Cambro Food-Storage Containers: Durable, Versatile, and Budget-Friendly Review
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Cambro Food‑Storage Containers: A Practical Review (Food & Wine)
When the Food & Wine team set out to test the latest addition to the Cambro line of commercial‑grade containers, their goal was simple: determine whether a product that’s long beloved by caterers and restaurants can also hold its own in a typical home kitchen. The review, published in late 2023, turns a six‑month‑old product into a well‑rounded guide for anyone looking to purchase a durable, versatile, and budget‑friendly food‑storage solution.
1. Product Overview
Cambro’s flagship 9 × 13 × 4.25‑inch “Square‑Wall” container is made from high‑density polyethylene that is both BPA‑free and FDA‑approved. The company, which has been producing commercial‑grade containers for over 40 years, markets the product as “durable, versatile, and safe for freezer, fridge, microwave, and oven use.” In the Food & Wine article, the reviewer notes that the plastic is slightly translucent, which allows you to see the contents at a glance—a small but helpful feature for meal‑prep enthusiasts.
The article also highlights the container’s design: a square shape that stacks neatly against walls and other containers, a lid that seals securely with a twist‑and‑lock mechanism, and a “one‑hand‑opener” button that opens the lid with a single touch. The base is rounded to prevent creasing, and the lid’s rim is reinforced with a thick “G‑lock” seam to keep it from warping. For those who need to store a lot of food, Cambro offers the same container in a 12‑inch version that’s 8 inches tall, giving the extra storage for a ¾‑quart of soup or a bowl of salad.
2. Key Features (as highlighted by Food & Wine)
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Freezer‑safe | Stays solid at –40 °F; great for meal‑prep that needs long‑term storage. |
| Dishwasher‑safe | No manual rinsing required—ideal for busy kitchens. |
| Microwave‑safe | The lid can be removed and microwaved with no risk of plastic leaching. |
| Stackable | Square design means you can nest them with no wasted space. |
| Durable plastic | Comes from a high‑strength polymer that resists cracks and chips. |
| Weight | At 2.7 lbs for the 9 × 13 size, it’s heavy enough to stay in place but not so heavy that you can’t carry it between rooms. |
| Brand heritage | Cambro is a trusted name in commercial‑grade containers, giving you confidence in the product’s longevity. |
The article also mentions the “G‑lock” technology, a trademarked interlocking seam that keeps the lid from loosening after repeated use—a feature that many reviewers point to as a major selling point in the competitive container market.
3. Performance in the Real World
Food & Wine tested the Cambro containers in a variety of scenarios:
- Meal‑prep – The reviewer filled the 9 × 13 container with a 3‑day batch of quinoa salad. After three days in the fridge and then 14 days in the freezer, the contents remained crisp and odor‑free.
- Microwave use – Heating a bowl of soup in the container took 2 minutes, and the lid stayed cool on the outside—no sign of the plastic cracking.
- Dishwasher test – After ten loads, the containers showed no visible scratches or warping, and the lids stayed snug.
- Weight test – When the reviewer lifted the full container to a kitchen counter, the bulk of the weight was well distributed, which reduced the strain on the arms.
Overall, the review concluded that the Cambro container performs well across the board, with the biggest advantage being its ruggedness. The only caveat mentioned is that the lid does not seal perfectly in a way that preserves a vacuum‑sealed environment, so items that are sensitive to oxygen exposure may still wilt a bit faster than vacuum‑sealed containers.
4. Pros & Cons (summarized)
Pros
- Commercial‑grade durability
- Wide range of uses (freezer, microwave, oven)
- BPA‑free and FDA‑approved
- Sturdy, stack‑ready design
- Bulk purchase discounts available
- Low price point relative to comparable brands
Cons
- Slightly heavier than plastic “lite” containers
- Does not provide a tight vacuum seal
- Some users find the lid slightly large for 3‑inch bowls
5. Buying Options & Price
The article cites the product’s retail price at the time of writing: $10.99 for a single 9 × 13 container and $9.49 for a six‑pack. The Food & Wine reviewer also noted that the product is widely available on Amazon, Walmart.com, and directly from Cambro’s website, and that buyers can often find discounts for orders of 12 or more. A quick link to the Amazon listing (included in the article) shows a current discount of 15 % off for bulk purchases, which brings the per‑unit cost down to $9.44.
For those who want to stay within a “commercial‑grade” price bracket, the article points readers toward the Cambro 12‑inch “S” Series container, which sells for $12.99 and offers a higher capacity for an additional $2.00. Food & Wine’s link to the manufacturer’s product page provides a downloadable PDF of the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the full specification.
6. Comparisons to Competitors
To give readers a broader perspective, the review compares Cambro to two popular alternatives: Rubbermaid’s “All‑Purpose” plastic containers and Tupperware’s “Tough‑Fit” line. While Rubbermaid offers a lower price point—$6.99 for a 9 × 13 container—Food & Wine notes that the plastic is noticeably thinner and the lids do not lock as securely. Tupperware, on the other hand, provides an airtight seal that is more suited for long‑term storage, but at a price of $15.99 for the same size, the weight is substantially lighter (1.3 lbs) and it’s only microwave‑safe up to 350 °F. In short, Cambro sits in the middle of the market, offering the most durability for a mid‑range price.
7. Final Verdict
Food & Wine’s article wraps up with a straightforward recommendation: if you need a container that can withstand the rigors of daily use, be stored for long periods, and still look good in a fridge or freezer—and you’re not looking for a vacuum‑seal—Cambro is a smart, affordable choice. The product’s commercial pedigree, combined with its versatile, durable design, make it a great fit for caterers, restaurants, or even a busy home cook who enjoys meal‑prepping in bulk.
With the product now available at a low single‑unit price and substantial bulk‑discount options, the review encourages readers to try one or two containers first and consider scaling up if they find the design aligns with their kitchen workflow. The article’s links to both the product’s Amazon listing and the manufacturer’s official specifications ensure that buyers can verify the material certifications and purchase the container directly or through a retailer that best suits their shipping and price needs.
In all, the Food & Wine review is a concise, balanced summary that captures the essence of Cambro’s food‑storage line: rugged, versatile, and designed to keep your food fresh without compromising on safety or convenience.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/cambro-food-storage-container-review-11873713 ]