Airtight containers are a cut above the rest of regular containers as the lids and gaskets, which are typically made of silicone or rubber, create a sealing system to keep the food fresh. Also, they prevent accidental spills and provide good organization inside the pantry, fridge, and freezer.
This allows people to stock up on food supplies that will last from 2 weeks up to a month, so airtight containers are must-haves in any household. In this article, we prepared a buying guide fact-checked by Chef Terence Fereday Jr. and a top 10 list of recommended airtight containers that you can purchase online to help you choose.
Quick List - Top Airtight Containers
Biokips
Secure Your Snacks With This 2-Compartment Food Keeper
Chef Terrence has 30 years of experience working in the professional kitchen. He graduated from the Professional Culinary Institute in California, USA, and he was a former Culinary Instructor, Corporate Chef, and Executive Chef. He also won several awards in culinary competitions and is the founder and owner of Zilla Pizza.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Airtight containers can be very pricey but investing in a well-made product will allow you to store your food items for a longer period. Aside from food storage at home, airtight containers can also be handy when you are traveling and eating outdoors.
Airtight containers come in several shapes and sizes but their common denominator is that they are stackable. These are perfect for cabinets, freezers, and fridges with limited spaces that need a more compact arrangement. Airtight containers are also made of freezer-safe material, which makes them an ideal storage solution for frozen meat.
These containers are great for storing grains such as rice, oatmeal, cereals, and pasta. This way, you can remove bulky boxes and packaging that take up too much space in your pantry. Aside from storing your raw ingredients, airtight containers are also best for storing leftovers, especially in households that cook in large batches of dishes.
Airtight containers are recommended to employees and students who go to school or the office. They can bring packed lunches and snacks with them to avoid going to the canteen or takeout counters, thus minimizing their exposure to public places - and they can save money at the same time.
By using airtight containers, they are guaranteed that the food won’t leak or spill during their commute. They can also reheat their soup and rice meal because most airtight containers are microwave-safe.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
When selecting airtight containers, go for the transparent or clear ones so you can easily recognize the food inside. Depending on your budget and plan of use, you can pick between a glass container and a plastic container.
A glass container is a more airtight option between the two. It is also made with safer materials and will last longer because it is stain, color, and odor resistant. Use a glass container if you’re storing food in the freezer or if you want to heat the food straight from the fridge to the oven or microwave.
Most glass containers are made with tempered glass, which is thick, hard, and will not break easily from a collision. Meanwhile, you may also encounter borosilicate glass containers, which are thinner but heat and crack-resistant. However, glass containers require extra care because they are heavier, more expensive, and still breakable.
Meanwhile, plastic containers are more lightweight and kid-friendly. These are also durable and are a popular choice for pantry storage because they can be stacked or nested easily. Plastic food containers are also best for packed lunches and snacks.
Just remember to check if it is free from BPA, a chemical additive in producing plastic. Also, note that plastic containers are usually not suitable for heating food, so make sure to check the description or label to see if they can withstand the heat from the oven and microwave.
An airtight container should at least be spill-proof. Check its locking system, specifically, the material of its lids and the gaskets underneath that fastens the container into placeーthe most popular of which is silicone. By identifying the locking system, you can choose between having multiple clamps, pop-up tabs, snapping lids, and more, according to your preferred opening mechanism.
It also must be easy to clean since you’ll be storing both raw and cooked meals; make sure that it can be thoroughly washedーno leftover stain, color, and smell to avoid cross-contaminating. Lastly, always double-check if an airtight container is freezer-safe and microwave-safe, especially when you’re planning to freeze and reheat your meals.
Cylinder containers are best for the pantry to store pasta, cereal, flour, and other raw ingredients. On the other hand, square and rectangular ones are ideal for storing meat and other food items in the fridge and freezer because these are often stackable and will occupy less storage space. Lastly, round containers are suitable for baon or leftovers as these will fit easily inside the microwave.
The size or capacity of airtight containers is measured in milliliters. For airtight containers that will be utilized for traveling and eating outdoors, choose between 400 to 600 ml, so they are still portable and easy to carry. Meanwhile, those that are 1000 ml and above are suited for storage or when you've prepared food in bulk.
Some airtight containers can be purchased as a whole set. One package or set would include containers in multiple sizes with a uniform design, shape, and color. If you plan to organize your pantry using airtight containers, invest in a complete set to achieve a more cohesive look. Also, these will look great as serving platters and dishes, especially when made of glass.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Biokips Rectangular Food Storage Container with 2 Compartments | ![]() | Secure Your Snacks With This 2-Compartment Food Keeper | |
2 | Lock & Lock Smart Dial Airtight Food Container 2.1 Liters | ![]() | Set and Remember Your Food's Expiry Date | |
3 | Lock & Lock Set of 3 Pasta Keeper | ![]() | Store Your Pasta in These Upright Rectangular Container Set | |
4 | Lock & Lock Airtight Rice Case | ![]() | A Great Airtight Container for Stocking Grains | |
5 | YumYum by Glasslock Square Baby Meal Container (Set of 3) | ![]() | Perfect for Preparing Homemade Baby Food | |
6 | Glasslock Oven-Safe Round Type Food Container (3-pc Set) | ![]() | Double Purpose Round Containers and Serving Bowls | |
7 | Lock & Lock Oven Glass Divider Container Rectangular | ![]() | Separate Your Food Into Four Built-In Compartments | |
8 | Pyrex 515ml Square Storage with White Lid and Red Silicone | ![]() | Remove Excess Heat and Water With Resealable Latches | |
9 | Locaupin Glass Canister With Decorative Bamboo Lid | ![]() | Aesthetic, Sleek, and Functional Glass Containers With Wooden Lids | |
10 | Tupperware 5-pc Freezermate Set | ![]() | Specifically Made for Storing Frozen Meat |
If you are looking for a durable snack box for your kids, then this food keeper from Biokips is a great choice! It has a divider so you can put two of their favorite snacks, such as fruits, veggies, biscuits, cookies, and candies, in one container.
This food keeper is made from BPA-free plastic, which makes it safe for kids to use. It features a 4-sided locking system with a silicone seal to ensure that there will be no leaks and spillage. It is also freezer and microwave-safe, which makes it a great container for cold and warm food. This product is the choice of many parents, and they were pleased with its size and durable material.
This airtight container from Lock & Lock has a smart dial feature that allows you to record the expiry dates of the food. Simply turn the dials on the cover to indicate the month and date. It is made of BPA-free, clear plastic but is designed to look like real glass. The material used is called Tritan, which doesn’t get stained nor retain odor.
It has 4 snap locks on each side of the lid to fasten the container and is sealed by an anti-bacterial silicone gasket. The rectangular shape with curved and smooth corners makes it a space-saver. Also, this is freezer-safe and microwave-safe. There are two other sizes available, and can be purchased individually - 3.5L and 4.8L.
This 3-pc container set includes airtight and space-saving food canisters with stainless steel lids. These lids feature a pop-up locking mechanism to seal the freshness inside. Simply push the button to close and release the lock. The button also serves as a built-in handle when the canister is open.
These are stackable and modular, so you can maximize any compact space. You can store your pantry staples such as cereal, flour, sugar, pasta, rice, as well as snacks like cookies and biscuits. It has a round tab on the lid for easy pouring to minimize spills.
This Lock & Lock Airtight Rice Case can hold up to 5 kilograms of rice and preserves the condition of the grains. With this container, you wouldn't experience carrying or pulling out the heavy sack when getting rice as it is lightweight, durable, and has built-in wheels, so you can transfer or pull it out without breaking a sweat.
Not only does it prevent excess air inside, but it also keeps out ants, lice, and bugs. Aside from rice, you can store dry ingredients and pantry staples like flour, sugar, cereal, oats, nuts, and even pet food. Just refer to the item listing regarding the maximum weight for each type of food.
These glass containers from YumYum by Glasslock will help you in preparing and customizing meals of homemade vegetable and fruit purees in ready-to-eat portions for your little one. You can reheat the frozen baby food straight from the fridge because these are microwave-safe as well.
It is made with tempered glass that is safe for babies, doesn’t leave an odor, and is easy to clean. You’ll also get BPA-free plastic lids with silicone gaskets and lateral clips that snap in place to lock the container. These containers are also steam sterilizer-safe if you want to add an extra layer of sanitation to your baby’s feeding essentials.
This airtight container is made of tempered glass and has a round shape, which will fit inside most microwave ovensーjust remember to remove the lid before placing the food container inside the oven or microwave. These glass containers can also be utilized as classic glass serving bowls for your dining table.
The BPA-free plastic lid covers and silicone gaskets are airtight and secure to avoid cross-contamination when stored inside the fridge. With a set of these round containers, you can safely pack your meals and snacks because these are leak-free as well.
This airtight glass container from Lock & Lock has a built-in divider which allows you to store 4 different kinds of food in a single leak-proof container. It makes for a hassle-free and efficient experience, especially if you bring packed food to the school, office, or to camp out.
You can store rice and ulam in two compartments while you can use the other two for sliced vegetables, fruits, and even dessert without mixing them together. Since this is microwave and oven safe, you will be able to reheat and cook food simultaneously compared to chucking them up one-by-one.
This container is made from Pyrex’s signature glass that is oven and microwave-proof and can withstand extreme temperatures up to 200°C, best used for food preparation, baking, reheating, serving, and storage. It has latches that you can open to dissipate heat from the food and also to remove excess fluid in fruits and vegetables.
It has a non-porous surface that does not absorb odor, flavors, and stains. The red silicone keeps it airtight and leakproof. This container set also has a 2-year warranty for thermal breakage that promises to replace any Pyrex brand glass item that breaks from oven heat within two years from the date of purchase.
These airtight containers can decant pasta, flour, dried fruits, and rice, and snacks like cookies, pretzels, candies, and other snacks. These glass jars come with bamboo lids with rubber gaskets to seal them tight. It makes a “whoosh” noise when you close the lid and a “pop” sound upon opening, which ensures its sealing feature.
Not only does it serve as a storage option, you also can display them on the countertop as a perfect accent piece for the kitchen as well. The canisters are available in varying sizes, from the smallest at 332 ml to its largest at 2.36 L. Each one is purchased separately and on the more affordable side, so you can definitely stock up on these!
Tupperware has been a staple brand in Filipino households for years, so you can never go wrong with their products. This plastic container has virtually airtight seals so you can lock in the odor and texture of the meat and other frozen goods. It has a sheer body and appearance to easily distinguish the food inside.
These containers can be stacked on top of each other to maximize the freezer storage space. On the other hand, the thin walls with rounded corners and recessed bottoms allow better air circulation and faster freezing. It also has fill-line indicators, helping you save enough room for expansion during freezing.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Although product descriptions indicate if a container is indeed airtight, you can still check for yourself. For you to really know if a container is airtight, pour liquid into it and seal the lid tightly. Turn the container upside down or give it a few shakes. If there aren't any leaks, then the container is airtight.
Airtight containers can preserve food as exposure to excess air and moisture makes food go bad easier and become either soggy or too dry. They also keep out odors from other food items when together inside the fridge or the freezer to retain the original taste. Lastly, they prevent bug contamination and mold growth which can spoil your food easily.
Airtight containers are generally watertight. This is because molecules of air are smaller than water, meaning, airtight containers allow little to no air to pass, more so water. However, watertight containers are not necessarily airtight.
Whether you’re a rookie or a master in the kitchen, minor updates in your food prep tools can make a big difference. For example, a new set of kitchen knives, shears, or cutting boards can split your cooking time in half. Click the article links below to see our recommended small kitchen tools!
Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan
Re-editor: Patricia Catimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Biokips|Rectangular Food Storage Container with 2 Compartments
No. 2: Lock & Lock |Smart Dial Airtight Food Container 2.1 Liters
No. 3: Lock & Lock|Set of 3 Pasta Keeper
No. 4: Lock & Lock|Airtight Rice Case
No. 5: YumYum by Glasslock|Square Baby Meal Container (Set of 3)
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others