15 Best Airtight Containers 2023: Important Buying Insights
In the kitchen, there’s always a need to store some items in airtight containers. That’s because if you let moisture in, that alone can cause mold to build up and bacteria to multiply.
In general, you need the best airtight containers for the following tasks:
- Storing sugar
- Coffee
- Cereals
And in case you like carrying some lunch to work, you’ll need to have a container whose lid remains firmly in place. Otherwise, a loose lid could mean that your bag will be messed up in case it accidentally opens.
Top Picks Airtight Containers in 2023 – Comparison List
We’d like to kick-start this review by discussing some of the options available at your disposal but in brief. So, here’s a list for the role and we’ve followed it up with for you.
1. Chef’s Path Airtight Food Containers
Chef’s Path is one of the leading brands in the manufacture of plastic containers. One thing we like about them is that they produce BPA-free containers. As you know, BPA is a common feature in cheaply made containers and so you really want to avoid those.
Yet another key highlight of these containers is that they come with an incredible space-saving design. That way, you can comfortably house several of them within your cupboards, freezer or refrigerator. And if you’re obsessed with keeping your kitchen well-organized, you’ll definitely like this.
We would say that the good guys from Chef’s Path have gone out of their way in creating versatile containers. Indeed, you can conveniently use these ones for anything. And by anything, we mean – storing cereal, flour, pasta, grains, coffee or just anything else you use in the kitchen.
Lastly, in addition to getting 3 containers as part of the package, this company provides you with 8 reusable chalkboard labels and markers. These come in handy if you need to have the containers labeled appropriately.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- BPA Free plastic
- 4-sided locking lids
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Tiny pour spout
2. Shazo 14-PC Dual Utility Airtight Food Containers
If you’re looking for variety, these containers from Shazo might just be what you need. What you get here is a 14-pc set comprising everything you need including measuring cups and spoons.
Oh, plus their one-lid fits all design makes them quite versatile. Even if you lose one lid, you can always use that from the other container to get the job done. How cool is that?
Another feature that we absolutely like about these containers is that they come with graduation marks. These marks make it easy to determine the exact quantities of the contents put inside the containers.
Of course, this is a big deal and it gets even better considering that these containers are transparent. When a container is transparent, it makes it really easy to spot its contents. That way, you can determine the state of your food items without having to open the lid.
To us, the greatest winning feature found on this set of containers is that it has a patent-pending mechanism. This unique mechanism makes it easy to pour out food without spilling it.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Awesome pour spout
- Comfortable grip
- One-lid fits all design
- FDA-approved BPA free design
Cons
- Their lid seal feels weak and less reliable
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3. Tightvac Vacuum Seal Storage Container
Who said that you have to settle for a cheaply made container? And who also said that a good storage container is only one that’s transparent?
This container from Tightvac rewrites the rules of airtight storage. It is made and housed in a sturdy body which makes it quite durable. And the best part is that the container is available in different colors including the transparent ones.
Our favorite one is the black cap and body design. It looks classy and sturdy.
The highlight of this container is that it comes with a patented vacuum seal system. This system comes in handy in keeping your food dry and fresh for longer.
We have previously complained that some so-called airtight containers have weak leads – but not this one. In our view, this specific container presents the best there’s probably is in terms of airtightness.
But that said, we also feel that it’s a bit overpriced. It doesn’t make much sense to splurge ten bucks on something which can be replaced by a cheaper three buck option.
Pros
- Vacuum tight seal
- Generous storage capacity
- Suitable for multipurpose use
- Smell proof lead design
Cons
- Its design isn’t space-saving
- Pricey
4. Progressive PKS-1SET Silicone-Sealed Containers
This 6-piece container set has so far earned nothing but a good reputation from its users. And it’s easy to see why. In fact, you have to touch them to really confirm that they are made of plastic, not glass.
In other words, everything about these containers screams nothing but quality. And if you’re willing to pay a few more cents for value, you might want to consider getting these ones.
One of the main reasons why we would choose these containers over any others is that they have some well-made lids. Each lid comes with a stainless steel hinge which makes it easy to open. And so, if you’ve been having challenges cleaning your containers, you’ll be glad to note that these ones are much easier to clean up.
On the flip side, though, we don’t find the containers as air-tight as we’d like. In fact, some of those who have used it have complained that it’s not bug-proof.
Pros
- Great material quality
- Easy to clean
- Stylish design
- Comes as a 6-in-1 set
Cons
- Lids not as airtight as we’d like (enough said)
5. Zeppoli 5-Piece Set of BPA-Free Airtight Containers
You don’t only have to keep cereals and other solids in your containers. With these ones, you can conveniently store some liquids as well. That works well because the containers have some easy-to-use spouts.
Zeppoli has also done a good job of designing the lid-lock mechanism here. You simply need to push the lid down a little and its seal will expand providing an airtight seal.
Once you decide that you want to use the contents within the containers, all you need to do is pop the ring back and it will gently lift the lid. That’s quite convenient if you ask us.
And on top of that, you also get a container that’s quite easy to clean. In fact, the only major issue we can point out with these is that they are tapered in design. Their top section is wider than the bottom section so you can’t put bags of goods conveniently in them.
Pros
- Good seal quality
- Can be used for a wide range of tasks
- Awesome lock mechanism
- Easy to clean
Cons
- We have tiny issues with its tapered design
- Design isn’t space-saving
6. Oggi 9322 Airtight, Acrylic Food Containers
Acrylic is a superior storage material compared to ordinary plastic. It’s indeed great to see that it’s the material used by Oggi for its airtight containers. Our love for acrylic comes from the fact that it’s odorless and, therefore, comes in handy for long-term food storage.
That said, the Oggi 9322 seems to have some finicky lids. The company has really tried to equip them with some silicone gaskets to enhance longevity but we’re still not satisfied. We feel that there’s still room for improvement for them on this front.
Pros
- Great material quality
- Easy to clean
- Stylish design
- Ideal for high-end kitchens
- See-through containers
Cons
- The lids aren’t as tight as we’d like
7. Shazo 7-Piece Plastic Containers
Shazo is, for sure the big boy company when it comes to the production of airtight containers. And indeed, their 7-piece set is one of the outstanding ones available this far. You can use each one of these containers to keep your kitchen organized, thanks to their space-saving designs.
What’s more? They have a pretty tight lid design. Using this design, you’re sure to keep the contents inside dry and fresher for longer.
In fact, the manufacturer recommends that you don’t just have to keep solids in these containers. If you’d like to store some smoothie or water in there you can do so. And indeed, this confirms that these containers are airtight since they don’t even leak out fluids.
Pros
- Ideal for dry food and liquids
- Simple and durable design
- Easy to clean
- Affordably priced
- Can be used for a wide range of tasks
Cons
- We wouldn’t recommend washing them in a dishwasher, they’d break
8. Bellemain Airtight Acrylic Canister Set
If you have the taste for finer things in life, you might want to see what Bellemain has in store for you. Their acrylic canister set is quite well-made. We particularly love the fact that they come with silicone gaskets.
The silicone gasket is meant to tightly hold onto place providing you with an airtight fit. Also, this gasket design helps keep the food fresher and for longer since it prevents bugs from getting in.
Moving on, these containers have a clamp which conveniently ensures that the lid remains firmly in place. In our view, this is the winning addition in the containers’ design.
The fact that you’re assured of the lid remaining firmly in place only makes them a perfect choice for carrying food to work or even picnicking.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Complete with silicone lid
- Awesome clamp for extra security
- Easy to clean inside
Cons
- The pour spout could be better-made
- The acrylic used feels quite thin
9. Dragonn 10-Piece BPA-Free Containers
Who else has a difficult time keeping their kitchen space well-organized? Well, if you belong to that gang, it might make sense to look into what Dragonn has to offer.
Their set of storage containers boasts a secure sealing. According to the manufacturer, this should be an airtight locking system. And as such, you can use the containers to store and carry liquids around.
We’re yet to use these for carrying liquids although we think that they are quite well-made for storing solids. Plus, they come in many different shapes and sizes. You can use some for storing pasta and others for your cookies and so forth.
Pros
- Wide range of sizes
- Great for storing solids
- Easy to clean
- Their lids are stackable
Cons
- Not as durable as they seem
- Easily break when washed in the dishwasher
10. Shazo 12-Piece BPA-Free Plastic Containers
This is the third product from Shazo so far and for good reasons. You see, one good thing with this company is that they produce affordable containers.
The containers may not be as tough and classy but they sure do a great job for any average kitchen application.
Their name tells it all. Although they are made of plastic, this plastic has been duly tested and certified to be BPA-free. So it’s safe to keep your food and drinks in.
The most important thing is that they have a secure sealing which helps keep them airtight. We’d, therefore, give it a 5-star rating for that. Our only issue is that the material isn’t as tough and may not last long is washed in a dishwasher regularly.
Pros
- Ideal for liquids and dry foods
- Great, airtight sealing
- Affordably priced
- You get a free market pen
Cons
- Not as tough and durable
11. Oxo Good Grips POP Container
If airtight containers were to have a beauty contest, the OXO Pop Container would probably emerge tops. It’s such a looker we must say. And to make the deal even sweeter, you can get the container in different quantities ranging from 0.3 Qt to 5.5 Qt.
Our favorite size is the 1.5-Quart and that’s because it’s just enough to accommodate one 1lb bag of coffee beans.
We really like the fact that this unit comes with an airtight seal along with a push-button for easy-opening. What’s more? Each container from this company comes calibrated so it’s easy to determine food quantities by just looking.
On the flip side, though, the seal tends to loosen over time. So, we really wish that this company will place more emphasis on creating lids that stand the test of time. Fortunately, if you’re light user, chances are that you won’t even notice this.
Pros
- Great looking jar
- Easy to use lid system
- See-through design
- Calibrated for easy use
Cons
- Airtight system not durable under intensive use
12. Prepara Airtight EVAK Storage Containers
If you only like to add nice things to your kitchen space, these containers from Evak might dazzle you with their looks. But are they as effective as they look? Let’s investigate.
First off, these units are made from a high-quality borosilicate type of glass. As you know, glass is safer than plastic when it comes to food storage and microwaving.
So, what you get here is a unit that’s well-made. Its lid is also quite airtight and good looking as well. Plus, the lid also functions as a plunger effectively displacing air and enhancing air tightness.
Pros
- Made of glass
- High-quality lids used
- Great, classy look
- Crystal clear for content checks
Cons
- Pricey
- Some have complained that the rubber seal isn’t tight enough
13. Vtopmart 7-Piece BPA-Free Airtight Containers
If you’re a value shopper, it makes sense to settle for the choice that provides you with the best bang for your bucks. And that’s precisely what Vtopmart seems to be all about.
With just one order, you’ll end up with 7-containers on your doorstep. What’s more? You’ll get 24 free chalkboard labels and 1 marker. You’ll need those to label the containers accordingly.
Even though these are made of plastic, the material has been certified as BPA-free. It’s important to ensure that any plastic material you use at home has this certification. Otherwise, this might leave you exposed to the harmful effect associated with BPA.
Pros
- Certified BPA free
- Affordably priced
- Provides you with markers and labels for free
- Reasonably good airtight lid
Cons
- Its handles aren’t toughly built
- Finicky lids
14. Sweetzer & Orange Glass Food Storage
This is the second glass-made airtight container variety to show up on this list. Indeed, Sweetzer & Orange is one of the companies that we have come to trust with quality over time.
You simply need to take a look at this product to see just how well made they are. Who wouldn’t like to add such to their kitchen cabinet?
The containers come with bamboo lids. Well, bamboo might not be the most airtight material out there but it certainly offers antibacterial properties.
That said you need to be keen when placing the lid to provide an airtight fit. Only when you feel a “whoosh” sound should you rest assured that the container is tightly locked.
Pros
- Great looks
- Bamboo lid for antibacterial benefits
- Can be used for a wide range of uses
- See-thru design
Cons
- Quite short, can’t fit spaghetti noodles or regular-sized pasta
15. Rubbermaid Brilliance Airtight Food Container #1994253
First, we must say that the description of this product on Amazon is quite misleading. They’ve described it as an 8-piece set but all you get is a 4-piece set. We’re completely against misleading descriptions and we think this reflects badly on Rubbermaid.
With your expectations set right, though, this is still a great set to invest in. The containers come with airtight leak-proof seals which help prevent food contamination.
What’s more? The kind of plastic used for making these containers is certified as BPA-free. So, you can use it to store your foodstuff in peace.
Pros
- See-through design
- Stain-resistant material
- Space-saving design
- Great looking design
Cons
- Misleading description on Amazon
- May not last long with dishwashing
Buying Guide for Airtight Containers
There are so many options here but the most important thing you want to reflect on is safety. Quite a few alternatives exist but most of them might even contain harmful chemicals. For instance, some plastics contain BPA.
So, your best bet is to go for something whose quality is assured. And most importantly, the container should be capable of doing its exact job. Here are some important factors to consider.
Materials
Containers come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. But the one factor that matters the most is the kind of material used to make them.
Plastic containers are the most common ones out there and that’s probably because they are cheap and light in weight. However, you need to be careful by ensuring that the material used is certified as BPA-free.
If you want to invest in food safety, think about glass containers. Glass as a material is generally considered safe to use even by the FDA.
Another popular type of material is the stainless steel variety. It’s known to be durable but also quite expensive. However, you also need to ensure that the material used is categorized as “food-grade steel.”
Size of the Container
This factor will depend on the use you’ve planned for the container. You might want to go for a small container if you only want to use it for carrying some snacks. On the other hand, a large container might come in handy if you’re planning to keep some rice inside it for the whole family.
Another point that should determine the size of the container you settle for is the size of your kitchen cabinet. It’s always best to choose something that can conveniently fit within your provided storage space.
Transparency
This is purely a matter of preference. Some people like to have their containers transparent while others prefer to have them completely covered.
The main benefit of going with a transparent option is that it enables you to monitor the state of your food content without having to open it. For instance, you can check if your rice is still in good shape without having to open it up effectively allowing some moisture inside.
But once again, this is purely a matter of preference. But generally, we think that transparent containers make more sense to use.
Quality of the Lid Used
It goes without saying that the best-made lid is one that’s designed to be airtight – duh! But apart from that, it needs to be easy to open and close.
In fact, it should be designed in such a manner that it’s easy to open and close using just one hand. But of course, that will depend on what you want to use it for.
A good lid for containers that carry the food and snacks you need to use frequently should, in our view, come with a lid with a button-like mechanism. This way, you can easily open it and still be sure to restore its airtight seal upon pushing.
Ease of Cleaning
This is a factor that most people tend to overlook but which we happen to think is quite important to pay attention to. In order to prolong the life of your container, it’s important that it’s clean all the time. So, it should be easy to open and clean.
Also, it should be capable of resisting stains and corrosion. If you have to exert a lot of effort to clean it, then it probably isn’t the best choice for you.
To top it all up, it’s always important to go for a container that’s dishwasher safe.
Ability to Resist Odor
One of the reasons why people generally prefer glass containers over all other types is that they are odor-resistant. In other words, a good container is one that doesn’t affect the aroma of the food kept in it.
And glass generally tends to be a perfect option for this. In our view, this is an important factor to consider especially if you intend to be storing different types of food items in the container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you hunting for a good, affordable airtight container? You probably have a few burning questions in your mind right now. Worry not, we’ve responded to some of those in the section below.
What’s the perfect size for an airtight container to be used for camping?
Different people have different preferences. That said, we generally find the 6-ounce containers to be the most popular ones around.
Why are airtight containers expensive than ordinary containers?
These containers cost a little more than their ordinary counterparts because of their advanced seals. The seals are meant to keep the air out and this ensures that the food inside remains dry and fresh for longer periods of time.
Can I put my airtight container in the fridge?
Well, that depends on how well it is made and the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, most well-made containers can be used inside the fridge. They are loved by many because they ensure that food lasts twice as long.
Which One Is The Best?
We really like the Chef’s Path Airtight Food Containers. They are made from BPA-free plastic and are quite affordable as well. We find them quite versatile for different uses at home especially since they are transparent.
Final Thoughts
It’s important that you keep your food safe. That can, however, only happen if you invest in the right kind of airtight containers. It’s our belief that the tips and tidbits provided above will come in handy in helping you make that find.
