Buying airtight containers for storing food or for packing lunches can sometimes seem like an unnecessary expenditure, but let’s talk about some of their unique characteristics that make them very useful.
Airtight containers rarely open accidentally inside your bag, spilling out the contents. Second, because they are airtight, they keep your chopped vegetables, for instance, fresh for longer. They also keep in moisture and air, and keep out those pesky food critters who love to munch on your cereals, coffee, sugar, flour, and other kitchen staples. And finally, airtight containers are usually easy to store (especially compared to the boxes food is usually sold in).
So, there are lots of reasons that make airtight containers necessary in the kitchen: they help you (and your kids) carry your lunches to work or school, they are more eco-friendly than single-use containers, they prevent spillage, and they help you organize space in your kitchen and keep it tidier.
What to look for when buying an airtight container
The most important thing to consider when buying an airtight container is the material it is made from. That, and what you want it for, as you will want to buy different containers for storing to the ones you would buy for carrying your food, both in terms of material and compartments.
Different type of airtight containers
1. Glass
Glass containers are among the most popular as glass doesn’t stain and is odor-free. Glass is also considered one of the safest materials for storing food as it doesn’t contain any chemicals that might affect the quality of the contents. On the other hand, glass containers are heavy and prone to shattering if they fall, so they are not as well suited for transporting food.
2. Plastic
The most important quality of plastic airtight containers is they are lightweight, making them well suited for carrying food. But be careful when buying plastic containers as they can be made from material containing the toxic chemical BPA. Make sure that you choose products labeled BPA-free.
3. Acrylic
This is another type of plastic, so, again, check it is BPA-free. It is more durable than simple plastic, so some people choose it over other plastics.
4. Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the most durable material for airtight food containers. They are free from harmful chemicals and are guaranteed to keep your food fresh for a long time because they also protect the contents from daylight. On the downside, stainless steel containers are heavier than plastic or acrylic ones, and you can’t easily see what’s inside.
Airtight Containers Top Features
There are several features to consider when buying airtight containers, apart from the material they are made of. Decide what you are going to be storing, as there are several sizes available, and you will need a larger size for food you buy in larger quantities, such as flour, and smaller-sized containers for things like cocoa. Make sure that the lid is airtight, but also that it’s easy to open and close, even with one hand.
Try to look for transparent containers, as you will want to be able to easily monitor how much is left and when to refill; you don’t want to start baking only to find that you are out of flour. Choose durable materials that are chip-resistant and won’t shatter easily. Also, look for containers that are odor resistant. The best material for this is glass as it won’t affect the flavor of your food. It’s also useful when your airtight container is microwave safe. Glass containers also double as microwave dishes, so you won’t have to transfer your food every time you want to heat it up.
When deciding which to purchase, keep in mind that they also need cleaning, so choose one that make this easy. Pay attention to the design and how easy your containers are to store, as you will want a product that is both stylish and easy to fit on your counter or inside your cabinets.
Airtight containers function
Airtight containers can store raw or cooked food items, and so do lunch boxes so it is advisable to buy specific items for each function. With airtight lunch boxes, it is important to have several compartments inside, to separate different foods. Also, keep in mind that these types of containers need to be light, especially if using them for kid’s lunches. Look for BPA-free plastic containers with an airtight lid and lots of compartments.
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