How to Transition from Plastic to Glass Food Storage with Glasslock: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

Transitioning to glass food storage is straightforward: start by replacing your most-used plastic containers with Glasslock glass options, then build a routine for meal prep, reheating, and cleaning. Focus on sizes that match your daily needs, and don't forget to care for the lids to ensure a long, leak-free life.

If you're tired of stained, warped plastic containers or want to reduce plastic in your kitchen, switching to glass storage is a practical upgrade. Glass doesn't absorb odors or colors, and it's easy to clean. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you can make the switch without waste or frustration.

We'll focus on Glasslock containers because they offer a range of sizes and shapes, and many are oven-safe, adding versatility to your kitchen. You'll learn how to choose the right pieces, how to use them for meal prep, and how to care for them so they last.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Plastic Usage

Before you buy anything, take a quick inventory of your plastic containers. Which ones do you use daily? Which ones are stained or damaged? Which ones do you actually reach for? This tells you which sizes and shapes you need first, so you don't overspend on containers that won't fit your routine.

Common mistake: buying a big set before you know what you'll use. You might end up with too many large containers and not enough small ones. Instead, start with the sizes you use most: a few small ones for leftovers, a couple of medium for lunches, and one large for batch cooking.

Step 2: Choose the Right Glasslock Sizes and Shapes

Glasslock offers several families: mixing bowls, oven-safe squares and rectangles, and handy rectangles. For everyday storage, the oven-safe rectangles are a great all-rounder. The OCRT-090 Glasslock Oven Safe Rectangle 3.5 cups (28 oz.) is a good medium size for single servings or side dishes, while the OCRT-048 Glasslock Oven Safe Rectangle 1.6 cups (12.8 oz.) works for small portions like dips or baby food.

If you often reheat in the oven, choose a container explicitly labeled oven-safe. The OCST-090 Glasslock Oven Safe Square 3.3 cups (26.4 oz.) is a versatile square that fits in most toaster ovens. For larger family meals or meal prep, the MHRB-450 Glasslock Handy Rectangle 19.0 cups (1.9 qt) is a roomy choice, but note it's not for oven use. Check the label before you buy.

Common mistake: assuming all glass containers are oven-safe. Only use containers marked oven-safe, and always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Step 3: Start with a Small Swap, Not a Full Overhaul

You don't need to throw away all your plastic at once. Start by replacing the containers you use most often, like the ones you take to work or use for leftovers. As you use up plastic containers that are no longer in good condition, recycle them if possible and replace with glass.

Checkpoint: After two weeks, notice how many times you reached for a glass container. If you're using them regularly, it's a sign you're ready to expand your glass collection.

Step 4: Use Glasslock for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Glass containers are ideal for meal prep because they're easy to see through, so you can quickly identify what's inside. Use the oven-safe rectangles to portion out meals for the week. When you reheat, you can go straight from fridge to microwave or oven (if oven-safe) without transferring to another dish.

For freezing, glass is freezer-safe, but leave some headroom for food to expand. The MHRB-450 is great for batch soups or stews, but since it's not oven-safe, you'll need to transfer to an oven-safe dish if you want to reheat in the oven. For most microwave reheating, it's fine.

Common mistake: overfilling glass containers before freezing. Liquids expand, so leave at least an inch of space.

Step 5: Care for Your Glasslock Lids

The lids are the most delicate part. To keep them sealing well, avoid extreme temperature changes, like putting a hot lid in cold water. Wash lids by hand with mild soap, and let them air dry. The silicone gaskets can trap odors, so dry them thoroughly.

If a lid becomes worn or cracked, you can order a replacement. Round Lids are available as a separate accessory. Check the model number on the bottom of your container to find the correct size. Note that gaskets are not sold separately, so you'll need to replace the whole lid.

Checkpoint: After a few months, inspect your lids for cracks or stretched gaskets. Replace them promptly to maintain a leak-free seal.

Step 6: Recycle or Repurpose Your Old Plastic

Don't just toss plastic containers in the trash. Check if your local recycling program accepts them. If they're still in good shape, consider repurposing them for non-food uses, like storing craft supplies, hardware, or as plant pots. This reduces waste and gives them a second life.

Common mistake: putting plastic containers in the recycling bin that are dirty or have food residue. Rinse them out first to avoid contaminating the batch.

Your Step-by-Step Transition Plan

1. Audit your plastic: List the containers you use weekly and note their sizes. Identify which ones are stained or damaged. You'll know exactly which glass sizes to buy first.
2. Select your first Glasslock pieces: Choose 2-3 containers that match your most-used sizes. Include at least one oven-safe option if you reheat in the oven. Start small to avoid buying containers you don't need.
3. Swap and use: Replace your most-used plastic containers with glass. Use them for meal prep, leftovers, and lunches. After two weeks, evaluate which sizes you still need.
4. Care for lids: Hand wash lids and dry thoroughly. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Replace worn lids promptly. Well-maintained lids ensure a leak-free seal and longer container life.
5. Recycle or repurpose plastic: Rinse and recycle clean plastic containers, or repurpose them for non-food storage. You'll reduce waste and make the transition more sustainable.

Glasslock Options to Consider

• OCRT-090 Glasslock Oven Safe Rectangle 3.5 cups: 28 oz. capacity, dimensions 7" x 5" x 2-3/4" h This is a versatile mid-size container for single servings, leftovers, or meal prep. Its oven-safe feature means you can reheat in the oven without transferring food.
• OCST-090 Glasslock Oven Safe Square 3.3 cups: 26.4 oz. capacity, dimensions 5-3/4" sq. x 2-3/4" h A square shape saves space in the fridge and is great for stacking. Oven-safe, so it works for baking small casseroles or reheating.
• MHRB-450 Glasslock Handy Rectangle 19.0 cups: 1.9 qt capacity, dimensions 11" x 8-5/8" x 4-3/8" h, not for use in oven This large container is perfect for batch cooking and storing big portions. Just remember it's not oven-safe, so plan to transfer to an oven-safe dish if needed.
• Round Lids: Lid sizes correspond to the model number on the bottom of your container. Gaskets are not sold separately. When a lid wears out, you can replace it to extend the life of your container. Knowing your model number helps you order the right size.

Switching from plastic to glass storage doesn't have to happen overnight. By starting with your most-used sizes, choosing the right Glasslock containers, and caring for them properly, you'll enjoy a more sustainable kitchen that's easier to clean and better for your food. Start with one swap today.