Here’s something every home chef and takeout lover needs to have on hand: food storage containers. For the longest time, Pyrex has basically owned this market — we’ve all called them “Pyrex containers” even when they aren’t. Well, things just got shaken up, and there’s a fresh name taking the crown: . Think all food storage containers are basically the same? They might do the same job — holding your leftovers — but honestly, anyone who’s opened their lunch container at work only to discover a leak everywhere knows that’s not true. Plastic containers are super popular and for good reason: they’re cheap, easy to grab, and come in tons of sizes. The catch? Plastic can release sketchy chemicals into your food, especially when it gets hot. That’s actually why Consumer Reports left plastic containers out of their testing altogether. Glass and stainless steel containers cost more upfront, sure, but they last way longer and won’t expose your food to harmful stuff. In our book, that’s worth the extra cash. So how did Consumer Reports actually find the winner? Well, they didn’t mess around. According to their article, the testers really put these containers through their paces — literally and figuratively. We’re talking countertop drops and the “slosh test” (yeah, it’s exactly what it sounds like). They graded everything based on how tough it was, how well the seals held up, how fresh it kept food, and how user-friendly it was. The testers mentioned that while convenience matters, those other three factors were the real dealbreakers.
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Here’s why IKEA’s 365+ Food Container stole the show
If you’re in the market for a new food storage solution, we’d say ditch Pyrex and grab IKEA’s 365+ food container with lid instead. This stainless steel powerhouse practically aced Consumer Reports’ tests, nailing top marks for durability, ease of use, and how well it seals. They even highlighted its “excellent ability to keep food fresh” — and that’s something we think is pretty crucial for any storage container. With a 34-ounce capacity, you can stash everything from soup to leftovers, and at just $8.99, IKEA’s 365+ food container with lid is honestly one of the most wallet-friendly stainless steel options you’ll find.
We’re also pretty into the stainless steel base because it goes straight from the fridge to the oven no problem. Or pop cooled leftovers right into the freezer after dinner. One heads-up though: this container is definitely one . So if you want to reheat your food, move it to a microwave-safe dish first.
The 365+ container scores seriously high on the IKEA website with a 4.8 rating, but not everybody’s completely sold. A few reviewers complained that the lid is a pain to snap on and that the measurements weren’t super accurate. From what we’ve seen, the lids can be a little finicky to get seated correctly at first, but once you figure it out, it gets way easier. Want to test it yourself? Swing by your local IKEA store to check it out in person — and grab some meatballs while you’re at it.
