Focus: how to choose the right food storage container — tips and key criteria

For years now, we’ve been using glass or plastic storage containers with flexible or rigid lids to keep leftovers like soup, cheese, vegetables, ham, or even hot meals fresher for longer. A true kitchen essential, the storage container is available in both glass and plastic, with some models safe for the oven, microwave, or freezer. Here are our tips for choosing the right food storage container, whether in glass or plastic.

How to choose your food storage container in 6 steps

Plastic storage boxes were long favoured, thanks in part to the presence of a well-known American giant specialising in 100% plastic storage solutions. But with new regulations banning certain components in plastic boxes, glass storage containers have gained ground — offering significant advantages in the kitchen.

Glass: the material to prioritise for your storage containers

Made from a natural material, silica, glass is infinitely recyclable, stable, safe, and free from risks of food contamination. A glass food storage container is the best option for keeping meals in the fridge or heating them in the microwave or oven.

Pyrex® makes these boxes even more resistant by using its famous borosilicate glass, designed to withstand both heat and cold, making it perfect for food preservation.

A glass box won’t absorb odours, won’t stain, is easy to clean, and is made from inert materials that are completely safe for health. Its only drawbacks are that it is heavier than plastic and can break.

Watertight or airtight: which should you choose?

If you’re storing liquids, watertight is the best option. But for fridge organisation and keeping leftovers, watertightness isn’t as crucial.

What matters most is the closing system. It needs to be strong enough to withstand frequent use. That’s where an airtight lid is preferable, as it prevents air from entering and spoiling cooked food quickly.

Capacity

Pyrex® recommends choosing different sizes of glass containers to suit your needs. They range from 0.2 L to large 5 L models, which can be used both as storage boxes with BPA-free plastic lids and as oven dishes resistant to temperatures from -40 °C to +300 °C.

Always consider the internal dimensions of your fridge or freezer when choosing container size. For those who regularly take meals to the office, Pyrex® also offers a variety of lunch boxes and portable containers.

Shape

Round, rectangular, or square — storage boxes come in all shapes and sizes. A glass container should be practical enough to be:

• Used in the oven (if glass)
  

• Placed in the microwave
  

• Stored in the fridge or freezer
  

• Kept neatly in the cupboard
  
  

For microwave use, round boxes are best, as they turn easily on the rotating plate. For oven cooking and family meals, rectangular dishes are ideal. And for meals on the go, you can choose between a glass lunch box with an airtight lid or a special box for pasta or rice.

Compatibility

Modern kitchens usually include an oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. A glass storage container is fully versatile and won’t warp under heat or get damaged by freezer cold. Before buying, always check compatibility with your appliances.

Made in France — always better!

Not all storage containers are high quality, and some still contain components banned in Europe. To ensure safety and reliability, always choose Made in France.

Pyrex® manufactures all its ovenware in Châteauroux, in central France, where the company has over 50 years of expertise in borosilicate glass — and operates the largest furnace in the world for this type of glass. By choosing Pyrex®, you’re also supporting the French economy.

Choosing your food storage container based on use

A good storage container is designed to last — especially if it’s made of glass. That’s why it’s important to think about how you’ll use it.

For taking meals on the go : Choose a rectangular, medium-height container so you can eat directly from it without needing a plate. It should come with a strong plastic lid, carefully chosen for durability.

For lunch : A glass lunch box is microwave-safe and usually has a capacity of 0.7 to 1 litre. Perfect if you’re into meal prep. You can also opt for a pasta box, designed to hold pasta or rice with sauce for easy reheating in the microwave.

For microwave use : We recommend a glass container specifically designed for microwave use, with a lid fitted with a steam-release valve. Alternatively, you can choose an airtight box that’s safe for transporting food and suitable for reheating in the microwave.

Such a box should, of course:

• Be compatible with fridge and freezer use
  

• Be oven-safe (without the lid)
  

• Withstand both high and low temperatures
  

• Have an airtight lid to prevent leaks
  

• Be dishwasher-safe
  
  

For everyday storage : Glass food containers, round or rectangular, are perfect for storing ham, cheese, leftover vegetables, meat, or fish. They’re often available in sets, making cupboard organisation easier.

All-glass option : Say goodbye to plastic with 100% glass storage containers. These come with a seal that can be fitted to the lid if you want airtight preservation of your food.

Vacuum Food Storage : Pyrex® Vacuum Food Storage Dishes keep your meals fresher for longer thanks to airtight lids and borosilicate glass containers. BPA-free, freezer, oven, and microwave safe, they’re perfect for reducing food waste, storing leftovers, or meal prepping. Available in different sizes and shapes, they combine durability with everyday convenience.

Good to know : Pyrex® sells replacement lids individually for all its food storage containers. So if you’ve misplaced one, there’s no need to worry.

Why choose Pyrex® food storage containers?

Pyrex® is one of the leading names in cooking, baking, and food storage. The brand has become so iconic that, just like with some famous fridge or tissue brands, many people now use “a Pyrex®” to mean any glass dish.

Choosing a Pyrex® storage container guarantees a healthy material that’s safe for the freezer, microwave, and even the conventional oven. It also means opting for BPA-free plastic components, fully compliant with European legislation. And it’s the assurance of 100% Made in France manufacturing. What more could you ask for?