best travel hot food containers

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• Glassware & Drinkware

The 6 Best Hot Food Thermoses of 2024, Tested and Approved

Rachel Werner is a writer and author whose work has appeared in Fabulous Wisconsin, Entrepreneurial Chef, and the book "Wisconsin Cocktails."

The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas

When you're always on the go, it's easy to get into the habit of stopping for a quick-service meal, but relying on fast food can also add up—both calorie- and money-wise. With the right storage containers, taking homemade food along to the office, school, or even on a hiking trail is a cinch.

To help find one that suits your needs, we researched top products suitable for packing up leftovers or make-ahead meals , as well as dishes to add to the kids' lunch boxes . We tested to see how long our best models would keep hot food warm and cold drinks chilled.

• How We Tested
• What to Look for

Hiking and Camping Thermos Tips

Why trust the spruce eats, best overall, thermos stainless king food jar with spoon.

 Amazon

Retains heat well

Firm seal prevents leaks

Includes full-size spoon

Plastic laminate gradually peels off

Not microwave-safe

Thanks to an uber-tight seal, the Thermos King is touted as having maximum temperature retention for hot and cold food—and it stood up to those claims to earn our best overall spot. That's all thanks to the insulation from two walls of stainless steel. The fact that the lid is designed to be used as a bowl in tandem with the included standard-sized stainless steel folding spoon adds to the convenience and overall value.

Thermos King states this thermos can keep liquids hot for nine hours and cold for up to 14 hours, so we put that claim to the test in our kitchen. We filled all 16 ounces with freshly made mac and cheese and opened the thermos every hour to see if the temperature remained consistent. It wasn't until the ninth hour that the temperature dipped. Additionally, it excelled at keeping water ice-cold: We still observed ice cubes after 14 hours in the thermos.

To test durability, we intentionally dropped the thermos and noted that it wasn't damaged in any way. Also, its wide mouth is useful for eating straight from the container, and when you need to quickly hand-wash it. Each component of this model can safely be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher, allowing easy upkeep for busy professionals on the go.

Capacity: 16 ounces | Heat Retention: Up to 9 hours | Cold Retention: Up to 14 hours

Best for Kids

Thermos foogo vacuum insulated stainless steel jar.

Dishwasher safe

Easy-to-grip rubber lid

Wide mouth is easy to eat from

Lid seal needs occasional deep cleaning

Ergonomically designed with kids in mind, the BPA-free Foogo is a favorite with parents, as its cool-to-the-touch 10-ounce body is the perfect size for a kid's lunch . The base and lid are made of rubber to make the jar easier to grip for smaller hands, too. Other perks include cost efficiency and a tough body resistant to scratches.

Our tester liked the double-wall insulation and its compact size since adults can also use this for hot sides and drinks. But our reviewer focused on one of the most important aspects of a thermos: How long will it keep your food hot? Thermos claims that this keeps food warm for up to five hours, which it fell a bit short of in tests (we don't think that's a deal-breaker, though!). Mac and cheese only stayed hot for two hours, was still warm enough to eat at four hours, and needed to be microwaved (in a separate container) by hour five. When it came to cold liquids, it did live up to its nine-hour claim, with ice cubes still present after a full workday.

One thing to note: When it was run through the dishwasher there was food left caught in the lid and gasket, so you're better off washing it by hand.

Capacity: 10 ounces | Heat Retention: Up to 5 hours | Cold Retention: Up to 7 hours

Best for Young Kids

Thermos 10-ounce funtainer food jar.

Available in a variety of colors and themes

Hand-wash only

Too small for older kids and adults

Kids will adore the array of colors and character themes the Funtainer comes in. More importantly, a wide brim makes eating less challenging for little ones getting the hang of using utensils, and the stay-cool exterior won't harm their hands. Best of all, it's lightweight and compact enough for little hands to open and carry in their lunch box .

It's imperative to strictly adhere to the instructions for use, such as warming the interior with hot water for five to 10 minutes before adding any food that will be eaten later. We found that when we did, this kept hot food warm for five hours, even if it was opened every hour to test the temperature. It also kept cold beverages cool for seven hours, with ice cubes still visible at the end of the test.

Cleaning is a bit tricky. Washing the interior of the lid does require a sponge and some detailing by hand.

Price at time of publish:   $32

The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas 

Best Budget

Simple modern vacuum insulated food jar thermos for hot food.

Sleek design

Matte finish doesn’t show streaks or fingerprints

Difficult for eating chunky soups and stews

Look to Simple Modern’s Vacuum Insulated Food Jar Thermos for a leakproof and sweatproof vessel on the cheap. Thanks to the wide opening at the top, it’s very easy to clean, and the rubber ring inside of the lid can be removed for more adequate scrubbing to prevent mold accumulation. The accompanying handle makes it easy to carry around, and the premium food-grade stainless steel is rust-resistant. 

In testing, this thermos proved to be sturdy and reliable. It did not leak when we filled it with water and turned it on its side, and when intentionally dropped from counter height, it didn’t get a single scratch or dent. It kept Italian wedding soup hot for more than five hours, and the top handle proved useful in screwing the lid off and on and carrying it around.

This holds a decent amount of food without being unwieldy, and it’s a solid everyday option for enjoying a warm lunch on the go. For less than $20, you get a well-designed, attractive thermos that does the job, with a matte finish that doesn’t show fingerprints or streaks. The only limitation we found was that the depth of the thermos made it slightly difficult to eat chunkier soups or stews, as getting to the very bottom with a spoon can be tricky.

Capacity: 16 ounces | Heat Retention: Up to 8 hours | Cold Retention: Up to 24 hours

Best for Travel

Fewoo 27 oz vacuum insulated stainless steel lunch thermos.

Large capacity

Impressive heat retention

Built-in bowl

Susceptible to dents when dropped

For taking your food on outdoor adventures with peace of mind, consider this highly rated thermos. The 18/8 stainless steel interior ensures no flavor transfer or lingering odors, and the 27-ounce capacity is plenty for your soups or on-the-go meals. Our favorite part is the handy insulated bag it comes with: This not only protects your container during transport, but it also extends the heat retention of your thermos and its contents. 

The FEWOO thermos demonstrated impressive heat retention in testing. After five hours, the soup inside was still plenty hot, and the outer lid made for a convenient bowl to eat from. The inner lid has a button for releasing air pressure to make it easier to open, too. When closed, the silicone sealing ring ensures no liquids or smells leak out of the container, which is key for long travels as it gets bumped around in your backpack.

This thermos can be a little unwieldy to carry when full, so we recommend using two hands when picking it up and using the insulated bag if you’re traveling with it. When purposely dropped from counter height, the outer lid sustained a small dent, so you’ll want to be a little careful when handling it. The large opening makes the thermos easy to fill and clean, and while it’s not necessarily practical for bringing to and from the office, we could see it getting some good use on a campout.

Capacity: 27 ounces | Heat Retention: Up to 12 hours | Cold Retention: Up to 12 hours

Best Eco-Friendly

Klean kanteen 8-ounce food canister.

Made with recycled materials

Stainless steel finish shows streaks

Only keeps food warm for a few hours

If shopping sustainably is a non-negotiable value, this food canister by Klean Kanteen is an ethical consumer’s best buy. As a certified B Corp , the business has been vetted for meeting the “highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability” within the industry, partially thanks to all of its products being Climate Neutral Certified .

This canister has the capacity to keep both hot and cold food, like ice cream, at a consistent temperature for hours, and the interior is incredibly easy to clean. Better yet, a portion of each sale is donated to the nonprofit 1% for the Planet .

Sleek and portable, the Klean Kanteen Food Canister is the perfect size for tucking into a lunch box. The swivel loop can be turned up to help open or close the thermos, then back down when you don’t need it. In testing, it didn’t leak when we filled it with water and turned it on its side. However, it didn’t keep food hot as well as some of the other thermoses—at the five-hour mark, the soup inside was lukewarm. Still, it’s a sturdy little thermos that only got a few scratches when purposely dropped from counter height, and the wide mouth makes it easy to fill, wash, and dry. The only thing we didn’t love about it was how much the stainless steel showed fingerprints, streaks, and watermarks.

Capacity: 8 ounces | Heat Retention: Up to 5 hours | Cold Retention: Up to 20 hours

For a decently sized thermos that will keep foods, such as soup, stew, and pasta, warm for up to an impressive nine hours, look no further than the Thermos Stainless Steel King Food Jar . Kids, on the other hand, will love the fun colors and cool touch of the wide-mouthed Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar .

How We Tested Hot Food Thermoses

Based on extensive online research of available models, we chose a collection of hot food thermoses to purchase and send to our experienced home testers, who filled, sealed, and even intentionally dropped each container to test its effectiveness and durability. We took the temperature of hot food and the measure of the container’s size and shape for packability. We also rated each thermos on design, performance, functionality, and overall value.

We Observed

• How well the thermoses sealed: Before adding any food to a thermos, we filled it to capacity with water to check for leaks. Each thermos was sealed tightly and then tilted on its side onto a kitchen towel. It sat for five minutes before we checked for wet spots on the fabric.
• How hot (and cold) food stayed in the thermoses: A thermos was filled to the brim with a variety of hot foods, from soup to stew to mac and cheese. We checked the contents’ initial temperature using an instant read thermometer , sealed the thermos tightly, and checked hourly for five hours to see when and how much the temperature dropped. We tested in the same way with iced beverages.
• How durable the thermoses were—even when dropped: We intentionally let every thermos fall from counter height to the floor while empty. Any body or lid damage was noted, including scratches and dings. We looked beyond the cosmetics for bent edges that prevented a lid from being tightened or an uneven bottom that kept the thermos from sitting flat.
• Design and functionality: In terms of design, we considered body and lid materials, including whether they are user- and environment-friendly. How smoothly the lid screwed on and off was noted, along with whether the overall size, shape, and mouth opening made a thermos easy or difficult to fill, pack in a lunch bag, and clean. Bonus accessories like a spoon or insulating bag were considered, too.
• Performance: Beyond testing each thermos’s seal and ability to hold heat, we looked at other characteristics that made it perform better or worse than its competitors. When filling a thermos, we noted how easy it was to pour in a soup or stew. We not only checked for leaks but also recorded how badly or how well a thermos held its contents when flipped on its side.
• Value: After testing was complete, we revealed the price of each product to decide whether the thermos was a good value for its price, overpriced, or underpriced based on its performance.

What to Look for in a Hot Food Thermos

Food thermoses tend to be shorter and wider than drink thermoses. This is so you're able to pour contents, such as soup, into the flask—and eat out of it as well. Most have a twist-on lid, which helps prevent spills. Some thermoses will have additional seals or interior lids for further spill protection. 

Stainless steel is the preferred material for thermoses. It won’t absorb color or scent from hot food that is stored in it for a long time and cleans easily. An inner flask is surrounded by a partial vacuum that won't conduct heat away from the flask, keeping the contents warm. An outer case, usually also steel, allows you to hold the container without condensation or burning your hand. The outer case may also be treated with a coating or surrounded by plastic. 

Even inexpensive models tend to be vacuum-seal stainless steel. However, the vacuum-seal method can be used with other materials like glass and plastic. Because they are not as durable as stainless steel, they are not recommended. 

The size of a thermos largely depends on what you want to use it for. Most thermoses for adults tend to be around 16 ounces, and ones for children are a little smaller. The food will cool down faster if there is excess air in the thermos, so if you want your food to stay hot for several hours, you'll want to use the best size thermos for the amount of food you're putting in it. If you just want the option for a small soup bowl at lunch, you can go with 10 ounces or smaller. If you want to carry a hearty meal in your flask, 16 ounces is likely the better fit. 

Thermoses tend to be fairly affordable, and you can typically expect to get a long-lasting one for somewhere between $15 and $30. The more expensive models may boast more fun colors, an extra-strong seal in the lid, or certain accessories, but they all will use the same stainless steel vacuum-sealed design. 

Ease of Cleaning

A stainless steel thermos is relatively easy to clean up. Because it won’t absorb scent or color from your food, you can treat it like you would any other dirty dish and wash it with soap and water. Many thermoses are dishwasher safe but not all. This isn’t because of the material but the construction: Dishwashers may mess up the vacuum seal. Interior lids and other accessories, like collapsible forks, may also require additional hand-washing to get rid of built-up grime. 

Hot food thermoses are handy to have around any time, but they can be necessities on hiking and camping adventures. We talked to Kate Bast , nature and forest therapy guide and founder of Shinrin-Yoku Madison , who offered some tips for taking thermoses beyond the classroom or office.

• Hydration : On hot days, Bast recommends hikers bring at least twice as much water as they think they need, even if that means bringing two or more thermoses. She also suggests adding hydration packets to water or filling a thermos with fruits that have high water content, such as watermelon, which can be frozen the night before to maximize coolness. On chilly days, Bast carries one thermos with room-temperature water and another containing a hot or warm beverage.
• Sustenance : "Think about the sustenance you'll need to match your exertion levels and what will be most digestible," Bast says. Her go-to hot beverages include apple or pear slices steeped in cider with maple syrup, white pine tea, and spruce needle tea. For hot food, Bast suggests bone broth , veggie broth, or other soups that you can add proteins to. For something heartier, she suggests a casserole or stew.
• Snow Days : "If you happen to be in a snowy situation after you've consumed your hot thermos items, fill it with clean snow. The residual warmth will help melt it ensuring you have more water at the ready."
• Quantity : "Always have another thermos or two [in the car] of what you brought into nature with you," Bast says. "You'll be glad to have it and be more likely to consume what you need on the trail knowing there's more waiting at the trail's end." 

Is the brand Thermos trademarked?

Thermos is synonymous with the product it produces—thermoses. But unlike Kleenex and Tupperware, Thermos has not been able to maintain the trademark on the term "thermos." The Thermos company , first started in Germany, was the first to figure out how to take industrial vacuum-sealing techniques and apply them for home use. Today, Thermos makes a wide range of insulated containers, from flasks and mugs to coolers and lunch boxes. 

How do I choose what type of thermos to get?

Before purchasing a thermos, narrow down a preferred size and what it will most frequently be used for. This could range from beverages, like coffee and tea, to meals that need to survive a long day and transport to after-school clubs and sports practices. Perhaps durability is the top concern for long outdoor treks. Check customer reviews to read common raves and complaints about each manufacturer’s products.

How does a thermos work?

Using a stainless steel vacuum-sealed design, an inner flask maintains contents at a consistent temperature, since warm or cold air cannot easily penetrate or escape from the flask. The outer material, usually made of hard plastic or steel, allows the thermos to be comfortably held and transported without liquid leaking out.

How long do thermoses keep contents hot or cold?

High-quality thermal flasks can keep food and beverages warm for as long as a full 24 hours. More economical brands will typically retain the original temperature of contents for four to six hours.

Rachel Werner teaches culinary writing through Hugo House and has been selecting food-based businesses for editorial coverage for over six years. Her product and restaurant reviews, food styling, and photography have appeared in a variety of regional and national publications including Fabulous Wisconsin, BRAVA, and Hobby Farms Magazine. For this roundup, she interviewed Kate Bast , nature and forest therapy guide and founder of Shinrin-Yoku Madison .

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a freelance journalist who specializes in food and drink content. She tested three of the thermoses in this roundup to see how well they kept food warm, if they were leakproof, and how durable they were.

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• Entertaining
• Good Times, Good Food

The Best Hot Food Containers for a Comforting Lunch Away From Home

These'll keep your food warm without any messy leaks.

Allrecipes / Brian Kopinski

Long hours at work, endless errands, an occasional day trip—many of us live our lives on the go. But that doesn't mean we can't eat delicious home-cooked meals throughout the day. Insulated containers are useful tools that let you keep fresh, hot food at your fingertips, ready to eat whenever lunchtime rolls around. Whether you're packing last night's leftovers or your weekly meal prep , these travel-friendly containers are a game changer when you're away from home for long periods.

Our Favorites

Our top pick: stanley adventure vacuum food jar, best budget: thermos stainless king food jar, best for kids: thermos 10-ounce funtainer food jar, best for day hikes: hydro flask insulated food jar.

• Best Large: S'well Eats 2-in-1 Nesting Food Bowls

How We Tested

We tasked Allstar Amy Barnes with testing various hot food containers and reporting back on her findings. First, she analyzed each design to determine who it would work best for. She then checked for heat retention by leaving hot water in the container for at least five hours, taking the temperature at the beginning and end of the test. She left filled containers upside down to check for leaks and examined if they would be prone to damage. Here are a few important characteristics we paid extra attention to:

• Heat Retention: Was a significant amount of heat lost within five hours? Does the container get hot to the touch when you add food, or is it insulated?
• Size: Is it large enough to hold a full meal? If it's more for kids or small appetites, would they be able to grasp the lid to open it, or is it too big for small hands?
• Features: Can the lid double as a cup? Will you need to remember your travel cutlery or need a separate bowl at mealtime?

Why It's Great: Keeps food hot for hours; doesn't leak; built-in storage compartment and spork; vintage look

Grain of Salt: Spork can be difficult to detach; not the best choice for kids

Yes, Stanley is great at insulated water tumblers , but its first claim to fame was the Stanley insulated vacuum bottles. This classic version features a wide mouth for easy filling (and eating), an integrated storage compartment and spork, and most importantly, Stanley's double-wall insulation that will keep your food hot for hours.

Of all the containers Amy tested, this had the best five-hour temperature reading and kept its contents warm for a full seven hours. The vacuum seal was held throughout testing, with no leaks reported. The spork did get in the way when trying to open the double lid, and kids might need adult assistance. That said, the 18-ounce capacity is the perfect size for a filling meal and this could fit into lunch boxes for adults or kids.

The Details: 4.5 x 7.1 inches; 18-ounce capacity; dishwasher safe but hand-washing recommended

"The Stanley thermos reminds me of my grandpa's favorite coffee thermos. Stanley's style, durability, and functionality shine in this modern updated thermos featuring an attached spork." — Amy Barnes , Allrecipes Allstar

Why It's Great: Will keep your lunch warm; good for adults and kids; spoon built into the lid

Grain of Salt: Slightly narrow opening

Slightly squatter and smaller than our top pick, this classic Thermos performed almost as well as the Stanley and is "kid and mom-approved" according to Amy. The 16-ounce capacity is still large enough for a filling meal, and the vacuum insulation was able to hold liquids at 100°F after five hours, so it should keep lunch warm.

This is a great leak-free container for kids and adults, easily fitting into lunch boxes or a backpack. A foldable spoon is hidden inside the lid, which doubles as a cup, so you don't have to worry about it getting lost in transport. Though the opening is still considered wide mouth, it was slightly narrow so you'll need to take extra caution when filling. Also, if the stainless-steel spoon is broken or lost, Thermos sells replacements .

The Details: 3.7 x 5.5 inches; 16-ounce capacity; dishwasher safe

Why It's Great: Great heat retention; fits smaller lunch boxes; colorful

Grain of Salt: Lid isn't large enough to double as a cup

Whether it's for a smaller appetite or to simply break up lunch into two containers, Thermos' 10-ounce Funtainer is another option for everyone in the household. The food jar is the perfect size for smaller lunch boxes, and you don't have to worry about it leaking.

The small size didn't hurt its performance at all. After five hours, hot liquids were still pretty warm at 111°F, thanks to the stainless-steel build and vacuum seal. This might be prone to denting from the inevitable drop, and we would like the lid to be a bit larger so it can truly double as a cup.

The Details: 3.5 x 4.5 inches; 10-ounce capacity; dishwasher safe but hand-washing recommended

Why It's Great: Decent heat retention; easy to pour into; different colors and sizes available; stylish

Grain of Salt: Not the best option for lunch boxes; no integrated cutlery

Hot food containers aren't for weekday lunch alone. They're also perfect for packing your weekend lunch whether that's on a hike, at the beach, or in the car between morning soccer practice and an afternoon birthday party. The 20-ounce Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar fits the bill. It won't leak if thrown onto your passenger seat or tossed into a backpack, and everyone can get a good grip on the exterior.

While this did keep food on the warm side for five hours, it wasn't as hot as the Stanley or Themos. But it does come in a larger capacity, and it's way more stylish. You will also have to tote along travel utensils as there's no built-in cutlery.

The Details: 4.3 x 4.6 inches; 20 ounces; dishwasher safe

Best Large: S'well Eats 2-in-1 Nesting Food Bowls

Why It's Great: Good heat retention; comes with inner prep bowl; stylish

Grain of Salt: Inner bowl takes up space

Having a packed lunch means you're great at one thing: meal prep. S'well stainless-steel insulated container makes that one step easier since it comes with a Tritan plastic prep bowl that fits inside. So you can layer your hot lunch in the prep bowl, seal everything up, and tip it into the larger container for mealtime mixing.

With or without the inner bowl, this didn't leak and it did a good job of retaining heat for five hours. The inner bowl is microwave-safe in case lunch needs a little warming up. This is more for teenagers or adults, instead of a kid's lunch, and you'll have to remember to pack any flatware. But, as Amy puts it, "even an ordinary lunch in the cafeteria feels a little fancier in this S'well food storage option."

The Details: 4.8 x 4.6 inches; 21.5-ounce capacity; dishwasher safe

Our Takeaway

The Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar and the slightly smaller Thermos Stainless King Food Jar will keep your food hot for hours (or at least until lunchtime), and you won't need to pack any extras.

How to Pick the Right Hot Food Containers

Heat retention.

Of course, it's nicer to eat a hot lunch on a cold day (or in a cold office). But heat retention serves a very important function: it can help keep your food above the food safety "Danger Zone" (40°F to 140°F). The Danger Zone is the range of temperatures where bacteria multiply most rapidly, and keeping your food above it can help prevent food sickness.

There are two important aspects to consider when it comes to size: how much food a container will hold and what it'll be carried in. Ten to 12-ounce containers are great for those with smaller appetites or when it's being transported in a classic lunch box alongside a day's worth of snacks and drinks. Sixteen to 28-ounce containers work for larger appetites or more active days. This will have to be placed in larger lunch bags or backpacks.

Many hot food containers are safe to put into the dishwasher if you place them on the top rack. But, after some time, the heat and abrasive cleaners can end up affecting the container's seal so you'll see hand-washing is the recommended route. Hand-washing also allows you to clean any nooks and crannies, especially if the lid comes apart. Doing so can prevent mold growth and/or staining.

The Leftovers: Other Hot Food Containers We Tested

We wanted to like the Bentgo Stainless Insulated Food Container . Its simple design and compact form make it an easy choice to pack for lunch, but we were less than impressed with its performance. The container leaked a lot, and even when left upright for five hours, it barely retained any heat, which could lead your food to go bad before you get hungry.

Common Questions

What can you put in a hot food container.

These are great for liquid or semi-liquid meals, such as stews, soups, and curries. If you want the container to keep the meal warm for hours, you should warm it up before adding the container. Since these have great insulation, they're also perfect for keeping cold food cold. You can bring a cold fruit snack or make a jar salad during the warmer months.

Should you preheat hot food containers?

You can! To warm up the stainless steel, pour boiling-hot water into the container and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then dump the water and add your food. You can also pre-chill a container by placing ice inside for about 10 minutes before adding cold food.

Why Take Our Word For It?

Siobhan Wallace  is the senior commerce editor for Allrecipes. She has been bringing her lunch to the office for decades and frequently brings larger snacks on her day hikes and beach visits.

Aly Walansky is a New York City-based lifestyle, food, and travel journalist with twenty years of experience covering budget cooking, food news, and culinary travel for various digital publications.

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Tested and Approved: The Best Food Thermos

By Zoë Sessums

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We toted seven thermoses around New York City—on public transportation! Up and down stairs! Through crowded sidewalks!—to find the best food thermos for carrying hot contents and keeping food warm. As it turns out, there wasn't even a bad thermos in the bunch. There were no leaks, spills, or lukewarm disappointments. While we did have our favorites, we can confidently say the world of hot food thermoses is vast and reliable. Keep reading to decide which shape and size is best for you; for the specifics of how we tested and what to look for in a food thermos, scroll to the bottom of the page.

The Best All-Inclusive Thermos: Thermos King Food Jar with Folding Spoon

It should come as no surprise that the Thermos brand makes top-performing hot food containers. We particularly found the King Food Jar impressive. Its double-wall vacuum insulation kept our creamy squash soup hot from morning to lunch (roughly five hours), all while remaining cool to the touch externally. Though a little wider than some of the other containers we tested, the Thermos has a grooved design that makes it easy to hold. It comes with a telescoping stainless steel spoon, which adds some weight to the overall product but is overall quite handy. We found eating directly from the main container to be easy, but in classic thermos construction, the lid doubles as a miniature insulated serving bowl. One Amazon reviewer notes: "There is just enough room to fold a small paper towel inside the cup between the thermos and the stopper so you can clean up after your meal."

When it came to cleaning, there were no challenging nooks and crannies to wash. The twisting stopper that houses the spoon is one solid piece with a detachable rubber ring, and it doesn't hide any old food. Although dishwasher-safe for the top rack, hand-washing is recommended. The container is solid enough to withstand a dozen tumbles or more, though it does come with a five-year warranty.

BUY IT: Thermos Stainless King (16-Ounce) Food Jar with Folding Spoon, $20 on Amazon

The Best Standard Food Thermos: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar

We loved the heat-holding power of this Japanese brand's travel mug in a previous product test, and we were similarly fans of its food thermos. After five hours, the soup was still hot and enjoyable to eat without reheating. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, the vacuum-insulated container is said to resist rusting, tarnishing, staining, and leaking (this goes for soup and harmful chemicals). Plus, the thermal insulation of the product has a five-year warranty. The opening is wide enough to eat out of with any size utensil.

The Zojirushi lid has a unique design that makes up for the fact that you can't use it as a cup. There are dimples to grasp onto and a vent that releases the pressure inside to make the lid easier to open. This helps avoid those times where you might struggle to unscrew the top and end up spilling hot soup in your lap. Plus, we found the finish to feel less slippery than other thermos we tested. There are a lot more parts to the lid, including a rubber gasket, but you can take everything apart to ensure a deep-cleaning.

The design of the Zojirushi food jar is sleek and fun, and it comes in a variety of colors like shiny blue, pink, cream, dark brown, and stainless steel. We tested the 11.8-ounce option and even in small hands, the container is easy to hold and carry. If you want a larger one, it's available in 16.9- and 25-ounce versions, too. It took up little space in a tote bag and would fit nicely in most lunch bags . Thanks to the ease of disassembly, wide-mouth opening, and nonstick interior coating, the cleaning process was struggle-free. It's not dishwasher-safe, but neither are most thermoses.

BUY IT: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar (11.8-Ounce), $24 on Amazon

How We Tested

We filled all of the thermoses with hot water—180 degrees F, to be exact—screwed on the lids, and let them sit. (We did not preheat the mugs by filling them with hot water first because it seemed like an extra step most people would avoid.) Every two hours, we opened them up and checked the temperature and heat retention. In between checking the temperature, we took the thermoses on joyrides. We walked a few flights of stairs, shook them around, and rolled them along the counter. On a different day, we microwaved a batch of soup in the morning, filled each thermos with an 8-ounce serving, and toted them to work. Roughly five hours later, at lunch time, we unscrewed the lids and ate a few spoonfuls. This helped determine the ease of eating out of the container, too.

We also filled all of the thermoses with cold water and 10 ice cubes, and checked the temperature every two hours. However, we didn't stress the importance of keeping food cold. Most people are looking for heat retention in a thermos and most reviews we read recommended packing the thermoses with ice packs to help foods stay cold.

Factors We Evaluated

We were looking for a thermos that kept food hot after five hours. We didn't measure the temperature with a thermometer, but simply checked by touch and tasted the contents to determine if they were satisfactory to consume.

Naturally, we were looking for a leak-free thermos. We needed it to survive a jerky subway ride and the motions of walking up and down stairs. If this thermos was sent off in a lunchbox, would it survive the school bus ride or a trip to the playground?

We didn't want a thermos that was too cumbersome or heavy, as this would surely make someone give up on bringing their lunch to work. We wanted one that was easy to eat out of, too. Why dirty another container?

We paid attention to how easy each thermos was to disassemble and reassemble. Is it dishwasher-safe? Is it easy to wash by hand? Are there too many nooks and crannies for food to hide in?

Other Food Thermoses We Tested

After reading various roundups, articles, and Amazon reviews, we settled on seven thermoses to test. We considered models in the 10- to 17-ounce range, since we were ultimately looking for ones to bring to work or school. We found them all to retain heat well and stay leak-proof under stress, but, maintaining the role of tough critic, we found things to nitpick. The Stanley thermos was incredible at keeping contents hot and cold and has a nostalgic look most people recognize and love, but it just felt too giant for toting on a daily commute. Though the Hydro Flask Food Flask comes in a punchy color and was comfortable to hold, it claims to retain heat for up to three hours, not five. The Black and Blum Food Flask was sleek, but the faux leather strap and spoon attachment felt like a less sanitary solution than the Thermos brand's hidden spoon. The MIRA Lunch Food Jar has a similar construction to the Hydro and the Black and Blum Flasks, but the outside got dirty quickly. The Thermos Funtainer looked and felt very close to the Zojirushi container but without the extra lid features and ability to deconstruct.

The Takeaway

Buy a Thermos King Food Jar for a compact, all things included experience. It has a spoon and a bowl, and will keep your lunch hot all day. If you're looking for something sleeker and smaller, get the Zojirushi Food Jar .

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Tested: The Best Hot Food Thermoses for Camping

By: Ethan Brehm Published: Apr 16, 2024

By: Ethan Brehm and Sean Tirman Published: Apr 16, 2024

Contributors

Most folks, especially those deeply ingrained in the world of outdoor adventure and/or physical fitness, are familiar with vacuum-insulated water bottles. And while that marks a quick fix for hydration on the go, that’s only half of the sustenance equation. For longer jaunts on the trails and camping trips, food is absolutely a necessity.

If you’re headed out to your favorite campsite, you can always turn to MREs and emergency rations, but they’re not exactly appetizing. Of course, you could also cook over the fire or bring food from home, but then you might run into issues with storage. But there’s actually a handy solution for that. You see, a number of brands that make those handy vacuum-insulated water bottles have also put that technology into other storage containers specifically designed to carry food and keep the temperature consistent for hours on end. In order to figure out which of these thermoses you should get for yourself, we tested our favorites and have rounded up the best of the best.

Best Food Thermoses

Best Budget Thermos

Simple Modern Provision Food Jar 16oz

Best Overall

Thermos Stainless Icon 24-Ounce Food Jar

Best for Camping

Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar

Best for Soup

Zojirushi Steel Food Jar

Best Small Thermos

YETI Rambler Lowball

Best for Commuting

Energify Vacuum Insulated Food Jar

Best High-End

Hydro Flask Food Jar

Article Overview

How We Tested

Temperature safety zone, what to look for in a thermos, hot food thermos comparison chart, honorable mentions, tested: the best insulated water bottles.

With so many hot food thermoses to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you and your situation. To make matters easier, we tested the best and most popular options available. First, we created a shortlist based on our own experience with these jars, as well as other criteria such as brand reputation, aesthetic, heat retention, materials, and lid design.

From there, we sourced units for testing and used each one how they were designed to be used. Our tester put hot soup inside, ate from them, shook and dropped them to check for leaking, and also performed a separate test to see how long the food would stay hot for, with temperature reduction results given for each one after a 12-hour period. All of our results are detailed below.

Before taking a bite out of the soup you made hours ago before leaving the house, you should know about the temperature safety zone. Essentially, the guideline states that in normal conditions, cooked food should remain above 140ºF for as long as possible. After it comes below that threshold, the food is much more likely to grow bacteria and can be unedible as quickly as 2 hours later. This can be pushed to 4 hours if needed, especially if other conditions (such as lack of oxygen and external moisture) are optimal.

Size: The size of your food thermos will depend on what you’re using it for. If you’re looking to pack a small serving for lunch at work then you won’t likely need anything too big. However, if you’re heading out for a day’s journey and are looking to return to a helping of soup or tea or coffee every once in a while, you’ll want a larger container.

Heat Retention: Heat retention is key to any thermos. However, when it comes to heat, insulated containers can only keep the temperatures at a fraction of the time that it can keep cold for. But note, the more air is inside of your container, the shorter time it stays hot for.

Lid: Make sure you know if the lid of your thermos is leakproof before stuffing it away in your backpack for the day.

Material: Not that it really differs, but you’ll almost always want food-grade stainless steel construction when it comes to keeping foods hot. Not only will you not have to worry about any leeching materials but it will significantly increase heat retention. You’ll also want to make sure that it’s thick enough and insulated enough so that you can hold the container from the outside without burning your hand.

*NOTE: Heat retention times are estimates and will be more accurate if the container is full.

• Unique design
• Handle on lid provides good leverage
• Solid heat retention
• Multiple size and color options
• Clangs loudly when dropped

Best Budget Thermos: If you’re in a situation where you’re trying to save some money and see hot food jars as serving a utilitarian purpose, then Simple Modern should be your go-to. However, you won’t be sacrificing much of anything in the way of visual appeal or performance, with the brand offering an impressive range of products in various sizes and colors, with fun themes for those who want some character to their food and drink transport. Made with double-wall 18/8 stainless steel, their Provision Food Jar comes in two sizes, both of which are well under the $20 price point. These are fantastic options for larger families, especially if you have kids and need to buy more than one or two. Also, they come with a limited lifetime warranty .

My family and I have been using Simple Modern jars and water bottles for quite some time now and swear by them. Aside from being highly affordable, they’re just great products. For the Provision Food Jar, we opted to test the 16oz version (there’s also a 12oz version), which is a great size to fit anything from chili to pasta to even half of a small cheeseburger. While most “cheap” container options will forego any sort of design language, the Simple Modern still gives this thermos a unique look, with some utilitarian function thrown in. I love the look that the handle on top of the lid provides, but also, the handle itself is easy to grab when this jar is down deep in your backpack or tote. Likewise, it gives you nice leverage when opening up the jar.

When it came to heat retention, the Simple Modern Provision Food Jar performed right in the middle, with only 44.1ºF temperature loss over the course of 12 hours. For $18, it’s hard to complain about much, but I will say the clang of these jars is quite startling, especially in a quiet room like a library or classroom where people are trying to focus. The twist top gives you options for tightness, but still won’t leak even if you don’t clamp it shut with a vice. It’s easy to open and close, even for younger users. I also love how it can be washed in a dishwasher (top rack), which is great since you may have several of these due to their low price. Although, the brand says they will last longer being hand-washed.

Verdict: The best option for saving money, this Provision Food Jar from Simple Modern is leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and features a unique look, even for a budget-friendly thermos. Available in several colors and patterns, these are fantastic for families with kids but are also great for any type of consumer who loves being frugal the smart way.

Size: 16oz Material: Double-wall stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 44.1ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: Yes

• Long heat retention
• Lid doubles as bowl and includes spoon
• Grippy bottom makes for quiet set-downs
• Nice visual appeal
• Harder to eat out of with spoon

Best Overall: Like Kleenex, Thermos is so synonymous with insulated food and beverage storage that its name is often used interchangeably. Of course, they’ve also earned a reputation for being one of the best in the game, so that association isn’t simply due to chance. That can be seen in abundance via their Stainless Icon Food Jar you see here. It’s built from stainless steel, can keep up to 24oz of food hot for up to fourteen hours or cold for 24, comes with its own collapsible and packable folding serving spoon, and the lid doubles as a bowl for easy eating anywhere.

For our testing, we opted for the “saddle” colorway, which has a really attractive, old-school, almost rusty appearance. However, there are plenty of other color options available as well. In terms of heat retention, the Thermos Icon performed the best over a 12-hour period, and it wasn’t even really close. After the allotted testing time, the food inside only dropped 24.1ºF (the 2nd-best jar still dropped nearly 39º). And depending on your starting temperature, the food might still be above the 140º recommended for food safety . The reason for these impressive numbers is probably a combination of overall construction and the depth of the lid itself, which plugs the open mouth about 2″ deep. Another nice touch to the construction is the grippy base, which didn’t stick to surfaces so much that caused the thermos to topple over but still prevented loud drops.

Aside from heat retention, the ergonomics of the lid were nice as well. The slanted ridges on the side help with opening and closing, especially if the cap is on tightly. It also lets you tighten the lid as far as you want, relatively. However, I didn’t love how much resistance I got past a certain point; it felt like I had closed it all the way even though I hadn’t. The included cup over the lid is sizeable and has openings between threads for drinking. Other cups like this force you to drink over the threads. Also, I like the built-in spoon, which has a nice quality. However, whenever I had to push a bit into my food, the top part of the spoon kept closing. This only happened when I ate using my right hand and wasn’t as much of a problem when I switched to my left hand. While the Icon doesn’t have the same grooved grip on the exterior housing as the King model, there’s still a decent amount of grip on the side that it won’t slip out of your hand too easily.

Verdict: With the best heat retention of the products we tested, Thermos’ Stainless Icon is a large food jar that looks really great. Featuring an ergonomic lid with an included cup, the vessel sports a thoughtful design, even though we had some troubles with the spoon itself. However, if you’re looking for the originators of these camp-ready food jars, Thermos should be the first name out of your mouth.

Size: 24oz Material: Stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 24.1ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: Yes

• Rugged for the outdoors
• It’s attachable thanks to ring on side
• Included spork and cup
• Wide opening makes it easy to eat out of
• Lid is difficult to open/close
• Default spork is exposed to elements on the outside

Best for Camping: Thermos probably has the most recognizable name in food and beverage storage , but the Stanley brand is quite literally legendary in the outdoor world — so it should come as no surprise to find them on our list. Their Adventure Vacuum Food Jar can store up to 18 ounces of food inside it and keep it warm for up to a whopping 12 hours. It’s also built from sturdy stainless steel, is completely leakproof, comes with an integrated spork, and the lid doubles as a bowl. Undoubtedly, this is one of the all-time best vacuum-insulated food containers and is completely leakproof. However, it’s not dishwasher safe, so keep that in mind.

Stanley’s bottles and jars are incredibly rugged and this Adventure Food Jar was no different. Never denting upon dropping, the sturdy container is tough without adding much extra weight. The mouth on this thermos is very wide, which is excellent for eating out of. Although it holds 18oz, it orients its weight outward instead of upward. The included cup on top comes on and off easily, although I didn’t love the feeling of sipping from it , with a weird lip that made me too conscious of spilling potential. However, there’s a really cool compartment on top of the inner lid that’s great for keeping dry items such as ketchup packets, bread, or croutons, among other things. I also like the minimal look of this all-stainless container, although I did notice it was a bit slippery in my hand with a lack of grip. On the other hand, the temperature retention was pretty solid, only losing 41.4ºF in a 12-hour period, which was in the upper-half of the products we tested.

My biggest gripe here was the difficulty in opening the lid. It was the only cap of the ones I tested that gave me trouble. There’s not a whole lot of grip and the resistance was unusually high. Not to mention, closing the container also proved to be frustrating and I wasn’t sure if I had the threads on properly. Another issue I had was the equipped spork, which was WAY too difficult to remove and also got in the way of the already-finicky lid. Unlike other built-in utensils, this one is situated on the outside of the container, thus exposing it to the elements like dirt and bacteria. It’s also plastic instead of metal, which could be a problem for some. On the other hand, I did like the included D-ring on the opposite side, which is nice for hooking onto your backpack.

Verdict: Great for camping due to its equipped keyring, hidden dry compartment, and built-in cup and spoon, the Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar had really solid heat retention but could still be improved in some areas. For one, the spoon is situated on the outside and the lid was the most difficult to open and close. However, Stanley’s reputation for toughness holds up here yet again.

Size: 18oz Material: Stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 41.4ºF Dishwasher Safe?: No Leak-Proof?: Yes

• Lightweight
• Wider base for stability
• Easy to drink from
• Hidden compartment is flimsy

Best for Soup: One of the classic uses for a hot food thermos is transporting soups and chilis. However, not all thermoses excel in this regard, in terms of both function and temperature retention . Not requiring as much space for transportation, watery soups may not hold their heat as long as denser chilis or chowders, and some thermoses are simply not as spill-proof as others. Zojirushi has a great option with its Steel Food Jar, which holds 11.8oz of contents inside of its rust-proof stainless steel housing with a wide base for extra stability.

Lightweight and still durable, the Zojirushi Steel food jar may not feature double-walled construction but you’d never guess otherwise. Helping it to shed some weight in the process, the steel of this nearly 12-ounce container kept its food warm really well, with only a 46.3-degree temperature drop after 12 hours. Easy to pick up one-handed despite the slick steel exterior, the thermos admittedly has some plastic components, such as the wide base and the lid’s grip, but these don’t ever come in contact with the hot food. Although it’s not even 6″ tall, the wider base prevents it from toppling over, even though this thing is leakproof either way. Nothing came out during our drop test. I also liked the molded plastic lid, which features some thumb grooves to make this easy to open and close.

On the other hand, the Zojirushi Steel Food Jar isn’t terribly big so it may not be the most favorable option for everyone, especially at this higher price point. It doesn’t come with a spoon, which won’t be a deal-breaker (I’m not sure who’s buying these strictly for the spoons). However, it’s also fairly difficult to drink out of when the contents lessen. The lip on the inside was preventing smaller amounts from coming out slowly towards the end of my meal. I did love the built-in compartment within the lid, which some of these thermoses have. However, unlike the Stanley thermos above, which features a snap-on top (and has a second cap to cover it), the compartment on the Zojirushi is a flimsy twist-on that could potentially come undone on its own.

Verdict: Perfect for hot, liquidy foods, the Zojirushi Steel Food Jar is lightweight and easy to handle. The wide base is perfect for preventing spills, even though it’s leakproof anyway. Featuring some solid temperature retention, the vessel could have used some improvements in the construction of the hidden compartment up top, but it’s still better than no compartment at all.

Size: 11.8oz Material: Stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 46.3ºF Dishwasher Safe?: No Leak-Proof?: Yes

• You can see inside
• Good for hot beverages with sipping lid
• Cupholder-compatible
• Not leakproof at all
• Lowest heat retention, but expected

Best Small Thermos: Technically, YETI’s Rambler Lowball container was actually intended for campground beverages . But its wide-mouth design and dishwasher-safe double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction also makes it an exceptional food container. Granted, 10 ounces is not a ton of space and it doesn’t have a leakproof lid, but it will still keep whatever you have in it warm (or cold) for hours and it’s available in a multitude of colors. Just make sure you’re extra careful not to let this one tip over while it has food inside of it. Plus, once you’re done eating, all you need to do is give it a quick wash and you can fill it with coffee in the morning or whiskey at night. And it’s cupholder-compatible for long car rides or car camping.

YETI is a big player in drinkware, especially for the outdoors, and this Rambler is no different. The sipping lid makes it good for soup, although many won’t love how easily it leaks when toppled over. On the other hand, you’re probably getting this thermos knowing the hazards. I love the clear top, which lets you see how much food or soup you have left inside, and the versatility of this thermos is great when camping; it can easily double as a coffee mug . Most people love the sensation of opening and closing the sliding sipper cover, but there’s also a definitive firmness when operating it that lets you know if it’s opened or closed. I’ve used other sliding covers like this where it’s more ambiguous and flimsy. On the other hand, you won’t be able to put this in your backpack because of the nature of the lid itself.

It’s important to note that the Rambler Lowball had the worst heat retention of the jars we tested, at a 65.4-degree loss, but this was very much expected and honestly not as bad as it could have been considering the plastic top and the fact that this was the only jar with actual openings in the lid. Likewise, there was a lot of leaking when turned upside down or toppling over. However, this was surprisingly minimal if you’re just walking furiously. You can also remove the lid altogether if you want an even quicker cool-down. On that note, it’s important to mention that the lid is fairly difficult to remove, and will likely lead to spilling when forcing it open, since you’ll have to tilt the mug at an angle to peel it off. Other Rambler options have handles on the outside, which might be preferred for some buyers.

Verdict: Featuring the quality and ruggedness you’d expect with anything from YETI, the Rambler Lowball is a small yet useful thermos that can easily be converted into a mug with the sipping lid. The thermos is prone to leaking and spilling, however, the lid has a lot of benefits as well, such as its ability to let you see inside and its versatility. Great for camping and the outdoors, this 10-ounce container may not serve the same purpose as the others we tested but is unique and very well-built.

Size: 10oz Material: Stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 65.4ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: No

• Unique design language
• Innovative strap design for lugging around or holding extras
• Several size and color options
• Lifetime warranty
• Great heat retention
• Grip could be better

Best for Commuting: Energify’s Vacuum Insulated Food Jar has a lot of the same features you’ve seen repeated on this list: a stainless steel construction, double-wall insulation, a leakproof cap, an included folding spoon , and a lid that doubles as a bowl. But it also has a couple of handy features you might not find elsewhere. That includes a flexible handle for easier carrying and, perhaps most importantly, a lifetime guarantee. Boasting a lifetime warranty for good measure, it’s also available in 12, 17. or 24 ounces and a number of different colorways. For this guide, we got hands-on with the 24oz version.

A major highlight of the Energify container is the innovative silicone strap system built into the lid. First of all, the silicone itself is very sturdy, plus it’s designed to firmly hold extra utensils or napkins underneath, clamping them down so that they won’t go anywhere. On the outside, the silicone makes a loop that can be used for carrying with your fingers or via a carabiner. Colored orange, this extra detail also just adds to the overall unique design language of the thermos, going along with the bicolored housing (we tested the gray and silver unit). Unlike the spoon that comes with the Thermos model above, the spoon in the Energify is better for right-handers and doesn’t close as easily when eating. Underneath the spoon compartment is another fun detail: There’s a yellow button that can be pressed to let air out. This is great for cooling off your food or simply releasing pressure that can build up with any hot food. In terms of heat retention, the Energify had the second-smallest temperature drop at just 38.9ºF in 12 hours.

The one aspect of the Energify Food Jar that could be improved is the exterior grip. The thermos is rather fat and the stainless steel housing is pretty slick. There’s also no real grip on the massive outer plastic lid/cup, which could have made it difficult to open, but fortunately, it doesn’t tighten too hard. As for the practical cap underneath, it features one of the best grips for opening and closing, no matter how tight you have it. However, the deep-set lid could have better agreeability; I found it tricky to get the threads to cooperate on a consistent basis.

Verdict: If you’re looking for something unique but also practical, the Energify Food Jar is your best bet, with an innovative strap system for carrying and storing extra items. Other thoughtful details are the built-in spoon and a button that can release pressure from or ventilate your food. We could’ve used some more external grip but this commuter-friendly thermos with a large built-in cup is an affordable and attractive option nonetheless.

Size: 24oz Material: Double-wall stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 38.9ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes (except for stopper) Leak-Proof?: Yes

• Wide mouth for easy eating
• Leak-proof yet easy to open
• Good dimensions for the size
• Below average heat retention

Best High-End: Hydro Flask has made a name for itself as one of the most reliable and stylish insulated water bottle brands available on the market. As it turns out, they have also taken their expertise and pared it into a handy TempShield double-wall vacuum-insulated food jar perfect for camping. Available in a 20-ounce capacity and a trio of beautiful colorways, it’s built from food-safe BPA-free 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel and it’s powder-coated so you don’t have to worry about it slipping out of your hands.

If you want a wide-mouthed food jar that best resembles a bowl, this Hydro Flask unit is the one to beat. It may not come with a spoon, but that certainly isn’t a deal breaker. Despite the 20-ounce capacity, the dimensions of this vessel are perfect; it’s not too tall nor is it too wide. Since it’s leak-proof, you can throw this into your backpack worry-free, and without it taking up much room. Sporting a minimalist aesthetic, the jar comes in a variety of colorways and finds its details subtly. For instance, the lid doesn’t have any built-in grooves for grip, but instead, it’s rubberized to help you open and close it with ease. Even with hot food inside, the pressure never got too strong that this was difficult to open, no matter how tight the lid was. Likewise, the slight concavity of the cap is conducive to stacking other jars on top of this one.

With a 52.9-degree loss in 12 hours, the Hydro Flask had the second-worst heat retention of the units we tested. Aside from the ability to spoon out your food easier, the wide mouth of the jar isn’t necessarily great for drinking (unless you, yourself, have a wide mouth). Another thing that I noticed was the louder-than-average noise this jar made when clanging against certain surfaces, similar to the Simple Modern food jar above. If I’m nitpicking, I didn’t love the sharp ridge under the bottom edge of the lid, which scratched me a couple of times (no broken skin) but could mess with some of the items you have in your bag if they’re on the more supple side. Also, some have complained about the absence of a built-in bowl with this thermos, especially considering the slightly higher price tag.

Verdict: For a 20-ounce food jar with no external spoon or lid, $40 may seem like a high price, but rest assured that Hydro Flask’s supreme quality control is front and center on this food jar. With meticulous details such as a grippy lid and a wide mouth that’s great for eating, the unit also sports desirable dimensions that balance height and width. Also, it’s leak-proof, making it a solid thermos for tossing into your backpack or tote bag .

Size: 20oz Material: Double-wall stainless steel Temperature Loss (12hrs): 52.9ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: Yes

Average in price, the Bentgo Stainless Insulated Food Container is another bowl-style thermos, but with the ability to hold up to 19oz of soup or food. Despite its triple-layered insulation, the temperature retention isn’t as great as some others.

Black+Blum’s Food Flask is a design-forward yet rugged steel thermos made for the outdoors. However, despite decent temperature retention, it may be a bit more form than function.

We like the minimalist design of this MiiR Food Canister Jar , but the performance was lackluster and the liquid annoying got between the interior compartments when tilted.

Triple-insulated for maximum heat retention, this S’well Eats insulated travel bowl is a popular choice. It also comes with an interior bowl that’s microwave-safe. However for $50, its lack of durability, which impacts the integrity of the vacuum seal, is an issue.

Despite phenomenal products using the latest production techniques and innovations, Stanley is always faithful to its heritage. This rad vintage-style food jar, as part of its Classic Series , features a side handle and a lid that doubles as a cup, and looks like something your dad would have camped with as a kid.

Food is crucial for every camping trip, but so is fresh water to drink. Take a look at our recent guide where we tested the best water bottles around.

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The Best Insulated Thermoses for Keeping Food and Beverages Fresh

We tried out thermoses from brands like Stanley, Yeti, and Otterbox to find the best insulated containers for your lunch.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

The Best Insulated Thermoses

• Best Overall: OtterBox Elevation 36-Oz Growler
• Best Best for Meals on the Go: Stanley Adventure to Go Insulated Food Jar
• Best for Camping: Stanley Legendary Classic Vacuum Insulated Thermos
• Best for Packed Lunches: Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar
• Best for Coffee: Zojiruishi Vacuum Insulated Thermos Mug

What to Consider

Ideally, a thermos is a purchase that’ll last you through every camping trip, day at the office, and picnic for years to come. Here are some tips to help you find the right insulated container that’ll keep contents hot, cold, or a little bit of both.

The two main types of insulation used for insulated food containers are foam and vacuum insulation, but the latter is the standard for most thermos brands (originally, “thermos” referred only to the brand Thermos, but it’s since become a general term for vacuum-sealed mugs and bowls).

Vacuum insulation uses a double-wall construction that creates a gap between the thermos contents and the exterior of the container. It stops hot or cold air from getting in or getting out, and will keep your snacks and drinks at the right temperature for much longer than a single-wall, non-sealed container.

Based on our in-house testing and research on top contenders, we chose to only include thermoses that have vacuum insulation in our recommendations.

If you plan to bring your insulated container on hikes or long treks, durability is an important factor to consider. A thermos made with materials like stainless steel is more likely to be able to handle some bumps and dings without damaging the exterior or the thermo-regulation capabilities. (Keep in mind that some thermoses have plastic lids or additional attachments, which may not be able to handle a tumble or repeated drops.)

Features and Practicality

Maybe you don’t think you need any extra bells and whistles on your insulated thermos, but they can be convenient and user-friendly. Features like a lid cup can save you additional kitchenware on your next camping excursion, and a pouring spout can prevent you from having to unscrew the entire lid to share refreshments.

Some include a collapsible spoon or spork in the lid, which is handy for eating on the go. Though these extra features aren’t a necessity, they can make your life a little easier and contribute to the versatility of the thermos.

How We Selected and Tested

We sought out thermoses from reputable companies like Stanley, Yeti, and Hydroflask, and selected based on the most popular and well-received options from consumers. We focused specifically on vacuum-insulated containers for maximum temperature retention. We also kept in mind the range of purposes the thermoses could serve, from casual coffee drinking to a packed lunch to hydration on a full-day excursion.

We got a feel for the thermoses and evaluated based on features, durability, and leak-proof capability. We also did a deeper dive with some of the insulated containers by performing hot and cold temperature tests. We let them sit with 190-degree Fahrenheit water for 24 hours to see how well they retained heat, and did the same with 46-degree water to see how well the water maintained its chill.

Based on our testing and initial impressions, we’ve compounded the following list of the best thermoses and insulated food containers that will keep your favorite foods and beverages fresh for hours on end.

OtterBox Elevation 36-Ounce Growler Thermos

The Elevation is an impressive thermos with strong thermal retention and a good lineup of accessories that give it an edge over competitors. Otterbox has an entire system of lids that work with this bottle, including an easy-flip (but not as water-tight) sipping lid, a robust thermal lid like you might see on traditional thermos, and a cocktail shaker top that performed reliably on a week-long vacation.

The screw-top has a great handle and is easy to open and close. It’s not the easiest to sip out of on the move, but we’ll overlook it thanks to the impressive insulation for hot and cold liquids. The bottle’s hearty construction showed no wear after we banged it around in the car, threw it into packs, and plunked it downs on counters.

The Elevation strikes a rare balance between superb insulation and ease of use that made it a stand-out.

Stanley Adventure to Go Insulated Food Jar Thermos

Appropriately named, this thermos from Stanley is great for tasty lunches at the office or on a camping trip. The insulated lid doubles as a food bowl, and there is a spork attached so you don’t have to bring along additional dishes and silverware.

Reviews Editor, Kevin Cortez, has also stored cold beverages in the thermos and appreciates how well the liquids kept their cool. “I’ve poured plenty a cold brew in this thing, and I’ve seen it hold ice for at least seven hours,” he says.

The thermos is made up of three pieces, so it’s easier to clean and also offers space for storing dry foods without them getting soggy.

“My biggest qualm is that the spork isn’t long enough to reach the bottom of the jar, which forces eaters to pour the contents into a larger bowl or use the lid as a tiny cup,” Kevin says. “But overall, this little guy rules, and it’s super useful on camping trips or long commutes where you’ve just gotta eat in the car. Just don’t expect it to fit in your cup holder.”

Stanley Legendary Classic Vacuum Insulated Thermos

The Legendary Classic thermos from Stanley has been a pillar of durability, reliability, and an iconic camping style since 1913, and little has changed today.

The model we tested has that distinct army-green, stainless steel exterior, which feels incredibly sturdy (albeit heavy), and more likely to handle some rough tumbles. The small lid doubles as a cup, and the secondary cap has a twist-and-pour stopper so sharing beverages with others is a breeze.

We like that you can determine the speed of pour depending on how tight you screw on the stopper, and heat retention is impressive. We let hot water sit in the thermos for hours, and there was still plenty of steam released when we unscrewed the cap.

The thermos is on the clunkier side, but the attached carrying handle makes for easier transport, and overall it’s a great option for group outings.

THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar Thermos

Buying lunch at the office everyday can start to add up, so bringing food from home is an efficient and cost-effective alternative. If you don’t have easy access to a microwave or prefer to eat at your desk, an insulated food jar will keep your meals at the proper temperature until you’re ready to dig in.

All throughout middle and high school, the Stainless King thermos was a lunchtime staple for Amber, our digital content producer. It comes equipped with a full-sized metal spoon, a vacuum-sealed stopper, and a secondary lid that doubles as a bowl.

We love how those extra touches add functionality and versatility, making this thermos an easy addition to your backpack or lunch bag.

Zojirushi Vacuum Insulated Thermos Mug

The unicorn of travel mugs is one that combines the drinking convenience of a sipping lid with the thermal efficiency of a screw-top. This ultralight Zojirushi model comes pretty damn close to that ideal.

We like that the lid is also leakproof and disassembles easily for deep cleans, though you’ll need a brush to reach beyond the bottle’s narrow opening. As for its insulation chops, the SM-SE36 outperformed the next best travel mug in our hot test by a whopping 14.2 degrees and most other options by 20 degrees or more. It’s still not on par with bottles that have traditional thermos lids, but the tradeoff for a user-friendly lid was worth it to us.

Our coffee and tea poured from the spout quickly, though the flow wasn’t very steady. A minor irritant, but a smoother stream is about the only thing that could make this otherwise excellent mug better.

YETI Rambler Insulated Thermos

Yeti’s Rambler is great for morning joe—the HotShot Cap lid is the best for coffee that we tested. While we had to use two hands to open it (one to hold the thermos, and the other to pinch and twist the lid’s interior) we loved how easy it was to drink from.

In addition to the HotShot Cap, the Rambler bottles are compatible with five other lids. Among them, the chug and MagDock caps stand out.

Both provided a narrower drinking top that prevented spills, while not restricting the flow rate too much. The chug cap features a large handle that was comfortable to carry, while the MagDock has a smaller cap that attaches to a magnet on the side of the lid so you don’t lose it.

Another big plus here is that this bottle (and all Rambler drinkware) is dishwasher-safe.

Stanley Adventure To Go Insulated Travel Thermos

The Stanley Adventure has a classic thermal design, with a cap that screws into rather than over the bottle’s mouth, and a cup cover. This means it’s far from easy to drink from on the fly, like in the car on your way to work. It’s anything but convenient, and there are no alternative lid options.

But with that inconvenience comes Stanley’s hallmark performance: exceptional insulation of both hot and cold beverages. And what really makes this bottle stand out is that you get those stats for a very affordable price.

If you’re looking for something to take soup to work or to enjoy a hot toddy, this bottle is your friend. It has the same rugged (read: heavy) construction that has made Stanley bottles the standard across generations. And while it won’t break anytime soon, if you lose it, a replacement won’t cost that much.

Thermos Care and Use

It’s pretty simple to maintain a thermos: try to prevent damage to the vacuum seal, keep it clean, and make sure to remove and give the lid’s gasket a good scrub every once in a while. Most thermoses aren’t dishwasher-safe, so be sure to check care instructions before washing.

If you want your coffee to stay hot on a winter day, try to keep the thermos in a pack surrounded by something that will insulate it. If the contents should stay cold, put the thermos in the shade or in a cooler. Stashing the thermos in a place that’s best matches the internal contents can help maintain temperature and freshness of your foods and beverages.

Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.

Adrienne Donica tested hiking, camping, and other adventure gear as Popular Mechanics ' outdoors editor, before going on to edit gear reviews for Popular Mechanics , Runner's World , and Bicycling as Expert Reviews editor. Find her on the trail, working on her latest cocktail project, or eating mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.

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The Best Thermoses of 2024

Nothing beats a steamy hot drink on a chilly winter day. If you want your favorite liquids to stay piping hot all day long, check out our roundup of the best thermoses of 2024.

Whether you’re heading out for a day of hunting, ice fishing, or enjoying the solitude of a winter trail, a warm cup of coffee or a hot lunch can make even the coldest of days feel enjoyable. High-quality insulated food and drink containers can reliably maintain the temperature of their contents for hours on end. The perfect thermos will vary from person to person, but they all have overlapping qualities that make them the ideal piece of outdoor gear.

In our search for the best thermoses on the market, we considered all types: from old-school tacklebox classics to modern drink movers for folks on the go. We narrowed it down to the best-of-the-best according to durability, leakproofness, heat retention, features, and overall capacity. And before we were through with it all, we pit each thermos against the other in our temperature retention test: scrutinizing manufacturers’ claims and finding out for ourselves which mug would keep our coffee piping hot for the longest — and pass our ‘ideal coffee temperature’ standard.

Our experts have toted close to 15 different thermoses over 3 years, taking them out everywhere from early-morning salmon excursions in the Puget Sound to elk hunts in the high country of Colorado, and have settled on these as the best of the best. Scroll through to see all of our recommended thermoses for any autumn morning. We’ve also compiled an in-depth buyer’s guide and FAQ to break down just what makes a good thermos tick. And finally, use our specs chart to go apples to apples on your next thermos.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on January 22, 2024, to update our testing practices and introduce our ‘ideal coffee temperature’ standard — a 136-degree make-or-break barometer of a thermos’ ability to keep our brew toasty warm.

• Best Overall Thermos: Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle
• Best Budget Thermos: Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz .
• Most Versatile Thermos: CamelBak MultiBev  
• Most Durable Thermos: Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle
• Best Coffee Thermos: Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug
• Best Thermos Mug: YETI Rambler Mug
• Best Food Thermos: Hydro Flask Food Jar

Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle

• Capacity 2 qts. (64 fl. oz.)
• Weight 2 lbs., 3.2 oz.
• Materials 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 157.5 F after 24 hours
• Cleaning Dishwasher safe
• Best for Sharing, fishing, all-day sipping

• Leakproof in any orientation
• Durable 0.7 mm thick walls
• Well-insulated
• Classic styling
• Somewhat heavy at over 2 pounds

You can’t quite beat a classic when it comes to a good thermos, and the Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle ($50) has it in the name. It’s been a top contender for thermoses since its release in 1913, and while there have been updates to the design since then, one thing holds true: The vacuum insulation can keep liquids hot or cold for up to 40 hours and holds ice for 144 hours. This thermos has long legs when it comes to thermal longevity.

True, it’s a tad heavier than some of its counterparts on the market at over 2 pounds, but there are numerous reasons Stanley has been used for generations. For one, the double-wall vacuum insulation has a time-worn groove of reliability, and in our testing was able to keep hot water at 157.5 degrees F after a full 24 hours — only 3 degrees shy of the top spot (also held by a Stanley).

The handle on the side makes it easy to carry and pour, even while wearing gloves. The lid doubles as a cup, so if the contents are too hot to drink directly from the thermos, pour the contents into the lid to cool faster. We will note, however, that this lid and screw-cap design is uninsulated, and thus not the perfect thermal solution like that on the high-end Stanley Forge . That bottle is about $25 more expensive than the Classic, however, and it’s tough to distinguish a difference in temperature retention alone.

This classic Hammertone green thermos holds about 2 quarts of liquid, but is also available in 1, 1.5, and 2.5 quart versions for everything from dipping a line in just for the morning, or holding hot coffee all weekend. No matter the size of the Stanley Classic you choose, it’ll be durable, won’t rust, and is BPA-free. Not only that, but if you close the lid correctly, you can guarantee this thermos will be leakproof. That means no worries about tossing this bad boy into a pack on a hike.

Thermos Stainless King 40 Oz

• Capacity 1.2 L (40 fl. oz.)
• Weight 12 oz.
• Materials 18/8 stainless steel
• Temperature retention test 150 F after 24 hours
• Cleaning Top-rack dishwasher safe
• Best for Enjoying coffee all day long

• Budget price for still impressive heat-retention
• Dishwasher-safe
• Easy-pour function
• The lid cup and seal may need to be replaced after a few years

Another widely known and trusted brand in the thermos world is, well, Thermos. With a name like that, it would be hard to imagine anything but quality, and at less than $40, the Thermos Stainless King does it without rifling through your pockets too deep. This thermos is designed to function as a holder for hot or cold liquids, and the brand has food-specific thermoses as well, but this 40-ounce thermos is the best coffee thermos in its line.

Thermos’s patented vacuum insulation keeps liquids hot or cold for 24 hours, and the bottles are designed to keep the exterior temperature lower, making them easy to hold. This also prevents the bottle from sweating when holding cold liquids in the summer months. Compared to the top dogs in our temperature test, the Stainless King only came out 10 degrees shy of the top numbers — an impressive feat.

As with other brands of thermoses, the Thermos King’s lid doubles as a cup. To make pouring easier and to maintain liquid temperature longer, Thermos integrated a clever twist and pour spout that lets you pour out the liquid without removing the stopper. The 18/8 stainless steel design is also industry-standard, but did feel a bit thinner in our hands, and was marginally easier to ding versus other thick-skinned thermoses.

This stainless steel thermos is easy to use, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe. It may not have the absolute highest heat retention, but it’s a top-quality pick, especially because of the budget pricing. If you know you’re going to be wailing on your drinkware and don’t want to invest too much, the Thermos Stainless King is the perfect balance of budget and functionality in a thermos.

CamelBak MultiBev 

• Capacity 0.65 L (22 fl. oz.)
• Weight 1 lb., 4.8 oz.
• Materials 18/8 stainless steel, food-grade silicone, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 100 F after 24 hours
• Best for Carrying multiple beverages in one unit

• Versatile design
• Easy for sharing
• Small liquid capacity
• Heavy for size

CamelBak really upped the ante with its versatile MultiBev ($52) thermos design. This two-in-one thermos is both a thermos-style water bottle and an insulated travel cup. Unlike many other thermos cups that double as the lid, this thermos’ travel cup portion is the base, and it comes with a roll-up silicone lid.

The bottle lid of the CamelBack MultiBev does have a small compartment underneath the handle to hold the travel cup’s foldable silicone lid. If you don’t plan to use the travel cup’s lid, that compartment is big enough to hold a tea bag or a handful of nuts. This unique design seems to be most applicable for working people looking for travel coffee mugs that can also function as water bottles.

Both the upper bottle and lower cup are vacuum-insulated; however, when screwed together this does create a sizable uninsulated area between the two vessels. This is our best guess as to why the temperature test numbers for this bottle were a bit below the highest temps we saw after 24 hours. Still, 100 degrees is right in the middle of the pack. No slouch, but also no standout.

The overall capacity isn’t that large, and it’s heavy for holding just over 20 ounces, so it’s not the best option for snowshoeing or hiking. Still, the MultiBev is a durable design that keeps liquids hot or cold for extended periods and is perfect for sharing.

Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle

• Capacity 1.3 L (44.6 fl. oz.)
• Weight 2 lbs., 14.4 oz.
• Materials 1.0 mm thick 18/8 stainless steel, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 160 F after 24 hours
• Best for A lifetime investment, early-morning hunts, and marathon roadtrips

• Impressive thermal retention
• Very high crush and ding resistance due to 1.0 mm thick walls
• Vacuum-insulated cup
• Steel-liner screw-cap stopper
• Fairly heavy at almost 3 pounds

“Unbreakable” is a dirty word in gear testing, and as such the Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle ($72) arrived as sort of a challenge to what we know about a good thermos. Looking suspiciously like our favorite Stanley Classic, this beefed-up version gains 1.0 mm thick walls, a rigid handle, and a promise of undying longevity. 

So does it keep that promise? After running it over with our trucks, sinking it to the bottom of the bay, and plinking it with .22 caliber shot, this thermos might not be unbreakable — but it’s damn near. Our stress testing was obviously overkill, but it proves the point well enough. This is a lifetime purchase, and then some.

The Forge uses the same proven 18/8 stainless steel used in the rest of the Stanely line, but bumps the thickness up to 1.0 mm over the 0.7 of most other bottles. This doesn’t seem like much, but it increases the dent-proofing by a good margin. So much so that we went back for seconds after rolling over it with our Tacoma.

Behind those walls is another upgrade: QuadVac insulation, which adds an additional copper lining and foil sheet within the vacuum chamber. The idea here is to limit radiant heat transfer, and is a bit of a new spin on an old idea. OG Stanley bottles had something called “Char-Vac,” where charcoal dust was packed into the vacuum insulation, and the result is the same with QuadVac: a claimed — and proven — 40-hour heat retention. 

All that extra durability has to even out on another scale, and in the Forge Bottle it’s weight. Compared to the most similar 1.5-quart Stanley Classic thermos, this 1.4-quart bottle gains an extra pound of heft for the armor cladding. Fully loaded with brew, this is one heavy beverage container. 

But even so, you can rest easy knowing that whether it’s rolling around in your truck bed, submerged in the bilge of your fishing boat, or clanking around in your toolbox, the Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle was made to last. Buy this thermos if you plan on giving it to your grandchildren one day.

Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug

• Capacity 0.5-0.7 L (16-24 fl. oz.)
• Weight 5.1 oz.
• Materials Stainless steel, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 70 F after 24 hours
• Cleaning Handwash body, lid is top-rack dishwasher safe
• Best for Drinking hot coffee all day long, car cupholders

• Fits in most cupholders
• Multiple design options
• Decent heat retention
• Plastic lid can hold onto flavors
• Lid has the potential to open inside of a bag

The best coffee thermos on our list is a low-profile mug that can do just as well on a hiking trail as it can day to day during your commute. Unlike the standard travel coffee mug, the Contigo Byron 2.0 Travel Mug ($17) is designed with a SnapSeal lid to make the seal leakproof and keep coffee hot longer.

The most popular size for the Contigo Travel Mug may seem small, but Contigo makes 16-, 20-, and 24-ounce size options. To further add to consumer design choices, Contigo gives you the option to have a handle, grip, or neither. We most appreciated the low profile of this mug when it came to commuting, where the Byron 2.0 slotted easily into any cup holder.

During our durability testing, we did find that this insulated mug didn’t have the most durable outer coating, which chipped a bit more than we expected when toppled from our truck tailgate. But the Contigo redeemed itself during the temperature test, where it tracked the similar Stanley Titanium Travel Mug all the way to the bottom, but at 15% of the asking price. It still won’t hold heat as long as the large thermoses (passing the 136-degree threshold at 4 hours) but for a commuter coffee mug, that’s plenty long in our books.

The high-quality stainless-steel body is BPA-free and insulated well enough to keep liquids warm for up to 7 hours and cold for 18 hours. The lid on the Byron 2.0 Mug is plastic, so be aware that sometimes the flavors may overlap if you drink tea and coffee in the same mug.

YETI Rambler Mug

• Capacity 0.41 L (14 fl. oz.)
• Weight 12.9 oz.
• Temperature retention test 60 F after 24 hours
• Best for Fireside sipping, commuting

• Sweat-free DuraCoat finish
• Easy to use/clean
• Durable camp mug
• Not 100% leakproof lid
• Not the best heat retention over the long run

The YETI Rambler Mug ($30) took all the benefits of a classic thermos and put them into a trusty coffee mug. This Rambler Mug gives cabin retreats and backcountry camping ventures the perfect morning start by ensuring that your coffee stays hot and your tea is a continuously warm treat each night.

Since our initial testing, YETI has now upgraded the Rambler Mug to include their MagSlider lid, a hot or cold liquid-ready lid that uses magnets to help seal in your drink. It still isn’t 100% leakproof, but now greatly increases its spill protection. And yes, YETI kept the price the same. We will urge a full cleaning to strip the rubber O-ring after each use, however, as liquid likes to hide here, and frequent washings will keep this mug funk-free.

The 14-ounce mug is made from stainless steel with a DuraCoat finish, adding to its durability and preventing sweating when holding cold beverages. Because YETI designed the Rambler as a mug, the lid doesn’t provide the best heat retention, and after a full 24-hour test our coffee was stone cold. But to its credit, this mug did keep brew at 157 degrees for up to an hour, which is easily longer than any of us can slowly sip a cuppa joe (and for coffee snobs, still above the ideal range to serve your mug at — 136-150 degrees F).

For commutes where we won’t be using a cupholder (such as a 2-stroke-powered jog out to our favorite fishing hole), the YETI Rambler holds the pole position in our books, and when combined with a larger thermos like the Stanley Classic Legendary, the combo is nigh-unstoppable in providing toasty beverages all day long.

Hydro Flask Food Jar

• Capacity 0.59 L (20 fl. oz.)
• Weight 15.4 oz.
• Cleaning Handwash only
• Best for Keeping food secure, hot and cold foods

• Lifetime warranty
• Compact design with low-profile lid
• Lightweight at less than a pound
• Durable design
• Not much usable capacity in the 8- and 12-fluid-ounce sizes

Nothing beats a hot lunch on a cold day out in the backcountry. But if you’re not lugging in a huge thermos, how will you get your soup out there? The Hydro Flask Food Jar ($35) solved that problem as a functional, compact container made specifically for food.

The TempShield double insulation keeps your soups or stews hot for hours, and in our testing, it held tough with the other food-specific vessels like the Thermos Funtainer before dropping below the 136-degree threshold at around the 3-hour mark. It isn’t just ideal for cold weather, though. The container is a perfect size for a fresh fruit salad in the summer. It’s fully leakproof when closed correctly, making it a packable container for any trek.

While this insulated jar is made in four different sizes — 8, 12, 20, and 28 fluid ounces — we find that the latter two sizes are fairly small for fitting much into. The 20- and 28-fluid-ounce jars fit a respectable amount of soup, but the smaller sizes may be better suited to snacks. The long-term temperature retention was also a bit lacking on the Food Jar, so aim to tuck into your soup before lunch.

Unlike a standard thermos, the Hydro Flask Food Jar is designed more like a bowl to provide a wide-mouth opening for ease while eating. With the stainless steel materials, you don’t have to worry about flavor transfer into the container. For autumn soups on the go, this is our go-to.

Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-TA48

• Capacity 0.48 L (16 fl. oz.)
• Weight 8 oz.
• Temperature retention test 110 F after 24 hours
• Best for Hot broths and brewing up on long excursions

• Compact profile slips into pack pockets
• Smart flip lid functionality
• Holds onto heat
• Lid should be cleaned after every use

With a history of creating high-quality vacuum bottles since 1923, Zojirushi is a market leader in insulated vessels, and the Stainless Mug SM-TA48 ($30) is proof positive that they can make one heck of a good thermos.

Made to exacting specifications, the beauty is in the details with the SM-TA48 Stainless Mug. The double-wall design is coated on the interior with a nonstick ceramic coating, which not only makes cleaning a breeze and protects against corrosion, but adds an additional layer of thermal retention, much like the glass-lined thermoses of old.

The lid is ingeniously designed and easily the favorite in our review, opening with a two-step release that locks out of the way for simple sipping.

There’s also a safety lock that ensures that your piping hot beverages stay where they should en route. Because it is a more involved lid, you’ll want to clean it after every use.

Our tester lent his Zojirushi thermos to a coworker who was headed to climb Denali and later reported still-hot results from the summit of North America. We saw similar temperature retention numbers in our own bench testing (only dipping below 136 degrees after a full 12 hours), so it’s safe to say that the Zojirushi SM-TA48 Stainless Mug can keep your cuppa warm wherever you might go.

Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle 24 Oz.

• Capacity 0.7 L (24 fl. oz.)
• Materials 18/8 Pro-Grade stainless steel, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 97.5 F after 24 hours
• Best for Packing in a hot drink on a hike

• Impressive temperature performance
• Fits other Hydro Flask accessories
• No drinking straw lid or integrated cup

While it might be better known from our Best Insulated Water Bottle guide, the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle ($40) also makes a mean thermos. Rated at a claimed 12 hours for hot beverages, this thermos is in it for the long haul.

The Standard Mouth bottle is available in a number of different volumes, and while it sports the same TempShield insulation construction as the Hydro Flask Food Jar , you can expect even better performance due to the small lid size. After 24 hours of sitting on our workbench, we opened up this bottle to still 97-degree water.

It should be noted that you won’t want to use a drinking straw lid for any hot liquids, as they aren’t rated as such. We also missed having the integrated cup that some of our other thermoses have but made do without it. But for an insulated vessel that’ll hold almost all of it, it’s tough to complain.

Be it cold water or hot coffee, the Standard Mouth Bottle delivers. We believe this is one of the better thermos options for those looking to bring it along on a hike or day trip.

Stanley Titanium Travel Mug 14 Oz.

• Capacity 0.4 L (14 fl oz.)
• Materials Grade 1 titanium, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 69 F after 24 hours
• Best for Bringing anywhere, travel

• Ultralight weight
• Small footprint
• Won't keep things hot for very long

When volume is at a premium, the Stanley Titanium Travel Mug ($111) takes up scant space and even less weight. At only 8 ounces, this thermos was in the top percentile in our testing when it came to weight, and easily slipped into our bags no matter where we were pointed.

Sporting a no-nonsense look and made out of titanium throughout the build (even the lid handle is made from the stuff) this thermos uses Stanley’s double-wall TiVac insulation to keep liquids warm for up to a listed 4 hours. Our own testing showed it’ll go even longer, but falls off at around the 8-hour mark. For this reason, as well as the smaller size, this thermos is best suited to toting your morning coffee rather than keeping drinks warm all weekend.

There’s also more to using titanium than the space-age cool factor: When it comes to thermal efficiency, titanium has a lower temperature coefficient of resistance than stainless steel, meaning it keeps the warmth in your drink longer. Whether or not this is worth the high dollar amount will be up to you, but the tech is undeniable.

While it is a pretty penny to drop, the Titanium Travel Mug slots perfectly into a cupholder or pack pocket, and makes a great hot-drink travel companion.

Maxso 2-Pack

• Capacity 0.5 L (17 fl. oz.) and 0.7 L (24 fl. oz.)
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Materials Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free
• Temperature retention test 105 F after 24 hours
• Best for Enjoying hot soup up to 12 hours after storing

• Integrated spoon
• Nonslip design
• Good heat retention
• Can be difficult to clean threads on lid
• Only one spoon included

Maxso insulated thermoses ($37) are the perfect lunch companions for soup on and off the trail. The size and functionality of each can give you the confidence to store these anywhere in your pack or lunchbox.

They’re vacuum-insulated to keep food hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. The top lid doubles as a bowl for eating, and the air-pressure-sealing lid secures the food within the thermos. With an updated design, a foldable spoon fits into the sealing lid.

While we did enjoy the all-in-one aspect of this thermos set, we found that in practice eating something like soup from the lid can be tough to clean from the threads. Be sure to bring along a way to give it a quick swipe before stowing.

There’s one larger and one smaller thermos in the two-pack, and it comes with one foldable spoon. The containers are designed with a nonslip bottom and an easy-open air-pressure system that even your kids could get used to. For the price, the Maxso 2-Pack are excellent thermoses for soups and drinks alike.

Takeya Kids’ Insulated Water Bottle

• Capacity 0.4 L (14 fl. oz.) and 0.47 L (16 fl. oz.)
• Weight Varies by size
• Materials Stainless steel
• Temperature retention test 65 F after 24 hours
• Best for Keeping kids' drinks cold all day

• Straw nozzle
• Handle on lid
• Multiple size options
• Not intended for hot liquids
• Some kiddos have difficulty getting the spout to seal

If you bring your kids along for outdoor adventures or if they need a new thermos for school, the Takeya Insulated Water Bottle ($28) is an extremely functional design. This durable bottle comes in both 14- and 16-ounce versions and is small enough for kids to easily handle and carry themselves.

It’s useful for holding cold liquids for hours, and your kids won’t have to worry about opening and closing the top because it has a built-in straw. The straw makes it easy for kids to drink with no tilting necessary.

It’s leakproof when the straw nozzle is in the closed position, so be sure it’s closed all the way before putting it in a pack. Plus, this bottle comes with a sturdy attachment point that can be easily clipped to a backpack.

The only downside to this insulated bottle is it’s only meant for drinking cold beverages; it’s not designed for hot liquids. Because of the straw design, heat causes pressure that could make the bottle leak or spill. That didn’t stop us from testing it — but we did pop out the straw for our trial.

With a tough build that’ll resist the toughest playground session, the Takeya Insulated Water Bottle makes a great pick for keeping the tykes hydrated.

Thermos Funtainer 

• Capacity 0.3 L (10 fl. oz.)
• Weight 4 oz.
• Temperature retention test 67.5 F after 24 hours
• Best for School lunches

• Wide-mouth opening
• Lightweight
• Heat retention
• Seal may need replacing

Utilizing the classic Thermos design in a smaller package, the Funtainer is perfect for kids. The Funtainer ($17) is a 10-ounce food jar for kids to pack in a lunch and is available in multiple designs and patterns. It will keep food cold for up to 7 hours or hot for 5 hours while the container’s exterior remains cool enough for your kids to handle.

The Funtainer has an extra-wide opening for food to make it easy for kids to eat directly from the container. They’re vacuum-insulated and use BPA-free materials, making them leakproof and easy to clean. Plus, this kid-friendly thermos comes with a packable folding spoon.

If you pack a school lunch for your kids every day, this thermos is the perfect size for a lunchbox. Just note it won’t regulate hot food temperature well if put in a lunchbox with an ice pack.

Thermos Comparison Chart

How We Tested Thermoses

A good thermos can be a lifetime purchase, which means that finding the right one can be important. At GearJunkie, we have a broad array of outdoors folks, from backpackers and hikers to ice climbers and hunters, and we all love a good, hot cup on a cold day.

Contributor and tester Meg Carney is no stranger to an outdoors romp, and has worn hats as a wilderness therapy guide, backpacking guide, and climbing instructor whose time outside doesn’t stop when the temps drop. Her look into the best thermoses on the market started in 2021 with nine of the most capable, and continues today by adding new types of thermoses including insulated mugs, soup bowls, and more.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is the man behind the goggles for this guide, and he drummed up the testing regimen that all considered thermoses undergo in order to earn a spot in our lineup. His testing stretches from his workbench to the foothills of the Cascades, where he has been known to carry a warm beverage from time to time.

In seeking out the best thermoses, we rummaged through our cupboards and packs, as well as scoured online for the most promising contenders. We sought out thermoses that would serve a wide range of activities — from grabbing a quick coffee to packing in a full day’s worth of broth to an elk glassing session.

Then, we filled up our mugs and went off into the fall of the Pacific Northwest, testing the thermoses both outdoors, as well as in our in-house temperature testing regiment. We toted soups, teas, and good ol’ cuppa joe in order to find the best thermoses of the year. And as sure as science is only good if it’s replicable, we repeat our temperature test every fall and average the findings.

Our testing also didn’t end with simple temperature testing, as you’ve actually got to get your coffee there intact. We also tested durability by dropping these thermoses off our tailgates (and yes, sometimes running them over as well), and compared them in a leak test, where the thermoses were filled with hot water and laid on their sides over paper towels. All told, these thermoses have been shaken, rattled, and rolled to ensure they won’t be going anywhere but with you when you need them.

Looking for something that’ll be used mostly for water? Take a look at our review of the  best insulated water bottles .

Temperature Retention Test

In order to better gauge their worth, we subjected each thermos to a rigorous temperature retention test. Typically during a day in late October, as the first winter storms blow in, we assemble all of our thermoses for a showdown. 

Each thermos simultaneously receives a full serving of 212-degree F water, and is then surveyed for temperature at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. While we understand that some folks recommended preheating their thermoses for maximum efficiency, we wanted to replicate the most likely scenario and poured our brew into room-temp vessels.

Then, seeking an accurate testbed, we chuck our bottles out on our workbench while we get to tinkering. The ambient temperature fluctuates between 48 and 50 degrees F, but all thermoses fare the same treatment. Once completed, we average our findings over previous results.

Thermos Test Results

The Ideal Coffee Drinking Temperature

While a few things didn’t surprise us during our testing (we knew there was a reason Grandpa loved his Stanley), a few things did stand out, and all of our data is given meaning by one important nugget of information: the ideal temperature to sip your cup of joe at.

Figured out by some eggheads by surveying consumers and balancing their preferences against the risk of scalding, an optimal drinking temperature for hot beverages can be pegged at right around 136 degrees F, give or take a few degrees. This number became our make-or-break figure in comparing relative heat retention, and some interesting trends bore out in the data.

For one, three rough groups emerge at around the 1-hour mark: the first being what we’ll call the Classics — the Stanley Classic, Thermos Stainless King, and Stanley Forge bottles. These thermoses were in it for the long haul, and were all able to stay above 150 degrees for a full 24 hours. That’s still too hot to drink casually!

Bigger here is also better, as a larger mass of heated liquid is able to self-insulate much better than smaller-volume bottles, and that brings us to our second group: the Travelers . This includes the Zojirushi SM-TA84, Maxso bottles, CamelBak MultiBev , and Hydro Flask Standard bottle, which all were able to stay above the optimum sipping temperature for a full 12 hours, before falling off to around 100 degrees after a full day. These thermoses are all sized to fit in a pack for to-the-go warm drinks, and as such only need to stay warm long enough for day trips or commutes.

And finally, the Oddballs are comprised mostly of thermoses that carry things like hot soups, but also include the wide-mouth YETI Rambler Mug , as well as the Stanley Titanium Travel Mug and Contigo Byron commuters. These thermoses all held tough for an hour, but then most dropped off at the 4-hour mark. Likely long enough to get your soup to lunchtime — but not much longer.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Thermos

Looking for your next thermos, you’ll likely want to ask yourself a few questions. Are you looking to have a day’s worth of coffee for the whole crew, or maybe just a swig of warm tea at the end of a hike? Do you need your thermos to be compact to fit into a school lunchbox or backpack?

Then, consider if you’ll need the features of a full-fledged thermos, or if you might be well suited with a bottle that’ll keep drinks both hot and cold. Bottles with integrated cups and handles like the  Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle  are born-and-bred thermoses, while the  Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle  could easily be used for both.

Note that this is a constantly changing list and that as new thermoses come out we’ll test and add them if we think they made the cut. If you’re looking for a water bottle, check out our lineup of the   best insulated water bottles .

Determining your thermos capacity needs comes down to two factors: the intended activity and if you’re sharing.

If you’re heading out for a day of ice fishing, lugging out a Stanley classic will be no issue, but if you’re embarking on an ultralight backpacking trek, a heavy metal thermos may not even make the cut.

Consider how much you usually drink or eat and if it will fit inside the thermos container. Then decide if it’s just for you or if you’re packing lunch or coffee for you and your partner. If you have multiple people sharing a thermos, then a larger capacity is ideal. However, if one cup of coffee is all you need, something closer to the   CamelBak MultiBev  will suffice.

The insulating capabilities of a thermos are what makes them so useful. Most on the market today will utilize vacuum insulation, but some may also use foam insulation. Vacuum insulation tends to work better than foam, making it the standard for quality thermos brands.

In our in-house temperature testing, we found that there’s a reason your grandpa loved his Stanley so much. The  Stanley Forge Thermal Bottle only fell 50 degrees over a full 24 hours — down to 160 degrees F. That’s still too hot to drink quickly! Close behind were the  Thermos Stainless King  as well as the Zojirushi   Stainless Mug SM-TA48 .

Vacuum insulation uses a double layer of material to create a space between the walls. This gap of air (the vacuum) is what prevents heat from escaping or entering. While vacuum insulation has become the gold standard in thermos technology, the nature of the double-walled construction creates extra weight.

Though this may not be an issue for fishing or casual hiking, vacuum-insulated thermoses are not very practical for backpacking, climbing, or other activities that require prolonged carrying.

Most of us bring our thermoses outdoors, so they need to be able to take a beating. Top-quality thermoses are constructed using stainless steel of some kind for the body. A stainless steel body is harder to break, especially in cold conditions.

Many thermoses also have an additional coating to ensure that they’re well-protected. Be mindful of the handle and lid when considering durability as well. Some thermos lids have stainless steel exteriors, and the air-pressure lid is plastic because it isn’t directly exposed unless opened.

Some other designs have all-plastic lids, and this is usually the first part of the thermos to fail. If it does come with a plastic lid, double-check the warranty or if replacement parts are available if something breaks.

Lid Construction

Another aspect of the lid to consider is the seal and how you drink out of the thermos. If you have a food-specific thermos, consider how easy it is to pour from the opening as well.

Traditional thermos designs, like the  Stanley Classic , have two lids: one air-locking lid on the inside and an exterior lid that doubles as a cup. These dual-lid designs are almost always leakproof, especially because both lids have a rubber seal of some kind. Having a secure lid design is necessary when carrying around a thermos of hot water or coffee — not only to prevent spilling in a bag but also for your safety.

Other thermos lids, like that of the   Contigo Travel Mug , are more like a travel coffee container lid. They should have a rubber seal and a variation of Contigo’s SnapSeal to cover the drinking spout. These lids will vary from company to company, but be sure to pay special attention to how well the lid seals, especially if you intend to use it backpacking.

If you’re only using the thermos as a food container, look at the opening of the lid or top of the thermos to see how easy it will be to pour. The wider the mouth, the harder it will be to precisely pour. However, a wide mouth can make it easier to eat directly from the thermos.

When a thermos is meant for drinking, the lid construction determines how easy it is not to spill on yourself with every sip. Silicone lids usually create a decent seal but can be challenging to drink from. Plastic lids with a sipping hole or straw are usually the go-to for most nontraditional thermos lids.

Extra Features & Accessories

Extra features like a lid that doubles as a cup, an optimized handle design and grip, or a built-in spoon add a bit of versatility to a thermos. These aren’t necessarily aspects of the thermos that make or break its functionality, but they can add that little extra piece that makes your life easier or a little more comfortable when enjoying coffee on a cold winter morning.

As far as temperature control goes, the best thermos cups are designed by YETI or Hydro Flask. Both companies have mugs and cups that don’t utilize the traditional thermos air-pressure seal and instead have an insulated cup with a sipping lid. These aren’t spill-proof, but they afford the consumer the insulation of a thermos in cup form.

Some thermos flasks can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but not all are dishwasher-safe. This is disclosed by the manufacturer of the thermos.

If it’s not dishwasher-safe, be sure to take the thermos apart completely and handwash after every use. Don’t forget to remove the rubber seal within the lid to ensure that no food or liquid is trapped underneath.

Stanley thermoses have the best heat retention compared to any other brand. This is due to their quality materials, vacuum insulation, and tight lid seal. However, to create a thermos with the best heat retention, it did have to be bulkier and heavier than the others.

When sending your child off to school, it’s great to know they’ll feel well taken care of with cold water and a hot lunch. On this list, we’ve included high-quality kid-friendly thermoses designed for both liquids and food.

Most kids’ thermoses made to hold liquids feature an easy-to-use built-in straw. While straw tops are great and are generally preferred by kids, they’re usually not compatible with hot liquids.

Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations before putting hot liquid into your child’s drinking thermos. The combination of a straw lid and hot liquids can be dangerous.

The Best Hand Warmers of 2024

Autumn brings a familiar crisp to the air and a chill to our hands. Investing in the best hand warmers for the upcoming winter season will help you make the most of a day outdoors, no matter the conditions.

The Best Insulated Water Bottles of 2024

We tested the best insulated water bottles for 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include YETI, Hydro Flask, and more!

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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7 Best Hot Food Container in 2022: Reviews & Buying Guide

A great food thermos will keep hot foods at safe temperatures for hours and won’t leak into your bag, whether you’re bringing chili for lunch or oatmeal to eat after your morning commute.

With the best hot food container , taking homemade food along to the office, school, or on a road trip is a cinch.

We looked into the best items for storing leftovers or preparing meals ahead of time, as well as foods to pack in the kids’ lunchboxes, to help you find one that meets your needs. We conducted tests to determine how long the best models could keep hot food warm and cold drinks cold.

The best food containers for the entire family, both hot and cold, are listed below.

Table of Contents

Best Hot Food Container: Top Picks

1. best overall: thermos stainless king 16-ounce food jar with spoon, 2. best for kids: thermos foogo vacuum insulated stainless steel food jar, 3. runner-up, best for kids: thermos 10-ounce funtainer food jar.

• 4. Best for Travel: Fewoo 27 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos

5. Best Budget: Simple Modern Vacuum Insulated Food Jar Thermos for Hot Food

6. best wide mouth: bentgo stainless insulated food container, 7. best at keeping soup hot: zojirushi stainless steel food jar, best hot food container reviews.

What We Like

• Retains heat well
• Firm seal prevents leaks
• Includes full-size spoon

What We Don’t Like

• Plastic laminate gradually peels off
• Not microwave-safe

The Thermos King claims to have the best temperature retention for both hot and cold food thanks to an ultra-tight seal. That is attributable to the insulation provided by the two stainless steel walls. With the standard-sized stainless steel folding spoon that is included, the lid can be used as a bowl, which is another important advantage.

We put that claim to the test in a kitchen at home since Thermos King claims that this can keep liquids hot for nine hours and cold for up to 14 hours. Our reviewer put freshly made mac and cheese in all 16 ounces of the thermos and checked the temperature every hour. Not until the ninth hour did the temperature begin to fall. Furthermore, our tester still saw ice cubes in the thermos after 14 hours, demonstrating its superior ability to keep water ice-cold.

The thermos was accidentally dropped by our home tester, who noted that it was undamaged. Additionally, its large mouth is advantageous for eating directly from the container and for quick hand washing. This model’s parts can all be safely washed in the top rack of your dishwasher, making maintenance simple for active professionals on the go.

• Dishwasher safe
• Easy-to-grip rubber lid
• Wide mouth is easy to eat from
• Lid seal needs occasional deep cleaning

The BPA-free Foogo was ergonomically created with children in mind and is a favorite with parents because its cool-to-the-touch 10-ounce body is the ideal size for a child’s lunch.3 The base and lid are made of rubber to make the jar easier to grip for smaller hands. Cost effectiveness and an impervious body to scratches are additional benefits.

Due to the fact that adults can also use this for hot sides and beverages, our home tester appreciated the double-wall insulation and its small size. However, our reviewer concentrated on one of a thermos’s most crucial features: how long will it keep your food hot? This failed in our tests despite Thermos’s claims that it could keep food warm for up to 5 hours. The mac-and-cheese only stayed warm for two hours, was still edible after four hours, and required five hours to be microwaved (in a different container). Ice cubes were still present after a full workday when it came to cold liquids, so it did live up to its 9-hour claim.

Although this is dishwasher safe, our tester observed that hand washing might be preferable when it came time to clean up. A sponge scrub was required to remove food debris from the lid, gasket, and container.

• Affordable price
• Available in a variety of colors and themes
• Hand wash only
• Too small for older kids and adults

The Funtainer comes in a wide variety of colors and character themes that children will adore. The stay-cool exterior won’t hurt their hands, and more importantly, a wide brim makes eating easier for young children learning to use utensils. The best part is that it is small and light enough for little hands to open and carry in their backpacks.

Following the usage instructions to the letter is essential, such as warming the interior with hot water for five to ten minutes before adding any food that will be consumed later. Even if it was opened every hour to check the temperature, our in-home tester discovered that when you did, this kept hot food warm for 5 hours. Additionally, it kept cold drinks cold for seven hours while still having ice cubes at the end of the test.

Our tester found it a little challenging to clean this in a kitchen at home. Although the hot water and detergent in the dishwasher might harm the exterior, it can still be used. It does take a sponge and some manual labor to clean the inside of the lid.

4. Best for Travel: Fewoo 27 Oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos

• Large capacity
• Includes insulated bag
• Attractive design
• Doesn’t come with fork

Consider this acclaimed thermos for food transportation outdoors with confidence. The 27-ounce capacity is more than enough for your soups or on-the-go meals, and the interior is made of 18/8 stainless steel, ensuring no flavor transfer or lingering odors. This item’s convenient insulated bag is our favorite feature. It not only keeps your container safe during transportation but also increases the amount of heat your thermos and its contents can hold. Also included is a tiny spoon that can fold up.

The silicone sealing ring makes sure that no liquids or odors leak out of the container, which is important for long trips because it gets jostled around in your backpack. It is offered in a variety of attractive colors, including rose gold, vivid yellow, and jewel-toned blue, in addition to the standard shade of grey stainless steel.

• Rust-resistant stainless steel
• Easy to clean
• May be prone to scratches on exterior

For a budget-friendly leak- and sweat-proof container, check out Simple Modern’s Vacuum Insulated Food Jar Thermos. The wide opening at the top makes it simple to clean by hand, and the rubber ring inside the lid can be taken out for more thorough cleaning to avoid mold buildup. It is also convenient to carry around thanks to the included handle.

The exterior paint options come in a variety of colors, from pastel blush and sage to vibrant and lively patterns that will stand out from the ordinary. Additionally, the premium food-grade stainless steel is rust-resistant. It can retain cold for up to 10 hours and heat for an average of about four hours.

• Fully leak-proof
• Not easy to open

This Bentgo container has three layers of vacuum insulation that will keep your food hot and ready to eat for many hours. You can pack soups and stews without worrying about leaks thanks to the airtight lid. The wide mouth of this cup is one of its best qualities because it is simple to fill, use, and clean. Additionally, it is available in five colors: black, silver, gold, rose gold, and aqua, giving it a sophisticated look to go with its remarkable functionality.

Some reviewers complain that it’s difficult to open this container. The airtight seal release valve, however, is simple to use once you get used to it.

• Didn’t leak
• Narrow container fits easily in one hand
• Five-year limited warranty
• Difficult to put back together afterwards

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar performed among the best in our tests for retaining the heat of soup. The tomato soup in the 12-ounce thermos was able to cool from 193 degrees Fahrenheit to 144 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of six hours while remaining above the safe food temperature of 140 degrees. The 17-ounce Stanley Classic and the Black and Blum Food Flask (which has a cumbersome strap around it) were the only thermoses that performed better because larger volumes of liquid take longer to cool.

Zojirushi claims that its thermos will keep food at a safe temperature for about 6 hours, and we were happy to see that for liquids, the thermos exceeded the estimate (it will also keep food cold for 6 hours, although we didn’t test for this). I frequently use the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar to carry my morning green smoothie to work. I’ve also used it to store oatmeal, soup, chili, and other foods.

Foods are still kept at the proper temperature, and it has made it through numerous commutes. For more than three years, Zojirushi’s travel mugs have been our top choice; the company produces the best insulated mugs and thermoses we’ve found.

You May Also Like: How To Keep Food Hot While Traveling?

Factors to Look for When Buying a Hot Food Container

Below are some key points to pay attention:

Thermoses for food are typically shorter and wider than those for drinks. This makes it possible to both pour contents into the flask, like soup, and eat from it. Most have a lid that twists on, which helps avoid spills. To further prevent spills, some thermoses come with additional seals or interior lids.

The preferred material for thermoses is stainless steel. It cleans up easily and won’t absorb color or flavor from food that is kept hot for a long time. A partial vacuum surrounds an inner flask, preventing heat from being transferred outside of the flask and keeping the contents warm. You can hold the container without sweating or getting your hand burned thanks to an outer case, which is typically made of steel. Additionally, a coating or plastic may be used to enclose the outer case.

Even low-cost models frequently use vacuum-sealed stainless steel. Other materials, like glass and plastic, can be sealed with a vacuum, though. It is not suggested to use them because they are not as resilient as stainless steel.

The purpose for which you intend to use a thermos will determine its size in large part. Adult thermoses typically weigh around 16 ounces, while those for kids are typically a little bit smaller. If there is too much air in the thermos, the food will cool down more quickly, so if you want your food to stay hot for several hours, use the thermos that is the right size for the amount of food you’re putting inside it. Choose 10 ounces or less if all you want for lunch is the option of a small soup bowl. 16 ounces is most likely the better choice if you want to pack a substantial meal in your flask.

You can typically purchase a durable thermos for between $15 and $30. Thermoses are typically fairly inexpensive. The more expensive models might feature more vibrant colors, a lid seal that is extra strong, or specific accessories, but they all use the same stainless steel vacuum-sealed design.

Maintenance

Cleaning a stainless steel thermos isn’t too difficult. You can treat it like any other dirty dish and wash it with soap and water because it won’t pick up the flavor or color from your food. Some thermoses, but not all, can be washed in the dishwasher. Dishwashers might ruin the vacuum seal, but this isn’t because of the material used but rather the construction. To remove accumulated dirt, additional hand-washing may be necessary for interior lids and other accessories like collapsible forks.

Also Read: Best Dehydrator For Jerky

What Type of Container Keeps Food Hot?

THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar with Spoon. With stainless steel that stays cool to the touch no matter how hot the contents of the jar may be, this vacuum-insulated food container from one of the most well-known brands in the category can keep hot food hot or cold food cold all day long.

How Does a Thermos Work?

An inner flask keeps its contents at a constant temperature thanks to its vacuum-sealed stainless steel construction, which makes it difficult for warm or cold air to enter or exit. The thermos can be comfortably held and transported without any liquid leaking out thanks to the outer material, which is typically made of hard plastic or steel.

What Thermos Keeps Food Hottest the Longest?

After our heat retention test, the Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar and MAXSO Food Container won.

Can You Clean a Food Thermos in the Dishwasher?

Depending on the model, a food thermos might be able to be washed in the dishwasher; we advise consulting the manufacturer’s care guidelines. The Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar, one of our favorites, can go in the dishwasher without any issues.

How Do Restaurants Keep Food So Hot?

Warming ovens, or holding cabinets , are found in most professional restaurant kitchens. In order to keep extra food items warm until they are ready to be moved to a steam table or a customer’s plate, this kind of commercial food warmer equipment is crucial.

Read More: Can You Use An Oven To Keep Food Warm?

Final Verdict

Look no further than the Thermos Stainless Steel King Food Jar for a respectably sized thermos that will keep meals like soup, stew, and pasta warm for up to an impressive nine hours. The wide-mouthed Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar, on the other hand, will appeal to children thanks to its bright colors and trendy design. For more food storage information, read our post on how to keep food warm for a party .

• How To Keep Food Hot While Traveling? 10 Easy Tips
• Can You Use An Oven To Keep Food Warm?
• Do Bentgo Boxes Keep Food Warm? Complete Guide
• How To Keep Food Warm For A Party?

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• Storage & Organizational Tools
• Basic Kitchen Equipment

We Tested 11 Food Storage Containers—These Are Our Favorites

Our top picks are both from Rubbermaid.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Serious Eats / Eric King

The Winners, at a Glance

What we learned, the criteria: what to look for in a food storage container, our favorite food storage containers, the competition.

• Why We're the Experts

Straight to the Point

Our top picks for both glass and plastic food storage containers are from Rubbermaid. Both are leakproof and have secure latches that are easy to open and close.

Has your container drawer reached the point of no return: way too many bases, way too few lids, and of course none of them match? Having a full set of durable, stackable, leakproof food storage containers is helpful for leftovers, lunches, meal prep, etc. And we scoured the market to find the best of them: containers you wouldn’t want to part with even to send your loved ones home with leftovers. (Because you know you’ll never see them again!)

We tested 11 models, focusing on dishwasher-safe, plastic or glass containers. The majority of the ones we tested were available in singles, as well as sets (helpful if you just want to add a container to your collection or want more of a starter pack). For the purposes of this review, we focused on the containers that were three to four cups in maximum capacity (large enough for leftovers or a to-go lunch). We ran these containers through a series of tests, determining which ones resisted leakage, warded off stains and lingering smells, and more.

The Best Glass Food Storage Container

Rubbermaid brilliance glass food storage containers.

This good-looking model aced all of our tests. It never leaked or held onto lingering smells, it resisted staining, and it was a breeze to use, store, and clean. It's available both as a single and larger set .

The Best Plastic Food Storage Container

Rubbermaid brilliance food storage containers.

Part of the same line as our winner above, this model conveniently shares the exact same plastic lid design. With just a few drawbacks due to its base material, it mainly performed as well as its glass counterpart—and is notably cheaper. It's also available as a single and larger set .

The Best Budget-Friendly Glass Food Storage Container

Glasslock 4-piece rectangle oven safe container set.

This model succeeds in almost every area the glass Rubbermaid container does, but it receives demerits for some features: It’s only available to purchase in a set of two or more—and its seal design is more prone to trapping dirt and debris.

The Best Dry Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid brilliance pantry airtight food storage containers, 8-piece set.

These are our favorite dry food storage containers and we included them here, too, for your shopping convenience. They're large, have super-secure lids, and are narrow enough to easily fit in any pantry or cabinet.

• Leakage Test: We filled each container with one cup of blue-dyed water and lined half-sheet trays with paper towels. Then, we shook each container with the long side pointing down at the paper towels 10 times, rotated them 45 degrees, shook them 10 more times, and repeated this rotating and shaking twice more. Then, each container was left on its side sitting on fresh paper towels (if it leaked) for 15 minutes. We noted any leakage along the way. 
• Stain and Smell Test: We smeared the insides of each container and lid with a mixture of vegetable oil and turmeric . After four hours, we washed them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and a sponge, allowed them to dry, and then noted any visible staining or lingering odors.  
• Durability Test: We dropped each container on a marble stone surface five times, noting any damage. 
• Design Test: With each of our favorite containers, we removed the lid and opened and closed the latches (if applicable) 25 times. We saw how well the containers stacked on the countertop, and then did the same in the refrigerator. 
• Microwave Test: We microwaved one cup of frozen peas in each of our favorite containers, lids ajar, documenting warping (if any). 
• Cleanup Tests: Over the course of testing, we evaluated how easy each container was to hand-wash with warm, soapy water and a sponge.

Leakproof Containers Were a Boon

Let’s start with what made containers leak wildly. Models with flexible slip-on lids like Anchor, Frego, and Pyrex all failed majorly at keeping the dyed water inside in our shake tests. That being said, one model with latches on all four sides, Snapware , leaked even more than Pyrex because the latches weren’t really all that tight. So, it’s not enough to just have latches; they have to be actively pulling down onto the lip of the base, applying pressure. Otherwise, they won’t function. If clicking down the latches into place required a little oomph, that was a good sign the container was leakproof. A silicone-lined lid was also an indicator since it creates a solid seal that liquid can't leak out of.

Choosing Between Glass and Plastic Containers

Our top winners, Rubbermaid’s plastic and glass offerings, were pretty well matched throughout testing, so it’s hard to say that one material is always going to be better than the other. Plastic is lighter, glass is heavier. Plastic is cheaper, and glass is more expensive. Glass can shatter, and plastic is (for the most part) more shockproof. Most glass models can go into a hot oven without their lids, but of course, plastic containers can't. Some plastic lids (even the ones with glass bases) held onto odors from the turmeric-oil mixture, but others, like Rubbermaid and Glasslock, did not.

We can say that silicone was the worst perpetrator when it came to clinging to stains and odors. By far, models that were constructed with a lot of silicone (like Frego , Ello , and Anchor) stained and smelled the most.

Serious Eats / Eric King / Grace Kelly

The most important feature of a food storage container is, of course, containing, which is why our leakage test was first. This began to separate the winners from the losers right away, with some models absolutely gushing water and others leaving their paper towel-lined trays without even a drop. As noted above, our winners all had two or four tight-fitting latches and not a flexible slip-on lid. This made them leakproof and air-tight. 

If you prefer lighter, less expensive containers, opt for plastic. We recommend clear so you can see what’s in them. If you don’t mind spending slightly more money, and the weight of the containers isn’t a consideration for you, glass is great because it doesn’t stain or hold onto odors, and most models can go from the freezer to a hot oven. 

We recommend avoiding any containers with silicone anywhere besides the seal. (On all of our winners, a strip of silicone where the lid met the lip of the base was responsible for the air-tight seal.) Containers with silicone cages or with lids made from mostly silicone stained and held onto more odors.

What we liked:  This model from storage stalwart Rubbermaid didn’t leak one drop when shaken 40 times or laid on its side for 15 minutes. But it also stood out from the three others that didn’t leak. After being smeared with a mixture of turmeric and vegetable oil, left for four hours, and then washed, we couldn’t detect any lingering odors. And unlike the light blue silicone lids, cages, and seals of other competitors, its seal is dark gray, which disguises most staining. 

These containers are interlocking, so we could stack one on top of another with the base fitting perfectly in the shallow divot of the lid below it. This makes it harder for the top container to slide off. And if you want to buy both the plastic and glass versions from this line, they use the same plastic lids, so you can interchange them without having to keep track of which is which. 

Some of the lids with silicone seals were difficult to clean because of the tiny gaps between the silicone and the plastic, but that wasn’t a problem for this one. There’s room for a sponge to get into all the crevices with minimal effort. 

Of our winners, this one handled heating up frozen peas in the microwave best. After heating up the sweet peas for two minutes on standard power, every part of the container stayed warm and not too hot to handle, while the peas inside were cooked perfectly.  What we didn’t like:  It isn’t totally obvious when the lid has actually latched down. There seem to be two separate “clicks” and you have to wait for the second click to know that it’s locked in place. When opening the container, there was a bit of annoying friction when trying to get our fingers under the latch. And because of its strong seal, with the silicone pressing up against the inside of the container, lifting the lid up takes a little bit more effort than you think it will. Overall, though, we don't think any of this really detracts from this model.

• Materials: Glass base, plastic lid, silicone seal
• Capacity: 3.2 cups (757 ml)
• Weight: 1 lb, 8.9 oz
• Microwave-safe: Yes (vented lids, reheat only)
• Oven-safe: Up to 450°F
• Set includes: Four 3.2-cup containers plus lids
• Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe (top rack)

What we liked:  With the same lid as the Rubbermaid glass containers, this model shares many of its counterpart’s positive qualities. It has a leakproof seal, resists staining and lingering odors, stacks easily with interlocking lids and bases, and is easy to clean up. 

With this plastic model, it was much more intuitive to tell when the latches were locked and the lid fully secured, clicking into place in a satisfying way. Plus, unlike the glass model, there was more room to get your fingers under the latches for an effortless opening. 

It’s much lighter than the glass version, so if you pack your lunch often, this may appeal to you.

What we didn’t like:  When microwaving frozen peas for two minutes on standard power, the bottom became too hot to touch, while the sides stayed just slightly cold. Also, even though the lid is the same, when sliding up the plastic sides the silicone seal experiences a lot of resistance. And while that makes for a good seal, it does at times take two hands and a little oomph to open it.

• Materials: Plastic base, plastic lid, silicone seal
• Weight: 7.6 ounces
• Oven-safe: No
• Set includes: Two 1.3-cup container and one 3.2-cup container, plus lids

What we liked:  Despite having four latches instead of two, opening and closing this model was seamless compared to the Rubbermaid models. It was easy to get our fingers under the latches, a cinch to click them into place, and the lid lifted right off with one hand after being unlatched. And that didn’t hurt its ability to retain water: It didn’t leak one drop onto the paper towels. Its glass body and plastic lid resisted staining (for the most part) and lingering odors after being smeared with the turmeric and oil mixture.

What we didn’t like:  The grooved silicone seal is placed in a track of plastic that runs around the lid, and dirt and debris tend to get trapped in the grooves as well as in between the silicone and the plastic. We found that this made it slightly difficult to clean thoroughly—although the way that the lid is designed, the seal is actually protected by a plastic guard that shields it from food. Plus, since the silicone seal is light blue, it did stain fairly obviously when smeared with the turmeric-oil mixture. 

Unlike the glass Rubbermaid, the bottom became too hot to handle after two minutes of heating up frozen peas in the microwave .

While the Rubbermaid models both feature an interlocking base-lid stacking system, these do not. They stack just fine, but nothing is stopping them from sliding off each other. Lastly, at the time of writing, this model is only sold in sets and can’t be purchased alone.

• Capacity: 3.5 cup container; 1.6 cup container
• Weight: 1 lb, 6 oz
• Microwave-safe: Yes 
• Set includes: 1.6-cup container and lid; 3.5-cup container and lid
• Cleaning: Glass container is dishwasher-safe, lid is only top rack safe

What we liked: Also from Rubbermaid, these were standouts in our review of dry food storage containers . They had airtight, locking lids, a wide mouth for easy filling, and a narrow body for compact storage.

What we didn't like: If aesthetics are top of mind, these aren't the prettiest containers out there. However, they do work exceptionally well. We'll take that tradeoff.

• Materials: Plastic
• Capacity: 16, 12, 6.6, and 3.2 cups
• Set includes: Four containers, four lids
• Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe

Serious Eats / Grace Kelly

• OXO Good Grips 3.5 Cup Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Container : This was in many ways a similar design to the Glasslock and performed almost as well. However, it leaked one singular drop after 15 minutes on its side—and also its plastic lid held onto just the faintest whiff of turmeric.
• OXO Good Grips Prep & Go 3.3 Cups : This leakproof model, the only opaque plastic one, was let down by very slight staining and odor retention. Also, we found it nearly impossible to clean the cranny at the seam that also trapped dirt and debris.
• Frego Award-Winning Plastic-Free Glass and Silicone Food Container : With a thick silicone casing and lid container, this model might be practically indestructible. But it leaked a lot, and its silicone body held onto stains and odors.
• Ello DuraGlass BPA-Free Glass Food Storage Container : Despite its silicone cage, this model wasn’t very durable either before or during testing: one of its four flimsy, plastic latches broke in half. To its credit, it didn’t leak. 
• Snapware 4-Cup Total Solution Square Food Storage Container : This model featured four latches and a silicone seal, but it was not leak-proof. In fact, water poured out of it.
• Pyrex Simply Store Meal Prep Glass Food Storage Container (4-Cup) : Though not as bad as Anchor, Snapware, or Frego, this container leaked a few tablespoons of water over the course of 15 minutes (but surprisingly didn’t leak at all when shaken). The lid hung onto odors and warped in the microwave.
• Anchor 32 Oz. Round TrueSeal Glass Food Storage, 4-Cup : This model was the first and last one we dropped on concrete, as it completely exploded into smithereens. So we can’t say much about its durability on the marble stone, but we can say that it leaked almost as much as Snapware (read: a lot). Its blue silicone lid was the worst offender when it came to lingering smells from the turmeric oil mixture.

Should you put hot food into a glass storage container?

It’s best to avoid putting hot food into glass containers, as they can shatter if they are suddenly shocked with a very hot substance. Wait for food to cool down slightly, then transfer it to a storage container and refrigerate if necessary .

Are glass or plastic food storage containers better?

We found that glass containers have the edge here, but in some ways, it comes down to personal preference. Glass can go into a hot oven, sometimes up to 450°F depending on the brand, whereas plastic can only be used to heat or reheat contents in the microwave. In our tests, we found that glass didn’t stain or hold onto stubborn odors, whereas plastic and silicone were more susceptible to those. All that being said, plastic containers are usually more affordable and lighter than glass options (especially if you're considering something super budget-oriented like plastic shoe box containers ). And, especially if they’re empty, they’re less likely to break from a fall.

Is it better to store food in glass or plastic?

While different materials have their merits in terms of practical use (see above), when it comes to keeping food safe, neither is really better than the other. However, it should be noted that glass takes much longer to degrade than plastic, so if you're looking to store food for a longer period of time, glass might be a better option.

Can you microwave plastic food storage containers?

While all of the plastic containers we reviewed were microwave-safe, it's best to refer to manufacturer instructions before placing a food storage container in the microwave. If a container is designated as microwave-safe, it's because it's passed a slew of strict protocols enforced by the FDA , which regulates any materials that come in contact with food.

How long should you keep plastic food storage containers?

Plastic food storage containers should be examined every six months to a year for wear and tear or damage. Once a plastic food storage container gets stained, scratched, or beat up, there's a chance it could start to pose a food safety risk. Any containers with significant damage should be replaced.

Why We're the Experts

• Eric King  is a recipe developer, writer, and social media creator who has run the baking blog  easygayoven  for four years.
• Eric has written many equipment reviews for Serious Eats, including  rolling pins ,  wine tumblers , and  meat pounders .
• For this review, we tested 11 food storage containers (including glass and plastic models).
• We evaluated how leakproof, durable, and stain-resistant the containers were.
• We've separately reviewed dry food storage containers .

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The Best Food Storage Containers

By Anna Perling , Michael Sullivan and Ganda Suthivarakom

We’ve tested dozens of food-storage containers over the years, subjecting them to repeated freezing, microwaving, and 3-foot drops onto hard floors. Most containers will break or wear down eventually, but we’re confident our picks are the best options for stashing leftovers, packing lunches, or sharing at potlucks.

If you prefer glass (which is odor-resistant and often oven-safe, though heavy), we recommend the durable Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set . For plastic (which is lighter and less likely to shatter), we recommend the leakproof Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set . Both are affordable options that will provide you with years of use.

Everything we recommend

Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set

The best glass container set.

The Pyrex Simply Store containers stack neatly and are made from durable tempered glass. The colorful lids make it easier to match their shape to the corresponding container, though you may need to replace them over time.

Buying Options

Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set

The best plastic container set.

These locking plastic containers have lids that are a snap to open and close, and they won’t leak. We think this set offers the best range of sizes and shapes among the plastic containers we tested. Plus, they stack neatly for storage.

Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set

The best leakproof glass container set.

The Glasslock containers have locking lids that will prevent leaks. But these lids also put stress on the lips of the containers, so the glass may be prone to chipping over time.

Budget pick

Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers

Containers you can leave behind.

These inexpensive plastic containers come in multiple sizes, for packing and transporting food. They do become soft after microwaving, and they hold onto stains and smells, so they aren’t the best for regular use.

The streamlined containers in the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set are made from durable glass—they didn’t break in our drop tests. They stack neatly, and their lids are some of the easiest (among those we’ve tested) to put on and take off. Because the lids don’t clip closed like those on our runner-up pick, the Glasslock containers , we recommend exercising caution if you plan to transport liquids in the Pyrex containers. (We were surprised that the set’s round containers didn’t leak in our tests, but the rectangular ones are not leakproof, and a locking lid will still be best for preventing leaks and spills.) You can use this set in a microwave, freezer, preheated oven, and dishwasher.

In our leak tests, the Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set ’s containers stayed sealed. And after being repeatedly dropped from waist height, they sustained only minor cracks on the edges of the lids. Also, stains and smells didn’t linger in these containers, and they looked great stacked in the fridge, filled with leftovers. The containers nest well, too, so in a cupboard they take up less space than much of the competition.

We like that the Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set includes lids that seal to prevent spills, and these containers survived multiple drops from counter height. But after four years of long-term testing, some of our containers have chipped around their edges—a common complaint with most glass containers we researched. Their locking lids require more effort to close than the lids of our main pick, the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set . And we suspect that the repeated stress of snapping the Glasslock containers’ lids shut is what caused some of them to chip (stacking the containers for storage can also cause stress on glass containers and lead to chipping). That said, if you’re looking for leakproof glass containers for meal prep, these are the best we’ve tested. The Glasslock containers come in a variety of shapes that store nicely in the fridge, and they are safe to use in an oven, microwave, freezer, or dishwasher.

The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers are perfect for transporting food to parties and other functions, and because they’re so cheap, you may not mind leaving pieces behind. This set comes in a variety of sizes, with containers that stack well for convenient storage. Scents and stains remained after washing, and a few containers leaked in our testing. But we think they’re the best option compared with other budget sets.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, choosing between glass and plastic containers, how we picked and tested, our glass pick: pyrex simply store 18-piece set, our pick: snapware total solution 20-piece food storage set, runner-up: glasslock 18-piece container set, budget pick: rubbermaid takealongs food storage containers, care and maintenance, other good food storage containers, the competition.

We’ve updated this guide after years of using these container sets in our test kitchen and in our own homes, storing leftovers in the fridge or packing lunches for our commutes. Anna Perling, who performed testing for and wrote our last update, spent more than four years reviewing food-storage vessels, from travel mugs to food thermoses to lunch boxes . Her reporting built on senior staff writer Michael Sullivan’s deep dive into the science of glass and thorough durability testing over the course of several months. Ganda Suthivarakom, who wrote our original guide, spent dozens of hours researching and testing (filling, shaking, storing, freezing, microwaving, washing, and dropping) food containers.

To learn as much as we could about materials, and what makes a great container, we've talked with several experts over the years, including glass scientists and cookbook editors.

There are a few reasons to upgrade your containers, especially if you use plastic yogurt or takeout tubs. First, you can’t see through yogurt containers, so once the lid is on, you can easily forget what you have in there (and let it rot). Second, they aren’t leakproof, which means that transporting them to work for lunch can be a messy affair. Third, such plastic containers are not FDA-approved for repeat food storage or microwaving. By upgrading to more-durable glass or plastic food-storage containers, you can be confident that they’ll last longer and keep your food fresher (however, because the lids are usually plastic, you may still need to replace the ones that come with glass containers before the containers themselves give out). And if your current containers are chipped or warped, that’s another sign it may be time to replace them. They won’t seal properly, and a chip or crack will act like a snag in a pair of stockings—the crack can run and cause more damage down the line.

You may also want additional containers if you’re getting into meal prep (that is, portioning individual meals into separate containers to eat throughout the week). Our plastic recommendations are especially great for meal prep because they’re less expensive and light enough to carry to work. If you already own a glass or plastic container set but want something you can bring to potlucks and picnics, you may also want to purchase a set of cheap plastic containers you won’t mind leaving behind.

Wondering which material to get? Here’s our breakdown.

Choose one of our glass picks if any of the following apply:

• You don’t mind heavier containers that can shatter.
• You’re using the containers mostly for storage at home.
• You store foods that tend to stain or smell.
• You prefer oven-safe containers (though you should still double-check whether a container can go in a preheated or cold oven).

Choose one of our plastic picks if any of the following apply:

• You want something that is less likely to shatter.
• You want a cheaper option that you can leave behind at potlucks or stock up on for meal prep.
• Your family members tend to lose containers.
• You want something lighter to carry around.

Ultimately, the choice between plastic and glass is a personal one that’s based on lifestyle. Of the experts we interviewed, some preferred glass, some preferred plastic, and one even preferred zip-top plastic bags for leftovers. They chose what worked best for themselves and their families, and you can too.

A note on tempered vs. other types of glass

Containers are made from different types of glass, which will affect their durability, price, and how they’ll break if you drop them. Most glass food-storage containers, including the Pyrex and Glasslock sets we recommend, are made of tempered glass , a type of heat-treated soda-lime glass. Tempered glass is ideal for cooking and storing food because it’s very durable. It can survive being dropped on the floor, and it’s able to withstand dramatic temperature changes without cracking. Tempered glass does have one downside, however: On rare occasions, it can shatter unexpectedly (this may seem spontaneous, but it’s usually a result of thermal shock or repeated stress on the glass). That being said, tempered glass is often referred to as “safety glass” because when it does break, it crumbles into cube-shaped pieces that are easy to sweep up, as opposed to long, thin shards that can more easily cut you. (This is why tempered glass is used for side and rear windows in cars and glass shower doors.) To understand more on how and why this seemingly random breakage occurs, you can check out our blog post on the subject.

Some food-storage containers are made from borosilicate glass because it’s even more resistant to thermal shock, or sudden changes in temperature, than tempered glass. However, it’s more expensive, and it’s also more brittle than tempered glass—which means it may break more easily if you hit it against the counter or drop it on the floor. You may also find containers made from heat-strengthened glass , which is twice as strong as untreated glass yet not as strong as tempered glass. So compared with tempered glass, heat-strengthened glass is not as resistant to sudden changes of temperature or as durable if you drop it. You’re unlikely to find non-heat-treated soda-lime glass containers because they are neither oven- nor freezer-safe.

After years of research and testing, we know that whether you’re choosing glass or plastic, a good container should meet the following criteria:

• Airtight and leakproof: “You want something that’s really airtight with a good seal, if it’s something you plan to keep for a bit,” Nancy Hopkins, then senior deputy food and entertaining editor for Better Homes & Gardens, told us. Not only will a good seal help food last longer, but leakproof construction is also important for transporting liquids. We’ve found that round containers are usually more leakproof than square or rectangular containers. Many of the models we tested have a gasket seal around the lip and plastic hinges that snap shut, so you know the container is sealed properly.
• Stain-resistant: Resistance to stains and odors is key—you don’t want to still smell or see yesterday’s pasta and red sauce on your clean container. Plastic containers are more likely to stain than glass, but we’ve found that some are more stain-resistant than others.
• Easy to clean: We wanted containers that could go in the dishwasher. For easier cleanup, we preferred containers that had sealing lids with removable gaskets because you can remove and wash them separately (this also prevents mold buildup). And we avoided lids that had microwave vents; they’re just another piece to de-crud, and you’re better off removing the latches and resting the lid on top of the container in the microwave (or not using the lid at all, as some manufacturers suggest).
• Easy to stack and store: Containers that can nest or stack neatly will be easier to store and nicer to look at. And the shapes and sizes will affect how easy it is to store containers—square or rectangular containers will maximize fridge or freezer space. We tried to pick sets with a good range from large to small, with emphasis on rectangular or square space-saving shapes. We didn’t eliminate round shapes, though, because they can be good for liquid foods. We also preferred glass and plastic sets that had interchangeable lids among containers, so finding the right lid will be a little easier.
• Heat-safe: We wanted containers that could go in the microwave, so that eliminated stainless steel. For glass containers, we also preferred options that were preheated-oven–safe or oven-safe so you can warm food in the same container.
• Translucent: The containers should be clear or easy to see through, so you know what is inside without having to open them. So we avoided ceramic containers (they can also break easily).
• Affordable: Plastic or glass storage containers range from about $3 to $10 apiece. Containers in a set are generally less expensive per piece. Although price was a factor when we made our pick, we also considered that glass containers will last a long time. Keep in mind that most manufacturers include both the containers and the lids in the total set count. So if a set is sold as 14 pieces or 16 pieces, you’re really getting only seven or eight containers.

Our 2021 tests built on our testing from previous years. We tested for leaks by filling containers with water and shaking them, before and after they had run through the dishwasher. To test how the containers would hold onto smells and stains, we filled them with tomato sauce, placed them in the refrigerator for five days and the freezer for two weeks, and reheated the sauce in the microwave for two minutes. Before reheating, we also checked the frozen tomato sauce for freezer-burn patterns, which indicate how tightly a container seals. And we submerged all of the lids in a large bowl of tomato sauce for 48 hours and then ran them through the dishwasher, as an additional stain and smell test. Usability is important in a container. We considered how easy each set’s containers were to open and close, how well they stacked, and how well their shapes and sizes would work with different types of foods.

Previously, we froze quarter-pound portions of ground beef for two weeks to look at freezer-burn patterns. And, most fun of all, we conducted a drop test from waist height for all of the containers (including glass ones) to see whether they would break or if the lids would pop off. In an attempt to simulate a non-bouncy kitchen floor, we did these drop tests on a piece of wood placed over cement.

In 2018, we also subjected the glass sets to extreme thermal stresses (which is something we strongly do not recommend trying at home): We pulled the containers from the freezer and filled them with boiling water; we took containers that had been in a 350 ºF oven for 10 minutes and filled them with ice water; we used the containers to reheat cold beef stew and tomato sauce in the microwave for three minutes; and, finally, we froze beef stew in the containers and put them directly into a 350 °F oven for 10 minutes. Since most of our picks have remained consistent over the years, we didn’t repeat any drop or thermal shock tests in 2021.

The classic, streamlined Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Set is the best glass container set we’ve tested. Made from tempered glass, these sturdy containers survived multiple counter-height drops onto wood without breaking. Unlike other glass containers we tested, the Pyrex containers have a smooth rim that’s less likely to chip over time, and they look nice enough to use for serving. Though not all of the lids are watertight, they’re faster and easier to seal than the lids of our runner-up pick, the Glasslock containers (which require more force to clip closed). And because each shape of Pyrex lid is a different color, they’re easy to match to their corresponding containers. The lids will likely wear down faster than the containers themselves (especially if you run them through the dishwasher), but you can easily get replacements from Pyrex. This set stacks neatly and is safe to use in a microwave, freezer, preheated oven, and dishwasher.

We continue to be impressed by the durability of the Pyrex set: After years of use in our home kitchens, our containers haven’t chipped or cracked. We’ve heard this from a number of Wirecutter staffers. One person told us, “They’ve held up remarkably well over the last two to three years of regular use.” Another said: “I use them all the time, they’ve held up extremely well for years now. [I] dishwash them, top or bottom rack, wherever they’ll fit.” And yet another colleague told us, “I’d say I’ve had most of them for more than five years. Never had the glass part break.”

These containers were also impressive in our initial drop tests. They survived drop after drop onto a wood board placed over a cement floor. At one point, a container missed the board entirely and bounced off the cement without breaking. The containers also passed our thermal stress tests: They were still intact after we transferred them directly from a 350 °F oven to the freezer and vice versa (we strongly urge you not to try this experiment at home). The Pyrex containers are fairly heavy, but that’s true of all the glass models we tested (for lighter containers, we recommend plastic options ).

Instead of locking on with clips, the flexible Pyrex lids press on, and they don’t require as much force to put on or take off. They’re easier to seal than the similar Anchor Hocking lids we tested and than Glasslock’s locking ones. The lids come in different colors that correlate to differently sized containers, providing a visual cue to help match them together more easily. The lids are airtight, and we didn’t see any signs of freezer burn on our tomato sauce. Even though the round containers we tested didn’t leak in our tests, we would hesitate to throw them into a backpack with a computer. We also found that the rectangular containers leaked from the corners. However, since you can simply choose to store soups and stews in the round containers, we’re willing to forgive this minor drawback.

In our tomato-sauce tests, we could detect a slight aroma on the Pyrex lids after running them through the dishwasher, but the smell wasn’t as strong as the one left behind on some of the other containers we tested, like the silicone-rimmed Pyrex Ultimate containers. Pyrex’s plastic lids are obviously not oven-safe, and if you’re using a dishwasher to clean the lids, they should be placed only on the top rack.

The Pyrex set includes nine glass containers (with matching lids), and they range in size from 1 to 7 cups. The containers nest well, or you can stack the sealed containers on top of each other. The smooth, clean lines of the Pyrex pieces also look nice on a table, if you’re serving straight from the containers after reheating.

If you’re looking for fewer containers, the Pyrex Simply Store line is also available as a 14-piece set (with seven containers and accompanying lids). You can purchase replacement tops on Pyrex’s website .

Pyrex offers a two-year warranty on the Simply Store containers, meaning the company will replace defective pieces from the set as long as they haven’t been subjected to misuse or abuse. Also, according to the company, Pyrex will replace any glass product that breaks due to oven heat. If this happens, just be sure to keep the damaged item, since you may be asked to return it. Contact the Pyrex Customer Care Center for returns or replacements.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Like the other glass containers we tested, the Pyrex set we looked at had a number of visible flaws in the glass. These flaws aren’t noticeable unless you’re looking for them, but they can potentially weaken the glass and make it more prone to shattering, so it’s something to know before you buy.

Again, not all of the containers in this set are leakproof, so we don’t recommend using them to transport meals to work or school. Though the round containers didn’t leak any water in our tests, we’d still exercise caution if you intend to use them to transport liquids. Our runner-up pick, the Glasslock set, is best if you’re looking for an entirely leakproof glass option.

All tempered glassware runs the risk of spontaneously shattering . It’s rare, but the Pyrex containers are no exception. Glass is a brittle material and needs to be treated with care .

We’ve noticed some mixed feedback over how long the Pyrex lids can last. We’ve found that the lids can crack even when washed on the top rack after many years (about five). Several Amazon reviewers have complained that the lids can crack or warp even after just a few uses, but Wirecutter staffers reported that their Pyrex lids stayed intact even after two to three years. Pyrex does sell replacement lids if you need them. You may be able to prolong the life of your lids by hand-washing them, although it may be inconvenient to do so.

Out of all the plastic sets we tested, we recommend the Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Food Storage Set . This plastic set doesn’t offer the same durability as the glass Pyrex set we recommend—we’ve noticed that plastic containers may scratch, stain, or warp over time, while glass ones do not. But the plastic, locking Snapware set is cheaper, lighter, and more convenient for transporting food than our glass picks. Snapware is owned by the same company as Pyrex, and similarly, it offers replaceable lids and a long warranty . These sets have held up well over time in our home kitchens, too. For those reasons, we think the Snapware set is the best option from our picks if you want to prep your meal ahead and grab your container from the fridge on your way out the door.

The lids in the Snapware Total Solution set are easy to snap closed (unlike those in the Snapware Airtight set, which were difficult to latch and repeatedly popped open, or the Rubbermaid Brilliance lids, which sprang shut violently, like a mousetrap). With the Snapware containers, there’s also a small tab at the edge to leverage when you’re pulling the lid off, though you may not need it (these lids didn’t suction as much as ones like the Rubbermaid Brilliance ). Still, the Snapware Total Solution containers and lids provided a tight seal, which prevented any signs of freezer burn and didn’t leak (even after a run through the dishwasher). With the locking tabs, these containers are more likely to stay shut than sets with press-on lids from IKEA or our budget pick, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs .

Like most plastic lids, the Snapware ones retained a faint tomato-sauce scent after we marinated them separately in a large bowl of sauce for 48 hours, but they didn’t retain any stains. The containers themselves were also stain-free. In contrast, the Lock & Lock containers retained an oily orange residue (and when we previously tested the Snapware Airtight set and the Popit containers, we also found that these sets retained smells and stains). And the Snapware Total Solution set performed admirably in our drop tests: Only a small piece on the corner of the lid broke off, after the third drop.

We appreciate that the Snapware containers nest, for easy storage, or stack neatly in the fridge and freezer. The set comes with 10 containers and matching lids in a variety of shapes and sizes that we think will work for most foods—from small circular containers for storing sauces or dressings to deeper, rounded rectangles for lasagna or curry. You can also write on the lids to label what’s inside (which is a nice touch, even though we prefer to label with removable tape ).

The lids also work with glass Snapware containers, which is convenient if you’re buying both styles and don’t want to have to rummage through various lids in your drawer. We found the Snapware lids slightly easier to lock and pop off than the Glasslock lids (thanks to a small protruding tab at the rim). The key difference between the two containers is that you can remove the gaskets on the Glasslock lids for cleaning, but the gaskets on the Snapware lids we tested are attached. (The instructions on the Snapware Total Solution product page recommend removing the gasket for cleaning. But a company representative confirmed that these are the brand’s general-care recommendations and apply to the Airtight containers, which do have removable gaskets.) That’s a downside, but since the Snapware lids don’t have fine ridges, like the spongier gaskets on the OXO or Glasslock lids, we think the Snapware lids won’t trap grime as easily.

These containers are microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. Snapware offers a lifetime warranty on both the plastic containers and the lids if “damaged during normal household use.” Wirecutter staffers who have owned a set for several years reported no issues with the containers or lids. Snapware also sells replaceable lids for every shape in the set if you need them: round , square , and rectangular . (Like Pyrex, Snapware is a Corelle brand.) If you need to make a claim, contact the company’s customer-care center; be sure to keep the container or lid because you may be asked to return it.

As we mentioned, the gaskets on the lids aren’t removable, which makes cleaning more difficult compared with the Glasslock set. Over the years, we’ve noticed some stock fluctuation with these containers. If they’re sold out, we also like the OXO Good Grips 16-piece Smart Seal Plastic Container Set , which we discuss below .

We recommend the Glasslock 18-Piece Container Set only if you want a glass set that’s leakproof. Like a lot of glass containers we considered, these have a history of chipping over time (although many Wirecutter staffers report no issues after years of use). The Glasslock containers’ tight-fitting lids keep food fresher longer. But they also put pressure on the edge of the glass, which, according to the glass experts we spoke with, may be causing stress that results in breakage. (Several reviewers also mentioned that their containers chipped after they nested them for storage. We were told by Jane Cook, then chief scientist at the Corning Museum of Glass , that stacking glass can cause stress over time because the two hard surfaces rub together, and this may eventually lead to chipping. You can stack the containers on top of each other with the lids on instead, or layer a paper towel between containers.) That said, compared with other brands we tested, the Glasslock containers locked more securely without leaking and didn’t break or pop open when dropped. Per piece, the set also costs less than other glass options we considered.

The plastic lids have a firm silicone gasket that fills the lid groove from edge to edge and provides a tight seal that doesn’t leak. Though the gaskets are removable, they’re harder to pry off than the thicker rings on the OXO containers—we accidentally punctured the gasket on one of our Glasslock containers with a butter knife. Our testers found that the plastic flaps on the lids were more difficult to close than the press-on lids of the Pyrex glass containers, but that’s true of most locking containers. However, the Glasslock containers kept food fresher longer than much of the competition in our initial tests, indicating that they’re airtight. In our tests, greens remained sprightly, and cut strawberries tasted just a touch off after being refrigerated for two weeks. Tomato sauce didn’t show signs of freezer burn, and it didn’t impart stains or smells to the glass or to the plastic lid.

Impressively, the Glasslock set bounced in our drop tests, with no damage to the glass containers. The lids remained perfectly intact and didn’t pop off. (For kicks, we even tried dropping a Glasslock container onto cement. It broke on a corner only after three other attempts to crack the thing.) The glass Snapware set we tested didn’t fare as well in our drop tests: Some of the flaps opened, and the corner of the lid cracked.

The Glasslock set comes with nine square, rectangular, and round containers ranging from 0.7 cup (165 milliliters) to 6.3 cups (1.5 liters) in size. Though the containers are clear, you can choose to get them with clear lids with a sea-green gasket or with translucent cornflower-blue lids. This set has a wider range of shapes than the glass Rubbermaid Brilliance set. The Glasslock walls are thick but perfectly see-through, and same-shape containers of different sizes nest even with the lids on. These containers stack beautifully in the fridge, making it easy to see what leftovers you have.

Like Pyrex and Anchor Hocking, Glasslock makes its containers out of tempered soda-lime glass that’s oven-, microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. Though we like the OXO 16 Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set (which has a spongier gasket and lids that are easier to take off and clean), it’s far more expensive since the containers are made from borosilicate glass. And we still saw complaints of chipping in the reviews.

Glasslock will replace any worn-out or faulty lids free of charge (though you’ll have to pay a few bucks for shipping). You can order the right-size lid on its website by looking for the product code etched into the bottom of your container. If you buy your set directly through Glasslock’s website, the company will offer a full refund within 30 days of purchase as long as the containers are unused and in their original packaging.

Like all tempered glassware, the Glasslock containers can spontaneously shatter (albeit very rarely) due to surface damage, manufacturing flaws, or extreme thermal stresses. Beyond that, several pieces we’ve long-term tested have chipped around the edge, and we’ve heard other people complain of the same thing. We’ve also read reviews that the containers’ body chips over time. The chipping is probably due to the pressure that the locking lids put on the glass when you snap them shut, or from stacking the containers. William LaCourse, then professor in the Glass Engineering Science department at Alfred University, told us, “There will be stresses as a result of the cap and putting the cap on with fairly high pressure … it essentially squeezes the cap onto the glass.” He explained that if there are any minor flaws already present in the glass, the added pressure from the lids could cause the containers to chip or break. Cook said that you can also put stress on glass by rubbing it against a material as hard or harder than itself (which happens when you stack glass containers on top of each other). That stress is also exacerbated when you stack warm containers that have expanded.

If you’re committed to getting the Glasslock containers because you want glass containers that don’t leak, we don’t think the concern of chipping or breakage should stop you. Only a small number of the containers we’ve tested have chipped. We also subjected the Glasslock containers to extreme thermal stresses , and they survived unscathed. And we’ve previously ordered sets from different retailers to check for any breakage during shipping. Just keep an eye out every time you open a container: The only thing you don’t want is a piece of glass in your food. And if you’re going to choose glass over plastic, keep in mind that all glassware is inherently brittle and needs to be handled with care .

If you don’t have a dishwasher, you may need to remove the gaskets from the Glasslock lids to clean them and prevent any mold buildup. (This seems to happen only to sets that people hand-wash.) Carefully dig the gasket out with a butter knife so you don’t knick it, wash it with hot water, and let it dry completely before you reassemble the lid.

Some Amazon reviewers have complained that the flaps on the lids of the Glasslock containers make a racket when snapped shut. But we don’t think this is a dealbreaker because it’s just a split second of noise; other containers, like the Rubbermaid Brilliance, were louder.

How the Glasslock containers have held up

Marilyn Ong, supervising editor on our kitchen team, has owned Glasslock containers for roughly seven years, and she uses them frequently to store leftovers for her family of five. She hasn’t experienced any glass chipping, though the flaps on the lids for her round containers did start to break off after about four years. She ordered new lids for free from the Glasslock website , paid a few dollars for shipping, and received them less than a week later.

If you need budget-friendly containers that you’ll be less likely to worry about leaving behind at picnics or potlucks, the best of those we tested were the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers . We’ve tested a 40-piece set as well as a 52-piece set, and we found they came with a wider range of shapes and sizes than any of the other flimsier sets we tested. Although there can be a lot of pieces to keep track of, these containers and lids stack well and don’t take up as much space as you’d expect.

Unlike the similar Ziploc and Glad containers, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs didn’t leak before or after we ran them through the dishwasher. And while other budget plastic containers we tested, like those from Reditainer and Glad, shattered immediately when filled with water and dropped from waist height, the Rubbermaid container we dropped remained fully sealed for two drops. Only after the fourth drop did the base of the Rubbermaid crack.

Like all disposable sets, the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs aren’t perfect, because they’re not intended for long-term use. The plastic becomes soft when microwaved, though not as soft as the Ziploc and Glad containers. The Rubbermaid TakeAlongs also stained slightly and retained a faint tomato scent after dishwashing, which was a problem we encountered with all of the cheap plastic sets we tested. However, because these containers are so affordable, come in a variety of sizes, and don’t leak easily, we’re willing to forgive these drawbacks. We’ve noticed stock issues with various TakeAlong sets. But we’ve tested a large range of the pieces available in the different sets (including a few smaller containers with screw-top lids to store sauces or condiments), and we have found that all the containers and lids are of similar quality, and are made from the same materials.

If you can’t find the TakeAlongs, or you want to consider other options that you may be able to pick up easily from a grocery or home-goods store, there are a couple of other budget-friendly sets that will work, if they’re easier for you to get. The nesting IKEA Pruta set didn’t stain or retain smells, and it is easy to pick up if you’re already shopping at an IKEA. But we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to buy this set, since it’s difficult to order online (our containers took three weeks to arrive, and the $5 shipping fee is almost as much as the $6 set), and it doesn’t include as many shapes as the TakeAlongs set. We also like deli containers , which stack and are designed to be disposable if you want to give food away or leave your container behind. But these don’t hold up well in the microwave or freezer and don’t come in as many different sizes.

Your containers will likely outlast your lids, but you can try and take a little extra care of them to prolong their lifespan. It’s tempting to just leave the lids on when you microwave stuff in your containers. Don’t. No sealed lid benefits from the vacuum effect that happens when you heat your food in the microwave. Abusing the lid in this way can cause it to warp and lose its seal. When you microwave, if you must keep the lid on to prevent splatter, always make sure to loosen the lid completely and set it slightly ajar across the top of the container. An even better option is to put a vented microwave cover or a paper towel over your container when you zap it. Keep in mind that if you’re using a microwave with sensor reheat, it won’t work properly unless it can detect the amount of moisture coming off of your food.

If you don’t own a dishwasher, or you want to prolong the life of your lids, handwashing works just fine for our picks. But if the lid has a removable gasket, remove the gasket from time to time and clean it separately from the lid to make sure no mold can grow. If you’re loading these into the dishwasher, plastic pieces should always go on the top rack, while glass pieces can go anywhere in the dishwasher.

After using these containers for years in our kitchens, we’ve found that when we put the Glasslock lids through the dishwasher, they stay mold-free even without removing the gaskets, which is convenient. Cook told us, however, that “automatic dishwashers are hell” for plastic (and glass!) due to high, uneven heat, humidity, and chemicals from detergent. We noticed a few of our Glasslock lids began to break after four years of putting them through the dishwasher, and our Pyrex lids have cracked over time, too. Hand-washing them with water no hotter than what comes from your tap, or at least avoiding the heated dry cycle (if your dishwasher has one) when you do use the dishwasher, may help extend their lifespan. You’ll need to weigh the trade-off between convenience and longevity when caring for your containers and lids.

After removing glass food-storage containers from a hot dishwasher, the experts we spoke to recommend letting them cool before stacking them in a cupboard. LaCourse said, “When they’re hot and clean, they will scratch easily.” Hot glass will also be more prone to sticking. Cook explained that, “When they’re warm, they’ve expanded slightly. As they cool down, if you put a colder glass inside of a warmer glass, they’re just going to grab onto each other. So you’re more likely to get a glass stuck inside another glass, and it needs to be pounded out or put under running water in order to get them apart, which all leads to more surface damage and shorter lifetime.” Stacking glass even when it isn’t hot can also add stress to containers, and lead to chipping over time.

To store, dry the lids completely before putting away. We recommend leaving the lids resting on top of the containers, but not snapped shut, which helps to protect the longevity of the seal.

We’ve read customer reviews on Amazon and feedback from our readers who have occasionally reported that their tempered glassware “spontaneously shattered.” Even though tempered glass is more durable than non-heat-treated soda-lime glass, it’s still glass, and can break. Never subject your glass food storage containers to extreme thermal stresses (such as taking containers from the freezer and placing them directly into a hot oven and vice versa). Always stay within the recommended temperature threshold indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you prefer borosilicate glass containers: We liked the shape and size variation of the OXO 16 Piece Smart Seal Glass Container Set . Because they’re made from borosilicate (which withstands temperature changes better than tempered glass), this makes them far more expensive than our picks—and we still found reviews complaining that they chipped. But if you plan on using your containers frequently in the oven or freezer, or the Glasslock containers are sold out, we think this is a good option. We also appreciated the lids on these containers: They have a thicker gasket that’s far easier to remove and wedge back in than the gasket on the Glasslock containers. In theory, that extra cushion could help prevent the OXO’s rims—which (like the Glasslock's) are slightly raised—from chipping.

If you want containers with as little plastic as possible: The Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set has glass lids trimmed with white silicone that evoke a chic, minimalist lifestyle that’s aspirational but perhaps not realistic for actually storing food. The white lids stained in our tomato sauce tests (of course), and because the lids are glass, the containers are heavy and not ideal for transport. The lids do suction well, however, and they’re still easy to peel off thanks to a protruding tab.

If you want to switch between plastic and glass containers: We appreciate that the lids on the Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Set are interchangeable with those of the plastic Snapware set. If you’re interested in owning both plastic and glass containers for different purposes, using Snapware for both means you won’t have to rummage between multiple mismatched lids to find what you need. This set was our former runner-up pick for glass containers (though it used to have 18 pieces and slightly different shape options). Like those of our current runner-up pick , this set’s lids clip closed and may subject the lip of the containers to stress, which can increase the chances of breakage. Because the silicone-bordered lids are a little harder to clean by hand than those of the Glasslocks containers, we recommend these only if having interchangeable lids between plastic and glass sets is important to you.

If the Snapware set is sold out: We like the lids on the plastic OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Plastic Container Set just as much as the ones on the glass version. These containers are more expensive than our pick, and they don’t have any round shapes. That said, we think they’re a fine option if our locking plastic pick sells out.

If you want a lid that’s easy to remove, you might like suction lids. The lids on all of our picks (the locking-style lids on the Glasslocks or Snapware containers and the press-on style lids from Pyrex and Rubbermaid) take some effort to get on and off. Suction lids, by contrast, simply sit atop a bowl or container you already own to cover it. However, they aren’t airtight and won’t prevent leaks or spills (they suction to the container only when you lift up on them from a knob in the center; otherwise nothing secures them in place). We’ve tested suction lids before , and out of all the ones we tried, we preferred the thicker, sturdier, clear Lékué Suction Lid . We also tried the GIR lids, which come in more sizes and colors. These are a little floppier and don’t create as strong a seal as the Lékué lids, but they’re easy to peel off and rinse clean. (I, Anna Perling, am breaking into the first person here to tell you that I used the GIR Suction Lids —as well as the Food52 Airtight Lids —for several months while I was recovering from a nerve damage injury and couldn’t move my dominant arm or hand. I found them easier to put on, take off, and clean than firmer lids with ridges or tabs; maybe you will too.)

There are just two shape and size options in the Rubbermaid Brilliance glass set, and the lids are more difficult to shut and pry off than those of our picks.

The Anchor Hocking Glass Food Storage Set survived our drop tests, but the containers leaked more than the similarly designed glass Pyrex containers we tested. The flimsy lids in this set also held onto odors more than our picks.

Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Glass Storage got a B+ from Good Housekeeping. But we dismissed them after reading that Cook’s Illustrated (subscription required) does not recommend them because the seal became noticeably looser after going through the dishwasher 50 times and leaked profusely.

Although we recommend the Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers line in our guide to the best dry food storage containers , we don’t recommend them for daily use for storing leftovers. We’ve read reports that they crack in the dishwasher or microwave. So we prefer them for longer-term dry storage, since you don’t need to wash the containers as often. They also have fewer shape options, and the locking lids require more force to shut than our plastic containers pick .

The Lock & Lock Easy Essentials Food Storage Container Set is affordable, and it offers many shapes and sizes. The lids are a little harder to align and lock, compared with our picks. In our 2021 update, these were the only plastic containers to have freezer burn and to stain after our tomato sauce test.

For a cheap set of containers with press-on lids, we like the IKEA Pruta set, but they’re difficult to get online due to prolonged shipping times or extra costs (ours took three weeks to arrive; IKEA also charges for shipping, which in this case costs almost as much as the containers themselves). They also don’t come in as many shapes as our budget pick. And, as is true of most flimsy plastic sets, we’ve found that they warp over time.

The Reditainer Deli Food Storage Containers are typically used in professional restaurant kitchens because they’re cheap to buy in bulk, they’re uniform, and they store very neatly. They’re also cheap enough to leave at someone’s house. Although these containers didn’t leak and did keep freezer-burn at bay, they stained easily and hung onto food odors. These containers also shattered in our drop test.

Though it’s convenient that the lids in the Rubbermaid Easy Find Lid 42-Piece Set stack, these containers leaked both before and after going through the dishwasher, so we dismissed them.

The Popit Little Big Box Food Plastic Container Set didn’t leak when filled with water, and the removable gasket made cleaning easy. However, this set didn’t pass our drop test: The flaps popped open, and one completely broke off.

The Rubbermaid Premier set did very well in nearly all of our tests, but it was difficult to tell when the lid was sealed properly. We also thought the container sizes were a little too small for holding leftovers.

The Snapware Airtight Plastic Food Container Set we recommended in 2015 had faulty lid flaps that were difficult to close when they were tested again in 2016. This set also held onto food odors and stains more than the competition. (This set is no longer available in these shapes, but there is a  set of round containers .)

Sterilite Ultra-Seal containers, which you can find at many retailers, received poor marks from both Cook’s Illustrated and Good Housekeeping for a seal that wasn’t airtight. (These containers also no longer come in a set with varying shapes and sizes, so every piece must be purchased individually.)

The Glad MatchWare color-coded lids and containers made matching pairs easy. But they leaked, stained, and left ground meat covered with freezer burn. These containers also exploded in our drop tests. (The colors and patterns on this set have changed since our original review, though the containers are the same.)

Ziploc’s containers nest well, but they leaked, and they became extremely soft when microwaved.

This article was edited by Marilyn Ong and Marguerite Preston.

Nicole Papantoniou, The Best Food Storage Containers , Good Housekeeping , January 22, 2021

Sharon Franke, The Best Food Storage Containers of 2021 , Reviewed , February 16, 2021

The Best Food-Storage Containers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers , The Strategist , September 8, 2020

Nancy Hopkins, then senior deputy food and entertaining editor for Better Homes & Gardens , phone interview

Faith Durand, executive editor for The Kitchn , email interview

Michele Thomas, then executive editor at the International Culinary Center , email interview , January 28, 2016

Jane Cook, PhD, then chief scientist at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York , phone interview, September 15, 2017 and March 16, 2021


William C. LaCourse, PhD, then professor in the Glass Engineering Science department at Alfred University in Alfred, New York , phone interview , September 12, 2017

Heated Glass Comparison , Vitroglazings.com

Meet your guides

Anna Perling

Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter. During her time at Wirecutter, she reported on various topics including sports bras, board games, and light bulbs. Previously she wrote food and lifestyle pieces for Saveur and Kinfolk magazines. Anna is a mentor at Girls Write Now and a member of the Online News Association.

Michael Sullivan

Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since 2016. Previously, he was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York. He has worked in various facets of the food and restaurant industry for over a decade.

Ganda Suthivarakom

Further reading

The Best Dry Food Storage Containers

by Arianna Flores, Michael Sullivan, and Marguerite Preston

After testing 19 food storage container sets over the years, we recommend the Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers and the Rubbermaid Commercial Containers.

Expert Tips for Freezing Food and Reducing Food Waste

by Anna Perling and Katie Okamoto

We have the best freezer containers, plus expert advice on saving money and reducing waste by getting the most from your freezer.

The Best Food Processor

by Mace Dent Johnson and Michael Sullivan

Our favorite food processor is, as it has been for a decade, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor . It’s a durable, no-frills kitchen workhorse.

This $20 Lid Organizer Has Tamed the Chaos Inside My Kitchen Cabinets

by Rose Maura Lorre

Food storage container lids are incredibly annoying to deal with—unless you have the YouCopia StoraLid Container Lid Organizer .

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Best Hot Food Thermos Containers

If you’re trying to eat out less often, packing your lunch is the perfect solution. using a hot food thermos will prevent you from eating sandwiches every day for lunch. food thermoses can hold a variety of foods, like soup, chili, pasta, and more. many thermoses will also keep items cold so that you can bring gazpacho, overnight oatmeal, and more for lunch. when shopping for a food thermos, consider what size you’ll need, if you want it to work for hot and cold foods, and if you will need built-in utensils. here is our review of four different food thermos containers so you can find the right one for you..

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Best Integrated Full-Sized Stainless Steel Spoon

Thermos stainless king 16 ounce food jar with folding spoon.

16-Ounce Stainless Steel Food Thermos. This 16-ounce stainless steel food thermos comes with a full-size stainless steel spoon and keeps your food hot or cold for hours.

What We Liked

This food thermos holds 16 ounces of food, including soup, chili, oatmeal, and more. The included full-size spoon folds up for secure storage at the top of the thermos. The stainless steel spoon can be used with the lid to create an on-the-go bowl and spoon. In addition, the wide mouth of the thermos makes this container easy to fill, eat from, and clean. Made from durable stainless steel and BPA-free, this thermos is dishwasher safe if placed on the top rack. The vacuum insulation technology keeps liquids hot for seven hours and cold for nine hours. In particular, we liked that this food thermos keeps food hot or cold for hours and comes with a foldable full-sized spoon. Get it here. 

Best Lid Design for Easy Opening

Zojirushi sw-eae35xa 11-3/4-ounce stainless-steel food jar.

11 ¾-Ounce Stainless Steel Food Thermos. This BPA-free stainless steel thermos keeps food hot or cold for hours and features dimples on the lid to make it easy to open.

This food thermos is made of food-grade, BPA-free stainless steel. It keeps food hot or cold due to the double-walled vacuum insulated design. It holds up to 11 ¾-ounces, and its compact design makes it easy to pack. The dimples on the lid also make it easy to grab and open. The tight-fitting lid and gasket seals minimize leaks, while the wide mouth opening (2.5-inches wide) makes it easy to fill, eat from, and clean. Even better, the polished stainless steel interior helps eliminate lingering odors or tastes. This thermos is hand-wash only, but we liked that this thermos has dimples on the lid for easy opening. Buy it now. 

Most Leak-Proof

Dacool insulated lunch container hot food jar 16 oz stainless steel vacuum bento lunch box for kids adult with spoon.

16-ounce Stainless Steel Insulated Food Thermos. This stainless steel, leak-proof food thermos keeps foods hot or cold with its double-walled vacuum insulation and double lid design, which includes an exhaust valve on the inner lid to make it easy to open.

This insulated food thermos holds up to 16 ounces of food. It’s made from BPA-free, FDA approved stainless steel. The double-wall design includes copper coated insulation and seamless welding technology to keep food hot or cold for 12 hours, in addition to making it leak-proof. The double lid design allows you to use the outer lid as a bowl, and the inner lid comes with an exhaust valve so you can release pressure and open the thermos easily. The thermos is easy to fill, eat from, and clean, thanks to the jar’s wide opening. It also comes with a conveniently stored, foldable stainless steel spoon. This thermos comes in a variety of colors, too. We particularly liked that this stainless steel food thermos has a double lid system to help make it leak-proof and comes with an exhaust valve to make it easy to open. Buy it here. 

Best Variety of Colors and Patterns

Simple modern kids provision insulated food jar with handle lid.

Stainless Steel 16-Ounce Food Thermos with Handle. Bring your lunch in style with this colorful and functional food thermos, which keeps food hot or cold because of itsBPA-free stainless steel and double-walled vacuum insulation.

This portable food thermos keeps food hot or cold, thanks to the double-walled vacuum insulation and premium copper coated insulation. Additionally, this thermos won’t sweat, and the exterior will always be cool to the touch. The food jar is made from food-grade premium stainless steel, which is BPA-free and FDA approved. The jar’s wide mouth makes it easy to eat from and clean. This thermos comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and the jar’s exterior finish prevents the appearance of fingerprints. The attached handle makes the thermos easy to carry, too. In particular, we liked that this food thermos keeps foods hot or cold and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Get it now. 

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6 Best Hot Food Containers to Keep Food Warm

The Best Hot Food Containers

If you love to eat, then you probably enjoy eating warm food. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to eat food when it’s still hot and fresh, which means your food may end up getting cold while you are transporting it or if you have to wait in line at the grocery store or supermarket before leaving the store. Thankfully, there are plenty of the best hot food containers on the market today that can keep your food warm until you are ready to consume it.

They can be microwavable, travel-friendly, or even dishwasher-safe; you just have to know what qualities you’re looking for when choosing the best hot food containers.

That’s why I created this list of the best hot food containers available online that keep your food warm and safe at all times. If you’re looking to invest in the best hot food containers, then look no further because I got you covered!

There are many products that can help make this task easier and more efficient. Here are some of the best hot food containers to keep food warm that are currently on the market today.

Things To Look For In A Hot Food Container

Make sure it meets your standard requirements. This is important so you can get maximum life from your investment and ensure you get more than one use out of them.

Here is what I look for when purchasing hot containers for my family. Double-wall stainless steel. The double-wall stainless steel insulated container will hold in heat and seal up your sauces or foods very well.

When you’re shopping for a hot food container, there are several key features you should look for. First, it should be made of safe materials.

Next, it should include insulating materials that will keep food at an optimal temperature for as long as possible—without breaking.

It should also have practical measurements so you can easily see how much food is left in your storage container and it needs a locking system to make sure your food stays secure at all times.

If possible, make sure you can customize your storage unit based on your needs so you know exactly how much food fits inside. Look for one that comes with a clear lid or no lid at all so everyone will know exactly what’s in each container at any given time.

Features You Should Consider in a Hot Food Container

Here are some factors you should consider when shopping for a hot food container. Will your food be hot? If you need to keep your food warm, look for containers with double-wall insulation, which will prevent heat loss and minimize condensation.

Don’t assume that insulated or insulating is the same as double-wall, though. Is it durable? If you want a reusable container, make sure it is built from high-quality materials that can withstand daily use and cleaning in a commercial kitchen. How easy is it to open and close?

The food container you buy should be made of strong materials, such as stainless steel or polycarbonate. It should also be easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Some containers come with covers that can help keep your food warm longer.

A tight-fitting lid is essential so food doesn’t spill during transit, but it should still allow steam to escape so your meal stays warm

The most important thing to think about when you’re picking a hot food container is whether or not it can be cleaned easily. First of all, you’ll want to consider the size of the food containers that you’re looking for.

If you’re only going to be packing a small amount of food, then you can get away with a smaller-sized container. Select the best hot food containers, which should have good thermal insulation, high strength, and non-toxicity, and should be light in weight.

Select the best hot food containers, which should have good thermal insulation, high strength, and non-toxicity, and should be light in weight.

The following is a list of the best hot food containers. From where you can choose

Thermos SK3020MSTRI4 King 24 Ounce Jar, Stainless Steel

Thermos SK3020MSTRI4 King

The king of the Thermos! A stainless 24-oz. food jar is a carry-on, mouth-watering. Featuring double-wall vacuum insulation and a stainless steel body and components, including the lids and bowls, it’s perfect for days when you want to eat cold food on the go. The range is from minus 40 to plus 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The king food jar is a great choice for hikers because of its tough exterior and premium, double-wall vacuum insulation. The stainless king food jar is ideal for taking food to-go from home, family, and friends.

It is built with double-wall stainless steel and its sleek design is eye-catching and functional. The proportionate body shape is easy to grip and mouth-filling is easy to open, eat, and clean.

The lid serves a dual purpose. Which also serves as a serving bowl.

• vacuum insulation technology keeps liquids hot or cold to maintain the maximum temperature.
• Durable stainless steel interior and exterior.
• sweat-proof with cold.
• Bowls serving compact and insulated stainless steel.
• A wide mouth is easy to fill, eat, and clean
• Easy to clean
• Quality of material
• The inside lid is not stainless steel, but plastic
• Not wide enough for a baby

Insulated Lunch Best Hot Food Containers Jar

Insulated Lunch Containers Hot Food Jar

Thermos for Kids & Adults, Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box Keep Cold/Warm with Foldable Spoon & Fork for School Office, 2 Pack, 24 oz & 17 oz, Grey

Start packing healthy and delicious lunches for yourself and your family with this Insulated Lunch Containers Hot Food Jar.

Convenient to use, this box comes with 2 insulation thermoses, 1 folding soup spoon and fork, 1 user manual, and a manufacturer’s satisfaction guarantee.

These food jar sets feature an attractive design that works for children and adults alike. Super convenient to carry hot foods, such as pasta, soup, chili, or milk, thanks to our insulated thermal technology.

The thermoses are made entirely of stainless steel, guaranteeing that no toxic plastic comes in contact with your food.

The interior is vacuum-insulated to ensure your food is kept at the right temperature even after many hours.

Energify Vacuum Insulated Hot Food Jar

Energify Vacuum Insulated Food Jar

A stainless steel food thermos with a folding spoon, a soup bowl, a lunch container, and a soup thermos cup

The Energify Vacuum Insulated Hot Food Jar keeps food fresh and hot. It’s great for soups, stews, and curries, keep your food hot all afternoon at work, gym class, school, or overnight!

This insulated thermos is made from high-quality stainless steel that does not retain the taste and odor of previous food.

Its leak-proof design makes the Energify Vacuum Insulated Hot Food Jar very easy to transport and is fitted with a silicone band and airtight lid to ensure no spills in your backpack or lunch bag!

The Energify Vacuum Insulated Hot Food Jar is also great for keeping cold drinks cold as well as hot coffee or soup hot.

Whether you’re a cyclist, motorcyclist, hiker or just enjoy picnics or adventures outdoors, this highly efficient thermal lunch box will keep any hot food piping hot until lunchtime or even longer.

Stanley Classic Insulated Food Container

Stanley Classic Legendary Vacuum Insulated Food Jar 24oz

Container made of naturally BPA-free stainless steel – keeps food/liquid hot or cold for 15 hours – leak-proof, easy to clean .

Stanley’s tough and durable classic food container is 2 in 1. Jogger keeps hot foods cold and cold foods cold for 12 hours. So that you can enjoy hot and fresh food at any time.

Double-wall stainless steel construction and durable rusThe Stanley Classic Insulated Food Jar is a double-walled stainless steel food container that holds hot foods hotter and cold foods colder longer.

Jogger keeps hot foods hot for up to 12 hours and cold foods cold for up to 36 hours. It has a stainless steel lid that can be used as a bowl or cup.

The spout lid has a dimple on the top, which helps catch drips when pouring liquids. The mouth is big enough so you don’t need to remove the lid to eat or drink from it.

• 18/8 of stainless steel, BPA-free
• Dual-wall vacuum insulation
• Leak-proof + packable
• Isolated lid doubles as a cup
• Secure dishwasher
• The plastic cap can’t hold the steam pressure

THERMOS FUNTAINER 10 Ounce Best Hot Food Container

Thermos brand products offer high insulation. Which keeps the food at maximum temperature for hours. And 10 Ounce, Blue Funtainer food container is no exception.

Thermos Vacuum Insulation Technology virtually prevents temperature fluctuations in the beverage bottle by providing an airless space between two stainless steel walls.

The result is a layer of insulation that performs better than any other. This is a better-insulated container that you can rely on.

Keep warm food warm or cold food cool with this easy-to-use food jar.

The double-wall stainless steel construction ensures the temperature remains unchanged even when contents are removed or added, so the soup stays hot, or coffee stays cool.

The lid is color-coded according to leak-proof standards, and a seal will not be broken even if left inverted.

The 10 Ounce container comes with a no-sweat exterior that is comfortable to hold and prevents spills. This food storage jar is BPA-free, making it safe for your family’s health.

• Easy to use
• 2 in 1 you can use for hot and cold
• Hard to clean the circular silicon rubber gasket

Insulated Lunch Container DaCool Hot Food Jar

DaCool Insulated Lunch Container Hot Food Jar

Kids Adults Stainless Steel Vacuum Bento Lunch Box with Spoon Leak Proof Hot Cold Food for School Office Picnic Travel Outdoors – Cyan Blue

DaCool insulated lunch container hot food jar 16-ounce stainless steel vacuum bento lunch box spoon leakproof for school adults for school hot picnic school office picnic travel abroad Safe food container stainless steel.

BPA-free, no PVC, 304 stainless steel, food-grade material. Enjoy this hot food jar without any hassle. Vacuum insulation technology.

Double-wall stainless steel, besides, great copper coating insulation and smooth welding technology, excellent beautiful insulation for hot food, food jar and can be used for school, office adults and children Long-term insulation add hot and cold water to pre. Keeps fluids hot and cold

• Storage capacity
• Hard for a child to hold the spoon and reset it back into the top

How Do You Pick the Best Hot Food Containers?

If you have decided that you need a hot food container then there are some things you will need to consider before making your purchase. Since hot food is meant to stay warm, having an insulated box can be quite important.

Today there are many types of containers both in retail stores and online, but these are not all suitable for keeping food warm.

Some containers may look attractive and do keep hot food warm, but they won’t last long because they’re not designed for such use.

You want a container that has been specifically designed with insulation so that it can protect heat from being lost very fast after cooking or warming up.

So how do you choose such containers? There are certain features to look out for when choosing good-quality heated containers.

Make sure it meets your standard requirements. It is made of stainless steel and can keep your food warm for more than an hour.

The container has two handles for easy use and heat resistance up to 100-degrees Celsius/212-degrees Fahrenheit.

This is one of our favorite products because it will definitely meet all your expectations if you need a great quality product that you can use at home or while traveling in your car with no worries.

Here is what one of its users said: Excellent container! Quality material, perfect size and looks pretty modern even though it’s simple in design.

A good heated container should be both insulated and made of strong material. The construction of a container can make it wear out faster when you try to use it to keep hot food warm.

If the container is made with aluminum, then it will wear out sooner than another container created with steel or another highly durable material.

A good heated container should protect the heat from being lost after heating. You may want to consider the double-walled or vacuum insulated heated containers that are designed better to maintain the heat inside the box.

Since different types of food require varying amounts of heat to remain warm and fresh. It is advisable that you choose a model that has specific settings for keeping various foods warm at various temperatures.

When purchasing a heated box, be sure to consider the size, as this will determine if it can fit into your fridge.

We hope that you found these comparisons helpful and that you were able to easily identify the best Hot Food container for your needs. Good luck, and happy shopping!

THERMOS FUNTAINER

10 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Food Jar, Violet

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The Best Food Storage Containers, Tested by Experts

An easy, affordable way to store leftovers and meal prep.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Not only are they helpful when you’re trying to meal prep for the week or need a way to transport your healthy lunch without spilling your soup or salad dressing everywhere, but they can also be used to freeze extra food or reheat leftovers in the microwave. Most food storage containers have a tight seal to prevent leaks, but some are better suited for larger meals, dry foods or saving space, so we put them to the test to make sure they do their jobs properly.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid brilliance food storage containers.

Best Value Food Storage Containers

Snapware total solution plastic food storage.

Best Food Storage Containers for the Pantry

Oxo good grips eight-piece pop container baking set.

Best Long-Lasting Food Storage Containers

Anchor hocking trueseal glass food storage containers.

Best Space-Saving Storage Containers

Joseph joseph nest lock plastic food storage container set.

Best Flexible Food Storage Containers

Stasher stand-up silicone bag.

Best Glass Food Storage Containers For Leftovers

Pyrex 22-piece food storage container set.

Best Vacuum Seal Food Storage Container

Zwilling fresh & save vacuum sealer machine starter set.

Best Food Storage Containers for Dry Foods

Zyliss twist and seal five-piece dry storage set.

Best Food Containers for Meal Prep

Zoku neat stack food storage containers.

Our experts and product analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test all types of cookware and kitchen essentials, ranging from the best lunch bags to bring to the office to camping cooking gear . Over the years, we’ve been hands-on with over 80 food storage containers from top brands such as Rubbermaid, Pyrex and OXO. To determine our recommendations, we fill containers with tomato sauce to ensure each is leakproof, has a tight seal and doesn't stain with use. We also note how well containers perform in the freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

After checking out our reviews of the best glass and plastic containers, continue reading to the bottom of this guide to learn more about what to look for when shopping for food storage containers. Read up on the best pantry organization ideas for more ways keep your kitchen area tidy.

Brilliant for many reasons, these plastic food storage containers are completely see-through (aside from the seal), stack easily and are perfect for taking on the go since they're light and sturdy. A two-time 2021 and 2022 Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards winner, the set features a tight seal with lids that snap closed for extra protection. Unsnapping the lid provides ventilation, which made reheating a breeze in our tests.

Our pros also microwaved spaghetti sauce to test stain resistance, and only faint marks were left behind compared to other plastic containers we tested. Not only is this set a great deal, but we love that each container comes in an assortment of sets and sizes. Some include little containers and trays which make meal-prepping and lunch-packing easy, and the set is available in glass containers if preferred.

These lock-lid containers from Snapware are stackable, help keep your refrigerator organized and are hard to beat with a price of just under $20 . We were impressed by how well they performed during our shake test, only losing a small amount of water. It held up during our microwave test but we noticed stains after reheating pasta sauce, which is common with plastic containers.

In our previous testing, we also tried Snapware's Total Solution Glass line . If you're looking for containers that will keep food fresh for a long time, (say, if you're putting meals in the freezer for long-term storage), you may want to opt for those as they're less prone to staining. Just keep in mind that the locking lids are still plastic, so they may stain over time.

OXO's well-known POP containers can be closed with one hand — simply press the button down to form a tight seal. The lids are slim, easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Some also come with accessories like half-cup scoops that attach to the underside of the lid so you always have a dedicated one on hand for measuring dry goods.

This baking set comes with containers designed to perfectly fit 5-pound bags of flour and sugar, as well as a 1-pound box of brown sugar. The brown sugar container comes with a terra cotta brown sugar saver that will prevent the sugar from hardening. The POP containers stack neatly and securely, allowing you to easily keep track of necessary refills.

In our Lab, we tested the 1-quart size and loved how well it held up in the dishwasher. We also tested the 1-quart version with a stainless steel lid , and while these lids are not dishwasher safe, hand washing was a breeze and the bases can be thrown in the dishwasher.

These containers earned top scores in our test for keeping air out (and that means keeping freshness in) . For under $40, these containers are a steal, featuring bases made of glass that can be used in the oven up to 425ºF. The lids are see-through and have a flexible edge that won't crack over time, and though we did see slight denting in the lids after several high-heat dishwasher cycles, we were able to pop them right back into place. The lids are textured and the lip on the side helps with opening and sealing, but they aren't the best for holding large amounts of liquid as we saw water loss during both our shake test and overnight leakage test.

Get this entire Joseph Joseph Nest Storage container set for under $25, especially if you're concerned about space and money. This line features nested containers and nested lids, so when you put them away, you only have to clear space for the largest-sized container. The lids snap onto the containers to create a tight seal, though we found leaking during our testing and wouldn't recommend them for liquids. Similar to other plastic containers we tested, these are prone to staining if used with highly pigmented foods. The larger sizes are great for batch cooking.

If you like your plastic baggies and Ziplocs, you'll love Stasher reusable bags , which will save you money in the long run. Store fruits, veggies and other snacks in the bags' thick, but flexible silicone that's transparent and comes in an assortment of colors and sizes. They seal and open easily. When we tested them at home, they kept herbs wrapped in a damp paper towel fresh for weeks, and we didn't have to shuffle everything around in our fridge to make room for them since they take up minimal space. Stasher bags are freezer-, microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe and can even be used in boiling water for cooking sous vide! We did notice staining during our in-Lab tomato sauce testing so keep that in mind when storing pigmented foods. They also come in other sizes and colors!

The shapes in this set stand out for their versatility and it comes with 11 containers plus their lids at a great price (especially when on sale!). The containers nest and their lids are slim for easy storage. Pyrex containers can be used in the oven, which makes them great for reheating leftovers or crisping small servings — just be sure to let them come to room temperature first to avoid thermal shock, per the brand. In our dishwasher test, we ran each 4-cup round container and 3-cup rectangular container through the dishwasher five times. While the glass was naturally unscathed, we found that the lids can become slightly deformed after multiple cycles which may lead to leaking if storing liquids.

ZWILLING Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer Machine Starter Set

Zwilling may be known for its cutlery, but the German knife maker has expanded into food vacuum sealing. The vacuum-seal containers are easy to use and help keep your leftovers airtight. They're also great for marinating or storing raw meat after you've opened a pack. The vacuum sealer is compact and attaches to the lid of the container to seal it with the press of a button. When you’re ready to open the container, push the silicone button on the lid to release the air. This model was a top performer during our leak tests, and once sealed properly, the lid didn't budge.

While this set only includes one large 2.11-quart container, you can purchase additional container sizes online . In our tests, we found that the containers held up very nicely when run through the dishwasher, and we were impressed by how thick and durable the glass was.

These twist-and-seal food storage containers are a favorite in the Kitchen Appliances Lab and have kept food items fresh in our pantry for months . The silicone seal helps keep air out, which is ideal for storing pasta, flour and other dry goods while the rounded edges allow for easy pouring. The whole container isn't dishwasher safe, but the top can be hand-washed. The square shape and design make stacking a breeze and range in sizes from .5 quarts to 4.2 quarts. When testing, we noticed that the twist-to-lock top and release buttons may be tricky for some people to grab and use.

We love that the Neat Stack lunch containers are not only some of the more affordable storage containers out there, but that they can be stored in your cabinets without taking up too much space. The nesting set comes with five containers in various sizes to hold anything from ½ cups of fruit to whole meals and comes with a freezer pack that can attach to the large lids to help keep your lunch cold when traveling. Each size container is color-coded and has engraved cup sizes for each, including 5-cup, 3-cup and ½-cup versions, great for portioning during meal prep . Several containers share the same lid size, so there's less fumbling for the right match. We did notice staining during our freezer to microwave test so keep that in mind when heating pigment-rich foods.

RELATED: The Best Meal Prep Containers to Buy

How we test food storage containers

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all kinds of kitchen gear, from air fryers to chef's knives to food storage containers. In our latest food storage container test, we tested 21 container brands to evaluate performance and ease of use .

✔️ Performance: To evaluate performance, we looked at leakage and how tight the seal was. For leak testing, we filled each container with water to its maximum capacity, secured the lid, weighed the container then vigorously shook it for one minute. We then weighed the container again to determine how much water was lost. Then, we refilled each container with water and left them upside down for 24 hours to see how much they retained.

✔️ Durability: We evaluated durability by observing how well each container held up in the dishwasher as well as how it performed in the freezer and microwave. For each dishwasher-safe container, we performed over 10 hours of washing on the highest heat and water cycle to evaluate disfiguration and record any damage that occur during each cleaning cycle. For all containers that couldn’t be put in the dishwasher, we performed multiple hand-washes.

During our freezer-to-microwave testing, we used more than 25 24-ounce jars of traditional pasta sauce to see how well each container performed in the freezer and then in the microwave. We assessed staining, damage and how well they cleaned.

How to shop for the best food storage container

When shopping for food storage containers, the below features are important to keep in mind to find the best performing set for your home:

✔️ Material: Glass and plastic are two of the most common food storage options. Glass can often be used in the oven, while plastic cannot. Plastic containers are also prone to staining when storing highly pigmented foods; glass is not. The trade-off is that glass is heavier and can break, which doesn’t make it the best for taking on the go. Though most plastic is now BPA (Bisphenol A)-free, it's always wise to double-check as some food container sets may include BPA parts because, according to the FDA , "current approved uses of BPA in food containers and packaging are safe." Some consumers still prefer glass to avoid any possibility of chemical leaching and consuming BPA, which is a hormone disrupter when consumed.

✔️ Shape: Look for containers with straight edges versus flared to avoid hogging unnecessary room in your fridge and cabinets.

✔️ Lids : A lid that doesn’t seal is a dealbreaker. Some simply press down to close while others have clasps on the sides. We tend to prefer lids without clasps because they’re thinner and store more easily, but it's worth noting that the clasps offer an extra source of leak protection.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This roundup was written by Nicole Papantoniou , who runs the GH Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab and oversees all content and testing related to cooking products. She started testing and developing cooking tools, gadgets, gear and appliances in 2014 (though she's been cooking since she was 12 years old). Nicole is trained in classic culinary arts and is a professional recipe developer.

A previous version of this article was written by Raena Loper , a freelance writer at GH. Raena worked closely with the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to gather and analyze all testing data collected for food storage containers conducted in the most recent tests.

Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal .

Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family. 

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The 6 Best Portable Food Warmers (Electric Lunch Boxes)

• March 16, 2024
• 6 shares 0 6

A portable food warmer (electric lunch box) is a game-changer for people who need to heat their food on the go or to keep it hot while they are away from home.

These portable food warmers have saved my bacon more times than I can count. They’re especially useful on road trips. You know that moment when you’re driving down the highway and your stomach starts to rumble? With a portable food warmer, you can be snacking on a hot, fresh burrito in no time.

We set out to research and find the best portable food warmers for the price – in 2024 .

👉  In a hurry?

See our top 4 picks, or jump to the full portable food warmer reviews !

This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

What's In Here

• 1 How Do You Choose a Portable Food Warmer?
• 2.1 1. Hot Logic Mini Portable Oven (120V) – Best for Work 
• 2.2 2. Travelisimo Electric Lunch Box (110V/12V/24V) – Best for Travel
• 2.3 3. Rottogoon Personal Portable Oven – Hottest Portable Oven
• 2.4 4. Herrfilk Portable Food Heater – Top Pick
• 2.5 5. Skywin Portable Oven (120V) – Small & Lightweight
• 2.6 6. LunchEAZE – Rechargeable & Smart
• 3 How Do You Keep Food Warm When Traveling or at Work?
• 4 How Long Does it Take to Heat a Meal in an Electric Lunch Box?
• 5 What Temperature is Maintained in Mini Food Warmers?

How Do You Choose a Portable Food Warmer?

Here are the most important features to check before you buy a portable oven:

1.  Size and capacity – make sure the size and capacity fit a good-sized meal, and that it fits the space you have in your vehicle or office.

2. Container material – choose nontoxic containers (preferably glass/stainless steel) to ensure food safety. Some food warmers come with a container and some don’t, so you’ll have to find the right-size heat-resistant container to place inside.

3. Power plugs – some mini ovens can be plugged into a car/truck, some can only be used with a 110/120V, and some come with both plugs for multi-use.

4. Safety – make sure the food warmer has safety features to prevent overheating or short-circuiting.

5. Ease of use – check that the food heater is user-friendly, without too many buttons and controls. Who has time for that?

6. Price and warranty – portable food warmers’ price range is about $29 – $39, depending on what’s included inside (containers/spoons/forks), power plugs, and brand reputation.

The 6 Best Portable Food Warmers 

The electric food warmers you’ll find below are great for personal use, are high quality, heat food evenly and thoroughly, have nontoxic containers, and are easy to clean and maintain.

1. Hot Logic Mini Portable Oven ( 120V) – Best for Work 

• Size – 9″ x 7″ x 2.5”
• Weight – 1 lb.
• Containers – any flat and heat-resistant container (not included)
• Temperature – up to 165 F

✅ $34-$48 on Amazon

The Hot Logic portable oven and food warmer can cook your food (even frozen food) evenly or just warm it – without drying or burning it – for up to 1.5 hours.

It will also keep it warm (at 165 F) for 12 hours.

It works with a 120V plug, but buyers told us that if you want to use it in your car – just get a 75W power inverter (that will work even if the car is not running).

You won’t need to monitor your food. You just place your meal inside, plug it in, and come back when you are ready to eat it.

The heating plate can get up to 200 F and uses only 0.11kWh of electricity over a 3-hour use (without releasing any smells while heating!).

The Hot Logic food light and compact warming tote comes in 9 beautiful colors to choose from and is a highly rated, fantastic, and reliable little meal helper.

Many users recommend searing/browning your meat before placing it inside.

• Great for offices, workplaces without a microwave, trucks, and hotel rooms
• Consistent heating
• Reasonably priced
• Won’t overcook or burn food
• Can’t make everything, because it isn’t magic. No cookies, no cooking pasta
• Food does take a while to cook (90 minutes to a couple hours or so)

✅ Available on Amazon ($34-$48) and at   Walmart ($40)

2. Travelisimo Electric Lunch Box (110V/12V/24V) – Best for Travel

• Size – 10″ x 8″ x 5″, Capacity – 1.5 L
• Weight – 2.4 lbs.
• Containers – stainless steel – included
• Temperature – up to 158 F

✅ $22 on Amazon

The Travelisimo   3-in-1 electric lunch box is the only one that has 110V, 12V, and 24V – which means you can use it anywhere you go, including driving (car/truck), at the office, at school, on picnics, when camping, and for fieldwork.

The upgraded 60W model will heat your food in 20-30 minutes and comes with a new leak-resistant seal ring – that prevents any spills (even soup!)

The 1.5 L tray is made from food-grade stainless steel which is always healthier than plastic, and the cord is extra long (1.5 L). You even get a stainless steel fork and knife inside!

(👉 Check out the top 6 mini rice cookers for personal use/travel! )

User testimonials online say that this is a safe and reliable portable oven that is easy to carry, use, store, and clean, and only requires about 25 minutes of heating – depending on the food and surrounding temperature.

However, if the food is just taken out of the refrigerator, heating may take a bit longer.

• Can hold a generous amount of food
• Comes apart easily for cleaning
• We liked the performance, durability, and heat of the meal holder
• Limited to only using a metal container, no frozen foods or microwave meals
• Solid food can end up dry

✅ Available   on Amazon ($22)

3. Rottogoon Personal Portable Oven – Hottest Portable Oven

• Size – 9.5” x 7” x 4”
• Weight – 1.4 lbs.
• Containers – heat-resistant flat containers (not included)
• Temperature – up to 239 F (keeps warm at 149 F)

✅ $33 on Amazon

The Rottogoon unique and multi-functional belt lock allows you to carry it in 3 different ways: grabbed in your hands, as a shoulder bag (with the adjustable shoulder strap), or hanging on the straps of your backpack.

It’s extremely lightweight and compact, (only 1.4 pounds) and easy to carry around.

This powerful mini oven slowly heats your food to 239 F (in only 30-40 minutes!), then auto reduces the temperature to 149 F and keeps it at this temperature – until you want to eat.

It can even cook raw food such as chicken. If you leave it inside for more than 2 hours – it acts as a slow cooker !

It can be used with almost any heat-resistant flat-bottomed containers, including glass, plastic, Tupperware, metal, and foil – up to 9″W x 6.75″L x 3.5″H.

• Portable and small
• Has a front pouch to hold utensils
• Has a Carry strap
• Can reheat leftovers and cook raw food
• Only works with 110V – can be expensive if a converter is needed
• No dials or timers for slow cooking

✅ Available   on Amazon ($33)

4. Herrfilk Portable Food Heater – Top Pick

• Capacity – 1.8L container & 0.7 L vegetable/fruit layer
• Container – Removable Stainless Steel Container/food-grade plastic

✅ $21 on Amazon

The Herrfilk 110V/120V/24V/12V electric lunch box comes with a convenient and toxin-free stainless steel container and another layer of food-grade plastic vegetable or fruit containers.

This is an upgraded 2024 model that has 100W power and a Leak-proof design with an improved cover that stays tightly covered during your use.

It is the largest electric lunch box on this list!

It uses PTC’s original constant temperature heating and low-consumption heat cycle to keep the food at a good temperature and moisture, but don’t expect your chicken to stay crispy.

However, we would say that it steams rather than cooks.

In about 30-40 minutes it will heat your homemade meal (it gets so hot some users reported it has burned their food!), while the silicone handle stays cool.

The container is easy to clean and fill, and you get a spoon, a fork, a lunch bag for insulation, and the cables inside.

• The portable and foldable design makes it easy to carry
• Insulated aluminum foil keeps food fresh for hours
• The leak-proof design ensures no fluid leakage
• PTC heating technology ensures fast and safe heating, keeping food at a constant temperature between 60°C and 70°C5
• Made of food-grade materials that are safe and non-toxic
• The lid may be difficult to lock into place
• The carry handle may fall off easily
• The utensils compartment doesn’t secure utensils
• Takes longer to heat food than instructions state

✅ Available   on Amazon ($21)

5. Skywin Portable Oven (120V) – Small & Lightweight

• Size – 9″ x 7″ x 4″
• Weight – 1.8 lbs.
• Containers – stainless steel (included)
• Temperature – up to 180 F

✅ $30 on Amazon

The lightweight and fast-heating Skywin lunch warmer oven comes with a 12v hot plate that any flat-bottomed container (size up to 9″x7″x4″) can be used on and with a stainless steel container (with cover).

The Skywin heats your homemade meals in no more than 30 minutes, and the automatic temperature (up to 180 F) keeps it warm for when you are ready for your lunch break.

Raw vegetables will be cooked to perfection. Meats and seafood do not dry out and get rubbery.

Consumers report that the food pan is big enough for a good-sized meal, but you’ll have to be careful to not burn your fingers when you take it out – it gets really hot.

You won’t be able to use it in a car unless you add a 75W power inverter .

For a fair price, this portable food warmer is highly rated on Amazon and is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a healthy homemade meal – on the go.

• Comes with a car adapter and works with a power outlet
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean
• The on/off switch is not very user-friendly

✅ Available on Amazon ($30) and at   Walmart ($28)

6. LunchEAZE – Rechargeable & Smart

• Size – 10″ × 8″ × 10″
• Weight – 2.6 lbs.
• Capacity – 3.5 cups
• Temperature – 170°F – 220°F

✅ $234 on Amazon

LunchEAZE is a cordless and smart self-heated lunch box that is different from others because it is completely cordless and “smart”.

It is designed to slowly heat food for about 1-2 hours to maximize flavor and lock in moisture – to provide a hot meal right on schedule at the designated time.

You only have to set it up once – it will remember your settings from now on.

Most foods will be hot in one hour, while frozen foods take about 1.5 hours.

It is easy to use and carry anywhere, it is made with food-grade materials (no BPA) and heats the food evenly. It can even be set through the dedicated LunchEAZE app.

• Mealtime can be set to any time you want and it remembers your settings
• Battery powered – it does not need to be plugged in during use
• Food doesn’t dry up
• Battery life is only enough for one meal
• Liquids may not heat up evenly

✅ Available on Amazon ($234)

How Do You Keep Food Warm When Traveling or at Work?

The portable food warmer is the best way to warm/cook your homemade meal on the go while keeping the original taste and without waiting in line for microwave heating at work.

Just plug it in your car/home/work, and come back when you are ready to have lunch!

However, there are more ways to keep your food warm at the office or while traveling, including insulated food containers (like vacuum-sealed stainless steel or double-walled plastic), a mini slow cooker that plugs in anywhere, and thermoses (but make sure to fill them with hot water first to help retain the heat).

👉  See the TOP 7 Mini Microwaves for small spaces – in 2024!

How Long Does it Take to Heat a Meal in an Electric Lunch Box?

The average heating time for food inside a food warmer is about 30-40 minutes for food just taken out of the refrigerator, and about 1-2 hours for cooking raw food or frozen meals.

The time it takes to heat a meal in an electric lunch box depends on the size of the lunch box, the type of food being heated, and the power of the heating element.

What Temperature is Maintained in Mini Food Warmers?

High-quality food warmers will keep your food piping hot at 149 F – 170+ F  – until you are ready to eat your homemade meal.

This temperature range is considered safe for keeping most cooked foods warm for a reasonable amount of time without overcooking or causing food spoilage.

👉 Any questions? anything we can help with? Message us directly on our  Facebook page ! 🙌

Here’s to never having to eat another cold, disappointing sandwich…

The KM Team

• portable kitchen appliances

Our experts and home cooks research and rate hundreds of products a year to bring our readers impartial, up-to-date product advice and help you find the best products for every budget, from kitchen appliances to tools, gadgets, and equipment

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The 13 Very Best Food-Storage Containers

Make your pantry and refrigerator easier to navigate and food less likely to spoil..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best collapsible

Best stackable jars

• Best with click-lock lids
• Best with pop-up lids

I consider myself to be a pretty organized person (especially in the kitchen, which I use more than any other room in my apartment). That said, the Home Edit –style decanting of absolutely all food into clear boxes and jars is not my thing (and, practically speaking, pretty unnecessary). Instead, I opt for a collection of food-storage containers that’s practical for my own way of cooking: many that nest tightly together in my small cabinet, some that clean up especially well for messy leftovers, others that can go in the freezer, and, overall, a wide range of sizes so I can keep everything from salad dressing to a whole batch of brownies. The point is: Having the right mix has made my pantry and refrigerator so much easier to navigate and food less likely to go bad.

Good news is the market is teeming with options that will allow you to curate your own assortment. To help you figure out what that might look like, I detailed my own favorites and consulted 16 experts (in this case, people who cook a lot and keep their kitchens together) to find out what they use to store dry goods, prepped foods, and leftovers. And if you’re looking for even longer-term food storage, you can read my guide to vacuum sealers , too.

What we’re looking for

 Glass containers are the easiest to wash, and you can see through them completely. But they’re also the heaviest (an important consideration if you’re looking to transport meals on the regular). Plastic ones are transparent and lightweight. While they clean up well if you throw them in the dishwasher, they can be a bit of a pain to scrub by hand (especially when there’s oil involved). Silicone is similar to plastic in terms of cleaning and weight, but you can’t see through it. Basically, there are pros and cons to each, so I’ve noted the material of all the containers below, including if the lids and bases differ.

Some people might like a uniform shape, while others might prefer to have a mix; it all depends on what you plan to use each piece for. For this, I say whether the shapes in each container set are uniform or a mix.

Again, this will depend on use (maybe you’re looking to organize all the dry goods in your pantry or you want to ensure your various leftovers stop going bad). For this, I also say whether they’re uniform or a mix.

Best food-storage containers overall

Material: Glass containers, silicone lids | Shapes: Mix | Sizes: Mix

I have a smattering of Pyrex glass containers that have been with me, traveling from apartment to apartment, for nearly a decade. And while I’m a deli-container evangelist (more on that pick below), I also recognize that they’re not as durable in the long run. The sturdiness and longevity of Pyrex, however, is unrivaled: The containers do not break or chip (I’ve even fully dropped them on occasion and they’ve stayed intact), the lids haven’t warped at all, and the glass has stayed sparkling clear, no matter what foods I’ve put inside over the years (now I clean them in the dishwasher, but that was the case even when I used to wash them by hand).

Pyrex came up most among experts, too. “The glass containers don’t absorb the smell or color of the food stored inside of them,” says recipe developer and cookbook author Jessie Sheehan . “I don’t want chana masala mixing with leftover egg yolks from baking.” She and cookbook author Erin Gleeson both note that all the pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe, even the lids, which is great for heating up food. “You don’t have to worry about putting a plate over the top,” Sheehan says. Mei Li, co-founder of Food Waste Feast , notes that “it really helps not waste food when you can see what’s in your containers.” But her praise of Pyrex doesn’t stop there. “Their lids fit well,” she tells  me. “I find that some of the clip-on ones get warped over time, but these suction on nicely. Plus, they’re remarkably unbreakable.”

Pyrex makes a myriad of mixed sets that include different shapes and sizes, so it’s worth poking around to find the one that best suits your needs. Or you can be like recipe developer Desirée Daniels and get one with identical containers . Or , if you’re interested in storage that doubles as kitchenware, Sheehan notes in particular how “100 percent brilliant” the Pyrex mixing bowls are. You can cook in them, store in them, and serve in them. Li agrees. “If you have a dip or something like that, you can take it from the fridge to the table and then back into the fridge,” she says. “They look nice.”

Best (less-expensive) food-storage containers

Material: Plastic containers, plastic lids | Shapes: Uniform | Sizes: Mix

My personal food storage containers of choice are restaurant-grade deli containers, which come in a mix of 32 ounces, 16 ounces, and eight ounces. Somehow, one of those three sizes is always perfect for what I need. And perhaps best of all, they each fit the exact same lid so you’re never without one.

Although they won’t last as long as glass containers (eventually, they can start to warp just a bit, or, in more dramatic cases, become discolored after a ton of use), I simply recycle as needed. When I notice my stash dwindling, I buy some more (I did this recently for the first time in several years). And at such a cheap price, it doesn’t feel like a sting. They’re dishwasher and freezer safe (I have the largest ones full of stocks, pasta sauces, stews, and more in my freezer at all times.) They hardly take up any room at all when empty, as they stack super compactly (key for my small cabinet). But they also fit perfectly, one on top of the other, when they’re full so I can always see what I have in my fridge. They’re lightweight, great for bringing to the office or out on a picnic, and cheap enough that I never mind doling out leftovers to friends and saying, “Keep the container” as they leave.

Cookbook author Julia Turshen agrees. She uses them in many of the same ways I do, with the addition of decanting goods in her pantry. Plus, she has a great tip for using them to make salad dressing: “An immersion blender fits directly into one, so I don’t have to worry about dirtying a bowl and then later a container for leftover dressing,” she says.

Best large food-storage containers

Chef and author Virginia Willis says that Cambros are a remnant of her restaurant days. “They come in different sizes but no matter what, they stack perfectly,” she explains. “And because they’re square, you’re not losing any fridge or cabinet space. They’re also especially durable.” Willis likes the two-quart size, the smallest that Cambro makes. She says it’s large enough to hold all the leftovers after dinner without being crazy-big. But just for reference, that two-quart is twice the volume of the largest deli container — and they go a lot bigger. Strategist contributor Sarah Leon has them in a range of sizes, also for leftovers and for proofing bread dough — but used the 12-quart ones as a dish station filled with water to be able to scrub and rinse when she was renovating her kitchen and didn’t have a proper sink for a year. They “are not breakable, and they have handles, so they are easy to carry,” she says. Just note you have to buy the lids separately.

Best collapsible food-storage containers

Material: Silicone containers, plastic lids | Shapes: Uniform | Sizes: Mix

If you’re low on space, or your main priority is commuting with food, consider these nifty Thin Bins recommended by Nikki Ostrower, founder of NAO Wellness . She has tried many containers over the years, and most proved to be impractical for her to carry around all day in her backpack, as well as difficult to stow in her small New York City kitchen. Finally, she found these collapsible silicone containers that can go in the microwave (without the lids), dishwasher, and freezer. Of course, best of all, she says, “when you’re done with your food, they collapse like an accordion.”

Material: Glass containers, tin-plated steel lids | Shapes: Uniform | Sizes: Mix

Beyond her Cambros, Willis endorses Mason jars. “I love canning and preserving, so I always have a lot of them on hand,” she says. Professional organizer Faith Roberson uses them too for pretty much everything — leftovers or prepared foods, of course, but also dry goods like lentils and beans; herbs and vegetables in water; and, when she’s on the go, salad ingredients with dressings in these handy cups that fit snugly inside so the components don’t mix until she’s ready to eat. No matter how many ounces, both Willis and Roberson like the wide-mouth jars best. “I can add a scoop if I want the jar to hold powders or smaller seeds like flax or chia,” Roberson says. “But if I want to put something bigger inside, like dried lemons, I can do that too. Plus it’s easier to stick my hand in to clean.” Her favorite thing of all is how multipurpose they are, from the kitchen to the dining room and beyond. “I always find a way to keep them occupied,” she says, “whether it’s for holding flowers on the counter or as candle votives for tea lights on my dinner table. I even put my makeup brushes and cotton swabs in them. And if I find I’m in desperate need of one to store food, I simply disinfect a used one in the dishwasher.”

Material: Glass containers, glass lids | Shapes: Uniform | Sizes: Mix

Weck jars are another popular choice for canning. Unlike Mason jars, which have a metal lid that, I have personally found, can be prone to rusting after a long period of time, these have glass lids with small metal clips that clamp down. They’re indented slightly at the top, which makes them stackable, a particularly useful trait if you’re short on cabinet or fridge space. “I’ve had other jars that easily slide around and fall and smash,” says cookbook author Kylee Newton . “These have that extra security.” She uses hers for pickles (the rubber seal ensures an airtight close, just like with Mason jars), as well as dried goods like oats, cereal, and sugar. “They’re also just aesthetically gorgeous,” she adds, “the prettiest jars out there on the market.”

Best food-storage containers with click-lock lids

Material: Glass containers, glass lids with silicone seals | Shapes: Mix | Sizes: Mix

When food writer Cathy Erway decided to get rid of plastic in her everyday life (including the takeout boxes she used to reuse), she landed on this set of Oxo containers. Ever since, she’s been a devotee. They’re made of glass, and therefore very sturdy, just like Pyrex — but the winning feature is the lids. They have a silicone lining and click-down handle on each side that holds tightly. “It’s really satisfying to hear that snap when they lock on,” Erway says, noting that unlike some other glass containers she’s used in the past, these can be thrown into her purse without the threat of leakage. Finally, she says, the smallest round container is the perfect shape and size for transporting dog food for her pup (it holds about one cup). She can feed him anywhere, even in the car, with no mess.

Turshen is also a fan. She first mentioned them to us five years ago, saying they were one of her essential kitchen items — and that remains true to this day. She uses them for storing leftovers in the fridge, and last year, when she was commuting to work, she would bring lunch in them. Just like Erway, she says that the click lock ensured no spilling on her commute: “If it turned over in my car while I was driving, I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Best food-storage containers with pop-up lids

Material: Plastic containers, plastic lids with silicone seals | Shapes: Mix | Sizes: Mix

These Oxo containers are made from plastic but have another genius lid design that has made them a favorite of food writer and recipe developer Rebecca Firkser . There’s a round pop-in, pop-out button on the top that creates an airtight seal when you press it and then releases when you press again. The company makes this style in a vast range of sizes from 0.2 quarts (for spices) up to six quarts, but Firkser especially likes the larger ones for decanting dried goods like granola, oats, flours, and sugars. “Though they don’t stack on top of each other,” she says, “the wide base helps these containers balance easily in places that weren’t necessarily designed for food storage but are often used as such, like the top of the fridge.”

Best stainless-steel food-storage containers

Material: Stainless steel | Shapes: Uniform | Sizes: Mix

Cook and writer Tamar Adler has made a career of repurposing leftovers , so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about keeping them as organized and fresh as possible. She first discovered Vigor while working in restaurant kitchens, but about four years ago, when she couldn’t take the mess of too many Mason jars in her own fridge anymore, she invested in a few of these in various sizes. “Their tops are metal, which means there’s no plastic anywhere,” she says. “They’re indestructible, and they’re rectilinear, as is a refrigerator, making them really space efficient.” While they don’t create an airtight seal, the lids ( which are sold separately ) fit snugly, much like a pot or pan. Adler says she makes sure to use her leftovers within a week, but if you’re unsure, you can consult CDC guidelines on leftover-food safety. And while they’re not see-through, Adler says she considers this an opportunity to buy tape and Sharpies for labeling, which “makes you feel Über organized.” “Not having to guess what something is is very helpful,” she says.

Best food-storage container bags

Material: Silicone | Shapes: Mix | Sizes: Mix

If you’re in the market for storage bags instead of hard-sided containers, Stasher is a Strategist favorite. We’ve written about them many times over the years. Contributor Alison Freer, who wrote about how she couldn’t stop buying reusable storage bags in general, says, “I have every size, shape, and fun color they make, and while they are pricey, I reach for them above all other food-storage options I have in my kitchen. They can go in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher; absolutely never stain or leak; and even though I’ve washed mine in the dishwasher hundreds of times (with the high-heat drying cycle on, even), they haven’t fallen apart or degraded in any way.” Multiple sustainability experts told us they swear by Stasher for this story on environmentally minded kitchen products. And Gleeson named them too. “We use them for kids’ lunches,” she says. “The smaller ones fit snacks like pretzels, crackers, and fruit. The bigger ones fit sandwiches. They’re durable. We’ve had them for four years at least.”

Best less expensive food-storage container bags

Material: PEVA | Shapes: Mix | Sizes: Mix

If the price of Stashers feels too steep, consider these (re-)zip ones that Wen-Jay Ying, founder of the café and farmer’s market Local Roots NYC , uses to store decanted bulk ingredients, save leftovers, and freeze goods. “They’re so light, they feel like Ziplocs,” Ying says. And because they’re made of PEVA, which is a less bulky and more malleable plastic than silicone, they’re thinner and easy to stack, says writer Anya Sacharow in our story on the best reusable food-storage bags . It should be noted, though, that they can’t withstand high temperatures like they can cold, so even though the brand says they’re dishwasher safe, we recommend hand-washing if you want them to last longer.

Best food-storage container bowls

Material: Glass and silicone | Shapes: Uniform | Sizes: Mix

W&P (makers of my and many Strategist staffers’ favorite ice cube trays ) also offers a myriad of storage containers , including these bowl-shaped ones. They’re glass so they clean up beautifully but have a silicone wrapping around the outside that provides a super-sturdy grip when I grab them from the fridge or wash them in the sink. The smaller size has become my go-to for storing dressing because the rounded bottom makes it easy to scrape out every last drop (more so than a small deli container, which has a shallow divot around the diameter), and the lid truly does not leak. I can shake it aggressively to re-emulsify. It’s so airtight, I can save half an avocado or apple with very minimal browning the next day. And though I work from home and therefore don’t transport lunch, I’ve eaten leftover grain salads and rice dishes straight from the larger vessel because the material makes it feel like an actual dish. The bowls are dishwasher- and microwave -safe, too. They’re on the pricier side, but I think introducing a few into your collection would be useful.

Most stylish food-storage containers

Material: Glass containers, BPA- and BPS-free plastic lids | Shapes: Mix | Sizes: Mix

Strategist senior editor Chelsea Peng has used Our Place’s containers for over a year. The brand, known for its thoughtful designs that took Instagram by storm, sells sets in amber, teal, and clear with blue lids, all made from lightweight glass. Peng has the amber and says it’s “actually kind of happy-making to see them in the fridge” where the tinted glass can help make leftovers seem more appealing (and more likely to be used). She has taken to drinking water from the quart-size one, which the brand says can also be used as a vase, and stores smaller items, like partially used produce, in the others. While the lids aren’t quite secure enough to throw in your bag, “for storage, where things aren’t being jostled, they’re totally fine,” she says.

Some more food-storage containers we’ve written about

Our experts

•  Tamar Adler , cook and writer •  Desirée Daniels , recipe developer •  Cathy Erway , food writer •  Rebecca Firkser , food writer and recipe developer • Alison Freer, Strategist contributor •  Erin Gleeson , cookbook author • Sarah Leon, Strategist contributor • Mei Li, co-founder of Food Waste Feast •  Kylee Newton , cookbook author • Nikki Ostrower, founder of NAO Wellness • Chelsea Peng, Strategist senior editor •  Faith Roberson , professional organizer •  Jessie Sheehan , recipe developer and cookbook author • Julia Turshen , cookbook author •  Virginia Willis , chef and author • Wen-Jay Ying, founder of Local Roots NYC

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10 Things to Do in Sochi If You Love Nature

Host to 2014 Winter Olympics , Sochi is now mostly known for the snowy slopes of Krasnaya Polyana and Rosa Khutor Alpine resort. However, the “Russian Riviera” is much more than a glorified ski-resort. With its picturesque waterfalls and pristine lakes, alpine meadows and spruce-fir forests, snow-capped mountains and dreamy river valleys, Sochi is an ultimate nature lover’s dream.

Aul tkhagapsh.

Founded in the middle of the 19th century, this village only consists of two streets and two lanes. Circled by a picturesque chestnut forest, Aul Tkhagapsh is surrounded by many visually-arresting natural landmarks – a mysterious rock formation called “the canyon of a hundred crying eyes”, beautiful waterfalls with organically formed stone basins and the Tiger cave, which is called so because of the whimsical clay dripstones. Despite its tiny size, the village itself has a lot to offer. You can see the only wooden mosque on the coast, learn about the customs and traditions of the Adyghe people, try on traditional clothes and taste authentic food and local wines.

Aul Tkhagapsh, Krasnodar Krai, Russia

If you love picturesque ancient ruins put the Loo Temple on your must-see list. Drowning in the lush greenery of the Sochi National Park, Loo Temple is the remains of a 10th-century Byzantine temple, that’s been ruined and reconstructed multiple times. The temple was used as a place of worship and a fortification over the years.

Loo Temple, Bolshoy Sochi, Krasnodar Krai,Russia

Aibga Ridge

This spectacular mountain ridge stretches for 23 kilometers and has the Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort nestled at its feet. The ridge comprises of 10 peaks, with the four tallest being the best known: Aigba peak I (2391 m), peak II (2450,5 m), peak III (2462,7 m) and Black Pyramid (2375,3 m). Save a day or two to explore the ridge, full of rapid rivers, alpine meadows and waterfalls.

Aibga Ridge, Krasnodar Krai, Russia

Achepsinskie Waterfalls

To admire the spectacular views that Achepsinskie Waterfalls offer, you’ll have to endure a pretty tiring trekking route through the Achishkho Mountain to the Achipse River. But those striking panoramas are totally worth the sweat and while the trekking may be tough going, it has a very decent infrastructure.

Achipse River, Krasnodar Krai, Russia

Khmelevskie Lakes

Located almost 2000 meters above sea level, Khmelevskie Lakes is an alpine lake system, named after the Russian botanist Vikenty Khmelevsky. Spread around emerald-green alpine meadows and surrounded by lush green forests, there are four rather sizable overgrown lakes and a few smaller ones.

Khmelevskie Lake, Krasnodar Krai, Russia

Lake Kardyvach

Arguably the most popular tourist spot near Sochi, Lake Kardyvach is simply breathtaking. Situated 44 kilometers from the Krasnaya Polyana resort at the altitude of 1838 meters, the lake stays frozen for seven to eight months a year and even in summer the water temperature is never hotter than 12℃. The water in the lake changes its color depending on the time of year: in spring it turns green and in autumn it becomes dark blue, and no matter what season, it’s unbelievably clear. Lake Kardyvach, Krasnodar Krai, Russia

Akhshtyrskaya Cave

A unique monument of prehistoric architecture, Akhshtyrskaya Cave is set on the right side of Akhshtyrskaya Gorge, about 120m above the Mzymta River and 185m above sea level. The cave begins with a 20m corridor and then gets divided into two halls, 10m and 8m wide. The cave has been heavily explored by archaeologists, who discovered traces of Neanderthal culture dating back to 40,000 BC.

Akhshtyrskaya Cave, Bolshoy Sochi, Krasnodar Krai,Russia

Shakhe River

Sochi’s second most significant river, Shakhe begins high in the mountains and flows down to the Black Sea . 59 kilometers long, the river has some amazing natural attractions in its valley: Dzhegosh Gorge, 33 waterfalls, stone lake basins, ancient oak trees, rare plant life and so much more.

Shakhe River, Krasnodar Krai,Russia

Agura Waterfalls and Orlinyye Rocks

This is one of the most exciting hiking routes in the area. Taking you through spruce fir forest, to three cascading waterfalls and the sheer cliffs of the Orlinyye Rocks with head-spinning views. Agura Waterfalls, Bolshoy Sochi, Krasnodar Krai,Russia

Words can’t do justice to the virgin beauty of the Khuko Lake and scientists are still puzzling over the absence of any life in it. Set between Adygea and Krasnodar Krai, the lake offers incredible views of the mountains Fisht, Oshten and Pshekha-Su.

Khaki Lake, Krasnodar Krai,Russia

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

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THE 10 BEST Sochi Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & parks in sochi.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Arboretum Park

2. Rosa Khutor Ski Resort

3. Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Cluster

4. Olimpiyskiy Park

5. Southern Cultures Park

6. Khostinsky Tisosamshitovaya Grove

7. Agura Waterfalls

8. Adler Dolphinarium

9. Sochi Discovery World Aquarium

10. Gazprom Mountain-Tourist Centre

11. Bol'shoy Sochinskiy Del'finariy

12. Gornaya Karusel Sport-Tourist Complex

13. Roza Pik

14. Mamedovo Canyon

15. "Laura" Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center

16. Lazarevsky Recreation Park

17. Svirsk Gorge

18. Park of Waterfalls Mendelikha

19. Orekhovsky waterfall

20. River Mzymta

21. Sochi National Park

22. Morskaya Zvezda Dolphinarium

23. Adlerskiy Obezyaniy Pitomnik

24. Dagomysskiye Koryta

25. Path of Health

26. Zmeykovskiye Waterfalls

27. Polikarya Waterfall

28. Vorontsovskaya Cave

29. Alpika-Service Skiing Resort

30. Rosa Beach

What travelers are saying

• Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Cluster
• Southern Cultures Park
• Rosa Khutor Ski Resort
• Lazarevsky Recreation Park
• Arboretum Park
• Gornaya Karusel Sport-Tourist Complex
• Khostinsky Tisosamshitovaya Grove
• Agura Waterfalls

Best Indian Food in Greater Sochi, Krasnodar Krai

Indian restaurants in greater sochi, establishment type, traveller rating, restaurant features.