Glass vs Stainless Steel Food Containers
Both are durable, reusable alternatives to plastic, with different strengths.
Glass
Glass reheats in the microwave and oven, does not stain or hold odours, and lets you see what is inside. It is the best pick for meal prep you reheat. The downsides are weight and the risk of shattering if dropped.
Stainless steel
Stainless is light, virtually unbreakable and ideal for lunchboxes, kids and the outdoors. It does not stain and lasts for years. But it cannot go in the microwave, and you cannot see the contents.
Which to choose
Choose glass for reheating meals and home storage where visibility matters. Choose stainless for packed lunches, travel and anywhere breakage is a risk. Some kitchens use glass at home and stainless on the go.
Frequently asked questions
Can you microwave stainless steel containers?
No. Metal cannot go in the microwave. If you reheat food in its container, choose glass, which is microwave and usually oven safe.
Is glass or stainless steel more durable?
Stainless steel is harder to damage, since it will not shatter, though it can dent. Glass lasts indefinitely if not dropped, but breaks on hard impacts.