Equipment Review: Best Plastic Food Storage Freezer Bags & Our Testing Winner
Buy the co-winning food storage bags: cooks.io/4fDR5Q3
Buy the co-winning single-use bags: cooks.io/3WoYJF6
Buy the co-winning reusable bags: cooks.io/4d49zHs
Full review and results chart: bit.ly/1wfLrsf
Crummy plastic food storage bags leak, rip, and are tricky to seal. We wanted a strong, leakproof bag that would close securely without a fuss and keep food fresher longer. Watch video to see the lengths we went to find the best bag for our buck.
We tested 8 gallon-size freezer bags to find the best one:
Elkay Plastics Ziplock Heavy Weight Freezer Bag
Ziploc Brand Freezer Bags with Easy Open Tabs
Green’N’Pack Food Storage Freezer Gallon Bags
Diversey, Inc. Ziploc Commercial Resealable Gallon Freezer Bags
Hefty Slider Bag, Gallon Freezer
Ziploc Brand Gallon Freezer Slider Bags
Natural Value Slider Gallon Freezer Bags
Ziploc Brand Double Guard Double Layer Gallon Freezer Bags
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Пікірлер: 255
I love her anger at the leaking bags. She's so right.
@jlaustill
5 жыл бұрын
That totally made my morning too!
@bl6973
4 жыл бұрын
The SeeeTeee Considering that there was a test where the bag exploded on her, I would be pissed as well
@powertuber4.068
3 жыл бұрын
Is her ring swollen to her finger? 04:28
@carolray9156
Жыл бұрын
She's dam cool!! 👍
I love her reviews. She's eloquent, never stutters and gets right to the point. Well done!
@seattle1898
3 жыл бұрын
Stutters? Stuttering isn’t something people can control. Trips over her words or miss speaks might be a better way of putting it since we should not be putting down stuttering.
@Ianisatool
Жыл бұрын
@@seattle1898 ignore this ignorant troll.
@jasonkelley2651
10 ай бұрын
@@seattle1898 🤦♂️ Oh good grief! As a former "stutterer" I have to disagree 100% with your over-woke comment. I learned to control a very bad stutter. Now, after 50+ years of speaking normally I have been able to help many others overcome their own struggles with stuttering. I suggest that you put aside your perceived "PC" offense and just appreciate the honesty of the original comment. They were giving a compliment. Why spoil it with your mistaken perceptions?
You can’t imagine how much I love these reviews. I watch reviews for things I’m not even interested in, because I live the granular details.
@internetgirl3099
3 жыл бұрын
They are so satisfying with all the destructive testing methods!
Guys, I am from Italy and where I live I can't find these plastic bags, so every time I have the chance to travel I look for them! I have noticed all the defects you have mentioned here and I was still looking for the perfect one until now!!!! This video is brilliant, thank you so much for sharing! Grate Job!!! Big hug Giulia :*
@Jennifer-iw9bl
3 жыл бұрын
Online ordering
@Genevieve1023
Жыл бұрын
@@Jennifer-iw9bl Shipping fees to Europe are a killer. You might as well just put that money towards a plane ticket.
When I was a child, plastic bags were always washed, dried and reused - always. We used plastic bowl covers with elastic bands also. Waste was not an option.
@jeanniearnold7906
4 жыл бұрын
I still rewash my bags and use them again...unless I had meat in them the first time. Then they get trashed/recycled .
@willmpet
4 жыл бұрын
My brother and I brought home our lunch bags so they could be reused!
@dbirdeycapozzi9807
4 жыл бұрын
I'm still doing it! Plastics may be convenient at the moment of use but are killing life around the planet after we trash it. And the earth is crying from our misunderstanding and abuse. The lesson must be learned before we can progress. Let's all try another approach throughout these upcoming days and enjoy a different result...I believe that we can change our world 💕
@bl6973
4 жыл бұрын
zelen plav You knows shower caps and plates work as okay reusable plastic wrap. If you want airtight lids than the Charles viancin lids work as airtight-ish seals. If you’re doing bread and stuff then an airtight box (the kind with the plastic clamps and stuff) work, snapware sells a couple
@flaminggale4344
4 жыл бұрын
Actually the reason why they produce plastic is for its reusability. But nowadays people always throw it away after single used
These shows are so addictive, I've been watching for hours and only come to when I find that I already have what they suggest. Doesn't happen with the All-Clad stuff though.
This is a real freezer bag test. Great job ATK!
These are the same bags I use to freeze everything from steaks/chops/roasts of all kinds to brats to salmon and even butter. I use the "water displacement technique" to remove ALL of the air and everything is in beautiful shape even after several months in the freezer, brightly colored and no freezer burn or frost. All you really need to do is remove the air, vacuum sealing isn't necessary and you can forget the expensive, noisy equipment and over priced rolls/bags.
More equipment review videos on KZread please.
Excellent videos. To the point every time. Quality vs price at the bottom line without wasting my time with needless minutes of explanation. Thank you.
Awesome! I love how your channel makes the little decisions easier. I'd love to see reviews of big equipment like stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and other big ticket items.
The information on the tests you all performed is good to know and I learned that the Zip Lock brand was the best years ago and have continued to use them for food storage and also to keep items safe which is used in camping out.
thank you for including whatever green choices are out there. even semi-green helps. you didn't mention reuse of bags. i reuse fruit and veggies bags often.
When the product I have/buy is a contender for ATK's product review, I instantly think "better not fail me Ziplock, you little B". Like I've put money on a horse named Ziplock. LOL. On another note, deli-tainers are more re-usable, washable, and leak proof-y. *Eco-friendly reminder :)*
@captainamericaamerica8090
3 жыл бұрын
Bowls do not lay flat. These do
@lford2337
3 жыл бұрын
I'm little late to the show, but right there with ya when I see one of my go-to brands! Happy when they do products and equipment they at least test everything they show, unlike food where they show 9 and test 3 lol
I swear this channel is the best, I wish I could somehow contribute, you guys are doing awesome for the world!!!!
I sincerely apologize I kept clicking the video back at *3:02 ... Watching you get splashed with water over and over again, your face was just too adorable. I love your videos and sincerely appreciate your testing all of these various items. Btw, I cook a lot in bulk so I invested in a “vacuum sealer” for my food. I save all those “Storage Baggies” for my grandchildren‘s crayons and Lego pieces.
This is so useful. As you say, we are tired of thinking about price and quality every other week at the store. Thanks so much for helping us save money in this tough economy! I cook at home to be healthier and to save money, and I don't want the bags to fail my efforts!
Though I enjoy these videos and hearing about all your testing, it would have been nice to know which bag was the one that looked as if the meat had just been packed after 2 months. What made the winner? In what areas did others score higher? Lots of explanations about testing, but no discussion of real results.
@Tullebukk75
4 жыл бұрын
www.cooksillustrated.com/equipment_reviews/1529-food-storage-bags
I recommend buying a vacuum sealer, it'll draw all the air out (preventing freezer burn) and seals it, and it'll make it take up less space
Thanks for the rigor of testing for 2+ months. I thought the desiccant test was a terrific idea.
I was never disappointed with Glads Ziplock freezer bags. I even use them as sous vide bags since they are made of high grade polyprepoline.
I agree with the Ziploc Freezer bags. We only use the Zip Loc Freezer and Zip Loc Quart bags. We use them to freeze treat all of our flour and rice type foods before placing them in the pantry. These bags are great and do not leak. If you by them in bulk as in Sam's Club or Cosco they come to: Ziploc Freezer Quart = ~ 6¢ a bag Ziploc Freezer Gallon = ~ 9¢ a bag
bags I did not see you test but I have found the best so far in my own kitchen are the IKEA bags... run out of the gallon size many times before the smaller size but the small size does great for my sauces as a personal sizes...
Do one on glass containers that are safe to freeze and microwave
@juditbeko4450
6 жыл бұрын
Good idea! :) I use glass container every day, I am curious which is the best at Americas test kitchen.
@beckywiththefrizzyhair
6 жыл бұрын
They have one now!
This academic methodology of testing bags... great job guys
Those were some good tests. Storage bags are overlooked. I’ve always thought they were mostly the same.
You guys do a wonderful job! Thanks for the awesome service : ) I don't miss a single video and these I can really use so please keep them coming!
Ikea has a great freezer bag as well and its reasonably priced.
the winner - Ziploc double freezer bag smart zip plus
I use quart size bags a lot but can't always keep the zipper clean or prop it open to fill. If you roll a paper plate a little and stick in the bag it will hold it open and keep the zipper clean. I'm going to try stapling two of them to do a gallon bag.
You do such a bang up job on your reviews! Very professional, very well tested and equally measured out, short, to the point videos. Great job, AS USUAL!!!
I really love ziplock bags I use them all the time.
If you bake, just keep in mind that those ones with the flat bottom for easy filling aren't great for piping.
I pre wrap in saran or cheaper bag 2 pork chops (1 portion...sometimes 2) then put in gallon bags so I can remove and thaw just what I need. great thing is no leaks into big bag. I can preportion anything this way makes prep time easier and cleaner all around. I always wash my bags in bleach (not tons..just a few tsp ) and soap..rinse in hot vinegar water.Let air dry...saves $$$$ and used bags can be useful for other things too!
I tried some of those so-called eco-bags once, and they pretty much fell apart in the freezer. For longer term (more than a few days) freezer storage I use the vacuum seal bags like FoodSaver.
I've watched 10-20 of your product review videos. They are great. I haven't watched this one yet but I'm looking forward to it. I just want to say the topic of this video is very relevant to everyday shopping and I want to see more of this kinda content.
Two months of testing! That's commitment and I appreciate it
I've always used the ziploc freezer bags. They work great!
Such a thorough review! Thanks!
@AmericasTestKitchen
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Jamie!
Can you update this test?
Yeah where's Glad and the current one I'm using is from IKEA and it's pretty damn good
I LOVE your testing videos! Can you guys please do a reusable silicone freezer bag review? Would love to hear your opinion, thanks! 🥰🥰🥰
I use vacuum sealer bags, those work way better than regular plastic bags. I buy them in bulk on eBay, which is cheaper for the generic bags
I used to buy the Ziploc Vauum Freezer Bags & loved them!!! Now have to order them online which I hate to do !!!
freezer burn is also caused by the freezer warming up in order to de-ice itself, the food inside will start to warm up causing the outside layer to melt and refreeze, causing freezer burn
Here I am. 2am. Watching a review of storage bags. Great
I was buying this kind of storage bags yesterday, and wondered if there had been a study for strength and durability🤷🏼♀️
Love this lady! And this channel! Thanks so much
This needs to be updated. Ziplock changed their process and materials. They thinner, consistently rip at the edges, and subsequently leak more.
Good info thanks! I do like the ones with the fold out bottom! What about "green bags" that are supposed to make fruits and vegetables last longer?
have you ever tested the vacuum sealing products??
I find it amazing that such a great product is no longer available.
An old, one of the first in clad technologies I guess, now has all their handles removable and the old electric skillet (Dutch oven "8+ qt) that my Mom got for Valentines Day back in 2000 is oil filled. Ya'll got any feedback on these "made in the USA" cookware? They still advertise a manually operated Food Processer and were quite a thing. SALAD MASTER is still in business and producing today, world-wide to my knowledge. Fully clad and in material that are all today just as beautiful as the day that Dad & I got them for her to match the Kitchen renovation that I did when they bought the FARM back when Y2K turned out to NOT be the end of the world as humans know it. Whad'ya know, we're all still here now too.
My 1 quart Ziploc double seal bags rip very easily, even when opening unused new ones.
@dcwatashi
5 жыл бұрын
are they the frozen ones or regular?
the ziploc she mentioned is best is actually not. the sides n top of the zip usually rips open
@ACitizenOfOurWorld
4 жыл бұрын
They even showed an example of that at 2:29 - so kinda odd. I'd go with the runner up, Elkay myself.
Video request: Slider-lock bags. They're much easier and quicker to use. Which brands are best?
Thank you. I wonder if Ziploc makes a generic version that President's Choice sells. They remind me of the Ziploc ones.
I guess I'm weird. I use tons of Sandwich bags for storage. If I need a large bag, I use ones without a zipper - much, much, cheaper and I can double if needed.
This video was uploaded in 2014. Can you guys do an updated one which also include Ikea freezer bags?
Great review. Thank you so much. I came across this while searching for a quality ziplock type freezer bag that can be also vacuum packed and heat sealed. Is there such a thing? I have failed in finding any at all.
Thanks for your thorough test videos. Have you done a test of the silicone reusable food storage bags such as the Stasher and not limited to that brand? Thanks.
I love these videos, but Please PLEASE turn the volume up. The commercials are 2-3 times louder.
@TRASHoftheTITANS
8 жыл бұрын
+Tetsu Hoshi Why don't you just turn up your volume?
Doing amazing work
How about a follow up, bags and sealing methods for sous vide?
@ACitizenOfOurWorld
4 жыл бұрын
Why would anyone want to cook their food in plastic? All those chemicals leaching into hot surfaces.
@lordgarion514
4 жыл бұрын
@@ACitizenOfOurWorld Exactly, I've been saying this since it got popular. I bet these same people wouldn't intentionally eat small pieces of plastic. Or at least I hope they wouldn't be that dense. Scientists don't call water a "universal solvent" for no reason. It literally leaches anything from anything.
Oh my gosh..I would have loved to be working or at least observing on the days you shook the bags of water and dropped spaghetti sauce. So much fun...unless you have to clean but actually you all had good ideas to have minimal cleaning. I just found this page..I am not too internet savvy at all. I really appreciate how you explain differences and reasoning as well as structure differences. ie knives, skillets
I love your testing process
Would love some reviews on silicone storage bags and containers
I thought it was because they were porous that they leaked but it's the poor construction that fails like the zipper breaking on the sides I found that zipzag although a cannabis brand and pricy was shown to me and forsure the best bags I've ever used
I actually like the Ikea bags. They don't leak and they're stupid cheap.
@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co
7 жыл бұрын
Although I don't believe for a moment that gallon bags are the most commonly used.
@juliewood4340
7 жыл бұрын
Charlene Vickers yes, I love the IKEA bags!
@johnscanlan6337
5 жыл бұрын
YES!!!! They're great
@robynm7221
5 жыл бұрын
Where can I get Ikea bags?
@Diabolus1978
5 жыл бұрын
@@robynm7221 IKEA?
Very proper n intense investigation. However, very specific for the US market. All of these brands are barely to find on shelves at German supermarkets. Plus that imperial galon size... 😄
@gloriasilveira5332
Жыл бұрын
I know this is an old comment and normally I’m all for inclusion of other countries, but did you not notice the name of the company that does these review videos? It’s called “America’s” Test Kitchen…so what did you expect? 🤨
Love this test. I'd better hide this video from my husband or he'll start to do the water testing with all my bags, just for fun.
Ziploc double guard gallon zipper bag
I find it interesting that different "models" of bags from Ziploc were at the top, the middle, and the bottom of the list, and that the most-expensive one was the loser. I'll be very careful next time I buy to read the labels and make sure I get the right one.
@escapefromny2012
8 жыл бұрын
+SeikiBrian - After talking to experts and industry insiders over the years I've discovered that many products with high end and low end choices are deceiving. The cheaper ones are often the better quality and price. This goes for plastics, paper products, paint, hair color, and a lot more.
@seikibrian8641
8 жыл бұрын
Escape From NY -- Yes, that has often been my experience as well.
@G8tr1522
7 жыл бұрын
SeikiBrian Suppose it's because those who don't care and dump money on the more exoensive product also won't care when they need to go and buy more of it.
I prefer my FoodSaver to anything!
show us how to re-attached a slider when it comes off
Bacofoil ziplock are a decent bag.
Why didn't you guys do Glad bags
🥕🥕[ America's Test Kitchen ]🥕🥕 " Thanks for sharing this with me and I will be glad to get the Ziploc Double Zipper gallon sized freezer bags on my next grocery list ! This is a major surprise for me because I am wanting to freeze the foods in a gallon sized freezer bag ! " [ 🥕🥕👍👍🥕🥕 ]
3:00 "1 am infomercial style test" 😁
I have yet to find one . All of those allow the food to get freezer burn after a few days . And they pop open if you have the slide . Neither one is good ! What you spend on these you can buy a vacuum sealer that is 100 % better !
Thank you for testing these idems.
@MrEquusQuagga
7 жыл бұрын
idems
IKEA ziplock bags are pretty awesome
Love ATK but totally disagree with this video. Leakage is a huge issue for truckers who use storage bags for many reasons. Occasionally we get stuck at a location that is very public yet has no restrooms or restrooms that are inconveniently located. Storage bags are used for such occasions when no other option is available. The very best bag that has served me well is the Hefty freezer bags. ATK is absolutely correct that regular bags are weak and leak. This is due to lighter controls. Freezer bags are better but the Glad freezer bag suffers more failures than Hefty. I am not by any means loyal to any brand but if I got a quart bag filled with ummmm... it freaking better not leak! Always double bag, just in case 😉
Where are the Glad bags?
@SrGinKo
6 жыл бұрын
Jerry Michalski don’t get glad just be mad lol
@MrNSup
6 жыл бұрын
They probably didn’t pay to have their brand reviewed
Thanks for content!
Please do a review on meat grinders
Updates?
Do not put bread in the refrigerator or freezer! If you do you will increase the rate of stalling. You can only reduce stalling if you freeze the bread if the temperature is below a minus 20F and no home freezer can do that.
I know this doesn't relate to this video and I love the America's Test Kitchen reviews. But as a biology teacher, I try to deter my students from using wasteful plastic products. If you look up "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" that's one of the many reasons why. In particular, plastic bags are a huge waste of resources, a major source of pollution, and killer to many marine organisms that mistakingly ingest plastic debris. Don't get me wrong... it's almost impossible to be plastic-free, but the least we can do is avoid the one-time, disposable bags when possible.
@samipso
7 жыл бұрын
I wish there's a good alternative though.. If you dispose of it properly it won't end up in the ocean.
@Xolette
7 жыл бұрын
KevInKobe It's not just the ocean that's the problem. It's that they don't naturally decompose and will be a problem for hundreds of years. I use reusable grocery bags and produce bags. I use glass and plastic storage containers (as these aren't one-use items). Though, the one helpful use is that they can provide an airtight seal for shipping items that you'd like to remain fresh... but other than that, usually I'm able to find other ways around using one-use plastic storage bags..
@samipso
7 жыл бұрын
Tiny particles coming off containers and other plastic things are more harmful than plastic that is burnt in waste disposal. It will end up not decomposing. Especially reusable bags made from plastics are very harmful to the environment. But I'm not here to fight you. I'm with you in that plastic use should be minimised whenever possible.
@TheThreatenedSwan
7 жыл бұрын
Xolette You know what the solution is, private property. All tragedy of the commons problems have private property as their solution, or at least the will mitigate the pollution to the highest degree possible while allowing the standard of living to remain the same or rise
@fretbuzz59
7 жыл бұрын
+chasem007ify WTF are you talking about?
Well done & very helpful. Thanks.
Love these videos 😂 they do the work for me
I don’t know her name, but for some reason I think the presenter loves to kick back with her smooth jazz band or rock out with her rock & roll band on the weekends.
@PriscillaAmal
3 жыл бұрын
Lisa McManus
I already use the Ziplok bags, but not the freezer one because why do I need two types of storage bags, especially if food meant for the freezer already is in its own bag?
@lordgarion514
4 жыл бұрын
Because a lot of people like to buy meat in bulk when on sale and freeze a bunch. My store just had whole Boston butt for 99¢ a pound. Told my daughter and she went and bought a 16 pounder. Guess where most of it went. Yep, in the freezer.
this video brought to you by Ziploc
Ha lol I got an ad for Ziploc right after this video!
Please do the best reusable sandwich bags. Thank you 😊😊😊😊
i use the cheap ziplock bags as freezer bags? i put the the cheap plastic grocery bags over the cheap ziplock bags i put a note one the bag and knot the bag the regular freezer bags are double the price of the regular bags i freeze my leftover crock pot food in a freezer bag and do the same thing with a note on the bags with the date the the cheap plastic grocery bags to cover my leftover plate of food and knot the bag at the end of the bag. The the cheap plastic grocery bags to cover my cut watermelon or cantaloupe the cheap plastic grocery bags for a broken candy Ziplock bags bags double bag knotted end of bag wheelchair larry
I've always kind of wondered about this, and now I know. Now I know what to use to make homemade ICE PACKS for my foot!
In the uk they call desiccant packs silica packs...
@seikibrian8641
9 жыл бұрын
Yes, silica is the most-common desiccant, although not the only one.
I’m here because I always buy the wrong size ziplock bag! I thought 8x11 should measure the size of a printer sheet. Guess not.