Zip-lock bags are great, giving you a reusable container that will keep food fresh while packing flat when not in use. Problem is, the darn things can’t stand up, requiring you to use a hanger tool if you want to store them upright in a fridge or a shelf. The Zip Top offers the same zippered closure and flat-packing capabilities while eliminating the need for a hanging tool.
Unlike traditional zip-lock bags, these containers are designed to stand upright when set down on a flat surface. That means, you can store leftover soup inside it, microwave it without changing containers, and even eat the soup right off it just like a traditional plastic container, all while taking up less space when it’s time to put it away in a drawer.
The Zip Top is made from silicone, allowing it to be folded into a small bundle when not in use, with a flat base that keeps it stable when set down on tables, countertops, and other surfaces. Sure, it won’t fold down into a form factor that’s more compact than zip-lock bags, but it will definitely take up a lot less space than a traditional lid-covered container. The fact that it seals using the integrated zipper means you won’t have to deal with a lid that can get misplaced or lost, ensuring the container remains functional so long as it doesn’t get damaged.
With its silicone construction, the container is safe to use in microwaves and ovens, provided you set the temperature at no more than 435 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). That means, you can use it not just to reheat food, but even cook food, too, provided the dish doesn’t require any temperatures higher than that. Aside from being flexible, silicone is also expandable, making it safe to use when keeping food fresh in the freezer, apart from being able to clean up properly at any rack in the dishwasher.
The Zip Top comes in three shapes: dish, bag, and cup. Dish is a bowl-like container that comes in three sizes, namely 16oz, 24oz, and 32oz, while bag is a zip-lock bag replacement that comes in two sizes, namely a 4oz bag for snacks and a 24oz bag for sandwiches. The cup shape is designed for packing soups, sauces, and even refreshments (be careful holding it in hand, though, since silicone can get squished if you grip too tightly), while coming in 8oz, 16oz, and 24oz sizes.
Aside from being an excellent container for food, its ability to zip shut and stand upright makes it useful as an all-around container. You can, for instance, use it to hold office supplies in your bag, while serving as a functional valet tray as soon as you set it down on the desk and unzip the opening. The bowl shape, in particular, should make a great container for all the office supplies, small gadgets, and everything else you carry around on a daily basis.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Zip Top. You can reserve a unit for pledges starting at $28.