Rubbermaid Plastic Food Boxes | Polycarbonate & Polyethylene Food Storage Containers

- Material Composition: Clear polycarbonate and white polyethylene.
- Size/Capacity Range: 2 gallon, 3.5 gallon, 5 gallon, 8.5 gallon, 12.5 gallon, 16.6 gallon, and 21.5 gallon food boxes.
- Dimensions: 18" x 12" and 26" x 18" footprints with depths from 3.5" to 15".
- Compliance/Ratings: Freezer-safe options, commercial dishwasher-safe options, NSF-certified food storage designs, and HACCP support features.
- Closure Types: Matching snap-on lids for 18" x 12" and 26" x 18" Rubbermaid food boxes.
Product Comparison Chart
Configuration Analysis Rubbermaid food boxes are organized by footprint, depth, material, and capacity. The 18" x 12" food boxes include 2 gallon, 3.5 gallon, and 5 gallon sizes, with depths of 3.5", 6", and 9". These smaller containers are commonly used for prep ingredients, portioned foods, produce, toppings, dry goods, and limited-space storage. The 26" x 18" food boxes provide higher-volume storage and include 5 gallon, 8.5 gallon, 12.5 gallon, 16.6 gallon, and 21.5 gallon sizes. Deeper containers allow bulk storage of ingredients, dough, vegetables, packaged foods, and prepared items. Matching lids are separate components and should be selected by container footprint rather than gallon capacity alone.
Material Engineering Clear polycarbonate food boxes are used where visibility is required. The transparent body allows staff to identify contents without opening the container, which reduces handling and supports inventory checks. Polycarbonate also provides impact resistance and dimensional stability in commercial kitchen environments. White polyethylene food boxes are used where an economical opaque container is acceptable. Polyethylene provides chemical resistance to many food substances and cleaning conditions, while maintaining a lightweight structure for handling. Both material types are used in food service storage, but the correct choice depends on visibility requirements, temperature exposure, handling frequency, and cleaning method.
Regulatory Standards Food storage containers in commercial kitchens are commonly selected for NSF certification, freezer-safe use, dishwasher-safe cleaning, and HACCP support. NSF certification relates to food-contact sanitation design and cleanability. Freezer-safe construction allows use in cold storage without immediate cracking under normal food service conditions. Commercial dishwasher compatibility supports repeated sanitation cycles. HACCP support features, such as date control panels, assist with food rotation, inventory control, and spoilage reduction. Buyers should verify the product-specific rating when selecting containers for cold storage, hot food handling, dishmachine cleaning, or direct food contact.
Industrial Applications Rubbermaid plastic food boxes are used in restaurants, cafeterias, food prep kitchens, bakeries, catering operations, commissaries, schools, healthcare food service, and institutional kitchens. Shallow 2 gallon and 5 gallon boxes are suitable for prep tables, sliced produce, small ingredient batches, and short-term storage. Medium 8.5 gallon and 12.5 gallon containers support bulk dry ingredients, prepped vegetables, sauces, and mixed food items. Deep 16.6 gallon and 21.5 gallon boxes are used for larger-volume storage where vertical capacity is needed. Clear polycarbonate versions support fast content identification, while white polyethylene versions are used where visibility is not required.
Selection Criteria Selection should begin with the container footprint. The 18" x 12" size is suited for smaller storage zones, prep lines, and lower-volume ingredients. The 26" x 18" size is used for higher-volume food storage and larger shelving systems. Capacity should be selected based on both volume and lift weight when full. Deeper containers increase storage volume but may be harder to handle when loaded. Material selection should consider visibility, cold storage use, cleaning method, and food type. Lid compatibility should be checked by container size, since lids are matched to the footprint and product family.
| Product | Material | Color | Capacity | Dimensions | Lid Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 2 gal. | 18" x 12" x 3.5" | Lid for 2, 3.5, and 5 gal. food totes |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 3.5 gal. | 18" x 12" x 6" | Lid for 2, 3.5, and 5 gal. food totes |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 5 gal. | 18" x 12" x 9" | Lid for 2, 3.5, and 5 gal. food totes |
| White Polyethylene Rubbermaid Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 2 gal. | 18" x 12" x 3.5" | Lid for 2, 3.5, and 5 gal. food totes |
| White Polyethylene Rubbermaid Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 3.5 gal. | 18" x 12" x 6" | Lid for 2, 3.5, and 5 gal. food totes |
| Rubbermaid 5 Gal White Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 3.5" | White lid for 835040, 835070, 835090 food boxes |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box Case | Polycarbonate | Clear | 5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 3.5" | Freezer-safe lid for 26" x 18" food boxes |
| White Polyethylene Rubbermaid Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 8.5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 6" | Freezer-safe lid for 5, 8.5, 12.5, and 16 gal. food boxes |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 8.5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 6" | Freezer-safe lid for 26" x 18" food boxes |
| White Polyethylene Rubbermaid Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 12.5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 9" | Freezer-safe lid for 5, 8.5, 12.5, and 16 gal. food boxes |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 12.5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 9" | Freezer-safe lid for 26" x 18" food boxes |
| White Polyethylene Rubbermaid Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 16.625 gal. | 26" x 18" x 12" | Freezer-safe lid for 5, 8.5, 12.5, and 16 gal. food boxes |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 16.6 gal. | 26" x 18" x 12" | Freezer-safe lid for 26" x 18" food boxes |
| White Polyethylene Rubbermaid Food Box | Polyethylene | White | 21.5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 15" | Verify lid fit by 26" x 18" footprint |
| Clear Polycarb Rubbermaid Food Box | Polycarbonate | Clear | 21.5 gal. | 26" x 18" x 15" | Verify lid fit by 26" x 18" footprint |
Configuration Analysis Rubbermaid food boxes are organized by footprint, depth, material, and capacity. The 18" x 12" food boxes include 2 gallon, 3.5 gallon, and 5 gallon sizes, with depths of 3.5", 6", and 9". These smaller containers are commonly used for prep ingredients, portioned foods, produce, toppings, dry goods, and limited-space storage. The 26" x 18" food boxes provide higher-volume storage and include 5 gallon, 8.5 gallon, 12.5 gallon, 16.6 gallon, and 21.5 gallon sizes. Deeper containers allow bulk storage of ingredients, dough, vegetables, packaged foods, and prepared items. Matching lids are separate components and should be selected by container footprint rather than gallon capacity alone.
Material Engineering Clear polycarbonate food boxes are used where visibility is required. The transparent body allows staff to identify contents without opening the container, which reduces handling and supports inventory checks. Polycarbonate also provides impact resistance and dimensional stability in commercial kitchen environments. White polyethylene food boxes are used where an economical opaque container is acceptable. Polyethylene provides chemical resistance to many food substances and cleaning conditions, while maintaining a lightweight structure for handling. Both material types are used in food service storage, but the correct choice depends on visibility requirements, temperature exposure, handling frequency, and cleaning method.
Regulatory Standards Food storage containers in commercial kitchens are commonly selected for NSF certification, freezer-safe use, dishwasher-safe cleaning, and HACCP support. NSF certification relates to food-contact sanitation design and cleanability. Freezer-safe construction allows use in cold storage without immediate cracking under normal food service conditions. Commercial dishwasher compatibility supports repeated sanitation cycles. HACCP support features, such as date control panels, assist with food rotation, inventory control, and spoilage reduction. Buyers should verify the product-specific rating when selecting containers for cold storage, hot food handling, dishmachine cleaning, or direct food contact.
Industrial Applications Rubbermaid plastic food boxes are used in restaurants, cafeterias, food prep kitchens, bakeries, catering operations, commissaries, schools, healthcare food service, and institutional kitchens. Shallow 2 gallon and 5 gallon boxes are suitable for prep tables, sliced produce, small ingredient batches, and short-term storage. Medium 8.5 gallon and 12.5 gallon containers support bulk dry ingredients, prepped vegetables, sauces, and mixed food items. Deep 16.6 gallon and 21.5 gallon boxes are used for larger-volume storage where vertical capacity is needed. Clear polycarbonate versions support fast content identification, while white polyethylene versions are used where visibility is not required.
Selection Criteria Selection should begin with the container footprint. The 18" x 12" size is suited for smaller storage zones, prep lines, and lower-volume ingredients. The 26" x 18" size is used for higher-volume food storage and larger shelving systems. Capacity should be selected based on both volume and lift weight when full. Deeper containers increase storage volume but may be harder to handle when loaded. Material selection should consider visibility, cold storage use, cleaning method, and food type. Lid compatibility should be checked by container size, since lids are matched to the footprint and product family.

