The best food boxes in the UK 2023

After spending time preparing a delicious meal, you want the leftovers to stay as fresh and tasty as the day you cooked the food. Good food storage boxes are essential for keeping your best dishes fresh for a few days.

Amazon Basics HS0301 1
9/10

Best value for your money

Amazon Basics HS0301

The best food storage box

Made of glass, these food storage boxes are of very good quality. Their clip closure allows an optimal efficiency. Solid, they are resistant to extreme temperatures since they are oven and freezer safe.

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The Amazon Basics HS0301 includes 7 glass containers with matching lids. In this set, you'll find 2 rectangular-shaped cans with 852 mL and 2 with 378 mL capacity, as well as 2 round cans with 662 mL and one with 355 mL. For added strength, each model has a non-porous borosilicate glass base.

These kitchen utensils are easy to clean. The lids are made primarily of BPA-free plastic. They are completely airtight thanks to a silicone seal. Note that while the base is oven safe, the lids are only microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.

Emsa 512888 2
6/10

Best value for your money

Emsa 512888

The best entry-level food storage box

This storage box is distinguished by the presence of its drip tray. With its 3.7 L capacity, you can store a large quantity of food. The Clip & Close closure system guarantees exceptional airtightness.

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The high quality Emsa 512888 gives you the ability to keep your food fresh longer. It also has an integrated seal on the lid, which makes it waterproof. The drip tray is very practical in case you plan to defrost your dishes. The accessory comes with a 30-year warranty.

The Emsa 512888 is dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. The temperature range supported is from -40 to 110 °C. In addition, it is very suitable for storing food for your baby as it is BPA-free.

Rubbermaid Brilliance 3
8/10

Best value for your money

Rubbermaid Brilliance

The best premium food storage box

Looking for a durable, lightweight and convenient food storage box? The Rubbermaid Brilliance, with 5 different models of the same capacity, can meet your expectations. It is dishwasher safe and microwave safe.

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100% waterproof, Rubbermaid Brilliance cans are made of tritan, both for the base and the lid. Its airtight closure and safety latches prevent spills or leaks. For storage or take-out, these airtight boxes can hold snacks, lunches or leftover food to keep in the freezer.

The Rubbermaid Brilliance set is completely clear like glass. You'll have excellent visibility of the contents of each container at all times. This model is stain and odor resistant. The boxes stack easily for optimal space organization.

Vtopmart USVM02008 4
7/10

Excellent

Vtopmart USVM02008

The best food storage box with reusable labels

Sold in a pack of 6, the Vtopmart USVM02008 is made of sturdy and durable plastic. The boxes can be stacked on top of each other. With such a model, you will find the best compromise between space planning and conservation.

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Unlike some of the models in our comparison, the Vtopmart USVM02008 is specifically for kitchen storage. The set is composed of 2 large boxes of 3.6 L and 4 smaller models with a capacity of 1.6 L. You can put cooked or raw food, dry food like cereals, but also sugar or flour.

The stackable design of the Vtopmart USVM02008 boxes makes them very space saving. They are made of food grade material and are free of health hazards. The lids are lockable on all 4 sides to ensure a tight seal. You will also receive 24 reusable slate labels.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best food box

Any specific needs?

The best food storage box

The best entry-level food storage box

The best premium food storage box

The best food storage box with reusable labels

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best food boxes

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Amazon Basics HS0301 5
9/10
Emsa 512888 6
6/10
Rubbermaid Brilliance 7
8/10
Vtopmart USVM02008 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Amazon Basics HS0301
Emsa 512888
Rubbermaid Brilliance
Vtopmart USVM02008
Made of glass, these food storage boxes are of very good quality. Their clip closure allows an optimal efficiency. Solid, they are resistant to extreme temperatures since they are oven and freezer safe.
This storage box is distinguished by the presence of its drip tray. With its 3.7 L capacity, you can store a large quantity of food. The Clip & Close closure system guarantees exceptional airtightness.
Looking for a durable, lightweight and convenient food storage box? The Rubbermaid Brilliance, with 5 different models of the same capacity, can meet your expectations. It is dishwasher safe and microwave safe.
Sold in a pack of 6, the Vtopmart USVM02008 is made of sturdy and durable plastic. The boxes can be stacked on top of each other. With such a model, you will find the best compromise between space planning and conservation.
Material
Borosilicate glass and BPA-free plastic
Food-grade polyethylene
BPA-free Tritan
BPA-free plastic
Number of boxes
7
1
5
6
Compatibility
Microwave, oven, freezer, dishwasher
Dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer
Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe
Freezer
Dimensions
40.39 x 21.49 x 21.08 cm
26.3 x 19.5 x 11 cm
25.9 x 20.8 x 14.4 cm
42 x 23 x 16 cm
Capacity
2 x 852 mL, 2 x 378 mL, 1 x 662 mL, x 355 mL
3.7 L
3.2 cups
2 x 3.6 L and 4 x 1.6 L

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Buying guide - food box

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How to choose your food box

Choosing a food box can be complex because there are so many to choose from. Various sizes, materials and designs are available on the market today. If you want to find the right model, consider the following parameters during your search.

#1 - Material

On the market, you can find food boxes made of stainless steel and glass or plastic. The stainless steel models are appreciated for their lightness. They are designed to transport food without risk of breakage.

The glass ones offer optimal preservation conditions and are oven, freezer and dishwasher safe. Finally, plastic boxes are less preservative but much stronger than glass models.

#2 - Dimensions and capacity

The choice of capacity is also important and varies according to use. If you're looking for a box to hold your child's lunch, it should be lightweight yet have the capacity to hold enough food.

If you're looking for a box to store food for the fridge, look for space-saving models. To be prepared for all eventualities, it's best to have boxes of different sizes.

#3 - Waterproofing

You'll have a choice of leak-proof food boxes that are practical to avoid leaks, regardless of the contents. Needless to say, non-waterproof models are less efficient but open more easily.

Make your choice based on the contents you want to put in the box. Also observe the lids which can be stainless steel, silicone or plastic. This detail plays in the watertightness of the box.

#4 - Cover size

With a food box equipped with a lid with a large diameter, you will have more comfort to eat from the box. However, the large opening is a source of heat loss.

If you don't plan to eat in the box, choose models with compact closures that are easier to slip into a bag.

#5 - Category of the box

You'll have a choice between 3 main families of food boxes.

  • The lunch boxes designed for cookies, cakes and other sweets or fruits and compotes.
  • There are also insulated models for meals with sauces and salads.
  • Finally, if you plan to store cheese, cold cuts and cereals, opt for large capacity boxes.

How to use your food box?


A very useful utensil, whether at home, at work or even when traveling, the food preservation box allows you to preserve your food. But there are a few things you need to know to use it properly because each item has its own functionality.

First of all, you must read carefully the instructions of your accessory provided at the purchase before using it in order not to damage it. It is highly recommended to insert your food into the canister right after removing it from the fire. This will ensure that the temperature of your food is maintained and that there are no unpleasant surprises when you eat it.

When you insert your food, make sure that the can is not too full. It is important to respect the capacity imposed by the designer of each item if you want to preserve your food in the best conditions. Once this is done, you will have to close the lid well, always to keep the temperature of your food perfectly. In addition, it protects them from the humidity that could come from your utensil.

Apart from that, it is also a good idea to use a small thick cloth to cover your box. A little maintenance of your item is also essential to increase its longevity. You can clean it by hand or by machine, it depends, indeed, on your box. That is why it is imperative to take the time to consult the instructions.

Finally, you must store your food preservation box in the right place. It is highly recommended to store it in a dry place such as a cupboard. This will keep it in good condition for as long as possible.

Plastic or glass food storage box?

Plastic food preservation box

A plastic food storage box protects and keeps your food safe from external agents. Even with the environmental threats associated with plastic, it remains widely used because of its advantages. It is flexible, durable, and easy to transport. But one of the most compelling reasons to choose this type of box is that you can reuse it many times. In addition, recycling is very common these days.

Unfortunately, these advantages are outweighed by the disadvantages. This food storage box should not be heated in the microwave, as it can be deformed by the heat. And since plastics are not made from natural materials, there are still some chemical residues that can affect the taste of your food.

Glass food preservation box

Glass is a stronger material than plastic. A glass food storage box preserves food better. It is cleaner and does not have a porous surface that can slightly change the taste of food. In addition, it is safe to wash at high temperatures in a dishwasher. Apart from that, it helps to protect the planet, as it significantly reduces landfill unlike the one made of plastic.

But glass tends to be heavier than plastic and it is difficult to travel with. Besides, it requires safer handling than plastic because of its fragility. But all this is still manageable, because if you break a glass container, you can recycle it. It does not change the quality or structure and no toxins are produced during the process.

Verdict

Food storage boxes are all very practical for better food storage. The glass model will meet your expectations if you like to heat their contents and if you want more aesthetic. However, if you want a more flexible and adaptable box, the plastic models will suit you very well.

Why buy a food preservation box?

Save money

Food can be expensive. Buying or picking food in season and canning it for future use can save you extra money. This is especially true when you consider the quality of the food you get. You may be surprised at how gourmet your home-canned food tastes.

Preserve the harvest

This is something gardeners will understand. You wait patiently for a few months for your garden to start producing, and then you're suddenly overwhelmed with far more produce than you're willing to handle. Sure, you can give some away to family, friends or neighbors, but you'll always have more. Canning extras is a smart way to avoid waste and enjoy your produce year-round.

Eco-friendly

Canning your own food is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Especially if the food is home grown, you take away the countless miles that food is shipped from the farm to the factory to the distributor to the local store. You also reduce packaging waste, as the jars (except for the lids) are reusable and will last for years.

Sentimental connection and gifts

Many people love canning because it reminds them of a simpler time. Perhaps it was something their mother or grandmother used to do. Also, canned foods make great gifts. The work and care that goes into a homemade jam or pickle is worth far more than the food itself.

Quality Taste

It's a fact, homemade food simply tastes better. You can't beat a quality canned homemade product made from fresh, locally grown ingredients. In the store, you can easily pay double for such a product. Even if your initial investment doesn't save you money (due to buying jars, a cannery, etc.), you'll have a healthier and tastier product in your pantry.

Tips

Label your food boxes

Labeling your food boxes will make it easier to find the foods you are looking for. If your boxes don't have ready-made labels, you can make them yourself. To do this, cut out small rectangles on white paper and write the names of the foods you need on them. If you keep cookies, cakes, chocolates or even potato chips in your food boxes, it is very important to indicate the best before date on the label. This will prevent you from eating expired food, but it will also save you from waste.

Don't forget to indicate the use-by date

Glass food boxes are better suited for hot food than plastic boxes. This is because the contact of heat and plastic creates particles that are harmful to your health, in addition to promoting staining on the walls of the box. Because of this, make sure your food is cooled down before storing it in your plastic boxes.

Never put hot food in your plastic boxes

When you don't use your food boxes, they may get scattered around your cupboard. To avoid such a mess, consider using a compartmentalized drawer to store them. This way, you can stack the same size boxes together and the same size boxes with lids. This will make it easier to find the box you're looking for.

Store your boxes properly in the closet

Over time, boxes can get damaged and lids can get lost. But don't throw away your old boxes when you buy new ones. You can use them as plant pots or pet dishes, for example.

Recycle your used boxes

FAQ

How to clean and deodorize a plastic food can at the same time?

Prepare a cleaning solution of baking soda (4 tablespoons) and hot water (1 L). Put it in a basin. Dip your food storage box in the solution. Let it soak overnight and the next day you can rinse and dry it. In addition to removing yellow stains, this natural solution also disinfects and deodorizes the can.

How to extend the shelf life of your food?

Of course, placing your food in a hermetically sealed can already ensures a better preservation. However, you can increase this longevity by using glass vacuum cans with an air pump. With this method, you can preserve the freshness, the flavour and the nutrients of your food in an optimal way.

How to get rid of grease stains?

Food storage boxes are not immune to greasy stains. However, there are natural tips that will help you to get rid of them easily. White vinegar is one of the best and most effective ways to do this. Take a glass and mix it with the same amount of water. Spray this solution on the box and leave it for a few minutes. Clean as usual to finish.

How do I remove labels from a food storage box?

You can do this very easily. To do this, pour hot water over the area and pull thelabel off little by little. In general, the glue is supposed to melt under the heat of the water. Use mayonnaise to remove any remaining traces of glue. Household alcohol can also do the trick.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  41. , decathlon.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Amazon Basics HS0301 9
Amazon Basics HS0301
Emsa 512888 10
Emsa 512888
Rubbermaid Brilliance 11
Rubbermaid Brilliance
Vtopmart USVM02008 12
Vtopmart USVM02008

Lecteurs

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