Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is not the first flour keeper to grace our kitchen. In the past, I have used those beautiful Italian hinged glass jars with rubber gaskets. They were pretty, but getting flour out resulted in a counter top snowstorm. I had some inexpensive plastic ones from The Container Store, that did the job, but didn't offer a nice tight seal and after using them for a year they didn't stay closed as well as they did when we got them... I have used plastic food storage containers with lids with silicone gaskets. Those worked well, but easily as messy as the glass jars and the other flour bag containers. So, we are weary in this battle of keeping our flour fresh (we do use it quickly, but as we live in SW Florida between the swamp and the gulf, we do have entirely too many critters just lining up for us to open a door or window). Thankfully, I think that the battle has been won with the addition of the Progressive International Flour Keeper to our food storage arsenal. The container itself is as attractive as other plastic containers. In other words, I won't be leaving this out on the counter (like my much loved glass jars). It seems sturdy enough and is BPA free. There is a clear gasket recessed into the lid and a latch on the front, that can be opened with one hand if need be, though my arthritic hands did struggle with the latch, perhaps the gasket will be "worn in" and closing will be easier- but it will definitely keep the critters out, and I blame my hands and not this vessel. The built in leveler is pretty freaking awesome and as I have a rocky relationship with recipes (I like to experiment) and don't always stop to measure, particularly with bread doughs (yeast dough... I tend to go by feel to decide when it is "just right"). Now, perhaps, I will aim for a little more accuracy and attempt a wider variety of baked goods. The leveler is not removable, so when you wash the flour keeper when you first receive it and if you are changing the type of ingredient being stored (it's good for 5lb bags of sugar too!) you will want to make sure the thing is bone dry before slipping your sack of flour or sugar into it.... The one thing that I wish this had was a rubber gasket or feet on the bottom. It's easy to open and scoop one handed, but the container kept sliding away from me. Not a problem, I have plenty of silicone trivets and mats that come into play when I cook and bake (necessary for a gal with arthritis), but it would have been perfect if it had that feature... Also, this is dishwasher safe, but handwashing takes a few moments and then you can be extra sure that all of the detergent is washed out and not imparting any "lemon freshness" to your baking ingredients.