I need to get a couple of new storage containers for leftovers. Dh melted the plastic lid for a round, glass dish we have because he used it in the microwave.
My challenge is that I have this super old Littonware that dh’s sister gave him 35 years ago that I love, but we only have two pieces of it. They don’t make it anymore. It’s some kind of plastic and each piece has a lid and it is perfect for reheating leftovers in the microwave. Goes straight from the fridge to the microwave.
I’m not a fan of glass because of concerns of breakage, and most Tupperware-type stuff seems to stain easily. I also hate having to cover what I am reheating with wax paper to keep it from splattering. Which is why I like those two pieces of Littonware so much since they have lids that can also go in the microwave. I wish I had three or four more pieces of it!
I like the idea of containers that can stack, though I will occasionally store some things (leftover meat) in Ziploc bags. And, then it’s the same issue of having to move it to something else and cover it to reheat.
Tupperware and some has vented lids that go right in the microwave.
Pyrex with plastic lids. Also microwave safe.
Ziploc bags (for things like pieces of pizza)
I have Tupperware that I’ve had since the 1970’s that has no stains…except a couple that have had spaghetti sauces in them. Honestly, I don’t care about that. They are clean, and I am not serving the queen.
I primarily use Pyrex with plastic lids. Most of mine are square/rectangular for more efficient usage of space. I’ve never had any Pyrex product break and switched to glass storage containers years ago when BPA was more of a concern.
I also use Ziploc type bags for miscellaneous items and repurposed spaghetti jars for broths, etc.
We don’t use plastic in the microwave, so I bought a big set of various sized Pyrex at Sam’s Club. We haven’t had problems with breakage.
Depending on what is being reheated, especially if a single portion of a larger dish being stored, I will transfer to a plate or bowl to reheat.
Rather than use disposables like wax paper or paper towels to cover food to prevent splatter, you can buy a microwave-safe dome to prevent splatter while reheating.
No plastic in microwave for me either. I use plastic containers to store my food, but take it out to put it on a plate before I microwave it. I do that with frozen meals too.
Another Pyrex user here. Most are round, of varying capacity, and a couple are the ribbed bowl style. They have been sturdy for years, but I recently dropped and shattered my favorite go-to ribbed bowl. They are not manufactured any more, so I’m considering getting one on ebay for 10+ dollars plus 10+ dollars postage.
Sounds like Pyrex is my best bet. I’ll just have to remind dh not to use the lids in the microwave. Maybe if I bought one of those dome covers he would remember.
Do you just store your dome in the microwave itself?
My MW splatter guard sits on the counter in the space below MW - it is a cubby-like place that is not usable for much other than storage and it is not readily visible. At work, we used to store them in the MW.
We mostly store things in take-out containers and dump them onto plates or into bowls to reheat. It would never occur to us to leave a lid on in the microwave. We have a spatterguard that lives within reach of the microwave.
For small amount of leftovers, I sometimes use the reusable (but eventually disposable) plastic microwave containers. But… now that I’m retired and not needing to take bag lunch to work I use those less.
Usually I use Pyrex. I do occasionally break other glass items in my kitchen (including a Corelle casserole dish lid) - I am clutzy. But I don’t recall breaking any of the Pyrex.
I use the rubbermaid square and rectangular containers for storage, mostly, because they stack well and don’t break when dropped, but I transfer to a plate to microwave, with a dome. I have some glass containers with blue lids that are also great and I have not ever broken or chipped one. They pyrex I have broken was in the oven when I tried to add more liquid to a hot baking dish. Don’t do that.
Hard plastic & non-breakable (unlike glass), leakproof (so no spills to clean in the fridge if they get knocked over), stain proof, dishwasher safe and microwave safe. The lids have vents you can open to let steam escape. They’re also stackable
Oh, those Brilliance once look really nice. Might have to give Santa a suggestion on that one…
We have as many different containers as we can count, thrown into a cabinet so I can’t ever find what I need. And when I do find it, there’s a 50% chance I can’t find the lid.
