Microwave-able Containers

[Bobonli]

I need some containers that will be (a) safe in a rando bag or pannier and (b) can be put into a microwave to heat my lunch at work.

I've been using various generic/store-brand plastic containers from the Container Store labeled for microwave use. I'm finding that they are good for about 6 months before they become disfigured (lids don't seal tightly) or just crack along an edge. I put them in the dish washer--again they are labeled as dish washer safe--so maybe I'm contributing to their demise by exposing them to the wash and dry cycle.

I've avoided glass, thinking that one big jolt on the ride might cause it to shatter in the bag. Should I reconsider this?

Please recommend something that will last more than 6 months and not infuse a bunch of chemicals into me when I reheat it at work.

Thanks

[dashDustin]

I used this stuff called Sistema when I was commuting. Never let me down. it's lasted since around before Christmas 2013. I got it at Tom Thumb/ Randall's (grocery store). Can also be had on Amazon, I think.

[Bobonli]

That's coincidental, Dustin. I have a few of those and they hold up better than most. The brick and mortar shops only carry tiny containers; I'm looking for something that can carry an entire entree. Didn't think to check Amazon

[crumpton]

or match the nutritional quality of what you get from microwaved food and just step outside and eat a fist full of dirt on your lunch break.

[steve garro]

A Bell or Mason jar in a ziplock was always my go-to.

We also like the series of screw-top containers from Nalgene - check their site, tons of gems, but if I'm going to nuke something I'd prefer glass.

But, look at these wide-mouth storage units, I just love them for travel:

Storage


- Garro.

[Bobonli]

Alright, maybe I need to re-examine my relationship with glass, since re-heating is the mission

Nick: I'm re-heating home made food, not processed heat 'n serve meals. As much as I'd like to cook from scratch at work, I work in an office where anything with a heating coil is prohibited by fire code. It's either re-heat with the 'wave or go to the crappy coffee shop.

[steve garro]

Alright, maybe I need to re-examine my relationship with glass, since re-heating is the mission

Nick: I'm re-heating home made food, not processed heat 'n serve meals. As much as I'd like to cook from scratch at work, I work in an office where anything with a heating coil is prohibited by fire code. It's either re-heat with the 'wave or go to the crappy coffee shop.

Cold foods?

Hummus
Tabouli
Salads

You get it.

- Garro.

[steve garro]

Upon washing dishes I remembered (by washing it) that this is my wife's favorite new to-go container, she does just what you do - the lid is super tight, and I have dropped it & it bounced in tile:

Pyrex® Simply Store® 3-cup Rectangular Dish w/ Red Plastic Cover - Pyrex

- Garro.

[crumpton]

i hope i want to harsh but the studies are far too conflicting on the issue. i've taken a better safe than sorry as i cannot do my own study approach.

when i did brown bag to the office, i ate cold or room temp.

read some studies, not just american. it is interesting.

Alright, maybe I need to re-examine my relationship with glass, since re-heating is the mission

Nick: I'm re-heating home made food, not processed heat 'n serve meals. As much as I'd like to cook from scratch at work, I work in an office where anything with a heating coil is prohibited by fire code. It's either re-heat with the 'wave or go to the crappy coffee shop.

[miwuksurfer]

All plastic in our kitchen has been replaced with steel or Pyrex.

Pyrex | Official Site | Bakeware | Cookware | Mix, Measure & Prep

[Mark Kelly]

Second the Sistema boxes, they're polypropylene so the only additives of concern are the hindered phenol antioxidants used in processing.

Microwaves heat food, heating food can remove certain nutrients which are heat labile or which leach into the cooking medium. No credible study has shown that microwaves do any damage other than heating. They're not magic, they're just big radios.

The heat thing is also often overstated: I used to measure the Vitamin C (used as an antioxidant) in beer before and after pasteurising and if it was in spec before it would still be in spec after. Spec was 25ppm IIRC.

[crumpton]

No credible study has shown that microwaves do any damage other than heating. They're not magic, they're just big radios.

keep reading. our own FDA would disagree. one mans "credible" is anothers implausible.

[Mark Kelly]

I can't find the FDA source to which you are referring: there's nothing on this page: www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts