Can I use stainless steel containers in the microwave?

Some stainless steel containers can be used in the microwave, depending on their design. Elephant Box has a range of <a href="/collections/meal-prep-containers" title="Microwave Safe Meal Prep Containers">microwave safe food storage containers</a>, making it easy to reheat meals without transferring them to another dish. As microwave compatibility varies by product, we recommend checking the individual product page for the latest guidance before heating.

Are the containers stackable?

Yes — several products in the range are designed to stack, making them efficient for fridge and freezer storage. The Prep & Store Set of 3 nests together when empty. They all stack except the lunch bowls.

Do you sell replacement lids?

Yes. Replacement lids and spares are available in the Accessories & Spares section of the site.

Are your containers suitable for kids?

Yes — several products work well for children, and we have a dedicated kids range within our <a href="https://elephantbox.co.uk/collections/lunchboxes-snackpots">lunch box collection</a>. For food storage at home, the smaller containers are a good fit for snacks and portioned meals.

Do you offer sets or bundles?

Yes — the Prep & Store Set of 3 gives you a nesting set of different sizes, ideal for batch cooking. We also have kitchen bundles in our Bundles & Gifts section if you're looking to kit out a full plastic-free kitchen. Also, the Clip and Seal product comes as a set of three.

Are Elephant Box containers made ethically?

Elephant Box is committed to responsible sourcing and sustainability. You can read more about our materials, supply chain, and environmental commitments on our <a href="https://elephantbox.co.uk/pages/impact">Impact page</a> and <a href="https://elephantbox.co.uk/pages/our-commitments">Commitments page</a>.

Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers

Elephant Box stainless steel food storage containers are built to replace plastic for good. Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, our range keeps food fresh without absorbing odours, staining, or leaching chemicals — ever. Whether you need airtight containers for meal prep, metal food storage containers with lids for the fridge, or a stackable set for the freezer, you'll find the right size here. Every container is plastic-free where it matters most: no plastic touching your food. Scroll down to explore the full range, or use the quick links below to jump to our buyer's guide or FAQs.

Buyer's Guide | Food Storage FAQs

Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers — Buyer's Guide

Why choose stainless steel over plastic?

Stainless steel food containers outlast plastic by years. They don't absorb smells from last night's curry, they won't stain from tomato-based sauces, and there's no risk of BPA or microplastics leaching into your food. They're also dishwasher safe and tough enough for everyday use — school bags, commutes, and years of meal prep included.

Why choose Elephant Box for Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers?

Choosing Elephant Box means investing in food storage that's built to last. Made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, each container is designed for everyday use, backed by a 15-year warranty and supported with replaceable parts to help extend its lifespan. Durable, reusable and plastic-free, Elephant Box products are made to reduce waste without compromising on quality or performance.

Which container is right for you?

Leakproof for soups & sauces

Clip & Seal range

Freezer & fridge storage

Clip & Seal range

Meal prep — batch cooking

Prep & Store Food Containers - Set of 3

Small snacks or portion control

Seal & Go Snack Pots

Airtight dry food storage

Twist & Lock Leakproof Trio

What sizes do you offer?

Our food storage range includes a variety of sizes to suit everything from small snacks to batch cooking. The Seal & Go Trio includes 200ml, 400ml and 600ml containers, making it ideal for snacks, leftovers and lunches. Our Twist & Lock range is available in compact single containers as well as the popular leakproof trio, while the Prep & Store containers come in 650ml, 1L and 2L sizes for meal prep, batch cooking and family leftovers. Whatever you're storing, there's a size designed to fit the job.

Are Elephant Box containers freezer and dishwasher safe?

Yes — all Elephant Box food storage containers are both freezer safe and dishwasher safe, making them easy to use every day. When freezing soups or other liquids, avoid filling containers right to the brim, as the contents will expand as they freeze. The only exception is stainless steel bottle caps, which should be hand washed to help maintain their performance and finish.

What's the difference between stainless steel and silicone lids?

Every food storage container in this range is designed to provide an airtight, leakproof seal. Many use silicone seals or silicone components, which create a secure closure that's ideal for carrying lunches, meal prep and storing liquids. The Prep & Store containers use a press-fit lid, making them much easier to remove after freezing while still providing an airtight, leakproof seal. Although they're perfect for everyday food storage, they aren't designed for soups or liquids rolling around loose in a bag in the same way as the Clip & Seal or Twist & Lock ranges. Stainless steel lids, meanwhile, offer a sleek, minimalist look that's perfect for storing and serving food at home.

Food Storage Container FAQs

Yes. Elephant Box containers use food-grade 304 stainless steel, which is non-reactive, free from BPA and other harmful plastics, and certified safe for direct food contact. Unlike plastic, it won't leach chemicals even when storing acidic foods like tomato sauce or citrus.

Some stainless steel containers can be used in the microwave, depending on their design. Elephant Box has a range of microwave safe food storage containers, making it easy to reheat meals without transferring them to another dish. As microwave compatibility varies by product, we recommend checking the individual product page for the latest guidance before heating.

All products in the food storage collection are leakproof and airtight.

The range covers a variety of sizes from small (ideal for snacks and dips) to medium and large (suited to meal prep, batch cooking, and fridge storage). Exact capacities are listed on each product page. There are a range of sizes available from 50ml to 2 Litres.

Yes — several products in the range are designed to stack, making them efficient for fridge and freezer storage. The Prep & Store Set of 3 nests together when empty. They all stack except the lunch bowls.

Yes. Replacement lids and spares are available in the Accessories & Spares section of the site.

Keeping your Elephant Box food containers clean is simple. All food storage containers in this range are dishwasher safe, or you can wash them by hand using hot, soapy water and a soft cloth. For more tips on maintaining the finish and getting the most from your stainless steel products, take a look at our guide to caring for stainless steel.

Many customers use our food storage containers as an everyday lunch box — they're robust enough for bags and commutes, and the leakproof options handle sauces and soups without issue. If you're specifically looking for a dedicated lunch solution, our stainless steel lunch boxes include compartment options, sandwich boxes, and snack pots designed for on-the-go eating.

Food storage containers are primarily designed for fridge, freezer, and kitchen prep — keeping food fresh between cooking and eating. Lunch boxes are optimised for carrying food on the go, with features like secure clips, compartments, and compact sizing. Elephant Box makes both: browse our stainless steel lunch boxes and snack pots if you need a metal lunch box for work, school, or travel.

Yes — several products work well for children, and we have a dedicated kids range within our lunch box collection. For food storage at home, the smaller containers are a good fit for snacks and portioned meals.

Yes. Stainless steel has a smooth, non-porous surface that won't absorb odours, flavours or moisture, helping to keep your food fresh while remaining hygienic over time. Airtight, leakproof lids further extend freshness by reducing air exposure. Across the Elephant Box range, stainless steel lids use a silicone seal to create an airtight, leakproof closure, the Seal & Go collection features full silicone lids, and the Prep & Store range pairs borosilicate glass lids with a silicone seal. Together, these designs make Elephant Box containers ideal for meal prep, packed lunches and storing leftovers.

Yes — stainless steel handles heat well and won't warp or release chemicals when used with hot food. You can fill containers straight from the hob or oven (allow to cool slightly first before sealing as the steam will interfere with the seal). Just remember they're not suitable for microwave reheating.

Yes — the Prep & Store Set of 3 gives you a nesting set of different sizes, ideal for batch cooking. We also have kitchen bundles in our Bundles & Gifts section if you're looking to kit out a full plastic-free kitchen. Also, the Clip and Seal product comes as a set of three.

Under current EU advertising regulations, we're unable to make general claims about products being "environmentally friendly" — so we won't. What we can do is be transparent about the choices we make and why. You can read about our approach to materials, sourcing, and sustainability on our Impact page and our full commitments on our Commitments page — and make up your own mind.

Elephant Box is committed to responsible sourcing and sustainability. You can read more about our materials, supply chain, and environmental commitments on our Impact page and Commitments page.

Plastic-free

Fed up with mismatched & ugly plastic containers cluttering up your cupboards? Switch to ultra durable & stylish stainless steel for all your food storage needs.

Premium Stainless Steel

Food stays fresher for longer in stainless steel. Stainless steel is naturally antibacterial & toxin free, plus it's easy to clean & doesn't retain stains or smells.

Food-Grade Silicone

We use food-grade silicone for all our lids & seals. It will never break down into micro-plastics & it's inert, which means it won't leach anything harmful into your food.

The seal doesn’t stay in so how can I go with it to work

The seal doesn’t stay in so how can I go with it to work. It’s not fit for purpose. I may store some stuff in it in the fridge but probably I emd up
Not using it.

I absolutely love my set of round containers

I absolutely love my set of round containers. The shape makes so much more sense for taking my lunch to work in my rucksack. Happy to report they are as leak-proof as advertised AND they look really smart. Feels nice to know I’m not leaching nasty chemicals into my food.

metal takes longer in the microwave

love the design, but for any prospective buyers please note that it takes a lot longer to microwave food in a metal container than in a glass one! twice as long for me

Perfect

The product is as advertised

The product is as advertised, well made, carefully designed and I suspect will last for many years to come. The only thing I observed as a possible improvement, and it is minor, would be delivery options. I felt like I had to wait a long time to take delivery.

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