Updated May 2024
I'm going to downgrade the rating to 3.5*.
Pros:
* They still stack and store easily, are lightweight, they remain clear and easy to see into, and they are convenient sizes. I haven't been able to find any containers I think would be worth the cost to replace them. But ...
Cons:
* In the past couple of months two containers have come out of the dishwasher with significant cracks. One went into the dishwasher intact, and came out of the dishwasher with a large piece of the bottom corner broken off.
* The tight fitting lid problem has gotten worse, too. At this time it's sometimes difficult to get a lid pressed onto the container and latched. Prying the lids off continues to be a problem. Occasionally the lid will require enough force to remove it that wetter contents splash the user.
We did get one glass container, but it's quite heavy and doesn't stack as well as the plastic model.
Updated December 2023
This time I am downgrading these containers to 4 stars. Many of them have become increasingly difficult to open - sometimes requiring a butter knife wedged between the lid and container to pry them open. The seals remain in good shape, and the containers are still clear and easy to see through. They keep food well stored, and remain one of the most used items in our kitchen; but they aren't inexpensive, and this is disappointing. Since they are already problematic, I've started cleaning them in the dishwasher on the top rack in normal water temperature.
Updated June 2021
After using these extensively for a year I'll keep the 5 star rating, but downgrade it a bit to 4.5 It sounds trivial, but over time it's become tedious to need both hands free every time I need to open one of these containers. (Imagine having to find a place to put your bowl of yogurt every time you wanted to add some of the cut up strawberries you've stored in your Rubbermaid container.) In general I still prefer them to my other storage for leftovers because it's so easy to view the contents and the way they can be stacked in the fridge; but they do seem a little less perfect than I originally thought.
Original review December 2020
I bought a few Rubbermaid Brilliance containers to see if I liked them in June 2020 because my SnapLocks needed to be replaced. I've since bought more because they meet my requirements for lightweight but sturdy, clear leak-proof containers that take up minimal space whether they are empty, in the pantry, or in the fridge. I also wanted to be able to microwave leftovers in them.
The containers have stayed crystal clear and unclouded through months of hand washings even though we live in a hard water area. Dried on foods clean off easily with a sponge after a brief soaking. I'm not excessively careful with these, but I usually use rubber spatulas and silicon utensils to scrape the contents out when necessary. I’ve been known to eat directly out of the Rubbermaid containers when I’m feeling lazy. I don’t use knives to cut food in them, and the surfaces have remained unscratched by metal spoons and forks.
Empty containers store compactly because same size containers stack neatly inside of each other. Smaller containers stack neatly on the lids of larger containers. As a bonus the 3.2 cup lid fits several other size containers, including the glass set and canisters. They stack equally well in the fridge.
I haven’t had a leakage problem. The sealing lock works well, and is made so the lid can also be left on while reheating the contents in the microwave by lifting the lock to expose a small vent hole. I don’t do this often, but the seals seem to remain undamaged by the microwave. Water sometimes remains between the seal and the lid itself. Shaking the lid after cleaning usually removes the water so it can dry more quickly. There haven’t been any issues with the plastic staining from using in the microwave, even when I tested it with a red sauce.
They are not the least expensive storage available, but after six months I feel they will prove durable and cost effective. I also have found some excellent online sales for them, even before Black Friday.
Angie Sutil
crisco
jd
