Kmart Fridge Storage Containers Sizes: A Practical Size Guide vs. Common Myths

The Size Numbers on Kmart Containers: What They Actually Mean

Kmart sells several lines of fridge storage containers, and the sizes are usually printed on the base in litres (L) or millilitres (mL). A container marked 1.2L holds roughly 1.2 litres of liquid when filled to the brim, but for food storage you will rarely fill it that full. The stated size is the total capacity, not the usable portion after you leave headspace for a lid.

Myth: A 1L container holds 1L of leftovers. Reality: Most people fill containers to about three-quarters full to leave room for the lid and to avoid spillage. That means a 1L container realistically holds around 750mL of stew, soup, or chopped fruit. If you are meal-prepping for one, a 1L size works for a single dinner portion; a 2L size suits a family-sized batch.

Another common confusion: the size printed on the lid sometimes differs from the base. Kmart has changed packaging over the years, and some sets list the largest container's size on the front of the box. Always check the base of each individual container, not the box front, when you are trying to match a specific recipe quantity.

Myth: All Kmart Containers Are the Same Shape – Reality: Round, Square, and Rectangle Differ in Fit

Kmart sells round, square, and rectangular containers in its storage ranges. The shape changes how much you can fit on a fridge shelf. Round containers waste corner space on rectangular shelves, so a 1L round container takes up more shelf area than a 1L square one. Square and rectangular containers pack together with little gap between them, which is why they are the better choice for a tidy fridge.

Reality check: A 1.5L rectangular container is roughly the size of a standard loaf pan, while a 1.5L round container is closer to a large mixing bowl in footprint. If you are storing flat items like sliced meat or stacked wraps, the rectangular shape wins. If you are storing soup or a casserole, round is fine, but you will lose shelf efficiency.

Measure your fridge shelves before buying a set. A standard Kmart shelf is about 40cm deep, but some fridges have narrower shelves near the door. The 1.2L and 2.2L rectangular containers are the most common sizes that fit on a standard shelf without overhang, but always check the base dimensions printed on the product label.

Myth: Bigger Is Always Better – Reality: Oversized Containers Waste Fridge Space

Many shoppers default to the largest containers in the set, thinking they will be more versatile. In practice, an oversized container filled with a small portion of leftovers takes up the same shelf space as a full one. A 2.2L container holding one cup of rice is a waste of prime fridge real estate. The reality is that a range of sizes works better than a single big one.

Think about what you actually store. Cooked grains, cut fruit, and opened jars of sauce rarely need more than 1L. Soups, stews, and large batches of cooked meat benefit from 1.5L to 2.2L. If you buy a set, the mid-size containers (1L and 1.5L) will get the most daily use, while the largest ones come out only for big cooking sessions.

A practical checklist: keep two small (500mL), three medium (1L), and two large (1.5L to 2.2L) in rotation. That combination covers most households without crowding the fridge. If you regularly freeze portions, choose the 1L size for single servings and the 2.2L for family meals, because frozen food expands and needs a little extra headspace.

Myth: All Lids Seal the Same – Reality: Lid Fit Varies by Line and Age

Kmart has sold multiple storage lines over the years, including the Anko brand and older unbranded sets. The lids are not always interchangeable between lines. A lid from a 1L round container will not fit a 1L square container, and even within the same line, older lids can warp after repeated dishwasher cycles, leading to a loose seal.

Reality: The airtight claim on the packaging refers to a fresh container with a properly seated lid. After a few months of use, the seal may weaken, especially if you microwave with the lid on or stack heavy items on top. Test the seal by filling the container with water, putting the lid on, and tipping it upside down over the sink. If it leaks, the lid needs replacing or the container should be used only for dry storage.

For fridge use, a loose seal is less of a safety issue and more of a freshness issue. Food dries out faster and odours can transfer between containers. If you notice your leftovers drying out within a day, check the lid fit before blaming the container size. Kmart sells replacement lids for some lines, but not all, so check availability before discarding a container whose lid has cracked.

Myth: You Need to Buy a Full Set – Reality: Mixing Sizes by Need Works Better

Kmart sells both full sets (often 5 to 10 pieces) and individual containers. The myth is that a set is always better value because the per-container price is lower. The reality is that a set may include sizes you rarely use, and you end up with too many tiny containers and not enough large ones. Buying a few individual containers that match your actual cooking habits is often the smarter move.

Before you buy, take a quick inventory of your fridge: what do you store most often? If you batch-cook curries, you need more 1.5L and 2.2L containers. If you pack lunches, you need more 500mL and 750mL sizes. A set of six assorted containers might give you only one large one, which is not enough for a weekly meal prep session.

One more reality: the colour and style of Kmart containers have changed over time, so if you are adding to an older set, you may not find a matching lid or base. The current Anko range uses a clear base with a coloured lid, but older sets had clear lids. Mixing clear and coloured lids works fine in the fridge, but be aware that the older clear lids are less visible when you are hunting for a specific container.