Introduction – Sterilization and Zero-Waste
Going zero waste means excellent control of your consumption: no throwing away due to accidentally large portions. For example if you have a growing child, one of the things you need to do is apportion food quantities correctly. This means usually putting the food into little containers or jars. Before putting food into a food jar for long term frozen storage, one thing we might want to do is sterilize the food jar. In this post, we will discuss sterilizers for food jars on the market today. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
If you are a parent, then you know that sterilizing food containers is super useful for peace of mind. Not all sterilizers are created equal, however. Some are better than others at sterilizing food jars and other items.
The Hygiene Hypothesis
One word before we start. Its important to note that we’re not advocating you need to sterilize everything and bacteria are all bad. The biology story seems to be more complicated than simply sterilizing everything. You may have heard of something called the “hygiene hypothesis” which is an idea, not completely proven but also considered broadly to be very reasonable. This hypothesis says that an overly clean environment fails to expose us to enough germs and consequently our immune systems don’t develop as well.
The FDA even addresses this in their post on the “hygiene hypothesis”. We urge everyone to read it, learn something from it. That said, there’s no reason not to be selective in what we clean. In so far as we use very hot water to clean dishes in the dishwasher, we’re free to buy devices that take an extra step to sterilize things.
7 Best Food Jar Sterilizers – What To Look For
There are a few key things to look for when choosing a food sterilizer appliance. We want to ensure that the equipment has the ability to sterilize contents quickly and effectively. The equipment needs to have a large enough capacity to accommodate the number of items you need to put in at any one item. One of the problems we noted is that the shape of the sterilizer container is built for bottles rather than food jars so you will have to experiment with the number you can put in and the best way to arrange them. Ideally the appliance is easy to use. Finally we always look for a reasonable price.
1. Philips Avent Electric Steam Sterilizer
The Philips AVENT Advanced Electric Steam Sterilizer is a great way to ensure that food jars are free of germs. The sterilizer uses natural steam to kill 99.9% of germs, and can sterilize contents in just 6 minutes. The sterilizer can also be used to store contents for up to 24 hours, and features a drip tray to protect the heating plate from milk residue and prevent burning smells. It is also compact and easy to use and is also safe to use with food jars.
2. Munchkin Steam Guard Electric Sterilizer
The Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Bottle Sterilizer is a great choice for those looking for a compact and lightweight option. It can hold up to 36 oz of volume so we think it should be ok with six 4 oz food jars. The open-away latch prevents steam burns, and the sterilizer includes heat resistant tongs for easy removal of items. It features a timer that automatically shuts off the sterilizer when the cycle is complete.
3. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Sterilizer
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Electric Sterilizer is one of the most popular sterilizers on the market. You may disinfect nipples and bottles within minutes using natural steam from the environment. The Electric Sterilizer is also large enough to fit a food jars, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for feeding needs. The unit comes with a reliable warranty and is available at most major retailers. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature electric sterilizers are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast, effective, and convenient way to sterilize their feeding items.
4. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Electric Sterilizer
Dr. Brown offers a variety of sterilizing options for bottles, but their Natural Flow Electric Sterilizer is a great choice for those who use food jars. This product uses natural steam to sterilize and has three-setting temperature control. It also features an indicator light so you know when the cycle is complete. The Dr. Brown Natural Flow Electric Sterilizer comes with a tray that holds up to four food jars, making it quick and easy to sterilize multiple items at once. This product is also BPA free and made in the USA.
5. Nuby Natural Touch Electric Sterilizer
The system comes with two compartments, one for holding the food and one for the water. The food compartment can accommodate up to six 4-ounce food jars or cups, while the water compartment can hold up to 12 ounces of water. The system also includes a steaming rack, which can be used to steam vegetables or fruits.
6. Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer
The Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer is a 3-in-1 machine that can sterilize with steam, dry completely with hot air, and deodorize to clean from start to finish. It has a large capacity and can stack up to 11 bottles and accessories. It is easy to use and features an ergonomic shape. Because of the large capacity, you should be able to fit a large number of small food containers.
7. Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer
The Baby Brezza Baby Bottle Sterilizer is an easy-to-use, convenient, and speedy way to sanitize bottles and nipples. The unit comes with a basket that can accommodate up to four bottles at a time. It also features an auto-shutoff function that kicks in once the sterilization cycle is complete. Plus, the compact design means it takes up minimal counter space. As a bonus, the Baby Brezza can also be used to sanitize other feeding items such as pacifiers, teethers, and small toys.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Sterilizers For Food Jars?
When it comes to feeding time, this means taking extra care to ensure that food is clean and free of harmful bacteria. One way to do this is by using a sterilizer for food jars. Here are some of the benefits of using a sterilizer for food jars:
1. Sterilizers help to kill harmful bacteria that can cause illness.
2. Sterilizers can help to extend the shelf life of food by preventing the growth of bacteria.
3. Sterilizers are quick and easy to use, so you can be sure that the food is always clean and fresh.
4. Sterilizers are portable, so you can take them with you when you travel.
5. Sterilizers are safe to use, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals coming into contact with food or food jars.
6. Sterilizers are affordable, so you can keep your food safe without breaking the bank.
How Do You Clean Plastic Food Storage Containers?
You might want to just clean the container instead of sterilizing them. For example you’re putting them away in a cabinet somewhere or temporarily you don’t need to freeze anything. If that’s the case, to clean plastic food storage containers, start by rinsing them with warm water and then scrubbing them with a mild dish soap.
If there are any stubborn stains, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Once you’ve scrubbed the containers clean, rinse them again with warm water and dry them off with a clean towel. Next, you’ll want to make sure that you’re storing your containers in a cool, dry place.
How Do You Sterilize Plastic In Boiling Water?
If you would rather go for a DIY way of sterilizing food jars, consider using boiling water. You absolutely must ensure that the plastic is able to withstand boiling. It should be a type of high density plastic with a very high melting point. Even so, it’s not good to leave it too long. That being said, sterilizing plastic in boiling water is a great way to clean and disinfect it.
First, make sure the plastic is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Next, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, place the plastic in the boiling water for a few minutes. Set a timer to remember to turn the heat off. Finally, remove the plastic, check for any damage, and allow it to air dry. When you want to handle the sterilized item, wash and dry your hands before handling sterilised equipment. Make sure to put the food jars on a clean, disinfected surface.
Why Is There A Need For Sterilizer For Food Jars?
So are sterilizers needed? We would say not necessarily, given the hygiene hypothesis above. However, sterilizers are a nice piece of equipment that you can have in your home. The use of a food sterilizer will reduce bacteria or germs that may be present on food packaging, a jar of food, bottles, and other materials that come into contact with food. Food sterilizers use high temperatures to kill bacteria and viruses. There are several different types of food sterilizers available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is right for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the food sterilizer is a useful piece of equipment for anyone who plans on regularly making homemade food. Food sterilizers are simple, affordable, and user-friendly pieces of equipment that can help you with healthy and nutritious meals. With its many features and benefits, the food sterilizer is sure to make your life easier.
