Kitchen design
Kitchen Storage Jars and Canisters: Glass, Ceramic or Tin?
How to choose storage jars that keep dry food fresh, and how to display them so the kitchen looks organised.
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Decanting flour, oats, sugar, rice and tea into good jars keeps them fresh, lets you see what is running low, and turns everyday food into part of the kitchen's look.
Where to buy
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Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Clear glass (clip-top or screw-top) | See the contents; easy to clean | Lets in light, which some foods dislike |
| Ceramic / stoneware | Blocks light; traditional look | Can't see contents; heavier |
| Tin / enamel | Light, blocks light, classic for tea and biscuits | Seals are often less airtight |
What makes a good jar
- An airtight seal: a rubber gasket with a clip, or a screw lid with a seal.
- A wide mouth big enough for a measuring cup or scoop.
- The right size: a 1.5–2 litre jar holds a standard 1.5 kg bag of flour with room to spare; smaller jars suit spices and baking powder.
- Labels with the contents and the date you opened it.
Tea deserves its own caddy
Tea keeps best away from light, heat and strong smells, in an opaque, airtight caddy. See how to create a tea station.
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Frequently asked questions
What size jar holds a bag of flour?
A 1.5–2 litre jar holds a standard 1.5 kg bag with room to spare.
Are glass storage jars airtight?
Clip-top jars with a rubber seal, and screw lids with a seal, are airtight. Replace perished seals.
Should I store tea in a glass jar?
Better in an opaque, airtight caddy, as light affects tea. Keep it away from heat and strong smells.