When designers tackle food storage, they need to consider a number of factors: the sealing mechanism (how easy it is to use and whether it's leak-proof), durability, stain resistance, ease of cleaning, temperature tolerance, user concerns about the safety of plastics, and more.

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The LockTops from OXO have many desirable features. They can go from the freezer to the microwave. They're clear, so users can see what's being stored. OXO says they are both leakproof and easy to close, and users seem to agree. They're stain-resistant, and they're fine to put in the dishwasher. They stack nicely in the refrigerator, making the most of the available storage space. The one drawback: Some users will be concerned about using plastics, especially for containers going into the microwave—even plastics that are BPA-free, such as these which are made from Tritan.

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But for users without such concerns, plastics can work well. Cambro had the smart idea of providing easy-to-read volume markers on its containers—especially helpful for users storing sauces and soups. These CamSquares are made from polycarbonite.

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The Tellfresh food storers are designed to take Tellfresh tags where users can note use-by dates, etc. The tags can be erased and reused. But there are many other ways to label a food storage bin, if needed, and buyers don't often comment on this feature. Rather, they like the ability to go from the freezer to the microwave, the easy way the lids click into place, and the durability.

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For users who prefer not to use plastics, one of the alternatives is glass. Anchor Hocking's Trueseal containers are made from tempered glass; the lids are BPA-free plastic. These containers can go in the freezer and the oven (but not directly from one to the other) , and they can be used in the microwave as long as there's a gap/vent between the cover and the glass. They're fine in the dishwasher, with the lids in the top rack. Users says they're easy to open and seal. 

Drawbacks: The lids can stain—and of course, being glass, the containers can break. Also, the glass makes this a heavier product than the plastic options. So this is not the product for those with medical issues that make them more likely to drop things, or those who want something lightweight to carry with them to work.

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One way to work around the breakability of glass is to put it in a silicone sleeve; the sleeve also makes it less slippery. (I have a glass water bottle in this kind of sleeve, and it works well for me.) These containers come from Lifefactory; they're made from tempered soda lime glass and have polypropylene lids (which should not be used in the oven or microwave). My major concern is that some users report that the latches are tricky.

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Frego is another glass-in-silicone design, but one where the lid is also made of silicone—making it a favorite with users who want to avoid plastics entirely.  It's made from borosilicate glass and is safe from -40 F to 465 F. Users can write notes (for use-by dates, etc.) on the surface with dry-erase markers and erase them with a damp paper towel. Buyers note that these containers really are leakproof, and they like how the silicone sleeve stays cool when using Frego in a microwave. However, unlike many other products, Frego only comes in two sizes: two-cup and four-cup.

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Onyx makes containers from borosilicate glass with stainless steel lids. The glass is dishwasher, oven and microwave safe—but the lids are not, which is a bit of a nuisance. But what caught my attention was the simple closure; the user just pushes the silicone button down to create an airtight seal, and pulls the button up to release the seal. This might work well for users with dexterity issues who have trouble with other types of lids.

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Of course, designers are not limited to plastic and glass when creating storage for leftovers. Collapse-It makes silicone containers, which use a vacuum seal. When not in use, they collapse to half their size, saving storage space. They are freezer safe, microwave safe, oven safe to 500 F, and dishwasher safe. One possible concern: Some buyers report problems with staining.

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Stainless steel is a good material choice for users who aren't big fans of the microwave (or don't mind transferring their food before reheating it). The lids on these containers from Onyx aren't dishwasher or oven safe, which will annoy some users. But the bowls give anti-plastic users a storage option that's lightweight and leakproof—and long-lasting. Those latches caught my attention, and I was glad to read that they are easy to open. Users can buy replacement lids separately, if need be, which is a thoughtful touch.

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Ceramic products are yet another way to handle leftover food storage. These CorningWare Pop-Ins are ceramic dishes with plastic covers that have a steam vent. Buyers report that the lids are tight, making them a bit hard to use—but they are leakproof. Buyers also like that the handles on the mugs stay cool enough to grab when used in the microwave. The non-porous bowls and cups don't absorb food odors, flavors or stains (although the plastic lids might stain).