Tool Test: Frozen Food Storage

The products we tested, all made without the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), are listed in order of preference from the top.

Klip It by Sistema , available at the Container Store and online at http://www.specialtyfood america.com, or call 888-881-1633.

Upside: comes in a variety of sizes and shallow profiles, from 6.7-ounce to 7.4-quart rectangles and some round/cylindrical containers; made of polypropylene; dishwasher- and microwave-safe; easy to close for hands that lack strength or dexterity, with the largest side clips of any of the clip-closure models we tested, and the clips are attached to the base instead of the lid for easier stacking.

Downside: no labeling system.

Ball Plastic Freezer Jars and Containers , available at Wal-Mart and Kmart stores and online athttp://www.canningpantry.com.

Upside: made of polypropylene; variety of sizes good for jams, soups and sauces; easy twist-on or snap-on lids, wide mouths; stackable, dishwasher-safe and stain-resistant; can be used to freeze foods for up to one year; recipe included on some boxes; especially good for fruits and vegetables; comes with recommended food freezer storage guide; inexpensive (sets of three, four or five jars with lids, $2.99 to $4.99).

Downside: must buy in multiples (no single-container sales); no labeling system; packaging advises against using with foods that contain fat or oil; lid must be removed before defrosting in the microwave; not to be used for reheating in the microwave, as the plastic becomes damaged when overheated.

Frigoverre Plus Food Storage , available at the Container Store

Upside: containers are made of glass, so they do not stain or retain odors; lids are flexible plastic; inner silicone gasket is water- and airtight; dishwasher- and microwave-safe; air-release vent on the lid allows for air escape in the microwave.

Downside: small external labels are not visible when stacked in a chest freezer; small sizes not available; harder for those with diminished hand dexterity; relatively expensive ($7.99 to $8.99).

Freshvac Professional Vacuum Food Storage , available at some Sur La Table stores and online at http://freshvac.com/store and at http://www.chefscatalog.com.

Upside: fresh-dial date can be used to indicate when food was frozen; hard polycarbonate container and lid, with a silicone seal; easy to close for hands that lack strength or dexterity; air-release vent allows for easy reheating in the microwave.