You’ve got a set of glass food storage containers. But which size do you use for what? How do you store soup differently from salad? And when do you use the freezer versus the fridge? A practical guide that helps you every week.
The four sizes and what they’re for
Small (300–500ml) Perfect for: sauces, dressings, cut fruit, nuts, hummus, leftovers from a side dish. Also ideal as a lunchbox component — a container with cherry tomatoes or cucumber next to your sandwich.
Medium (700ml–1L) The kitchen workhorse. Use for: leftover meals, a portion of soup, pasta salad, roasted vegetables. This is the size you’ll use most.
Large (1.2–1.8L) For bigger meals, weekly meal prep, or as a serving dish. A big batch of soup, a lasagna you want to save, or a salad for two.
Rectangular vs. round
Rectangular stacks more efficiently in the fridge — less space wasted. Round is easier to stir and clean. Choose based on your fridge layout.
How should you store different foods?
Soup and stews Always let them cool before closing the lid — otherwise you get condensation and bacterial growth. 4 days in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer. Freeze in portions so you don’t have to reheat everything at once.
Fresh herbs Place a piece of paper towel on the bottom of a small container, add the herbs, lid on. The paper absorbs moisture and keeps the herbs fresh for 5–7 days.
Leftover pasta or rice Add a small amount of water before sealing the container. This prevents it from drying out. Up to 4 days in the fridge.
Sliced avocado Put the pit back in the avocado, drizzle with lemon juice, seal it. Maximum 1–2 days — avocado oxidizes quickly.
Cheese Use a container instead of foil — foil gives it a strange taste. Cheese stays fresher in glass and won’t transfer odors to the rest of the fridge.
Glass in the microwave: what’s allowed and what isn’t?
Borosilicate glass is microwave-safe. But: always remove the lid first — steam needs a way out. And never put an empty glass container in the microwave.
Not all glass containers are oven-safe. Always check the maximum temperature on the packaging. Safecourt containers are oven-safe up to 300°C.
The fridge organization tip
Organize your fridge into zones:
- Top shelf: ready-to-eat meals and leftovers
- Middle shelf: dairy and eggs
- Bottom shelf: raw meat and fish (lowest temperature, least cross-contamination)
- Crisper drawer: keep vegetables and fruit separate (ethylene gas from fruit speeds up the ripening of vegetables)
With glass containers, you can see at a glance what you have — no more forgotten leftovers at the back of the fridge.
View Safecourt’s glass food storage collection →
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