Fifteen dollars for a bowl with a lid strikes me as expensive. I’m a frugal (cheap!) girl, and I had a hard enough time going from the “4 containers for $2 minus a $1 off coupon” Gladware to the “4 containers for $6-8 and no coupons” Pyrex glass dishes.
I have to say I was intrigued and skeptical when I got to test out Life Without Plastic’s stainless steel containers. I didn’t think there would be any validating points to spend so much.
I’ve since been convinced.
(See my 2022 Life Without Plastic review, too!)
Why Stainless Steel Beats Glass
- It can go right on the stovetop. Since I more or less gave up the microwave about a year ago, I use my toaster oven and my stovetop more than most folks. Guess which one is faster? The stovetop kicks the toaster oven’s behind, but I hate dirtying the extra pot sometimes. You do know how I feel about dishes, right? I LOVE that these stainless steel dishes can be plopped right onto the stove and voila! Lunch is served.
- The kiddo factor: non-breakable. I know Maria Montessori would have me give my toddler glass dishes all the time and just teach her to use them properly. We Kimballs are clumsy people, unfortunately.
- Kiddo factor no. 2: easy to open lids. My son has trouble with the plastic lids on glass containers, and he’s almost five years old. He thinks the latches on the stainless bowls are as good as a toy.
- Lightweight. Especially when you’re packing something you’ll have to carry, stainless steel over glass is a wondrous thing.
- No plastic at all. I’m not terribly worried about the plastic lids on Pyrex glass containers, but I’ve heard from many other bloggers and commenters who are. Here’s the solution – there’s zero plastic in the stainless steel containers, so no chemical leaching concerns.
Why Stainless Steel and Glass BOTH Trump Plastic
- Please read Beth Terry of Fake Plastic Fish’s fabulous guest post about the dangers of plastic food storage containers. Glass and stainless have no health concerns.
- My favorite part, they’re not only dishwasher safe, but they dry all the way and don’t drip all over your other clean dishes because of their little nooks and crannies, like plastic containers do. Because you KNOW how I feel about dishes!
- Both can go in the toaster or conventional oven, right from the fridge. Nice – another dishes saver.
A Few Drawbacks
I’m not getting a reputation for balanced reviews for nothing. Here are the reasons I still love my glass storage containers, too:
- Stainless is pricey. However, I’m comforted by the fact that it will last forever and never break (see clumsy Kimball comment above).
- You can’t see through them. Once you get enough leftovers going in the fridge, this could be an issue. But hey – Tupperware was all opaque back in the day, too, and everyone still bought them!
- They can’t go in the microwave. For me, this is not a problem, but I understand that many people rely on the microwave for leftovers both at home and at work. You’ll want a balance of glass and stainless steel for various purposes.
Other Fun Products
The most important products that Life Without Plastic carries, in my opinion, is the glass baby bottles (no longer available) and child sippys. We need to protect our littlest ones from any potential plastic leaching as much as possible, and if you can’t breastfeed (or if you pump), please seek out a plastic-free bottle option. My friend with twins didn’t get to test it, because her girls were already too big for the nipple size (I forgot to specify; make sure you remember!). It will be put to good use by someone soon though!
I didn’t get one of these for review, but I have to give a shoutout to a product we use almost every day: our diaper bag staple is a 12-oz. Klean Kanteen with sippy spout. If you are prone to leave liquid in a bag for more than a few hours (ahem, maybe like a few days like me), you really need to avoid those plastics, which leach chemicals over time and with heat.
I also got to test out the stainless steel hot meal container, which is an awesome product for anyone trying to avoid the microwave AND avoid plastic, because you can heat up your food properly on the stovetop in the morning and have a hot meal at lunchtime. This is the modern-day version of the classic soup thermos that construction workers are often portrayed with. It’s shorter and wider, more like a traditional bowl.
After my daughter broke two glass dishes off her highchair tray in one week, I changed my mind about switching her to glass drinking glasses. I *cringe* actually use little bitty plastic ones. I was just saying before I revisited the Life Without Plastic site that I wished someone made lightweight, stainless steel cups for little ones. Well, duh, Katie – they do.
Disclosure: Life Without Plastics supplied three products for my review and two for you, but in no way did they influence my opinion or require a positive review. This post also contains affiliate links to Life Without Plastic. See my full disclosure statement here.
I’m well known for honest, thorough product reviews…
…and you can always tell a real family has run these products through the gauntlet.
When I review a type of item, I try to review a LOT of different brands! From over a dozen reusable sandwich bags to over 120 natural mineral sunscreens, I’m your girl for straight-up info about natural, real foodie items you’re considering buying.
Click here to see more product reviews and you’ll also love my resources page, with REAL products that have passed my rigorous testing enough to be “regulars” in the Kimball household, plus some other comprehensive reviews. Updated at least once a year to boot the losers and add new gems!
I´m already a subscriber
I think that these metal containers are way cuter than plastic 🙂
.-= Eternal*Voyageur @ Venusian*Glow´s last blog ..5 Colours Of Clay Masks : For Cleansing, Toning and Rejuvenating =-.
I use reusables for sandwiches and veggies. they are great and keep the sandwich dry. I already subscribe to you in reader
Regarding Life Without Plastics: I love how they give you the latest news on plastic research. Plastic was the greatest invention in it’s day- without the research to test whether it is safe to use. For mommas with kids, it’s hard to catch all the news, so having one place for this information is great. Keep it up!!
I reuse glass food containers (applesauce, spaghetti sauce, etc.).
I’m a subscriber!!
You are very inspiring. I really need to do this! I’ve gotten rid of my microwave and now it is time to get rid of the plastic. Thanks!
I sent a product idea of a divided plate or divided lunch tray to Life Without Plastic.
I subscribe to your KS RSS feed.
My family has been working on getting plastic out of our kitchen. Still need to replace the kids’ little cups and divided plates. I heard there are some good short glass glasses that are thick (hard to break) at Target. I’m going to try them out.
I’ve started using mason jars for storing dried goods and our homemade salad dressings
I subscribe in a reader.
I asked for and got a bunch of Pyrex containers at Christmas and some Snapware glass containers for my birthday this year. I love the Snapware because the lids won’t come off and they’re square or rectangular so they store more easily than the round Pyrex ones I have, but the Snapware ones don’t say they’re safe to use in the oven. 🙁 I haven’t attempted to ignore that yet. My husband still uses the microwave at work for his lunches so I’d like to find a way to get away from that. Maybe the stainless steel options will work better. All in due time!
I would love to win these. We have some stainless steel and some glass containers and love the ones with the latches, though I do wish they made them square, it would really help with stacking and using up space.
I am trying to get the plastic out, but struggling. I will get there one day, thanks so much for your advice!
I subscribe via google’s reader
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Good Friday Through Fun Monday =-.
I like to use glass pyrex dishes with (plastic!) lids to reduce plastic waste.
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Good Friday Through Fun Monday =-.
Hello Katie!
This is my first time visiting your blog and I’m happy to say that I will be a repeat reader 🙂
I’m actually doing my senior project (I attend the University of Maine) on plastics and recycling. I’ve come across some really interesting facts and through the process, stumbled upon Beth Terry’s blog (and then, with more stumbling, found yours). I had read (and commented on) Beth’s post this morning, on getting plastic containers OUT and luckily for me, I think I’m on the right track. I’ve started collecting used glass containers (spaghetti sauce, salsa, etc…) and am a big fan of Pyrex. Your post did make me realize that my glass lunch containers sit rather heavily at the bottom of my backpack…I could definitely use something more lightweight!
I’m really excited to expel more plastic out of my life! The next step will be switching from plastic bulk bags to cotton…can’t wait.
Thanks! Looking forward to exploring Kitchen Stewardship! 🙂
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Plastic Beach =-.
I’ve subscribed through Bloglines! Thank you!
I’d just love these, so practical – this is such a great offer! Thank you (and I’m off to subscribe, so you’ll see another comment shortly!)
(((hugs)))
.-= Nana Sadie´s last blog ..Meatless Mondays… =-.
I have been worried about swtiching to glass because of the breakable factor- this would be such a great solution!
I would love to win these! I’ve had my eye on them, but the price is a bit dauntinng for my budget right now. We’ve been slowly converting our lives over to a plastic-free one ever since our first baby was born (10 months old now!) and the process has been so amazing. It’s difficult at times to find a plastic-free alternative, but we feel so much better for us and for our baby boy with the choices we’ve made. Thank you for providing this opportunity and for all the wonderful information you write about!
I don’t think I even knew stainless still containers with lids for storage existed! I use stainless steel bowls for cooking all the time, but I don’t have any lids. I’d love to start switching over. I already read your blog via RSS feed on Google Reader!
The suggestion I have for Life Without Plastic to make/offer is glass bottles with stoppers (bailed I think they are called).
I subscribe via reader
.-= Sara-Beth´s last blog ..Good Friday =-.
One of the cheapest and easiest ways we are cutting plastic in our home is by trying to buy products that come in jars and use those jars for storage later. We use them for leftovers and sauces and yogurt and even for cups (I don’t mind the kiddos using them because if they break them, I am not out any money!)
I have one of Life without Plastic’s tiffins. I love it. Took it to the grocery store the other day for a fresh salad. I refuse to use those plastic containers that end up in landfills!
The clerk looked at me weird but still weighed the container.
I would love to win more of the containers!
emailed my friends!
.-= heather harris´s last blog ..Reseasoning My cast iron =-.
We’re also trying to cut out plastic. These look wonderful! I love the stovetop option!
.-= Sara-Beth´s last blog ..Good Friday =-.
follower of yours on twitter
.-= heather harris´s last blog ..Reseasoning My cast iron =-.
blogged about your giveaway
follower on here
.-= heather harris´s last blog ..Reseasoning My cast iron =-.
I am now following you on Twitter and have tweeted about the giveaway!!
I subscribe to your feed!
We stopped using plastic drinking cups and bottles a few years ago. When my son’s pre-school teacher gave him a plastic cup at snack time, he told her “I can’t have plastic. It’s yucky!”
I just quit being vegan because of all the non-local and plastic packaging of my tofu, soymilk, soy yogurt, etc.
These containers would be perfect for buying local yogurts and ice creams straight from the dairies!
I find it easiest to avoid plastic if it simply isn’t an option. When I don’t have it, but have replaced it with just as easy (or easier) options, I don’t even miss it.
I like the wooden kids tableware.
Wow, this is all pretty new to me. I would love to have these to start out with. I have 5 children and we have lots of plastic around here.
I love kanmuri’s comment on being insistent. I don’t really have a plastic avoidance tip–but I definitely found her tip inspiring! I’ll have to be more insistent with my family in my quest to have a more natural–less toxic–home.
I saw the Wool Insulated Lunch Bag on Life Without Plastic. I love it!! However, I’m pretty frugal (i.e. cheap), so I’m not sure I would ever be willing to spend almost $60 on a lunch bag. But it sure is nice to know it exists. Of course, the hot food container for lunch bags is great! My husband loves to take leftover chili to work for lunch and this gives me a great product for keeping it warm so he won’t have to use the microwave.
I subscribe
I also have been mainly using pyrex, but have encountered the extra dirty dish at lunch with leftovers, love the idea of heating in storage dish!
When we sold our house, I boxed up all of the plastic containers. We’re currently living in temporary housing until we find another home. I’ve purchased a few glass storage containers in the interim. The plastic containers are still in a box in storage. I don’t miss them and once we move, chances are I’ll just drop that box off at Goodwill.
I am working of eliminating plastic storage containers in my cupboard…..but, I’m having a hard time getting rid of my vintage tupperware.
Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration!
I am happy to say that I am almost plastic-free (after 5+ years of slowly paring it all down). Canning jars are probably my favorite thing for food storage, to-go drinks (they don’t seem to leak), and to take food places. However, they are heavy – stainless steel containers seem like the perfect solution!
I follow you with blogger!
Since I’ve just started getting rid of plastic I don’t really have any miraculous tricks. For me, the important thing is to insist. If I listened to my husband, we would use plastic containers because they are easier to find. But I insist, and I usually win 😉
.-= kanmuri´s last blog ..The Big Move =-.
I would absolutely love to win this! My daughter and I take bentos for lunch and it sure would be nice to find a non-plastic container for them! We are just a t the beginning of getting rid of plastic, and need to find some options.
.-= gisele´s last blog ..a list. =-.
I subscribe via my email.
I have cut out a lot of the plastic from my cabinet and it has simplified my life a lot. No more avalanches every time you need to find something. Turns out you don’t need as many sizes of plastic containers as you think. That helps me as I consider replacing them with glass because I realize I am not going to have to replace THAT much.