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Plastic Storage Containers

Shel_B

By Shel_B
in Kitchen Consumer

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Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
Posted

I need some cheap plastic containers to organize my bagged spices and herbs. Once organized and inventoried, the bagged spices and herbs will be stored in jars, however, I'd like to keep the jars in the cheap plastic containers as well.  I don't buy large quantities, usually no more than 4oz of any herb or spice, so their bags will not be large at all.  That may help with the idea of size.  Any suggestions?

 ... Shel


 

Porthos

Porthos

Posted
Posted

I have big ones and little ones. Stores everything. Freezes well. So cheap you can give them away...

http://www.amazon.com/Delitainer-Deli-Food-Containers-Lids/dp/B006KG80Y6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419962186&sr=8-2&keywords=delitainer

 

Non-argumentive question: What makes these superior to Ziploc plastic storage containers? Here in So Cal I can buy Ziploc virtually anywhere. If someone has serious space issues buying 40 containers and lids at a crack may be a bit problematic.

  • Like 1

Porthos Potwatcher
The Once and Future Cook

;

Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted

I have big ones and little ones. Stores everything. Freezes well. So cheap you can give them away...

http://www.amazon.com/Delitainer-Deli-Food-Containers-Lids/dp/B006KG80Y6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419962186&sr=8-2&keywords=delitainer

 

Those are nice (I have a few), but I should have mentioned that I'm looking for square or rectangular containers.

 ... Shel


 

Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted

Non-argumentive question: What makes these superior to Ziploc plastic storage containers? Here in So Cal I can buy Ziploc virtually anywhere. If someone has serious space issues buying 40 containers and lids at a crack may be a bit problematic.

 

Ahh ... Ziplocs in the supermarket!  Worth a look.  The web page has definitely got me interested.  Thanks!

 ... Shel


 

Martin Fisher

Martin Fisher

Posted
Posted

Freezer containers may be another option...they're readily available from Amazon.

 

http://www.arrowplastic.com/store/catalog.asp?item=189

  • Like 1

~Martin :)

I just don't want to look back and think "I could have eaten that."

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Smithy

Smithy

Posted
Posted

Shel_B, some advice born of experience: if you find the right size and shape of container in a grocery store, get more than you think you'll ever need ALL IN THE SAME PURCHASE. Glad™, Ziploc ™ and Rubbermaid ™ have all fooled us into thinking we'd found the perfect size and shape of container for a particular purpose, only to change their molds shortly thereafter. So, for instance, we have 4-cup containers, roughly cubical, all with blue lids, all from the same manufacturer, purchased in 2 batches... and the lids are not interchangeable. >:-(

Now that I've given you the benefit of my sage advice ;-), pardon me for asking this, but I'm curious: why do you want to store jars within plastic containers? I take it you're storing each jar in its own plastic box? Won't that take up a lot of precious storage space?

  • Like 3

Nancy Smith, aka "Smithy"
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andiesenji

andiesenji

Posted
Posted

I store many small packages of spices, herbs and other items that are supplied in small containers - -

in  "ziplock" FREEZER bags.

And I do it in such a way that it is easy to find the items I want quickly.

I punch a hole ABOVE the seal and group the items together  on a SHOWER CURTAIN rings  as shown in the photos.

I can always find a place to hang several of the loaded rings.

This happens to be a "miscellaneous" group.

It's easy to flip the bags around the ring until you reach the one you want, unsnap it and take it off or just unseal and pull out what you need if it is something like the bag in which I have ALL the little bottles of flavorings which tend to get lost in drawers...

 

 

HPIM7238.JPG

HPIM7237.JPG

 

I buy the big boxes of non-name freezer bags at Smart & Final but they also have them at Costco, Sam's and etc.

  • Like 4

"There are, it has been said, two types of people in the world. There are those who say: this glass is half full. And then there are those who say: this glass is half empty. The world belongs, however, to those who can look at the glass and say: What's up with this glass? Excuse me? Excuse me? This is my glass? I don't think so. My glass was full! And it was a bigger glass!" Terry Pratchett

 

Richard Kilgore

Richard Kilgore

Posted
Posted

I like the shower curtain ring idea, andisenji

 

Another approach I learned here some years ago is to buy the smallest (1/2 pt.?) canning jars. Four ounces of many herbs and spices will fill several jars. Keep one jar of an herb out for use and put the rest in the freezer in a crate to organize them. It will extend the life of the herbs unless you would be using the 4  ounces within 6 - 12 months. 

  • Like 2

Richard Kilgore

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Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted

Shel_B, some advice born of experience: if you find the right size and shape of container in a grocery store, get more than you think you'll ever need ALL IN THE SAME PURCHASE. Glad, Ziploc and Rubbermaid have all fooled us into thinking we'd found the perfect size and shape of container for a particular purpose, only to change their molds shortly thereafter. So, for instance, we have 4-cup containers, roughly cubical, all with blue lids, all from the same manufacturer, purchased in 2 batches... and the lids are not interchangeable. >:-(

Now that I've given you the benefit of my sage advice ;-), pardon me for asking this, but I'm curious: why do you want to store jars within plastic containers? I take it you're storing each jar in its own plastic box? Won't that take up a lot of precious storage space?

 

Thanks for your sage advice (I love that phrase, BTW).  I'm not planning to store each jar in a separate box.  I should be able to get six or more jars in each box.  The boxes are just to help keep me organized.  I need all the help I can get.

  • Like 1

 ... Shel


 

andiesenji

andiesenji

Posted
Posted

I like the shower curtain ring idea, andisenji

 

Another approach I learned here some years ago is to buy the smallest (1/2 pt.?) canning jars. Four ounces of many herbs and spices will fill several jars. Keep one jar of an herb out for use and put the rest in the freezer in a crate to organize them. It will extend the life of the herbs unless you would be using the 4  ounces within 6 - 12 months. 

I do have a lot of herbs and spices in jars but after a while one runs out of shelf room or drawer room - I have an entire cabinet dedicated to spices and herbs with salts and peppers too.  It is totally full of stacked jars so for the "extras" and I have a bunch, the only way to keep them findable, is to do it the way I showed. 

However, even though it looks crammed, I know where everything is and can usually reach in and grab what I want without even looking.  I have maintained the same "order" in this cabinet for many years.

HPIM7240.JPG

  • Like 2

"There are, it has been said, two types of people in the world. There are those who say: this glass is half full. And then there are those who say: this glass is half empty. The world belongs, however, to those who can look at the glass and say: What's up with this glass? Excuse me? Excuse me? This is my glass? I don't think so. My glass was full! And it was a bigger glass!" Terry Pratchett

 

Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted

I store many small packages of spices, herbs and other items that are supplied in small containers - -

in  "ziplock" FREEZER bags.

And I do it in such a way that it is easy to find the items I want quickly.

I punch a hole ABOVE the seal and group the items together  on a SHOWER CURTAIN rings  as shown in the photos.

I can always find a place to hang several of the loaded rings.

This happens to be a "miscellaneous" group.

It's easy to flip the bags around the ring until you reach the one you want, unsnap it and take it off or just unseal and pull out what you need if it is something like the bag in which I have ALL the little bottles of flavorings which tend to get lost in drawers...

 

 

attachicon.gifHPIM7238.JPG

attachicon.gifHPIM7237.JPG

 

I buy the big boxes of non-name freezer bags at Smart & Final but they also have them at Costco, Sam's and etc.

 

While I like your idea quite a bit, it's not right for me and the layout and work space in my kitchen.

  • Like 1

 ... Shel


 

Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted (edited)

Non-argumentive question: What makes these superior to Ziploc plastic storage containers? Here in So Cal I can buy Ziploc virtually anywhere. If someone has serious space issues buying 40 containers and lids at a crack may be a bit problematic.

 

Ahh ... Ziplocs in the supermarket!  Worth a look.  The web page has definitely got me interested.  Thanks!

 

While running some errands earlier, I ducked into a supermarket and saw the Glad™ containers, and some look like they'd work.  I'll take a look at the Ziploc™ after Jan 1, and make a decision.  In concept, both seem to be perfect for my needs, so the decision will come down to which brand will best do the job.  Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas!

Edited by Shel_B (log)

 ... Shel


 

Porthos

Porthos

Posted
Posted

The lids snap on and off a bit easier with the Ziplocs. YMMV.

  • Like 1

Porthos Potwatcher
The Once and Future Cook

;

  • 2 weeks later...
Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted

Just following up on this.  Last week I stopped into a supermarket that had the Ziploc containers, and right next to them on the shelf were some similar store brand units.  The store brand had a size closer to what I was looking for, and I bought a package of three.

 

On the way to the register I saw some really inexpensive aluminum loaf pans (like these: http://www.apartysource.com/al-16.html), and they were even closer to the size I wanted, so I bought three.  Both are installed in the cupboard, and the aluminum loaf pans have turned out to be the best option.

 

So, I'm all set.  Thanks to all who jumped in with ideas and suggestions.

  • Like 1

 ... Shel


 

  • 1 year later...
Shel_B

Shel_B

Posted
  • Topic Starter
Posted

... to store 5-lb bags of flour, in the bag?

 

I am looking at some Cambro containers, but I'm open to other suggestions.  Thanks!

 ... Shel


 

Smithy

Smithy

Posted
Posted (edited)

Rubbermaid makes containers designed for those bag sizes. I like them because they're rectangular and store well in cabinets, and are easier to find in stores than Cambro.  One disadvantage to the long and narrow footprint is that scooping out of it without making a mess takes practice. 

 

I think the 16-cup Modular Storage Containerir?t=egulletcom-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B003BKK38 is the size you need. The store label says, but this image doesn't.   

 

Edit: Sorry, I just reread your question. I transfer the contents from the bag into the container.  I don't think these are bag-shaped enough.  My bad.

Edited by Smithy (log)

Nancy Smith, aka "Smithy"
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pastrygirl

pastrygirl

Posted
Posted
  • In the bag, I'd say a 6 quart with the red lid.  I don't recall whether my flour is in a 6 or 8 quart square, whichever it is holds about 10# of flour out of the bag.   The 8 qt holds 12-1/2 pound of sugar (I get 25# bags and divide it into two cambros).
thock

thock

Posted
Posted

Don't know if this will help, or not, as I usually dump from bag to container, too, but a gallon pickle jar holds 5 pounds of flour. (Source: my mother did this, so I do, too.)

  • Like 2

Tracy

Lenexa, KS, USA

JoNorvelleWalker

JoNorvelleWalker

Posted
Posted (edited)

I use Cambro purchased from KAF.  I have six in the bedroom for different types of flour.  (Actually, in truth, one is currently repurposed for trehalose.)  The smallest size KAF offers would easily hold 5 pounds of flour in the bag, though I dump my bags out into the container.  Why make extra work?

 

Yes I know Cambro might be less expensive from other suppliers but Cambro makes so many products that I am afraid of ordering the wrong thing.  The KAF Cambro flour buckets have lasted me twenty years, give or take, and they are still going strong.  And they've never suffered an infestation.

 

 

Edit:  from memory I think they are sized for 5, 10, or twenty pounds.  Or something like that.

 

Edited by JoNorvelleWalker (log)
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  • 8 years later...
rotuts

rotuts

Posted
Posted

Well all , over time , have are personal 

 

Batterie du Cuisine .,  developed over time , changing situations and finance.

 

That very very sharp Utility knife , and  razor edged Watanabe's,  along with their partners , the appropriate cutting board.

 

Storage container ?  The end of the line for your fine work ?   not that vital , as there are many options.

 

In my case , these days , I cook in stages , and purposely generate quite a bit of Extra .

 

@JoNorvelleWalker  asked recently , what do I due w so much ' extra ? '

 

well , it starts w a container , that then is frozen , and then its contents are Vac's :

 

these containers used to come from Target , way back pre-pandemic .  then MarketBasket carried them , generic , blue-top :

 

IMG_7193.thumb.jpeg.b5e56bfb65d539662bcbdeb669edb5e2.jpeg

 

the contents fit the medium VacBag , which I have a Zillion :

 

IMG_7194.thumb.jpeg.26eca52c269eb44807e4c30a71f35a6a.jpeg

 

its under the container .   the container holds 24 oz or so .   the frozen contents fit in the bag you see above , which then ends up down stairs

 

in the New Frost Free Freezer .

 

I looke the other day @ MarketBasket for a few more , and  they styles had changed .  Horrors of Horrors.

 

so I looked into them @ Target , having the RedCard  ( 5 % off , free shipping , no visits to the the store necessary ! )

 

IMG_7298.thumb.jpeg.9563248d9cdb8e5881bf7bcb60fa1def.jpeg

 

you see a pack of 5 next to the VacMaster.

 

this size is as vital to how I cook these days , as ( almost ) the Watanabes ! )

 

I use them for Ice Bricks :

 

IMG_7300.thumb.jpeg.3d7831be1433cd7bbd027f854eec54a4.jpeg

 

these are easily made in the hew refig , and vital for cooling rapidly , SV bags , and iPots

 

the cooled food , non-solid get an overnight stay in the refrg

 

IMG_7200.thumb.jpeg.2d22fd5f5a1639e10af6eb7391e3dea5.jpeg

 

Pork Ragu , in this case , but also stock , gravy , and the like.

 

this creates , in the downstairs freezer  , a library , mostly on the door , of Frozen Bricks :

 

IMG_7306.thumb.jpeg.6737ce4cbced3cc21a35366ad29a5d9f.jpeg

 

 

they fit nicely, don't they ?

 

other items fill the main chest :

 

IMG_7305.thumb.jpeg.92d5d4dd858fa63f70c997d17c084c27.jpeg

 

for future use , becoming something else later.

 

So , as MB didnt have this vital pice of equitment any more

 

looked at Target , and they had them.

 

order 10 units .  $ 2.45 // unit.  that should last for a while.   these are reasonably durable , not disposable.

 

if I ' lost ' any , its was because an Ice Brick got rapped a bit too hard on the counter , and the corner cracked.

 

no big loss now with these replacements

 

but FedEx  delivered the Target box to the wrong address .  Horrors !

 

so Target sent me a replacement ( 10 Units )

 

then FedEx or the person who got the initial box

 

delivered it to me , and Target did not want it sent back :

 

now 20 units ==  100 ideal storage containers for how I cook these days .

 

the Estate will be happy. , as am I .

 

your storage containers , eventually ,as your cooking style ages , are an important part

 

of your

 

Batterie du Cuisine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 6
  • Thanks 2
ElsieD

ElsieD

Posted
Posted

I buy those containers at one of the dollar stores. Nice and cheap and they last for enough uses that I don't get upset when they get cracked.  I used Tupperware at one time and almost all of them have cracked.  Those of course, were considerably more expensive and I have replaced them with the cheap ones.

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
blue_dolphin

blue_dolphin

Posted
Posted

I wish someone would make square or rectangular containers in a range of sizes that use the same lids. 
Deli dishes fit this description with sizes from 8 - 32 oz, varying in height but accepting the same lids. I find square or rectangular shapes store more efficiently in the fridge or freezer. 
 

I had a bunch of very sturdy 16oz square Rubbermaid containers I used for my work lunches and also as @rotuts describes to pre-freeze sauces, beans, etc that I'd remove and vacuum seal.  I bought them about 30 years ago and am down to my last few. They served me well but now I’ve got a mishmash of different brands and random takeout containers that take up a ton of space and annoy the heck out of me when I need to find the right lid. 
Thirty years is probably asking too much as I probably won’t last that long myself but I wish I could find something fairly durable to invest in.
Any suggestions?

 

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