Buying Guide
How to Buy Kitchen Pantry Food Storage Containers
This quick guide helps you choose airtight plastic food containers and pantry organisers. It covers what matters most, the common types and sizes you will see, key features to check, where to buy, mistakes to avoid and fast expert tips so you can buy with confidence.
What to consider before you buy
Think about how you store food now and what you need. Measure shelf, cabinet and fridge depth and height so containers fit. Decide which foods you will store: flour and sugar need large, wide-mouthed bins for scooping; cereal and pasta may suit tall narrow jars. Consider household size and refill frequency to pick capacities. Set a budget: good multi-piece kits often fall in the $40 to $50 range in Canada.
- Space and dimensions matter more than capacity alone.
- Choose sizes that match your pantry routines to avoid wasted space.
- Plan for scoops and measuring cups if you bake often.
Types and common sizes
Most options are clear plastic, stackable containers sold as multi-piece sets or individual vessels. Typical formats include:
- Mixed multi-piece sets: 10, 32 or 36 pieces combining small, medium and large sizes for versatile use.
- Bulk containers: extra-large bins around 6.5 L for flour and bulk sugar.
- Tall slim containers: 2.8 L or similar for spaghetti and tall items.
- Under-sink or sliding basket organisers: complementary solutions for storing detergent, pails or overflow food items under sinks or in deep cabinets.
Key features, where to buy and common mistakes
Priority features to verify before buying:
- Airtight lid with a silicone gasket and secure side-locks to keep contents fresh and prevent spills.
- Clear, durable BPA-free plastic so you can see contents at a glance.
- Stackable and modular footprint so bins nest safely and save space.
- Dishwasher-safe components, noting that lids may not always be dishwasher-safe.
- Universal lid compatibility can simplify replacements, but smallest lids may not fit other sizes.
- Online: widest selection and bundle deals. Check exact external and internal dimensions, read Q and A, and confirm shipping and return policies.
- Retail: lets you inspect materials, test lid fit and check footprint against your shelf before buying.
- Buying without measuring cabinet space first.
- Assuming every lid is truly airtight without reading details.
- Choosing only one size and ending with awkward gaps in the pantry.
- Ignoring whether lids are dishwasher-safe or if the plastic is BPA-free.
Expert tips and quick recommendations
- Measure height, depth and width and sketch a simple layout before you buy.
- Prioritise airtight side-lock lids with silicone gaskets for flour, sugar and cereal.
- Choose a mixed-size set that includes at least one extra-large container (around 6 L) and several medium and small containers for snacks and baking supplies.
- Buy sets that include labels and a marker so you can start organising immediately.
- Check whether lids are interchangeable if you want fewer spare parts.
- Start with one small set to test fit and lid performance before investing in a large kit.
- Complement containers with a sliding under-sink basket for overflow or cleaning items to keep pantry space uncluttered.
- Look for seasonal sales to get multi-piece sets in the $40 to $50 range.
Final Thoughts
Choose containers that match your measured space, food habits and budget. Prioritise airtight lids, stackable shapes and BPA-free clear plastic. Buy a mixed-size set with labels and one large bin for staples, test the fit, and expand only if the lids and footprint work well in your pantry.
