Properly stored and sealed coffee beans, and grounds especially, are the most important ingredient in making the tastiest, most aromatic coffee.
But if your coffee is exposed to the ordinary conditions of most rooms and offices, it will begin to lose its flavor and aroma.
Coffee can also start to pick up the aromas and flavors of what is around it very quickly. That can really ruin your morning cuppa routine if your coffee is stored unprotected from foods nearby.
So a suitable storage container is essential for every coffee lover to have on hand.
Let’s round-up six of the most advanced, best-looking, and environmentally friendly containers that will take good care of your coffee. We also haven’t neglected to think of your pocket too.
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Our Review of the Best Coffee Storage Canisters
1. Best Overall: Veken Airtight Stainless Steel Coffee Canister
When it comes to coffee, airtight is right. But there are plenty of containers labeled airtight on the market that differ widely in performance. We selected this Veken canister because it has a five-star rating for its airtight storage ability.
Veken has added a CO2 (carbon dioxide) one-way valve and BPA-free silicone rubber seal. The valve lets air out and not in. This kind of feature in your coffee canister will make a real difference to the taste of your coffee.
This Veken coffee container has a thick, high-quality stainless steel body that does not let sunlight in. Sunlight can speed up the oxidation process, so a stainless steel canister is a good idea. The thick body means it will last longer.
What’s cool about this canister is the date tracker, which helps you tell if your coffee is fresh. You set the expected best before date with the date tracker on the lid.
The canister features a scale line so you know when it is time to get more coffee beans. These features are super helpful when you are busy.
Veken adds a stainless steel scoop to the deal. It is attached with a hook so the two can be stored together neatly.
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Pros
- CO2 valve for guaranteed freshness
- Stainless steel body keeps out sunlight
- Airtight BPA-free seal
- Two size options: 16 oz. and 22 oz. (450g and 620g)
- Five colors to choose from
Cons
- The date tracker can be tricky to use
Why We Like It: Although there are lots of close competitors, this Veken Stainless Steel Coffee Canister gets the highest ratings overall for all the key features you want in a coffee container.
2. Best Airtight: Airscape Coffee Storage Canister with Patented Airtight Lid
The Airscape Coffee Canister has an innovative plunger-style seal that forces air and humidity out and keeps it locked out.
This Airscape Canister is made from restaurant-grade stainless steel and the plunger seal is BPA-free. So you can be sure it’s safe for food.
It is a great-looking option with its enamel paint finish, which comes in 7 different color choices.
These coffee canisters also come in glazed ceramic options with a bamboo lid, besides the steel canisters with plastic lids. The ceramic canisters include the same patented seal and plunger. They are also more environmentally friendly.
This Airscape Coffee Canister has a non-skid bottom, so it’s less likely to be knocked over. This is great for early mornings when you don’t want to bang around the kitchen and disturb others.
You can choose between 3 size options. The small size holds 8.8 oz. (250g) of coffee beans, the medium canister holds 17.6 oz. (500g), and the large will hold a whole kilo or 35 oz. When you are storing coffee grounds, it will hold a bit more.
Pros
- Patented plunger forces air and humidity out
- Inner and outer lid
- Lots of different material and color options to choose from
- Non-skid bottom
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No scoop included
Why We Like It: The Airscape coffee canister has a plunger, plus a second plastic lid. This ensures airtight coffee storage which will make a real difference to the way your cup of coffee tastes.
3. Best Budget: Buddeez Gourmet Coffee Storage Container
If you want a container that gets the job done and you don’t want to pay too much, the Buddeez Coffee Storage Dispenser is a neat option.
It’s designed to work with the bag that your coffee comes in, which is usually 10 to 14 oz. (250 to 400g). The Buddeez container has a unique gripper lid that fits right inside the original coffee bag.
This is a good idea because there is less disturbance to coffee beans and grounds as you won’t be pouring them out into a new container.
The lid has an airtight seal to keep the coffee fresh. The Buddeez Coffee Container is recommended even for high humidity and hot climates where oxidation happens faster.
This storage container is made of BPA-free plastic, so it’s food safe. The plastic scoop included is a 2-tablespoon size, which is right for each single-serve coffee.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use with gourmet coffee bags
- Compact design
- Less disturbance to coffee beans and grounds
Cons
- No smart pouring spout which would be great in a container like this
- Doesn’t protect against sunlight
Why We Like It: This is an inexpensive but sturdy US-made coffee container that won’t break if you drop it.
4. Best Bundle: MOICO Stainless Steel Coffee Container with Scoop, Travel Jar and Spare CO2 Valves
This stainless steel container is much like the Veken reviewed above. It’s got a similarly sleek design. Its airtightness is very highly rated too. But MOICO has put together a nice bundle to give you extra value and life out of this container.
With its 6 replacement CO2 valves included, the canister can keep your coffee fresh for even longer. These CO2 valves have a limited lifespan. It is much easier to replace the valve than the whole canister. It is kinder on the pocket and environment too.
Each CO2 valve can last about 6 months, so the lifespan of the bundle can be about 3 years, depending on how much you use it. Changing the valve seems quite simple and is explained in the user guide.
MOICO has also added a stainless steel scoop and a mini travel jar to the bundle. The travel jar holds 0.65oz (60ml) of coffee grounds, which is just right for a single serving. The main coffee canister holds 16 oz. (450ml).
This bundle comes with a 2-year warranty, which most other canisters do not.
Pros
- Value for money
- 6 extra CO2 valves, scoop, and travel jar included
- 2-year warranty
- MOICO’s customer service is highly rated
Cons
- One customer found the canister clip hurt their finger
Why We Like It: The spare CO2 valves included extend the life of this MOICO coffee canister and your coffee beans and grounds too.
5. Best Looking: Bodum 11654-18S Chambord Classic Storage Jar
The Bodum Chambord Classic Storage Jar is a beautiful option that will look lovely on your kitchen counter. You will be relieved that this canister does not come with a very hefty price tag.
The stainless steel lid comes in copper and gold tones for a classy feel. The body is made from borosilicate glass, which is more durable than ordinary glass.
The Bodum storage jar has a vacuum sealed lid to keep your coffee fresh. It comes in 3 sizes: 17, 34, and 68 oz. (480ml, 1l, and 2l).
This storage jar is part of the Bodum Chambord collection. You will find numerous coffee appliances and accessories to match it. This includes a French press, frother, sugar bowl, and coffee bean grinder, among others.
Another beautiful coffee jar range to look at if Bodum’s products don’t appeal to you is sold by Kaffe. Have a look at the Kaffe Glass and Stainless Steel Coffee Container, which comes in a range of sizes and gold or silver tones
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Vacuum seal
- 3 size and 2 color options
- Matching items available to create a set
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Some users were not happy with the quality of the metallic lid and returned the product
Why We Like It: A few matching items from Bodum can make a great addition to your kitchen or an impressive gift for a coffee lover.
6. Best Vacuum Seal: Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister
Fellow’s Atmos Coffee Canister comes with a vacuum pump that removes the air as you twist the lid back and forth after you have closed it. A silicone seal holds the vacuum in place.
Opening the canister is easy. You just press the button on the lid to pop it open. You should be able to hear as air rushes back into the container.
If you prefer a screw-top container, the Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister is also an attractive option.
This container comes in three material and color options: matte black or white stainless steel, or clear borosilicate glass with a black top.
The Fellow’s Atmos canister is best suited to store coffee beans. The 400ml canister will hold up to 6 oz. of coffee beans. The 700ml and 1.2l sizes will keep 10 oz. and 16 oz. of coffee beans, respectively.
The manufacturer states that the vacuum seal lasts up to one week. This is fine if you are an everyday grind and brew coffee drinker.
Pros
- Vacuum pump with vacuum lock indicator
- Sleek, minimalist design
- 3 color and 3 size options
- Good customer service
Cons
- Takes some effort to create the vacuum seal
- Not recommended for long-term storage over one week
Why We Like It: The Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister has a vacuum lock indicator. It shows up on the lid as a green dot when the container is nicely vacuum sealed.
Whether you want a simple system that is easy to use or a complex device that makes an array of coffee types and styles, we have something for you on our list.
Learn MoreCoffee Storage Containers Buyers Guide
Airtightness
There are endless containers available that have airtight seals. However, your coffee beans and grounds need more than the usual protection.
Look for special features like a vacuum pump or CO2 valve which ensure airless storage. Also, consider coffee containers that come with a solid guarantee and are highly rated for airtightness.
Cost
You don’t need to spend more than $15 for the average container claiming to be airtight. You cannot be assured these containers are airtight enough for coffee though. The only way to know for sure is to try them out.
You might be concerned about maintaining the flavor and aroma of gourmet coffee and don’t want to take any chances. This is super important if you live in a hot and humid place.
In that case, it is wise to choose a container that has a durable, airtight seal and CO2 valve or vacuum pump. These aren’t too expensive though and you will save elsewhere as you won’t have to throw away coffee that’s gone stale.
You can budget from about $20 to $30 for one of these. Even the MOICO bundle we reviewed above is in this price range.
If you are considering buying a quality extra-large coffee container, budget from $40 to $60.
Quality
What you most want in a coffee storage container is an effective seal that won’t give out between brews. One made from high-quality materials is a worthy investment.
Check if the airtight components are made from durable materials. The manufacturer should give assurance on how well they will perform.
If there are plastic or rubber parts, check that they are BPA-free. Stainless steel containers must be food grade. This is important for the safety of your food and should come standard.
Maintenance
Most important to note about maintenance is that hand washing will make your container last longer. Putting the container through the dishwasher may ruin it after a while.
No matter which container you choose, if it’s going through the dishwasher, make sure to place it on the top shelf and keep the water temperature low.
Also, check which components are not dishwasher safe. Rubber and silicone seals and plungers and CO2 vacuums are much better off being cleaned in cool water by hand.
Companies with good customer service will often offer replacement parts, sometimes at no cost for the vacuum seals for example. So look out for those well known for impressive after-sales service.
Size and Capacity
Size and capacity matter because it is really annoying when you can’t fit all your coffee beans or grounds inside a container you bought especially for storing them. It is also a problem if the container takes up too much space in your kitchen.
So take note of which size option you are buying. Compare the dimensions, shape, and dry goods capacity with your needs. Will the whole coffee bag you usually buy fit in? Will it take up too much space in your kitchen cupboard or on the counter?
A medium-sized coffee canister that has a capacity of at least 17.6 oz. (500ml) is a safe bet. If in doubt, go for an option that is a bit larger than what you think you need. A container over 34 oz. (1l) will do well for a family but is getting a bit oversized for a very small kitchen.
If you buy coffee beans and grounds in bulk or want the container for commercial purposes, look at options with a capacity of 5lb (2kg) and up. A great extra-large capacity container that protects your coffee from going stale is the Tightvac EverythingVac Bulk Storage Container.
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Coffee Storage Containers (FAQs)
What happens to my coffee beans and grounds if I don’t store them in the right container?
Simply put, your coffee will lose its bouquet of compounds that give coffee the signature flavor and aroma we love. One of these compounds in roast coffee beans is caffenol.
Compounds like caffenol are here today and gone tomorrow if coffee isn’t properly stored. The oxidation process will happen faster with coffee grounds.
So gourmet coffee that tasted and smelt amazing the first time can soon be a huge disappointment and a waste of money if not locked away in a suitable container.
This is why it is worthwhile investing in an airtight container that can create a vacuum seal and removes as much of the air and humidity as possible.
Won’t one airtight container work just as well as any other for my coffee?
Unfortunately not. Some companies state that their products are airtight when they are not actually completely airtight. Checking the reviews for a product made to store coffee will often reveal if this is the case.
A vacuum seal and airtight container are going to keep most food fresh for longer, but coffee beans and grounds are very high on the list of things that go stale quickly.
Extra features like a double lid, CO2 valve, and plunger or vacuum seal are worthwhile to have for this reason.
Be careful of containers that can affect the taste of your coffee. Coffee is more likely to absorb flavors from the environment than most other foods.
Some containers will give your coffee a plastic taste. This is very unpleasant and this kind of leaching can be harmful in the long term. Customers often report if this is the case, so check what the reviews say when you are looking at a plastic coffee container.
What if I don’t hear or feel the air coming out of the container when I use the CO2 valve, vacuum, or plunger seal?
If there is no ‘whoosh’ sound or you cannot actually feel the air being forced out of the container, the CO2 valve or plunger is not working as it should.
If it is a brand new container, you should be able to return it for a refund or replacement.
If it’s an older container, it is time to replace the CO2 valve or seal if possible or get a new container. But don’t just throw the old one out. Repurpose it. The container can still be used to store less perishable food like sugar or coffee pods.
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Conclusion
Our overall winner for this round-up of the Best Coffee Storage Containers available is the Veken Airtight Stainless Steel Coffee Canister.
This Veken container is highly rated on all the needs you have when it comes to keeping your coffee beans and grounds safe from oxidation.
Our first runner up is the Airscape Coffee Canister with Patented Airtight Lid. We like that this canister gives you the assurance that the air is being forced out when you use it. It also has an extra lid for double protection against oxidation.
The MOICO Stainless Steel Coffee Container comes with useful extras, making it our second runner up. It is a close contender to the Veken canister in terms of airtightness. It has a CO2 valve and date tracker just like the Veken.
The 6 extra valves can extend the life of the MOICO coffee canister because each valve can last up to 6 months. The extra travel jar and scoop come in handy when you are making coffee or traveling with it.
The one drawback of this bundle is that it comes with a 16 oz. size container. This might be too small for your needs.
Our best budget option is the Buddeez Gourmet Coffee Storage Container. It is made of durable plastic and will get the job done. It is designed to work with your coffee bags, making them easy to use and convenient.
The Bodum 11654-18S Chambord Classic Storage Jar is our choice for the best-looking option with its borosilicate glass body and copper or gold-tone lid. Bodum is a nice choice if you want a beautiful set of jars and other matching coffee appliances for your own kitchen or as a gift for someone.
The Bodum storage jar lacks the extra features of some of our other reviewed containers, which let you store your coffee for longer periods. However, the vacuum seal can be enough for your needs if you are making coffee every day.
Not to be overlooked is the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Coffee Canister for those who like a screw-top minimalist design. Using the vacuum pump action on this container lets you force out as much air and humidity as possible to keep your coffee beans fresh.
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