Storage containers that keep food fresh
You want a product that you could depend on to keep your food fresh -- a food storage container that can go from freezer to microwave to table.
You're in luck. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute found a few food storage containers that passed their strict tests.
The institute evaluated 32 different storage containers to find the best at keeping air out, preventing food from drying out or picking up odors from other items. Their overall results? Glass containers were the most airtight.
"Glass is the most airtight container because it keeps air from coming in through the sides. It's not porous like plastic," said kitchen appliances and technology director Sharon Franke.
The Snapware Glasslock scored best overall among glass containers tested. It locks into place on all four sides to prevent air from entering and was great at resisting leakage. But the lids didn't fit properly after being run through the dishwasher.
"Our advice to consumers is that they hand wash any plastic pieces that can warp in the dishwasher," Franke said.
The Rubbermaid Lock-Its were one of the only plastic containers that didn't break when drop-tested with a frozen load. The lid snaps onto the bottom of the container, which makes it difficult to lose.
And for the rest of us who use disposable storage containers like Ziploc and Gladware, they did OK, too.
"We do recommend that if they become degraded in any way, if they start to stain, if you see any damage to them, that you toss them," Franke said.
But the great thing about those inexpensive containers is you don't have to worry about getting them back from a friend's house.
Good Housekeeping also tested products made specifically to reseal dry foods like cereal, chips, rice and pasta.
Banana Seal by Seal-A-Bag ranked the highest. It works by pinching the bag top between a flexible tube and a clamp.
Another solid choice is the Copco Bag Cap, which slips onto the top of a bag and adds a nearly airtight lid for easy pouring.
You're in luck. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute found a few food storage containers that passed their strict tests.
The institute evaluated 32 different storage containers to find the best at keeping air out, preventing food from drying out or picking up odors from other items. Their overall results? Glass containers were the most airtight.
"Glass is the most airtight container because it keeps air from coming in through the sides. It's not porous like plastic," said kitchen appliances and technology director Sharon Franke.
The Snapware Glasslock scored best overall among glass containers tested. It locks into place on all four sides to prevent air from entering and was great at resisting leakage. But the lids didn't fit properly after being run through the dishwasher.
"Our advice to consumers is that they hand wash any plastic pieces that can warp in the dishwasher," Franke said.
The Rubbermaid Lock-Its were one of the only plastic containers that didn't break when drop-tested with a frozen load. The lid snaps onto the bottom of the container, which makes it difficult to lose.
And for the rest of us who use disposable storage containers like Ziploc and Gladware, they did OK, too.
"We do recommend that if they become degraded in any way, if they start to stain, if you see any damage to them, that you toss them," Franke said.
But the great thing about those inexpensive containers is you don't have to worry about getting them back from a friend's house.
Good Housekeeping also tested products made specifically to reseal dry foods like cereal, chips, rice and pasta.
Banana Seal by Seal-A-Bag ranked the highest. It works by pinching the bag top between a flexible tube and a clamp.
Another solid choice is the Copco Bag Cap, which slips onto the top of a bag and adds a nearly airtight lid for easy pouring.