Any meal preppers? I need new dishes. [containers]

[guitarguy]

Hi all!

Looking for recommendations on tupperware/containers for bringing lunches to work. We have some Pyrex glassware that always seems to leak if there's anything even remotely juicy in there.

Main things I'm looking for:

• set of 4-5 ideally
• leak proof (I don't care if it's chili, a fajita bowl, or dry cereal...no leaks. )
• glass (microwaving plastic is a no-no...etc)
• dishwasher safe (aren't they all pretty much these days)
• reasonable size...don't need anything huge or too tiny

Anyone have anything they really like?

EDIT: apparently the title was pretty vague...so if you have any good meal prep recipes...I’m all in for those too! Just make sure they’re protein-packed.

[livesoft]

Have you thought about Mason/Ball jars? You would have to remove the metal screw lids for microwaving, but that should not be an issue.

They come in different sizes.

[Earl Lemongrab]

Ha. When I read the title, I thought you were looking for new recipes. Perhaps change the title to "containers"?

[Mike Scott]

I also tried the pyrex containers with frozen leftovers. They were expensive, don't work very well and the lids are terrible quality. I went back to the Rubbermaid plastic 2 cup containers for frozen leftovers. The glass jars would work if you are not freezing them. My wife often does this for breakfast blender smoothies and salads etc for lunches. You can also store/freeze/transport food in one container and microwave / eat from a different one.

[ladycat]

Search the web for 'glass containers with snap lids'. You'll see a bunch of options. We use these types of containers for leftovers at home, and I'm sure they'd work well for taking lunch to work. I don't freeze in them (but I'm guessing you could), and I don't microwave the lids.

[barnaclebob]

Get some mason jars and a pressure canner. You can make shelf stable chilis, stews, and soups that taste amazing. Pop the lid, heat in the jar or in your own bowl.

The glass jars would work if you are not freezing them.

You can definitely freeze mason jars if you don't fill them too full and freeze them on their sides. There is a faint line near the top that people call the "freeze fill line" I think its just a mark from the glass mold but they don't break if you fill to that line.

[david]

Search the web for 'glass containers with snap lids'. You'll see a bunch of options. We use these types of containers for leftovers at home, and I'm sure they'd work well for taking lunch to work. I don't freeze in them (but I'm guessing you could), and I don't microwave the lids.

This. Snapware glass containers and plastic tops is what we use.
We bought ours from Costco when they went on sale.
There is a similar set at IKEA, that has interchangable tops (plastic, bamboo, etc) that can look pretty as well.

[Clever_Username]

glass (microwaving plastic is a no-no...etc)

Wait... what? I have been microwaving what I think are plastic tupperware for a while.

[wilshuer]

Another vote for the glass type with snapping lids on all sides. I picked up a set from Amazon that have 3 compartments, as well some that are a single compartment. They have worked quite well, soup, sauce etc - nothing has leaking. I typically put them in my bag with my laptop while walking into the office.

[stoptothink]

I am the king of "meal preppers" as I prepare 95% of the food for myself and my family of 4 each week on Sunday mornings. I've never felt the need for something anymore complex than basic plastic tupperware (which we get at the dollar store). I also use mason jars for overnight oats. We don't regularly freeze prepared food though.

[ray.james]

Search the web for 'glass containers with snap lids'. You'll see a bunch of options. We use these types of containers for leftovers at home, and I'm sure they'd work well for taking lunch to work. I don't freeze in them (but I'm guessing you could), and I don't microwave the lids.

This. Snapware glass containers and plastic tops is what we use.
We bought our from Costco when they went on sale.
There is a similar set at IKEA, that has interchangable tops (plastic, bamboo, etc) that can look pretty as well.

+1 as many other recommend. Snapware on glass at Costco.

[fposte]

glass (microwaving plastic is a no-no...etc)

Wait... what? I have been microwaving what I think are plastic tupperware for a while.

It's a personal call. Here's Harvard Health on the topic.

[Horsefly]

A couple of thoughts...

First, not all plastic is the same. Some are not safe to microwave, and some are fine.

Second: Americas Test Kitchen did a pretty thorough testing of both plastic and glass storage containers, and judged them according to leaking and microwave suitable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WprgFWLgguM

Edit to add: We have the Rubbermaid Brilliance (the plastic ones that came out on top in the ATK testing) and like them so far. We've been using them for about 4 months. They don't leak, don't stain, and we've used them in the microwave many times.

[Rus In Urbe]

I keep in the office a very large china bowl (like you find in Chinese/Vietnamese restaurants for noodles.

I pour in my can of Amy's soup (love the Thai version, or Chicken Noodle, or Lentil)---and microwave it.

I also keep cloth napkins and flatware (not plastic) at the office. That way, the only thing I throw away is the can (well, recycle anyway).

[celia]

Ha. When I read the title, I thought you were looking for new recipes. Perhaps change the title to "containers"?

When I read the title, I thought this was going to be about long term food storage, such as storing for power outages, earthquakes, or doomsday.

There are some glass containers that have pliable (like tupperware) lids you can take off when microwaving. Look in the lunch supplies/storage section of larger markets or stores like Target & WalMart.

[guitarguy]

Sounds like glass with snap lids is a good way to go...I will look into those!

Thanks all!!!

[guitarguy]

Ha. When I read the title, I thought you were looking for new recipes. Perhaps change the title to "containers"?

When I read the title, I thought this was going to be about long term food storage, such as storing for power outages, earthquakes, or doomsday.

Ha...I’m cool with recipes or whatever you might do to prepare for doomsday too!

[quantAndHold]

Glasslock is great, but heavy if you’re walking to work with several of them.

You can also get microwave safe takeout containers, like your favorite restaurant uses, on Amazon for a few cents apiece. Throw them in the dishwasher and reuse until the lid doesn’t fit anymore, throw away, and start fresh. The main advantage is that if your office manager throws away everyone’s expensive tupperware in a fit of refrigerator cleaning, you don’t really care.

[core4portfolio]

Ha. When I read the title, I thought you were looking for new recipes. Perhaps change the title to "containers"?

+1

[Hukedonfonix4me]

Search the web for 'glass containers with snap lids'. You'll see a bunch of options. We use these types of containers for leftovers at home, and I'm sure they'd work well for taking lunch to work. I don't freeze in them (but I'm guessing you could), and I don't microwave the lids.

This. Snapware glass containers and plastic tops is what we use.
We bought our from Costco when they went on sale.
There is a similar set at IKEA, that has interchangable tops (plastic, bamboo, etc) that can look pretty as well.

+1 as many other recommend. Snapware on glass at Costco.

+1 this is what we use. Snapware from Costco. Seems to go on sale 3-4 times per year. This stuff is great. Used as Christmas gifts for family when they were on sale last December.

[leeks]

We have had these for years, satisfied:
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Glass Food Storage Containers
such as:
https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Stora ... B00DRB9V54

[Bogle7]

This will be helpful
https://www.thereadystore.com/mre

[victw]

I bought these for soups
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJ ... UTF8&psc=1

but I can't confirm on leak proofedness. I carry them up right in a padded 6 pack container.

I use the glasslocks for non soupy - but liquidy items.

Vic