Best Rice Storage Containers | Build a Stash

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Key Takeaways

  • The best kitchen-friendly rice storage containers are the Letusto Rice Dispenser, Viretec Rice Storage Container, Rubbermaid Brilliance Container, Oggi Stainless Steel Airtight Canister, and the LocknLock Easy Storage Container,
  • The best large-size rice storage containers are the Lockcoo Rice Storage Container, Yi Ran Grain Rice Storage Bin, and the HANAMYA Rice Storage Container.
  • The best long-term rice storage containers are Mylar Bags, Food Grade Buckets, and Mason Jars.
  • Properly storing rice in airtight, moisture-proof containers with oxygen absorbers can result in a shelf-life of 30+ years.

Rice is an essential food item in kitchens and stockpiles due to its impressive shelf-life and versatility, but which containers are the best for storing rice?

The best rice storage containers are:

  1. Letusto Rice Dispenser
  2. Viretec Rice Storage Container
  3. Rubbermaid Brilliance Container
  4. Oggi Stainless Steel Airtight Canister
  5. LocknLock Easy Storage Container
  6. Lockcoo Rice Storage Container
  7. Yi Ran Grain Rice Storage Bin
  8. HANAMYA Rice Storage Container
  9. Mylar Bags
  10. Food Grade Buckets
  11. Mason Jars

After extensively researching food storage techniques and survival preparation, I have gathered enough information to determine which contains are the best for storing rice. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how you can maximize the freshness and shelf-life of your rice by choosing the right storage containers.

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How to Choose a Rice Storage Container

Choosing the right storage containers for your rice is going to be mandatory if you want it to stay fresh and delicious for years to come. Rice is considered to be a non-perishable food, but this requires you to take additional steps to secure its freshness.

There are a plethora of rice storage containers on the market, which can make choosing a specific product rather intimidating. To help you narrow down your search options, you need to decide how long you want your rice to last, what quantity you want to store it in, and how accessible you want it to be. You should choose a rice storage container based on the following categories:

  • Kitchen-Friendly Rice Storage Containers
  • Large-Size Rice Storage Containers
  • Long-Term Rice Storage Containers

Best Kitchen-Friendly Rice Storage Containers

If you are like most people, you probably keep a package or two of rice in your kitchen at all times. This is the perfect food item that can fit into so many different meals, regardless of whether you are cooking something simple or complex.

For this kind of use, I would recommend choosing a kitchen-friendly rice storage container that is practical and convenient. While improving the shelf-life of rice is still important, for standard cooking needs, a kitchen-friendly option is ideal.

1. Letusto Rice Dispenser

Letusto Rice Dispenser
Letusto Rice Dispenser

If you want to make cooking rice as convenient and easy as possible, the Letuso Rice Dispenser will fit right into your kitchen. This rice dispenser is designed to simplify your cooking and make storing and accessing rice as practical as possible.

Unlike many storage containers on the market, this product features an automatic dispenser that pours rice into a cup or bowl with the press of a button. The minimalist design carries upwards of 26 lbs of rice and is easy enough for anyone to comprehend - just press and pour!

The container is airtight and will secure the shelf-life of your rice indefinitely; preventing contamination and preserving the flavor. Food-safe materials are an important characteristic that I look for when evaluating any storage container, which is why I prefer to use products like the Letuso Rice Dispenser that feature materials such as stainless steel.

Key Features

  • 26 lb storage capacity
  • Button-activated design
  • Stainless steel
  • User-friendly

2. Viretec Rice Storage Container

Viretec Rice Storage Container
Viretec Rice Storage Container

There is nothing wrong with simplicity when it comes to food storage. Sometimes the best containers feature a minimalistic design, but if it preserves the flavor of your rice and improves the shelf-life, that’s all that really matters.

The Viretec Rice Storage Container is a top-notch product that is guaranteed to keep your rice fresh. This container was primarily designed for storing rice, but you can technically repurpose it to store just about any type of dried goods.

A key feature of the Viretec storage container is its convenient spout which allows you to effortlessly pour rice into a measuring cup without having to do any scooping. This ensures that there is a minimal amount of exposure to air and the external environment, mitigating the risk of contamination.

Viretec designed this product with BPA plastic that is durable and free of harmful chemicals that could leech into your rice. Lastly, the container is completely transparent so that you can always see how much rice you have left in the container.

Key Features

  • Affordable
  • Spout design
  • BPA free
  • 5 lb storage capacity

3. Rubbermaid Brilliance Container

Rubbermaid Brilliance Container
Rubbermaid Brilliance Container

If you are looking for a straightforward solution for your rice storage needs, this Rubber Maid airtight container is the way to go. This product was designed to be simplistic and practical and features a lid that locks and seals.

With a 12-cup capacity, this storage container provides the perfect amount of storage space to fit enough rice for a standard household. Unlike the previous products that we’ve covered, the Rubbermaid Brilliance container does not have a dispenser and instead has a standard lid with an airtight design.

The lid snaps on and off and locks into place once stored to prevent any kind of air leaks or humidity from contaminating your rice. This product is freezer-safe and you can even wash it in your dishwasher when it needs a deep clean.

In addition, the Rubbermaid Brilliance rice storage container is BPA-free and is made out of durable hard plastic that will not crack under pressure

Key Features

  • Airtight lid
  • BPA-free
  • Durable plastic
  • Simplistic design

4. Oggi Stainless Steel Airtight Canister

Oggi Stainless Steel Airtight Canister
Oggi Stainless Steel Airtight Canister

For many homeowners, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic is essential when picking out kitchen products and accessories. If you are looking for a rice storage container that is stylish and will complement the design of your kitchen, you should keep the Oggi stainless steel container at the top of your list.

Much like the name implies, this small rice storage container is made out of quality stainless steel, which is both durable and non-corrosive. The lid is completely airtight and features a transparent design that allows you to see the contents of the container before you open it.

The 8x8 size of the Oggi container may make it a bit small for larger kitchens, but for most homeowners, this is just the right amount of space to store rice. All in all, this is an excellent storage container for anyone that wants a stylish product with a contemporary design.

While this is a great container for storing rice, you can technically use it for just about any food item. The quality food-grade materials used to make the Oggi stainless steel container are perfect for improving the shelf-life of any type of food, in case you wanted to store other goods other than rice.

Key Features

  • Stylish and contemporary design
  • Food-grade stainless steel
  • Transparent lid

5. LocknLock Easy Storage Container

LocknLock Easy Storage Container
LocknLock Easy Storage Container

While there are plenty of fancy rice containers on the market, an easy solution is what many people prefer when it comes to storing rice. The LocknLock Easy Essentials container is a product that does not beat around the bush, as it is affordable, convenient, and straight to the point.

The design features two separate lids depending on how much rice you want to use for your cooking. For small rice portions, simply opening the small lid allows you to quickly pour a cup or two of rice for easy access. Alternatively, the large lid opens up the entire container and is ideal for large rice portions for refilling.

You can safely use this product in the microwave and dishwasher without worrying about the container being damaged. In addition, the LocknLock Easy Essential container was designed with BPA-free plastic materials that are very durable and free of harmful chemicals.

One of my favorite things about this product is that you can choose to buy a small, medium, or large container based on your rice storage needs. However, if you want to store different types of rice or other goods, opting for the set is the best-value option.

Key Features

  • 2-lid design
  • Affordable
  • Multiple size options

Best Large-Size Rice Storage Containers

If you need to keep a lot of rice at home at all times, standard-size containers may not be enough to meet your storage needs. Many people buy rice by the sack rather than by the pound, either because they work in a commercial kitchen or because they simply eat a lot of rice.

Regardless, you need to choose a quality storage container that will be large enough to hold all of your rice. As you weigh out your options, make sure to evaluate the specs and features of each product carefully, as you may find that one container is better suited for your needs.

1. Lockcoo Rice Storage Container

Lockcoo Rice Storage Container
Lockcoo Rice Storage Container

Lockcoo made this product specifically for people who need to store a massive amount of rice in a single container. This storage bin can hold as much as 55 lbs of rice, which is considerably more than any other storage container on our list.

A key feature of the Lockcoo rice storage container is that it has a foldable design. You can quickly and easily make adjustments to the size of your storage container to fit into your pantry or any other part of your kitchen.

This Lockcoo storage container was made with high-quality plastic materials that are durable and BPA-free. With a sealing buckle, silicone sealing ring, and top cover, this is a moisture-proof food bin that will ensure your rice is not contaminated by the external environment.

All in all, this is one of the most dynamic and versatile rice storage bins on the market. The foldability combined with the airtight design will ensure that your rice stays fresh and is always easily accessible.

Key Features

  • 55-lb storage capacity
  • Foldable design
  • BPA-free
  • Airtight

2. Yi Ran Grain Rice Storage Bin

Yi Ran Grain Rice Storage Bin
Yi Ran Grain Rice Storage Bin

Yi Ran is a reputable brand known for making quality storage containers that are designed with food-safe materials. The Yi Ran Grain Rice Storage Bin is the ultimate solution for your storage needs, given that it can hold more rice than almost any other container on the market.

With a 33-lb capacity, you can store a massive amount of rice in a single container. Yi Ran designed this bin with durable plastic that was built to last. The top-closing lid makes accessing rice very easy and you can close the lid to prevent contamination from moisture and air.

My only complaint about this product is that it may not be the best option for long-term storage needs. The lid on the container is relatively airtight, but it will still let in a small amount of air over time. So long as you are not creating a stockpile that you want to last for years or decades, the Yi Ran Rice Storage Bin is an excellent option worth considering.

Key Features

  • 33-lb rice storage capacity
  • Easy-access
  • Multiple size options

3. HANAMYA Rice Storage Container

HANAMYA Rice Storage Container
HANAMYA Rice Storage Container

One of the best large-size rice storage products is the HANAMYA Container. This rice storage container was made with quality BPA-free materials, ensuring that your food does not become contaminated with toxins.

Thanks to its transparent design, the HANAYMYA rice storage container lets you easily see how much stock you have left at all times. The design features two separate lids for dynamic access to your rice. While the smaller lid is perfect for quickly scooping with a measuring cup, the large lid is ideal for replenishing stock and cleaning.

I particularly like that this container has a silicone-sealed cover that makes it very airtight. HANAMYA built this product to store upwards of 30 lbs of rice, making it perfect for virtually any homeowner or commercial kitchen.

Lastly, a key selling point of the HANAMYA rice storage container is that it’s available in a variety of different sizes. You can choose to buy a medium-sized product with a 20 lb capacity or you can opt for the largest 30 lb size, depending on your storage needs.

Key Features

  • Airtight cover
  • BPA-free
  • Multiple size options

Best Long-Term Rice Storage Containers

Food storage is becoming an increasingly popular practice around the country, and more people are creating food stockpiles at home than ever before.

Many folks are taking measures to secure their survival in case of an emergency by stocking up on supplies and essential food items, with rice being a key item in pretty much every system. However, storing rice long-term requires additional measures and extra attention to detail.

Using standard rice storage containers like the ones mentioned above is not going to cut it for a food storage stockpile. You should ultimately be thinking in decades instead of years when picking out containers.

By choosing the right containers and handling your goods properly, you can potentially make your rice last indefinitely, with many preppers achieving a shelf-life of upwards of 30+ years.

1. Mylar Bags

Mylar Bags
Mylar Bags

Since mylar bags came on the scene, they have been a game-changer for so many stockpiles. Maximizing the shelf-life of your food items has never been easier thanks to mylar bags, as many preppers consider this to be the best rice storage container for long-term emergency goods.

Quality mylar bags that are designed with aluminum are resistant to heat, moisture, air, and virtually any form of contamination imaginable. While many people prefer to buy sets of mylar bags, I find a large 5-gallon option is perfect for storing rice and grains long-term.

Although mylar bags already offer an ideal environment for storing rice, I would recommend incorporating oxygen absorbers with this method. After you add rice to a mylar bag, some air will remain in the packaging which can affect the quality and flavor of the grain over time, not to mention lower its shelf life.

Lastly, make sure that you place your rice-filled mylar bags inside additional storage containers such as plastic bins. Mylar bags are great for long-term storage, but they can be easily penetrated by pests. Properly storing rice in mylar bags can result in a shelf-life of upwards of 30+ years.

Key Features

  • 30+ year rice shelf-life
  • Affordable
  • Large-size options available

2. Food-Grade Buckets

Food-Grade Bucket
Food-Grade Bucket

If you are looking for a long-term rice storage solution that is cheap, easy, and effective, you should consider using food-grade buckets. These buckets were designed with food-safe materials making them ideal containers for long-term storage.

What separates food-grade buckets from standard rice storage bins and containers is that they generally seal completely shut and are 100% airtight and moisture-proof. Most food-grade buckets on the market come in 5-gallon sizes, making them ideal for stockpiles and emergency goods.

There are a handful of different products worth mentioning, and you can ultimately choose a food-grade bucket based on the design you prefer:

Both products will get the job done, but I find the gamma seal lid bucket is a bit more convenient for accessing rice given its design. However, at more than three times the cost of a normal food-grade bucket, most budget shoppers are fine with the standard option.

For the best results, make sure to add an oxygen absorber or two to any food-grade bucket that you fill with rice.

Key Features

  • 5-gallon size
  • Airtight container
  • Food-safe & BPA-free
  • Affordable

3. Mason Jars

Mason Jars
Mason Jars

Although mason jars have been used for over 150 years to preserve food, this storage method is as effective as ever. This classic food container is perfect for storing rice long-term, and many preppers still prefer mason jars over any other method.

Wide-mouth mason jars in particular are ideal for storing grains like rice, given that they are easier to access. The traditional lid design of mason jars does wonders at preventing moisture and air from contaminating rice, with many preppers successfully achieving a shelf-life of 30+ years. However, you need to remember to add an oxygen absorber to the mason jar and rice before sealing it.

That said, mason jars are not going to be ideal for every stockpile. You need to keep in mind that these containers are made out of glass and can break very easily. In addition, you need to choose your storage location carefully, as you want to keep the transparent container away from direct sunlight.

Key Features

  • 30+ years rice shelf-life
  • Convenient wide-mouth design
  • Airtight and moisture-proof

Tips for Storing Rice Long-Term

Properly storing rice is essential if you want to maximize its shelf-life and preserve its flavor for years. While rice is often referred to as a non-perishable food, this is not always the case, as there are plenty of ways that rice can become contaminated and spoiled if mishandled.

Choosing the right storage containers is mandatory if you want to make rice last. However, there are some additional factors that need to be considered to ensure that your rice stays fresh and safe from contamination. Keep the following tips in mind when storing rice long-term.

1. Only Use BPA-Free Containers

These days, plastic storage containers are a go-to choice among preppers and homeowners. They are much more affordable than stainless steel and are not nearly as fragile as glass.

A key thing to watch out for is any container that is not BPA-free. BPA is a harmful chemical found in cheap plastics that can leach into your food and potentially have damaging effects on your health. Always look for rice storage containers that advertise a ‘BPA-free’ product.

2. Make Sure the Container is Airtight

Many brands may claim that their storage containers seal and are perfect for long-term storage, but that is not always the case. You need to choose a rice storage container that fully seals and is 100% airtight.

This often requires there to be a rubber airtight seal or a lid that locks into place to prevent moisture and air from getting in. For standard kitchen use, this is not always so important but for long-term storage it’s mandatory.

3. Use Oxygen Absorbers

One of the most effective ways to secure the shelf-life of rice is to use oxygen absorbers with any container that you choose. Oxygen absorbers will remove any of the remaining air in the rice container and reduce the chances of contamination.

The vast majority of preppers rely on oxygen absorbers to safeguard their food supplies, and you should highly consider incorporating them into your rice containers. Doing so can push the shelf-life of your rice back indefinitely.

4. Keep Storage Containers Clean

If you are like many preppers, there is a good chance that you are rotating your old stock periodically with new supplies from the store. This is a great way to guarantee the freshness of your rice and make your goods last for decades.

However, when you rotate your stock or empty out a rice container, you should remember to clean it using a vinegar solution or another food-safe method. Doing so reduces the risk of contamination over time, as rice leaves residue behind in the container that can sabotage the next stock.

5. Freeze Rice

For long-term rice storage, I would recommend taking immediate precautions to preserve the quality of the grain by freezing it. Just about any rice that you buy will contain insect eggs and other types of bacteria.

While this may be alarming for some people to discover, the insect eggs do not pose immediate risks to your stockpile or health. That said, over time this can result in the quality of your rice deteriorating. To prevent this from happening, freeze your rice soon after you buy it to kill any insect eggs and potentially harmful bacteria.