The 8 Best Glass Food Storage Containers, Tested by BHG

If you’ve ever opened your fridge and been hit with a wall of stained plastic and mystery leftovers, it may be time to break up with your old containers. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) test editors did exactly that: they lined up a dozen glass food storage sets, filled them with real food, reheated leftovers, and ran them through the dishwasher to find out which ones truly perform in everyday life.

The results? Eight standout glass food storage containers that keep food fresh, survive daily use, and don’t shower your lunch in microplastics the way some plastic containers can when microwaved. A 2023 study found that microwaving plastic can release millions of micro- and nanoplastics into your food in just a few minutes, so the switch to glass isn’t just about aestheticsit’s about health, too.

Below, you’ll find the eight best glass food storage containers tested by BHG’s team and cross-checked against other expert reviews from outlets like Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Yahoo’s shopping editors. We’ll walk through what makes each set special, who it’s best for, and what to know before you click “add to cart.”

Why Glass Food Storage Is Worth the Upgrade

Glass containers cost more up front than that big box of plastic tubs, but they earn their keep quickly. Glass is non-porous, so it doesn’t stain orange from tomato sauce, cling to odors, or warp in the dishwasher. Brands like Pyrex, Rubbermaid, Anchor Hocking, and OXO use tempered or borosilicate glass that can go from freezer to oven (with the lid removed) and handle significant temperature swings without cracking.

Health-wise, glass also helps you avoid the microplastic problem. Food & Wine recently highlighted research showing that heating food in plastic can release millions of tiny particles into your meal. Their editors now recommend swapping plastic containers, cutting boards, and some nonstick cookware for glass or silicone as much as possible.

Glass containers are also incredibly versatile. Many of the sets on this list are:

• Oven-safe (without lids) to around 425–450°F
• Microwave-safe, often with vented lids for splatter control
• Freezer-safe for long-term storage
• Dishwasher-safe for low-effort cleanup

Add in the fact that you can serve right from the same beautiful container you baked or reheated in, and you’re basically getting cookware, bakeware, and food storage in one purchase.

How BHG and Other Testers Evaluated Glass Containers

BHG’s test kitchen didn’t just look at these containers on a shelfthey used them. Editors stored soups, saucy pastas, salads, and snacks in the fridge and freezer, then reheated them in the microwave and oven (without the lids) to see how the glass handled everyday stress. They also paid attention to how leakproof the lids were, how easily the containers stacked, and whether any stubborn stains or odors stuck around.

Other testing teams, including Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, ran similar real-world tests, often focusing on how well containers survive being knocked around in a backpack or stacked in an overstuffed freezer. Glasslock, Snapware, and OXO sets consistently scored high for durability, seal quality, and variety of sizes.

Key factors across all these tests included:

• Freshness: How long leftovers stayed appetizing.
• Leak resistance: Whether soups and sauces escaped in transit.
• Ease of use: How intuitive lids and latches were to open and close.
• Versatility: Oven, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher compatibility.
• Storage: Whether containers nest and stack neatly.

The 8 Best Glass Food Storage Containers, Tested

1. Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Container Set (Best Overall)

If “glass food storage containers” had a dictionary entry, there’d probably be a photo of Pyrex Simply Store next to it. BHG named this set their best overall pick, and it’s also a top recommendation in multiple non-toxic container roundups.

Why It Stood Out

Testers loved how versatile the shapes and sizes are. Typical Simply Store sets bundle a mix of round and rectangular dishes ranging from 1 cup up to around 7 cups, so you can stash half an avocado or a full pan of baked pasta in the same collection. The containers nest, the lids stack, and everything stores neatly in a cabinet or drawer.

The tempered glass is oven-, microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe, while the BPA-free plastic lids can handle the microwave and freezer as long as you don’t blast them at broiler temperatures. Reviewers also rave about how well Pyrex resists stains and lingering smellsyesterday’s curry doesn’t become today’s permanent container scent.

Best For

Almost everyone. If you’re building a glass collection from scratch or replacing a heap of mismatched plastic, this is a solid, well-priced starting point that will actually get used every day.

2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers (Best for Leakproof Lunches)

If you regularly toss leftovers in a bag and hope for the best, Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass might save your laptop and your sanity. The Brilliance line is famous for crystal-clear bases and lids plus an extremely tight, 100% leakproof seal.

Key Features

• Airtight, leakproof lids with secure latches and silicone gaskets
• Vented lids for splatter-free microwaving
• Stackable, modular design for tidy fridge and freezer storage
• Oven-safe glass bases (typically up to 450°F without lids)

BHG and other testers found Brilliance particularly good for liquids and saucy dishesthink soups, stews, or anything that usually ends up coating the inside of your lunch bag. In freezer-focused tests, Rubbermaid’s stackable profile also made the most of limited shelf space.

Best For

Commuters, students, and anyone who routinely tosses lunch into a backpack or tote. If leakproof glass food storage containers are your top priority, this is the set to beat.

3. Glasslock Glass Food Storage Set (Best for Freezer-to-Oven Cooking)

Glasslock consistently ranks near the top in professional testing because of its tough, tempered glass and secure latching lids. Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats both praised Glasslock sets for handling extreme temperature changes and heavy use without cracking or chipping.

Why Testers Like It

The containers come in a mix of round, square, and rectangular shapes, and the glass is thick enough to feel “cookware-grade” rather than delicate. Many sets are designed to go from freezer straight into a preheated oven (without lids), making Glasslock ideal for freezer casseroles or batch-cooked lasagna.

Test teams especially appreciated how tightly the lids locked down, keeping freezer burn at bay and preventing spills. For big-batch cooks, the larger sizes are great for soups, stews, and family-sized leftovers.

Best For

Meal preppers and anyone who likes to cook once and eat all week. Glasslock is a strong choice if you lean heavily on your freezer and oven.

4. OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Container Set (Best Stackable System)

OXO’s Smart Seal glass containers are all about smart design details. The borosilicate glass is naturally BPA-free and built to handle big temperature swings, while the lids feature four locking tabs and a removable silicone gasket for a genuinely airtight, leakproof seal.

Why It Works So Well

The set’s biggest win is organization. Containers nest inside one another, lids stack, and everything tucks into a relatively compact footprint. Lids are interchangeable within the same size category, which means less hunting for that one missing piece you swear you had yesterday.

Testers noted that the containers move seamlessly from freezer to oven to table and then into the dishwasher, making them truly multipurpose. If you like a streamlined, minimal kitchen with as few “single-use” items as possible, OXO Smart Seal fits right in.

Best For

Small kitchens, tidy fridge people, and anyone who wants a leakproof glass food storage set that doubles as serveware.

5. Snapware Total Solution Pyrex Glass Storage Set (Best for Space-Saving Sets)

Snapware Total Solution combines Pyrex glass bases with Snapware’s plastic clip-lock lids, giving you the best of both worlds: durable glass that doesn’t stain and lids that click satisfyingly into place.

Standout Details

• Pure Pyrex glass that resists odors and staining
• Clip-lock lids with four latches and silicone seals
• Containers and lids that nest and stack to save space
• Freezer-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe bases and lids (top rack for lids)

In testing, Snapware impressed reviewers with its space-saving design and variety of sizes, from one-cup snack containers to large six-cup rectangles. The snug, clip-down lids make it especially good for meal-prep, where containers are stacked and shuffled constantly.

Best For

Families and batch cooks who want a glass food storage set that stays neatly corralled in a cabinet or pantry and can handle lots of weekly use.

6. Ello Duraglass Multi-Pack Meal Prep Set (Best for Colorful, Chip-Resistant Containers)

Ello’s Duraglass containers are basically dressed-up leftovers. Each piece of borosilicate glass is wrapped in a thick silicone sleeve that protects against chips, helps with grip, and adds a pop of color to your fridge.

What Testers Loved

The silicone sleeves aren’t just cutethey’re practical. They offer a no-slip grip and protect tables and countertops from hot dishes. The airtight, snap-on lids use clear BPA-free plastic so you can see what’s inside at a glance.

The containers are oven-safe (without lids), microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe, making them a flexible choice for meal prep, work lunches, and kid snacks alike. Multiple reviews highlight how well the sleeves help containers survive clumsy moments and busy households.

Best For

Anyone who wants glass meal prep containers with built-in protection and fun color. They’re especially great for families or roommates who tend to bump and bang containers around.

7. Bayco Large Glass Meal Prep Containers (Best Budget Meal Prep Set)

If you’re looking for large, uniform containers for weekly meal prep without spending a fortune, Bayco’s 36-ounce glass containers are a solid pick. Each set typically includes five generously sized containers with locking lids, giving you enough capacity for a full week of lunches or dinners.

Why They’re a Good Value

Bayco uses borosilicate glass that’s safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher (lids stay out of the oven and generally do best on the top rack of the dishwasher). The locking lids with silicone gaskets provide a tight, leak-resistant seal, which testers liked for saucy dishes and salads with dressing.

Because the containers are all the same size, they stack perfectly in the fridge and freezer and make portioning much easier. For people who track macros or calories, that consistency is a big plus.

Best For

Budget-conscious meal preppers who want a straightforward, uniform set of large glass food storage containers with lids that won’t leak.

8. Anchor Hocking TrueSeal Glass Food Storage Set (Best for Stain- and Odor-Resistance)

Anchor Hocking is another heritage glass brand that’s earned high marks for its TrueSeal containers. Their tempered glass is designed for the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, and TrueSeal lids provide an airtight, leak-resistant seal.

Why TrueSeal Made the List

Testers and reviewers repeatedly highlight how well Anchor Hocking’s glass resists stains and odors. The clear glass doesn’t discolor even with heavy use, and the tight-fitting lids keep aromatics like onions or garlic from perfuming the entire fridge.

TrueSeal sets usually include a mix of sizes suitable for snacks, leftovers, and small casseroles. They stack neatly, and the glass can go into a preheated oven up to about 425°F without the lidsperfect for heating up baked pasta or casseroles directly in the container.

Best For

Home cooks who hate stained, smelly containers and want glass food storage that keeps odors inside where they belong.

What to Look For in the Best Glass Food Storage Containers

Before you pick your favorite set, keep these buying tips in mind:

Material and Safety

Look for borosilicate or tempered glass from reputable brands like Pyrex, Rubbermaid, Anchor Hocking, OXO, and Glasslock. These materials are designed to withstand oven and freezer temperatures without shattering when used according to manufacturer guidelines.

Lid Design and Leakproof Features

If you transport food often, prioritize leakproof lids with locking tabs and silicone gaskets, like those from Rubbermaid Brilliance, OXO Smart Seal, Snapware Total Solution, and Bayco. For mostly at-home storage, simple press-on lids may be perfectly fine.

Size Mix and Shape

Think about your actual lifestyle. Big-batch soup cooker? You’ll need a few larger rectangles. Mostly packing snacks and lunches? Smaller rounds and squares might be more useful. Sets like Pyrex Simply Store and OXO Smart Seal tend to offer the broadest size variety.

Stackability and Storage

If cabinet space is limited, container sets that nest inside one another and stack with lids on (like OXO, Snapware, and Rubbermaid) are your best bet. The more modular the system, the less likely it is to turn into a storage avalanche.

Cleaning and Care

Most of these glass bases are dishwasher-safe, but some lids last longer if washed by hand. Check the product details for any notes about top-rack-only lids or removable gaskets that need occasional deep cleaning to stay mold-free.

Hands-On Experience: Living With Glass Food Storage Every Day

Reading lab results is helpful, but the real test of the best glass food storage containers happens on an average Tuesday night when you’re tired, there are three different dinners on the stove, and the dishwasher is already full.

In long-term home testing, a few patterns stand out. First, people almost always gravitate toward their favorite sizes. Those small one- and two-cup containers are surprisingly usefulperfect for half an onion, a few tablespoons of tomato paste, or single servings of yogurt and fruit. Sets that include a good spread of small pieces (like Pyrex Simply Store and Anchor Hocking TrueSeal) tend to get more daily use than sets that focus mostly on large, deep containers.

Second, leakproof lids are worth their weight in leftovers if you regularly pack lunch. Rubbermaid Brilliance and OXO Smart Seal get rave reviews from commuters who toss containers into backpacks or tote bags, then forget about them until lunchtime. That extra security isn’t just about messit also boosts confidence. Knowing your soup won’t escape means you’ll actually bring the soup instead of defaulting to a sandwich every day.

Third, glass changes how people cook. When testers switched from plastic to oven-safe glass food storage containers, they reported planning more “cook once, eat twice” mealslike roasting extra chicken or baking a double batch of enchiladas and storing half in a glass dish. Later in the week, that same container went right back into the oven for a zero-effort dinner. Over time, that habit cuts down on food waste and emergency takeout.

Another surprise: silicone sleeves and colorful lids (like those on Ello Duraglass and some Pyrex tinted sets) make fridges look more organized and inviting. That might sound superficial, but when your fridge looks tidy and you can see what you have, you’re more likely to eat the food you’ve already cooked. That means fewer sad science experiments lurking in the back and more money saved on groceries.

Finally, there’s the “feel” factor. Glass containers feel solid and substantial in the hand. They can be heavier than plastic, which is a consideration for kids or anyone carrying multiple dishes, but that weight also makes them more stable on the table and less likely to tip over. Over months of use, most testers reported reaching instinctively for glass first and only using plastic when they truly needed something ultra-light or disposable.

The bottom line: once you’ve lived with a few good-quality glass food storage containers, it’s hard to go back. Whether you choose Pyrex’s classic sets, Rubbermaid Brilliance’s leakproof design, OXO’s clever stacking system, or a colorful Ello bundle, you’ll get safer reheating, fresher leftovers, and a fridge that’s a lot more fun to open.

Conclusion

Glass food storage containers aren’t just a pretty upgradethey’re a practical, durable, and safer way to handle everything from weekly meal prep to last night’s leftover lasagna. BHG’s top-tested picks, backed up by other major reviewers, prove that you can have leakproof seals, oven-safe bases, and organized cabinets without sacrificing style.

Whether you’re outfitting a brand-new kitchen or finally ditching that chaotic drawer of mismatched plastic, choosing one of these eight best glass food storage sets will make your everyday cooking smoother, your fridge tidier, and your leftovers a whole lot more appealing.