Containers - SO MANY OF THEM

VeryKatie
VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone,

I'm really wanting to start seriously batch cooking and freezing individual portions of foods for lunches at work. I took a major first step by buying a 10 cf deep freezer (yay).

Does anyone have recommendations for freezer and microwave safe containers that are super cheap? Cheap because if I want to cook a month's worth of lunches all at once, I'd need 20 of them. If I wanted to do dinners too.. well... let's just say I'm going container crazy lol.

Which is a LOT of containers, I realize. I know I have some options like freezing bigger casseroles in tin containers, heating them up in the oven, and then portioning and eating that through the week (which is a second choice) but my dream is the many, many "easy to grab every morning as I rush out the door" containers haha. I'd of course write the calories and recipe name labels or something.

I guess I'm not too picky about it being glass vs plastic, as long as it's safely microwaveable and transportable (no spills) and doesn't crack in the freezer.

Not sure if anyone else does this, but thought I'd ask!

Thanks :)

Replies

  • peachyfuzzle
    peachyfuzzle Posts: 1,122 Member
    I use these:

    http://www.google.com/shopping/product/15353826625118825669?lsf=seller:9119074,store:11215066264047311095&prds=oid:12070006379496522559&q=stackable+tupperware&hl=en&ei=I2q6VuH6IIbq-AGr3I2ABg
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    I'm sure 4950 people will tell me I'm about to die from cancer, but I just use the ziploc storage containers. I like the rectangular ones (about 4 cups I think) for portioning out a main dish, and I can just dump a frozen veggie on top as long as I don't mind combining them. The smaller one cup ones are great for portioning out large tubs of yogurt or cottage cheese.
  • AmazonMayan
    AmazonMayan Posts: 1,168 Member
    edited February 2016
    I use the ziploc or Rubbermaid containers to freeze meals. I have a thing about not cooking in plastic so I keep a stoneware bowl/plate with me if it's a meal I'll eat away from home and I dump it on there to reheat.

    You can get big boxes of the containers or hit up a dollar store. Lots of sizes and shapes and even tiny ones to keep sauce separate if needed.

    Any I've tried eventually crack though...helps that they are cheap.
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    I'm sure 4950 people will tell me I'm about to die from cancer, but I just use the ziploc storage containers. I like the rectangular ones (about 4 cups I think) for portioning out a main dish, and I can just dump a frozen veggie on top as long as I don't mind combining them. The smaller one cup ones are great for portioning out large tubs of yogurt or cottage cheese.


    Same. I use the 4-cup with twist on lid for freezer, sauces, soups, etc. I use the flat square "entree" ones for sandwiches, leftovers, portioning salads and chicken, etc.
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    These:
    http://www.target.com/p/up-up-container-variety-pack-12-ct/-/A-11182863

    And these:
    http://www.target.com/p/up-up-twist-and-store-large-containers-with-lids-32-oz-2-ct/-/A-14695656

    Less than $10 for both means I can stock my freezer and not worry if I lose a lid or forget it at work, when they get those orange stains, I toss them.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    edited February 2016
    Another vote for Ziploc, the freezer bags.

    I also will freeze portions in my silicon muffin tins, then individually wrap each portion in plastic, then put them all in a freezer bag.

    Check out the home-made hamburger patties at the link below. I use this same method to freeze and portion my hummus and my black bean dip. I simply snap off a portion for lunch and it keeps forever.

    https://ziploc.com/en/recipes/tips-and-tricks/bbq-hacks-to-make-memorial-day-a-breeze

    I also have a dozen mason jars and a spare set of plastic lids, for mason jar salads, overnight oats, or leftovers for the next day.

    I'd say the Ziploc bags and the mason jars get the most usage.
  • zdyb23456
    zdyb23456 Posts: 1,706 Member
    For casseroles, you can flash freeze portions then stick them in a Ziploc freezer bag. It'll save you a few containers. Soups you can freeze a portion flat in quart size Ziploc bags. Saves space and containers.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    For safety and to ensure I can get the lid off later, I freeze foods in the mason jar without a lid, then once frozen, I screw a plastic lid on.
  • Azercord
    Azercord Posts: 573 Member
    @auddii you're going to get cancer...but I'll be right there with you because I do the same thing. They freeze great, ride around in the lunchbox just fine, reheat great. They will eventually crack and on occasion you will have to clean soup out of your lunchbox but they are cheap and easy. Another vote for Ziploc containers
  • Afura
    Afura Posts: 2,054 Member
    I've been using theRubbermaid Takealong containers, since you can get the ones with two semi-separated compartments (there's still a gap between them two sides even with the lid on - http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Alongs-Storage-Container-Divided/dp/B0014CT9HI/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1455072371&sr=1-1&keywords=rubbermaid+takealongs+divided - look for sales in grocery stores) and the square ones for salad. I've been freezing and heating in the microwave for several minutes for several months (4 at least) and the most terrible wear I've seen on it is a little warping on the lid edges and some discoloration (cosmetic issues only). I've also used the Ikea PUTA containers (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60149673/) for storing and freezing food, I've seen more lid warp on them but they've still been holding up well and the lids still close fine. Lately I've been using the small ones for dressing.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    I'm sure 4950 people will tell me I'm about to die from cancer, but I just use the ziploc storage containers. I like the rectangular ones (about 4 cups I think) for portioning out a main dish, and I can just dump a frozen veggie on top as long as I don't mind combining them. The smaller one cup ones are great for portioning out large tubs of yogurt or cottage cheese.

    Y so much cancer?
  • CurlyCockney
    CurlyCockney Posts: 1,394 Member
    I use a vacuum sealer to save room. I don't vacuum soups, just seal them, because...well, I learned the hard way about liquids and vacuum sealers :-/
  • kuroshii
    kuroshii Posts: 168 Member
    I particularly like the ones that come with shallow and deep squares that use the EXACT SAME LIDS. Squares also stack and form rows efficiently. Either Ziploc or Gladware are fine. One step up from disposable so they're cheap, and while they don't last as long as the sturdier plastic ones they do last for quite a while. Top rack dishwasher only! Or hand wash. Hand washing is harder but they'll warp more slowly than if you dishwash them often.
  • ladyraiah
    ladyraiah Posts: 110 Member
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P2L59X0/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1455077792&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=chefland

    They have 1, 2, and 3 compartment varieties and come in 10 packs.
  • positivepowers
    positivepowers Posts: 902 Member
    I have dozens of Rubbermaid stackable containers in all different sizes. They go from freezer <-> microwave handily. The plastic isn't flimsy so they're pretty sturdy, and best of all, they're cheap so I don't have to worry about losing any of them.

    UPYYVY0.jpg
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    I'm sure 4950 people will tell me I'm about to die from cancer, but I just use the ziploc storage containers. I like the rectangular ones (about 4 cups I think) for portioning out a main dish, and I can just dump a frozen veggie on top as long as I don't mind combining them. The smaller one cup ones are great for portioning out large tubs of yogurt or cottage cheese.

    You're about to die from cancer.

    I use the glass containers from Rubbermaid. They're awesome...and won't as likey kill me with cancer.
  • Sarahb29
    Sarahb29 Posts: 952 Member
    I re-use big yogurt containers and have a bunch of plastic Rubbermaid ones. Small yogurt containers are good for holding dressing and spices, and if I lose it it doesn't matter. I have a few whole foods containers I reuse for fruit too.
  • CassidyScaglione
    CassidyScaglione Posts: 673 Member
    Dollarama has cheap, ziplock/Rubbermaid brand containers.
  • elaineamj
    elaineamj Posts: 347 Member
    I have the various types of tupperware/disposable tupperware/glass tupperware. I found they all take up way too much space in my freezer lol. I have started just portioning out food directly into a ziploc bag (is it bad that I just use the regular sandwich stuff and not the freezer ones?). Then I lay flat and stack in the freezer. I even do this with stews etc although soups/thinner stews often still end up in a tupperware.

    1-2 days before I plan to have it for lunch, I take it out and move it to the fridge. After it defrosts, I move it to a glass tupperware to take to work (to avoid the whole cancer thing).

    Ever since I started this whole diet thing, my freezer is filling up with carefully portioned out food. I can't eat fast enough to keep up (because I keep discovering yummy recipes that I cannot wait to try!)
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I kept a non plastic bowl at work for microwaving.

    I mostly freeze in empty food containers, like cottage cheese containers.
  • successgal1
    successgal1 Posts: 996 Member
    If you're freezing then the material doesn't matter much IMHO. But cooking in plastic is. I often froze in ziploc containers, but I kept a plate, bowl etc at work for reheating. I use retainers, you can find them on amazon. Make sure you get the ones specifically for the freezer as they have them for fridge only too.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    It's like you people actually *want* cancer.

    :neutral:
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    jofjltncb6 wrote: »
    It's like you people actually *want* cancer.

    :neutral:

    Mayo Clinic says it's a myth.
    http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-causes/art-20044714

    I would use the new freezer for other things and pre-prep a week's worth of lunches every Sunday and keep them in the frig. I don't like old, frozen food for lunch, though. And we're all different.
  • Annieway987
    Annieway987 Posts: 24 Member
    I use a Foodsaver vacuum sealer. I love it. Doesn't deal with liquids well, but if you freeze soup in a rectangular or square rigid plastic container first, you can pop the frozen block out and then vacuum seal it in a bag. This saves a tremendous amount of space in the freezer and the food keeps almost forever without freezer burn.
  • shinycrazy
    shinycrazy Posts: 1,081 Member
    Maybe look into a restaurant supply store for take out containers? Good luck. Keep in mind with plastic, especially cheap, it's not going to withstand a ton of abuse and maybe have to replaced often. Think about that when looking your options.
  • BarbieAS
    BarbieAS Posts: 1,414 Member
    These are great, and if you keep an eye out they often go on sale for $9.99 on one of Amazon's daily deals and black Friday and such (the 42 piece set). I've got 2 sets of these. I also will be getting cancer, but I really like them. Rubbermaid - Amazon

    One thing I might suggest is if there's some air still in the container and you're going to freeze it for more than a couple of days to cover the top of the food with some plastic wrap or foil to keep freezer burn at bay a little. If you can make the surface of the food mostly airtight it will taste better when you heat it up.
  • vegmebuff
    vegmebuff Posts: 31,389 Member
    I noticed the other day that my local 'dollar store' had some freezer-friendly, microwaveable -glass storage containers. They were only $2.00 each.

    Another idea is buy one that is super good quality every month or so...or ask for a set (for Valentine's Day lol...along with the jewelry and chocolate of course=))

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