Plastic-Free Containers: Steel vs. Glass
Fortunately, switching to plastic-free food containers has gained a lot of steam. With steel and glass as the main alternatives, how do you choose? Both containers have their advantages, like being BPA free and long-lasting. To make choosing easier, here is a list of pros and cons for each.
Both glass and steel food containers avoid a host of toxins, like BPA and phthalates, that can leech into food from conventional plastic containers. Going plastic-free is not only healthier for you, it’s greener too by reducing our planet’s plastic burden.
Steel Container Pros:
• Extremely lightweight, making it easy to toss into your bag or briefcase.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Leak-proof options are available.
Steel Container Cons:
• Not microwaveable.
Glass Container Pros:
• Transfers easily from the refrigerator to the microwave.
• Tempered varieties like Pyrex allows you to bake in them, then stores any leftovers.
• Microwaveable.
• Looks attractive enough to serve on your tabletop.
• Transparent, making it easy to identify and manage the food in your fridge.
• Leak-proof options are available.
Glass Container Cons:
• On the heavier side in terms of portability, especially when carrying multiples.
• Breakable on the go.
The Verdict:
They’re both champions in their respective realms, so whether one or the other is the right fit for you depends on your lifestyle. If you’re the person on the go, steel containers are the clear winner. Their lightweight portability making them convenient to take to work, the park, or on a hike. If you’re more the homebody, glass containers’ versatility makes it the obvious winner. It acts as cookware, serveware, and storage.
As for me, I’m a little bit homebody and with a dash of “on the go,” so most of my food containers are glass, supplemented by a couple of steel containers for hikes or the playground.
(Shown above from left to right)
1 Group photo of featured products.
2 Set of 12 Storage Bowls With Clear Lids, $23.40 from Crate and Barrel
3 Nesting Trio – Ocean (Set of 3), $27.00 from Kids Konserve
-Post contributed by Angie Cho of Apartment Therapy
(Images: As credited above.)