My sister-in-law introduced me to Ziploc Twist 'n Loc containers. I had seen the advertisements for these but had never tried them. I wondered if they would work well.


Description

These containers come in two sizes: small and medium. I have the small round 2-cup ones that come three to a package (16 fluid ounce / 1 pint). The container mouth is 4 1/4" in diameter. The inside of the container is 3" deep. The containers also come in a 4-cup size.

Each round container has a clear bottom with a dark blue lid. There are two horizontal marks on each side of the clear bottom. Half way up the side of the container is a one-cup mark, and on the other side a mark measures 250 ml. On the top of the lid is an oval where one can write the date. The wide rim of the lid also has vertical ridges along it for easy grasping.

These containers are designed to go from the freezer to the microwave and are dishwasher safe. The manufacturer recommends washing the containers before using them. Also, unscrew the lid before placing in the microwave.

The manufacturer suggests these are good to hold soups, sauces, stews, gravies, dry goods. The package says the seal is “leak resistant”.


My Experiences

I like these containers. They work great for leftovers and can be used over and over again. The containers can also be stacked atop one another for easy storage.

One thing I don’t find practical is the area for the date on top of the lid. Since the lid is a dark blue, regular pen, grease pencil or even a marker doesn’t show up well. The best solution I have discovered is to mark the date on a sticker that I attach to the container top. Since I use these containers mostly for leftovers that are quickly eaten, dating the container is usually not necessary.

The containers are easy to use. They resemble a jar in that the lids screw into place. Just fill the container and twist on the lid to seal it. There are indents on the bottom of the container that act as finger grips. So it is easy to hold the bottom of the container and then twist on the lid. I always give the lid a good turn to make sure it is tight.

Of course, I had to test the “leak resistant” claim. I had two able assistants in the form of my nieces. Niece # 1 filled the container with water and twisted the lid tightly in place. She vigorously shook the container over the sink. No leaks. Niece #2 twisted the lid on the container, but not as tightly. Uh oh. Leaks. A veritable shower! Verdict – the Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc is leak resistant if the lid is securely twisted onto the container.

The manufacturer uses the word “loc” in the product name. This indicates to me that the container should somehow lock so that it does not easily open. While the lid does twist on tight, it does not lock. A good twist will open it again.

We use these containers to hold a variety of items. They are great for leftovers, or for carrying food in a lunch. Both wet and dry ingredients work well for these containers. These containers also look good on a shelf in the cabinet, and its convenient that the containers are stackable.

I have never tried carrying soup in them, and do not use them in the microwave. (I have other dishes I prefer for microwave cooking/reheating.) The manufacturer cautions that these containers become hot when used in a microwave and care should be used when removing them from the microwave oven. Never use these in a conventional oven or on a stovetop as the plastic will melt.

One thing I never place in these containers is any product that is tomato based. I don’t want to risk staining the plastic. Although, I probably shouldn’t worry since they are inexpensive. Still, I use Rubbermaid Stain-Shield containers whenever I have a tomato-type product to save. The Stain-Shield containers are excellent, and I’ve never had them stain.

In case you are wondering how these containers differ from the Ziploc Containers with Snap 'n Seal Lids ... these containers are more like jars with a twist lid, while the Snap 'n Seal containers more closely resemble the way a Tupperware container seals.

I do not place these containers in a dishwasher. I wash all my plasticware by hand using warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid. The containers are easy to clean.


Purchasing

My local store sells a package of three containers for $2.99. I have also seen them for sale at Drugstore.com for $2.79.


Summary

I like these Ziploc Twist 'n Loc containers. They come in handy for food storage. I also appreciate that the containers are leak resistant. They are versatile ... whether food is going into the refrigerator or freezer ... in the cabinet ... or in a lunch bag. An economic choice, with care, these containers can be reused many times.

I hope you have found this review useful.

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


Please read my other reviews.

Ziploc Containers with Snap ‘n Seal Lids

Ziploc Storage Bags

Ziploc Freezer Bags

Pyrex Round Storage Bowls

Mini Measure – a tiny Measuring Cup

Rubbermaid Stain Shield Round 1.1 Quart Storage Container

Rubbermaid Serve ‘n Saver Rectangular Container

Sterilite Hinged-Lid Storage Box

Sterilite Ultra Storage Drawer

Sterilite Green Storage Box – 12 Quart

Rubbermaid Jumbo 50-Gallon Roughtote

T-Fal Avante Elite Convection Toaster Oven


Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart


This review is part of the Expanding the Database Write Off, which is hosted by CaptainD.


Recommended: Yes