Dry Storage Containers for the Kitchen

[Crimson_Phoenix]

I'm looking into expanding my dry food storage. I found Winco sells the 2 and 4 quart screw top containers that are great for rice, beans, and pasta, I'm having trouble finding the Tupperware like burping lid style containers to store flour and masa in. I finally got a tortilla press and found a neighbor dumped a breadmaker by the dumpster earlier this year. The breadmaker needs a tub and dough hook, but otherwise it's ready to go. I'm looking to store 2-4lb bags of flour or masa in an airtight container with space enough for a small scoop inside. Any recommendations for suitable containers (and bread mix) would be appreciated.

[Moab]

I posted a long thread on storing 2lbs of coffee beans. I wanted to keep my open 2lb bags of coffee beans wet and oily for as long as possible before I used up the bag. 

Many people contributed to the thread.

There are some expensive options. Many options that are affordable but smaller. But once you hit a larger volume it becomes expensive to find truly air tight containers. 

Sealed mylar bags and 5 gallon or 3 gallon buckets are an option. Not expensive. But mylar bags aren't quickly or easily resealed. They can be - you just need an iron. And to reseal it everytime you open the bag.

I bought two Tupperware type containers that hold probably 3 to 4lbs of coffee beans. But the seal and clasps sucked. Not to expensive. But I haven't found ones with good tight clasps. And they weren't airtight at all. Even though advertised as such.

What I ended up using was a new 50cal ammo can. It was aftermarket. But was well made and included a real rubber seal. But as new it hadn't sat filled with gun oil residue or ammo smell. But it still smelled of the black rubber seal and maybe paint? I didn't attempt to remove the oder. And I don't know that it was strong enough to permeate food stuffs. And it may be possible to remove any smell. But I have sealed my open (mylar) bags of coffee beans in an ammo can. I roll the bag up and put a clip on it each time I use it.

It has not kept the beans oily. But they are still shiny and not dried out at all. Nor has the smell in the can gotten into the beans. And I actually don't smell the ammo can anymore. So you may remedy any smell simply by leaving them open for a time. And maybe by washing them out. 

There was a sale last winter on new ammo cans for $6. So price was minimal. Not sure what the best price is now.

But that is one option. 

There used to be a video in YT of a guy that sank ammo cans of ammo deep in his pond attached to ropes. He left them there for a year. The USGI ones kept the ammo dry and like new. The aftermarket plastic ones did not. But that may have been from the pressure underwater. Plastic ammo cans do have a seal. But are quite a bit cheaper. I went with the metal USGI version. Because I had a few new ones. And I knew those were actually very airtight.

But you might consider either plastic or metal ammo cans. As long as they clasp tightly. And they must have the actual rubber seal.

[Lambykins]

I'm looking into expanding my dry food storage. I found Winco sells the 2 and 4 quart screw top containers that are great for rice, beans, and pasta, I'm having trouble finding the Tupperware like burping lid style containers to store flour and masa in. I finally got a tortilla press and found a neighbor dumped a breadmaker by the dumpster earlier this year. The breadmaker needs a tub and dough hook, but otherwise it's ready to go. I'm looking to store 2-4lb bags of flour or masa in an airtight container with space enough for a small scoop inside. Any recommendations for suitable containers (and bread mix) would be appreciated.

I use canning jars. Simple, airtight and available in many sizes.

[Moab]

These are the ones I bought. They have over 11,000 reviews and 4.6 stars. So they are working for some people. I bought two for $11. $20 now. I found the clasps loose. But maybe there is a way to improve the seal. Saran wrap?

Large Food Storage Containers with Lids Airtight 6.5L / 5.9 quart, for Flour, Sugar, Baking Supply and Dry Food Storage, PANTRYSTAR 2PCS BPA Free Plastic Canisters for Kitchen Pantry Organization https://a.co/d/dWlwybc

Some other ideas. And resealable ziplock mylar bags. 5 gal, 3gal or 1 gal for storing multiple things in one 3 or 5 gal gamma seal bucket:

ePackageSupply, 3.5 Gallon Black Bucket with Black Gamma Screw on Lid (Pack of 1), Food Grade Storage, Premium HPDE Plastic, BPA Free, Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail, Made in USA https://a.co/d/gGASC6m

Something about this new o ring better. Dint recall exactly.

Upgraded Gamma Seal Gamma2 O-Ring Gasket fits 12" Bucket Lid 3.5, 5, 6, & 7 Gallons (Pack of 2) https://a.co/d/ezpkcEf

5 Gallon Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid, Food Grade Storage, Premium HPDE Plastic, BPA Free, Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail, Made in USA https://a.co/d/72JrqVX

Limited-time deal: 10pcs 5 Gallon Mylar Bags for Food Storage - 10 Mil Thick - Mylar Bags 5 Gallon with Oxygen Absorbers 2500cc - Zipper Resealable Mylar Bags - Bolsas Mylar 5 Galones https://a.co/d/89XG49B

50pcs 1 Gallon Mylar Bags for Food Storage, 10 Mil 10"x14" Stand-Up Zipper Pouches Resealable and Heat Sealable Bags for Long Term Food Storage(10"x14", Extra Thick) https://a.co/d/cZ3toKK

[Crimson_Phoenix]

All good options for long term bulk storage. However, I'm looking for something small enough to fit in my pantry or countertop and be opened and closed relatively often as I spoon out and measure ingredients, then put away between uses. I don't really need to exceed the 2-4 lb capacity for this use. That said, I have considered getting one or two of the Vittles Vault petfood containers and putting unopened bags of dry beans, pasta, rice, flour, etc. in for longer term storage along with some oxygen absorbers and keep them at the bottom of my pantry shelf, along with the jugs of water.

[Moab]

All good options for long term bulk storage. However, I'm looking for something small enough to fit in my pantry or countertop and be opened and closed relatively often as I spoon out and measure ingredients, then put away between uses. I don't really need to exceed the 2-4 lb capacity for this use. That said, I have considered getting one or two of the Vittles Vault petfood containers and putting unopened bags of dry beans, pasta, rice, flour, etc. in for longer term storage along with some oxygen absorbers and keep them at the bottom of my pantry shelf, along with the jugs of water.

There are lots of options in that size and category on Amazon. Just depends on how air tight you want it. Take "air tight" with a grain of salt. 

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

All good options for long term bulk storage. However, I'm looking for something small enough to fit in my pantry or countertop and be opened and closed relatively often as I spoon out and measure ingredients, then put away between uses. I don't really need to exceed the 2-4 lb capacity for this use. That said, I have considered getting one or two of the Vittles Vault petfood containers and putting unopened bags of dry beans, pasta, rice, flour, etc. in for longer term storage along with some oxygen absorbers and keep them at the bottom of my pantry shelf, along with the jugs of water.

There are lots of options in that size and category on Amazon. Just depends on how air tight you want it. Take "air tight" with a grain of salt.

If I had the money and the energy to do so, I'd buy a bunch of those "air tight" containers from Amazon and test them to see just how "air tight" they actually were.

[hazel]

I would recommend you to Shazo dry food storage containers, Featuring 9 containers, each with a generous 0.9 liter capacity. This amazingly designed collection simplifies organization by providing uniformly sized containers, ensuring a seamless and efficient storage experience.

[Moab]

I don't know if I mentioned this above. But for a 2lb bag of coffee beans (I don't like grinding until I'm ready to make coffee) a 50 cal ammo can works really well. I bought new ones. Rinsed them out. And keep them up on top of my fridge. Obviously not a fashion choice you'd want out on your counters. Lol. 

But they are for sure COMPLETELY air tight. Works really well for bulk items. Most all of the "air tight" containers are much smaller than this. And I did not find a large one that was actually airtight. 

I also use 5 gal buckets for things like dog and cat food. Or really large bulk items. Rice or dried beans etc seem to me to be better off in the 5 gallon buckets than the paper or plastic bags they come in. The quick release lids work well. But I have contemplated using PVC insulation tape around the seal. I don't know if the proper heavy snap kids are airtight. But they are a pain to open. 

[echo83]

These are the ones I bought. They have over 11,000 reviews and 4.6 stars. So they are working for some people. I bought two for $11. $20 now. I found the clasps loose. But maybe there is a way to improve the seal. Saran wrap?

Large Food Storage Containers with Lids Airtight 6.5L / 5.9 quart, for Flour, Sugar, Baking Supply and Dry Food Storage, PANTRYSTAR 2PCS BPA Free Plastic Canisters for Kitchen Pantry Organization https://a.co/d/dWlwybc

Some other ideas. And resealable ziplock mylar bags. 5 gal, 3gal or 1 gal for storing multiple things in one 3 or 5 gal gamma seal bucket:

ePackageSupply, 3.5 Gallon Black Bucket with Black Gamma Screw on Lid (Pack of 1), Food Grade Storage, Premium HPDE Plastic, BPA Free, Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail, Made in USA https://a.co/d/gGASC6m

Something about this new o ring better. Dint recall exactly.

Upgraded Gamma Seal Gamma2 O-Ring Gasket fits 12" Bucket Lid 3.5, 5, 6, & 7 Gallons (Pack of 2) https://a.co/d/ezpkcEf

5 Gallon Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid, Food Grade Storage, Premium HPDE Plastic, BPA Free, Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail, Made in USA https://a.co/d/72JrqVX

Limited-time deal: 10pcs 5 Gallon Mylar Bags for Food Storage - 10 Mil Thick - Mylar Bags 5 Gallon with Oxygen Absorbers 2500cc - Zipper Resealable Mylar Bags - Bolsas Mylar 5 Galones https://a.co/d/89XG49B

50pcs 1 Gallon Mylar Bags for Food Storage, 10 Mil 10"x14" Stand-Up Zipper Pouches Resealable and Heat Sealable Bags for Long Term Food Storage(10"x14", Extra Thick) https://a.co/d/cZ3toKK

Dusting off this thread for a few questions, because I'm considering this bucket: 5 Gallon Bucket with Gamma Seal Screw on Airtight Lid, Food Grade Storage, Premium HPDE Plastic, BPA Free, Durable 90 Mil All Purpose Pail, Made in USA https://a.co/d/72JrqVX

1.) I'm looking to store 20-25 pounds of rice in one of them. Do you recommend oxygen absorbers? If so, is there a type you like?

2.) Were you able to screw on the lid, or does it require any special attention? (A few reviewers talk about the difficulty seating the lid properly.)

[Moab]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out. 

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

[echo83]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out.

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

Yeah, I'd like to go the mylar route, but I'm not there just yet. What I'm looking for is a bucket in the basement I can open every 2 weeks or so to refill a small OXO brand container we keep in the kitchen, which holds about 1 pound of rice.  

[Moab]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out.

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

Yeah, I'd like to go the mylar route, but I'm not there just yet. What I'm looking for is a bucket in the basement I can open every 2 weeks or so to refill a small OXO brand container we keep in the kitchen, which holds about 1 pound of rice. 

That would work for that for sure.

[Anianna]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out.

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

Yeah, I'd like to go the mylar route, but I'm not there just yet. What I'm looking for is a bucket in the basement I can open every 2 weeks or so to refill a small OXO brand container we keep in the kitchen, which holds about 1 pound of rice. 

I like these desiccant packs for bulk food storage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082RJ1NJ1

They're food safe and rechargeable.  The silica beads change color when they need a recharge and you just pop the packs in the oven or a cheap dehydrator to dry them back out. 

[Moab]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out.

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

Yeah, I'd like to go the mylar route, but I'm not there just yet. What I'm looking for is a bucket in the basement I can open every 2 weeks or so to refill a small OXO brand container we keep in the kitchen, which holds about 1 pound of rice. 

I like these desiccant packs for bulk food storage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082RJ1NJ1

They're food safe and rechargeable.  The silica beads change color when they need a recharge and you just pop the packs in the oven or a cheap dehydrator to dry them back out. 

Nice size too. Do you know how many years I collected diseccant from medicine? Lmao! I had like a bag of over a hundred of those saved up. What a waste of time. These are awesome. Thanks for posting.

[MacWa77ace]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out.

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

Yeah, I'd like to go the mylar route, but I'm not there just yet. What I'm looking for is a bucket in the basement I can open every 2 weeks or so to refill a small OXO brand container we keep in the kitchen, which holds about 1 pound of rice. 

If you're just going to dump the rice loose into that round 5 gal bucket with a gamma seal screw on lid, to store for two weeks or so, I would NOT use oxygen absorbers. They can create a vacuum that makes it very hard to open the lid.

If you're going to eventually do long term storage of rice or other dry grains, etc, then I'd get the rectangular buckets and seal the rice in serving size mylar bags with the o2 absorbers. Make the bags into 'book' shapes to fit the rectangular bucket. This technique doesn't work in round buckets. Then you can put desiccants in the buckets if you want and open them to take out a serving. This is not very efficient for volume of storage but it works if you don't want to 'expose' and entire bucket of food when you may only need a few days worth. [serving size]

[eugenenine]

Just got rid of the last of our tupperware containers because they all stuck like plastic inside. Been switching over to glass as much as possible

[Anianna]

Most use rice filled, sealed mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Inside of the bucket. For long term storage. But this sounds like you want to access the rice when you want to cook it?

Then that type is good. The thinner easy off lids may be easier to take off and on. Just cause the screw on ones take a little more time to open. But its marginal. Either are fine. With the seal or some other foam type seal they will keep most of the moisture out.

I use 5 gallon ones with the easy off thin lids for dog and cat food daily. Without them the food gets dried out. We're talking kibble.

Yeah, I'd like to go the mylar route, but I'm not there just yet. What I'm looking for is a bucket in the basement I can open every 2 weeks or so to refill a small OXO brand container we keep in the kitchen, which holds about 1 pound of rice. 

I like these desiccant packs for bulk food storage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082RJ1NJ1

They're food safe and rechargeable.  The silica beads change color when they need a recharge and you just pop the packs in the oven or a cheap dehydrator to dry them back out. 

Nice size too. Do you know how many years I collected diseccant from medicine? Lmao! I had like a bag of over a hundred of those saved up. What a waste of time. These are awesome. Thanks for posting.

I still save the stupid little medicine ones, too.  I have bottles in drawers full of them.  I guess I keep them because it gets so humid in the house in the summer that it makes me anxious.