Are you thinking it may be time to ditch the plastic and upgrade to glass storage containers? While plastic containers may be convenient, they aren’t always the best choice. Unlike plastic, certain glass containers can go from freezer to microwave or oven to table. They're made of a nonporous surface, so they don't absorb smells or stains like plastic containers. There are plenty of options to choose from, and you should factor in your intended purpose for the reusable containers as well as size, lid design, and what's included in a set. To help you decide, we tried out several top-rated options. We researched top-rated glass food storage containers in a variety of shapes and sizes before choosing over 20 of them to test in our home kitchens and dedicated Testing Lab. We stored leftovers of all kinds, used them in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and oven, and cleaned the containers according to the manufacturer's instructions. To evaluate their durability, we incorporated the storage containers into our regular routines, assessed the materials, and took note of any damage along the way. Our Top Picks Best for Meal Prep: Best for Leftovers: Best for Lunch: Best for Freezer: Best Bake and Store: Best Stackable: In This Article How We Tested Glass Food Storage Containers Our Picks Other Options We Tested What to Look for Types of Glass Storage Containers FAQs Why Trust The Spruce Eats? What We Like Oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe Made with durable, BPA-free glass Visually appealing What We Don't Like Lids are tough to secure at first Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven-Safe Container Set Review The Glasslock 18-piece set covers a lot of bases when it comes to food storage and performed exceptionally well in our tests, earning it our best overall award. This BPA-free set includes both round and rectangular containers in a variety of sizes with matching lids. Plus, they are all microwave, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe, making it an especially versatile purchase. In terms of performance, the lids are easy to use (though they are a bit stiff at first), and they seal the containers securely, so there are no leaks or drips when you’restoring food. They’ll keep your food fresh, whether you’re stashing leftovers or preppingherbs and spicesfor a recipe. We were pleased to discover that these containers distribute heat evenly in the oven and the microwave (we reheated a casserole and found no hot or cool spots). Cleaning is easy in the dishwasher or by hand, but food can get stuck in the crevices of the lids, so it's best not to overfill the containers in the first place. We like how there were no residual scents after washing, even following storing garlicky sauces and leftover Thai food. We also recommend hand drying if you want to avoid water spots. Type of Glass: Tempered | Quantity: 18-piece set | Lid Type: Plastic, snap-tight What We Like Durable borosilicate glass Divided interior Vented lids for easy cooling Leakproof What We Don't Like Compartments aren’t individually sealed Lids aren't dishwasher-, microwave-, or freezer-safe Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers Review Great for meal prep, as the name implies, each of these containers has two compartments so you can portion ingredients for meals and keep them separate without having as many containers. The containers hold 29 ounces each, with one section larger than the other. These dividers make the containers great for storing a sandwich on one side and some veggies or fruit on the smaller side. The containers are microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe, but the lids are not. A vent on the lid allows you to vent steam if you’ve put hot food in the container or to release pressure if food has cooled and the lid has suctioned on. Reheating shepherd’s pie and mashed potatoes and then chicken alfredo and broccoli went successfully. Made from borosilicate, these meal prep containers are more heavy-duty than your average glass containers. In fact, according to the manufacturer, they are oven-safe up to 840 degrees Fahrenheit.We found it easy enough to wash the lids by hand and throw the containers in the dishwasher. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 5-pack set | Lid Type: Vented plastic with smart lock What We Like Microwave-, oven-, and freezer-safe Lids are tight and leak proof Dishwasher safe Wide range of sizes and shapes What We Don't Like Lids feel flimsier than some others This set of ten containers with lids includes a variety of sizes and shapes that will come in handy for storing everything from leftover cooked pasta to gummy candies. The rectangular containers include two 1.6-cup, two 3.6-cup, and one 7.6-cup. The round containers include two 1.28-cup and one 3-cup. The square containers include one 1.8-cup and one 4-cup. In our tests, the lids locked on with relative ease, and their silicone rings prevent spilling if the containers are accidentally tipped, but the lids did feel like they could be more susceptible to premature wear. The containers are oven-safe to 752 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can handle the heat of kitchen ovens, or they can be used to reheat food in the microwave. For storage, they can handle the refrigerator or freezer. We love the convenience of the various sizes and found they fit well in both the refrigerator and freezer. The lids are not oven-safe, but they can handle the microwave if they’re vented and can be used in the refrigerator and freezer. They’re also top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 20-piece set (lids and containers) | Lid Type: Plastic What We Like Stain- and odor-resistant Durable, high-quality tempered glass Dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe What We Don't Like Lids are not microwave safe despite the packaging saying they are Pyrex's Simply Store Container Set Is Worth the Hype This set of six glass storage containers, plus lids, is perfect for stashing leftovers, whether it’s meat and vegetables from dinner or leftover chopped vegetables from salad prep. The set includes three different sizes: 2 cups, 4 cups, and 7 cups, so you can choose just the right size no matter what needs to be stored. The containers are made from tempered glass that can be used in the freezer, microwave, and preheated oven so you can stash the food for later or reheat it without having to transfer it to another bowl. We gave high marks to the set's tempered glass, which can withstand any oven temperature. Our testing found that the 4-cup container traveled well and didn't leak at all in a backpack during the commute. One caveat we discovered was that the containers got too hot to touch after a round in the microwave. However, this is to be expected out of glass construction, and it was an easy enough fix to use a pot holder. When the containers are empty, they’re dishwasher safe. The lids are plastic and can be used in the freezer, though we found that they're not quite microwave-safe, despite being advertised as such. They’re top-rack dishwasher safe and made in the U.S.A. Type of Glass: Tempered | Quantity: 6-piece set (lids and containers) | Lid Type: Plastic What We Like Microwave and dishwasher safe Convenient sizes Stylish design Protective silicone sleeve What We Don't Like Not insulated Pricey Add style and convenience to your lunch box with these silicone-lined glass bowls from W&P. They come in several cute colors and are completely leakproof and microwave-safe. We loved them for side salads and chopped veggies for snacking. The bowl design is easy to eat from, too, making them perfect for toting lunch to work or school. That said, since they aren't insulated, you'll need to store them in a fridge to keep them cool before eating. The shape and size of these containers—they come in both 16 and 24 ounces—are great for traveling. We found we could screw on the lids and throw them in our lunch bag or backpack for later without worrying about spills. They are simple to clean in the dishwasher or by hand thanks to their rounded edges, and the soft silicone gives the containers a better grip. Although they are a little pricey, the thick borosilicate glass and thoughtful construction mean they'll last for years with proper use. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 1 container with lid | Lid Type: Ceramic coated glass What We Like Containers made of heavy-duty glass Lids are airtight and leakproof Containers are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe What We Don't Like Lids may be difficult to snap on Set lacks a very large size An eye-catching set of storage containers makes meal prep a little bit more enjoyable—and this set of eight (four containers and four lids) from Bentgo is undeniably attractive. It comes in two colorways, white stone and coastal, but we gravitated towards the white stone since it blends in seamlessly with all types of kitchen décor. However, it’s not all about the aesthetic—these are some of the most functional containers we've ever tested. The set can be used for everything from freezing fruits and vegetables and stashing soup stock to storing leftovers like lasagna or casseroles. And though the lids are a bit hard to snap on at times, it’s this feature that makes the containers completely airtight and leakproof. No broth leaked out during testing, even while the container was held sideways for 60 seconds. Despite this, we would love to see a bigger version better suited for family-sized make-ahead meals. The set includes one 12.8-ounce container, one 21.6-ounce container, one 35.2-ounce container, and one 50.4-ounce container. The containers are safe for the microwave (just vent the lids) and for the oven up to a whopping 950 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, they can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 8-piece set (lids and containers) | Lid Type: Tempered glass, plastic, and silicone What We Like Containers made of heavy-duty glass Lids are airtight and watertight Containers are microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe What We Don't Like Heavy These extra-large containers are perfect for make-ahead dinners for the family, freezing fruits and vegetables, and collecting odds and ends in the freezer for making soup stock. They’re airtight and watertight, too, making them easy to transport to potlucks and parties. It’s worth noting, though: While the heavy-duty glass adds to durability, we thought the containers were too bulky and heavy for everyday transport (in other words, desk lunches). The set includes one 27-ounce container, one 40-ounce container, and one 74-ounce container, so you won’t have to use multiple containers for large quantities. (We used the largest of the bunch for a full pot of homemade chicken stock!) The containers are safe for the microwave and for the oven to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, so they’re great for baking and roasting, as well. The lids and containers are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning every time. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 6-piece set (lids and containers) | Lid Type: Plastic, silicone-sealed What We Like Glass dish is microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe Tight-fitting lid Easy to clean What We Don't Like Not ideal for liquids This 2-quart dish is the one you’ll reach for when it’s time to prep ahead and cook later. It’s perfect for amake-ahead French toast casserole, forbread pudding, and for all kinds of other casseroles. Make them ahead of time, snap the lid on, and refrigerate them to bake later. It’s also great for making a full tray of mac and cheese andmarinating meatsbefore they meet the grill and for storing leftovers without moving the food to a different container. We also used it for baked chicken, pasta, and roasted vegetables. We love the size of this dish since it was large enough to cook a decent amount of food during testing but slim enough to store easily in the fridge or cupboard. When it’s time to bring a dish to a potluck, the tight-fitting lid makes it easy to transport everything from salad to lasagna to cookies, and since it’s microwave-safe, food can be reheated easily. (Although, they aren't great for anything with a ton of liquid.) The glass dish is safe for the microwave, preheated oven, refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher. The lid is top-rack dishwasher safe. Type of Glass: Tempered | Quantity: 1 container with lid | Lid Type: BPA-Free plastic What We Like Clear lids Versatile Leak proof Keeps food very fresh What We Don't Like Lids only have two locking tabs This storage container set is the glass version of the popular Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers with the same tight-locking lids and stackable design. Although the glass is heavier than the plastic model (we wouldn't recommend it for those with grip strength or mobility limitations), it's a great set for storing leftovers or meal preps. They're dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit—we even used the largest container to bake a small casserole. The set includes one 1.3-cup, two 2-cup, two 3.2-cup, one 4.7-cup, and one 8-cup glass containers with matching lids. During testing, we were impressed with how long these kept food fresh, both in the fridge and the freezer. Even better, the container and lids are super clear, making it easy to see exactly what's inside. One aspect of these glass storage containers we don't love is that the lids only have two locking tabs. Others on this list have four. However, this didn't affect the quality of the food during our tests. Type of Glass: Tempered | Quantity: 9 containers with lids | Lid Type: StainShield plastic What We Like Great for storing leftover sauces Stack well Leakproof Measurements printed on the bottom What We Don't Like Not a smaller price Made by kitchen-darling OXO, this set comes with two 4-ounce rectangle containers, two 1-cup round containers, one 1.6-cup rectangle container, and one 3.5-cup rectangle container. During testing, we were surprised by just how many uses we found for these containers, considering just how small they are. The 4-ounce containers were great for leftover sauces or dressings (especially when it came time to pack lunches), and the small round containers fit extra lemon wedges and garlic cloves, so they didn't go to waste. The measurements and brand are printed on the bases and lids, which is handy when you have a drawer or cupboard filled with multiple types and sizes of containers. Because they are on the smaller side, this set is better suited for smaller families or to supplement an already-existing collection of larger containers. Just because they are small, however, doesn't mean they come with a smaller price. This set sells at a similar price to others on this list. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 6 containers with lids | Lid Type: Plastic locking tab What We Like Multiple colors available Clean lines Includes inserts What We Don't Like Heavy Can leak Caraway Food Storage Set Review These attractive containers from Caraway have glass lids and ceramic-coated bases. During testing, we used them to store mushrooms, lettuce, leftover vegetable stir-fry, and avocado halves in the fridge, but also dry goods like flour, popcorn kernels, and cornstarch in our cabinets. They are easy to stack and hold a lot of food. We especially love the small pods that you can nest inside the larger containers for something like dipping sauces, turning them into a type of bento box. The containers are very easy to clean thanks to the rounded inner corners, which remove any nooks and crannies where food might otherwise get trapped. Keep in mind that the combination of glass and ceramic makes these containers quite heavy, so they may not be suitable for traveling. Likewise, we don't recommend using these for liquids since they didn't perform as well as other containers in our leak test. We also were surprised when a lot of condensation formed on the lids. It never went away during the time we had them in our fridge. This isn't a pro or a con, but just something that we noticed. Type of Glass: Ceramic coated | Quantity: 5 containers with lids, 4 inserts, and lids | Lid Type: Ceramic coated glass What We Like Attractive for countertops Wide enough to fit measuring spoons Lead-free glass What We Don't Like Not best for liquids Lids must be washed by hand These spacious glass canisters make for a handsome display on your kitchen countertops, complete with rustic bamboo lids. Said lids are airtight for optimal food freshness, although testing found that it worked best with dry goods rather than liquids. This set comes with five different-sized canisters—fill with dry pasta, beans, flour, or any other pantry items. We don't recommend storing liquid in these containers. And you can rest assured that the borosilicate glass holds up to heat and cold wonderfully. These multipurpose containers will upgrade your kitchen and pantry organization. We love that this set is practical but still makes for a beautiful aesthetic. One minor downside is that the lids must be washed by hand. Type of Glass: Borosilicate | Quantity: 5 containers with lids | Lid Type: Bamboo with silicone ring Final Verdict We awarded the Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set the top spot because each container is sturdy with a simple yet aesthetically pleasing design, and they reheated food easily. For an aesthetically gorgeous, modern-looking set complete with glass-top lids, look no further than the Caraway Glass Food Storage Set. Learn More About How We Test Products You may think glass storage is just for use in the home or for storing leftovers, but there are a wide variety of options, including lighter-weight glass containers designed for taking lunch on the go. On the other hand, heavier glass containers are often treated to withstand high and low temperatures without breaking; these are a lifesaver for baking and freezing. If you simply want glass containers to store dry goods at room temperature, you can go with a lighter-weight, untreated glass. The kinds of storage you want to do will also influence what kind of lid or seal the container has. Many glass containers have a plastic or silicone lid, which can offer a tight seal that protects leftovers or dry goods. Most glass containers feature some kind of silicone or plastic lid. Snap-on lids protect from spills and are good for travel or storing liquid. If you want to go completely plastic-free, you will have to look for silicone lids or glass covers. While glass is typically microwave safe, not all the lids sold with glass containers are—if you want to microwave covered food, be sure to check on the microwave specifications of the entire set when you shop. Glass containers range from big (like for yourlasagna) to itty-bitty (baby food). Most containers will list their capacity in cups or ounces, though you can also typically find dimensions listed in inches. If you want an all-purpose set for leftovers, look for sets that contain a variety of sizes so you can storeleftover veggiesas easily as last night’s pot roast. For dry goods, bigger isn’t always better. Consider the shelf life of what you’re storing. Spices can lose their flavor when stored too long, for example, andsome flours can go bad in a few months. If you are buying in bulk and storing food, consider your own usage and buy containers accordingly. As previously stated, certain glass, like tempered and borosilicate, are specifically designed to be heated or frozen without shattering. While untreated glass can typically be frozen, you will have to carefully thaw it at room temperature before transferring it to an oven or microwave. Untreated glass is also unsafe to put in the oven. Treated glass, however, is oven-safe with limits: usually around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The cheapest glass to produce is likely all around you: Untreated soda-lime glass is used to make jars, bottles, and cups.If your glass container doesn’t say it’s tempered or strengthened, it’s probably untreated or just regular old glass. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing; for storing food in the fridge or at room temperature, soda-lime glass is fine. It’s when you freeze or heat the glass that you want another option. Soda-lime glass can be tempered or heated in such a way that it can withstand a wider range of temperatures. This tempering process also means that the glass is less likely to shatter. And, when tempered glass breaks, it tends to fracture into small, harmless pieces, not the big, jagged pieces of untreated glass. Tempered glass is not just used in food; car windows, shower doors, and microwave oven doors are made from this material. Borosilicate contains boric oxide, which makes it even more resistant to thermal shock than tempered glass, but it’s also more expensive to produce. If you’re not ready to shell out for borosilicate, don’t worry: It usually takes an extreme temperature change, like putting a frozen casserole directly in the oven, for tempered glass to shatter. This all depends on the type of glass and the time allowed for temperature change. High-quality borosilicate glass is the gold standard in heating and cooling stability but is hard to find except in vintage pieces and a few of our picks on this list. That type of glass can withstand extreme changes in temperature. The more common tempered glass can also handle cold freezers and hot ovens, but some care must be taken. You want to avoid temperature shock to prevent shattering. When tempered glass is heated or cooled rapidly, the glass expands and contracts, which causes stress on the container. The best approach is to make sure your container is at room temperature before hitting the freezer or oven. This will cause less stress on the glass and keep your container intact. Generally, glass food storage containers can withstand ovens up to 425 degrees, but always check the product's safety manual or with the manufacturer before proceeding. Those wonderful lids that help keep everything fresh, though, are not oven-safe. This really comes down to a personal decision. Glass is oven safe and heavy-duty but susceptible to breaking. Plastic is light and easy to store but stains and can degrade over time with microwave use. Plastics eventually reach the end of their shelf life and must be replaced, but they are lighter and easier to transport. With care, glass can be used for years without replacement, which means less garbage in our landfills. Katherine Gallagheris an associate commerce editor for The Spruce Eats with over six years of experience reporting on sustainable lifestyle and design. Apart from writing and editing, Katherine worked in the restaurant industry for more than a decade, where she gained knowledge about what to look for in kitchen gear, drinkware, and serveware. Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience testing products for editorial inclusion. She tested six different sets for this list. Brigitt also holds a degree in culinary arts plus cooks multiple meals for her family of six every day of the week. This roundup was originally written by cookbook author Donna Currie, a writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. She's also an expert on all things to do with kitchen storage and meal prep solutions. It was then updated by Carrie Honaker, who currently resides in Panama City Beach, Florida, where she writes about the next crave-worthy baked good, the perfect use for a baking stone, and the little-known Florida wine scene. The accompanying buying guide was written by Marshall Bright. The 13 Best Instant Pot Cookbooks of 2024 How We Tested Glass Food Storage Containers
We Observed
We Rated
Best Overall
Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Container Set
Best for Leftovers
Pyrex Circular Glass Storage Container Set
Best for Freezer
Bentgo Glass Leak-Proof Food Storage Set
Best Bake and Store
Pyrex Glass Baking Dish with Lid
Best Stackable
Rubbermaid Glass Food Container Set
Best with Glass Lids
Caraway Food Storage Set
About Our Testers
Other Options We Tested
What to Look for in Glass Storage Containers
Purpose
Lid Type
Capacity
Safety
Types of Glass Storage Containers
Untreated Glass
Tempered Glass
Borosilicate Glass
FAQs
Can glass food storage containers go in the oven and freezer?
Are glass food storage containers better than plastic?
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How is tempered glass made. Scientificamerican.com.