What if you could make the plastic box drawer extinct?
Imagine – that there was a way of keeping leftovers fresh without needing to resort to cling film. Beyond fantasy?
Ok, I agree I should be fantasising about something far less domestic, but maybe if I could rid myself of the torment of hunting for matching plastic lids, then I could free my mind…
So, when I was offered “a clever way to keep food fresh” I was delighted and, accordingly, two Press and Fresh lids arrived at my house.
What are they? Oddly drum-like, they are a tough sheet of plastic stuff attached to a frame.
How do they work? You put them over your mug or dish and push down. You create a vacuum and the lid stays on and stays airtight. Very satisfying.
What’s good about them? Just how pleasing they are. They create a vacuum and stick quite firmly, thereby keeping the food fresh. You can also see what’s in your dish. Several bowls with P&F lids can be stacked. They are watertight. Good for the environment - ie, no clingfilm in the bin.
What’s less good about them? In the fridge, after a while, the vacuum seems to be less strong. I think they are still airtight as there’s a little ‘pop’ when you lift the lid, but I’d doubt they would be quite so watertight or firmly stuck. Because they have to have a greater diameter than the bowl they are quite bulky and take up quite a lot of room in the fridge.
What would you use them for? They are ideal if you don’t want to disturb the contents of your bowl or dish. For example, a dish on the table that needs covered until you’re ready to eat, or someone’s supper ready in advance. It does, however, require forward planning inasmuch as you need to make sure the receptacle you use fits the F&P lid.
When wouldn’t you use them? In the freezer or microwave, where space is tight, when you’re storing something for a long time. The blurb says they’re suitable for the freezer, but mine hasn’t got enough spare space.
Can we reclaim the plastic box drawer then? Not yet, although we might be able to send the cling film on a minibreak.
Is it worth it? It’s part of the bigger keeping things fresh picture rather than the whole solution. If you keep things in bowls and have a reasonable amount of storage space it’s probably worth considering.Also if chucking cling film into a landfill dump bothers you, then P&F lids will help salve your conscience.
Spontex Press and Fresh lids cost £7.99 for a pack of two and are available from Tesco or Ocado online (although I’ll have to take their word for that as we’re in an Ocado-free zone).
