I am a fairly clumsy person, which does not always pair well with everyday cooking. As a result, I have long had a love-hate relationship with glass containers: They offer non-toxic storage, but come with a constant risk of breakage.
Looking for safer, non-toxic food storage options that wouldn’t leave me worrying about accidents, I came across these minimalist stainless steel food containers from IKEA. They are durable and highly versatile.
For anyone with a small kitchen who wants to avoid shattered glass and the inconvenience of carrying heavy leftover containers on the commute, they offer a practical, low-stress alternative.
These stainless steel food containers are a more durable alternative to glass, offering a lightweight option that will not shatter if dropped, and can be easier to store.
Food storage is one of the simplest places to start when creating a non-toxic home. Many plastic containers, when exposed to heat from hot foods, dishwashers, or microwaves, can potentially leach so-called 'forever chemicals' into food.
For instance, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA, (a type of PFAS commonly found in older manufacturing processes) as 'carcinogenic to humans.'
For this reason, it is generally recommended to opt for non-reactive storage materials such as glass or stainless steel.
I previously relied on IKEA’s 365+ glass food containers. While effective, they are heavy and can be prone to shattering if dropped on hard kitchen floors. They also add noticeable weight when used on the go.
On the other hand, stainless steel alternatives offer a lighter, more durable option, reducing the risk of breakage while remaining practical for everyday food storage and transport. Unlike some glass containers, these can also be used in the oven.
Doubling up functionality will help to declutter your kitchen over time as you make your non-toxic swaps.
The stainless steel containers are safe for use in the oven, fridge, and freezer, making storing and reheating leftovers far more convenient. One drawback compared with their glass counterparts is that they are not microwave safe. However, in my view, this is outweighed by their overall practicality, as food can easily be transferred into a microwave-safe bowl when needed.
Because they are metal, they are also well-suited to oven baking smaller portions, delivering crisp edges and bases for single (or two small) servings of dishes like baked oats or roasted vegetables.
Unlike glass containers, the stainless steel versions also nest neatly inside one another. For a small kitchen, this is a significant advantage, saving valuable cabinet space and avoiding stacks of glassware that could topple every time you open a cabinet.
What Else to Shop
To help you create a safer kitchen, I’ve rounded up the best non-leaching accessories, stainless steel essentials, and non-toxic kitchen appliance swaps.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
These clip-on lids fit perfectly onto the stainless steel containers for easy storage. They are not oven safe, but they are suitable for the fridge and freezer. Made from non-toxic polypropylene and food-safe silicone.
This adjustable pegboard organizer is perfect for both cabinets and drawers for keeping containers and their lids neat and organized, saving you space.
These aren't just any mixing bowls: They'll help you prep and store your food like a pro. The patented lids extend the life of your ingredients, the date dials allow you to organize your meal prep, and the sturdy steel bases make your home less toxic.
Our coffee expert and trained chef, Lydia Hayman, dubbed the glass version of the AeroPress in her review as the 'Rolls Royce' of coffee makers, and this Stainless Steel model now has a more durable exterior that doesn't risk breaking when transported.
With seven colorways to match the toasters, the SMEG retro-style kettle is made from high-quality stainless steel with a glossy enamel finish. This stovetop kettle features a 2.3L capacity and is compatible with induction, gas, ceramic, and electric stovetops.
Nothing ruins your brew like stale coffee. This coffee canister features a patented inner plunger lid with a two-way valve that forces excess oxygen out of the canister and locks out excess humidity, preserving freshness for longer when storing coffee beans.
If you are keen to limit your exposure to potentially harmful coatings and materials in your kitchen, consider the best non-toxic cookware next.
Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
