Affordable Kitchen Storage Tools Chefs Use—Top Picks Under $15

What’s the best way to store spices? How do you keep your produce fresh? How do you keep a halved onion from browning too fast? If you’ve got a food storage question, a professional chef will have the answer. We asked several food experts for their trusted storage solutions, and their favorites are all $15 or less. 

6 Chef-Approved Food Storage Tools on Amazon

BuleVina Ceramic Garlic Keeper

Nothing elevates a dish quite like fresh garlic. Nobody knows that better than Janice Carte, founder of Tiny Spoon Chef, a collective of in-home personal chefs. So what’s the best way to keep garlic bulbs fresh and pristine? According to Carte, avoid the fridge. “A ceramic garlic keeper is a charming and practical way to keep garlic fresh and within reach,” she said. “This dark ceramic container, topped with a zen-inspired lid, adds a touch of minimalist style to your counter or pantry.”

Eonjoe 2-Ounce Glass Dressing Containers, 6-Pack

While larger storage containers are great for meal prepping or bulk pantry storage, sometimes you need something a bit smaller. Fortunately, Carte has a beloved product to recommend. “These small containers are the ideal companions for elevating any lunch, snack, or picnic. Perfect for packing salad dressings, crunchy toppings, dips, nuts—you name it.”

Patelai Silicone Umbrella Cup Covers, 6-Pack

Chef Carte’s final recommendation is certainly whimsical, but it’s also multifunctional. The adorable umbrella-shaped silicone lids top glasses and cups, protecting them from bugs, dirt, and wind while dining outside. However, Carte found another use for them: “Instead of relying on single-use plastic or constantly scrubbing greasy silicone bags, just toss a half-used lime, a pat of butter, some kid leftovers, or a bit of dressing into a small bowl and pop a lid on.” 

Aozita 14-Piece Glass Spice Jars with Labels Set

Salts and spices add bursts of flavor to your meals, but they can be a pain to store, especially if each spice jar is a different shape or size. Recipe developer and food blogger Karishma Pradahn comes to the rescue with her recommendation. “When I moved into my last apartment, I purchased a set of these spice jars and they were incredibly useful for keeping my spice drawer organized,” she said. “They come with a combination of pre-labeled stickers, blank labels, and a marker so that you can customize and label the jars as desired.” She notes that the blank labels are great for home cooks who make their own seasoning blends. 

Ball 32-Ounce Mason Jar with Lids, 2-Pack

Pradahn also founded the Home Cooking Collective, a site filled with from-scratch recipes and cooking guides. Generations of cooks trust her next storage suggestion. “Mason jars are a classic for a reason, and these larger 32-ounce containers are perfect for storing everything from grains and flours to homemade nut milk, syrups, or canned products.” They also make for great craft cocktail cups. 

Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Half-Gallon Bag

Our final food expert is Shawna Clark, a chef, recipe developer, and co-founder of the Healthy Foodie Girl blog. Her half-gallon recommendation normally costs $22, but it’s currently on sale for $14. “[Stasher bags are] a staple in my kitchen because they’re freezer-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, and reusable. This makes them a sustainable and practical choice for home cooks and bakers,” said chef Clark. “I use them for everything. From storing chopped produce and marinating chicken to keeping leftovers fresh.”