Kitchen FAQs

Kitchen Storage, Simplified: Smart Answers for Everyday Use

What are the best airtight containers for storing dry foods like flour, rice, and lentils?

In cases where you want to store your atta and daal, make use of BPA-free plastic or borosilicate glass containers with silicone sealants. In case you have ample room in your pantry, the ideal choice would be square or rectangular containers, as they fit perfectly against each other with no dead air space, as opposed to circular containers. If you're dealing with large quantities of rice, choose containers that have a flip-top lid.

What is the difference between a storage jar and a storage container?

Shape and convenience of access are what really set them apart. Jars are normally vertically aligned, cylindrical, and meant to contain small quantities such as cookies, coffee, or tea, as well as for "display purposes." Containers, however, are typically meant to accommodate larger quantities of cooked or dry goods and are designed with stacking in mind for optimal space usage in cupboards.

How long can food stay fresh in airtight containers?

The shelf life varies depending upon the food item, but dry items such as pulses and pasta can be preserved for 6 months to a year if packed air-tight. The air-tight packing will prevent the moisture from making the flour lumpy and will prevent the formation of stale odours. Snacks such as bhujia and biscuits become twice their normal shelf life when stored air-tight. 

Can I use the same containers for both fridge and pantry storage?

Yes, but select high-quality plastic or glass containers. Ordinary plastic pantry containers might turn fragile when subjected to low temperatures or absorb odours present in the refrigerator. Glass containers provide the best alternative because of their versatility, non-toxic nature, and ability to switch between the refrigerator and the microwave. Just remember to leave some space at the top when freezing any liquid because it expands.

What is the difference between airtight and vacuum-sealed containers?

Airtight containers have a physical barrier (rubber ring), keeping the air out so that no more air gets into the container, making them suitable for things that you use every day. Vacuum-sealed containers will take out the air that is inside via a pump or button. Vacuum sealing takes it to a pro level since it stops oxidation and is good for expensive things such as nuts or coffee beans.

Which size storage jars are best for an Indian kitchen pantry?

A "tiered" strategy is required for Indian pantry essentials. Bins of 5 to 10 kilograms will serve well as your basic stock of rice and atta. The "daily dals", such as moong or toor, can be stored in containers ranging from 1.5 litres to 2 litres. For spices or tadka ingredients such as mustard seeds or jeera, the best size range will be 200ml to 500ml.

How do I keep my kitchen storage containers smelling fresh?

If you have a hard time getting rid of strong odours such as those of onions and masalas, clean your containers using a mixture of baking soda and water. If you notice that there is still an odour in the container’s lid, place it in the sun for some time since UV light will help eliminate the smell.

Can I store liquids like soups and curries in storage containers?

Yes, but make sure they are “leak-proof” and not just airtight. Check whether there is a lock clip on all four sides of the container to prevent spillage. If you have stored curries containing a lot of turmeric, use glass jars, as they will leave nasty yellow stains in the plastic containers. Soup jars can be stored vertically to save space, but keep an extra inch empty if you plan to freeze them.

Glass Food Storage: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Are glass food storage containers better than plastic ones?

From a perspective of longevity and hygiene, glass is an ideal material to use. This is because glass does not have any pores through which food particles can seep in. Therefore, food odours will not be absorbed by it or stuck to its walls. In addition, heating food in glasses does not pose any dangers, as glass does not leach chemicals such as BPA into food.

What is borosilicate glass, and why is it used for food containers?

Borosilicate glass is a form of glass made up of boron trioxide, which makes it capable of coping with drastic temperature changes without breaking. Borosilicate glass is ideal for making cooking utensils because it is “thermal shock resistant,” meaning it can go from the freezer to the oven without breaking. It is much stronger than standard “soda-lime” glass.

Can I put glass storage containers in the microwave?

Certainly, most of the glasses are microwave safe; however, make sure that you remove their lids. Even if the lid is marked "microwave safe plastic," there could still be excessive steam buildup that causes it to get warped or fall off. To ensure the best results, cover your container loosely with either a paper towel or a glass lid.

Can glass food containers go in the oven?

Only if it is explicitly marked as "oven-safe" or if it is manufactured using borosilicate glass. Ordinary glassware can easily break if exposed to extremely hot oven temperatures. It is important to note that glassware should never be put inside an oven while still cold, but must be brought to room temperature before use.

Can I freeze food directly in glass containers?

Yes, but there should be at least one inch of space called “headspace” on the upper side. When liquids such as dals, soups, and curries freeze, they expand. If there is no headspace left, then due to the expansion, they may break the glass bottle. Another precaution that needs to be taken is that the bottle should be thawed inside the refrigerator overnight.

Are glass containers with plastic lids safe to use?

There’s nothing to worry about as long as you make sure that the lids used are BPA-free and do not expose the plastic to high temperatures. As long as the plastic lid doesn’t come into contact with the food and doesn’t get heated up while being used in the microwave, it will be fine.

How do I prevent glass lids from getting stuck on containers?

Typically, lids will stick due to the vacuum seal created by temperature fluctuations. In order to unstick the lid, immerse the lid's edges in warm water for about a minute; this helps create more space within the glass jar. To avoid getting your lid stuck, make sure that you dry the glass jar's rim thoroughly before closing the jar.

Are glass storage containers leakproof for carrying liquids in a bag?

Glass vessels are only leak-proof when they come with snap-lock lids that use silicone rings. Though the glass is non-porous, whether it’s “leak-proof” or not is completely dependent on the seal. Should your bag contain sambar/soup, check that the seal is tight by pouring some water into it, making sure that the silicone ring sits well in the groove of the lid.

How do I clean glass storage containers and remove stubborn stains?

Glass is really easy to clean because of its smooth texture. If there are any clouded spots on the glass or any minerals on it, then simply immerse it in hot water mixed with white vinegar for 15 minutes. In order to ensure that you get rid of the mould present inside the silicone gasket of the lid, simply take it off using a spoon and clean it using soap and a toothbrush.

How do I store glass containers neatly without taking up too much space?

The way that you can best utilise the limited space is by nesting the glass bases based on size; however, you should put either a paper towel or a cloth between them to ensure that they don’t scratch or lock each other. The lids need to be stored vertically in the plate rack.

Cookware Guide: Choosing What Truly Works in an Indian Kitchen

Which type of cookware is best for Indian cooking - stainless steel, non-stick, or cast iron?

The "best" will depend on the recipe, but having all three would be the best option for an Indian kitchen. For high-quality dals and curries, the best material will be tri-ply stainless steel since it does not react with the ingredients used. However, cast iron is the best choice when making crispy dosa and roti as it will help maintain higher temperatures. Non-stick will be best for making foods such as egg bhurji.

Is non-stick cookware safe to use?

Non-stick cookware is completely safe provided that you do not allow it to become overheated or expose it to medium-high to low flames. Most reputable manufacturers have already eliminated PFOA in their products, although the coating will emit fumes once the temperature in the pan surpasses 260°C. In order to avoid any health hazards, avoid dry-heating your non-stick pans and replace them at the first signs of wear and tear.

What is the difference between a cooking pot and a casserole?

In an Indian kitchen, it depends on whether you are talking about function or storage. If you mean a cooking pot, such as a patila or handi, then it is a sturdy pot that will be put on the stove for cooking purposes. However, when you talk about a casserole dish, then it is nothing but a hotpot or a serving dish. You cannot cook any food item in it as it is not intended for cooking, but only for storing cooked dishes such as rotis or sabzi.

What makes stainless steel cookware a good choice for everyday cooking?

Stainless steel is the best "purchase it once only" cooking material as it is highly durable and does not interact with food. It will not interact with the acidic foods such as tomato, tamarind, or lemon, hence retaining the taste of the curry. In the case of tri-ply steel, you get the strength of stainless steel and the even heat spread of aluminium without the hotspots that burn the tadka.

Can I use metal utensils on stainless steel cookware?

Certainly, stainless steel can stand up to metal spatulas and whisks. It won't peel away like some coatings on non-stick cookware. If any scratches do occur, they will be very small and will not be noticeable except when looking directly at the pan's surface – there won't be any functional issues.

What size cooking pot should I buy for everyday Indian cooking?

In case of an average-sized family of 3-4 members, a cooking vessel with a capacity of 2.5 litres to 3.5 litres will do fine for preparing dals and sabzis daily. If you cook for guests regularly or cook large quantities of rice, a 5-litre vessel can be used to give yourself some breathing space while stirring your preparations. A small vessel of about 500 millilitres to 1 litre will be perfect for tempering your spices or boiling eggs. 

What should I look for when buying a baking dish?

Thermal shock resistance and depth are the main considerations while buying a baking dish. Make sure that your selected baking dish is made up of materials such as borosilicate glass or heavy ceramic that can withstand the cold temperatures of the refrigerator and then be put into a pre-heated oven without any problem. The baking dish should have flanged rims or robust handles that help you get a firm hold on it.

What is the difference between hard-anodised and regular non-stick cookware?

Hard anodized non-stick cookware is made of aluminium that has been processed to make it harder than ordinary aluminium. It is two times stronger than stainless steel and also naturally resistant to sticking. Ordinary non-stick cookware has a layer of material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), that has been applied on top of another metal surface.

Is honeycomb non-stick coating better than regular non-stick?

The honeycomb acts as a "protective shield" to the non-stick material. The stainless steel "net" ensures that the non-stick surface sandwiched between the bumps is not scraped off by metal utensils or rigorous scrubbing. In other words, it offers the ability to brown food as stainless steel does, but with the convenience of non-stick, which is very much needed in Indian cooking.

How long does honeycomb coating last compared to traditional non-stick?

Normally, the life span of a honeycomb-coated pan will be 2-3 times higher than that of a normal non-stick coated pan. If a normal non-stick coated pan should be replaced after one or two years of usage, then the honeycomb coated pan will easily last for 5 years and beyond, since the cooking surface is mostly made of stainless steel.

Care & Maintenance: Simple Habits to Make Your Kitchenware Last Longer

How do I clean stainless steel pots and pans to keep them shiny?

To ensure that your stainless steel cookware stays gleaming like new, it is best not to use abrasive steel wool, which tends to make it lose its shine. When you wash your cookware, use a gentle cleaning process with soap and warm water. To remove tough stains such as burnt masala or rainbow stains, apply some baking soda and vinegar. The result will be gleaming stainless steel without any scratches.

Can I put glass storage containers in the dishwasher?

Generally, most glass jars are perfectly fine for washing in a dishwasher, but make sure to wash the lids by hand to prevent the silicone gasket or PP from warping. As for the actual glass, it is an excellent method for cleaning it thoroughly.

How do I maintain airtight container seals so they stay effective for longer?

The trick lies in the silicon gasket. In order to ensure that the seals remain efficient, it is necessary to remove the silicon ring from the container every month and wash it with some mild detergent. This is important so that it doesn’t collect any grime inside. It is equally essential to ensure that the lid is snapped on a dry dabba.

How often should I replace my non-stick pan?

On average, a non-stick pan would serve its purpose for about 2-5 years in an Indian household, especially when using it for cooking items like cheelas or parathas. If you notice that the cooking food sticks even after adding oil, or that there are signs of wear and tear on the coating, then it’s best to replace the pan. A heavily scratched pan must be disposed of and replaced.

How do I remove turmeric stains from glass or plastic containers?

Turmeric, known as haldi in Indian cuisine, can become the enemy of your kitchenware. In the case of glassware, all you need to do is soak it in a solution made of lukewarm water and lemon juice. For plastic dabbas, create a thick paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stained areas, and let it sit there for about an hour. If that doesn't work, try keeping the box under the sun for a couple of hours, which will naturally bleach the turmeric stain.

How do I store lunch boxes to prevent them from smelling after use?

Your tiffin boxes should never be stored shut when empty. After cleaning them properly and making sure they have been dried out, store them with open lids to allow the circulation of air. In case you have stored your tiffin box and found it to be giving out any odour of onions or other spices, crumple some paper in it and leave it overnight.

Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Kitchen Essentials

What should I look for when buying glass food storage containers?

Consider buying borosilicate glass rather than soda lime glass, which is far more durable and will not break upon being taken from the refrigerator to the microwave. The lids of these containers should have a replaceable silicone ring with lock clips, providing you with absolute assurance of air-tight closure. If you lack ample space in your kitchen, choose nesting models with bases that can sit within one another to avoid clutter.

Is a glass casserole better than a stainless steel cooking pot?

Absolutely not, as they perform entirely different functions. The stainless steel cooking pot is an important tool used during the cooking process, specifically designed to withstand the intense heat of the gas burner, making it possible for you to prepare dals and subzis daily. On the other hand, a glass casserole is more of a serving and reheating tool, rather than an alternative to a cooking pot.

What is the best cookware set for a beginner's kitchen?

It’s always better to keep things basic and opt for multipurpose cookware instead of purchasing more cookware. Your best bet would be a 3-Litre tri-ply stainless steel kadhai, a 1.5-litre saucepan for tea and milk, and a 24-cm non-stick or honeycomb tawa for making rotis and eggs. Rather than splurging on a huge 15-piece cookware set, purchase these three pieces first; you won’t require anything else for the majority of Indian recipes.

Which cookware is compatible with induction cooktops?

Cookware is only suitable for induction cooking if its bottom is made of a material that can be magnetised. You should always check for the “induction-friendly” spiral logo on the base of the pot or pan. Naturally, cast iron and some types of stainless steel are good candidates, whereas aluminium, copper, and glass will only cook if they contain a bonded bottom of stainless steel. A simple way is to test for a refrigerator magnet.

How do I know if storage containers are truly food-safe?

Look for the Wine Glass and Fork logo on the bottom of the box, indicating that it is safe to use for contact with foods according to international standards. In terms of plastic dabbas, check that they are BPA-free, and check the number on the bottom of the box; numbers 2, 4, and 5 are regarded as safest. However, for complete peace of mind, using glass or steel is always the best solution.

Should I buy a lunch box with a single compartment or multiple sections?

If you have an Indian diet, then probably you need a lunch box that has several compartments, or even a tiffin, because otherwise your dals, subzis, and dahi will mix flavours together, and rotis will be wet from other dishes. But if you eat "one pot" dishes like pulao or pasta, you will definitely like a lunch box with only one section because it will be easier to wash and handle.

Safety & Health: What You Should Know Before You Cook & Store

Is it safe to heat food in glass containers in the microwave?

It is absolutely safe, but make sure that your glass container is either borosilicate or tempered. The good news is that both types are safe for microwave heating. It's important to remember not to close your lid or put it on loosely so that steam can escape while microwaving. Airtight plastic lids are definitely to be avoided due to potential warping.

What is BPA, and why should kitchen products be BPA-free?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A and is an element used in some types of plastic that can “leak” into your food, especially if they are subjected to heating and extended use. Studies show that it disrupts hormones, making it essential to avoid BPA as much as possible and opt for other, healthier options instead.

Is it safe to store acidic foods like tomatoes or tamarind in glass containers?

Glass is, in fact, one of the most suitable materials to preserve foods with an acidic component. Glass will not leave a stain or affect the flavour of your dish, unlike plastics, and there won't be any chemical reaction that occurs between foods and metallic components, unlike aluminium.

Are scratched non-stick pans dangerous to use?

If there are any scratches that are deeper than usual or if the coating is beginning to peel off, it is recommended that you cease to use that non-stick pan. This is because when the surface is already scratched, tiny pieces of the coating can break off and be transferred to the food you prepare.

Is it safe to use stainless steel containers for hot food like dal or curry?

Stainless steel is among the safest and healthiest materials to use for heating Indian food dishes. They do not react with oil or spices, nor will they melt at extremely high temperatures. To carry hot dal or curry, you should use two-layered stainless steel containers. They are capable of maintaining the temperature of the food inside for several hours and last longer than plastic containers.

Kitchen Organisation: Easy Ways to Create a Clutter-Free Space

How do I organise a small Indian kitchen to maximise storage space?

The best way to optimise your kitchen space is to make use of the vertical space by installing wall racks and placing organisers under the sink to store cleaning products. Get rid of mismatched storage bins and use nesting food storage sets and stacking jars to make the most out of your cabinet space. Use tiered shelves in your cabinets to place your spices while keeping your counter clutter-free, using hooks to hang your frequently used utensils, such as ladles and chimta.

What is a kitchen rack and how does it help with organisation?

A kitchen rack refers to a series of shelves stacked up to hold anything ranging from a small container for spices to a plate. The rack organises items by providing additional floors in the cupboards and on the wall, enabling the stacking of objects without having to make them difficult to retrieve. As such, a corner plate rack makes it possible to take out dinner and quarter plates without having to balance them.

How do I organise my fridge using storage containers?

The best approach to organising my fridge would be by using clear, stackable containers to categorise similar things in the fridge. Use slim containers for storing the green chillies, ginger, and coriander, and label leftovers by including their preparation date. Organising the fridge through zoning by placing the dairy products in one section and preparing my vegetables in another ensures that the fridge door remains open for a short while.

How do I create a pantry system for an Indian kitchen with many dals, spices, and grains?

The trick to an effective Indian pantry is to keep everything uniform and visible. Move all your dals, chana, and grains into glass jars of similar sizes so that they stack nicely together. Apply the "first-in, first-out" rule by stacking fresh packets behind old ones. Large quantities, such as 5kg packets of rice or atta should be stored in wheeled floor bins for easy access.

How do I organise a spice collection so I can find what I need quickly?

If your kitchen has frequently used spices, a classic brass masala dabba will help save time while preparing food. Other spices can be stored using an "extendable" rack with three tiers on which you place your spices, thus allowing you to read the labels on the back rack as well as the front one. If you lack cabinet space, consider attaching magnetic tins of spices to the side of your refrigerator.

How do I store cookware efficiently when cabinet space is limited?

In case there is no more room left in your cabinets, try hanging your kadhais and pans from your walls or ceiling using a pegboard or rails mounted on the wall. As for your pots that need to remain in your cabinets, use a pan holder, which would place your pots vertically, thus avoiding any clanking noise made by placing them inside each other.

What is the best way to organise kitchen tools and utensils?

Place your "go-to" utensils, including spatulas, whisks, and rolling pins, in an open-top crock or container that can sit by the stove. To store utensils in drawers, use adjustable dividers to separate space for each utensil, such as peelers, graters, and teapots. This will avoid the creation of a "junk drawer" where all the utensils get tangled up, thus ensuring safety when reaching for knives quickly.

How do I organise a kitchen if I don't have enough cabinets?

In case you do not have built-in cabinets, you can introduce the concept of “floating” furniture. You may use a thin rolling kitchen cart for your mixer grinder and essential oils that can be kept aside when not in use. You may also use the floating shelf placed above the door opening or windows to keep light things such as baskets and extra tissue boxes.

How do I keep my kitchen counter clutter-free?

It all comes down to the "One-Touch Rule," where each item on your counter must be something that you use every day. Those things that don’t get used daily, for instance, a sandwich press, a big bhagona, need to be kept on a lower rack. Use a little box or tray to keep your oil and salt dispensers, so it appears purposeful, not cluttered, and can be easily lifted off to clean your counter surface.