How to Store Microwave Containers

Organize microwave containers by size and shape for convenience.

Microwave containers have evolved from unattractive, easy-to-stain plastics to a contemporary selection of sleek, long-lasting designs that go from refrigerator to oven to table. Microwave-safe glass containers with airtight storage lids prevent the risk of chemicals from plastics leeching into the food during cooking.



No matter how they look, microwave containers seem to have an uncanny ability to end up in a jumble, with their matching lids nowhere to be found. Give your kitchen storage an organizing upgrade to keep the microwave containers and their lids convenient and ready to use.

Things You'll Need

• Baskets or storage bins that fit in your cabinets
• Lid rack

Instructions

1. Set out all the microwave containers on a counter or table.

2. Match the microwave containers with their lids. Toss excess containers or lids into a bag to recycle or donate. Add any containers you don't use or that are unsightly to the discard bag.

3. Organize the microwave containers by size and shape. For example, stack round microwave containers together with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on top.

4. Place the microwave container lids in the lid rack with the largest ones in the back of the rack and the smallest ones in the front. Place round lids in front of oblong lids and square lids in front of rectangular ones to locate any lid at a glance.

5. Set up the baskets of microwave containers on the top shelf of a lower kitchen cabinet so you'll be able to look in the basket and find the desired container immediately.

6. Place the lid rack next to the baskets of microwave containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Recycle plastic microwave containers with the "chasing arrows" triangular recycling symbol. The symbol appears on the bottom of the container and the underside of the lid.

• Use only microwave-safe containers in the microwave.

References

• Cooking for Engineers: Microwave Safe Containers