I have used so many types of containers and all have their pros and cons. Food presentation is very important to our family, we will not put our food in something that is stained, has wear marks, or has a questionable seal. We think that the Stain Shield containers provide the best presentation over the longest amount of time. Rubbermaid Stain Shield has been our preferred storage container primarily because of the endurance that they have in the microwave. I have been using them for a couple years and have not had a container stain or had the inside peel from being heated like the soft plastic ones do.

The containers are made of polycarbonate; they are clear so it is easy to identify what is inside without investigating. I recently purchased the Rubbermaid Stain Shield 20 piece set at Target for $20. I got rid of all the un-matching containers from other sets and replaced them with this set. I store them with the lids on. I have found that this set of 10 containers is all that I need for a couple days worth of leftovers.

The box says a 20 piece set which is kind of misleading because it counts the lids and bottoms separately. This set will make 10 storage containers in an assortment of sized.

Description of the containers:

- A set of 3 small round containers which hold 1 cup each. This would be suitable for a side of vegetables, some grapes, or a 1 serving size of something like cold slaw. It is small enough for a lunch bag.

- A set of 2 medium 1.6 pt round and tall containers that hold 3 cups each. I find this most appropriate for soups and small enough for travel in a lunch bag.

- 1 round small shallow 1.1 pt container that holds 2 cups. This container gets used a lot because it’s the perfect size for most of our leftovers. It’s also small enough to fit in a lunch bag.

- Also included is a 1.1 qt round shallow containers which holds 4 cups. This is my favorite size because it holds a meal. Rice or pasta on the bottom with sauce or a topping above it. It is easy to eat out of eliminating the need to dirty another dish.

- The 1.6 pt square container is the only one in this set that is square. Leftovers fit nicely in it as wall as a sandwich.

- There are two 1.6 Qt. round tall containers that hold 6 cups. A salad would be about the only thing that I would eat of this, it is also suitable for storing leftovers.

I never have to worry what my container will look like after tomato based items such as chili or spaghetti sauce because it absolutely does not stain the containers. The only exception that Rubbermaid mentions is that foods that contain curry seasoned with the herb Tumeric will stain the containers when heated.

Another reason that I prefer this container set is because they seal really well. In the past I have sent other style containers to work with my husband and I assure you I get a phone call when the lid comes off in his lunch bag. The lid has never come off with the Rubbermaid Stain Shield Containers. The lids go on and off easily without trying. The lid has a clear top with a plastic lip that goes around the container. There is a tab on the lid to assist with opening. It is obvious from appearance if the lid is on sealed or not and does not need burping. I tested the seal of container by filling a container up with water and placed the lid on. I turned the container upside down and shook the container and not a drop of liquid came out.

The container and the lids are microwave safe but are designed for re-warming items, not cooking. I typically do not use the lids when reheating in the microwave because I have found that with prolong use of microwave heating the lids loose their ability to seal correctly. The lid should never be completely sealed on the container when putting it in the microwave because pressure could build up and cause injury.

The microwave is the only method for reheating food in the containers; they are not safe for the oven, stovetop, or any browning element. Containers that are pulled directly from the freezer should be defrosted in the microwave before reheating. Of course the bowl will be hot when removed from the microwave so caution should be taken however I feel that they are safer than other Rubbermaid containers because the hotter the container gets the softer their form is. The Stain Shield containers never change their shape and there is also a ridge on the bowls that can be used to keep fingers away from the hot area.

The only problem I have ever had with the containers is in the freezer. This however holds true with every single container that I’ve ever had. After a container is frozen it is very fragile and dropping it causes the plastic to crack. I would not recommend freezer use for these containers at all. After months of general use I find sometimes find containers with a hairline crack in them and can’t explain how it happened. I have dropped them many times and have never cracked one with the fall. When I find do find a compromised container I remove it from the kitchen and use it for storage in the garage or a bedroom closet.

I can safely say that I’ve never washed any of these by hand. The containers first of all rinse out easily which makes preparation for the dishwasher easy. Each size fits in the dishwasher, and the containers and lids always come clean in the dishwasher.

I usually feel confident buying a product from a company that offers a Lifetime Warranty because that usually means their product is pretty solid. The Rubbermaid Stain Shield warranty is worded very vaguely and the company will not reimburse for misuse, accidents and specifically excludes melting, warping, burning, or scratches. A claim can be filed through their phone number 1-888-895-2110 and a replacement certificate will be issued.

Overall I am very pleased with the 20 piece set. I have seen the 10 and 12 piece sets in several places but could only find the 20 piece set at Target. The containers that are included in this set are round which took some adjusting for me because my previous set was mostly square. The containers are clear so make fast and easy presentation even after excessive use. They are extremely durable under heat so do not become damaged in the microwave and dishwasher. The lid remains tight on the containers regardless of the harsh conditions that it is put through. Although the company says the product is designed for freezer I would have to disagree. I have found repeatedly that the containers are not suitable for the freezer so would not recommend the set to someone who had that need. I have also found that although they do have a lifetime warranty they do crack for whatever reason as time goes by. Ours typically last for a least a year. I feel this is an excellent choice for a complete set of containers; our family of 5 have found this set sufficient for all of our leftovers and quite a deal for $2 a container. Containers of an assortment of sizes are also sold individually should you find the need to add or replace containers from your existing set.

Rubbermaid Foodservice Products
Huntersville, NC 28078
1-800-895-2110
www.rubbermaid.com
www.stainshield.com


A special thanks to Pogomom for adding this product so quickly!

Recommended: Yes