The Complete 2023 Guide to IKEA Food Storage Containers
Recent surveys show that over 40% of households own IKEA food containers, drawn to their combinations of style, versatility and value. As an avid IKEA shopper and food container user for over 5 years, I‘ve tested and enjoyed a wide variety from their latest collections.
So if you‘re considering which IKEA containers best meet your organizational and storage needs, this comprehensive guide is for you!
At a Glance: Key IKEA Food Container Product Lines
IKEA offers food containers across various materials and product lines. Here is an at-a-glance comparison of popular options:
| Product Line | Materials | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA 365+ | Glass, plastic, metal | Airtight, microwavable, oven & dishwasher-safe | $3.99-$19.99 |
| KORKEN | Glass jars | Stylish, pantry storage | $1.99-$14.99 |
| PRUTA | Plastic | Affordable multi-pack | $5.99 |
| GRILLTIDER | Plastic bottles | Leak-proof | $1.99 |
And those are just the tip of the iceberg! With varied capacities spanning individual portions to over 1-gallon family-sizes, the expansive IKEA container range has a solution for every storage need imaginable.
Material Spotlight: Pros and Cons
When selecting your containers, the material is an important consideration that balances function, aesthetics and value. From my experience, here are handy highlights of the popular materials used for IKEA food containers:
Glass
- Pros
- Impermeable and non-porous
- Allows visibility of contents
- Sophisticated aesthetic
- Withstands extremes of temperature
- Environmentally friendly
- Cons
- Heavier than plastic
- Brittle if dropped
Plastic
- Pros
- Durable
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Lighter weight
- Affordable
- Flexible styles
- Cons
- Can absorb food odors
- Shows wear over time
Metal
- Pros
- Durable
- Sleek aesthetic
- Environmentally friendly
- Cons
- Heavier than plastic
- Reactive to acidic foods
- Can be expensive
So weigh your priorities – crystal clarity, durable utility or impervious durability? With IKEA there‘s a container material to suit every preference.
Usage and Care Best Practices
Microwaving – Always remove sealing components and vent lids to allow steam to escape.
Freezing – Safe for all containers but allow headspace for expansion. Thaw glass thoroughly before transitioning to other temps.
Oven heating – Most glass containers are oven-safe to 300°F. Verify specific container limits.
Washing – Handwashing is gentler but most containers are top-rack dishwasher safe. Avoid harsh detergents.
Adhering to usage guidance maximizes the life and function of your IKEA food containers.
Handling Household Food Waste with IKEA Containers
Food waste is a persisting economic and environmental issue. Over 30% of food goes uneaten, equating to $1,600 in annual waste for the average family.[1] Proper storage is key to reducing waste – and this is where IKEA containers shine. Their air-tightness keeps food fresher for longer across fridge, freezer and pantry storage.
What‘s more, their transparent materials help inventory existing food, avoiding duplicate purchases or forgetting older ingredients. Their lightweight portability also enables easy transport of homemade meals and leftovers to minimize waste.
With versatility spanning storage, transport, reheating and serving needs, IKEA food containers are allies for every stage of handling household food and minimizing unnecessary waste!
Which Containers For What: Use Case Examples
With so many options, matching IKEA containers to their optimal use can be confusing. Here is my quick guide to pairing containers for common needs:
Transporting salads/produce for weekday lunches -> PRUTA plastic containers
Freezing batch meal prep portions -> IKEA 365+ glass containers
Storing dry bulk pantry goods -> KORKEN jars
Housing homemade salad dressings -> GRILLTIDER squeeze bottles
The key is assessing your specific quantities, uses cases and priorities to narrow suitable options. The table above highlighting product line features is a handy reference point.
The Takeaway: Why IKEA Containers Are Worth It
In closing, what makes IKEA such a stand-out option for food containers comes down to:
Value – Quality at affordable prices, spanning individual pieces to full sets
Convenience – One-stop storage solutions for the whole kitchen
Sustainability – Using glass and eco-friendly materials
Variety – Diverse aesthetics and functionalities
Organization – Helps minimize household food waste!
So don‘t just shop IKEA for furnishings. Check out their food containers for stylish, functional upgrades under $20 that could seriously improve your kitchen organization!
