Comparison Bager Multi Function BG-356 vs IKEA 802.515.51

— Container. In this case, containers are understood as fairly simple vessels, designed mainly for the storage and transportation of food and supplied one in a set. However, such models may have various additional functions (see below), sometimes quite extensive. However, anyway, the main compartment in such a container does not have partitions, so the containers are mainly designed to carry homogeneous products (or several types of food that are not afraid of contact with each other and partial mixing). However, there are also models with several compartments; however, unlike lunch boxes(see below), in containers these compartments are usually stacked on top of each other.

— Set. As the name implies, the set includes several containers at once (at least 2). Usually, these are classic containers (see above) of different volumes, and sometimes even proportions (for example, some are low, others are elongated in height). The owner of the set has at hand several trays of various capacities at once, which allows him to choose the best option depending on the situation — including packaging a large amount of food, for which one container is not enough. At the same time, many sets can be "packed" according to the principle of a nesting doll — a smaller container inside a larger one — which makes them quite convenient to store. The specific number of items in the kit may vary, see below for more details....

— Launch Box. The name of such containers literally translates as "lunch box", and it describes well their main purpose — carrying lunches taken "to go" from home to school, work, etc. In addition, a lunch box usually also plays the role of dinner utensils — the design allows you to comfortably eat directly from such a container. The main difference between a lunch box and a regular food container (see above) is the presence of several compartments located next to each other and separated by partitions. Thanks to this, you can load different types of products inside without fear that they will mix; and to access all the content at once, just open the lid. In addition, in some models, the compartments are made in the form of removable containers, which gives even more opportunities — for example, you can not heat the entire lunch box in the microwave, but only part of its contents. But lunchboxes are not suitable for long-term storage of food: the compartments are not hermetically sealed from each other, and products can be “saturated” with smells from neighboring compartments, which worsens the taste and can lead to premature spoilage.

— Heated Lunch Box. Lunch boxes with a heating function provide an opportunity to provide a person with hot home-cooked food in the office or during long car trips. The heating element in their design is usually placed at the bottom. The internal space of the lunch boxes is divided by one or more partitions, and there can also be a separate container with a lid for salads and desserts, which can be removed before heating. Depending on the model and power level, the reheating time for lunch is between five minutes and half an hour. There are models powered by a standard household outlet and a car cigarette lighter socket.

The total number of individual containers supplied in the set (see "Type").

The more containers, the greater their diversity and the wider the choice of the user. At the same time, the variety can be not only in terms of volume, but also in proportions, and even in shape: for example, in sets of 5 items or more, there can be “high” and “low” containers, square containers can be combined with round ones, etc. .P.

It is worth remembering that “a lot” does not always mean “good”: an extensive set may require a lot of space, and it will cost accordingly. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth considering the real needs.

The volume of the smallest container included in the set (see "Type"). In fact, there are quite a few situations when you need to pack a small amount of food, and a large container is not required. On the other hand, if the set is planned to be used regularly for numerous products, then perhaps the smallest tray should be quite large. See "Maximum Volume" for details on specific volumes.

The largest volume of the container supplied with the kit. For sets (see "Type") in this case, the capacity of the largest container is indicated, for all other types — the actual nominal volume. Useful volume may be somewhat less, because. not all containers and not in all cases can be stuffed “under the very lid”. However, this difference is small, and this figure characterizes the capacity of the product well.

Estimating the amount of food that can fit inside, we can proceed from the fact that 1 liter of volume approximately corresponds to 1 – 1.2 kg of soup or a tightly packed product (for example, mashed potatoes) or 700 – 800 g of food, divided into pieces and not packed very tightly (for example, fried potatoes or salad). A large container takes up more space, and too little food can hang around inside, which usually does not contribute to safety. Therefore, too large a volume is just as undesirable as too small.

Container dimensions in height, width and depth; for round containers (see "Shape") after the height, only one size is indicated — the diameter. Information about the dimensions allows you to evaluate the proportions of the container (in models of the same volume, they may be different) and determine what specific space it will need.

General shape of the container(s). Please note that extensive sets (see “Type”) may include containers of different shapes; for such cases, the option that most containers correspond to is usually indicated; the remaining options are given in the notes.

The most popular shapes are classic geometric shapes - circle, oval, square, rectangle. At the same time, containers that differ slightly in the length of the sides can also be classified as squares - if this difference is not noticeable to the eye. Non-standard containers are also produced, often they have an original design - for example, a semicircle with an orange slice coloring.

The shape determines the appearance, overall ease of placement of the container and ease of cleaning. So, for example, round containers have a minimum of corners, and some are generally made in the shape of a hemisphere - which makes them easier to clean compared to square and rectangular ones. On the other hand, square and rectangular containers are most useful when storing in tight spaces, such as a busy refrigerator - they can be stacked as tightly as possible, side by side, whereas round containers will inevitably have gaps between them.

The maximum temperature that the container can safely endure. Note that overheating the container can lead not only to its damage, but, in some cases, also to the release of harmful substances. Therefore, in no case should the claimed temperature be exceeded — even if the container remains intact, this does not mean that everything is fine.

The most delicate modern food containers have a maximum limit of 35 – 40 °C — this allows them to be used only for unheated food. Values of 70 °C are already found even among models compatible with microwave ovens, although for maximum guarantee it is desirable that the allowable temperature be at least 100 °C. And the most heat-resistant products (usually heat-resistant glass) can withstand temperatures up to 300 – 400 °C and can even be used for baking in the oven (although this heat resistance usually does not apply to lids, and they must be removed).

— Use in the microwave oven. Possibility of using the container in a microwave oven. Far from all materials are suitable for such ovens: for example, metal cannot be put there in principle, some plastics are not heat-resistant enough, and some containers do not pass microwaves well and heat up more than the contents themselves. Therefore, for use in microwaves, it is worth choosing models for which such a possibility is directly stated.

— Vacuum. Containers allowing the possibility of vacuum packaging. A mandatory feature of such models is a hermetically sealed lid equipped with an air evacuation valve. Pumping is carried out using a pump, which may or may not be included in the delivery, there are also models where the role of the pump is played by a mechanism built right into the lid; these features for each model should be specified separately. Anyway, vacuum storage promotes preservation and kills most of the bacteria, which, in particular, can lead to spoilage of the contents. This function is especially convenient for long-term storage, it allows you to "extend the life" of even perishable products. On the other hand, not all products tolerate vacuum well (for example, soft vegetables can burst from internal pressure).

— Foldable. Containers are able to significantly reduce their size when not in use. This is mainly achieved by reducing the heigh...t. The principle of operation is telescopic — each next section is slightly smaller and slides into the previous one.

— Latched lid. A lid fitted with latches to secure it to the container. This feature significantly increases the reliability of the lid — it will not fly off, even if the container is turned over. In addition, latches contribute to the tightness of closing, although they are far from always able to provide full tightness.

— Setting the date on the lid. The presence of a mechanical "calendar" on the lid that allows you to set a specific date — for example, the day of packaging, or the expiration date of the contents. This feature allows you to easily control the residence time of the products in the container.

— Hinged lid. The presence in the design of the container of a lid fixed directly on the container — as a result of which such a lid is not removed when opened, but leans back (hence the name). The convenience of such covers lies in the fact that, unlike traditional removable ones, they are practically not lost. In addition, when opening, you do not need to look for a place where to put the lid — this is especially convenient in the case of lunch boxes (see "Type"), from which people often eat right at the workplace or in other poorly adapted environments. Although most models with hinged lids are still classic containers. The disadvantages of such designs are some bulkiness and the inability to open the lid in cramped conditions.

— Carrying handle. The presence of a special carrying handle in the design of the container. This handle is usually placed on top, like in a bucket, but there are also models with a side handle that resemble cups. Anyway, this function makes it easier to hold the container in your hands, which is important, first of all, with a large capacity, with an inconvenient shape for carrying (for example, in the form of a round “barrel” of great height) or if there is hot contents inside, which noticeably heated up the outer walls.

Country of origin of the brand under which food containers are marketed. Usually, it is indicated by the "homeland" of the manufacturing company or by the location of its headquarters.

There are many stereotypes associated with the “nationality” of brands and products, but most of them have no basis nowadays. First, the actual place of production is often different from the brand's country of origin. Secondly, the quality of the goods depends not so much on geography, but on the policy of a particular company and how carefully this very quality is controlled in it. Therefore, you should pay attention to the country of origin of the brand only if you fundamentally want or (do not want) to support a manufacturer from a certain state. Quality is best judged by the reputation of a particular brand and the general price category.