It can be hard to keep food fresh and tasty. Too often everyday staples or leftovers become stale or go bad before you can enjoy them. Airtight containers are a great solution when you want to keep food fresh for long periods.
Airtight containers are different than other storage containers thanks to the seal on their lid. The container’s right size, shape, and ease of use will depend on your kitchen and what you want to store in the container. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find an airtight container for your kitchen needs.
Best Airtight Containers
1. Vtopmart 4 Pieces BPA Free Plastic Airtight Containers
The airtight containers for flour and sugar often come with measuring cups and airtight seals. The Vtopmart Large Food Storage Containers fit the bill and are perfect for baking supplies, flour, and sugar. These containers are a great alternative to messy bags and will help create an orderly and tidy kitchen counter or pantry.
Great for storing dry food, the Vtopmart Large Food Storage Containers are made with high-grade plastic that is BPA-free. These containers are sturdy and use clear plastic, so you can see what’s inside without having to open them. Their stackable design makes efficient use of your storage area, plus they are dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
Featuring side-locking lids, the Vtopmart Large Food Storage Containers help to maximize freshness by sealing tightly. Not only will they protect dry goods from water and air, but they also help to keep bugs and weevils out.
Pros
- These are great for holding stapes as well as baked goods like cookies
- They are airtight but not too difficult to open
- These containers are dishwasher safe and keep your pantry well-organized
Cons
- They have an odor at first
- You can’t read the marking on the included measuring cups
2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Airtight Container
Durable and thick, the Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage containers come with airtight lids that snap tight to keep your food fresh. Featuring four containers, this set is guaranteed not to leak, so they are great for both dry and liquid food items.
Beautifully designed and intelligently crafted, these containers are BPA-free and are equipped with airtight leak-proof seals and secure latches.
Including clear bases and lids, the Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Containers allow you to easily see what is inside and are both odor and stain-resistant. These airtight storage containers are perfect for cereal, flour, sugar, and grains, plus they are both dishwasher and freezer-safe.
With their modular design, they are easy-to-stack containers that help keep your pantry and counter space organized and clutter-free.
Pros
- You can use them in the freezer and wash them in the dishwasher
- They won’t stain or leak
- You can them with both dry and wet food
Cons
- They are on the expensive side
- The tall container is just a bit too short for spaghetti
3. OXO Good Grips POP Square Storage Airtight Container
If you are looking for airtight food containers, the OXO Good Grips POP Container is worth checking out. Offering airtight food storage, these are stackable and space-saving containers that keep your kitchen organized and your dry foods fresher longer.
Using a true airtight seal, all you need to do is push a button to keep your dry goods fresh, there is a convenient handle that pops up on the lid.
Created for modular stacking, the OXO Good Grips POP Container comes in rectangular and square shapes that help you maximize your storage space, especially in a small kitchen.
Available in 11 sizes, each container is calibrated perfectly to fit common household staples. Designed with curved corners, these containers are easy to pour from and feature BPA-free construction.
Pros
- There are a lot of colors to choose
- They are stackable and save you a lot of space in your pantry
- These are super easy containers that have an airtight seal
Cons
- There are a little expensive
- It only holds about half a pound of flour or sugar
4. Tightpac America, Inc. Tightvac – 1 oz to 6 ounce Airtight Container Multi-Use
Another contender on the airtight food storage containers list is the Tightvac Storage Container. These portable vacuum-sealed containers have an airtight seal with multiple-use designs. Use them on your counter for coffee, sugar, or tea, or you can use them in the fridge for herbs, cheese, and vegetables.
Providing convenient storage, you can also take the Tightvac Storage Containers with you camping or on vacation since they stop bug and weevil infestations.
With its patented design, all you need to do is push the button on the cap and push the cap down on the body so that the motion will eliminate air and create a vacuum seal. Able to preserve goods for one year, these containers are smell-proof and keep both oxygen and moisture out.
Durable and long-lasting, the Tightvac Storage Container easily fits into backpacks and purses allowing you to take them to the office. These are hand-wash-only containers that are FDA-approved. Available in three different styles and ten different sizes, you can easily find Tightvac containers that fit your lifestyle.
Pros
- It has a nice vacuum-sealed feature
- It’s small enough that you can carry it in your bag to work
- There are a lot of sizes and styles to choose from
Cons
- It doesn’t always close airtight
- It doesn’t hold as much as advertised
5. Oggi 5pc Clear Canister Set with Clamp Lids Airtight Containers
When considering the food storage containers for the pantry, the Oggi Acrylic Canister Set should be at the top of your list. With an airtight clamp lid, this food storage container features five pieces that are break-resistant and strong, yet lightweight.
They are perfect for anyone who wants to organize their pantry since their clear acrylic design allows you to see what is inside.
Perfect for storing flour, sugar, and cookies, the Oggi Acrylic Canister Seat uses silicone gaskets to make these canisters airtight, and they are easy to clean with just a damp cloth.
You get one 22-ounce canister, two 26-ounce canisters, one 51-ounce canister, and one 65-ounce canister. These canisters are a smart storage solution for your kitchen counter, so you can always find what you need easily.
Pros
- The scoops that come with the canisters are very handy
- The set gives you a nice variety of sizes
- The clear plastic lets you see what’s inside without opening it
Cons
- The plastic doesn’t feel very substantial
- The rubber ring around the top isn’t glued down so it occasionally comes loose
6. Shazo Airtight Container Set for Food Storage
As you look for the flour container, the Shazo Airtight Container Set should rank high on your list. This is a seven-piece set made of heavy-duty plastic that is BPA-free.
Made with clear plastic, you can easily see inside and the white airtight lids are interchangeable. Durable and long-lasting, these containers are easy to clean with soap and water and are a perfect addition to any kitchen cabinet or pantry.
Ideal for storing coffee, sugar, rice, or flour, the Shazo Airtight Container Set is safer than ceramic and glass containers since they won’t break if dropped.
They have a stackable lid design that helps you save space in your cabinets and pantry. The secure silicone seal expands when the lid is pushed down to create an airtight seal. There is also a handle that pops up in the lid for easy portability.
Pros
- They are great for storing cereal and flour
- These are stackable containers that make storage a lot easier
- They are easy to carry with the included handle
Cons
- They are on the expensive side
- The measuring spoons are worthless
7. Zeppoli Airtight Food Storage Container Set
This five-piece container set is made of durable, BPA-free plastic. The Zeppoli Food Storage Container Set has a clear plastic design that offers a versatile solution with four different sizes with different shapes and volumes. These are liquid-friendly containers that are also great for juice, soup, and water.
Equipped with corners that let you pour easily, the Zeppli Food Storage Container Seat seals all liquid with its airtight technology that is engaged once the handle has been pushed down.
The lid-lock mechanism uses a silicone seal inside the lid that expands to seal the jar and create an airtight seal. These easy-to-clean canisters can be wiped down with soap and water.
Some of the pantry storage containers on the market, the Zeppoli Food Storage Container Set is long-lasting and durable. With their modular and stackable design, these canisters help to save you a lot of space in your cabinets and pantry for better kitchen organization
Pros
- The silicone ring on the lid seals the container very tight
- You can also use these to store liquid
- They are really easy to clean and long-lasting
Cons
- The bottoms of the containers are a bit sharp
- They are not dishwasher-safe
8. DWËLLZA KITCHEN Airtight Containers with Lids
Featuring airtight lids, this six-piece set features canisters that are all the same size. Perfect for dry goods and snacks, the DWELLZA Kitchen Airtight Food Storage Containers have a clear plastic design that is BPA-free. Easily keep food dry and fresh with these one-liter capacity containers that are perfect for sugar, rick, coffee, pasta, and cereal.
Easy to use, the DWELLZA Kitchen Containers feature an airtight lid-lock mechanism. Just push down on the ring on the lid to create an airtight seal and do the same thing when you want to open the container. This airtight seal is so secure that you can even store liquids in these containers without worrying about leaks.
Providing an elegant look to your countertops, these clear containers come with a gorgeous black lid and a rectangular design.
These stackable containers will maximize your vertical space in your pantry and cabinet, and you won’t have to worry about a plastic taste with these durable and thick plastic containers. Dishwasher safe, these containers offer hassle-free maintenance.
Pros
- These are easy to clean since you can throw them in the dishwasher
- They will not leak if you put liquids in them
- These containers stack to save you space
Cons
- They are all the same size
- You must never submerge the seals as water can get in and cannot be removed
9. DRAGONN 9 Piece Airtight Container Set with Labels
Complete with labels, this pantry storage and organization set helps to keep food fresh with its airtight design. Featuring larger sizes, the DRAGONN 9 Piece Airtight Food Storage Container Set is durable and BPA-free with a great range of sizes.
These dry food storage containers are a great way to unclutter your countertops and pantry thanks to the modular stacking design that will efficiently organize your pantry and kitchen.
Featuring a clear body, the DRAGONN Container set allows you to easily see what is inside, plus they have a rounded corner design that allows for easy pouring.
This versatile set can also be used for non-food items. With a secure airtight and watertight seal, these easy-to-clean canisters are a great solution when you need to keep bulk foods dry, fresh, and sealed.
Pros
- They look nice and stack well
- These containers are larger than typical containers, which is nice to find
- They are easy to pour from
Cons
- They are not your standard U.S. flour and sugar canister sizes, but they look nice and stack well enough.
- It is really hard to get water out of the lid
10. EVAK PREMIUM Airtight Container for Coffee Beans, Tea, and Dry Goods
Perfect for tea and coffee beans, the EVAL Airtight Storage Containers are made of glass and feature a stainless black gloss handle. This is a set of three plastic food containers that features a patent-pending twin-valve airflow system that will automatically remove air helping to keep your dry goods fresher longer.
They also feature a compact handle for easy portability and storage.
Made from stain and odor-free Borosilicate glass, these attractive-looking canisters are dishwasher-safe and easy to maintain.
Using a push-down motion on the lid, you can easily remove air in the container and then pull up on the handle when you want to gain access. You never have to worry about buttons, levers, pumps, or clips again.
Pros
- It vacuums out air unlike other storage containers
- They are very attractive looking and provide a great seal
- These containers don’t stain or smell bad
Cons
- You cannot use the handle to pick up the canister
- They are hard to open
Factors to Consider
Materials – Typically, an airtight container is made out of glass, however, these days you will see other materials like plastic used in their construction. Every material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider each one carefully. Glass, for instance, is easy to clean and attractive in your kitchen, but it is a heavy material that can break.
In comparison, plastic is more durable and can also be transparent allowing you to easily see the contents. A plastic container is also more lightweight as well as dishwasher safe. Keep in mind that the plastic needs to be BPA-free to avoid chemical leaching.
Another popular material for airtight containers is acrylic, which is lighter and more robust in comparison to glass. Just make sure the containers you choose are BPA and PVC-free.
Durability
Make sure to buy containers made with durable material. Typically, a storage container is a long-term investment you don’t expect to replace in a year, so it’s important to make sure that the container will not warp or crack when a hot liquid is placed inside.
Size
Airtight containers come in different sizes, so it’s important to consider what food you will be storing inside them to make sure you have the right sizes. Be realistic and remember that going bigger is not always better since all that extra space in the container can affect the overall freshness of your food.
Sets
If you have diverse storage needs, it can be a good idea to choose a matching set of containers in varying sizes. Not only will this give you the most versatility, but it will also allow you to achieve a uniform look when you store a variety of food.
Effectiveness
The design of the container will indicate its effectiveness. While many airtight containers may claim they are airtight, that isn’t always the case. Make sure to read reviews to see what experience others have had with the container and also see how long it lasts. Some containers can start out working well at first, but their seal may weaken in time.
Cleaning
Make sure to check the description and directions to see how to wash your airtight canister. Some containers can be placed in the dishwasher while others tend to trap water in the lid making them a hand wash-only product.
FAQ
How do airtight containers work?Using tightly sealed lids, airtight containers prevent food from exposure to the air, which is made of microorganisms, dust, and moisture. It will also stop oxygen from contacting your food helping to slow down the food oxidation process.
How do you know if you have an airtight container?Typically, an airtight container will use a silicone gasket inside its lid. If you want to test a canister’s airtight feature, place some sugar or flour inside the container, close the lid, and then submerge it in water for a few minutes to see if moisture can penetrate the container.
Can bugs get inside an airtight container?Bugs are not able to get into airtight containers. With the airtight seal that is created, they will be unable to penetrate the canister to get inside and lay their eggs.
Summary
As you look for airtight containers for your needs, remember to look for something durable and strong that is easy to clean. If you are looking for a set, make sure that different size containers will fit what you want to store.
