When it comes to keeping your food fresh and your fridge organized, the right food containers are essential. Among the myriad options available, glass containers stand out for their durability, safety, and eco-friendliness. The Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set is a popular contender, particularly praised for its leakproof design. While not without minor drawbacks, this set earns its place as a strong runner-up in the quest for the Best Food Containers, especially if leak prevention is your top priority.
Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set offers reliable food storage as a runner up for best food storage container.
Leakproof Performance: A Key Advantage
Glasslock containers distinguish themselves with their robust locking lids. These lids, equipped with a firm silicone gasket, create an airtight seal that effectively prevents leaks. This feature is a significant advantage over many other glass containers on the market, making Glasslock ideal for transporting soups, sauces, and other liquids without fear of spills. In tests, these containers consistently outperformed competitors in leakproofness, providing peace of mind for everyday use and meal prepping.
The effectiveness of the seal was evident in tests involving various food types. From watery tomato sauce to delicate greens, Glasslock containers maintained freshness and prevented leaks even when subjected to movement and pressure. This superior seal also contributes to extending the lifespan of your stored food. Testers noted that greens remained crisp and strawberries stayed fresh for an extended period compared to food stored in less airtight containers.
Durability and Potential Trade-offs
While the tight-fitting lids are a boon for leak prevention, they do introduce a potential trade-off in terms of long-term durability. The pressure exerted by the locking lids on the glass rims can, according to glass experts, create stress that might lead to chipping over time. Anecdotal evidence from user reviews and even some long-term testers suggests that chipping, particularly around the edges, can occur.
However, it’s important to put this potential issue into perspective. Despite the possibility of chipping, Glasslock containers demonstrated impressive resilience in drop tests. They bounced without damage, and the lids remained securely fastened. In fact, testers even attempted to break a container on cement, and it only cracked after multiple attempts. Compared to other glass sets tested, Glasslock showed superior resistance to breakage under stress.
Concerns about chipping can be further mitigated by careful handling. Avoiding stacking the containers without lids or without a buffer like a paper towel between them can reduce the risk of stress-induced damage. Additionally, Glasslock containers are constructed from tempered soda-lime glass, which is inherently more durable than standard glass and is designed to withstand oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher use.
Design and Practical Features
The Glasslock 18-piece set offers a versatile range of shapes and sizes to meet various storage needs. The set includes square, rectangular, and round containers, ranging from a small 0.7-cup size suitable for single servings to a larger 6.3-cup container for family-sized portions or bulkier leftovers. This variety ensures you have the right container for almost any type of food storage.
The containers are made with clear, see-through glass, allowing for easy identification of contents in the refrigerator or pantry. Consumers have a choice between clear lids with a sea-green gasket or translucent cornflower-blue lids, adding a touch of personalization. The design also emphasizes efficient storage; same-shape containers of different sizes nest neatly, even with the lids on, maximizing space in your cabinets and fridge. This stackable design makes it easy to organize leftovers and meal prep ingredients.
Comparison with Competitors
When considering the best food containers, it’s helpful to compare Glasslock to other popular options. Compared to Pyrex glass containers with press-on lids, Glasslock offers superior leakproofness due to its locking lid mechanism. While Pyrex is also oven-safe and durable, its lids are not designed to be leakproof, making Glasslock a better choice for liquid-based foods.
Compared to the OXO 16 Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set, which is made from more expensive borosilicate glass and features easier-to-clean lids, Glasslock is a more budget-friendly option. While OXO lids are known for being user-friendly and having a spongier gasket, Glasslock provides comparable airtightness and leakproofness at a more accessible price point.
Rubbermaid Brilliance containers, while also leakproof, are made of plastic. Glass containers like Glasslock offer advantages in terms of durability, resistance to stains and odors, and being more environmentally friendly compared to plastic.
Customer Support and Peace of Mind
Glasslock stands behind its product with a notable customer service policy. They offer free replacement lids for worn-out or faulty lids, requiring only a small shipping fee. This commitment to replacing lids extends the lifespan of the set and provides added value to consumers concerned about the longevity of plastic components. Replacement lids can be easily ordered from the Glasslock website by identifying the product code etched on the bottom of each container. Furthermore, purchases made directly through Glasslock’s website are backed by a 30-day full refund policy for unused sets in their original packaging.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its strengths, Glasslock does have minor drawbacks. As mentioned earlier, the locking lids can place stress on the glass, potentially leading to chipping over time. While this isn’t a widespread issue, it is a possibility to be aware of. Some users have also noted that the locking flaps on the lids can be somewhat noisy when snapped shut. While this is a momentary sound and not as loud as some competitors, it might be a minor inconvenience for some.
Cleaning the gaskets in the lids can also require a bit more effort, particularly if handwashing. Removing the gasket periodically for thorough cleaning is recommended to prevent mold buildup, especially for sets that are not regularly dishwashed. However, this is a relatively simple maintenance step that ensures hygiene and prolongs the life of the containers.
Conclusion: A Top Choice for Leakproof Food Storage
The Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set stands out as a top contender in the realm of best food containers, particularly for those prioritizing leakproofness. While the tight-fitting lids may present a minor risk of chipping over time, the set’s overall durability, versatile design, and excellent leak prevention capabilities make it a highly recommendable option. For anyone seeking reliable glass food containers that can confidently transport liquids and keep food fresh, Glasslock is a smart and practical choice, solidifying its position as a strong runner-up in the market.
