In an ideal world, we'd use nothing but cool vintage Pyrex containers for storing leftovers. But in an ideal world these containers would still be as cheap and plentiful as they were before they become sought-after collectibles. Enter these very simple, very affordable, very kitchen-friendly Frigoverre glass storage containers from Bormioli Rocco.
Sure, they may not have the vintage charm of Pyrex, but after taking Frigoverre for a test drive, we can tell you that there's a lot to love about these containers. In addition to being freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe (though not oven-safe), the thick tempered glass makes them quite rugged and chip-resistant, and we love the fact that you can clearly see the container's contents. The polypropylene lids form an airtight seal, making the containers less likely to spill. In fact, we have yet to have a lid lose its integrity.
When not in use, the containers and lids nest perfectly inside each other, and when they are in use, the square containers fit neatly side by side, maximizing precious fridge/freezer real estate.
And the price! Ooh, the price. We got our set of three pieces (plus lids) on sale for just under $20. Given what good, honest workhorses these pieces are, we reckon it's a bargain of an investment over the long haul.
Find it:
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Three-piece square starter set, $22.95 at Amazon
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Four-piece round set, $29.95 at Cooking.com
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Individual pieces in assorted sizes, $4 to $8 each at Kitchen Stuff Plus
Related: Survey: What's the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
(Image: Bormioli Rocco)
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I've used Martha Stewart's glass storage containers for years now. The pale green plastic lids haven't held up too well (two got melted in the microwave by accident) but at $20 (on sale, I think) for seven containers both round and square of varying sizes? Too good to be true. Kmart, of course. But still. I've been making lots of leftovers lately that my boyfriend and I like to make for lunch, but it's hard to find the right-sized glass storage container to pack a lunch in! Maybe I'll have to check these out...
Those look nice but this 10-piece (5 containers, 5 lids) Pyrex set is $15 at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Storage-10-Piece-Clear-Blue/dp/B00005B8K5
Plus, Pyrex is oven-safe. Granted, not all Pyrex sets are quite so reasonably priced, so perhaps you're onto something with the Frigoverre.
I agree that the Frigoverre containers look sleek and appealing but the two Frigoverre containers I've owned eventually chipped around the rims whereas all my Pyrex, new or vintage, is as sturdy as ever. Does anyone know if this was just a problem on older Frigoverres?
Another thing is many of the rubber lids from the newer Pyrex still actually fit my vintage Pyrex containers and bowls! I was terribly geeked when I came to that realization.
I have this pyrex set, which is cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Storage-6-Piece-Round-Clear/dp/B0000BYCGF/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1264713928&sr=8-6
Several years ago, ants started attacking my pantry, and I bought a bunch of Frigoverre containers to make sure all my pantry items were sealed up tight. There have worked wonderfully, keeping out the ants and looking great stacked in the pantry. I keep adding pieces over the years and use them often for leftovers, too. None have chipped or broken.
I'm a big fan of Snapware's Glasslock, mostly because my hands are so weak that I have a lot of trouble with the tupperware-style lids that you have to snap on all around the edges. Snaplock lids are easy to get on and off. They have plastic lids but the body is glass, which is great. The silicone seal is really good, too; I can put a liquid into a container and shake it up with no leaks. I wouldn't microwave the lids but I have been microwaving foods in the glass (part of why I got them: I wanted to have food storage containers that I didn't mind using in the microwave.)
I also got some Pyrex containers with lids but I find that I hate using it; the lid style is very difficult for me to get on and off and it's easier to spill. We made so much stew last weekend that we "overflowed" into the pyrex and it made me want to run out and buy more glasslock! So if you have poor hand strength, it's something to look into.
Frigoverre is about in between Glasslock and Pyrex in lid difficulty. I've handled it in stores and think it's a decent design, though the glass isn't as heavy. One advantage over glasslock is it will nest when not in use: you have to stack glasslock so it takes more cupboard space.
I love the Glasslock! The lids really do keep liquids in there - I can take soup to work and basically just toss it in my bag, with no leakage. As the other commenter noted, the lids aren't microwave safe. The only other negative is that they don't stack. Even so, the convenience of leak-free lids is pretty amazing.
I just bought two of these small working bowls at Crate and Barrel and have been using them to bring lunch to work. They are the perfect size, only $4 a piece with lid, the lid is tight, and they are heavy duty so I don't have to worry about them breaking in my bag.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=850&f=34102&q=working&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
I too am a huge fan of the Glasslock containers. Like other commenters, I purchased them for microwave-safe leftover and lunch storage. I'd previously owned the frigoverre containers, but was dissapointed by the seal on the lids, the staining of the lids, and managed to drop them..full of lunches (because I couldn't be certain of the seal, I tried to carry them into the workplace instead of putting them in a bag)
I got this 18pc set at Costco for about $30 with a coupon...amazon has it for $45. http://www.amazon.com/Snapware-Glasslock-Tempered-Storage-Containers/dp/B0029U57RA
I LOVE my frigoverres! I have a ton of them. None have ever chipped on my either. At Marshalls or TJ Maxx they are a bit cheaper.
I really like the heavy ribbed glass ones they used to sell at Crate & Barrel... here they are:
http://www.healthykitchenware.com/2cup-dish-with-glass-lid-p-6.html
hmm, not in stock there either... wonder if they are still made?
I have two of the loaf pan shaped frigoverres. DEFINITELY put in a plastic bag (I use an old produce bag) if you're bringing curry or soup to work as there is a small degree of leakage with liquids. If I have soup, I usually put it in a wide-mouthed pint mason jar to take for lunch.
I thought there was a question here whether the Frigoverres were 'unlined' glass containers (and BPA-free). Does any one know if they are?
Like other commenters I am also a fan of Glasslock, as they apppear to be water-tight. The Pyrex containers are rock-solid, but they do leak liquids.