Misenware Review: Can This Stainless Steel Food Storage Help Me Quit Plastic for Good?
Plastic food storage may be convenient, but it’s not worth the risk to our health and the long-term damage to our planet. Here’s a better alternative.
Can stainless steel food storage containers really replace all of the plastic containers in your kitchen? The answer might just be: yes. At the very least, Misenware’s food storage containers might be the right tool for the right job.
I tried out the 6-Piece Mixed Misenware set and was surprised how easily and how often I reached for them. To start, I tested the claims of the leakproof lid, as well as the claim that you can use these in the grill, freezer, dishwasher, and yes, even the microwave. Wait, but I thought you couldn’t put stainless steel in a microwave?! Well, that’s what I thought too, but apparently Misenware is microwave safe with a few guidelines (keep reading).
I’ve been working on getting plastic out of my kitchen for years. Have I been 100% successful? No. I use it way less, but I do find myself buying plastic storage bags for a few items that require compact storage in a pinch. Sealable bags are especially handy when it comes to large quantities of leftovers (hello Thanksgiving and dinner party leftovers) and liquid leftovers (like batch-made bone broths, stocks, and soups) because they enable flat storage that can stack, taking up much less room in my freezer.
When I need to access my frozen food, I thaw the plastic bags slowly in the refrigerator (never in the microwave!). If I’m in a hurry, I might use a lukewarm water bath and cross my fingers for no microplastics exposure. Unfortunately, I now know that was just wishful thinking — and I needed Misenware to come to my rescue.
Misenware at a Glance
- Price: $94 for a Basic Set (6-piece) of mixed containers
- Includes: 3 storage containers and 3 universal lids
- Everything-safe: Oven safe up to 932°F (lids up to 450°F), as well as safe for the grill, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave (up to 1000W for 10 minutes at a time or 1100W for 5 minutes at a time)
- Materials: 1.0 mm-thick 304 stainless steel, silicone-rimmed tempered glass lid
- Container Specs:
- Size: 7.9 in. L x 5.4 in. W, height varies by size from 0.6 in. – 3.8 in.
- Weight: 11.6 oz (small); 14.2 oz (medium); 16 oz (large)
- Capacity: 2.9 cups / 700 mL; 4.6 cups / 1,100 mL (medium); 6.3 cups / 1,500 mL (large)
The Basic Set can also be sold with a focus on any given size (rather than a mixed set), or you can opt for a larger 12-piece or 18-piece Complete Set.
Save 15% with code NEW15. Estimated ship date: early November.
Why Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers Are Worth the Upgrade
We’ve known that food and plastics aren’t necessarily the best combo for years, but the evidence continues to stack up. Ongoing research has found microplastics in brain tissue, human blood, and even placenta1. And a 2024 study in the New England Journal of Medicine linked plastic particles found in arterial plaque to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack2. Plastics also often expose us to plasticizers like BPA and phthalates, known endocrine disruptors3. The science is still evolving, but it’s clear we have some compelling reasons to keep our food away from plastics.
The science gets even worse when you add heat to the equation. A 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology found that certain plastic baby food containers released up to 2.11 billion nanoplastic and 4.22 million particles per square centimeter after just three minutes in the microwave4. The same journal published follow-up research that found that heating plastic in a water bath released similar amounts of micro- and nano-particles — so the real issue is heat exposure, not the microwave specifically.
Unfortunately, while it’s at less significant levels, that study also found that microplastics and nanoplastics still leach into food that has been stored in plastic containers at room temperature and in the refrigerator over several months. The key takeaway: the container you store and heat your food in matters.
So when you swap out your dingy, warped, stained plastic food containers for something that will last you decades instead of a year or two, you’re achieving a few great things all at once. Not only are you protecting you and your family’s health, you’re buying less (and sending less to the landfill!), as well as saving money in the long run. That’s a win-win-win in our books.
Save 15% with code NEW15. Estimated ship date: early November.
Can you Really Microwave Stainless Steel? How Misenware Works
Yes, you can really microwave Misenware’s stainless steel! Note that Misenware’s stainless steel is made differently — I don’t recommend trying this with other stainless steel.
The rule of ‘no metal in the microwave’ was apparently never really about metal as a whole. Instead, it was about poorly designed stainless steel and other metals that feature thin straight edges, points, and right angles that focus electromagnetic energy, causing sparks.
According to the brand, this is exactly why Misenware stainless steel food containers are different. They’re made with food-grade 304 stainless steel with rounded corners that safely reflect microwave energy. To ensure this, Misen has lab-tested these containers extensively across multiple wattages and time frames and shared guidance for using Misenware safely.
The Rules of Microwaving with Misenware
- Do NOT use in 1200W or 915 MHz microwaves
- Misenware is microwave safe up to 1000W for 10 minutes at a time, or 1100W up to 5 minutes at a time
- The same wattage and times apply to the included lids, but make sure to open the steam vents to release excess steam (I forgot to do this and the lid popped off!)
- Never microwave an empty container
- Only microwave one container at a time
- Ensure that Misenware doesn’t touch the microwave’s metal plate, rack, or interior walls, which can cause sparking and burn marks
- The lids get hot, so be cautious when removing Misenware from the microwave and always use oven mitts or a towel
Save 15% with code NEW15. Estimated ship date: early November.
Misenware Criteria Breakdown
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & Build | 9/10 | 304 stainless, 1.0 mm; made without microplastics |
| Microwave Performance | 9/10 | Reheat time vs. glass heat of container afterward |
| Leakproof Seal | 9/10 | Soup/sauce in a tote bag test |
| Weight & Portability | 7/10 | Depending on the size, the containers are heavier than plastic |
| Visibility | 8/10 | Bodies are opaque, but you can label with dry erase and has glass lid |
| Oven & Freezer Versatility | 9/10 | Containers to 932°F, lids to 450°F; freezer-to-oven. Very convenient |
| Stain & Odor Resistance + Cleanup | 10/10 | Tomato, turmeric, garlic tests; dishwasher runs |
| Price & Value | 7/10 | The price is a bit high, but these will outlast any plastic containers by decades |
Save 15% with code NEW15. Estimated ship date: early November.
Misenware Tested
Materials & Build
Here’s where Misenware really shines — the materials are simple. The container itself is made with 1.0 mm-thick 304 food-safe stainless steel, which is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The round corners help make it microwave safe. And according to the brand, the lids are made of silicone and tempered glass without any microplastics.
What I Love About Misenware Food Storage Containers
The Universal-Fit Lid Design
One of the biggest complaints that I’ve always had with food storage container sets is that they often come with various lid sizes, which float around drawers and get lost. They’re kind of like socks in the dryer — they just disappear, leaving you with mismatched pairs. You’re inevitably left with certain food storage container sizes that are missing lids, forcing you to resort to plastic wrap to cover your food items.
With Misenware, you never have this issue. The lids are all the same size, meaning they stack neatly (preventing disappearance!) and are compatible with any container size you reach for.
The Leakproof Seal
This is a biggie. There are other modern storage containers on the market, but I haven’t come across any others with a leakproof seal. In other words, you can’t store any liquids in it and take it on the go without risking a spill. I tested sauces, soups, and stocks, and sure enough, nothing spilled. I even dropped a full container of fresh marinara sauce on my hard floor and no spills! Just a smidge of a leak on the side of the container and that’s it! Massive win for Misenware!
Easy Labeling
I love an organized refrigerator and freezer. And one of my keys to staying organized is labeling leftovers and batch-cooked foods. My typical methodology calls for colored masking tape and a Sharpie to label my food and the date it was made, which means I always know exactly how long something has been sitting in the refrigerator or freezer.
The Misenware Upgrade: The stainless steel and glass lids mean you can use a dry erase marker directly on the container, no more masking tape necessary. It easily wipes off with an all-purpose cleaner and a kitchen towel.
Save 15% with code NEW15. Estimated ship date: early November.
Handy Measurements
The interior of the food containers have handy engraved measurements that let you see how much of any liquid or dish you’re dealing with. This also makes them great for measuring for meal prep! If you want to get ahead on your Sunday soup, you can prep your ingredients on Saturday by simply measuring and storing them in the same container.
Simple Stacking
This is another game-changer for me. Since the container sizes vary by volume or height and not by width, every size stacks easily. No more feeling like you’re playing Tetris with a pile of mismatched containers every time you open your cabinets! Instead, your containers and lids always self-stack and nest into each other, saving you loads of space.
Odor- and Stain-Resistant
Have you ever opened up your refrigerator only to be hit with a weird, wafting smell of an onion or chopped garlic that now permeates everything? Yeah, that smell. In most cases, that’s the result of food being stored in plastic and silicone pouches or even mason jars. Well, Misenware food storage containers prevent any lingering smells from contaminating your fridge.
I tested both chopped onions and garlic by leaving them in a Misenware container in my fridge for several days — no weird smell. Plus, nothing stains! I tested red pasta sauce and turmeric tea, and there were no orange stains in sight.
Oven and Freezer Versatility
If you have something you want to cook or reheat straight from the fridge or freezer, Misen can handle up to 500°F without warping. Think of all the time you’ll save when you don’t have to transfer your food from storage to an oven- or microwave-safe dish! Just remember to leave the lid off, since the tempered glass can’t handle the same high temperatures.
Storage Without Plastic
The #1 reason why I love Misenware is, of course, that I can easily store large quantities of food (especially liquids!) in the fridge and freezer without plastic.
With limited freezer space, a space-saving technique I find myself reluctantly returning to is cooling and storing large quantities of soups, stews, and stocks in storage bags. This allows me to store them flat and stack them, which isn’t as easy in the small, mismatched containers I own. Enter Misenware. Their large 1500 mL (6.3 cups) capacity containers are perfect for storing those big portions without exposing my food to plastic. And I can easily defrost them in the microwave or in a hot water bath without worry of microplastics contamination.
Some Downsides of Misenware
Limited Visibility
Because these food storage containers feature stainless steel bodies, you can’t see through them at a glance like you can with plastic. However, I’ve found this issue is entirely avoided by simply labeling the containers with a dry erase marker, as mentioned earlier. They also do have tempered glass lids that you can see through from above. And their neat stacking means the containers tend to simply be more visible in my fridge and freezer (rather than tucked into inconvenient nooks and corners because of their size or inability to stack), which I think more than compensates for the lack of transparency.
Price and Value
At $94 for a 6-piece, three-container storage system, Misenware is on the premium side. However, I feel like the pros outweigh the cons. They’re so versatile, functional, and long-lasting. They’ll definitely outlive your flimsy plastic containers that have to be replaced in a couple of years. I also think there’s a lot to be said for the way they elevate your leftovers — something stored in stainless steel feels more appealing to me than a storage bag or a stained Tupperware container.
If you’re not sure how many pieces you need, I recommend buying the sets in phases until you’ve reached a comfortable capacity for your kitchen. And remember, the universal lids mean you’re always buying more compatible pieces for your existing sets!
Features at a Glance
| Feature | Benefit |
| Universal lids | One lid fits all sizes, so you never have to deal with mismatched pairs |
| Engraved measurements | Portion or prep right in the container, no measuring cup necessary |
| 1.0 mm-thick 304 stainless steel | Won’t stain, hold odors, or shatter if dropped (and zero microplastics) |
| Silicone-rimmed tempered glass lid | See-through top on an opaque container; leakproof seal |
| Microwave, oven, freezer, & dishwasher safe (within limits) | Store, reheat, and serve in one container |
How Misenware Stacks Up Against Plastic
| Job | How plastic handled it | How Misenware handled it |
|---|---|---|
| Leftovers | Leaches microplastics and plasticizers into food, stains, and releases odors | Stainless steel doesn’t leach plastic chemicals or particles, doesn’t stain, and holds in stinky odors |
| Meal prep | Releases odors; leaches chemicals into food | Contains odors; handy internal measurements help enable easy food prep with fewer tools |
| Freezer | Isn’t food storage safe, plastic leaches | Food storage safe (no plastic leaching) and stacks neatly |
| Lunch on the go | Light and portable | Heavier, but less chance of spillage with the leakproof lid |
| Reheating | I never reheat food in plastic as it releases microplastics and plasticizers | Reheating is easy and safe in both the microwave and the oven, just follow guidelines |
Frequently Asked Questions
Misenware stainless steel containers are the only brand we know of that can be used in the microwave. As noted above, you must follow their guidelines when it comes to microwaving.
We define non-toxic food storage containers as those made without plastic and PFAS (also known as ‘forever chemicals’). Misenware is made with 1.0 mm-thick 304 stainless steel that doesn’t chip or crack, no plastic in sight.
Yes, it is.
In my opinion, it is better, and here’s why. It doesn’t warp, discolor, or stain, it holds in stinky odors, you can label it with a dry erase marker, and it doesn’t expose your food to plastic.
Stainless steel has a higher tolerance than glass for accidental drops that can lead to cracks and breakage. However, when it comes to visibility, glass is better because you can see right through it. Stainless steel tends to be on the lighter side than glass. In summary, it depends on your priorities.
In my opinion, it’s definitely worth the price for those who cook at home, meal prep, or regularly store leftovers and want food storage containers that don’t leach plastic chemicals into their food. It’s also great for those who are tired of their old mismatched, stained, warped plastic containers that keep their drawers messy and refrigerators stinky.
After a thorough test drive of Misenware, I’ve landed on a definitive yes. Misenware can indeed replace your plastic containers, and it’s an all-around better option that’s worth the upfront investment. The 6-piece Basic Large set is great for anyone from meal preppers looking to eliminate plastic to lunch packers who like to reheat their food at work — and everyone in between.
Sources:
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
- https://endocrine.org/topics/edc/plastics-edcs-and-health
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37343248/
