Best Silicone Stretch Lids

Buying guide for Best silicone stretch lids

Is there anything more irritating than fighting with a piece of plastic wrap only for it to get stuck to itself and tangled? What about wrestling with a piece of aluminum foil that does nothing but crinkle and won’t stick to your serving ware?

These annoyances can now be easily avoided thanks to the invention of stretch silicone lids. These handy kitchen accessories make saving leftovers a breeze, as you merely stretch them over the top of a bowl or dish and pop them into the fridge, helping to keep food fresh. Additionally, they’re reusable, so that means they’re good for the planet — and your budget.

Silicone stretch lids are available in multiple sizes designed to fit different-sized containers, so you can fit them on bowls, over plates, and even over pieces of cut fruit. An inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative to plastic, they are also handy for those tired of losing Tupperware parts.

Clear lids make it easier to spot what’s in each of your containers.

Benefits of food-grade silicone

Wondering why these stretch lids are made of silicone and not some other material? Here are the main benefits of food-grade silicone.

• No smell: Silicone doesn’t give off a chemical odor and isn’t prone to holding onto smells either.

• Can handle high temperatures: Exposing your silicone stretch lids to the microwave isn’t a big deal. Most brands should be able to withstand temperatures up to 450º F. and are dishwasher-safe.

• Handles cold, too: The material is safe for the fridge and the freezer.

• Malleable: The flexible nature of silicone allows users to stretch lids over bowls and dishes.

• Super durable: Silicone is not likely to tear or rip as regular plastic would.

• BPA-free: Silicone doesn’t contain BPA and is free from other harmful toxins.

• They help keep food from being contaminated. Your food will stay fresher for longer because of an airtight seal.

• Good quality lids are stretchy and won’t lose their shape. They might even outlast some of your Tupperware.

• No need to match a lid to a container. This product is super convenient and won’t require you to hunt through your plastic container drawer.

When evaluating silicone lids, we look at how easily they stretch to fit a variety of container sizes.

Some users want just one or two lids; others want a set of lids. We look for products that come in varying quantities, including assortment packs that contain several of the same size.

Some silicone stretch lids have tabs along the rim to promote a secure grip. For lids with tabs, we consider whether they are functional and durable.

We look for products with 100% food-grade silicone, which contains no BPA or other potentially harmful chemicals and toxins.

While clear lids are useful for fast and easy food identification, some consumers like colored options that promote organization or color coding. When researching lids, we consider whether different color options are available.

Some lids come in sets that include other useful kitchen products and accessories. We research these sets to determine the value of the “extras” included.

The best silicone lids are affordable and built to last. We seek to recommend products that strike a balance between quality and value.

When assessing silicone lids, we consider whether they can withstand frequent use, stretching, and cleaning.

A tight seal is important for preserving food freshness. We look for lids with a quality seal that locks out moisture.

We give bonus points to silicone lids that stretch to fit a versatile assortment of kitchen vessels: jars, plates, bottles, and more.

Considerations

Color

Choose between lids that are clear or colored. Clear covers are great for keeping food organized because you can easily spot what’s what without having to take off the lid. The opacity may vary depending on the brand, however. Colored lids are an excellent choice for those who want to color code the contents of their fridge. For example, use clear lids for storing leftovers, blue lids for snacks, and red lids for everything else.

Set or single

Silicone stretch lids are available for purchase in singles or sets. Single lids are great if you rarely need to store leftovers or just want to try the lids for the first time. A set is typically more economical.

Size

Not sure which size to buy? Measure the diameter of your commonly used kitchenware. If your favorite bowl is seven inches in diameter, use a stretch lid that measures six to eight inches. Most manufacturers will conveniently list sizing for you, so you won’t have trouble finding appropriately sized lids. The majority of silicone stretch lids are round, so keep that in mind when taking measurements.

Prices of silicone stretch lids

Silicone stretch lids are fairly inexpensive kitchen accessories. Most brands offer lid sets that include multiple sizes for under $20.

Tips

Silicone stretch lids aren’t just for covering bowls. They’re also useful for covering the following:

• Jars. Perfect for when you lose a mason jar lid and don’t want your jam or pickles to go to waste.

• Plates of leftovers. Cover up leftovers, so they stay fresh for those who are coming home later or for lunch the next day.

• Peeled fruits or vegetables. Only need half a watermelon to satisfy your family’s cravings on a hot summer day? Use a stretch lid to cover up the other half and keep it for later in the week.

• Bottles. Finding a bottle tough to open? Use a stretch lid to seal it next time, so it’s easier to access your beverage.

• Tupperware and other plastic containers without matching lids. Have a full drawer of mismatched plastic containers? No worries. Silicone stretch lids will save the day. No need to let them go to waste.

Tips for keeping stored food fresh:

• Be sure to firmly press the lid to the edges of your bowls or containers to create an airtight seal.

• If you’re storing fresh greens, like lettuce or kale, some moisture is required to keep them fresh, but too much can cause food to wilt.

• It’s a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables before storing them. You’ll have them on hand and ready to use. Just make sure to dry produce thoroughly before putting it back in the fridge.

• Keep tomatoes out of the refrigerator. They’ll lose their texture and flavor very quickly, and you’ll be left with mealy, tasteless tomatoes for your sandwich.

• Wash, cut up, and store celery in water.

• A stocked refrigerator is very energy efficient, but a refrigerator that’s too full may not cool foods properly. Don’t pack your fridge to the brim.

Recipe: Potluck Orzo Salad

Need a hit recipe idea for your next potluck? This potluck orzo salad is sure to please. If you’re bringing it to a housewarming party, serve it in a brand-new bowl to give to the host or hostess as a gift. Just cover it with a silicone stretch lid to keep the food fresh. This salad is an excellent recipe for a summer BBQ and features a few ingredients that can be picked straight from the garden.

Ingredients

• Salad

  • 1 1/2 cups of orzo (dried)

  • 1 can of beans (your choice — we suggest a can of mixed beans)

  • 1 cup of diced zucchini

  • 1 cup of diced cucumber

  • 1 cup of corn (frozen or fresh)

  • 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Dressing

  • 1/2 cup of oil

  • 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey (add more if you prefer a sweeter dressing)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Directions

  • Check the package and cook the orzo according to the directions on the box. Drain and set aside to let cool while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

  • Add butter to a cast-iron pan and cook the corn. Cook until the corn has caramelized. While corn is cooking, prep the dressing.

  • Combine the ingredients listed above into a serving bowl and drizzle dressing to taste.

You may need to purchase specialty-size lids separately for things like small jars or bottles.

FAQ

Q. Can silicone stretch lids be made of any type of silicone?

A. They should be made of platinum silicone, which is food-grade silicone. This type of silicone is used to make baby-bottle nipples and is safe for use around food items.

Q. How do I use a silicone stretch lid?

A. Stretch it over your container and press the sides so the lid adheres to the container and creates an airtight seal.

Q. I like to keep a tidy fridge. Can I stack containers outfitted with silicone stretch lids?

A. Most brands offer stretch lids that are sturdy enough for stacking so you can keep an organized fridge interior.