Comparison Glasslock MHRB-450 vs Glasslock MBCB-400

The largest volume of the container supplied with the kit. For sets (see "Type") in this case, the capacity of the largest container is indicated, for all other types — the actual nominal volume. Useful volume may be somewhat less, because. not all containers and not in all cases can be stuffed “under the very lid”. However, this difference is small, and this figure characterizes the capacity of the product well.

Estimating the amount of food that can fit inside, we can proceed from the fact that 1 liter of volume approximately corresponds to 1 – 1.2 kg of soup or a tightly packed product (for example, mashed potatoes) or 700 – 800 g of food, divided into pieces and not packed very tightly (for example, fried potatoes or salad). A large container takes up more space, and too little food can hang around inside, which usually does not contribute to safety. Therefore, too large a volume is just as undesirable as too small.

Container dimensions in height, width and depth; for round containers (see "Shape") after the height, only one size is indicated — the diameter. Information about the dimensions allows you to evaluate the proportions of the container (in models of the same volume, they may be different) and determine what specific space it will need.

General shape of the container(s). Please note that extensive sets (see “Type”) may include containers of different shapes; for such cases, the option that most containers correspond to is usually indicated; the remaining options are given in the notes.

The most popular shapes are classic geometric shapes - circle, oval, square, rectangle. At the same time, containers that differ slightly in the length of the sides can also be classified as squares - if this difference is not noticeable to the eye. Non-standard containers are also produced, often they have an original design - for example, a semicircle with an orange slice coloring.

The shape determines the appearance, overall ease of placement of the container and ease of cleaning. So, for example, round containers have a minimum of corners, and some are generally made in the shape of a hemisphere - which makes them easier to clean compared to square and rectangular ones. On the other hand, square and rectangular containers are most useful when storing in tight spaces, such as a busy refrigerator - they can be stacked as tightly as possible, side by side, whereas round containers will inevitably have gaps between them.

The type of products for which the container is intended.

— For food. The most common type of containers, intended mainly for solid food (in the broad sense of the word — second courses, sandwiches, etc.). Some models can be equipped with tight-fitting lids and are also suitable for liquids, but this point needs to be clarified separately. And in general, the variety of functions and materials can be quite extensive, so the compatibility of the container with specific types of food is also worth checking before buying.

— For liquids. Specialized models designed primarily for liquids. A distinctive feature of such containers are tight lids with latches that can be closed very tightly and held in place even when turned over. In addition, containers for liquids most often have a round shape and a rather large height (in other words, they look elongated upwards) — this allows you to conveniently pour the liquid by tilting the container. There are other options in shape, but they are still designed for the convenience of working with liquids. This option is useful primarily for carrying ready-made first courses — soups, noodles in broth — and other liquid products, such as vitamin cocktails.

— For the salad. Containers intended for salad may well be used with other products, however, regular use is still the most convenient and practical. "Salad" containers are usually round and often made of glass or ceramics: these materials tolerate contact w...ith vinegar, sour vegetables and other similar products, and the appearance of such a container often allows it to be used even as a salad bowl. However, relatively inexpensive models are also produced, made of plastic (see "Material").

The maximum temperature that the container can safely endure. Note that overheating the container can lead not only to its damage, but, in some cases, also to the release of harmful substances. Therefore, in no case should the claimed temperature be exceeded — even if the container remains intact, this does not mean that everything is fine.

The most delicate modern food containers have a maximum limit of 35 – 40 °C — this allows them to be used only for unheated food. Values of 70 °C are already found even among models compatible with microwave ovens, although for maximum guarantee it is desirable that the allowable temperature be at least 100 °C. And the most heat-resistant products (usually heat-resistant glass) can withstand temperatures up to 300 – 400 °C and can even be used for baking in the oven (although this heat resistance usually does not apply to lids, and they must be removed).

— Use in the microwave oven. Possibility of using the container in a microwave oven. Far from all materials are suitable for such ovens: for example, metal cannot be put there in principle, some plastics are not heat-resistant enough, and some containers do not pass microwaves well and heat up more than the contents themselves. Therefore, for use in microwaves, it is worth choosing models for which such a possibility is directly stated.

— Vacuum. Containers allowing the possibility of vacuum packaging. A mandatory feature of such models is a hermetically sealed lid equipped with an air evacuation valve. Pumping is carried out using a pump, which may or may not be included in the delivery, there are also models where the role of the pump is played by a mechanism built right into the lid; these features for each model should be specified separately. Anyway, vacuum storage promotes preservation and kills most of the bacteria, which, in particular, can lead to spoilage of the contents. This function is especially convenient for long-term storage, it allows you to "extend the life" of even perishable products. On the other hand, not all products tolerate vacuum well (for example, soft vegetables can burst from internal pressure).

— Foldable. Containers are able to significantly reduce their size when not in use. This is mainly achieved by reducing...the height. The principle of operation is telescopic — each next section is slightly smaller and slides into the previous one.

— Latched lid. A lid fitted with latches to secure it to the container. This feature significantly increases the reliability of the lid — it will not fly off, even if the container is turned over. In addition, latches contribute to the tightness of closing, although they are far from always able to provide full tightness.

— Setting the date on the lid. The presence of a mechanical "calendar" on the lid that allows you to set a specific date — for example, the day of packaging, or the expiration date of the contents. This feature allows you to easily control the residence time of the products in the container.

— Hinged lid. The presence in the design of the container of a lid fixed directly on the container — as a result of which such a lid is not removed when opened, but leans back (hence the name). The convenience of such covers lies in the fact that, unlike traditional removable ones, they are practically not lost. In addition, when opening, you do not need to look for a place where to put the lid — this is especially convenient in the case of lunch boxes (see "Type"), from which people often eat right at the workplace or in other poorly adapted environments. Although most models with hinged lids are still classic containers. The disadvantages of such designs are some bulkiness and the inability to open the lid in cramped conditions.

— Carrying handle. The presence of a special carrying handle in the design of the container. This handle is usually placed on top, like in a bucket, but there are also models with a side handle that resemble cups. Anyway, this function makes it easier to hold the container in your hands, which is important, first of all, with a large capacity, with an inconvenient shape for carrying (for example, in the form of a round “barrel” of great height) or if there is hot contents inside, which noticeably heated up the outer walls.