Categories
At Home Everyday Gear

Food Storage Using One Hand

Image of a Lock & Lock Container With Two Removable TraysPlastic containers are probably the most useful food storage device in any kitchen, but if you have only one good hand to work with, opening and closing most of them can be nearly impossible. Lock & Lock makes containers that close with four locking flanges, each operated independently. It’s simple to place the heel of your hand on the top of the container, and use your fingers to open or close each flap.

There’s only one real bit of dexterity required to use them — the lids must be seated correctly before they’ll seal. That’s easy enough, though. Once the lid is aligned, closing the container is a (literal) snap.

Image of a Round Lock & Lock ContainerA silicone seal around the lid keeps liquids from leaking out — another feature that is not shared with the competition. Lock & Lock containers come in a huge variety of sizes and styles: round, square, rectangular ranging from quite small to very large. Several sizes are available with lift-out inner trays so that several types of food can be stored all together in one container without mixing.

Image of a Tall Lock & Lock ContainerI use them in the pantry to store dry goods like flour, sugar and pasta; for refrigerated leftovers; for small snacks for pocket or purse; for meals when traveling; and for packing Japanese bento-style lunches.

Image of a Lock & Lock Container With a Perforated TraySome Lock & Lock come with a perforated tray, meant to keep produce and similar items off the bottom of the container so that they stay fresher. My mother-in-law — a wise woman whose storage advice is well worth heeding — likes these very much.

Heritage Mint (Heritage Mint?? I’m expecting coins here!) carries an extensive assortment online, but you can find at least a few styles at most grocery stores, at many of the housewares franchises, and at Walmart, Target and the like.

Apparently, there are some interesting variations available in India, including a set of three round containers with a custom-fitted thermal carry bag; elsewhere in the world, a rectangular three compartment box is available (great for bento), but neither of these seem to be readily available in the U.S.A..