ISO: Best plastic container

[Leanne]

Ok - I take my lunch to work every day and the tupperware (or other brand) containers I have are all terrible - everyone of them leaks if I have a salad dressing, soup, or other liquid. Has anyone found a brand that really works?

[Luiza]

I take soup or liquid things to work in sour cream or tall yoghurt containers. They work like a charm! Nothing leaks. Of course, I put them in another bag just to be safe, but I don't think any ever leaked, as opposed to my regular (and cheap) plastic containers that leak even when there is not much liquid in there. The only thing is that it's not a good idea to microwave them (although I do it occasionally), so I keep a bowl and a plate at work. I like eating lunch from a plate.

Here's a cheap solution http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Luiza

[luv2cook]

I've been using Tupperware's Rock N Serve and every day I give my hubby a container on its side in a lunch bag. he's never complained about it leaking...

[MrsReber]

Leanne, I use the ziploc containers- that way I can just toss them when they get gross. They all seem to leak somewhat so I put them inside of a gallon ziploc bag to transport food to work.

[Chefmom]

Goodness! Are you turning them on their sides? I really don't trust any plastic container (and I think I own a little of everything) on its side with liquid ingredients in it.

Maybe put liquids in a ziploc bag and then place it into the plastic container, that would prevent spills. If you are taking a salad, put the dressing into a mini ziploc and then all you need to do is snip the corner and drizzle over your salad when you need it.

Also soups can be put into a thermos instead of a container and then you pour it out into a bowl when you are ready to eat.

Tami

[BarbaraL]

I bring my lunch to work almost every day in Tupperware, and haven't had leaks, even with soup -- I bring soup in the container that's kind of like a big mug, with a closeable vent hole for microwaving (they market it plain and with various pictures on it for kids, like Winnie the Pooh or Pokeman. The only thing I've had leak was salad dressing in some of the little tiny containers, usually older ones, so I'll put that inside a ziplock bag. Remember, Tupperware's guaranteed, so they should replace pieces that leak.

[funnybone]

I used to have Rubbermaid and so other grocery store brands, but a few years back I replaced them all with Tupperware. I believe it is far more superior than the rest. They should not be leaking - and BarbaraL is right - they should replace them. I had an ice cream scoop I bought when I lived in another state that was "peeling" on the metal part. They replaced it - no questions asked, no receipt either.

[ellielk]

Leanne, I had that problem with salad dressings. We have a store called GFS where you can buy some of the same things that restaurants buy. I got some of those little plastic cups and lids that you get salad dressing 'to-go' in and put the salad dressing in that container and put that container in with my salad. They haven't leaked yet but I figure if they would, they would leak onto the salad. Those containers come in many sizes (even large enough for soup) with the lids separately. Pretty cheap, too.

[makedah]

As I said on another thread, I use pyrex bowls with plastic lids. Those lids are very snug, and I can heat whatever I want to in those bowls (like chili!) without worry about warping or stains.

elliek -- I like that idea. We have a restaurant supply store that I should visit soon. I use the tiny rubbermaid containers for salad dressings and dips, but your idea is really good.

[laden]

I take my lunch to work most days, and for salad dressing I use the smallest jars that pimentoes come in. I've never had a problem with it leaking.

[Leanne]

Thanks for the info. I don't think what I have is actual tupperware - I just call all plastic containers tupperware - kind of like calling all tissues, Kleenex, or adhesive bandages, band aids, etc.
Anyway - it sounds like real tupperware is the way to go. I also really like Ellielk's idea about the plastic containers that restaruants use.
I also like the pyrex bowls - I have big casserole dishes with lids & I actually didn't know they made small ones.
And Chefmom - I'm not purposely turning them on their sides, but sometimes they get turned over in my bag, or my bag gets turned over while I'm driving, etc.

[Jen]

The ONLY containers I've found that don't leak are some from Anchor Hocking (I don't know whether that's a Canadian name, or also available in the US). They are clear plastic with ridges, with different coloured lids that are colour-coded to fit the shape and size of the container. I bought a box containing 49 pieces (24 containers & lids plus a measuring cup) when I first got married...paid about $20 on sale and thought they would basically be disposable. They are the only ones I use now - they never leak. I would buy them again in a second!

[kbucky]

Gotta cast a vote for Tupperware...my friend is a big-league consultant, and though I was skeptical of the value for a while, lately I've been stocking up b/c I am so impressed with their design. The tiny 30 cc cups work great for condiments. Everything is guaranteed quality; if lids get warped you can exchange for new. They are online now, too. Off-topic a bit...I just bought their cake-taker and LOVE IT! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I'm kind of a container fanatic...sad, isn't it?