Rubbermaid Food Storage Tote 8.5 Gallon - Clear, Stackable and Durable

Our review of the Rubbermaid Food Storage Box/Tote (8.5 gallon, clear) finds it best for busy kitchens and food service operations that need a tough, stackable container for prep, transport and storage. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of clear, BPA-free polycarbonate construction and NSF approval, which together make it a practical, food-safe workhorse for bars, restaurants, cafeterias and home cooks who want visible contents and a container that stands up to frequent washing and cold storage.

Key Features

• Clear polycarbonate: The transparent material lets staff quickly identify contents without opening the lid, saving time during busy service.
• BPA-free construction: Food-safe materials reduce worries about chemical leaching during storage and washing.
• Dishwasher and freezer proof: Survives repeated cleaning cycles and cold storage, simplifying kitchen workflow and sanitation.
• Rounded corners: Rounded interior corners make scooping, pouring and cleaning easier than sharp-cornered tubs.
• Stackable design: The tote stacks securely to maximize shelf and cooler space in tight commercial kitchens.
• NSF approved: Meets industry cleanliness standards expected in professional foodservice environments.

Who It's For

The Rubbermaid 8.5 gallon clear tote is ideal for restaurants, caterers, institutional kitchens and busy home cooks who need a durable, visible storage box that can go from prep table to freezer to dishwasher. Its NSF approval and rugged polycarbonate make it especially suited to environments that require frequent washing and reliable food-safe materials.

Those who need airtight, vacuum-sealed storage or specialized portioning features should look elsewhere; this product is a versatile tote for bulk storage and transport rather than a precision sealing system for long-term pantry preservation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, BPA-free polycarbonate provides visibility and food-safe durability for daily kitchen use.
• Dishwasher- and freezer-proof construction reduces handling steps and simplifies cleaning routines.
• Stackable and NSF approved, which helps keep storage organized while meeting foodservice standards.
• Rounded corners improve cleaning and maneuverability compared with square tubs.

Cons

• Not designed as an airtight or vacuum container, so it is less suitable for long-term pantry preservation.

Specifications

Brand	Rubbermaid
Capacity	8.5 gallon (34 quart)
Dimensions	26 in x 18 in x 6 in
Material	Clear, BPA-free polycarbonate
Certifications	NSF approved
Safe for	Freezer and dishwasher

Our Verdict

The Rubbermaid 8.5 gallon clear food storage tote is a practical, durable choice for commercial kitchens and busy homes that need visible, NSF-approved containers that withstand frequent washing and cold storage. It offers strong value for its purpose, especially where stackability and ease of cleaning matter more than airtight long-term preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tote safe for freezer use?
Yes, the product is described as freezer proof and suitable for cold storage.

Can it go in the dishwasher?
Yes, the container is dishwasher proof so it can be cleaned in commercial or home dishwashers.

Is the material food-safe?
Yes, the clear polycarbonate is BPA-free and the tote is NSF approved for foodservice use.