Reusable Freezer Storage

SeaVixen

Hi all!

Does anyone have suggestions for reusable freezer storage? I've only ever put things in freezer bags, but am thinking I'd like to cut out the plastic waste and unnecessary expense.

My immediate thought is tupperware - is there anything I need to be aware of? How does glass compare to plastic?

Thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated

Pollycat

I have a large stash of those plastic Indian/Chinese takeaway containers that are perfect.
Personally, to save space, I portion out, freeze then pop them out of the containers and put into freezer bags - carefully labelled and dated, which won't address your waste issue but I really don't seem to use that many bags.

VfM4meplse

Unless you opt for glass such as Pyrex (not lightweight), I'm not sure there is any getting away from plastics for wet foods. The take-away type ones are ideal because they tessellate, so don't waste space. What you can do is look after your containers, as plastics - particularly thin ones - become more fragile when exposed to freezing temperatures.

The other option is of course aluminium and card trays, but you can only use these once. Which is more environmentally friendly over time? :think:

getmore4less

Our aluminium ones go through the dishwasher, they are handy as also oven proof.
They get holes quite quickly.

You can buy the plastic takeaway ones very cheap they last a long time.
the lids break first.

Good because they stack, come in different sizes and dishwasher takes them.
You can get twin compartment for say a curry and rice meal.

Got mine from a Chinese hypermarket.
Eg. https://www.wingyip.com/wings-brand-microwaveable-food-container-and-lid-w6a-150-set.html

We also clean and save any we get with bought food to reuse, no lids but handy to shape a bag or cling film wrapped things like a steak.

SeaVixen

Thanks for your contributions, all!

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Unless you opt for glass such as Pyrex (not lightweight), I'm not sure there is any getting away from plastics for wet foods. The take-away type ones are ideal because they tessellate, so don't waste space. What you can do is look after your containers, as plastics - particularly thin ones - become more fragile when exposed to freezing temperatures.

The other option is of course aluminium and card trays, but you can only use these once. Which is more environmentally friendly over time? :think:

Do you have any tips for looking after the plastic?
Just found this freezing guide on the tupperware website, but it covers more the food/recipe side than care of the products.

http://tupperware.ipapercms.dk/Tupperware/SouthAfrica/2017/tw-freezer-guide/?page=1

I think aluminium and cardboard containers are recyclable in most local authorities, so wouldn't be a waste issue. I'm not sure on the energy taken to make them though...

I've been thinking of using pyrex ones for things like curries, so that I can heat them up in the same dish without getting the red stains on the plastic. However, you're right, they're heavy and take up more space than is strictly necessary.

Looks like reusable plastic is currently the winner!

Pollycat

SeaVixen wrote: »

Looks like reusable plastic is currently the winner!

I have some "semi-disposable" plastic-y dishes that I bought (from Boots) to use in the microwave when we first bought one - about 35 years ago.

I still use these for double portions of mashed potato and stick them in the freezer.

So don't lecture me about plastic use.

Only joking - have been reading a thread on Discussion Time about climate change and recycling.

SeaVixen

Pollycat wrote: »

So don't lecture me about plastic use.

Only joking - have been reading a thread on Discussion Time about climate change and recycling.

You'll get no lectures from me - promise!
My eco-friendly-ness comes mostly from a money-saving perspective, and reinforced by a desire to minimise taking the rubbish out!!
:beer:

Pollycat

SeaVixen wrote: »

You'll get no lectures from me - promise!
My eco-friendly-ness comes mostly from a money-saving perspective, and reinforced by a desire to minimise taking the rubbish out!!
:beer:

We had a very rare Chinese takeaway on Thursday. I've been pretty much house-bound for the last 7 weeks and am not very mobile so OH has been doing the cooking etc and I decided he deserved a night off.

I've washed the 3 plastic dishes and lids and I'll add these to my others.
Food like bol, chilli, stews etc do pop out of these very easily if you just give them a bit of a twist.

MovingForwards

I have purchased a stack of the plastic take away tubs from a Chinese supermarket so I can portion and freeze my dog's food, easily washed and reused. Stackable for the freezer.

Available on eBay too.

-taff

Pollycat wrote: »

Food like bol, chilli, stews etc do pop out of these very easily if you just give them a bit of a twist.

Or turn them upside down and run under a warm tap, they'll just fall out.

freyasmum

I reuse the plastic Chinese takeaway tubs.