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Expert Review – Microwave Containers with Automatic Steam Vents



Freshvac Containers


MANUFACTURER
Freshvac
COST
$11 and up, depending on size
VENDORS
Freshvac
DISCLAIMER
The listing of these products is for informational purposes and individuals must use their own caution and judgment when using these resources. Functional levels and changes in judgment and reasoning are highly variable in people with dementia. Interventions must be individualized and continually assessed because those that are effective for some individuals may only work briefly and may not work at all for others.
DESCRIPTION
Originally developed to keep food fresh, these containers have a special vacuum valve system that automatically adjusts to allow steam to escape during microwave reheating.

Available with a clear polycarbonate lid – and a choice of clear polycarbonate or semi-transparent polypropylene container.
PROS
The steam vent is automatic. You don't have to remember to open it – a great safety feature for adults with memory loss.

Unbreakable containers

Large side tabs make the containers easier to open; other containers we tested were very hard to open.

The covers and the containers (depending on the model) are see through, so the person can see the food contents. This is a real plus for persons with dementia – sometimes if the container is opaque, they may not open it.

You don't have use the "pump" valve, which the manufacturer states keeps food fresher, for the valve to automatically allow steam to escape.
CONS
The side green tabs don't always grip tightly, but the lid nevertheless remains tightly closed.

As with any microwave container, the container can get very hot.
CAUTION
Serious fire and burns can occur when a microwave is not used properly. Please see our section on Microwave Safety for practical, helpful tips.

Product Selection Criteria

Our goal is to teach you how to be a good consumer and to help you learn about specific products and unique product features that may enhance your safety and the safety and function of the person with dementia. The products shown in This Caring Home serve as examples only. Manufacturers continually change product specifications and the products represented may be different from those now on the market.

We realize this is not an all-inclusive list. Products featured in This Caring Home were chosen for one or more of the following reasons:
  • Affordability
  • Attractiveness
  • Availability
  • Color selection
  • Ease of use
  • Quality
  • Safety
We encourage you to discuss product selection with other caregivers and health care professionals.


How We Tested

"ThisCaringHome.org tested many products that are commonly recommended for best practices to identify the best use of these products and any potential problems in their use by caregivers and individuals with dementia. Each product included in an Expert Review was tested in a home environment, either an apartment or a single family home (or both), by at least two people. Rosemary Bakker, interior designer, gerontologist and dementia specialist, was one of the testers for every product. Whenever possible, we tested the product over time, sometimes days, weeks, or months, for:
  • Ease of use
  • Reliability
  • Potential safety issues
As a result of our testing, we're listing the pros and cons for using these products and including safety precautions for various products. These products were not tested by persons with dementia. We hope in the future to do case studies to learn more about what works and what doesn't work in a larger variety of caregiving situations and home environments."

Products listed on our website but not tested by ThisCaringHome.org are referred to as "Product Listings".


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