Disclosure

If you were a kid growing up in the 70’s, chances are you had a cereal bowl that originated as a margarine container and a glass that once stored jelly or jam. If you walk through an antique store or check out eBay, you’ll see an array of these re-purposed food containers bringing more than the cost of the original products that filled them. That leads me to believe that this was pretty much the norm for my generation.

Want to know the interesting part? To some extent, we still practice some of these habits today. But we didn’t have the same concerns back then. These containers (for us) were only used for daily tasks, not for storing or reheating foods. We ate cereal out of them or used them for breading chicken, but never did we try to put them into microwaves because *news flash* we didn’t have microwaves back then. With so much concern for BPA and other environmental issues, why is it that we still feel the need to save a hodge podge of containers that aren’t intended for such uses? I’m as guilty as the next. If you look in my cabinet, you’ll see I have an assortment of recyclable serving containers (mostly from Chinese take-out or deli lunch meat) that really just belong in the recycle bin.

On the flip side, I adore the vintage glass storage containers that my MIL inherited. I’ve told her as soon as she tires of them to let me know. I have always liked the look of them, the fact they stack nicely in the fridge and their various sizes are perfect for such a range of things. A little part of this goody two-shoes seriously has considered taking the set whenever we visit. Well, I used to. Not any more. While I still love her set, I now have one of my own that is far better than what I’ve been using and is even more diverse than the vintage containers.

Isn’t it pretty? Don’t you love how it’s crystal clear so you know what’s really inside? And how they stack so nicely on each other? If you’re wondering what they are, I’m going to tell you. It’s the Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE storage container set and it’s got so much going on that I can’t explain it all in one breath.

Maybe you noticed them last week when we used the Ninja Duo to make homemade sorbet. The size is ideal for this type of treat and the Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE containers are safe for the freezer. Win / win.

It’s also nice to be able to see what is inside without having to open the lid. There has been more than one instance where I pulled something out to thaw for dinner only to discover it wasn’t what I thought it was. The crystal clear Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE containers solve that terrible dilemma. I’m pretty sure my MIL doesn’t put her vintage containers in the freezer and I’m positive I wouldn’t consider it with our hand-me-down take-out containers. Ick.

Another nice feature is the way they seal. You press the top down and create a seal then snap the sides down. I’ve seen these types of handles on large bulk bins like you use for holiday decorations, but never something for the kitchen. This helps ensure the lid is totally shut and secure.

And why would we need to do that? Maybe, just maybe, to make sure it doesn’t leak. You’ve never had any of your containers leak on you before, have you? Me either. Pfft. I wish. The Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE containers have a 100% leak-proof guarantee.

As funny as it sounds, that’s not what I like most about these storage containers. My favorite feature is one that may sound trivial, but it solves one of my biggest kitchen pet peeves: Microwave splatter. I harp at the kids to cover the food with a paper towel to minimize the mess I need to clean up, but there’s always still a disaster. Especially if they heat up soup or spaghetti. At least that WAS the case. These Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE food storage containers take the splatter out of reheating! Those fancy handles I mentioned before have another function. They contain air vents! When you are ready to reheat, simply pop open those clasps to reveal the ventilation holes. They’re also made with heat resistant BPA free material so there’s no worries with leaching. I don’t have that same confidence with any of my other non-glass containers.

Yes, I still hope to someday inherit my mother-in-law’s vintage set, but now my reasons are more sentimental than functional. I’m perfectly happy with the Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE and have already found additional sizes and types beyond the 10-piece set I already own.

Guess now I should go recycle all those others… While I do that, check out the variety of Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE pieces on their website then connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see what else they have. And if you’re as impressed as I am with this set, you can pick one up a Rubbermaid BRILLIANCE 10-piece set at Walmart, pick up the set at Target or enter to win one of your own!