I first saw the Sterilite Hinged Lid Storage Box at my sister-in-law’s house. It looked like a fun design with its hinged blue lid and see-through body. So when I encountered these storage boxes at my local Dollar Store and Walmart, I had to check them out.


Description

These sturdy plastic Sterilite boxes are rectangular. There are three parts to each box: the clear bottom section, and two blue lid halves that mesh together when closed. (No assembly required.) Each box bottom is curved so that the boxes can stack one upon the other. There is a built-in handle on each short end of the box. Under the handles is hollow area to allow a space for the fingers while the thumb rests atop the handle.

A unique design, the two lid halves rest in a slight recess below the rim of the box. This creates an area where another box can sit and stay in place without shifting. The lids are hinged on each long side of the box. It is a simple but elegant design that allows the lid halves, when opened, to rest flush against the box sides. Each lid half is rectangular on the top, bottom, and the side where the hinge is located. The side of the lid that meets in the center of the box is formed in a stylized “S” shape. The two lid halves, when they meet in the center, mesh together to form a solid lid.

I have seen the lids in two colors: Glacier and Sail Blue. The Glacier color is a blue-gray (more blue than gray) and almost has a subdued metallic look to it. The Sail Blue color is a vivid bright blue. I think of the Glacier color as sedate, a serious look. The Sail Blue is great for children or those looking for a fun color.


Several Sizes!

Model # 1902 – 3 quart / 2.8 liter
9 3/4" long x 6 1/4" wide x 5 3/8" high
The label says this box holds 4" x 6" photos.

Model # 1906 – 15 quart / 14 liter
17" long x 10 1/2" wide x 6 1/4" high
The label says this box holds DVD’s.

Model # 1910 – 40 quart / 38 liter
21 1/4" long x 15" wide x 13 3/8" high
I don’t think Sterilite makes this size anymore. Can’t find it.

Model # 1915 – 62 quart / 59 liter
21 1/4" long x 17" wide x 16 3/4" high
The label offers no suggestions for use regarding this box.


My Experiences

I purchased Model # 1902 to hold computer Zip Disks. Even though I primarily burn data to CD’s now, I still have data stored on Zip Disks that I want to archive. This looked like a nifty container to suit the purpose. I liked the idea of the hinged lid for easy access to the disks, and the lid offered protection from dust. This container holds 16 Zip Disks (stacked upright so that I can read the labeled spine) with room for an additional Zip Disk placed along the side.

Model # 1906 is the first Sterilite Hinged Storage Box that I saw at my sister-in-law’s house. The girls had so many hair supplies (bows, scrunchies, headbands, barrettes) that they needed one convenient place to store them all. This container offered lots of room, and the children can easily flip open the lid halves. I thought this container might work for storing new 8 1/2" x 11" padded envelopes to keep them out of the way. However, the padded envelopes do not fit flat in this container. Ironically, an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper does lay flat.

I have a lot of quilts and blankets and thought the larger container (Model # 1915) would be great for storage. If I only had a few blankets, this would be a good container for them. However, I have a lot of quilts and blankets, and using this size container would not even come close to providing the storage space I need. This size container does work well for storing bulky sweaters, though. The only problem is the box has a large footprint. I can easily see this box holding a variety of items, everything from children’s toys to gardening supplies.


The Pluses

The hinged lid works well. It is easy to open and close provided you have hand and eye coordination. Each lid has an “S” shaped edge that when closed mesh together. The way this works is that both lid halves need to be positioned over the center of the box, and then lowered at the same time so that they link together. Once you open and close the lid a few times, you’ll see it is not complicated. I also like the fact that when the two halves of the lid are open that they lay flat against the outside of the container. Also, having the lids attached to the container means the lids don’t become lost.

It is always nice when I can view the inside of a container without having to open the lid. The clear sides of these containers let me view the contents of the box.

The way these boxes are designed, there are two built-in handles at each short end of the box. The handles have a hollow area underneath them for a solid finger grip. Also, the rim around the perimeter of the container is designed so that hands can grab any side of the container, and there is a ledge where the fingers naturally fit for a better hold.


One Big Drawback

I do have an issue with these containers. The blue lids do not lock in place. The lid halves are designed to mesh together, and this forms a solid lid. When these containers tip over and fall, the lids pop open. As a result, the contents spill out of the container.

Normally this is not a problem. I’m careful with the containers and have not flipped them. With children, it is a different situation. The container filled with hair supplies is turned on its side or upside-down on a regular basis. You can imagine the scattered clutter, and the arguing over who should pick up the mess.


Purchasing

I bought the smallest of these hinged lid containers (Model # 1902) at my local Dollar Store for (surprise!) a dollar. Then I visited Walmart and found the same size for 97-cents. Walmart offers Model # 1906 for $2.64 and Model # 1915 for $6.94 each.


Summary

As you can tell, I have mixed feelings about Sterilite Hinged Lid Storage Boxes. I like the design, and the boxes hold a lot of stuff depending upon the size box used. They also stack and are sturdy. I just wish the lids snapped or locked into place so that the contents didn’t spill if the container tips or falls. Since these containers don’t lock closed, you may want to think about what you plan to store in them and who is using the containers before you buy them.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Additional Information

Sterilite Corporation
30 Scales Lane
P.O. Box 524
Townsend, MA 01469


Please read my other reviews.

Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawer

Sterilite 12 Quart Storage Boxes

Rubbermaid 50 Gallon Jumbo Rough Tote

Rubbermaid 3-Drawer Wheeled Cabinet

Rubbermaid Servin Saver Rectangular Container

Rubbermaid Servin Saver 4-ounce Cylinder

Rubbermaid Stain Shield Round 1.1 Quart Container

Pyrex 14-piece Storage Container Set

Ziploc Containers with Snap & Seal Lids

Eldon 9-Section Drawer Organizer

HON Metal Bookcase

Rubbermaid Big Max Storage Shed



Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes