Best large food storage containers with lids

Top pick: OXO Pop Big Square Tall — a 5.7-litre (about 6-quart) square container with OXO's push-button airtight seal, so flour, cereal and rice stay fresh and pests stay out. Square sides waste little shelf space, and the lid comes apart for top-rack dishwasher cleaning. It's the best balance of seal, size and everyday handling.

Who the others suit:

• Caraway Glass with Lids — if you'd rather store in glass (no staining, no plastic taste) and want a set that looks good on the counter.
• Rubbermaid TakeAlongs 1-gallon — big batches of soup, stock or marinating; cheap enough to own several.
• Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry — pantry staples in a clear, stackable, BPA-free box.
• Large Storage Container (105 qt) — bulk 25-lb bags of grain or pet food; lidded, stackable, but a floor-space commitment.
• OXO Smart Seal glass set — smaller portions and leftovers rather than true bulk storage.

Skip anything without a stated seal if airtightness matters most.