Leftover containers/food storage boxes for meal prep

[Maddie2]

I would like to be able to cook large amounts and then freeze individual meals for lunches, give to our college kids, etc. You may have seen them before- usually black with semi-clear lids. They come in 1, 2 or 3 compartments. Often called Bento boxes. Amazon has several. The reviews seemed to be mixed with all of them. Would really like to find some that don't leak, are thin, etc. Don't mind spending a little more to get something that will last.

TIA for your recommendations!

 

[barkley]

i wouldn't go with the type you've seen on amazon b/c (1) i've had them warp in the microwave and (2) depending on the kid's storage situation those larger containers don't always have fridge space at places to accommodate them. for that reason i searched out containers to send home w/dd and stumbled across some GREAT ones at the dollar store. they are clear plastic w/orange lids. the come in a variety of sizes, freeze and microwave well/come out fine from the dishwasher. the real benefit is they have a little steam release button/vent on top so you can microwave and not get a steam burn when you go to open them.

 

[Lauren in NC]

I agree with barkley about those ones you're talking about. They're quite thin and honestly I've barely able to reuse them once or twice before they crack or warp. They seem to last longer if you don't freeze them. Right now we're trying out three different freezer solutions to see what works best for us: ziplock twist n loc (the lids screw on, so less chance of leaking, but I don't like microwaving plastic and it's hard to get stuff out once frozen), mason jars (cheap, no plastic at all, hard to reheat unless you just let it all thaw in the fridge), and portioning stuff out into silicone molds and then storing them in a ziplock bag in the freezer (easy to pop a few into a bento-style lunchbox, but more labor intensive).

 

[Maddie2]

Thank you both ... I was hoping this was an easy one and I could order something tonight ... but I see that isn't the case. The next time I'm near a Dollar Tree, I will see if they have the vented lid variety and I will check out the Ziploc Twist n loc containers. For now, I guess I'll stick with my margarine tubs and the like. I freeze leftovers in them, but then my son thaws the food and puts it on a plate before warming in the microwave. Not the greatest system, but it will work until we find something better.

Does anyone have other suggestions? TIA!

 

[SharonZ]

Lock and Lock from QVC.

 

[AshleyDillo]

I picked up a pack of 36 containers at Costco near the Ziplocs. It was about $9 on sale, probably around $15 regular price. They're black bottoms, rectangular single compartment-style with clear lids. I've microwaved them, frozen them and ran them through the dishwasher and they hold up pretty well. Figured for that price it was worth a shot to give them a try and I found they've lasted longer than a lot of the other options I've used. I don't feel bad if I end up tossing one either (usually because I was too lazy to clean the food out of it timely!) I don't know the brand off the top of my head but they're the same style as the SkyGenius meal prep ones that you can easily search on Amazon.

 

[Twilghtsprkle]

Pyrex containers. Yes they will be more expensive but glass will not absorb smells. My husband has some that he's been using for years.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Pyrex containers. Yes they will be more expensive but glass will not absorb smells. My husband has some that he's been using for years.

We had been using rectangular containers from Rubbermaid for years and finally got tired of looking at them stained from tomato sauce and pitted from being used in the microwave.
I also worry about potential long term health effects of microwaving food in cheap plastic.
I found glass ones with a plastic lock down lid on Amazon. They cost more and they’re a bit heavier in our lunch boxes but we love them. Ok for freezer, microwave, oven and dishwasher. (Obviously, plastic lids can’t go in the oven.)

We bought a pack of 5 to try them and just bought another 5-pack to have enough for all 4 of us.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07D4NY2JR?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title