For food storage and reheating, glass, plastic, or ???

[Kathleen]

When we remodeled the kitchen, I recycled my assorted storage containers that would tumble down on me or had lids that would hide when I needed them and purchased these food storage containers made by Rubbermaid. A bit spendy, but worth it as they nest and are easily contained in the cabinet. I also purchased another smaller set of larger containers. I use them often for food storage of leftovers, etc.

While working, I tried to take my lunch rather than order out. I bought these containers, and others like tem that either had no divider or three dividers. They were great for packing lunches and reheating. I still use these for leftovers that we will eat for another meal. Like the first, these store easily as they stack beautifully and stay put in the cabinets.

Last of all, I do use Mason or Ball canning jars for food storage. Love them so much! And yep, been using them since the 70s. Nothing better! Mason jars make great wedding gifts, imho.

 

[Anitha Kishore]

When we remodeled the kitchen, I recycled my assorted storage containers that would tumble down on me or had lids that would hide when I needed them and purchased these food storage containers made by Rubbermaid. A bit spendy, but worth it as they nest and are easily contained in the cabinet. I also purchased another smaller set of larger containers. I use them often for food storage of leftovers, etc.

While working, I tried to take my lunch rather than order out. I bought these containers, and others like tem that either had no divider or three dividers. They were great for packing lunches and reheating. I still use these for leftovers that we will eat for another meal. Like the first, these store easily as they stack beautifully and stay put in the cabinets.

Last of all, I do use Mason or Ball canning jars for food storage. Love them so much! And yep, been using them since the 70s. Nothing better! Mason jars make great wedding gifts, imho.

I'm using this from Avias which is really good. It is stainless steel cookware and it won't get affected while reheating!

 

[taxlady]

I'm using this from Avias which is really good. It is stainless steel cookware and it won't get affected while reheating!

But, that is cookware. It isn't something you would store food in. The only storage container I saw on that page was for spices.

 

[Kathleen]

Thanks, Anitha. However, my items are more for food storage. With the glassware, I could also reheat with them in the microwave or oven (without the lids.)

 

[Anitha Kishore]

But, that is cookware. It isn't something you would store food in. The only storage container I saw on that page was for spices.

I recommended food reheating cookpot so you don't have to use a microwave!

 

[Anitha Kishore]

Thanks, Anitha. However, my items are more for food storage. With the glassware, I could also reheat with them in the microwave or oven (without the lids.)

Great, glassware is safe but will it break when we microwave because it'll get more heated within a few seconds?

 

[taxlady]

Great, glassware is safe but will it break when we microwave because it'll get more heated within a few seconds?

It depends on the glassware. Most glassware that is made for storage will be fine. It's not thin and it is quite shock resistant. It's not fragile like a regular wine glass or water glass.

 

[Anitha Kishore]

It depends on the glassware. Most glassware that is made for storage will be fine. It's not thin and it is quite shock resistant. It's not fragile like a regular wine glass or water glass.

I've never used glassware to reheat because scared of breaking it!

 

[dragnlaw]

You have to have enough foods in the glass dish. It is the foods that will heat up and in turn the dish absorbs the heat from the foods. I've been using micro waves since the mid/late 70's only three dishes have ever cracked none 'shattered'. Two were ceramic hand made plates which obviously had a bubble in them (the air heats up and expands). There was one glass dish that cracked down the middle. I don't remember what I was heating up in it - it was a very long time ago.

Any glass dishes and/or casseroles that can go in an oven, can go in a microwave. I have come across some small glass casseroles at the Dollar Store and they very clearly state that they are NOT microwave safe. I have used them in the micro wave, but I'm very aware they might crack. I am sure to have enough foods in them so they can heat slowly. Stir often to distribute heat evenly.

 

[Anitha Kishore]

You have to have enough foods in the glass dish. It is the foods that will heat up and in turn the dish absorbs the heat from the foods. I've been using micro waves since the mid/late 70's only three dishes have ever cracked none 'shattered'. Two were ceramic hand made plates which obviously had a bubble in them (the air heats up and expands). There was one glass dish that cracked down the middle. I don't remember what I was heating up in it - it was a very long time ago.

Any glass dishes and/or casseroles that can go in an oven, can go in a microwave. I have come across some small glass casseroles at the Dollar Store and they very clearly state that they are NOT microwave safe. I have used them in the micro wave, but I'm very aware they might crack. I am sure to have enough foods in them so they can heat slowly. Stir often to distribute heat evenly.

Thanks for the detailed review of the glassware. I'll also use glassware to reheat in the future if I needed to or after destroying other cookware LOL!

 

[Kathleen]

Great, glassware is safe but will it break when we microwave because it'll get more heated within a few seconds?

Mine are made specifically to go from Freezer to Oven or Microwave. I've used them for many years and never had an issue. They are a bit hefty in weight, but that is fine with me. They fit nicely into my lunch box, did not leak and still look new after so many years.

 

[Anitha Kishore]

Mine are made specifically to go from Freezer to Oven or Microwave. I've used them for many years and never had an issue. They are a bit hefty in weight, but that is fine with me. They fit nicely into my lunch box, did not leak and still look new after so many years.

Great, I'm also interested in getting glassware in the future!

 

[taxlady]

Great, I'm also interested in getting glassware in the future!

Just remember to get glassware that is designed to go in the oven, etc.

 

[Anitha Kishore]

Just remember to get glassware that is designed to go in the oven, etc.

Absolutely, it'll be thicker and more sturdy than other glassware!

 

[taxlady]

Just remember to get glassware that is designed to go in the oven, etc.

Absolutely, it'll be thicker and more sturdy than other glassware!

I believe the chemical composition of oven safe glass ware is different too.

 

[dragnlaw]

I believe the chemical composition of oven safe glass ware is different too.

Being "thicker and sturdier" does not necessarily make it oven or micro safe.

Make sure the packaging says it.

 

[Levionns]

Glass is my go-to for food storage since it doesn’t absorb smells or stains like plastic does. I also find it’s much better for reheating because it doesn’t warp or release any weird odors. For dry goods, I keep things like organic powdered milk in glass jars with tight lids to maintain freshness. Plastic containers get cloudy over time, and I’ve noticed they can sometimes give stored food a stale taste.

 

[Sir_Loin_of_Beef]

I have both Pyrex glass and plastic, as well as empty plastic product containers. I will reheat stuff in the Pyrex, but not in plastic unless I am willing to trash it when I am done reheating. I save empty 1 quart yogurt containers because they are excellent for salsas, sauces and soups.

 

[dcSaute]

Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers - Scientific Reports

Recent studies have indicated potential health risks associated with microplastics (MPs) exposure, including alterations in blood coagulation homeostasis. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively examine MPs in human blood and assess their association with coagulation markers. We...

www.nature.com

limited study - very dense reading, but for households the abstract has interesting findings:
- Lifestyle factors related to MP exposure were assessed, such as the use of plastic food containers.
- MPs were significantly higher in participants with a greater use of plastic food containers.

(MP = microplastics)

 

[Badjak]

36 people
Self reported use of plastic
I would take this with a grain of salt, till proper research has been done