I tested a range of silicone molds, deli tubs, and ice-cream tubs so you can pick the right freezer container for meal prep, portion control, or dessert storage.
I cook in batches and freeze aggressively, so I’ve lived with a lot of storage solutions. Over months of real-world use I put silicone molds, deli cups, egg carriers, and dedicated ice-cream tubs through everyday wear: freezing, popping out, stacking, and reheating.
In this roundup I’ll walk you through the specific containers that worked best for different tasks—quick portions, large leftovers, party transport, and homemade ice cream—so you can choose the one that fits your kitchen workflow.
If you want strict portion control pick the smaller Souper Cubes; if you need bulk meal-prep containers the EDI deli sets are my go-to; for ice cream I prefer the Starpack tubs for durability.
1. Souper Cubes 1-Cup Silicone Freezer Molds – Best for Meal Prep
One-cup platinum silicone molds with steel-reinforced rim, lids, and measurement fill lines for neat portioning.
Why I picked it: Reinforced rim and measuring lines make portioning and popping out effortless.
Best for: Freezing soups, broths, rice, and individual meal portions.
A moderate investment for long-term meal-prep convenience.
Pros
- Flexible platinum silicone
- Steel-reinforced rim for stability
- Lids keep food protected
- Dishwasher-safe and oven-safe base
Cons
- Bulky to store (doesn’t nest well)
- Higher cost than basic trays
My take
I reach for the 1-cup Souper Cubes when I want a single serving of soup or rice ready to go. The fill lines eliminate guesswork, and the silicone releases frozen portions cleanly—no chipping or scraping required.
The steel-reinforced rim keeps the tray rigid while I fill it, which made filling without spills simple. Once frozen I either stack the molds with the lids on or pop the bricks out and bag them for long-term storage.
I’ve thrown these in the dishwasher repeatedly and baked in the base when a recipe called for a small loaf pan (lid off, per instructions). The only real downside for me is storage: the molds take more cabinet room than I expected because they don’t collapse into each other.
2. Snapware 2-Layer Egg Carrier – Best for Eggs & Transport
Two-tier snap-together carrier that holds up to 24 eggs, with removable trays and a carrying handle.
Why I picked it: Stacking tiers and a one-hand handle make transporting eggs stress-free.
Best for: Transporting deviled eggs, potluck dishes, or tiered snack trays.
A sensible, practical option for occasional entertaining.
Pros
- Holds 24 eggs securely
- Stackable, detachable trays
- Handle for easy carrying
- Freezer and top-rack dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not insulated — ice will melt
- Clips may age over long-term heavy use
My take
When I needed to move deviled eggs to a potluck, this carrier was exactly what I wanted: the trays snap together tightly and the handle lets me carry everything with one hand.
The removable wells make filling and cleaning straightforward, and there’s space under the trays for ice if I need to keep things cool for short periods. I do mind that it’s not an insulated solution—ice will melt—or that the plastic clips don’t feel indestructible, so I handle them gently.
3. Souper Cubes 2-Cup Silicone Freezer Molds – Best for Large Portions
Two-cup platinum silicone molds with lids and fill lines, sized for casseroles, lasagna portions, and big leftovers.
Why I picked it: Large cavity handles casseroles and dense leftovers without fuss.
Best for: Freezing lasagna, casseroles, goulash, or big meal portions.
A pricier choice but designed for larger, reusable portions.
Pros
- Generous 2-cup capacity
- Easy-to-eject silicone
- Lids protect from freezer burn
- Oven-safe base for baking
Cons
- Takes up more freezer space
- Higher price point than plain tubs
My take
I use the 2-cup molds whenever I make a pot of chili or a pasta casserole—each brick gives me a hearty reheatable portion without excess packaging.
The silicone lets portions pop out with a little push, and I either re-use the mold or drop the frozen brick into a labeled bag. Cleanup has been simple in the dishwasher, and I’ve baked certain recipes in the base (lid removed) with good results.
If storage space is tight in your kitchen, factor in that these trays are bulkier than single-serve tubs, but for saving cooked meals and preventing waste they’re superb.
4. BALCI 1-Quart Ice Cream Containers – Best Budget Ice Cream Tubs
Set of 1-quart tubs with tight-sealing lids, stackable design, and dishwasher-safe construction for homemade ice cream.
Why I picked it: Sturdy, stackable tubs that pair well with home ice-cream makers.
Best for: Storing homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen desserts.
A budget-friendly pick for everyday dessert storage.
Pros
- Tight-sealing lids
- Stackable for efficient storage
- Dishwasher-safe
- Good for homemade ice cream
Cons
- Silicone lids feel floppy
- Material not ultra-rigid
My take
After making several batches of ice cream, these BALCI tubs became my go-to for storage. They stack neatly in the freezer and the lids form a snug seal that keeps ice crystals at bay.
The silicone lids are more flexible than hard plastic, which makes them easy to put on, though they feel floppy compared with rigid lids. For everyday home use—especially right from an ice-cream maker—these tubs deliver great value.
5. Starpack 1-Quart Ice Cream Containers – Best Premium Ice Cream
Heavy-duty polypropylene tubs with upgraded European-grade silicone lids designed to form an airtight seal and withstand freezer cycles.
Why I picked it: Premium silicone lids and tough tubs for long-term frozen storage.
Best for: Longer-term ice cream storage and airtight freezing of soups or stews.
A premium option for serious home ice-cream makers.
Pros
- Durable, tough tubs
- Airtight silicone lids
- Easy-open design
- Stackable and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Silicone lids can stain or blotch
- Require tight closure to avoid overflow
My take
A friend who’s a pro chef recommended these, and they’ve lived up to that recommendation—these tubs feel rugged and survive many cycles in my freezer and dishwasher.
The silicone lids form a reliable seal that keeps flavors locked in. I did notice the lids can develop blotchy spots from soap and water over time, so I rinse and air-dry them carefully. For anyone making frequent batches of frozen desserts, these feel like the long-term solution.
6. EDI 8oz Deli Food Storage Containers (50 sets) – Best for Meal-Prep & Bulk
Bulk pack of clear, stackable deli cups with airtight lids; bases are microwave-safe and all pieces are freezer- and dishwasher-safe.
Why I picked it: Uniform lid system and stackability make meal-prep fast and organized.
Best for: Batch cooking, single servings, sauces, and freezing portioned meals.
Cost-effective bulk set for regular meal-prep.
Pros
- Uniform lids across sizes
- Stack neatly in freezer
- Microwave-safe bases
- Airtight sealing lids
Cons
- Lids aren’t microwave-safe
- Some may find plastic thin
My take
I keep the 8oz EDI deli containers on hand for single-serve meals, sauces, and portioned sides. The best feature is that lids are interchangeable across sizes, which makes storage and replacement painless.
I regularly freeze and microwave the meal bases (lids removed for microwaving) and the containers hold up well in the dishwasher. They stack so efficiently that I cleared a lot of clutter in my pantry when I switched to these as my main prep tubs.
7. Souper Cubes 1/2-Cup Silicone Freezer Molds – Best for Small Portions
Half-cup platinum silicone molds with steel-reinforced rim and lids—perfect for strict portion control and small-batch freezing.
Why I picked it: Perfect size for controlled portions and frequent freezer use.
Best for: Bone broth, smoothie prep, baby food, and small soup servings.
A slightly higher upfront cost for precise portioning benefits.
Pros
- Ideal half-cup portions
- Easy pop-out release
- Sturdy reinforced rim
- Lids keep contents fresh
Cons
- More costly than basic trays
- Storage can be bulky
My take
The half-cup Souper Cubes became indispensable when I began portioning bone broth and smoothies—each serving is consistent and pops out cleanly with a little pressure.
They’re also great if you’re managing portion sizes for health reasons; I appreciated the convenience and reliability when I needed measured servings. As with the larger molds, I find storage takes more room than thin trays, but the portion control is worth it.
8. 16oz Deli Food Storage Containers (24 Sets) – Best for Bulk Deli Storage
Clear, stackable 16oz deli tubs with overlapping leak-resistant lids—handy for soups, gifting, and compact storage.
Why I picked it: Clear sides and stackability make organization and gifting simple.
Best for: Storing soups, sauces, candies, and giftable treats.
An economical, no-frills bulk option.
Pros
- Extra clear for easy ID
- Stackable and space-saving
- Leak-resistant overlapping lids
- Lightweight and versatile
Cons
- Plastic can feel thin to some
- Lids may warp after high-heat drying
My take
I used these 16oz deli tubs to package candies and roasted nuts for holidays; they’re light, stack neatly, and make tidy gifts.
They’re extremely convenient for both freezer and fridge use—the lids seal well for short-term transport. I’ve learned to microwave only the bottoms (not the lids) and to avoid high-heat dishwasher drying to prevent lid warping.
How I Choose Freezer Containers
Key features I prioritize
When I shop for freezer containers I look for material, seal quality, and storage efficiency. Those three factors determine how much food I can save, how long it stays fresh, and whether the solution fits my freezer layout.
- Material: silicone releases frozen food easily; polypropylene tubs resist cracking.
- Seal: lids that form tight seals prevent freezer burn and odors.
- Stackability: uniform shapes and stackable lids save precious space.
- Versatility: oven-safe bases or microwave-safe bottoms add flexibility.
- Portion sizes: match container size to how you reheat and serve food.
How I match container to use
I use small silicone molds for broths and baby food, quart tubs for ice cream and large leftovers, and deli cups for sauces and single-serve meals. Think about how you reheat—if you microwave in the container, choose a microwave-safe base.
For transport or entertaining I favor rigid carriers with handles or snap-together tiers; for long-term frozen storage I prefer airtight silicone-sealed tubs.
- Meal-prep: 8–16oz uniform deli cups keep portions consistent.
- Soups & broths: silicone molds for easy popping or quart tubs for full meals.
- Ice cream: thick-walled tubs with airtight lids to reduce ice crystals.
- Entertaining: handled carriers or stackable trays that lock securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze soups directly in silicone molds?
Yes—I freeze broths and soups in silicone molds all the time. I usually let hot liquid cool slightly, fill to the indicated lines, and freeze flat so portions set evenly. I remove the lids for baking or oven use, per manufacturer guidance.
Are deli containers safe to microwave?
I microwave the bottoms of most deli containers but remove the lids first. Always check your specific container’s guidance—many lids aren’t rated for microwave heat.
How do I prevent freezer burn in stored items?
I use airtight lids and, when possible, remove excess air by popping frozen bricks out of molds and into sealed bags. Labeling with date and rotating older items first helps me avoid long-term freezer burn.
Final Take
I rely on a mix of these containers depending on the job: Souper Cubes for precise portions, EDI deli cups for bulk meal-prep, and Starpack tubs when I want a tough ice-cream storage solution.
Pick the container that fits how you cook and reheat—portion size, stackability, and lid seal are the features that will save you time and reduce waste in the long run.
