I have a whole row of the 4 quart Sterilite UltraSeal Dry Food Containers in my pantry because I could never find a canister set that I liked enough to compromise my counter space.

Most people have canisters shaped in their kitchen theme on their counter which holds their flour, sugar, and other staples. Since I didn't have canisters on the counter I went shopping for something, anything really. I came across the Sterilite UltraSeal Dry Food Containers and felt like I found myself a deal when I saw these containers.

The containers are made by Sterilite which is a brand that I have always had luck with in the past and prefer over others because Sterilite has always been very durable. The container is see through and has a grooved indention on the side that is perfect for grasping. You hand will naturally take to it without effort. Because it’s only 4 quarts it isn’t very heavy so can be held with just one hand. The lid is thin and just snaps on or off with little effort. There is a flap on top of the lid covering a large circular whole that you would use to pour the items out of. I never use this. I never use things for what the’re designed to be used for. Opening the lid makes messes, at least for what I am using them for. I pull the lid all the way off and hold the measuring cup over the container that away nothing spills on the counter and it’s super quick. I just stick the lid on and back into the pantry it goes. The lid stays on tight and never has fallen off when the container has been dumped.

One of the reasons that I prefer the Sterilite containers over glass or plaster canisters is because they are plastic which means I won’t risk nicking the jar or breaking it. I also like how they are the same size because most of the things I have come in the same size bag from the store. If the canister is too small then I have leftovers which mean two things to manage instead of one. I also love the fact that they are clear because then I know what I am grabbing before I ever touch it and I know what I’m running low of before I head out to the store.

The container will hold an entire bag of flour or sugar. Right now I have one for flour, bread four, wheat flour, rice, powdered milk, sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. They all fit nicely on the shelf and since they’re all the same size looks good and saves space. I particularly liked this one over some others because it was short so I could put it on any shelf that I wanted, even above the counter. The container measures 9 ¼”L x 5”W x 8 1/2"H.

The biggest drawback is there isn’t a way to label the containers. I have written what the item is with marker on a fancy kitchen-themed stick-it note and taped it on with clear mailing tape which still looks presentable but not permanent in case I change my mind. I’ve had these taped on for about three years now and the label and the container still look just as good.

I believe the seal is tight, I never have had any problem with things staying fresh, nor have I had any problem with moisture. I suppose the seal isn’t super tight because I’ve had weevils get into the flour before but then they can hack into about anything. What I do with my flour is put a gallon size zip lock inside the container before filling it up (not after) and then zipping it before putting the lid on. Weevil proofed.

Sterilite also sells 2 quart and 6 quart if you needed something smaller or larger. Cereal would be better in the 6 quart.

Things such as dog or cat food can also be kept in this container however the plastic does absorb the smell so it would be difficult to change what was stored in the container.

These are inexpensive and easy to find at stores that sell storage products like Wal-Mart or Target. I think it is an excellent way to manage your pantry or kitchen shelves. It makes a great replacement for canisters or you could use it for cereals and snacks like it was intended for.




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