Fall Sale: 10% off with code FALL10 — up to $100 off Promotional pricing on hundreds of items Financing available on orders $500+ — apply in minutes
Facebook Instagram
My Account

Food Storage Container Guide

Good food storage keeps ingredients fresh longer, reduces waste and makes health inspections go smoothly. Commercial kitchens use a mix of food boxes, hotel pans, ingredient bins and sealed bags. The goal is simple: every item covered, labeled, dated and stored where it belongs.

Food Storage Boxes

Food boxes are large, rectangular containers sized to fit standard shelving and sheet pan dimensions. The 18 by 26 inch footprint matches full-size sheet pans and fits on most shelving. They hold bulk prepped vegetables, marinating proteins, dough and brined items. Clear polycarbonate lets you see contents without opening the lid.

Thunder Group PLFB182612PC 18″ x 26″ x 12″ 17 gallon food storage box

Thunder Group PLFB182615PC 18″ x 26″ x 15″ 22 gallon food storage box

Hotel Pans for Storage

Steam table pans with lids double as storage containers. Using the same pans for storage, prep tables and steam tables saves transferring food. Shallow pans cool food faster, which helps meet cooling rules.

PFP-13-4 1/3 size 4″ deep steam table pan

1/6 size 4″ deep steam table pan

Dry Goods

Flour, sugar, rice and beans belong in sealed ingredient bins, not open bags.

Shelf ingredient bin with lid, 6 and 11 gallon

Bag Sealing

Heat sealers close bags for portioned product, dry goods and grab-and-go items.

Thunder Group IRTISH200 8″ electric bag sealing machine

Choosing Sizes

Match containers to your shelving. Measure shelf depth and height between shelves. Choose a few standard sizes rather than many odd ones so lids are interchangeable and stacking is easy. Buy more small and medium sizes than you think you need, since they are used most.

Materials

Polycarbonate is clear and strong but can crack if dropped when very cold. Polypropylene is more flexible and handles temperature changes well, but is often translucent rather than clear. Stainless steel pans are durable and go from oven to cooler. Check the product page for temperature ratings before putting containers in freezers or dish machines.

Labeling and Dating

Label every container with the item and the date it was prepared. Ready-to-eat food held cold is commonly limited to 7 days including the prep day under the FDA Food Code; follow your local health department rules. Use first in, first out: new product goes behind or below older product.

Storage Order

Store raw proteins below ready-to-eat food to prevent drips. A common order from top to bottom is ready-to-eat foods, then seafood, whole cuts of beef and pork, ground meats and poultry at the bottom. Keep everything at least 6 inches off the floor. Heavy boxes and cases belong on a dunnage rack.

Thunder Group ALDN2036 20″ x 36″ x 12″ heavy-duty aluminum dunnage rack

Cleaning

Wash, rinse and sanitize containers between uses. Replace containers that are cracked, cloudy with deep scratches or warped so lids do not seal.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

  • What shelf sizes do my containers need to fit?
  • Which items need clear containers?
  • Will containers go in the freezer or dish machine?
  • Do I need bag sealing for portions?
  • Do I have labels and a dating system in place?

Where to Start

Browse storage options in ingredient bins and organize with storage racks. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.

Models in this guide at a glance

The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.

Thunder Group PLFB182612PC 18″ x 26″ x 12″, 17 Gallon Food Storage Box, Clear Color, Polycarbonate, withstand temperature from -40°F up t (model PLFB182612PC)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model PLFB182612PC.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group PLFB182615PC 18″ x 26″ x 15″, 22 Gallon Food Storage Box, Clear Polycarbonate (model PLFB182615PC)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model PLFB182615PC.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

PFP-13-4 1/3 Size 4″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel (model PFP-13-4)

  • Brand: Express KitchQuip
  • Durability: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel that resists corrosion, dents, and scratches even in the busiest environments.
  • Anti-Jam Design: Features specially designed edges that prevent pans from sticking together when stacked, saving valuable storage space and time.
  • Thermal Conductivity: Ideal for keeping food at consistent temperatures, whether in a hot steam table or a cold salad bar.

1/6 Size 4″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel Pan

  • Brand: Express KitchQuip
  • Commercial-Grade Stainless Steel: High-quality construction that stands up to heavy daily use without rusting or corroding.
  • Efficient Anti-Jam Design: Specially designed to stack without sticking, allowing for quick retrieval and space-saving storage.
  • Temperature Control: High thermal conductivity keeps food at safe serving temperatures longer.

Shelf Ingredient Bin with Lid – 6 & 11 Gallon Capacity

  • Brand: Express KitchQuip
  • The Shelf Ingredient Bin features durable PC & PP build, clear lid, one-hand access design, and NSF certification for commercial kitchens.

Thunder Group IRTISH200 8″ Electric Bag Sealing Machine, Aluminum Alloy Body, Made in Taiwan (model IRTISH200)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model IRTISH200.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Thunder Group ALDN2036 20″ x 36″ x 12″, Heavy-Duty Dunnage Rack, Aluminum, 1,500 lb Capacity, NSF (model ALDN2036)

  • Brand: Thunder Group
  • Sold individually.
  • Thunder Group model ALDN2036.
  • Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.

Before you order

  • Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
  • Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
  • Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
  • Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.

Delivery, warranty and payment

  • Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
  • Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
  • Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
  • Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.

Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.