Where to put my coffee beans after I have opened the package?
Two options: some jar or coffee grinder, right?
But is that the best approach? And what if you like to grind a big batch and store it for the next few weeks?
And most importantly, why there are so many coffee bean storage containers in the market, who needs them if everyone can find an empty jar at home?
If you are not quite sure about how good coffee bean storage containers can help you? Read this guide on how to keep ground coffee fresh.
Below we will review the best coffee bean storage containers available, so you don’t need to spend too much time when going through endless lists of these kitchen gadgets.

Our review will cover all four common material types (plastic, metal, glass, and ceramic) that are used for coffee storage containers, although my suggestion would be avoiding ones that are made from plastic.
Note that since there is no benefit in storing coffee where air flows through more or less easily, all of our reviewed storage jars fall under the category: coffee bean vacuum storage or else known as airtight coffee bean storage containers.
Table of Contents
Good Coffee Storing Container Features:
- Airtight Seal – must have, otherwise, you can store your coffee in the same package you bought it;
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Valve – nice to have, and becomes must-have if you roast coffee yourself;
- Opaque Material – nice to have, and becomes must-have if you like keeping your coffee in place with direct sunlight;
- Date Tracking – optional, nice feature to track your coffee “age”, which sometimes helps to notice when your coffee does not taste as before so you don’t let it sit for so long next time;
- Measuring Scoop – optional, but helps to find the right strength (although most of you already know how much coffee you need for brewing in regular kitchen spoons);
- Price – thing to consider, there is no need to overpay for additional features if you don’t really need them;
- User Reviews – thing to consider, a great way to learn more about the actual product before you face the same issues;
Here’s a peek at the 11 best coffee bean storage containers included on this list:
- OXO Goodgrips Airtight POP Round Canister
- ClickClack 623301 Cube Storage Container
- Bellemain 4 Piece Airtight Acrylic Canister Set
- 77L Glass Food Storage Jar with Airtight Seal Bamboo Lid
- Herb Guard – Airtight Container and Smell Proof Stash Jar (1 Liter)
- Airtight June Sky Porcelain Condiments Container
- Planetary Design Airscape Ceramic Food Storage Canister
- Planetary Design Airscape Coffee and Food Storage Canister
- BlinkOne Coffee Canister
- Coffee Gator Stainless Steel Container
- Bean Envy Airtight Coffee Canister
Here come the best coffee bean storage containers:
OXO Goodgrips Airtight POP Round Canister
Main Material type: Transparent Plastic
Capacity: 1.9 quart / 1.8 liter (more size options available)
Dimensions: 5.65 * 5.65 * 7 in / 14.5 * 14.5 * 18 cm
Additional Features: Push-button seal, BPA free
Price level (from $ to $$$): $
OXO is a very popular household kitchen item maker and known for its quality. This rather simple storage canister has a neat seal activation feature. The lid comes with a handle that, when pushed, activates the airtight seal. And once pushed again, pops out as a handle to remove the lid.
The lid can be unsnapped and its silicone seal is dishwasher safe, but the plastic parts should be hand washed (this would avoid scratching them).
ClickClack 623301 Cube Storage Container
Main Material type: Transparent Plastic
Capacity: 1, 2, 3.5 quart / 0.95, 1.9, 3.3 liter (set of 3)
Dimensions: 6.5 * 6.5 * (4.15, 5.75, 7.75) in / 16.5 * 16.5 * (10.5, 14.5, 19.5) cm
Additional Features: BPA free, stackable containers
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$$
ClickClack has over 20 years of experience in making as they say ‘aesthetically pleasing and highly fictional’ kitchen storage ware. Lids on these containers come with a squeeze button that helps to release them.
Suggesting hand was only for these containers and lids, and before washing the lid, you should remove the airtight diaphragm from the lid base. Once washed allow lid parts to dry throughout before assembling back together, to avoid any water remain in the lid that would later spoil your coffee beans.
Bellemain 4 Piece Airtight Acrylic Canister Set
Main Material type: Transparent Acrylic
Capacity: 22, 26, 51, 65 oz / 0.65, 0.77, 1.5, 1.9 liter (set of 4)
Dimensions: 4.5 * 4.5 * (4, 5, 8, 9.75) in / 11.5 * 11.5 * (10, 13, 20.5, 25) cm
Additional Features: BPA free, break-resistant
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$
A small New York-based company came out with this lightweight and a shatterproof storing jar that will resist breaking even when dropped from the top shelf. That’s the benefit when using acrylic in production.
The lid comes with a silicone gasket for sealing and the metal clamp will ensure airtight seal locking. Canisters are meant to be hand-washed only, and silicon gasket should be removed before it. Don’t forget to dry it thoroughly, so you don’t introduce water in your storing container.
77L Glass Food Storage Jar with Airtight Seal Bamboo Lid
Main Material type: Transparent Glass
Capacity: 52.36 oz / 1.55 liter (more size options available)
Dimensions: 4 * 4 * 9.4 in / 10 * 10 * 24 cm
Additional Features: BPA free
Price level (from $ to $$$): $
77-Life is a company you haven’t heard most likely, reused the classic approach of combining glass and wood. This is a very simple design container that looks great thanks to the bamboo lid, yet it still keeps air out as we need for our coffee.
This storing jar holds about 520 grams of coffee beans, but there are two more sizes available
- same width but shorter version (holds around 200 grams of beans);
- slightly wider and a bit shorter version (will hold around 650 grams of beans)
Borosilicate glass (not break-proof) jar with increased thickness at the bottom for safety is dishwasher safe, although it’s suggested to wash it by hand.
Herb Guard – Airtight Container and Smell Proof Stash Jar (1 Liter)
Main Material type: Opaque Glass
Capacity: 34 oz / 1 liter (more size options available)
Dimensions: 3.8 * 3.8 * 8 in / 9.5 * 9.5 * 20 cm
Additional Features: Smell Proof, Boveda Humidity Pack, Miron Glass
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$
You can call this a high-tech storing container. It is made out of Miron Glass. Glass that is specifically made to control what light can get through the glass. It is thick and designed to withstand drops and falls. Unlike most of the other jar lids, Herb Guard uses screw-able lid to form an airtight seal
Another feature of this jar is that it comes with the Boveda Humidity pack for 2-way humidity control.
There are 2 additional size options available (both smaller):
- 17 oz / 0.5 liter – could be ideal daily usage or 1 weeks stash of coffee beans (not ground);
- 8.5 oz / 0.25 liter – could be useful for small batches of ground coffee;
This stylish and glossy jar should be hand washed to preserve glass coatings (but don’t be afraid, they are hard to scratch even with car keys). Packaging also included a microfiber cleaning cloth, as the glossy finish attracts smudges and fingerprints.
Airtight June Sky Porcelain Condiments Container
Main Material type: Ceramic
Capacity: 10.1 oz / 0.3 liter
Dimensions: 3.1 * 3.1 * 4.3 in / 8 * 8 * 11 cm
Additional Features: Compact size
Price level (from $ to $$$): $
Most basic storage jar, that will perfectly do its job if you buy and consume little coffee up to 1/2 pound (up to 250 grams) per week. Or you like to grind it yourself in small batches for few days to 1 week supply.
The particular jar is made from white ceramic with a bamboo lid, so it looks very simple yet elegant and has the price that you will like. As this is quite a small jar it is perfect for smaller kitchens, you will find that it is easier to store it anywhere you want, even on small kitchen countertops.
Cleaning should be done by hand, remember to remove silicone O ring that works as an airtight seal. And as always after washing allow it to dry off completely.
Planetary Design Airscape Ceramic Food Storage Canister
Main Material type: Ceramic
Capacity: 64 oz / 1.9 liter (more size options available)
Dimensions: 4.5 * 4.5 * 7 in / 11.5 * 11.5 * 18 cm
Additional Features: Patented inner lid, Multiple colors available
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$$
Planetary Design with their Airscape is more known for its stainless steel storage jars, but they have brought their patented inner lid into the ceramic field as well.
What’s so specific about the inner lid?
You can move it up and down throughout the whole container. If you have only a small amount of coffee beans to store you press the lid so it reaches coffee beans or grounds. The lid has a one-way valve that forces out the extra air that is inside the container when pressed down. This is especially good for large containers like this one so you don’t need to keep it full all the time to reduce excess air in it.
See Airscape in action:
There is also a shorter version of 32 oz and 4 in (10 cm) height.
The container is simple to take apart, remove the bamboo top lid, remove the plastic inner lid, and done. To avoid scratching any surface it is advised to hand wash the storage jar and lids.
Planetary Design Airscape Coffee and Food Storage Canister
Main Material type: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 64 oz / 1.9 liter (more size options available)
Dimensions: 4.5 * 4.5 * 7 in / 11.5 * 11.5 * 18 cm
Additional Features: Patented inner lid, Restaurant grade stainless steel, Multiple colors available
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$
How this stainless steel storage jar compares to ceramic one. Could it be weight and price?
Yep, it is more lightweight than ceramic one, around 2 to 2.5 times lighter, and costs slightly less. Also, the top lid is transparent so you see how much coffee is left in a jar (to be exact, you see where the inner lid is positioned so you can assume how much coffee is left).
Similarly, as the ceramic model, we also have a shorter version of 32 oz capacity and 4 in (10 cm) height.
Washing should be done the same as with most of these jars – by hands.
BlinkOne Coffee Canister
Main Material type: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 18 oz / 0.5 liter (holds 1 pound of beans/grounds)
Dimensions: 5 * 5 * 6.8 in / 12.5 * 12.5 * 17 cm
Additional Features: Magnetic measuring scoop
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$
BlinkOne is almost pure stainless steel, the only part that is plastic is inside the lid (and it is BPA free) to hold in place the silicone seal. So the jar itself looks amazing if you like all stainless steel approach.
This jar uses a different approach of enabling airtight seal, as you have to screw the lid on. Another feature regarding the lid is that it is a place to store your rather simple measuring scoop, except its magnetic scoop.
Washing as with most of the jars is preferred to be done by hands.
Coffee Gator Stainless Steel Container
Main Material type: Stainless Steel
Capacity (beans/grounds): 22/19 oz / 0.65/0.55 liter
Dimensions: 5.5 * 5.5 * 7.5 in / 14 * 14 * 19 cm
Additional Features: CO2 valve, Measuring scoop, Calendar wheel
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$$
Coffee Gator presents, in my opinion, the most beautifully colored metal storage canisters (our favorite is Gunmetal Grey, but there are others like: blue, green, orange, red, pink, and pure stainless steel).
This storage container is all around well equipped and comes with a CO2 valve if you like to roast your coffee at home (or buy it freshly roasted). There is a calendar wheel integrated into the lid so you can track how fresh your “black gold” is. An included measuring scoop is a nice add on.
Lid seal gets enabled with a clasp, which is probably the best of the systems and can be considered as a fault-proof, that will work every time “no questions asked”.
And if you think you have to hand wash this canister then you guessed right.
Bean Envy Airtight Coffee Canister
Main Material type: Stainless Steel
Capacity (beans/grounds): 16/13 oz / 0.45/0.37 liter
Dimensions: 5 * 5 * 6 in / 13 * 13 * 15.5 cm
Additional Features: CO2 valve, Measuring scoop, Calendar wheel
Price level (from $ to $$$): $$$
Bean Envy came to market slightly after Coffee Gator, and while they have an almost identical product, they have added one feature which got them on our list.
And that feature is a scoop holder. For me, the lack of that holder on Coffee Gator didn’t bother as I would typically squeeze the scoop inside the canister, but it might be a thing for some, so the choice is up to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should you store coffee beans ground or whole?
If you have a coffee grinder available, then you will benefit the most by storing whole beans.
As for the grinder, preferably you have a burr type grinder, if not then there are good ones at an affordable price. A combination of storing whole beans and grinding before brewing will get you the best possible results no matter what brewing method you prefer.
What to look for in the best coffee storage container?
First and foremost, it should be airtight. If the airflow is not completely shut then the container won’t help you much.
Secondary, quality of materials used, easiness of opening and closing the container.
Are mason jars good for storing coffee?
A basic mason jar will not stop airflow, but you can add a silicone seal insert for the jar (simplest silicone O ring like these). And remember to keep the jar away from direct sunlight.
Can coffee be stored in plastic containers?
Yes, just make sure it’s a food-grade container with a proper seal for limiting airflow.
Which one is the best coffee storage container?
Well, it is subjective, but generally, the one that keeps your coffee fresh for the longest. We prefer Coffee Gator as it looks great, has excellent sealing and at the same time, it is very easy to access our roasted gold. And for a storage container is feature-packed.
Conclusion
This concludes our list of coffee storage canisters. If we go hardcore against all 4 coffee enemies with one storage canister then there are limited options, since most plastic and glass ones tend to be transparent.
Another important aspect is how well the seal limits airflow. here we really appreciate the force that you get with the clasp locking mechanism. Also, we like Airscape double lid technology.
Another limiting factor for you would be the presence of a CO2 valve if you roast your coffee beans at home. While the valve itself typically is built into the plastic lid, this feature is mainly found for metal canisters.
Barbearista favorite:
Probably you already picked up from our list that we are all hands down for Coffee Gator coffee storage canister as it provides excellent storage capacity, combined with protection against all common coffee enemies, and the burst of coffee aroma that you can feel only when opening the lid.
Yes, you can for sure go with any option on the list and you will be a step ahead in coffee freshness at your home office or wherever you enjoy your cup of coffee. We really hope that with this list we have saved you some time on a decision which one will work for you the best.
Your trustworthy friend,
BARBEARISTA.com
Considering Airscape stainless steel vs ceramic. Do stainless canisters affect taste? Ceramic breaks more easily but would it be less likely to impart a “metalic” taste to the coffee beans?
Hi Travis,
I, myself currently use metallic storage canister, and I haven’t noticed any metallic taste beeing transferred to coffee.
I think more important to taste or the perception if coffee taste is the cup used. As I prefer ceramic or glassware cup for my morning brew. Bit even that is not because of taste, but rather heat retention of a material.
Back to answering question. I think material won’t play te biggest role here. As the Airscape wil be excellent choice no matter what.
P.s.
Metalic canister is lighter and that gives better feedback of how full the container is, so I don’t even need to look into it to know when to refill it.
Hope I did not confuse you more 🙂