Freezer containers (merged threads)

Morganarla

Hey all!

Sorry if this is answered elsewhere, have done a quick search but couldn't find anything...

In short, I want a stock of homemade, freezer ready meals that can be bunged in the microwave when Dan and I are working and have no time/energy to cook. Thinking of making cottage pies lasagnes, chicken and veggie pies, etc etc.

My main question is - what do I put them in that they can go straight from the freezer to the microwave? Thought of those metal disposable things that takeaways come in but that won't work for the microwave. Cheapy plastic tubs? But they tend to say reheating purposes only, whereas these meals will probably need at least 15-20mins...

Any ideas?

Nargleblast

I usually put portions of leftover shepherds pie, curry etc into the foil freezer trays then when I take it out of the freezer take the frozen block of food out of the tray and put it into a casserole dish or something like that to reheat.

camelot1001

If you line a baking dish/pyrex/microwave dish with cling film before you put your meal in it and then freeze you can then remove the cling filmed meal from the container once frozen. When you come to re-heat meal you can remove the cling film and put it in the original container to warm up.

This sounds a bit confusing on reading back but I hope you get the gist!!

meritaten

I used to use foil containers for MILs meals - they are fine for reheating in the oven. I also found that defrosting frozen meals in the microwave and then nuking them took quite a bit of time - almost as long as just bunging them in the oven. I found the best method was to take them out the night before and let them defrost in the fridge, turn them out on a plate and then 'Ding' them. The foil containers also stack very neatly in the freezer and you can write on the cardboard lids with contents and date.

CH27

Nargleblast wrote: »

I usually put portions of leftover shepherds pie, curry etc into the foil freezer trays then when I take it out of the freezer take the frozen block of food out of the tray and put it into a casserole dish or something like that to reheat.

I do this too:)

MaggieBaking

Lock & Lock boxes are FAB - you can dishwasher, freeze, microwave them and they don't warp like some cheaper versions do after time.

If you get them from Lakeland you'll have a lifetime guarantee. http://www.lakeland.co.uk/search/ks_lock-lock/q02.r16.1?src=gabrs

But they're sold in lots of places so you can search out the best price if you want.

bigchef37

Hi, I am a chef and because I work shifts, I also do this. I have access to Makro where you can buy plastic takeaway containers cheaply. They are fine for microwaving - we use them at work and they can be reused time and time again. Maybe you have a Makro or other cash n carry near you or know someone who could shop there for you. If not you can look on Amazon or ebay. I searched Amazon and found 100 takeaway containers for £11.00 (sorry cant post link yet). Hope this helps.

Penelope_Penguin

Is there anythign here? I'll merge this later to keep ideas together

[Deleted User]

I use brown earthenware dishes or pyrex glass that I have bought at bootfairs over the years I have about a dozen or so of them.I don't think one of them has cost me more than 20p and they are invaluble.failing that those plastic reusable boxes that come from takeaway shops .My DDs always give them to me as they know I am always using them for the freezer or even to store stuff in the fridge grated cheese, carrots ect.I bought some Lakeland soup bags last year about £4 for 8 and they are brilliant for HM soup or casseroles as once the food is cold you can store easily in the freezer once sealed and they don't leak.

jamsandwhich

I use to use the takeaway cartons but they can be brittle straight from the freezer, have had to pick bits of shattered plastic off food more than a couple of times so I moved onto the Lock n Lock containers which someone else mentioned - these are really good and last years.

I also use these from Ikea http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70128585
Not the cheapest but I have six of these and they are a good shape so easy to stack in the drawer and have already done us four years and still going strong.