Review of IKEA plastic storage containers: pros and cons, types, prices
Plastic containers have taken a leading position in the market due to the convenience of storing food and also carrying it when necessary.
They are made from environmentally friendly materials, so there is no harm to health. Products retain their freshness and taste, do not weather and do not change their appearance.
In this article we will talk about plastic storage containers from IKEA.
Content
Methods of use and purposes of purchase
There are 2 main areas for purchasing plastic containers: carrying food and organizing food storage. Let's look at each of them in more detail:
Food transfer
This option is especially relevant at work or when traveling., as it allows you to easily transport food while maintaining its appearance and taste.
Warming up food does not cause discomfort; almost all containers are made of heat-resistant materials, so food can be heated in a microwave oven without transferring it to a container.
To store food
Proper organization of food storage allows you to maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen, and also turns the cooking process into a real art.Plastic containers are used mostly for organizing storage on shelves, as well as in the refrigerator:
- On shelves — first of all, it is the convenience of storing bulk products such as cereals, flour, sugar, salt, tea, coffee and others.
This type of organization ensures cleanliness and order in the kitchen and prevents the appearance of insects.
- In a refrigerator — storing finished products in the refrigerator avoids the appearance of unpleasant odors and also extends the shelf life.
Read more about IKEA food storage containers Here.
Advantages and disadvantages of use
Like any purchase, containers have a number of advantages and disadvantages. They can ease everyday issues if you choose the right product, taking into account all the possible pros and cons of the purchase.
Always before purchasing a plastic container it is necessary to study all the necessary information: maximum temperatures of use and purpose. It is important to replace the product in a timely manner (about once every 3 months).
Main advantages:
- Ease of use. Containers do not require any special care methods or cleaning products. Before first use, the product must be washed under water and soapy water. And then it can be used like any utensil.
- Using high and low temperatures. Making containers from special materials will allow you to heat them in the microwave without harm to health, as well as freeze them in the freezer without harm to dishes and food.
- A wide range of. Ikea has a huge range of products in this category. Everyone will be able to choose the right product for themselves, taking into account all their needs and goals.
- Eco-friendly materials. Making containers from environmentally friendly materials allows you to safely use these products without harm to health.
- Low cost. Despite all their technology and diversity, the price category of these products is low. Prices vary depending on the size and shape of the product, as well as special accessories.
- Plasticity of materials. Products made of plastic are considered a durable purchase because of their strength: they do not break or break. They retain their shape and all their technical characteristics even after a long time of use.
Main disadvantages of use:
- Lack of tightness. Not all lids provide a complete seal for food. Unsecured lids pose a risk of leakage, which can cause a lot of inconvenience.
- Size limitation. It is not always possible to buy a custom-sized container for storing food. The most commonly used sizes are from 0.5 to 3 liters.
- Not always environmentally friendly materials. Attempts to increase the strength of a product often force the manufacturer to add special components to the plastic composition, which can have a toxic effect on the product.
Types of plastic boxes
The manufacturer’s wide range of this product allows you to choose the appropriate option for everyone. Any type of plastic container has its own characteristics of use, advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider the main types of classification:
- By shape and size. Containers of different shapes and sizes allow you to create the ideal option for storing food in the kitchen. Large rectangular boxes (for vegetables and fruits) are often used for the refrigerator. When systematizing the storage of cereals, for example, tall round containers are used. For carrying food, the most convenient are rectangular boxes with a sealed lid, 1 liter in size.
- Based on materials. There are 2 main options for materials for making such containers: regular food-grade plastic and heat-resistant food-grade plastic. In the first case, products can be stored without any harm, provided that the container is not exposed to aggressively high temperatures. In the second case, the container can be heated in a microwave oven and this will not harm the product in any way.
- Cover option. There is a wide range of lids, some of them, for example, screw-on, or snap-on with a rubberized edge, creating a maximum sealing effect. In turn, ordinary lids are often used in cases where it is necessary to provide unobstructed access to products without the need to maintain 100% tightness.
- Design complexity. Complex designs, such as multi-tiered containers or boxes with several compartments, are gaining popularity. This type allows you to further systematize food storage, as well as provide rational dining out.
Best models
Choosing a container is not an easy task. In order for it to fully meet the customer’s requirements, all possible options must be carefully studied. However, there are models that have been purchased for many years. They have proven to be strong and durable, as well as useful and easy to use. Let's take a closer look:
PRUTA
This is a whole set of containers consisting of 17 different items. The set includes 17 containers with lids of different sizes. This option is optimal for organizing storage in the refrigerator or on kitchen shelves.
When empty, the containers fit perfectly into each other, allowing for basic storage. The cost of this set is approximately 350 rubles, which is considered the optimal price for such a number of items.
GARNITUREN
This is a set consisting of five plastic bowls with lids, which is great for storing ready-made dishes in the refrigerator, as well as for organizing the storage of vegetables, berries and seafood. The average price for a set is 550 rubles.
IKEA 365+
This container has a lid with snap-on edges, which protects the contents from leakage and the influence of high and low temperatures. It is perfect for a work lunch; the optimal size of 600 milliliters will provide the necessary portion for one person. The average price is 280 rubles.
Comparison with other materials
Ikea, by its very nature, deals with organizing the storage of free space in the apartment. For this purpose, the organization produces all kinds of containers and boxes for storing things and products.
This material is considered the most durable and durable. Taking into account all the specifics of food products, it is the optimal solution for storing them.
Where to buy boxes?
The company operates more in the online space. Thanks to the good organization of the online store, IKEA products can be bought almost all over the world.To do this, just place an order on the website and pay for delivery.
Retail stores are also gaining popularity even in cities remote from capitals.. This has a number of advantages. First of all, there is an opportunity to evaluate the product before purchasing it in person, and also save time and money due to the lack of delivery.
Adviсe
Decide on a goal. The most important thing before purchasing is to decide on the purpose of purchasing a plastic container. Based on this goal, you need to select a container of appropriate parameters.
It is also recommended to read reviews before purchasing, since this allows you to buy the best option from the proposed models, which will completely suit the owner.
Already during the sales process, it is important to periodically properly care for the dishes, as well as ensure that the containers are in good condition.
Video on the topic of the article
Video review of plastic containers for storing food 365+ IKEA:
Conclusion
Before purchasing storage containers, you should study all the pros and cons of this product, as well as the features of caring for it. IKEA products earned the People's Choice Award due to their wide range of containers, as well as the high quality and durability of their products.