This review delves into the Snapware glass container system, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses for everyday use, particularly for packing and microwaving lunches. The author, a long-time advocate for glass food storage to avoid plastic leaching, shares their journey from problematic Ikea containers to standard Pyrex, ultimately settling on Snapware. The review highlights the significant advantages of Snapware's integrated silicone seal, praising its leakproof design and ease of cleaning compared to previous experiences. This seemingly ideal solution, however, presents a critical flaw that necessitates careful consideration.The core of the review centers on a crucial drawback: the Snapware lids' sensitivity to prolonged exposure to high heat. This unexpected vulnerability compromises the container's leakproof functionality, a critical feature for its intended purpose. The author recounts instances where leaving heated food in the containers caused lid warping, rendering the seals ineffective. This detailed analysis provides a balanced perspective, weighing the substantial benefits against this significant limitation, offering practical advice for mitigating the heat-related issue.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Spill-proof
- Lid doesn't require removal for cleaning
- Lids can be damaged by prolonged exposure to heat (more than 30 seconds)
Read more: Cambro Food Transport Containers: A Caterer's Review of Two Models
My Experience with Glass Food Containers
For years, I've prioritized glass food containers for packing lunches, especially when needing to microwave them at work. The avoidance of potential chemical leaching from plastics is a key reason for my preference.
Initially, I used a set from Ikea that boasted liquid-proof seals. However, the silicone seals on the lids proved problematic; they frequently developed mold, requiring tedious cleaning and replacement.
The Snapware Alternative
After the Ikea experience, I switched to standard Pyrex containers, sacrificing leakproofness for ease of cleaning. Then, my husband purchased a Snapware set, which initially made me hesitant due to past experiences with similar designs.
Much to my surprise, the Snapware containers proved different. The silicone seal is integrated and doesn't get moldy easily, significantly improving usability and cleaning convenience. They are also genuinely leakproof for transporting liquids.
The Unexpected Downside: Heat Sensitivity
My initial enthusiasm for the Snapware containers was tempered by a recent discovery: prolonged exposure to high heat can warp the lids. This happened after leaving my heated lunch in the container for 10-15 minutes.
The lids, despite being seemingly well-made, become distorted under sustained heat. The seals fail, compromising the leakproof design. This issue has occurred multiple times, once for my husband and then myself.
Final Verdict: Great, but with a Crucial Note
Despite this significant drawback, the Snapware glass containers remain very useful and are a vast improvement over my previous experiences with similar products. The ease of cleaning and the reliable leak-proof seal (when used correctly) are major benefits.
However, the heat sensitivity of the lids is a dealbreaker. It's essential to remove the lids immediately after microwaving or significantly reduce the duration of contact with hot food to avoid damaging the seals.
Overall, the Snapware containers offer a solid improvement in convenience over other options. If users are cautious about heat exposure, then these containers offer a great balance of functionality and ease of use.