because they smoosh down to fit in backpacks and work bags. Even they’re made of flimsy silicone, the locking lids give these a trustworthy leak-proof design.

They store safely in the freezer and are also microwave-safe thanks to the air-vent valve. These are great for anyone who’s constantly on the go or for those with limited storage space.

Best Oven-Safe: Pyrex Simply Store Containers

Pros:

• Pyrex brand known for dependability in food storage
• High-quality, tempered-glass construction that doesn’t absorb flavors, odors, or stains
• Oven-safe, microwave-safe, and suitable for freezer and fridge storage
• Set includes three versatile sizes for various portion needs

Cons:

• One of the pricier options

Pyrex is a dependable brand many people trust when it comes to food storage, and this six-piece set is no exception. The high-quality, tempered-glass construction won’t absorb food flavors, odors, or stains.

We especially love that the glass portion of these stores well in the freezer or fridge, but can also withstand the heat of the microwave or oven. This bundle of three features one, two-cup container (4.75 x 2.25 inches), a four-cup (6 x 2.75 inches), and a seven-cup size (7.5 x 3.25 inches).

Feel free to make smaller portions of your favorite oven-ready casseroles, and then reheat them in the microwave for days afterward.

Best Bento-Style: Rubbermaid Brilliance Container Set

Pros:

• Ideal for packing meals in a bento-style with multiple compartments
• Suitable for work or school lunches
• Smaller compartments for dipping sauces, dressings, snacks, or small food items
• Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe for convenience

Cons:

• Small containers may be tricky to keep track of and clean

Bento boxes have become popular in recent years because of their valuable features and the convenience of various compartments.

These Rubbermaid bento-style lunch containers are fantastic for packing meals for work or school. The smaller compartments are perfect for dipping sauces, dressings, snacks, or any food that fits.

The set includes one 7.6- x 5.4- x 2.5-inch container, and two 5.3- x 3.8- x 2.5-inch, with small half trays and dividers so you can create compartments within any of them. Rubbermaid bento-style containers are also safe for use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

Best for Soups: SnapLock By Progressive

Pros:

• Designed specifically for soups and brothy stews
• Leak-proof SnapLock feature for secure transport of liquid foods
• Heat vents and cool touch handles for easy and safe reheating
• BPA and phthalate-free, safe for microwave and dishwasher use

Cons:

• Sold individually (may not be suitable for those looking for a set of containers)

It’s officially soup-sipping season, which means plenty of leftovers for lunch. Whether you plan to make a creamy winter squash soup in your blender, or love filling your home with the aroma of slow-simmered chili, these to-go soup containers are great for packing those leftovers.

The SnapLock feature keeps the container leak-proof, which is vital for brothy stews. You’ll also appreciate the heat vents and cool touch handles, so you can reheat your soup as hot as you want it. Sold individually, these containers contain up to three cups of soup.

Don’t worry about toxic plastics, either—these are BPA- and phthalate-free, so they’re safe for the microwave and dishwasher. Feel free to grab a few, as they stack nicely for space-saving storage.

FAQs

Before making a food container purchase, there are a few details to consider that’ll help when it’s time to stash away your leftovers. When shopping for new food containers, it’ll help to keep the following in mind:

• Size: Consider the types of foods you plan to pack or store. Do you need extra-large containers that’ll hold an entire meal, or do you just need something to carry your lunch in? A set with a variety of shapes and sizes is generally a reliable option.
• Lids: This matters more than you might think. You’ll find some containers feature covers with clasps, which offer additional leak-proof benefits. Otherwise, you can go for a simple press and close lid, which tends to store better in cupboards, but might not prevent spills.
• Material: In the food container world, the two primary materials used are glass and plastic. Glass is nonporous, so it won’t absorb food odors and flavors like some plastic containers will. Glass is also recyclable, stores well in the freezer, and looks nice, too. Plastic is a bit safer for lunch boxes, especially for kids, but you need a BPA-free version. BPA is a chemical found in some plastics. When heated along with your food, BPA can break down and leach into your meal, which is hazardous.
• Vents: These are essential for microwaving leftovers, as they release the hot steam from the container without expelling all the moisture from your yummy food. Not all food container lids feature these, which means you’ll have to remove the lid before nuking.

Now that you know a little more about microwavable food containers, and the important factors to consider before purchasing them, it’s time to start browsing. [—> I think this is supposed to be deleted but it didn’t explicitly say that on the Trello card, so I left it just in case!]

 

How to Know If a Container Is Microwavable?

To know if a container is microwave-safe, you’ll want to focus on two main factors: material and vents. Microwave-safe materials like glass or BPA-free plastic are great choices. Glass is generally safe for microwaving and offers the benefit of not absorbing food odors or flavors. On the other hand, BPA-free plastic is a practical option for lunch boxes, particularly for kids.

You should also look for containers equipped with vents in their lids. These vents play an important role in allowing hot steam to escape from the container during microwaving while retaining moisture in your food. Containers without vents may require lid removal before microwaving, which can be more of a hassle.

What Material Is Best for Microwavable Food Storage Containers?

The best materials for microwavable food storage containers are glass and BPA-free plastic. Glass containers are a top choice as they are microwave-safe, nonporous (which means they won’t absorb food odors or flavors), and can go from the freezer to the microwave without issue.

BPA-free plastic containers are good for microwaving, especially when practicality and lightweight design are important, like sending meals to school in lunchboxes. However, you’ll want to make sure that the plastic is labeled as BPA-free to avoid potential health concerns associated with BPA exposure.

Ultimately, the choice between glass and BPA-free plastic depends on your preferences and specific needs, but both materials can safely be used in the microwave for reheating food.

How Do You Organize Food Storage Containers

You have a lot of options when it comes to organizing your food storage containers, but staying on top of the organization process will help you the most. First, get all your containers and their lids together. If some are damaged or don’t match, toss them.

When storing containers, keep the larger ones at the bottom at the smaller ones on top. While stacking containers and lids separately will help you save space, it will also make it more difficult to locate lids later on, so you’ll have to decide which method you prefer. Generally, you’ll have fewer headaches if you store containers with their lids.

Make it a habit to go through your containers and lids to avoid clutter. You may also want to designate a specific part of your kitchen just for food storage containers to keep things even more organized.

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Microwaving leftovers can be hazardous (or explosive!) if you use the wrong containers. Whether you need some microwavable meal-prep containers or a trusty bundle for storing leftovers you can nuke later, you can’t go wrong with any of these trusty items.