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Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers Review: Would Owners Buy Them Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test these containers in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of a published test, retailer ratings and owner comments, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Repeat

Leakproof and tidy, as long as the lids survive

America's Test Kitchen named the Brilliance set its winner, praising the tight seal, durability and flat, stackable lids. Retail ratings agree, at 4.5 out of 5 on Walmart and 4.55 on Target. The recurring complaint is lid durability, with some Target reviewers reporting lids that crack and no way to buy replacements, so check the return policy and handle the latches gently.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • carry leftovers, lunches or soup without leaks
  • want containers that stack neatly in the fridge
  • dislike stains and lingering smells in plastic

Skip it if you…

  • want lids you can replace separately
  • prefer glass containers
  • need every lid to survive heavy daily handling for many years

Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are clear plastic food storage containers with flat lids, permanently attached gaskets and latches that clip the lid shut. They come in sets and single sizes and are sold for the fridge, freezer, lunch box and pantry.

We looked at a hands-on test plus what owners say after months of washing, stacking and reheating.

What owners say, at a glance

WinnerAmerica's Test Kitchen plastic container testSeal, durability and flat lids
4.55 / 5Target rating for the 9.6-cup container2,078 reviews
4.5 / 5Walmart rating for the 3.2-cup set2,244 ratings
Leakproof seal
Strong praise
Stain and odor resistance
Mostly positive
Stacking and storage
Mostly positive
Lid durability
Common complaint
Value for money
Mixed reports

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key specs

MaterialClear plastic with latching lids
LidsFlat, with permanently attached gaskets and two latches per container (America's Test Kitchen)
UseFridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher
SizesSold in sets and as single containers, including 3.2 and 9.6 cups

What owners love

The seal.America's Test Kitchen shook a large container filled with blue water and found no drops escaped. Walmart reviewers also highlight a tight, leak-resisting seal.
Flat lids that stack.The flat lids and clear sides make containers easy to see into and pile up in the fridge. Target reviewers like the stackable design.
Resists stains and smells.America's Test Kitchen reported no staining, and shoppers say the plastic holds up against odors. A commenter on a Slickdeals thread said they'd had theirs since before 2020 with no leaks.
Easy cleanup.The gaskets stay attached, so nothing gets lost in the sink, and the containers are dishwasher safe.

What owners complain about

Cracking lids.Multiple Target reviewers say lids crack down the middle with normal use, and that Rubbermaid doesn't sell separate replacement lids. Some also mention bottoms cracking after about six months. Others disagree, so it's not universal.
Lid fit and venting.Walmart reviewers say the lid vent can let liquid out if you overfill, and the lid sits inside the rim, trimming usable space.
Pricey for plastic.Shoppers note the set costs more than basic storage containers, which makes lid failures feel worse.
Mixed long-term reports.One Slickdeals commenter said theirs cracked and leaked after two years, while others had no problem and bought more sets.

How they hold up over time

Most owners report years of use without leaks or staining. The weak spot is the lid and latch hardware, which some owners find cracks with heavy use. One Slickdeals commenter returned a set for hairline cracks and praised the replacement process, which is a good reason to buy somewhere with an easy return window.

Tips from owners

  • Don't overfill if you want to keep liquid out of the vents.
  • Open the latches gently rather than prying the lid.
  • Keep your receipt in case of hairline cracks.
  • Buy a set with matching sizes so lids stay interchangeable.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Tight seal that tested leakproof
  • Flat lids that stack well
  • Resists stains and odors
  • Gaskets stay attached for easy washing
  • Dishwasher, microwave and freezer friendly

What owners complain about

  • Some lids crack with use
  • No separate replacement lids
  • Vents can leak if overfilled
  • Costs more than basic plastic containers

Other options owners compare

These are the food storage sets most often compared with Rubbermaid Brilliance.

ModelMaterialConsider it if…
Rubbermaid Brilliance 14-piece set (this review)PlasticYou want leakproof, stackable plasticSee on Amazon
Pyrex Simply Store 12-packGlassYou prefer glass and oven-safe dishesSee on Amazon
OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass ContainersGlassYou want glass with a snug sealSee on Amazon

Tired of leaky, stained food containers?

Check the current price and set sizes on Amazon.

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Frequently asked questions

Do they leak?

In America's Test Kitchen's shake test with blue water, no drops escaped.

Do they stain?

America's Test Kitchen reported no staining, and many owners agree.

Can I buy replacement lids?

Target reviewers say Rubbermaid does not sell lids separately, so check before you buy.

Are they dishwasher safe?

Yes, according to Walmart and Target listings and reviewers.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 06, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.