Food storage for every situation: which container do you use for what?

You have 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, sliced fruit, nuts, hummus, leftovers from a side dish. Also ideal as a lunchbox component — a container of cherry tomatoes or cucumber alongside your sandwich.

Medium (700ml–1L) The kitchen workhorse. Use for: leftover meals, one portion of soup, pasta salad, roasted vegetables. This is the size you’ll use most.

Large (1.2–1.8L) For larger meals, weekly meal prep, or as a serving dish. A big batch of soup, a lasagna you want to store, or a salad for two people.

Rectangular vs. round

Rectangular stacks more efficiently in the fridge — less wasted space. Round is easier to stir and clean. Choose based on your fridge layout.

How should you store each food?

Soup and stews Always let cool before closing the lid — otherwise condensation and bacterial growth. In the fridge 4 days, in the freezer 3 months. Freeze in portions so you don’t have to reheat everything at once.

Fresh herbs Place a piece of kitchen paper 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 you close 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. Max 1–2 days — avocado oxidizes quickly.

Cheese Use a container instead of foil — foil can give an odd taste. Cheese in glass stays fresher 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 an escape route. And don’t 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

Divide 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 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 →