Even if you've spent hours researching the best coffee brewing technique and the optimal temperature of the water, the ideal grinder, and amazing coffee beans, it's impossible to create a perfect cup of coffee from stale coffee beans.
This is where storage containers for coffee come in. We've conducted the necessary study and found the top four choices, which are guaranteed to keep your coffee fresher for longer.
We've also found the top three choices on how to store your coffee pods if you own a Nespresso or Keurig.
Proper storage is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the flavor of the coffee. Even exposure to light or oxygen can reduce coffee's shelf life and deteriorate its taste, so it's recommended to store your coffee in a dark, vacuum-sealed container.
Keeping coffee beans fresh keeps them free of heat, light, and oxygen, which are usually difficult to avoid. According to National Coffee Association USA experts, this is why it is important to have an appropriate container to store your coffee beans.
To keep your beans' fresh, roasted taste for the longest time possible, keep them in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature.
In this buyer's handbook for the best coffee storage containers, we'll examine how the design and build of the finest coffee canisters impact all of these aspects and help you pick the right one to meet your requirements.
What to Look for in a Coffee Canister
Choice Of Materials
Storage containers could be glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
- A stainless steel canister is the best choice because it blocks light and is extremely sturdy. The stainless canister lasts for a long time, despite numerous washes. But, it comes with the disadvantage that it's one of the most costly.
- Plastic is less expensive, and dense plastics with darker shades will block UV rays like steel. It's a little less robust in the long run; however, if you spill your coffee beans in a caffeinated fog, you don't need to worry about breaking if it strikes the floor.
- Glass is a strange choice as it is both brittle and transparent to UV radiation. But some enjoy having the ability to see what's inside their containers. If you have glass storage containers, keep your container inside a closed area when it is not being used.
Airtight
The first thing you should look for in a canister is whether the seals are airtight or not. This will extend the freshness of the coffee beans and maintain their freshness for an extended period. It's not difficult to find airtight canisters in various dimensions, styles, and prices.
The Importance Of The Seal
Seals are what differentiates the containers for coffee storage from standard Tupperware bins or simply holding your beans inside the container they were packaged in.
As a must, ensure that you purchase an airtight product. Better yet, choose an insulated canister with a one-way valve that lets carbon dioxide go out but does not let oxygen in. This is essential since if you purchase freshly roasted coffee beans (which you must do for the greatest flavor), they can release CO2 for up to 2 weeks after roasting. This gas needs to be in a position to escape.
The best option is to get canisters with an integrated vacuum pump that draws air out of the container, similar to the coffee equivalent of vacuum-sealing food items for storage. This is a fantastic option, but it comes with a higher price.
Sets
Many coffee canisters are available in sets or have designs that are shared with other canisters, which can be purchased individually to create one set. This can be useful for storing other items while maintaining the same design within your kitchen. It's also helpful for a set of canisters to come in different sizes because not all kitchen appliances require the same amount of space.
Consider The Capacity
Keep in mind how much coffee you and your family use. This will decide what will be the best capacity size for your container. For a rough estimate, the coffee container will keep your coffee fresh for up to two weeks. Therefore, you should not buy more coffee than you consume in the timeframe.
Joe Behm, President of Behmor, which makes SCA-certified home roasters and smart brewers, says coffee begins to lose taste after a week of roasting.
You will lose some of the characteristics of the coffee after the eighth day if you work on the assumption that coffee loses its flavor after seven days.
Keep this in mind when you make sure that the size of your coffee container can accommodate your biweekly or weekly coffee intake. Buy a couple of smaller canisters if you want to drink several cups of coffee in one go.
If you frequently purchase an identical bag of coffee beans, verify when purchasing a canister to ensure your favorite coffee is compatible. Some canisters can hold one full pound of coffee, while others may be too small to hold this. The price is usually correlated to storage capacity, so you can expect to pay a bit more for a bigger canister.
Coffeevac 1 lb - The Ultimate Vacuum Sealed Coffee Container
Why We Love It
Coffeevac's 1 lb vacuum-sealed coffee container is the top airtight container for coffee we examined. It is a perfect choice to store your ground coffee or coffee beans. It also has a great choice of colors, so you can pick one that matches your kitchen's decor.
It's great value for your money. This coffee storage won't let any oxygen in and will allow your coffee to breathe and degas. It's also made from food-grade high-quality materials that are airtight, moisture free, and recyclable! It's also NSF-tested and certified.
What You Should Know
The Coffeevac coffee container is one of the best coffee canisters to purchase; it is a seriously fresh product! The distinctive vacuum seal keeps air and lights out while at the same while allowing carbon dioxide in the beans to escape.
It's extremely simple to use. Just one button is used to open and close the lid. The coffee container will keep freshness and flavor for up to two weeks.
We're not big fans of the one-pound size, however. This is probably a bit tiny if you buy large quantities of coffee. We're also concerned that certain clear-colored alternatives won't block UV radiation completely, which could cause coffee to reduce its potency. So if you choose this as your coffee storage, aim to purchase one that isn't clear.
Coffee Gator
Why We Love It
If you're like most coffee lovers, you take your coffee seriously. You want to make sure your beans are always fresh, so you need a storage solution that will keep them tasting great. That's why Coffee Gator has a 100% satisfaction promise, which means you can confidently choose this coffee container.
Their premium stainless steel container is designed to keep your beans fresh, while the airtight seal ensures they retain their flavor and aroma. Plus, the sleek design looks great on any countertop.
What You Should Know
If you're looking for a durable, airtight canister, you'll want to check out Coffee Gator, made of a zero-BPA canister. Their canisters are made of the military-grade vault and are available in four sizes: 11 oz, 16 oz, 22oz, and 64 oz. They feature innovative freshness valves that release co2 but lock out oxygen, keeping your food fresh for longer. Plus, since they're BPA-free, you can rest assured that your food is safe from harmful chemicals.
Veken Coffee Canister
Why We Love It
This is similar to Coffee Gator, but just at a higher price point. Veken coffee storage canisters are made of thick, high quality stainless steel and are designed to keep your coffee beans fresh. They have a date tracker on the lid so you can easily set the storage or expiry dates.
The canisters are also airtight and have a silicone seal to keep out moisture and pests. These canisters also comes in a three different sizes to suit your needs. Whether you're a coffee lover or just looking for a way to keep your beans fresh, Veken coffee storage canisters are a great option.
What You Should Know
If you're a coffee lover, you know that fresh beans are key to a delicious cup of coffee. Oxidation is the enemy of freshness. When beans are exposed to oxygen, they begin to lose their flavor and aroma. That's why it's important to store your beans in an airtight container. The best way to do this is with a one-way CO2 valve and 100% BPA-free silicone rubber seal. The valve allows CO2 to escape, but prevents oxygen from entering, keeping your beans fresher for longer.
The silicone seal ensures it will be tight fit, so you can be sure that your beans are protected from the elements. And because they're available in 16 oz, 22 oz, and 1.1 oz sizes, as well as a combo pack of all three sizes, therefore, you can choose the option for your coffee needs.
Airscape Kilo Coffee Storage Canister
Why We Love It
This canister can store more than just coffee! Use it to store coffee, tea, flour, sugar, cereal, cookies, seeds, herbs, nuts, pet food, or any perishable goods! We love that the body of this coffee storage container is made of galvanized steel and has a BPA- free matte finish paint for food safety.
What You Should Know
The Kilo, the largest of the Airscape canisters, can hold up to 2.2 pounds of beans, and the airtight lid removes all air from the canister, creating airless food storage. That means your beans will stay fresh longer - no more stale coffee! Plus, the sleek design looks great on any countertop.
This canister features a patented plunger lid with a two-way valve that pushes out and keeps out excess air and humidity. By keeping air and moisture out, this canister helps to preserve the freshness of your food and keep it tasting great.
Charmount Coffee Pod Holder
Why We Love It
This coffee pod holder is perfect for your counter bar, home, office, or kitchen. The elegant bronze-finished k-cup holder will look great with any decor for your home. It's also made of metal, so we know it's durable.
Charmount will ensure your space is stylish and tidy. This is not just a station for the coffee organizer; it is also ideal for creamer, fruits, coffee pods, and snacks. If you can think of it is the best way to come up with endless possibilities.
What You Should Know
Large capacity with a small footprint. This coffee holder can store lots of coffee pods without taking up the space of a counter and can accommodate 30+ cups or 40+ vertuo capsules, or 100+ capsules that are original. It is 8" in diameter and 7.5" in height.
Keep your pods handy. The large opening of the pod holder for coffee is located at an ideal angle to allow easy access. Simply reach into the holder for coffee capsules and take a pod to begin your morning coffee. The hollow design makes it simple to recognize what time it is to replenish.
DecoBros K-cup Storage Drawer Holder
Why We Love It
The DecoBros k-cup storage drawer is a great way to organize and store your favorite K-Cup coffee pods. The built-in handle allows you to easily slide the drawer open and close. The smooth surface keeps the coffee pods from sliding out while adding to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen decor.
What You Should Know
The integrated drawer can hold up to 36 Keurig cups, so it's ideal for use with large families or households where many people drink coffee daily.
The DecoBros K-Cup Storage Drawer Holder is easy to mount on cabinet doors, drawers, or walls. It is made of high-quality material and construction, making it sturdy and durable. This drawer can hold up to 36 k-cups and has a sleek design that will complement any kitchen decor.
Allhercom K-Cup Holder
Why We Love It
Allhercom's K-cup holder is an attractive, contemporary design that holds up to 20 k cups. Its unique rotating base permits easy access and selection of k cup flavors. This coffee pod storage has a strong structure with a polished finish that enhances the appearance of any home kitchen countertop. It can also help you save more space to make your countertop tidy.
What You Should know
The Allhercom K Cup holds 20 coffee capsule pods, and the coffee pod label can be displayed directly upwards so that you can easily choose your favorite k pods of coffee. The design of this Keurig holder also allows 360° rotation, which means you don't have to twist your neck to find the k cup pods you want. This k cup organizer is made of high-quality steel material that is anti-rust and durable. It is easy to clean and has a compact design, so it's easy to save space on your kitchen countertop without taking up too much room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coffee containers be recycled?
Yes. The plastic containers, steel cans, and tin containers that coffee is sold in can be reused. There are many ways to recycle coffee cans for crafts that are fun creating bird feeders, planters, storage containers for your home, and many other things.
How long can the coffee in canisters last?
It can take a long time for coffee to "go bad," even when it's stored in poor conditions. Coffee that's not opened can last up to three months, while whole-bean coffee can last from six to nine months.
Coffee that is stored in the freezer could last for a long time. However, this doesn't mean it's an ideal idea to store coffee in the freezer, even for a brief period. This can weaken the aroma and flavor of your coffee, resulting in a bad cup of coffee.
While coffee may take some time to finish, it is prone to rapidly losing freshness. Air, light, and moisture are the most important factors that make coffee go through staleness. Whether the coffee is whole or ground, the coffee has been exposed to one of these conditions, becoming stale in a few days.
A good coffee container is a worthy (and typically cost-effective) purchase. Choose a canister that is airtight and clear. This will aid in keeping your coffee beans fresh for about four weeks, but sometimes more.
Can you drink 2 year old coffee?
Yes. However, coffee does have a shelf life. The roasted coffee beans will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks, and the ground coffee will stay fresh for about 1 week. After that, the oils in the coffee will start to go rancid, and it will start to taste bitter. So it's probably best not to drink 2-year-old coffee, as it won't provide you the freshest coffee.
Can coffee be stored in Ziploc bags?
Yes, coffee can be stored in Ziploc bags, thought it won't keep your coffee the freshest. However, it's important to make sure that the coffee is properly sealed in the bag to prevent air from entering and oxidizing the beans. It's also a good idea to place the bag of coffee in an airtight container or jar to further protect it from oxidation.
Can you recommend another coffee storage brand?
Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister is a good product to check out. You would simply twist the lid back and forth to remove air from inside, helping limit oxygen exposure so your goodies stay tasty for as long as possible. Not only is it great for coffee beans, but you could store peppercorns, loose leaf tea, peanuts, spices...the list goes on!
Final Remarks
Now that you know all about the best coffee storage options, it's time to decide what will work best for you and your home. Consider all the factors we mentioned and choose an option that will fit your lifestyle.
We hope this article has helped make your coffee storage purchase easier.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
1. Coffeevac 1 lb - The Ultimate Vacuum Sealed Coffee Container
4. Airscape Kilo Coffee Storage Canister
5. Charmount Coffee Pod Holder
6. DecoBros K-cup Storage Drawer Holder
I've been asked about coffee pop containers, and while we didn't review any, OXO makes a good coffee pop container. You can view it on Amazon.
Are you looking for organic coffee to fill up your storage container? Check out Marty Mentions article on the best organic coffee you can find online.
