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We Tested The 8 Best Coffee Canisters For One Month–Here Are The Results

Storing coffee beans is key to a fresher cup of joe

Bodum Yohki Storage Jar with Cork Lid next to a transparent mug full of coffee

The Spruce Eats / Dera Burreson

Proper storage is an essential but easily overlooked factor in the taste of coffee. Even mild exposure to sunlight or oxygen reduces coffee's shelf life and diminishes flavor, so it’s best to keep beans in a dark, vacuum-sealed container. But not all containers are created equal, so we spent lots of time testing dedicated coffee canisters to find which preserve beans best and therefore make the most excellent cup of coffee.

What We Like
  • Indicator for vacuum seal

  • Available in multiple sizes and colors

  • Sleek design

  • Easy to pour coffee beans from

What We Don't Like
  • Hard to clean lid

One of the best ways to keep coffee beans fresh is by protecting them from oxygen, and few kitchen containers do a better job of that than the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister. In fact, the brand says its canisters increase coffee shelf life by roughly 50 percent. After testing, we can confirm that the canister keeps coffee fresh longer than other options, though we can't definitively corroborate the 50 percent claim. We also performed a follow-up test with the Atmos in a different size (1.2 liters as opposed to 0.4 liters) and, again, found the results above average.

To make the beans last longer, the canister has an airtight seal that forms after users twist the lid back and forth several times. A handy vacuum lock indicator reveals when air has been fully purged from the canister and oxygen is prevented from entering. Along with its performance, we praised the canister for its stylish design and lightweight but durable material. There are three size options, 0.4, 0.7, and 1.2 liters; two choices for material, borosilicate glass or stainless steel; and two colors available, matte black and matte white.

One drawback to note is that the lid isn't the easiest to clean, as Fellow advises against rinsing it under running water. The canister is also a tad pricier than many similarly sized alternatives, but the cost is worth it in the end for fresher, tastier coffee.

Capacity: 11 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Stainless steel and glass | Dimensions: 4.25 x 4.9 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

What We Like
  • Dishwasher-safe (except lid)

  • Easy to pour from

  • Rectangular shape saves counter space

What We Don't Like
  • Button may stick after prolonged use

OXO manufactures a variety of items to help households run smoothly, including its line of Pop containers. The 1.6-liter option is specifically designed for coffee, and it's one of the best values compared to other coffee canisters out there.

The easy-to-use lid forms an airtight seal when the Pop button is pressed down. The button can also be used as a handle when raised. It is said it can start to stick after a while, but we found it extremely smooth in long-term testing. The BPA-free canister is large enough to hold a 1-pound bag of coffee, whether ground or whole bean, yet slim enough to save valuable counter space because of its rectangular design. A coffee scoop is included with the purchase, as well. The Pop container's corners are rounded, though, so you can pour beans directly from it if you prefer.

This is an updated version of a previous OXO coffee canister. The two are similar in size, price, and design, but the newer model comes with a couple of upgrades, especially regarding its ease of cleaning. It is now dishwasher-safe (aside from the lid) after previously being hand-wash only.

Capacity: 16 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Plastic and steel | Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.3 x 6.3 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes (container and silicone gasket only)

What We Like
  • Reasonably priced

  • Effective airtight seal

  • Useful for other storage

  • Inner lid provides excellent freshness

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly hard to pour beans from

The only thing better than coffee is a lot of coffee, but it’s tough to buy in bulk when you’re worried about all those beans going stale. Luckily, the Planetary Design Airscape Kilo is spacious enough to store a whopping 2.2 pounds of ground or whole bean coffee as well as 5 pounds of flour and sugar, making it one of the largest airtight canisters you can find. Despite its size, it looks sleek and subtle on the countertop, thanks to its matte colorways—white, gray, or charcoal.

What really sets this canister apart is its inner lid, which you press down via a handle to remove the air from inside. Out of the 15 canisters we tested, this one tied for first place in freshness and flavor, largely due to the effectiveness of the inner lid. The Airscape is also one of the easiest canisters to clean (even though it's not dishwasher-safe) because its large size allows you to reach all parts inside with a sponge.

If you like the product and want a full set for your kitchen, Planetary Design produces the Airscape in two other sizes: a small canister, which holds 8 ounces of coffee, and a medium-sized one, which can store up to 1 pound. All options are sold at reasonable prices—even this bulk one. Keep in mind, though, that because of its size, it may be difficult for some people with strength or mobility issues to lift it and pour. We recommend scooping to help with this.

Capacity: 35.2 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 7.5 x 8 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

What We Like
  • Sturdy and easy to use clasp

  • Calendar wheel tracks freshness

  • Extremely durable

What We Don't Like
  • Not dishwasher safe

An airtight seal is just the start of what makes this canister a top pick, particularly for ground coffee. It's designed with a one-way CO2 valve that protects the coffee from oxygen while letting it de-gas. This proved effective in our tests, as the coffee stored in the canister was noticeably fresher than coffee left in a bag for the same amount of time.

There's a unique date wheel on top of the lid to track how long your coffee has been stored, which is something we didn't come across with other canisters. Coffee Gator even throws in a stainless steel measuring scoop and four replacement valves with the purchase.

This canister is available in three sizes and multiple colors. The medium canister, which we tested, comfortably holds 1 pound of ground or whole-bean coffee. We filled the canister with water and shook it upside down over the sink to test the integrity of the airtight seal. Not a single drop of water escaped, showing how well your coffee beans will be protected inside. The item should not be put in the dishwasher, but we washed inside the canister with a sponge without issue.

Capacity: 16 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.55 x 4.8 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Crate & Barrel Aspen Large White Canister with Scoop
PHOTO: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
What We Like
  • Durable and stylish

  • Convenient scoop holder

  • Bulk capacity

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Lid gasket can wear over time

The Aspen Canister Set combines style and functionality for a great all-around design. The canisters themselves are made from thick stoneware painted a crisp white and have wooden lids to add an accent color. They also have a built-in holder on the side so you don't have to sift through cupboards for your coffee scoop.

Crate & Barrel offers these canisters in four sizes, and we tested the 89-ounce model, which is a terrific option for customers who buy their coffee in bulk as it holds If you buy one standard 12-ounce bag of coffee at a time, though, it's probably worth picking a smaller size. The canisters are reasonably priced considering how hefty and durable they feel.

One of the only areas in which the Aspen canister didn't excel was in a test that assesses if its seal is airtight. After storing coffee in the canister for more than a week, we determined that the beans had lost a lot of their CO2, indicating that the canister wasn't airtight. The coffee, both ground and whole beans, remained fresh enough to brew a tasty batch, however, so you shouldn't be deterred from purchasing the Aspen canister. It just doesn't have the same top performance as some of the pricier, specialized coffee canisters.

Capacity: 25 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Stoneware canister with wood lid | Dimensions: 6.1 x 6.9 x 8.1 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

What We Like
  • Beautiful design

  • Dishwasher-safe (lid is hand-wash only)

  • Available in a large capacity option

  • Useful for storing other kitchen goods

What We Don't Like
  • Seal doesn't feel as tight

Le Creuset is well known for its colorful cast-iron cookware, and these stoneware canisters capture the brand's signature style. They are available in several eye-catching colors, from a cherry red to an elegant white, so every customer should be able to find an option that matches their kitchen décor. The canisters also have a wooden lid for a nice accent.

We tested the largest model, which holds 2.5 quarts, or a little over 1 pound of coffee beans. Since it isn't specifically designed for coffee, we found it more simplistic than other canisters, some of which include one-way CO2 valves, clasps, coffee scoops, and more. It's also on the expensive end, partially because of the durable stoneware it's made from, so it isn't the best value for money out there. Regardless, we give it high marks for freshness, durability, and ease of cleaning.

You can find the Le Creuset Storage Canister in three sizes, starting at 23 fluid ounces and working up to this 2.5-quart model. This offers the chance to buy a matching set in various sizes should you want to store other kitchen goods, like sugar and flour. The canister is dishwasher-safe, although the lid is hand-wash only.

Capacity: 20 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Stoneware and wood | Dimensions: 5.5 x 8 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes (except for wooden lid)

What We Like
  • Blocks UV rays

  • Glass is thick and durable

  • Slim design saves counterspace

What We Don't Like
  • Narrow

Since glass lets in UV light, it's usually less effective than stainless steel for storing food and dry goods. That's not the case with Artanis Home's Ultraviolet Glass Jars, however. They're made from biophotonic glass, which blocks UV rays and keeps contents fresh longer. We kept whole bean coffee in the jar for 28 days and found it as fresh as it was on day one. We also left some coffee beans in the bag for the same duration, brewed cups with each, and found that the beans in the jar tested better.

The Artanis Home jars come in several sizes–all of which can have a design adhered to them–but the 33.8-ounce model is best for storing coffee. It has an airtight seal and the lid is easy to open and close. We filled the jar with water, shook it over a sink, and no water came out. It's labeled as "wide neck" to differentiate from Artanis Home's apothecary-style jars, but the neck is actually narrower than most coffee canisters. The benefit is that the jar is slim and suits any countertop. The downside is that it's harder to fit your hand inside when cleaning or scooping coffee beans. When the jar gets close to empty, you'll have to pour coffee from it rather than using a coffee scoop. The dimensions are common for multi-purpose jars, though.

One of the details we most appreciate is the weight and durability of the glass. It's more robust than we expected and feels unlikely to chip or break unless dropped from a high place. If you don't mind the slim design, it's a terrific option for keeping coffee fresh.

Capacity: 14 ounces of coffee beans | Material: Biophotonic glass | Dimensions: 3.7 x 7.9 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Great storage capacity

  • Sturdy and durable

What We Don't Like
  • May make Keurig too tall for cabinets

Coffee storage isn't just for grounds and beans. Pod users will love the DecoBros K-Cup Storage Drawer, which fits 36 K-Cups and even more Nespresso capsules. The simple sliding drawer is a great way to organize your go-to coffee supply and keep countertops clean. When closed, the item measures 13 inches wide, 13 inches long, and 3 inches high—a size that fits comfortably beneath a Keurig coffee maker. It's also discreet, thanks to the sleek black steel design. Unfortunately, that's the only color it's sold in.

We were immediately impressed by the item's weight and durability, especially given its affordable price. The sliding drawer worked smoothly after long-term use and never squeaked or creaked. The drawer has to be cleaned by hand, but this shouldn't be much of an issue since it stores K-Cups instead of actual coffee beans.

The only issue we can see with this option is for anyone with a smaller kitchen. Putting a Keurig machine on top of this storage drawer may make it too tall to fit under shorter cabinets. We recommend measuring the height of your machine and the free space before purchasing this just to make sure the added height of the drawer works.

Capacity: 36 K-Cups | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 3 inches | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Final Verdict

The Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister is sleek, easy to use, and available in several sizes and colors, not to mention it has a dependable airtight seal. As an alternative, the Oxo Steel Pop Containe has excellent value for money and passed our tests with flying colors.

How We Tested Coffee Canisters

Based on the results of previous tests and extensive online research, we chose 15 coffee canisters to purchase and test at home over the course of several weeks. (In the end, we were only able to get full results for 14 canisters: One model arrived defective after our initial order and again when we ordered a replacement. For obvious reasons, we have not included it in this story.)

We Observed

  • Ground coffee freshness: For each canister, we ground a bag of coffee and made notes on its color, aroma, and texture. Then we placed half the coffee in the canister and followed the included directions to close and seal it, leaving the rest of the coffee in the original bag. After eight days, we examined both batches, comparing their characteristics to each other and to the original notes. We also brewed a cup of coffee using each and compared their flavor and aroma.
  • Whole bean coffee freshness: We performed a similar test with whole beans that we did with ground coffee, storing half a bag in each canister and the other half in the bag over the course of eight days. We made notes on the color and aroma of the beans before and after storage, and prepared a cup of coffee with the canister- and bag-stored beans to compare their flavor. As a further test of post-storage freshness, we sealed a few beans in zip-top bags and watched to see if the bags puffed up. (Fresh coffee beans produce carbon dioxide, which gradually inflates a sealed bag.)
  • Ease of cleaning: Between the ground- and whole-bean tests, we cleaned each canister following the included directions. We ran dishwasher-safe models through a regular machine cycle and hand-washed the rest in the sink. We noted whether there were any corners or crannies that held on to coffee grounds and whether there was any wear and tear on the seals or damage to the exteriors.

We Rated

  • Design: Throughout the official test process and in incorporating the canisters into our coffee routines for several weeks afterward, we noted any features that made them easier or harder to use. This included aspects like how intuitive the sealing mechanism was and whether ground coffee could get stuck in the gasket and prevent it making an airtight seal. We also considered the canisters' looks from a purely aesthetic perspective; a coffee canister will be visible on your counter all the time, so it should be nice to look at, as well.
  • Durability: As we examined the canisters right out of the box, we made notes on their general quality of materials and construction. As we used and washed them over time, we also checked for damage and deterioration from cosmetic scratches to failing seals.
  • Value: After we finished testing the canisters and making all of our notes and ratings in other categories, we revealed their retail prices. To rate value, we considered different models' prices compared to each other and to the average for everything we tested.
Hands pouring coffee beans from Old Dutch International Canister Set canister into container

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Other Options We Tested

  • Old Dutch International Canister Set: This four-piece hammered copper set takes something timeless and mixes in new-age elements, such as silicone gaskets. However, the airtight seal wasn't the best. It was difficult to fully close the lids on some of the canisters in the set, indicating that air was getting in and out. The ones that did close were difficult to open and shut. It requires two hands and a lot of effort to remove the lid and get to your coffee beans.
  • Barnyard Designs Decorative Nesting Kitchen Canister Jars: These lids were the most difficult to open by far. After beginning the testing process, we noticed that the silicone band on one canister was twisted, making it even more difficult to open and close. (Eventually, we found it too inconvenient to fix and ended up leaving it that way.) The canisters performed better than expected when it came to their storage abilities, however. We kept 3 ounces of coffee beans in one and, over time, brewed two cups of coffee using a Chemex. The first cup was brewed after two weeks, and the second after five weeks. Compared to the other coffee we tested, we gave the taste of these beans an above-average score. If you can overlook slightly cheaper materials, these canisters are more than a rustic novelty. Note that they are hand-wash only but easy to clean quickly with a sponge.

What to Look for in a Coffee Canister

Airtight Seal

The No. 1 detail to look for in a coffee canister is whether its seal is airtight. This will preserve the life of your coffee beans and keep them fresh for the longest amount of time. Luckily, it's quite easy to find airtight canisters in a number of sizes, designs, and prices.

While you wait for your canister to come in, here's what you can do to best preserve your beans, according to Allie Caran, Product Manager at BaristaValet: "A lot of coffee bags have valves, those circles right on the bag, to get the oxygen out. You can squeeze out all of the air to extend the life of your coffee beans, but this really isn't a great solution. It's just a backup option."

Material

Stainless steel is the most common material for a coffee canister, but plastic, ceramic, copper, and glass are all options, too. One key detail to look out for is whether the material is translucent and would expose coffee beans to UV rays, which would make them go stale faster. This mainly applies to plastic and glass. Another concern is durability. Would you prefer a more durable material like stainless steel? If aesthetic the biggest factor, you may prefer something that stands out more, like ceramic or copper.

Ease of Use

The majority of kitchen canisters are equally easy to use since you normally just pop the lid on and off. However, many models have minor nuances and intricacies to them, including the ones on this list. The lid on the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister can be twisted multiple times to release air trapped inside the jar. It's an extremely helpful feature, but it takes a few extra seconds. Another example is the Planetary Designs Airscape Kilo Canister, which has a plunger lid to press down before the top lid is put on. Some people may prefer these added steps because they improve a product's performance, while other customers care most about simplicity.

Capacity

If you routinely get the same size bag of coffee beans, check beforehand when buying a canister to make sure your go-to coffee will fit. Some canisters can hold a pound of whole bean coffee, while others may be too small for that. Price is often linked to storage capacity, so expect to pay a little more for larger canisters.

Sets

Many coffee canisters come in sets or share designs with other canisters that can be purchased separately to make a set. This is handy for storing other goods while keeping the same style in your kitchen. It's also handy for a canister set to have varying sizes, as not all kitchen goods need the same amount of space.

An open Planetary Design Airscape Kilo Coffee Canister full of coffee beans

The Spruce Eats / Meredith Butcher

FAQs

Do coffee beans expire?

Roasted coffee beans are a perishable product, but if stored properly they do not spoil or rot. It is highly unlikely that you will get sick by drinking coffee made from old beans, unless the beans have grown mold after being exposed to water. So it is safe to use coffee beans after their expiration or "best by" date has passed. Just expect the flavor to be greatly diminished.

When do coffee beans lose flavor?

If stored properly, whole bean coffee loses nearly all of its flavor in about six to nine months and ground coffee in about three to five months. Coffee steadily begins to lose flavor much earlier than this, however. Whole bean coffee tastes best when brewed within 14 days of roasting, and ground coffee is best within a shorter time frame of about 10 days. This window may feel brief, but don't worry: Coffee still tastes good even after these respective time periods have passed. Think of it as a reference point for when coffee is at its peak freshness rather than a deadline by which you have to brew.

Should I keep coffee in the freezer?

It's usually a bad idea to keep coffee in the freezer. Exposure to moisture is one of the biggest factors that makes coffee taste worse, not to mention the temperature fluctuation that could occur from opening and closing the freezer. This rule is not set in stone, though. If coffee beans were sealed airtight and able to avoid moisture, the freezer could slow down the process of them going stale, but it's generally riskier and much more effort for very little, if any, difference compared to storing them in an airtight and opaque coffee canister.

What is green coffee?

Green coffee refers to coffee beans that haven't been roasted yet. This is also called "raw coffee." Green coffee beans should typically be roasted within one year of purchasing them. Otherwise, they may lose their flavor. That said, some roasters choose to age coffee beans for multiple years to accentuate certain flavors in the beans, similar to aging wine or whiskey, but this is an intricate process that only works with certain varieties of coffee.

What is 18/8 stainless steel?

18/8 stainless steel is often used for food and drink products that can include coffee canisters, thermoses, and more. We asked Graham Nearn, Senior Vice President of Product Creation & Design for PMI Worldwide, to explain what exactly the term means. He said that 18/8 stainless steel is made from 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel, and it's so commonly used because it's "food-grade, durable, and resistant to corrosion."

Are coffee canisters recyclable? 

Yes. The plastic cans, steel cans, and tin cans that coffee comes in can be recycled. There are also ways to repurpose coffee cans, from using them for fun crafts to turning them into planters, bird feeders, household storage containers, and more.

A Le Creuset Storage Canister next to an espresso machine

The Spruce Eats / Lauren Coughlin

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. To make these selections, he researched the elements and conditions that cause coffee to go stale, referenced customer reviews, and consulted articles published by third-party sites. He tested eight items for this roundup.

Sources

Allie Caran, Product Manager at BaristaValet, was interviewed for this piece. She previously worked as the director of education at Partners Coffee. Allie has been in the coffee industry for more than 15 years.

Graham Nearn is the Senior Vice President of Product Creation & Design for PMI Worldwide. He oversees the Stanley brand, which has manufactured vacuum flasks and more since 1913.

Additional reporting by
Jason Horn
Jason Horn
Jason Horn has been writing about food and drinks for more than 15 years and is a Commerce Writer for The Spruce Eats. He once convinced Matthew McConaughey that a hot dog is indeed a sandwich.
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Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bisphenol A (BPA) factsheet.

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