Collapsing Silicone bowls and containers

[S. Heisley]

I have tried half a dozen round, collapsing silicone bowls and have found that, when bumped or lightly pressed along the rim, many of these bowls will collapse, spilling their contents all over the counter, even when they have lids on them. I did find one mixing bowl that did not collapse easily when in use. I bought it on Amazon and it has a hard rim with a small indented pouring area. I suspect that the shape and consistency of that rim is what stabilizes it:

https://www.amazon.com/Squish-Mixing-Bo ... xing+bowls

However, recently, someone on the forum (I can't remember who and can't find the thread again) directed us to a video that recommended a product called "Thin Bins" for use in the cooler. I ordered a set from Amazon and they arrived tonight. I am pleased. When the lids are on tight, they appear to be air-tight and they did not collapse, even when I pressed fairly hard. When the lid was off, it was difficult to make them collapse, even when they were empty. I'm guessing that the shape, with the corners, must be part of the solution:

https://www.amazon.com/Thin-Bins-Collap ... containers

Footnote on the above Thin Bins: You don't slap the lids on. You use the attached clips and clip the lids on. If you slap the lids on, they can collapse down to the food level.

- - - - -

Not a bowl or bin, the collapsible dishpan also works well and doesn't collapse until you want it to:

https://www.amazon.com/Prepworks-Progre ... HR2H2C6782


When workable solutions are found that help us when we camp, we should share them in camping secrets, to help others. I hope this helps you!

[GuitarPhotog]

Thanks Sharon for sharing your experience.

We have so many choices these days that it's hard to pick a product unless you have someone's first-hand experience.

<Chas>

[Woodbutcher]

I have used the collapsible dishpan Sharron posted, for several years and they work great. I also have a collapsible serving bowl with a lid that I carry. It's no thicker then a dinner plate for storage.

[lrrowe]

Sharon, I had two of your listings in my Amazon wish list already. Based on your review of sorts, I moved them to my buy cart.
Thanks.

[daveesl77]

We tried the collapsible bowls, but did not like them. We do use the collapsible dish drainer and colander and love those.

dave

[S. Heisley]

We tried the collapsible bowls, but did not like them. We do use the collapsible dish drainer and colander and love those.

dave

Yeah, some of the bowls are close to useless. The thin bins hold up well when the lids are on, though. I stacked them, empty, lids on, and pressed down on the stack with medium "Lady pressure" and they didn't budge. So, I think they would work okay for holding leftovers in your cooler. The larger sized bins buckle a little when the lid is off and the corner is pressed; but still, not bad. The dishpan works very well....been using mine a couple years now.

[S. Heisley]

Gotta add a negative of sorts....:

Tonight, I used the smallest of the thin bins, filling it almost to the top with food. Then, I literally slapped the lid on like one would with a plastic bin. ...Bad move! The side that I slapped partially collapsed. ...not bad; but, down to the food level. You don't slap the lids on. You use the attached clips and clip the lids on.

So, if you're a oaf like me and/or forgetful, maybe you'll want to re-think buying these.

[kudzu]

My collapsible colander works well & currently have the Squish measuring cup in my Amazon cart for my next order.

My absolute favorite is my GSI collapsible pourover coffee dripper. This thing is wonderful! http://www.gsioutdoors.com/collapsible-java-drip.html It so simple & compact. It has supplanted the moka pot in my tiny camp kitchen.

[S. Heisley]

My collapsible colander works well & currently have the Squish measuring cup in my Amazon cart for my next order.

My absolute favorite is my GSI collapsible pourover coffee dripper. This thing is wonderful! http://www.gsioutdoors.com/collapsible-java-drip.html It so simple & compact. It has supplanted the moka pot in my tiny camp kitchen.

Oh! That's nice! It can also be purchased on Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Col ... 160%2C160_

Thanks, kudzu!

[CAJUN LADY]

I'm gonna look into those you are talking about Sharon. Right now I use the collapsible ones I bought from my non-favorite store, Camping World, years ago and they work just fine. No lids for them - just use them for serving or mixing or whatever, wash them, collapse them and back in the cabinet. They've always held up well. Also have the colander.

[bdosborn]

I just got the set of 4 of square containers and its stashed in the trailer. The colander and the 5 quart bowl are on the camper wish list. Thanks for the tip Sharon!

Bruce