The 9 Best Glass Food Storage Containers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

We researched top-rated glass food storage containers in a variety of shapes and sizes and sent them home to our testers to review. They stored leftovers of all kinds, using them in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and oven. They tested out their portability. They also cleaned them according to the manufacturer's instructions, evaluated whether there were any remaining odors after washing, and assessed their durability.

Other Options We Tested

• Flrolove Glass Kitchen Storage Canister Mason Jars with Lids: There’s a lot to love about these 32-ounce glass containers. They’re great for pantry storage since the lids clamp on tight and seal completely to keep pests and dust out, the lids open wide for pouring pasta or snacks, and the wide opening allows a small scoop or measuring cup to fit inside. This set also includes chalkboard labels and a chalk marker to attractively label the containers so everyone knows what each one holds. It’s worth noting, though: Tests revealed some quality concerns. The labels came crinkled, so only four out of eight were usable. Additionally, two of the glass containers came chipped and had to be recycled before they could ever be used. They’re also not great for toting since they’re relatively heavy, and the seal isn’t tight enough to contain tipped liquids. For these reasons, we left this set off our roundup.
  

What to Look for in Glass Storage Containers

Purpose

You may think glass storage is just for use in the home or for storing leftovers, but there are a wide variety of options, including lighter-weight glass containers designed for taking lunch on the go. On the other hand, heavier glass containers are often treated to withstand high and low temperatures without breaking; these are a lifesaver for baking and freezing. But if you simply want glass containers to store dry goods at room temperature, you can go with a lighter-weight, untreated glass. The kinds of storage you want to do will also influence what kind of lid or seal the container has. Many glass containers have a plastic or silicone lid, which can offer a tight seal that protects leftovers or dry goods.

Lid Type

Most glass containers feature some kind of silicone or plastic lid. Snap-on lids protect from spills and are good for travel or storing liquid. If you want to go completely plastic-free, you will have to look for silicone lids or glass covers. While glass is typically microwave safe, not all the lids sold with glass containers are—if you want to microwave covered food, be sure to check on the microwave specifications of the entire set when you shop.

Capacity 

Glass containers range from big (like for your lasagna) to itty-bitty (baby food). Most containers will list their capacity in cups or ounces, though you can also typically find dimensions listed in inches. If you want an all-purpose set for leftovers, look for sets that contain a variety of sizes so you can store leftover veggies as easily as last night’s pot roast. 

For dry goods, bigger isn’t always better. Consider the shelf life of what you’re storing. Spices can lose their flavor when stored too long, for example, and some flours can go bad in a few months. If you are buying in bulk and storing food, consider your own usage and buy containers accordingly.

Safety

As previously stated, certain glass, like tempered and borosilicate, are specifically designed to be heated or frozen without shattering. While untreated glass can typically be frozen, you will have to carefully thaw it at room temperature before transferring it to an oven or microwave. Untreated glass is also unsafe to put in the oven. Treated glass, however, is oven safe with limits: usually around 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Quantity

You can buy containers in sets as well as piecemeal. Sets typically offer some value and allow you to build up your kitchen quickly. But you can also buy individual pieces if you primarily want them for packing lunch, for example. Sets also often offer the advantage of being easier to store together if they’re designed to nest. Rather than buying things one at a time from different brands, you can often more easily stack and store containers from the same brand or collection.

Types of Glass Storage Containers

Untreated Glass

The cheapest glass to produce is likely all around you: Untreated soda-lime glass is used to make jars, bottles, and cups. If your glass container doesn’t say it’s tempered or strengthened, it’s probably untreated or just regular old glass. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing; for storing food in the fridge or at room temperature, soda-lime glass is fine. It’s when you freeze or heat the glass that you want another option. 

Tempered Glass

Soda-lime glass can be tempered or heated in such a way that it can withstand a wider range of temperatures. This tempering process also means that the glass is less likely to shatter. And, when tempered glass breaks, it tends to fracture into small, harmless pieces, not the big, jagged pieces of untreated glass. Tempered glass is not just used in food; car windows, shower doors, and microwave oven doors are made from this material. 

Borosilicate Glass 

Borosilicate contains boric oxide, which makes it even more resistant to thermal shock than tempered glass, but it’s also more expensive to produce. If you’re not ready to shell out for borosilicate, don’t worry: It usually takes an extreme temperature change, like putting a frozen casserole directly in the oven, for tempered glass to shatter.

If you are committed to going the borosilicate route, check out OXO. Its glass containers, from chicken casseroles down to baby food, are made from durable glass. 

Shape

Round shaped containers are easier for stirring your food around in, perhaps after reheating leftovers or meal prep. If your main priority is organization, we recommend stocking up on square or rectangular shaped containers. These stack up together easiest and can be stored compactly.

Maintenance

If treated with care, glass can last and last. A good glass food container should be dishwasher-safe. If you need to really scrub, a scrubby sponge, as well as steel wool pads, are perfectly fine. The trickier part may be cleaning the lids. Plastic lids are more likely to warp in a hot dishwasher, so be sure to check cleaning instructions before buying. Debris can also build up in crevices of snap-on lids, so be sure to spend some time scrubbing there if you wash by hand.

FAQs

Can glass food storage containers go in the oven and freezer?

This all depends on the type of glass and the time allowed for temperature change. High-quality borosilicate glass is the gold standard in heating and cooling stability but is hard to find except in vintage pieces and a few of our picks on this list. That type of glass can withstand extreme changes in temperature.

The more common tempered glass can also handle cold freezers and hot ovens, but some care must be taken. You want to avoid temperature shock to prevent shattering. When tempered glass is heated or cooled rapidly, the glass expands and contracts, which causes stress on the container. The best approach is to make sure your container is room temperature before hitting the freezer or oven. This will cause less stress on the glass and keep your container intact.

Generally, glass food storage containers can withstand ovens up to 425 degrees, but always check the product's safety manual or with the manufacturer before proceeding. Those wonderful lids that help keep everything fresh, though, are not oven safe.

Are glass food storage containers better than plastic?

This really comes down to a personal decision. Glass is oven safe and heavy-duty but susceptible to breaking. Plastic is light and easy to store but stains and can degrade over time with microwave use. Plastics eventually reach the end of their shelf life and must be replaced, but they are lighter and easier to transport. With care, glass can be used for years without replacement, which means less garbage in our landfills.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This roundup was originally written by cookbook author Donna Currie, a writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. She's also an expert on all things to do with kitchen storage and meal prep solutions. Take a look at her other roundups on this topic, that include top meal prep containers, avocado storage solutions, and the best bento boxes.

This article was updated by Carrie Honaker, who currently resides in Panama City Beach, Florida, where she writes about the next crave-worthy baked good, the perfect use for a baking stone, and the little-known Florida wine scene. The accompanying buying guide was written by Marshall Bright.

This article was further updated by Brigitt Earley, a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience testing products for editorial inclusion. She tested six different sets for this list. Brigitt also holds a degree in culinary arts plus cooks multiple meals for her family of six every day of the week.