Durable (but compact) deli container for freezing

June 9, 2019 12:28 PM

We seriously upped our cooking-ahead game when I bought this pack of deli containers and we started freezing things in 2 cup servings. More likely to freeze stuff, more likely to actually eat it. The problem is, they keep breaking. Can you recommend something a little less disposable?

Things I love: The 8 oz and 16 oz both use the same lid. They nest/stack extremely well, and don't take up a lot of cabinet space. They're definitely better quality than the containers we buy cold deli items in, and we've managed to reuse each one several times, but they have a shorter lifespan than we'd prefer.

I know we'll have to pay a little more for higher quality, and it may need to be a little beefier, but I would prefer something that's not too bulky, won't result in scattered parts everywhere, and that won't break the bank to purchase in the fairly large numbers we'll need. What are your favorites?

posted by telepanda to Home & Garden (14 answers total)

Ikea's Pruta containers are cheap, and the lids can be interchanged between some of them. I've found them to be very durable when frozen. The one thing that pretty much all plastic containers have in common is that they are brittle at freezer temperatures, so try not to drop them. We've had ours for many years.
posted by pipeski at 12:48 PM on June 9, 2019

These are the bomb. They're the perfect size, they stack beautifully both in the fridge/freezer and in the cupboard, and I love that the lids screw on instead of press on and are way more likely to stay secure during my commute. They last forever, too.
posted by anderjen at 1:19 PM on June 9, 2019 [5 favorites]

You can probably find your current deli containers at a restaurant supply store for cheap enough that you won't care about breaking one occasionally.

Also, +1 on handling them carefully when they're frozen. If I have the forethought to let them thaw overnight in the freezer, they almost never break. It's exclusively when I handle containers straight out of the freezer.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 1:32 PM on June 9, 2019 [1 favorite]

Seconding the Ziploc containers. I buy the pint containers and use them frequently from freezer to microwave to dishwasher. They’re also my preferred container for sending food home with people, because they’re inexpensive enough that I don’t care if I get the container back.

I will say, though, that they are NOT LEAKPROOF. Your soup or vinaigrette will ooze out one drop at a time and taint your lunch bag if you try to store the container on its side. Just make sure you keep it top-side-up and everything will be fine.
posted by Autumnheart at 1:45 PM on June 9, 2019 [1 favorite]

I use the ziplocs, they last forever as long as you don't reheat in them. Just run some hot water on the bin with the lid still on and the contents drop out to a pan or bowl. These are great for lunch bags, that have a freezer packet. Just the right size. Corning makes microwaveable cups with plastic lids that are good for work reheat. I think those cups would take the cylinder of frozen food from your ziploc, then take it to work and by noon it is ready to be heated up.
posted by Oyéah at 1:50 PM on June 9, 2019

We use these freezer containers. All but the half gallon use the same lid, and they seem quite sturdy. They are not leak-proof though.
posted by rockindata at 1:53 PM on June 9, 2019

In case it would be an acceptable alternative: what really upped my cooking-ahead game was freezing stuff in cupcake tins, then popping the "cupcakes" out into Ziploc bags (which go back into the freezer). You can still reheat a reasonable serving size of something, but don't have to worry about containers.
posted by unknowncommand at 2:11 PM on June 9, 2019 [3 favorites]

Have you considered freezer safe glass containers? They come in all sorts of sizes and everything I’ve ever bought has definitely outlasted my plastic stuff. I tend to use Anchor since Pyrex isn’t pyrex anymore. I love that I can use it in the fridge, freezer, and oven, depending on my needs.
posted by loriginedumonde at 2:29 PM on June 9, 2019 [1 favorite]

I’ve been using the same “disposable “ ziplock containers for at least five years and I’ve had one lid crack a bit on a corner in that time. The Target brand was also good, IIRC the Rubbermaid version is flimsier. The ability to nest empties makes them better than glass for me.
posted by momus_window at 3:00 PM on June 9, 2019 [1 favorite]

Amazon sells a deep freeze version of the container you already know and love. Lids are interchangeable with your product so you can keep using what you already have. The other siEs are available too.
posted by bilabial at 3:05 PM on June 9, 2019 [3 favorites]

On Preview: Dang my slow typing!

Deli containers are a great value for money for this, but using the ones specifically designated for freezer use, not just the normal ones that are ok to freeze is key.

Try the Reditainer Extreme Freeze deli containers instead. Do get the Extreme Freeze version, as the regular ones are thinner. Link is to the 12 oz, but they come in 8 and 16 too.

These 8 oz Vito's Famous Deli Containers, manufactured by OakRidge products, are even better than the Reditainer ones, but they don't have interchangable lids and don't stack with the Reditainers. These have survived multiple freeze-thaw and dishwasher cycles for me. Perfect for 1 cup frozen desserts. The 4 oz version is great too, but not interchangably lidded for the 8 oz.
posted by monopas at 3:14 PM on June 9, 2019 [2 favorites]

I also use the Reditainer Extreme Freeze containers linked above. I’ve never had them break through multiple freezes and top-rack dishwasher cleanings. Love them!
posted by bookmammal at 3:39 PM on June 9, 2019

My freezer strategy is a combination of unknowncommand and loriginedumonde's suggestions. I have four of these Anchor Hocking 2-cup containers. I'll fill them, put them in the freezer overnight (no lid), and the next day dip them in a sink of warm water to extract the food pucks. I then put the pucks in a ziploc (with wax paper between) for extended storage, and the containers go in the cupboard. When I want to eat one or pack it for lunch, the puck fits the container perfectly, and I'm good to go.
posted by bethnull at 3:44 PM on June 9, 2019 [4 favorites]

You can also use a food saver/vacuum sealer to bag the frozen pucks individually. You can microwave or boil the bags, too.
posted by cabingirl at 7:03 AM on June 10, 2019