How Do You Go Buying Containers?
Buying containers can seem like a daunting task. There are so many different types of materials to choose from and not enough time to consider them all. That’s where we come in! We’ve spent the last few weeks researching and compiling a list of the best brands and models for you to use as a reference guide when trying to make your decision. We hope this will simplify things for you, and help you select the perfect container for your needs!
Start exploring our list below with either plastic or metal/glass options, depending on what type of material is most important for your needs. Then scroll down to the bottom of this post to find the EXTRAS section, where we’ve also included some other products that may interest you.
We have gray items on this list simply because we could not make a decision on what color would best represent each product. If you have a specific need that these gray items don’t address, please feel free to leave us a note in the comment section at checkout!
All of the containers listed below are sold in plastic or metal/glass. The material is not listed because choosing one will depend on what you plan to store in it. The more rigidly structured your materials are, i.e., rubber tires, cardboard boxes, etc. the sturdier you want your container to be.
In addition to the brand and price of each product, we’ve also included a list of specs and features for each of them. Listed below are the most important parts of each container’s stats that you should consider before making your final decision:
Wall thickness: How thick is the outside material? This is important because the thicker it is, the better it will withstand damage from external elements like weather or being banged around by forklifts during shipping. It’s especially important to make sure that your walls are thick enough if you plan on using them for outdoor storage or in any other high-traffic areas.
Lid thickness: Just like with the walls, the thicker the lid is, the longer it will last you. This is why it’s always a good idea to aim for a lid that’s at least twice as thick as your walls. This extra material can give you several extra years of use out of your container, and will prevent damage from things like water and debris seeping in through small cracks in between the lid and walls. If you have no plans to transport or store heavy items in your container, then this may not be as important to you however.
Storage Volume: How many cubic feet of material fit inside? This number is usually printed right on the side of the container and is simple to read. You’ll want to decide what size you'll need based on how much room you have available for your items.
Floor Thickness: The floor of your container is going to be what you walk on when moving things in and out for years to come, and so it should be sturdy enough to support your weight and others’. You want the walls to be strong, but you also don’t want them too heavy, making your container unmovable or even dangerous.
BPA Free: If you're looking for a container that will be used on a daily basis in your home, and you want to minimize the amount of harmful toxins that could leak into your food or beverages, then look for containers that are made of materials that are free from BPA.
Drip Tray: The drip tray should be made of material sturdy enough to support your container's weight without breaking or splitting. It should also be easy enough to clean so you can dump out any leftover water stained on the bottom without having to unscrew the lid and tilt it over the opening.
Pros and Cons: Even though the container may look great on the outside, it can be overlooked by the fact that you might be unhappy with some of its more important features. After looking at all the options listed below, we took everything into consideration and have listed pros and cons for each container in our list so you can see which choices are better suited to your needs.
Plastic Containers
Tough and sturdy: Plastic containers are lightweight, but most of them are thick enough to keep your materials safe from damage. They're also great for outdoor storage because they can stand up to water, heat and harsh conditions. Excellent for storing and shipping delicate items: Plastic containers are excellently suited for storing items that are fragile and sensitive. They offer almost zero structural protection, but this can be avoided by using a lid or rack. Scratch-free: The plastic material used in these containers is usually scratch-proof as well (just like the glass options). This makes them great for people who use their containers over and over again in a professional setting. If your container doesn't have a lid, make sure to add a plastic sleeve as you place the container in your cart so you don't have to worry about sharp edges poking through your materials during storage. Not so strong: Usually the walls are too thin to hold heavy items inside without causing damage, or to keep out water and debris. May not be a good choice if you're choosing an outdoor storage container.
Weapons-Proof: If you need a storage container that your kids won't find their way into, then plastic ones are the best for keeping them out! Plastic containers are also great for storing weapons like guns, because if someone breaks into your home, they'll have little to no chance of stealing these from you since their strength lies in other areas. Considered non-food grade by some: Some people won't feel comfortable using plastic containers to store food due to its durability and ease of breakage when dropped.
Glass Containers
Resistant to damage: Glass containers are made of sturdy, thick material that can keep out weather and other external elements. Durable: The thicker the walls are, the longer they will last. If your container doesn't have a lid, make sure to add a plastic sleeve around it so you don't have to worry about sharp edges poking holes in your materials during storage. Easy to clean: Glass containers are super easy to clean because there’s no need for a lid! With the lid off, you can run water all around inside and easily remove any stains or debris from the walls with just your finger. Minimal maintenance required: These containers are naturally sensitive to water, so you’ll have to be extremely careful when handling them. You'll want to be sure the lids fit tightly around the container so that water doesn't seep in through cracks and create stains.
Pros and Cons: While glass may be more durable than plastic, it is also heavier and very expensive. As such, it's not a good choice for outdoor storage since it can chip or break during high-impact weather conditions.
Conclusion
While there are many things to consider when choosing a storage container, these are the most important items to focus on during the selection process. Ultimately, you want something strong, durable and leak-proof that you can use for years without having to worry about damage or stains.