How to choose food storage containers that actually fit your kitchen

Most people don't have a container problem. They have a lid problem. A good set is one where every lid finds its container in two seconds, the stack fits your cabinet, and nothing leaks in your bag.

Glass vs. plastic

A common setup is glass for leftovers that get reheated at home, and lighter plastic for lunches and the freezer. If you buy plastic, look for food-safe polypropylene (recycling code 5) labeled BPA-free.

Shape matters more than you think

Square and rectangular containers waste less space in the fridge and cabinet than round ones. Round containers are easier to scrape clean and heat a little more evenly in the microwave. If space is your main problem, go square.

The lid rule

The best sets use as few lid sizes as possible. Look for sets where several container depths share the same lid footprint. Fewer lid sizes means less hunting, and it also means the containers nest inside each other when empty.

Leak-proof isn't all the same

• Snap-lock lids with a silicone gasket and four locking tabs are the most reliable for soups and lunches.
• Press-on lids are fine for dry food and fridge storage, but don't trust them in a bag.
• Check that the gasket can be removed for cleaning. Trapped gunk under a fixed seal is where smells come from.

Collapsible containers

Silicone collapsible containers fold down to about an inch tall, which makes them great for small kitchens, RVs and dorms. The tradeoff is they're less rigid when full, so carry them upright.

Before you buy, check

• Your cabinet shelf height and depth, so the nested stack fits.
• Microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe, for both the base and the lid.
• Whether lids have a vent for microwaving.
• Reviews that mention cracked lids or broken tabs after a few months.