Best containers for freezing?

[knittinator]

I like to freeze things. Cooked chicken, chicken parts for stock, homemade chicken stock, blanched veggies, etc. I currently use big plastic freezer bags. I can get MAYBE three uses out of them but I feel bad! I have some 1 cup Tupperware containers for stock that are working out well but do you guys have any other ideas?

Thanks!
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[petunia_843]

I have some glass Pyrex containers with plastic lids that are good for freezing.

[Figwit]

I use heavy duty freezer bags that I don't wash (because they'll have the same or similar things put in them several times), mason jars, and reused plastic 1 quart yogurt containers. Freezing liquids in ice cube trays then transferring them to either the yogurt containers or bags has worked out really well for me.
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[killr]

I cook ahead and freeze a lot and this is what I have learned.

1) plastic "gladware" type containers dont last that long. The freezing makes them brittle after a few uses and because you cant get all the air out, you end up with freezer burn pretty quick. I gave up on gladware.

2)Plastic bags, I use only for items that are going to be non-distinguishable in the final product. Bones, veggie bits, and shrimp shells, I save for stock. I like to be able to continuously add to my bag so the zip open bags are ideal. They tend to get frosty but its not a big deal in the finished product. I also store breadcrumbs this way.

3)food saver bags. I vacuum seal alot. You can reuse the bags (I do not reuse bags that had raw meat). Its better to make up single serve portions then reuse the bag for something smaller later (after washing) rather than trying to re-enter the same bag. (does that make sense). Its an initial investment but the quality of food is phenomenal.

4) glass containers. I use alot of pint mason jars. For soups, stews, pasta sauce and chili, they tend to be a perfect amount for 2. You can reuse the jars pretty much forever without quality loss. I also use the jars for canning, storing dry goods, drinking so I often have plenty around without storing extra container. I write the date/contents on the glass itself and remove it with rubbing alcohol.

I use option 3 or 4 for nearly everything. Both options can be microwave-thawed (making convenience even more convenient) or simmered in a pot of water if you dont have a microwave.