‘The perfect food storage finally exists’: I tried the new Anydeli plastic-free containers | Life and style
You know those round deli containers people love to keep after getting takeout pho? Recently, I’ve been using some new food storage containers in the same shape that stack the same convenient way. But that’s where the similarities end.
The Anydeli plastic-free silicone containers were just released by Anyday, the maker of my favorite glass food storage system. (I raved about those previously.) After testing a set at home for a few weeks, I have no notes. Well, I have notes, but they’re all very positive, because the containers are endlessly versatile, lightweight and durable enough to send in my kids’ lunchboxes without worry. They’re also cute.
I spent the last four years reviewing kitchen gear for Bon Appétit and Epicurious, and though I tried, I never found a storage container that was as multifunctional or kid friendly as these. The perfect non-toxic food storage container does exist. Finally.
At a glance
What makes Anyday’s containers different?
The brand describes its flagship glass containers as “cookware and food storage” because they’re good to go in a microwave, oven and air fryer. What sets Anyday apart from similar products: a clever, heat-safe lid with a silicone tab that can be vented for shockingly good microwaved food.
Anyday
2-Cup Glass Round Dish
$40
I found the whole concept a little gimmicky until I actually tried it last year. I was so impressed with the texture of its reheated leftovers and steamed veggies that my mishmash of other containers went into the donate pile.
Perhaps most appealing was the fact that I could store and cook in the same vessel, then put all the parts into the dishwasher when I was done. When my kids wanted to be able to microwave their school lunches, I even sent the containers to school with them, though I knew sending glass to school was risky business.
Now, I’m considering donating those glass containers, too, because the new silicone Anydeli editions do more, weigh less and I never have to worry they’ll shatter. They also happen to look really nice stacked in the fridge.
So, they’re non-toxic?
Yes. Anydeli containers are made of a premium food-grade silicone called platinum silicone – a flexible, durable alternative to plastic that’s safe to use in the oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer. It’s the same material used for the popular Stasher reusable food storage bags. And it’s recyclable, too.
Anydeli Silicone Mixed Set of 6 (Full Set)
Anyday
Anydeli Silicone Mixed (full set)
$102
Anyday
Anydeli Silicone Mixed (full set)
$102
Currently, they come in three sizes (1 cup, 2 cups and 4 cups) and four semi-transparent colors (green, blue, purple and the classic white).
Can you cook and reheat food in them?
The lids are vented for cooking and reheating in the microwave, and the containers are oven safe up to 232.2C (450F). That’s not quite as heat tolerant as the glass versions, which can handle air-fryer temps as high as 260C (500F). If I had to find one not-so-positive thing to say about Anydeli, I guess it would be that the silicone isn’t indicated for use in an air fryer. But it’s also rarely too hot to handle after a minute or two in the microwave.
I’ve mostly used them for packing kids’ lunches, storing and reheating leftovers and steaming frozen broccoli for dinner. I’ve never felt comfortable steaming anything in a plastic bag in the microwave (not even when that’s what the bag was made for), but I transferred a serving of frozen broccoli to my 2-cup Anydeli container, vented the lid, and microwaved it in two 90-second sessions. It came out evenly steamed and not too soft.
I also made a batch of practically perfect microwave popcorn in the 4-cup size using Anyday’s recipe: two tablespoons of kernels in the 4-cup container with the lid vented for two to three minutes. After it popped, I added a little butter and salt, replaced the lid and gave it a good shake. Super easy!
Can you prep food in them?
An added feature that makes Anydeli a meal-prep MVP: measurement indicators, marked in quarter-cup increments up the side of each container.
Admittedly, I’m not much of a meal planner, but this has come in super handy for mixing up salad dressings. I can measure, mix and store in the same vessel, and because the lid doesn’t leak, I can vigorously shake my leftover vinaigrettes without getting oil stains on my shirt.
Anyday
Anydeli Silicone 2-Cup Multipack
$46
Though it’s made of silicone, the container has structure, thanks to a stainless steel ring fully embedded in its upper rim. I love that I can pop the lid on without smashing the base and spilling soup all over the counter, and it fits snugly enough to create a truly leak-proof seal. And unlike so many other leak-proof containers I’ve tested, the lid is easy to get on and off, even for my kindergartener.
At the same time, the silicone has enough give that if I accidentally overstuff a container, it won’t explode in the freezer.
Are they dishwasher-safe?
Yes. Like nearly everything I bring into my kitchen, all of the parts are dishwasher-safe. (I toss the vent plug into my silverware basket so it doesn’t fall through the rack.)
If you’d like to streamline your food storage and cut back on dirty dishes while you’re at it, the Anydeli containers are absolutely worth the investment – and far superior to anything you’ll find at a restaurant supply store.
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The Filter US recommends safe, sustainable and plastic-free products that are better for you and the environment. Have a recommendation – or disagree with our review? Email thefilter.us@theguardian.com
