The 8 Best Glass Food Storage Containers, Put to the Test and Reviewed

Top Pick

Our top choice is Glasslock's 18-piece set, which includes nine containers of various sizes. Crafted from oven-safe glass, each container is equipped with a gasketed lid and a snap closure to ensure a tight seal, keeping your food fresh. These containers are also safe for use in the microwave and freezer.

We were impressed by how efficiently these containers stacked in our fridge, and they proved to be incredibly airtight and leakproof. The variety of shapes and sizes—rectangular, square, and round—gave us all the options we needed to store salads, soups, fruit, lettuce, and leftovers in various portions. After several cycles through the dishwasher, they still appear pristine, and we believe they’ll endure for many years.

Glass Type: Oven-safe glass | Lid Type: Polypropylene with snap closure | Sizes: (1) 6.3-cup rectangle, (2) -cup rectangle, (1) 1.6-cup rectangle, (1) 3.3-cup square, (1) 1.5-cup square, (1) 3.1-cup round, (1) 1.6-cup round, and (1) 0.7-cup round | Care: Dishwasher safe

Best Budget

Pyrex’s set is an excellent value, offering 18 pieces in various shapes and sizes (or nine containers with matching lids). Made from durable tempered glass, these containers are safe for use in the microwave, freezer, and refrigerator. The BPA-free plastic lids fit snugly, providing a strong seal to prevent oxidation and freezer burn.

These containers proved to be excellent for batch prepping due to their range of sizes. Snap peas kept their crispness, sliced avocado stayed vibrantly green even after several days, and bananas stored in the freezer showed no signs of freezer burn.

Although caution is needed when exposing these containers to drastic temperature shifts, their durability stands out despite their slim design. After multiple trips through both the microwave and dishwasher, they remained in excellent condition, suggesting they will last for a long time.

Glass Material: Tempered glass | Cover Material: Plastic | Included Sizes: (1) 7-cup round, (1) 6-cup rectangle, (2) 4-cup round, (2) 3-cup rectangle, (2) 2-cup round, (1) 1-cup round | Cleaning Instructions: Dishwasher safe

Top Choice for Large Storage

For larger quantities of prepared meals, we suggest this three-piece set of spacious containers, which can also serve as baking dishes. Crafted from robust borosilicate glass, these containers are oven-safe up to 932°F (without lids). They come with gasketed snap-close lids that securely seal the contents, making them perfect for storing leftovers or transporting dishes like coleslaw or pasta salad to a gathering.

We were impressed with how well these lids sealed. Not only did they pass our leak tests, but they also prevented cut avocado from browning, and ingredients like washed, torn lettuce stayed crisp in the fridge for days. These containers hold up well to microwave, freezer, and dishwasher use, and they seem like they’ll last for years. However, while they are stackable and nestable (without the lids), they do take up quite a bit of space, which could be a challenge for anyone with limited storage.

Glass Material: Borosilicate glass | Cover Material: Polypropylene with snap closure | Available Sizes: 74 ounces, 40 ounces, and 27 ounces | Cleaning Instructions: Dishwasher safe

Ideal for Meal Prep

Making a week's worth of lunches is easy with these containers that are specifically crafted to hold a main dish and two sides. The glass bases are microwave-, freezer-, and oven-safe, enduring temperatures as high as 752°F, and come with BPA-free plastic lids that lock securely to preserve contents. We appreciated these containers for meal prep, as the set comes with eight identical bases with integrated dividers. The thick glass feels sturdy, and the tight-fitting lids ensured meals stayed fresh in the fridge during our testing period.

We also found these containers incredibly easy to clean in the dishwasher, though the manufacturer suggests hand washing and drying the lids to avoid heat damage to the gaskets. One drawback is that these containers don't stack neatly, which could be inconvenient for those with limited cabinet space.

Material: Glass | Lid Material: BPA-free plastic with a snap closure | Capacity: 4.1 cups | Care Instructions: Dishwasher-safe bases, hand wash recommended for the lids

Ideal for Freezer Storage

This set by Amazon Basics closely resembles our top pick, offering a more affordable price while adding an extra container and lid. The glass bases can withstand the microwave, freezer, and oven up to 450°F, making them perfect for reheating directly in the container (without the lid).

The lids feature a snap closure and a silicone gasket, both of which passed our leak test with excellent results. The airtight seal kept everything fresh during our testing period, including preserving a cut avocado for several days and preventing freezer burn. We found these containers very easy to clean in the dishwasher with no leftover debris or staining. The lids are safe for top-rack dishwashing.

Glass Material: Borosilicate glass | Lid Material: Plastic with snap closure | Container Sizes: (2) 1.6-cup, (2) 3.6-cup, and (1) 7.8-cup rectangular containers; (1) 3-cup and (2) 1.3-cup round containers; and (1) 1.7-cup and (1) 4-cup square containers | Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe

Top Baking Dish

This Pyrex model is an excellent option for a dedicated baking dish that transitions easily into the fridge for storage. We tested the 2-quart version, though it’s also available in 1.5-quart, 3-quart, and 4.8-quart sizes. Its slim, elongated shape made it fit perfectly in both the oven and fridge during testing.

This glass dish comes with a BPA-free plastic lid that securely holds its contents. However, we found that the seal might not fully prevent thin liquids from spilling if the container is tipped during transport. That being said, it worked wonderfully as a baking dish for chicken and vegetables, and the lid proved adequate for storing items in both the fridge and freezer. Both the glass base and lid are dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning.

Material: Tempered glass | Lid: BPA-free plastic | Available Sizes: 1.5 quarts, 2 quarts, 3 quarts, 4.8 quarts | Care: Dishwasher safe

Perfect for Lunches

These two-compartment containers from Prep Naturals are perfectly sized for a lunch. The larger section holds your main dish, while the smaller section is ideal for a side like a salad, fruit, chips, or anything else. Crafted from durable borosilicate glass, these containers can handle up to 840°F, making them safe for use in the fridge, freezer, microwave, and oven (just remember to remove the lids when heating).

We found these compartmentalized containers not only useful for packing lunch but also great for prepping salad ingredients for the week. The snug-fitting lids with snap closures and gaskets kept our cut vegetables fresh for several days, and they easily passed our leak test. Additionally, these containers are a breeze to clean, with both the lids and bases being dishwasher safe.

Glass Type: Borosilicate glass | Lid Type: Polypropylene with snap closure | Sizes: 36 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe

Top Leak-Proof Option

The lids of these Pyrex glass containers feature four latches and a gasket, providing a strong leakproof seal. The set includes two 2-cup round containers, a 3-cup rectangular container, a 4-cup square container, and a 7-cup round container, all of which are microwave, fridge, and freezer safe (just make sure to vent the lids while heating).

We found these containers versatile for a wide range of tasks, including storing leftovers, packing snacks, and preparing bulk portions like ground beef. The latches snap securely, signaling they’re fully sealed or unsealed, and they truly live up to their leakproof and airtight claims. They kept vegetables fresh and even kept a cut avocado from browning for days. While we’re concerned about cleaning the fixed gaskets, this set offers great value for its quality and seems durable enough for long-term use.

Material: Glass | Lid Material: BPA-free plastic with snap-on closure | Container Sizes: (2) 2-cup round containers with lids, (1) 3-cup rectangular container with lid, (1) 4-cup square container with lid, and (1) 7-cup round container with lid | Maintenance: Dishwasher safe

Final Thoughts

For glass food storage, the Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Glass Storage Container Set is unmatched due to its versatile selection, durable construction, and easy-to-clean components. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set provides the same quantity of containers at a lower price.

Our Evaluation Method

We tested 10 of the top-rated glass food storage sets available by incorporating them into our daily kitchen routines. These sets were used for meal prepping, carrying snacks, and storing leftovers. Additionally, we conducted a series of standardized tests to ensure consistency across all the products we evaluated.

Our first test was a leak test. We filled a container with water, sealed it with the provided lid, and shook it vigorously for a minute to check if any liquid leaked out.

Next, we placed a peeled and pitted avocado in each container for three days to observe whether it stayed fresh and green or turned brown due to oxidation. During this period, we also monitored how well prepped ingredients and other foods maintained their freshness, including foods that were frozen and then thawed.

We evaluated the design of each container, noting how well the lids sealed and whether the containers were stackable for convenient storage. We also assessed the quality of the materials used in both the containers and lids, testing for durability and longevity, and reviewed the range of sizes within each set.

For baking dishes, we used them in the oven and stored the baked items or cooked food inside. For any microwave-safe models, we reheated or cooked food in the containers at least once. We also followed the cleaning instructions to see if any odors or stains persisted and to determine whether the gaskets were difficult to clean.

Expert Tips for Shopping for Glass Food Storage

Type of Glass

Romeo advises selecting containers made from premium glass. 'Premium' refers to thick, durable glass, with extra points for tempered soda-lime or borosilicate types that perform well under varying temperatures. Untreated glass is less expensive, but it's generally best suited for keeping food at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Type of Lid

When it comes to lids, Romeo recommends selecting containers with airtight, leakproof covers. Most glass food storage options feature lids made from either plastic or silicone. Our top picks often come with snap closures on multiple sides to ensure a secure seal. Romeo also emphasizes that silicone seals or gaskets are especially effective at preventing leaks and preserving freshness.

Dimensions and Shape

While a diverse set of glass food storage containers can be tempting, you don’t always need an extensive range of sizes and shapes. You might prefer a few 1-cup round containers for yogurt or oatmeal, or perhaps 3-cup rectangular ones for dishes like enchiladas or salads. If you're preparing meals for a family, larger containers for dishes like grilled chicken or lasagna may be necessary. Avoid buying a large set if you're not going to use all the pieces—unused containers will just take up space.

Additional Features

Romeo prefers containers that are stackable, nestable, or come with design elements that make storing them in refrigerators or cabinets easier. She also recommends considering their temperature tolerance, from cold to heat. 'Make sure the containers are microwave and oven-safe if you intend to reheat food in them,' she advises.

Additional Glass Food Storage Containers Worth Considering

Glasslock Duo 5-Piece Tempered Glass Container Set: Crafted from tough tempered soda-lime glass, this set is versatile for use in the fridge, freezer, and microwave. The two-compartment design is perfect for weekly meal prepping or packing lunches for work or school. We appreciate their durability and found them simple to clean by placing them in the dishwasher's top rack.

Rubbermaid Brilliance 8-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set: This is the glass version of Rubbermaid’s top-rated Tritan food storage line, featuring gasketed lids with dual latches to keep your food securely sealed. While it’s on the pricier side of the sets we tested, we loved the range of sizes and how effectively it preserved food freshness during our trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are glass food storage containers superior to plastic?

Romeo explains, 'Glass containers are non-porous, which means they don't absorb flavors or odors, helping preserve the taste and freshness of your meals.' She adds that she appreciates that glass is free from the harmful chemicals that some plastics may contain. 'However, for dry goods such as grains or snacks, plastic containers might be a more practical option because they are lighter and easier to handle.'

Can glass food storage containers be used in the oven or freezer?

The type of glass determines whether the container is suitable for oven use. For oven-safe containers, choose those made from tempered or borosilicate glass, as these are specifically designed to handle high temperatures. Many glass containers can also be used in the freezer, though some precautions are needed.

'Avoid abrupt temperature shifts,' Romeo advises. 'If you're moving a container from room temperature to the oven, make sure to do it gradually to prevent thermal shock, which can lead to the glass breaking or shattering.'

Look for containers that are clearly marked as 'freezer safe' or 'oven safe' to ensure they can endure extreme temperatures. If you're uncertain, always check the manufacturer's guidelines for specific details regarding the temperature limits for both high and low temperatures for your glass containers.

How long can glass food storage containers last?

With proper care and maintenance, high-quality glass containers can last anywhere from five to ten years or longer, although the lids tend to wear out before the containers themselves. To extend their lifespan, Romeo recommends handwashing them or placing them only on the top rack of the dishwasher.

Trust Us on This

Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a writer based in Los Angeles, with expertise in global food, wine, and lifestyle topics. After spending two years at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now dedicates her time to researching and testing cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, as well as interviewing industry professionals. To uncover the best glass food storage containers, we tested 10 top-rated options and consulted Erin Romeo, the meal prep expert and author of The Visual Guide to Easy Meal Prep, for her insights.