Stepping into a messy kitchen is the worst way to start and end your day. Look, you're an adult now, which means it's adulting time. And that's not so bad. Sure, bills, taxes, and working like every day can drag, but there's plenty of fun to be had when it comes to adult life — especially in the kitchen. Forget your typical dorm life antics or roommate slobbery; today, we're getting our act together. Look, I won't pretend I was always the cleanest roommate — we all have our faults — but now, I run a tight ship (my secret is a few handy AF small kitchen organizers, FYI). That, and my most recent obsession — kitchen storage containers.
After first getting on board with this endlessly satisfying trend for delightful kitchen organization ideas that have taken Pinterest by storm, I decided I wanted in. Scouring the web for the ones that shoppers rate the highest, I picked out a tight roster of plastic, glass, and contemporary designs that I know you'll love. Selected to suit the budgets of dorm dwellers and first-time buyers alike, it's got something for every nook and cranny of your cooking station. Oh, and rest assured, they're all chic. So, without further ado, these are the best kitchen storage containers to make your kitchen better in more ways than one.
9 cute and functional kitchen storage containers you never knew you needed
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The prices in this article were correct at the time of publishing.
Size (in.): H7 x Di6
Capacity (oz.): 57
Made from: Glass, bamboo
Price: From $9.99
Storing your flour, coffee, or even pasta sauce has never been so much fun. With a small but mighty kitchen essential, you can decorate and delineate to your heart's content. With a tight-fitting lid, this will keep food fresh, preserving its aromas and flavors, too. Oh, and you can rest well knowing this washes easily and is resistant to nasty discoloration or stains. The best part? It killed it on the ratings, with reviewers praising its quality and style.
Sizes: 3 sizes per set
Capacity (oz.): 6.7 (small); 10 (medium); 20 (large)
Made from: Silicone
Colors: 6
Price: From $29.99
Now, this is adorable. Ideal for storing leftovers or snacks, this set is both dishwasher-safe and suitable for freezing and microwaving. Oh, and when they're not in use, they stack together neatly. For me, it's the wide array of colors to choose from that makes this special. After all, no one needs a lifeless pantry. As for the shoppers' take, it's uber-easy to clean and guaranteed to keep your food fresh. Perfect.
Sizes: 2 medium and 1 large per pack
Capacity (oz.): 57.48 (medium); 142 (large)
Made from: Plastic
Price: From $28.99
With an ingenious airflow regulation system, these Rubbermaid containers are the creme of the crop when it comes to food storage. Thanks to their elevated base, they also prevent food from collecting condensation, and they're free from BPA. Nesting together when not in use, they're ever so efficient and easy to clean — just throw them in the dishwasher. With a lifetime promise on the filter, too, these are an investment in better living. Where buyers are concerned, this is the pinnacle of great value for money.
Size (in.): H3.13 x W6.25 x D3.13
Capacity (oz.): 128
Made from: Plastic and silicone
Price: From $10.99
What OXO doesn't know about household heroes isn't worth knowing. Take these delightfully named "pop" containers, for instance. Made for pantries, the set has been streamlined and fitted with removable lids for quick and easy cleaning. With just one simple push of the button, you can operate the airtight function, too. Oh, and shoppers found it a breeze to use, highlighting its preserving abilities. For some, it was also a brilliant substitute for sealer bags.
Size (in.): H7 x Di5
Capacity (oz.): 64
Made from: Stainless steel
Colors: 2
Price: From $34.99
Nothing spoils food quicker than air. That's why Airtight has developed its ingeniously impenetrable sealing canisters, like this, to preserve your delicious leftovers or unused food. By forcing air out via a one-way valve and blocking UV rays, it's perfect for increasing the shelf life of your tea, coffee, and sugar alike. The lowdown from reviewers was clear: This is a miracle worker. Long live your pantry essentials.
Size (inches): Various
Capacity (oz): Ranges from 5.6 to 51
Made from: Glass
Price: From $67.99
Believe it or not, these glass containers are not only a genius way to store your kitchen foodstuffs, but they're also safe for the oven, dishwasher, freezer, and microwave. How's that for indestructible? Plus, with such a varied set, spanning circular to rectangular tubs of all different dimensions, you can store everything you need — whether it's a casserole you're saving for a rainy day or some rice. Oh, and shoppers were delighted by its sealing abilities.
Sizes: 3 sizes per set
Capacity (oz.): 22 (small), 47 (medium), 91 (large)
Made from: Ceramic and bamboo
Price: From $36.99
Nothing adds a personal touch to your home quite like ceramics. And no, you don't have to break the bank to find them. This pack of three, for instance, offers a cool cream and blue color scheme that's both calming and snazzy in equal supply. Plus, by opting for the bamboo lids, you'll also be doing your bit — it's a renewable material, don't cha know? This set has a quirky, grooved texture, primed with silicone gaskets to keep your flour or baking powder in tip-top condition. Great suction, so say the reviewers!
Size (in.): H3.7 x Di3.25
Capacity (oz.): 4
Made from: Glass, metal
Price: From $7.99
These have been everywhere for some time now, so if you haven't already, it's time to buck the trend. Let's face it, it's the most adorable way to store your herbs, spices, or kitchen trinkets. Inspired by your typical jam jar, these are made with BPA-free metal lids, complete with ridged edges for easy opening. Oh, and chances are, you can fit the measuring spoons inside them as well. Buyers have almost only good words to say, and it's clear why. Simple but eternally cool.
Size (inches): Various
Capacity (oz.): From 17 to 64
Made from: Plastic, silicone
Price: From $25.99
Whether it's oatmeal, cereal, or pasta you're storing, these ingenious containers will keep it fresher for longer. Made with high-strength handles and an ultra-clear body, they're sure to last the years, offering plenty of options for different foodstuffs. Aesthetically speaking, they're a tried and tested classic that will never go out of fashion. Plus, shoppers love the teeny labels each one features — a cute touch to seal the deal. Overall, you're getting major bang for your buck at that price and quantity.
How do you store containers in a small kitchen?
Good question. Organizational containers, like kitchen storage containers, are always a wise option to bring order and space to your home. However, there are a few things to consider before stocking up your pantry. I spoke to organizational buff and founder of Chaos to Order, Monica Friel, for some insight. “In a small kitchen, space is at a premium, so you need to weigh out the advantages of the containers,” she says. This might mean buying one or two small ones at a time and seeing how they fare or simply making smarter use of your space. “Look to vertical space on the wall for storage. Also, make optimal use of every inch of cabinet space by eliminating what you’re not using and not buying in bulk,” adds Friel.
Is plastic or glass better for food storage?
This depends. For organizational maven, Monica Friel, who runs Chaos to Order, it's a quick answer: "Glass is a better option for food storage."
"Now, you can find more glass storage options out there. Using square containers as opposed to round can also be space saving." It's handy advice, but it is worth noting that glass isn't suitable for everyone, particularly the clumsier types, like myself. So, do be sure to consider your own needs.
For example, I mix and match, opting for a few glass containers for more occasional use and plastic or silicone ones for consistent use.
How we chose these kitchen storage containers
When it came to picking the products, our criteria were simple — if they genuinely improve customers' lives and look great, then we're on board. While we haven't been able to individually review each one, we paid meticulous attention to the reviews, only sharing containers that shoppers praised and rated. Indeed, if it scored lower than four stars and didn't summon gushing words, we weren't interested.
Where to buy kitchen storage containers
Haven't found your perfect kitchen storage containers? Don't fret. Visit our trusted stable of retailers below for the best in class.