A Complete Guide to Food Storage Containers

Common Materials

Polycarbonate (Clear) – Excellent in terms of durability and is temperature resistant between -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, can run through approximately 1200 dish cycles without showing signs of tarnishing or breaking down. One negative is that this product contains BPA which some may find undesirable due to known links to birth defects and other reproductive harm.

Polyethylene (White) – High strength and wear resistance plastic that also demonstrates resistance to mildew, mold, and rot. Considered to be a safer alternative to polycarbonate containers because it does not contain BPA. However, it can only handle temperatures between 32- and 160-degrees Fahrenheit and should thus only be hand washed or run through low temp chemical sanitizing dishwashers.

Polypropylene (Translucent) – Softer plastic material with better thermal resistance than polyethylene that makes it ok for use in the microwave, dishwasher and freezers because can handle temperatures between -40 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Like polyethylene it is also considered to be a safer alternative to polycarbonate regarding food contact because of the absence of BPA, and is non-reactive when exposed to acids, bases, and detergents.

Food Containers
Food Containers

Container Shapes

Round - Optimized for faster cooler times of food product, minimizes food waste, and is ideal for stirring sauces and soups.

Look at Carlisle’s StorPlus round storage containers. They improve every aspect of food and ingredient storage. Tight fitting color-coded lids encourage organization and reduce cross-contamination. Optically clear containers allow a quick view inside - and you know what remains with molded-in capacity indicators. Transporting heavy containers in your commercial kitchen is easier with comfort-grip handles.

SquareMaximizes storage space on your shelves and in your refrigerated spaces. This means these containers will hold more product in a smaller area and are great for storing freshly prepped ingredients.

Check out Squares by Carlisle! They are the perfect fit for any commercial kitchen. Not only are they easily stackable, but the new lids are universally compatible with similar products from most competitors. The new lid design has handles on every size, maintains a secure fit, and ensures safer food storage.

Food Containers

Typical Food Storage Container Sizes

Very Small – Less than 2 Quarts. Perfect for storage of small amounts of plating garnishes and seasonings.

Small –2 & 4 Quart. Excellent for storing small amounts of backup ingredients in low boy refrigeration around the cook line.

Medium – 6 & 8 Quart. Often used for storage of finished cuts or marinating of proteins. Also good for storing smaller amounts of dry goods to keep near line cooks.

Large –12, 18 & 22 Quart. Perfect for rough and medium cuts of produce and vegetables, and storage of finished soups and sauces.

Extra Large – Greater than 22 Quart, up to 12 Gallons. Excellent for bulk storage of unprocessed produce and vegetables and large amounts of dry goods.

Food Containers

Common Food Storage Container Features

Stackability – Most containers will be manufactured to be stackable. This is a very important feature for most food service operations where space is always a premium.

Graduations & Measurements – Most containers 2 quarts or larger will come with graduations & measurements embossed or etched into the plastic.

Durable construction – All containers made from the three main material types will be designed to handle the rigors and abuse of your average commercial kitchen. Please note that these are approximations and are not intended to be exact measurements.

Rounded corners make it easier to clean and prevent cross contamination for safer food storage.

Integrated molded-in handles provide easier lifting and carrying.

Squares by Carlisle Lids will all have a hanging hole for easy storage options

Food Containers

Other Types of Food Storage Containers

Ingredient BinsOften used for very large bulk storage of dry ingredients, mainly used in baking in commercial kitchens. These containers will typically have casters for ease of mobility around the kitchen.

Food Storage BoxesAvailable in an array of different sizes but are typically very large to allow for high volume bulk storage of product. Often referred to as “lugs”, these containers can also be great for ware washing, and when combined with a colander insert, they can also be used for bulk washing of produce as well.

Pizza Dough BoxesMost commonly used when proofing pizza or other similar doughs. Dough boxes provide a proper storage environment for this purpose and are stackable to allow for maximum space utilization in the kitchen.

Food Containers

Certifications

Dishwasher safe – Containers made from polycarbonate or polypropylene will be dishwasher safe. Verify with the factory specifications for polyethylene containers before running through a commercial high-temp

NSF – Containers intended for commercial use will commonly have been certified food safe by the National Sanitation Foundation. Local health departments will almost universally require that containers that come in contact with food have this certification.

Freezer Safe – Polycarbonate and polypropylene food storage containers will be freezer safe. Verify with the factory specifications for polyethylene containers before using to store food in sub-freezing temperatures.


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