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I harvest hundreds of pounds of homegrown produce every year and pack as much as possible into my freezer before resorting to the canning kettle. My mom did the same, so you could say that I’ve spent a lifetime testing freezer containers. Over the years, containers have become sturdier with more secure lids, better frost protection, and greater reusability. The range of options has expanded to include locking lids, glass boxes, and silicone bags.
My latest freezer storage obsession? Silicone trays to freeze food in specific portions. I love these trays for stocks, sauces, and leftovers. Mine stay in constant use, so I remove the cubes once frozen and load them in freezer-safe bags. These collections take up less freezer space than containers and drastically reduce the stockpile of loose food storage containers (and mismatched lids) in my kitchen. From typical lid and box sets to bags and cube trays, these are the best freezer containers to help keep frozen food at its best and improve freezer organization.
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Why It’s Great: Saves space in the freezer and kitchen cabinet; easy to fill and empty; oven safe to 425°F
Grain of Salt: Not microwave safe
This silicone tray has become a favorite tool for ready-to-use portions that pack efficiently in the freezer. The six 1-cup cubes resemble a giant ice tray and replace a wobbling tower of individual lidded containers.
A fully enclosed metal frame stabilizes the tray as you fill the compartments, clip on the semi-clear plastic lid, and carry the tray to the freezer. All of the cubes attach across the tray’s top without sharing walls on the sides or base. This not only helps cold air circulate around the cubes but also makes each easy to unload. Press upward on a cube’s bottom, and the frozen block pops up.
This tray makes so much sense when freezing homemade stocks and broths. Nine frozen blocks will pack neatly into a gallon zippered freezer-safe bag to be pulled out a cube at a time. It’s also ideal for freezing pizza sauce, applesauce, soups, and leftovers you want to portion out before storing. Markings inside the cups make them adaptable to smaller volumes; for larger amounts, W&P Cup Cubes also come in a 2-cup, two-cube tray. They’re not microwave safe but can double as a baking tray in a conventional oven.
The Details: Silicone with steel frame; 10.3 x 7.3 x 3 inches; six 1-cup cubes; dishwasher safe
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Why It’s Great: Stacks neatly in the freezer; nests for storage; microwave safe
Grain of Salt: Not leakproof
If you need enough freezer containers to fill a deep freezer, Bentgo Meal Prep Containers will get you started without busting your budget. The one-compartment trays are broader and flatter than they are tall, perfect for freezing a premade meal, reheating it in a microwave, and then eating directly from the container.
Along with a low cost per container, this set saves storage space when not in use. The 10 containers and their lids stack so tightly together that the full set is only 6.5 inches tall. Once filled, the containers sit fairly stably atop one another in the freezer. The lids snap on securely but aren’t completely leakproof, so keep the containers level until the contents are completely frozen and thaw them on a flat surface.
While the BPA- and PVC-free plastic is reusable and safe for the dishwasher’s top rack, Bentgo does recommend replacing these containers after 10 uses. To prolong their life span, leave the lid loose or off completely when heating food in the container and hand wash both parts. To expand your freezer container collection, the Bentgo meal prep line includes similarly sized two-compartment containers and three-compartment containers, as well as resealable bowls and divided snack boxes.
The Details: Polypropylene; 8.7 x 6.1 x 2.4 inches; ten 4-cup containers; dishwasher safe (top rack only)
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Why It’s Great: Takes up minimal space; flexes easily to loosen cubes; color hides stains
Grain of Salt: Not airtight
Tovolo’s King Cube Tray doubles as a mold for oversized ice cubes for cocktails and other beverages, as well as a freezer container for sauces and other food. The silicone tray is divided into six sections. Thin shared interior walls give the tray a compact footprint for its capacity, and firmer exterior walls stabilize the shape. The tray rim is just wide enough to clip the plastic see-through lid onto it and keep the contents from spilling on their way to the freezer.
I like this tray’s 0.5-cup cubes for ready-to-use portions of pasta and other sauces. Just flex the sides of the tray to pop out a cube of sauce for a homemade pizza or enchilada dinner, or use the tray to portion out sweet sauces made with pear or rhubarb. Its dark silicone surface hides stains, even from bright acidic foods like tomatoes.
This tray is well-sized for recipes best prepared in a large batch but used in small volumes, like freezer pickles and fresh salsas. I also reach for it to freeze chopped onions and peppers so that they can be dropped right into a sauté pan or soup pot.
The Details: Silicone and nylon; 4.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches; six 0.5-cup cubes; dishwasher safe
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Why It’s Great: Low cost per bag; reinforced seals; airtight zipper closure
Grain of Salt: Minimal heat resistance
Reusable freezer-safe bags have advantages over standard plastic ones yet can be an investment. This 10-bag pack from (re)zip is one of the more affordable options available. The thick, food-safe plastic and double seal on the fixed edges should last through hundreds of uses, and the double-zip closure at its opening lets you make it airtight and leak-free.
The 3.5-cup size is great for gathering small cubes of pesto and chipotles in adobo, as well as corn kernels, huckleberries, and other loose items. If you push as much air as possible from the bag, the risk of freezer burn is minimized for many months. The sturdy zipper can be a little harder to open and reseal straight from the freezer, however.
You can safely wash the bags in the dishwasher’s top rack, but they might last longer if washed by hand and then dried on an open rack. The bags won’t withstand high heat from either a dishwasher or any cooking use like microwave or sous vide. Half-gallon and gallon bags are also available, as are mixed-size kits.
The Details: Polyethylene vinyl acetate; 8.5 x 7.75 x 0.16 inches; ten 3.5-cup bags; dishwasher safe (top rack only)
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Why It’s Great: Cubes pop out separately; material resists stains and odors; lid peels off easily
Grain of Salt: Not spill-proof
Extra minced garlic or grated ginger, spoonfuls of tomato paste, or chopped onions or peppers pack neatly into a cube or two of these W&P Everyday Ice Trays to freeze for later use. I’ve filled the cubes with acidic ingredients like lemon juice and oily ones like sundried tomatoes and had no problems cleaning the silicone. It has stayed bright and flexible through a couple of years of use.
The set of 12 cubes holds enough food that you can prep a full batch of puree or paste and then freeze it in usable portions. When you pop the cubes free, a tray’s worth fits in a quart-size freezer bag. If you don’t mind tying up the tray, you can leave the cubes in it instead. The opaque silicone lid rests on the tray instead of clipping to it, which makes it a little less secure while the contents are soft but easy to remove once frozen.
Like W&P’s Cup Cubes Freezer Tray, pushing up one cube pops it free without disturbing the rest. The company’s tray with six 1-cup cubes stacks well with this 12-cube one, maximizing freezer space.
The Details: Silicone with steel frame; 7.6 x 5.6 x 1.6 inches; 12 approximately 2-tablespoon cubes; dishwasher safe
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Why It’s Great: Sustainable; interchangeable lids and containers sold individually; leakproof locking lids
Grain of Salt: Heavier than plastic or silicone
IKEA is known for its à la carte product lines that let you mix and match the elements to suit your needs. The company has extended that concept to its food storage containers. Its 365+ line includes a range of glass containers with plastic lids that lock down on all four sides, stopping leaks and frost damage.
The rectangular 34-ounce container holds a 4-cup portion plus a bit more space, which is key to keeping the glass from breaking as the contents freeze and expand. The 20-ounce rectangular and round containers have the same benefit for 2-cup portions.
Just one container with a lid constitutes a set, but the price remains more affordable than many glass multi-container kits from other companies. What really makes this product line stand out from other glass freezer containers is that you can buy just the container or lid if one part gets lost or damaged. You can also change your mind about how you want to use either piece. The 34-ounce glass container can be paired with a bamboo or silicone lid, and the snap-close plastic lid also fits IKEA’s rectangular stainless steel and plastic containers.
The Details: Glass and plastic; 8.25 x 6 X 3 inches; 4.25 cups; dishwasher safe
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Why It’s Great: Sturdy snap-close lids; stable when stacked; nest or pack together when not in use
Grain of Salt: May ship internationally
Locking lid clips have become popular for container closures, and Sistema makes some of the sturdiest ones we’ve ever used. This affordable six-container pack has a range of sizes that can be used to prep and freeze meal ingredients. Every piece comes out of the company’s New Zealand factory, so this set may be harder to track down locally than other brands.
The containers stack well when filled. When empty, matching sizes nest together, and smaller sizes can be packed inside the larger ones to reduce their storage footprint in a cupboard. When freezing the ingredients for tomato-basil mac and cheese, the smallest containers come in handy for basil pesto and chopped onion and garlic, the midsize ones for grated cheese and tomatoes, and the largest container for al dente pasta. If you want to freeze half of the pasta dish to bake later, the largest container holds the half-batch with headspace for expansion.
Besides being leakproof and freezer safe, you can put these containers in the microwave—just replace the lid with a paper towel to avoid steam buildup and warping. The lids and containers can be cleaned in the dishwasher’s top rack.
The Details: Plastic; 6.93 x 10.08 x 6.22 inches; two 1.75-cup, three 4.25-cup, and one 9.25-cup containers; dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Our Takeaway
Reimagine your freezer storage with a W&P Cup Cubes Freezer Tray, creating endless perfect portions. For a more traditional container and lid combination, choose the Bentgo 1-Compartment Meal Prep Containers for a budget option or the IKEA 365+ Food Container with Lid to minimize your plastic footprint. If you’re a fan of reusable bags, the (re)zip 10-Pack Flat Reusable Lunch Bags Set is a versatile option for loose items.
How to Pick the Right Freezer Containers
Material
Plastic, silicone, and glass top the list of materials used for freezer containers, and each has its pros and cons. Sturdy plastic has long been popular for its light weight, but it can pick up stains and smells from certain foods and tends to crack with extended use. More flexible silicone has become a popular material for reusable trays and bags, but it can be too squishy to securely seal with a lid.
Freezer-safe glass needs to be handled with care. Leave plenty of room for expansion as the contents freeze, and allow slow temperature transitions to keep the glass from shattering. On the plus side, glass containers can last for years and reduce your plastic footprint (recognizing that most still come with plastic lids).
Performance
Much of how well a freezer container performs depends on how well it seals food in. The goal is an airtight seal that helps to prevent freezer burn. Rigid containers often have lids that snap or lock on tightly. Reusable bags usually have zip-top mouths that seal tightly. Pushing out as much air as possible as you close them helps to protect the food. No matter how secure the seal is, your food will be in the best shape if you use it within six months.
Silicone trays usually have the least secure seals, making them best for portioning and short-term storage. Once the food in them has frozen, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, which lets you remove just what you need without thawing the entire contents.
Size
The smaller the container, the faster its contents will freeze and later thaw. Go too small, and the containers will be hard to stack—and you’ll need a lot of them. That’s why we like silicone trays for small portions, containers holding up to 4 cups for dense food, and larger containers for loose foods like whole cherry tomatoes or burger patties.
Round shapes seem natural for food you would eat from a bowl, like soup, but squares and rectangles often stack and pack together more neatly. You don’t want to cram your freezer completely full; the air needs to circulate to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the appliance. Container sets designed to stack securely usually leave enough room for airflow while maximizing freezer space.
Ease of Cleaning
Emptied freezer containers that clean easily can be quickly put back to use or stored without the risk of mold or funky smells developing. Frozen food is less likely to leave stains or odors in glass containers than in some plastics. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before storing acidic items.
Many freezer containers and lids can be cleaned in the dishwasher’s top rack, but be sure to check your specific set. Even dishwasher-safe containers may stay usable longer if hand washed and air dried.
Common Questions
Can you freeze glass containers?
Yes, but you need to do so thoughtfully. Containers and jars that aren’t specifically made for freezing will break more easily than those made of tempered glass. Choose wide-mouth, straight-sided glass jars and containers. Those with shoulders will be more likely to break at the neck, and you won’t be able to remove the food inside until it has thawed completely.
Food expands as it freezes, especially liquids, but glass containers have no flexibility. Be sure to leave 0.5 inch of room (referred to as headspace), with extra for large volumes of liquids. Tight-fitting lids that can be marked with the contents and are easy to snap open or unscrew, even when ice-cold, are the most effective on glass containers. If you can’t open a lid right away, let the container sit at room temperature for a few minutes or wait for it to thaw thoroughly before you try again.
What is the best way to label freezer containers?
How you label freezer containers often depends on their material. You can write directly on some bags and containers with a permanent marker and then gently scrub off the ink when cleaning the emptied container. Masking tape or gummed labels work on some surfaces. If masking tape isn’t sticky enough, try freezer tape instead. If it’s too sticky, use painter’s tape.
Write at least the contents and date on the bag or label. The weight or volume of the contents and any special notes about allergenic ingredients or intended use might also be handy.
How do you package food for the freezer?
Start with room temperature or fridge-cold food. Warm or hot food is more likely to develop ice crystals and could damage the freezer container. Fill rigid containers as tightly as possible; the less air inside, the better. Leave 0.5 inch of headspace at the top of dry items and small portions and at least 1 inch of space for liquids while filling large containers. Snap or screw on the lid tightly and label the contents before freezing.
When using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible while you seal in the contents. To get more air out of zip-top bags than you can with just your hands, partially seal the bag and then lower it into a large bowl of water. The water will push the air out of the remaining opening. When the seal nears the waterline, close the opening completely, pull the bag from the water, and dry off the outside before freezing.
How do you thaw frozen foods?
Freezing doesn’t kill harmful bacteria. Once part of the food rises about 40°F, any bacteria present can start to multiply, so frozen food should never be thawed at room temperature or in warm water. Instead, thaw it in the refrigerator, which might take a full day. For faster thawing, place the container under running water or change the water frequently so that it stays cold. Frozen foods that will be cooked or eaten immediately can be thawed in the microwave.
Why Take Our Word for It?
Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for 25-plus years, focusing on original recipes, kitchen tools, and the stories around them. She is the author of “The Complete Guide to Pickling,” the Flathead Beacon food columnist, and a reviewer and recipe developer for numerous other publications. She restocks her freezer every summer with homegrown fruits and vegetables to use all winter, packing homemade favorites like shrimp stock, squash puree, chunky applesauce, freezer pickles, veggie burgers, and sorbet into freezer containers.