The Ultimate Storage Solution – Chef’s Discovery

Oct 6, 2021 by Chef David

By Chef David

Anyone who cooks understands the importance of making sure there is an over-abundance of food ‘no one should leave the table hungry.’ This often means making more than is necessary, which leads to leftovers and creates the need for storage.  In a kosher kitchen, simple storage can become complex, because we need containers that are appropriately marked and easily identified as meat, dairy, and parve (and then we need to have a set earmarked for Passover). Add to the equation the need to clearly label the lids to match their containers. The process of packing and storing leftovers can be exhausting. The simple solution, finding different shaped containers and color-coated tops, is often the primary concern. The last thought is finding a high-quality storage container.

Storing leftovers in containers is only the beginning of the process. After the meal remnants have been packed and labeled, they need to be stored in an organized manner, not just shoved into the freezer or refrigerator, but properly put away so that they can be found again. The key to leftovers is being able to successfully identify the hidden contents for re-use. Finding a mystery meal tucked into the back of the freezer sends the contents immediately to the garbage. Or more frustrating is not being able to locate a crowd favorite that you know you have before it’s spoiled.  

Proper food storage can be almost as challenging as preparing the meal, and it’s a lot less fun.

Duralex Lys (Freshbox) is a unique storage solution, beginning with its shape, square for easy stacking, with a distinctive blue lid, and the versatility that makes it the ultimate in storage solutions. Duralex uses thermal shock-resistant tempered glass, making it both freezer and microwave safe. Tempered glass is 2.5 times stronger than ordinary glass, in the rare event that it breaks, it is designed to shatter into small pieces which will not cut the user. To extend the lid life, the manufacturer recommends not using them in a microwave or in temperatures over 55 degrees Centigrade or 131 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Duralex was manufactured to withstand sudden temperature extremes from -4°F to 266°F making it suitable for hot or cold liquids. I can transfer food directly from the pot to storage. (It still is preferable to let it cool off first at least to avoid heating up the fridge.) Duralex becomes a single leftovers solution, going from the table to the refrigerator, then into the freezer, and back again in a clear glass container. This versatility is nothing sort of a miracle, giving me one less dish to wash, one less item to transfer, and keeping it easily identifiable. Since most of my storage dishes are parve, my set of Lys storage containers and lids are parve. There is a simplicity in having a storage container that is attractive enough to be placed on the table. Duralex makes leftovers a pleasure to serve, store and serve again.  

Duralex is the real deal! 

I tested a five-piece set of storage containers containing sizes ranging from 15 cl (5 ¼ oz) a perfect size for sauces, 30 cl (10 5/8 oz), 61 cl (20 ½ oz), 115 cl (40 ½ oz), and 200 cl (70 3/8 oz) ample storage for me to prep dishes in advance. The sizes may seem a bit European* but really work, fitting each common size of storage. Most significantly, they are built to stack, making long-term storage a breeze.  Unlike other nesting dishes, which take up a large space in most drawers, leaving so much unused space, these containers make efficient use of available space. These dishes are also square with no handles reducing their footprint in the fridge. 

Signature blue lids are tight and secure, closing without fuss, and they are BPA-free.  Lids matter, they should be easy to close without requiring a special finesse to get a reliable seal. All too often, with an improper seal, the contents leak or end up on the floor because the cover did not hold.  My experience using Duralex Lys has been flawless. The covers clean well, without retaining odors from the contents, and so far, only one discolored slightly from storing hot sauce for several weeks. 

The Brand

Duralex is a French brand with a proud history, a specialist in the design and production of tempered glass tableware since 1945. Their roots began in the 1930s when Saint-Gobain took over La-Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin’s factory, which had been used to produce bottles for a perfumer that produced bottles. Saint-Gobain became a pioneer in tempered glass technology, which was transformed again in 2008 by a group of managing shareholders. The brand was reborn, with a new logo, redesigned packaging, and new styles. Duralex is 100% recyclable, glass is made to be remade, made of soda-lime glass which is created from sand, soda ash, and limestone. Completely lead and cadmium-free. 

Recently International Cookware, who owns the Pyrex trademark, acquired French Duralex. However, Duralex is 100% made in France. The plan is to keep the two brands independent, positioning International Cookware as an industry leader giving consumers a choice. 

Perfect Storage Solution

Duralex adds convenience to packing up leftovers  I had a positive experience with the Duralex Lys products, a storage solution that is second to none; providing value, with a distinct style.  Their website allows you to locate a local retailer. Take it from me, this makes a perfect gift for the cook who has everything.  For everyone responsible for meal preparation or kitchen cleanup, Duralex is a time-saver storage solution worth your consideration. 

*The five-piece set changed slightly since this article was published in September 2021.  The new dimensions are 3.5 inches (5.375-ounce), 4.4 inches (10-ounce), 5.5 inches (20-ounce), 6.8 inches (36-ounce), 7.9 inches (68-ounce), which is more relatable to the American consumer.