Containers For Pantry Food Storage and How to Choose Airtight Lids
One effective strategy for keeping a pantry organized is placing dry goods in airtight containers. This practice enhances functionality and aesthetics while simultaneously keeping flour, sugar, pasta, cereal and other staples fresher for longer.
Consider purchasing a set of clear, stackable containers in various sizes to maximize storage space. Wide openings and stackable shapes make contents easy to view, while textured lids improve gripping and handling.
1. Glass
An unorganized pantry can quickly become an eye sore, and without the right tools it can quickly devolve into an overwhelming collection of half-empty bags and mismatched containers. But with proper organization comes greater ease in finding what ingredients you need for your next recipe!
Professional organizers advise starting by conducting a full inventory of your space, taking stock of everything and sorting by the frequency with which each item is used (do you prefer cooking or baking more frequently). This process allows you to determine what size containers and quantity of each type are necessary.
Glass food storage options are ideal for pantry food storage as they do not retain odors like plastic canisters and offer the added advantage of transparency to allow you to see exactly what’s inside. Look for canisters with lids that easily close to create an airtight seal; check out this set with an easy latch system available in three sizes as an example of such canisters.
A stackable container is an ideal way to store pantry staples that you purchase in bulk, such as grains and pastas, such as flour and sugar. This one, specifically, holds up to 20-pound bags while featuring an easily viewable lid for monitoring how much is remaining.
2. Plastic
Choose the appropriate storage containers to transform your pantry from chaos into order, keeping food fresher for longer. It is crucial that you consider how frequently each ingredient will be used and what size or types of container would best fit into your pantry before making this important decision.
Similarly, if you enjoy baking frequently, clear glass storage jars for flour and sugar should be easily visible for easy access when needed. Stackable, clear jars also make it simple to gather ingredients without opening multiple bags at the same time. Lowenheim advises purchasing metal spice jars that complement the decor of your kitchen for frequent spice uses.
When it comes to cereal storage, opt for large and clear pantry storage containers that keep grains crisp while maintaining taste. They’re also perfect for bulk items like rice or granola as they offer moisture control as well as stackability.
Stainless steel storage containers from The Container Store or OXO Pop are an economical and airtight storage option, boasting a hook-and-latch system to seal them airtight. Although not transparent, their four decorative lid finishes give you plenty of visibility into what lies within each one; their six quart capacity holds two large Costco bags of pasta or cereal with ease!
3. Stackable
No matter the state of your pantry, selecting the appropriate container set can transform it. From neatly-organized spice jars and herbs stacked neatly in labeled tins, to easily accessible snacks without digging through clutter – pantry organization containers will make mealtime and snack time far more efficient.
When shopping for stackable containers, take into account what type of food will be stored inside (dry goods or liquids) as well as how you plan on stacking them. Also think about size/dimension considerations depending on the height of your pantry shelves as well as any possible sets with both glass and plastic options for mixed storage solutions.
OXO Good Grips Pop container set offers a reliable storage solution for both dry and liquid foods, easily fitting on pantry shelves. Dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, its push/pull lid opens effortlessly. Though pricey initially, this investment will last long-term and worth making.
Metal canister sets from IKEA are another ideal option for both dry and liquid foods, boasting stylish designs with handy features like dividers to help organize items without them falling over. However, such containers may leach a metallic taste into acidic foods over time; therefore it should only be used with non-acidic, non-liquid food types.
4. Airtight
When selecting containers for pantry storage, look for ones with airtight seals made from food-grade materials and airtight seals to help preserve freshness while keeping out pests. Transparent options will allow you to see exactly what’s inside as well. Stackable designs save space while smooth surfaces facilitate easier cleanup in between uses.
As certain foods are sensitive to light, consider purchasing containers that block UV rays and buckets with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage of goods. You can even find food-grade buckets equipped with oxygen absorbers which will further extend their shelf life.
Glass mason jars are an ideal way to store dry goods in the pantry, as they won’t trap odors or stains and are BPA-free. Furthermore, they make ideal containers for preserving herbs, spices and freeze-dried food products.
Stainless steel tins make an excellent alternative to plastic containers for pantry storage, especially when extra protection against moisture is necessary. Not only are they durable but can withstand all sorts of environmental elements as well.
Although your exact needs depend on your eating habits and pantry items, an average person could get by with 6-10 airtight storage containers with both small and large sizes – mason jars might work great for snacks you use frequently while other might opt for bulk containers such as grain storage bins.
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