It is not easy for modern housewives to do without plastic dishes. It is difficult to disagree that a plastic food container with a lid makes life in the kitchen much easier. Such tools not only contribute to the convenient distribution of individual products in the refrigerator, but also help to organize a full-fledged lunch at work, in an educational institution, eating quality home-made food. Let's figure out how to choose the right plastic food containers with a lid.
Production material
Plastic is a fairly strong, practical and inexpensive basis for the production of food containers. However, such material should not be in contact with aggressive acids. Therefore, a plastic food container with a lid is not recommended for storage of tomatoes, berries, products with a high concentration of vinegar.
Currently, food containers are made from the following types of plastic :
- Polypropylene is a safe, high-strength material that has good elasticity. Products made using this basis are able to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 130 ° C. This is why a food-grade plastic food container with a lid is suitable for heating products in microwave ovens.
- Polyethylene - differs in an insufficiently transparent structure, does not tolerate heating more than 65 about C, is subject to deformations. In some cases, high density polyethylene is used for the manufacture of food containers. However, such products are impressive in weight and distributed at a higher price.
- Polystyrene - according to physical qualities as close as possible to glass. At the same time, it is forbidden to heat the material to temperatures above 70 ° C. For this reason, polystyrene containers are not suitable for storing hot products.
Spaciousness
The quantity of products that can be stored is directly dependent on the volume of the plastic container. Currently, small containers with a capacity of 0.3 to 0.5 liters are in special demand among housewives. However, there are enough options for sale up to 3 liters or more.
The form
The choice of the shape of the food-grade plastic container depends on personal needs and convenience. It is easier for some housewives to pack food in round containers, for others in rectangular containers. Alternatively, you can purchase a specialized plastic food container with a lid for storing sandwiches and sandwiches, a photo of which is presented in this material.
Disposable containers
If it is more convenient for the housewife to throw away the food container rather than burden herself with her regular cleaning, in this case, disposable plastic food containers with a lid will become a real find. Products of this category are mainly made of thin plastic. Materials of a similar plan do not tolerate mechanical influences well enough and quickly deform. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them for storing too hot products or liquid dishes.
Despite the above drawback, any disposable plastic food container with a lid is notable for its low price and low weight. Therefore, in terms of cost savings, this option looks quite profitable.
Useful Tips
Let's look at a few recommendations that will become useful when operating plastic food containers:
- If you plan to use the container for heating products in a microwave oven, you should make sure that there is a special sign on the product’s case confirming this possibility.
- Plastic containers must be washed with an exceptionally soft sponge, since scratched surfaces release toxic substances.
- It is recommended to store food containers in a dry form. Otherwise, over time, an unpleasant odor will come from them.
- Do not place containers in the refrigerator for too long. The condensate formed under the lid is an excellent place for the reproduction of microorganisms.
Finally
When choosing plastic food containers with a lid for household needs, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the quality certificate. Giving preference to a specific option, you need to be sure that the type of plastic used is not only safe for storing dishes at room temperature, but also does not emit toxic substances when frozen or heated.