best, good value freezer-to-microwave containers?

cashferret

I am disabled and can do very little food preparation and no washing up (I don't regret the latter!). I'd like some small (0.5L or so) lidded containers so that I can buy supermarket readymeals such as chicken korma etc. that are usually in packs to serve two, and put them into single portions for me to freeze and then microwave later.

I already have plastic containers that are no good because my dishwasher can't handle them. I'd also prefer to avoid plastic because I'm a bit concerned about chemicals transferring into the food.

I was wondering about Pyrex. Looking online, they seem to be both freezer and microwave safe but I'm not sure if that means you can microwave them straight from the freezer (won't they explode?!).

I've noticed disposable aluminium trays with cardboard lids and to my surprise, some I was looking at on Ebay say you should read your microwave's instructions about using foil products. I thought any metal in a microwave was a total no-no (won't my microwave explode?!).

Any ideas, anyone? Any solution would have to be washable in a dishwasher or (regrettably) disposable. I will have to buy quite a few so it would be good not to have to spend much if possible - but I realise I might have to bite the bullet and invest a bit.

Finefoot

I use the disposable foil boxes, but dont reheat them in there. they are really easy to pop the food out from. Plus they stack really well in the freezer.

Vaila

pondland has a great range

zollarsmeece

One of the great things about food is their versatility. Many can go from fridge to microwave to freezer to dishwasher. It is best to only employ those that have been tested and approved for these uses. Thanks for sharing..

Glassofvenice.com

WishI'dReadSooner

??? for above content - prospective spammer alert!

I found this article on pyrex BUT note that the problems have ONLY been in the US - seems we have a differently made Pyrex here - BUT make sure it is GENUINE pyrex & it should be OK. I'd be safe & put on defrost first rather than heating straight from freezer.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/pyrex.html

Have you considered those thinnish cardboard type containers that some foods are packed in? Have NO idea where you can get them from but I'm sure someone will be along who does soon.

Found these bamboo food containers http://www.thefind.co.uk/search?query=bamboo+food+container if you want something biodegradeable

Or try this link for durable food containers http://www.thefind.co.uk/pets/info-durable-food-container#page=2

jenniewb

I'd second the pyrex, I use these, they are glass containers so are totally microwave and dish washer safe.

Tesco and some pound stores sell plastic versions, they say they are microwave safe but I'm a little wary of these, plastic with BPA has links to cancer, infact its even banned from babies bottles. I would chose glass over plastic even if it does cost more.

cashferret

Thanks, all (and amazing research, WishI'd!) - I like the idea of using tinfoil trays (or bamboo ones!) to store the food in the freezer and then popping the food out into a small casserole dish to go in the microwave (Pyrex is scaring me a bit now!).

Thanks very much indeed for the advice - it's really a struggle for me to prepare food and every clever way of making things easier is a huge help!

compmad1

Poundland do 10 containers for £1 so 10p each. Clear containers with lids. You can store in fridge , freeze in them and microwave as well. I think they're very good. They stack so they don't take up too much space. I use them a lot.

Daisymaisy

Hi,

Are you anywhere near a See Woo or other oriental cash and carry outlet? Although they style themselves as a cash and carry they are open to everyone not just trade customers. They sell the microwave safe plastic take away boxes in bulk (boxes of 500 and lids)and they work out very cheaply. From memory I think they were about £18 for 500 which I'm sure works out cheaper than the pound shops. Storage might be an issue but the box is about the size of box of 12 bottles of wine so not huge. They have various sizes and they go in my dishwasher with no problems. I am a committed freezer user and these containers are great as they stack neatly and can, at the end of their long lives, be recycled. Food can go straight from the freezer to the microwave and I find that once defrosted all that you need to do is lift open a corner and this allows steam to escape but as the rest of the lid is firmly attached it stops the contents spluttering all over the microwave. One last tip is put the container on a plate in the microwave it is easier to remove once it is hot .

cashferret

I found some good aluminium freezer containers with cardboard lids on Ebay and particularly like them because they are small enough for single portions. They are here. The same supplier also sells them in larger quantities. They work out at about 10p each (incl. p&p) and stacked together, take up amazingly little space. I'm very pleased with them and the fact that they get delivered to my door is a great help, given that I can't get about! :j

Lolly99

Hi there i sort of have the same problem, and like to keep a stock of meals for one in the freezer. I dont know about dishwashers but i always keep those little plastic takeaway containers and family save them for me but i realise ur aversion to plastic so thats not helpful. When i put them in the microwave i just pop the lid slighty. Yea i wouldnt recommend putting any foil in any microwave. ww.lakeland.co.uk They do some fantastic tubs that are diswasher and microwave safe (as long as again u pop the lid and rest it on top) plus they also do the pyrex dishes too. Bit expensive but u prolly will get ur moneys worth out of the things u buy. Hoped that helped.

Oh ive also been looking for u and silicone is apparently very environmentally friendly, dishwasher safe, microwave safe the lot but i cant find any tubs with lids? Im sure there are things like that out there.