Best Meat Storage Containers: Guide to Buying and Preserving Meat Safely

Buying meat in bulk is the best way to save money while eating well — but if you don’t have a meat storage container solution, chances are those savings will go to waste.

Choosing the appropriate meat storage containers is crucial for freezing, refrigerating, or dehydrating meat. This guide will help you identify the best options, consider important factors before purchase, and suggest places to buy suitable containers. By the end, you’ll know the perfect food containers for your meat preservation. Let’s dive in!

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Types of Meat Storage Containers

There are three main varieties of meat storage containers that you’ll want to familiarize yourself with: Hard plastic containers, plastic bags and vacuum sealed bags, and glass containers with locking lids. Let’s take a closer look at each category:

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Hard Plastic

Stiffened plastic storage containers are the restaurant industry standard for storing meats, marinades, sauces, and vegetables. They come in a huge range of sizes, from tiny 2-quart flat containers to massive 22-quart containers suitable for bulk storage.

You’ll want to stick with name brand and reputable sources for hard plastic storage containers, as there are plenty of inferior quality products on the market that are prone to chipping and cracking.

The Webstaurant store should be your first stop for buying hard plastic food storage containers — just be sure to keep the dimensions of your fridge and freezer in mind when ordering. You can also search Amazon for similar products here.

Silicone or Plastic Bags

Popularized worldwide by the Zip-Loc brand, plastic bags are a quick and painless way to store small to medium quantities of any type of meat. They’re great for marinades, too, since they will naturally take the shape of the meat and liquid used for marinating.

On the down side, plastic bags aren’t infallible — and when leaks develop, your meat can quickly make a mess and be more prone to spoilage. Some folks check out new silicone bags, which are strong, reusable, but expensive.

However, there is a long-term solution to this: Vacuum sealers. If you’re looking to freeze and store meat for anything over a month, vacuum sealing will preserve the freshness and flavor of meat better than any other storage option.

We love vacuum sealing bags for meat storage, and have written a handy guide to vacuum sealers for meat along with a roundup of the best vacuum sealer for every use that will answer any questions you might have about the process and products.

Glass

Brought into vogue by the meal prepping phenomenon, glass food storage containers are a small and attractive option for storing individual portions of meat, vegetables, grains — really, any food you can imagine.

They’re ideal for home chefs that are cooking meals for 4 or fewer people, and usually come in large sets that will give you plenty of storage capacity.

If you’re looking to store cooked meats for use later in the week, there’s no shortage of glass container sets available on Amazon right now. Look for something with a locking lid that forms an airtight seal and that’s made of BPA-free plastic, like this 24-piece glass food storage container kit.

Before You Buy: Considerations for Choosing A Meat Storage Container

To narrow down your choices of meat storage containers, we find it helpful to ask three big questions:

Raw or Cooked Meat?

What sort of meat do you plan on storing? The right containers for raw meat and cooked meat (i.e., leftovers) can be quite different.

For example: Ground beef is much easier to store in a small, hard-sided glass or plastic container than it is to store in a plastic bag.

But if you’re marinating a large cut of beef, a plastic bag is a more effective choice for evenly distributing the marinade liquid. For cooked meat, you can use any storage option to good effect.

How Much Meat Do You Need to Store?

What quantity or volume of meat are you trying to store? Small portions of lunch meat can easily be tossed into a multipurpose glass container, while larger cuts of meat will almost always need to be vacuum sealed in a plastic bag.

If you’re storing large amounts of meat in a marinade, though, a large hard plastic container is the only solution that will do the trick.

Either way, be sure to measure the area where you plan to store your meat and purchase containers that fit accordingly.

Refrigerating or Freezing?

Are you planning on keeping your meat in the refrigerator, or wanting to freeze larger portions that you’ve bought or caught in bulk?

Refrigerating meat can be done with any of the types of storage containers listed above, while freezing meat is always better left to vacuum sealing before using freezer storage.

Eliminating the air in your meat storage container will prevent oxidation and freezer burn, extending the life of your largest cuts.

Where to Buy Meat Storage Containers

Now that you know which type of storage containers you’ll need for your meat, here are our suggestions for the best places to buy each type of container:

• The Webstaurant Store has the best selection of hard plastic storage containers for meat. Check out their page for matching lid and container combos to get the best price in any size you need.
• Amazon has a great selection of vacuum sealers, complete with the bags you’ll need to use to operate them. Our favorite for home use is the Mueller vacuum sealer machine.
• Glass food storage containers are popular and widespread enough that you’ll likely be able to find a good set at your local grocery store. Just make sure that they have airtight sealing lids to keep your meat as fresh as possible.

Bestselling Meat Storage Containers on Amazon

FAQs About Meat Storage Containers

Here are a few FAQs about Meat Storage Containers.

What is the best container to store raw meat in?

The best container to store raw meat in is a sealable glass container in the refrigerator, as it prevents bacteria from entering if there is air in the package.

Is it safe to store raw meat in plastic containers?

It is safer to store raw meat in plastic containers by keeping them securely stored in containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent the juices from contaminating other foods.

Which is the safest way to store raw meat in the refrigerator?

The safest way to store raw meat in the refrigerator is by placing it below other items to prevent cross-contamination caused by accidental drippings. It is recommended to keep the raw meat on a plate and cover it with either plastic wrap or an airtight covering. Generally, raw meat remains fresh in the fridge for a duration of 1-2 days.

What type of storage is best for meat products?

The best type of storage for meat products is freezing. If you want to keep uncured, raw meat for longer than three days, it is recommended to seal it in an airtight package and freeze it. Freezing can extend the shelf life of meat for several months.

How do you store meat without a cooler?

There are several methods to store meat without a cooler. These include pressure-canning, dry salt-curing, brine-curing, dehydrating, cold-smoking, making confit, making a Zeer, and burying meat.

Can you keep raw meat in Tupperware?

Raw meat can be kept in Tupperware or plastic food storage containers with sealable lids. It is important to store it properly by placing it on shelves below other food products.

Which two types of raw meat should be stored in the same container?

The two types of raw meat that should be stored in the same container are beef and pork. It is important to ensure that they are properly wrapped in their original packaging or stored separately in a sealed container that is no more than three inches deep. This will help prevent contamination and the growth of bacteria in other foods. Additionally, placing a piece of raw beef in a pouch or appropriate container will reduce the likelihood of contaminating other items.

Why is it best to store meat in a drawer or on the lowest shelf of your fridge?

It is best to store meat in a drawer or on the lowest shelf of your fridge because the temperature on the bottom shelves is consistently cold, making it ideal for keeping raw meats, poultry, and fish fresh.

Can you store meat in airtight container?

You can store meat in an airtight container to ensure its freshness and prevent cross-contamination. Raw meats should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods. Cooked meats, on the other hand, can be safely stored in an airtight container or a zip-top bag.

How long can ground beef stay in the fridge in Tupperware?

Ground beef can stay in the fridge in Tupperware for only one to two days, as stated by FoodSafety.gov.

What plastic is best for long term storage?

The best plastic for long term storage is HDPE, LDPE, and PP plastics, which are considered the safest options for food storage containers. These types of plastics include juice and milk jugs, grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, and food storage boxes. They allow for storing food without the risk of any harmful substances seeping into it.

What can I use for long term food storage?

For long term food storage, you can utilize Mylar Bags along with oxygen packets. It is possible to seal the bags using a regular clothes iron, although certain types of bags may require a sealer. It is important to consider this when selecting the appropriate bags. Mylar bags effectively create a protective barrier between the food and its surroundings, ensuring the safety of the food during long term storage.

What is the best moisture absorber for long term food storage?

The best moisture absorber for long term food storage is the 100 Pack Mylar Bags for Food Storage with 100x300cc Oxygen Absorbers. These mylar bags are constructed from top-notch material, ensuring excellent protection against moisture and maintaining the freshness of the food. Additionally, they are reusable and sealable, providing convenience for users.

What are the different types of containers in storing meat?

The different types of containers used for storing meat include hard plastic containers, plastic bags and vacuum sealed bags, and glass containers with locking lids.

What is the best storage for meat?

The best storage for meat is to ensure that your refrigerator is maintained at a temperature between 34° and 40°F. It is recommended to store raw meat on the lowest shelf or in a designated drawer. To collect any juices that may run off, it is advisable to place a plate underneath the meat, particularly when thawing. Regularly cleaning your fridge is also important.

What are the six ways of meat storing?

The six ways of meat storing include cold storage, freezing, vacuum packaging, canning, drying, fermentation, and irradiation. Cold storage is crucial as temperature plays a significant role in controlling bacterial growth. Freezing meat at an appropriate rate helps maintain its quality. Vacuum packaging is effective as it deprives bacteria of oxygen, which they need to grow. Canning, drying, and fermentation are also methods used for meat preservation. Lastly, irradiation can be employed to extend the shelf life of meat.

Is it better to freeze food in glass or plastic?

It is recommended to freeze food in glass containers rather than plastic. Glass containers are a safer option for storing leftovers as plastic containers can release chemicals when frozen, just like when they are heated. Opting for freezer and refrigerator safe glass containers ensures better food safety, as they do not release any harsh chemicals or break when frozen.

What are the three types of containers What are they used for?

The three types of containers and their uses are as follows:- One Trip: This type of container is the newest and has only carried cargo once.- Used: These containers have been in service for up to 15 years before being retired.- Purpose-built: These are custom steel boxes that are fabricated to exact specifications.

What is the best freezer container for raw meat?

The best freezer container for raw meat is stainless steel. If you’re looking for a plastic-free option to store meat in the freezer, stainless steel containers with airtight lids are an excellent choice. They work well for both leftovers and raw meat.

What is the safest container to freeze food in?

The safest container to freeze food in is either a rigid container or a flexible bag or wrapping. Rigid containers, which can be made of plastic or glass, are suitable for all types of food and are particularly beneficial for liquid packs. The straight sides of these containers make it much easier to remove the frozen food.

What are three ways of storing meat?

Three ways of storing meat include keeping it in the coldest section of the refrigerator, opting for vacuum packaging for longer preservation, and placing it ‘aired’ under a cloth for shorter durations.

What are three types of storing preserved meat?

Three types of storing preserved meat include canning, drying, and freezing. These preservation techniques allow for the safe consumption of meat and poultry long after they have been harvested.

Can you store meat in plastic containers?

Yes, you can store meat in plastic containers as long as they are food grade and BPA free. Make sure to tightly seal the container to avoid bacteria growth.

Can you put plastic containers in the fridge?

Using plastic containers in the fridge is a matter of preference. Some people think that they can handle cold temperatures better, while others think they retain more bacteria from meat juices and give food a different flavor.

If you go with plastic, try to avoid putting them on the door since the temperature fluctuates a lot there out of necessity for food safety.

Can you store cooked food in plastic containers?

Cooked food can be stored in plastic containers, but the containers must be microwave-safe. Plastic containers not labeled as microwave-safe may melt when microwaved.

How do you keep meat fresh for a long time?

To keep meat fresh for a long time, you should store it in a meat storage container. These containers are designed to keep meat at the correct temperature and humidity to keep it fresh. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that is best for your needs.

Does meat need to be vacuum sealed to freeze?

No, meat does not need to be vacuum sealed in order to freeze. However, it is important to note that freezing meat in an unsealed container can cause bacteria to grow and affect the quality of the meat. It is best to freeze meat in a sealed container or bag in order to prevent this from happening.

Is the plastic under meat toxic?

The plastic under meat really has no effect, as the line of defense starts with your refrigerator and ends at your stove.

The FDA recommends that the only ways to hinder bacteria growth in food is through methods involving cooking, proper chilling and storage or destroying it first (such as using a bleach solution).

Plastic wrap will not protect you against harmful bacteria. The plastic does its job by preventing moisture loss – but make sure your fridge temperature is set right around 40 degrees, 65 if possible for optimal safety.