Choosing the right Food Storage Containers With Lids is essential for maintaining food freshness, preventing leaks and spills, and organizing your kitchen efficiently. Among the myriad options available, glass containers stand out for their durability, safety, and eco-friendliness. The Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set is often cited as a top contender in this category, especially for those prioritizing leakproof performance. This in-depth review will explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Glasslock set to help you determine if it’s the ideal choice for your food storage needs.
The Appeal of Leakproof Glass Food Storage Containers
Glass food storage containers with lids have become increasingly popular due to their numerous advantages over plastic alternatives. They are non-reactive, meaning they won’t leach chemicals into your food, and they are also more sustainable and easier to clean. Leakproof lids are a particularly sought-after feature, preventing messy spills in refrigerators, lunch bags, and during transport. The Glasslock 18-Piece set specifically emphasizes its leakproof design, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize spill-free storage.
Key Features and Benefits of the Glasslock 18-Piece Set
The Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set offers several compelling features that contribute to its positive reputation as reliable food storage containers with lids:
- Exceptional Leakproof Seal: The primary selling point of Glasslock containers is their robust leakproof lids. These lids feature a firm silicone gasket that runs along the entire edge, creating an airtight and watertight seal. This design effectively prevents leaks, making them suitable for storing liquids, sauces, and other potentially messy foods.
- Extended Food Freshness: Beyond preventing leaks, the airtight seal of the Glasslock containers also plays a crucial role in maintaining food freshness. By minimizing air exposure, these containers help to slow down spoilage and keep your leftovers, prepped meals, and ingredients fresher for longer periods. Tests have shown that food stored in Glasslock containers remains fresher compared to many competitors.
- Durable Tempered Glass Construction: Glasslock containers are constructed from tempered soda-lime glass, known for its durability and resistance to thermal shock. This material makes the containers oven-safe, microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe, offering versatility in food preparation, storage, and cleaning.
- Drop Resistance (Impressive but Not Indestructible): While glass is inherently more fragile than plastic, Glasslock containers have demonstrated surprising resilience in drop tests. They are designed to withstand accidental drops without shattering, a testament to the quality of the tempered glass. While not unbreakable, their drop resistance is notably better than some other glass options.
- Variety of Shapes and Sizes: The 18-piece set includes a useful assortment of square, rectangular, and round containers in various sizes, ranging from small 0.7-cup portions to larger 6.3-cup capacities. This variety makes the set adaptable for storing different types of food and portion sizes.
- Space-Saving Nesting Design: The Glasslock containers are designed to nest neatly together, even with the lids on, optimizing storage space in your refrigerator and cabinets. This stackable design helps keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
- Stain and Odor Resistance: Glass is inherently non-porous, making Glasslock containers resistant to stains and odors. Unlike some plastic containers that can absorb food pigments and smells, glass remains clear and odor-free even after storing strongly flavored foods like tomato sauce.
- Oven-Safe and Serve-Ready: The oven-safe nature of Glasslock containers adds to their convenience. You can bake or reheat food directly in the containers and then serve meals directly from them, reducing the need for extra dishes.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite the numerous benefits, there are a few potential downsides associated with the Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set:
- Potential for Chipping Over Time: While durable, the locking lids of Glasslock containers can place stress on the glass rims when snapped shut. This pressure, combined with stacking, can potentially lead to chipping along the edges over time, especially if there are minor imperfections in the glass. Some users have reported chipping issues, particularly after nesting the containers.
- Lid Closure Can Be Stiff: The locking flaps on the Glasslock lids, while contributing to the leakproof seal, can be slightly more difficult to close compared to simpler press-on lids found on some other glass containers, like Pyrex. This requires a bit more effort to ensure a secure seal.
- Gasket Cleaning (For Handwashing): If you primarily handwash the lids, the silicone gaskets may require occasional removal for thorough cleaning to prevent potential mold buildup. While removable, the gaskets are fitted tightly and can be slightly more challenging to remove than those on some other brands, like OXO.
How Glasslock Compares to Other Food Storage Container Brands
When considering food storage containers with lids, it’s helpful to compare Glasslock to other popular brands:
- Glasslock vs. Pyrex: Pyrex glass containers are a classic choice, known for their durability and oven-safe properties. Pyrex lids are typically press-on and not designed to be leakproof in the same way as Glasslock’s locking lids. Pyrex may be less prone to chipping due to less lid pressure, but lacks the leakproof security of Glasslock.
- Glasslock vs. OXO: OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Containers are another premium option. OXO containers often feature more user-friendly lids with easier-to-remove gaskets and are made from borosilicate glass, which is even more resistant to thermal shock than soda-lime glass (used in Glasslock). However, OXO sets tend to be significantly more expensive than Glasslock.
- Glasslock vs. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass: Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass containers also offer leakproof lids and are made from glass. While they are also durable, some tests suggest Glasslock may have superior drop resistance. Rubbermaid Brilliance lids can be louder to snap shut than Glasslock lids.
Long-Term Durability and User Experience
Long-term user reviews and tests provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of food storage containers with lids. Wirecutter staff members have reported using Glasslock containers for many years without significant chipping issues. However, some customer reviews mention chipping occurring over time. It’s worth noting that Glasslock offers replacement lids free of charge (excluding shipping), demonstrating confidence in their product and addressing potential lid wear or damage.
Conclusion: Is the Glasslock 18-Piece Set Right for You?
The Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set stands out as a highly-rated option for those seeking reliable, leakproof food storage containers with lids. Its exceptional leakproof seal, durable glass construction, and versatile set of sizes make it well-suited for a variety of food storage needs. While there is a potential for chipping over time due to the lid design and stacking, this seems to be a relatively infrequent issue, and the benefits of leakproof performance and food freshness often outweigh this concern for many users.
If you prioritize leakproof storage and the benefits of glass containers, the Glasslock 18-Piece Set is an excellent choice. It offers a balance of performance, durability, and value, making it a top contender in the market for food storage containers with lids. Consider this set if you are looking to upgrade your kitchen storage with a reliable and long-lasting glass container solution.
