Others say...

"Locking handles are a nice touch."
I purchased this rectangular canister 3/5/07 because I thought the rectangular shape and locking lid were interesting. I found the locking lid a very nice touch in two ways...one, it provides a secured lid regardless of vacuuming the canister or not...second, it provides a sturdier/more substantial place to grip as you lift/transport the canister. The round canisters can sometimes require special care and grip when lifting from the fridge or off the counter...specially if the contents make it heavy because there is nothing to hold on to unless you scoot & tilt it so that you can get your hand underneath to support it.

I liked the 1.5 qt rectangular canister so much...5 days later I ordered the smaller 1 qt and larger 2 qt w/cheese grater rectangular canisters. They just arrived last night and to my surprise (I never saw it mentioned anywhere, either) the lids AND cheese grater are interchangable between all 3 rectangular canisters!! 8-) Unlike the round canisters that have 3 different lids for each size canister...the rectangular canisters use the same lid...their difference is in height only...all sharing the same size lid/opening etc. And an added bonus of being stackable as well when storing them WITHOUT the lid attached.

The rectangular and more squat design...as well as the locking lid also makes this canister more convenient if you want to take your lunch to work. It gives you more options to store it on multiple shelves in the shared fridge at work...and if you still can't finish off what's in the dish, you still can secure the lid because it's lockable...or if you do empty its contents...you can wash it out and store your utensils inside, then lock the lid which makes everything all tidy in one container instead of two halves plus whatever loose utensils you have.

The only flaw in the design that I see so far (and the reason it didn't get 5 stars)...they should have designed the lids so that they were flater...that way you could stack other things or rectangular canisters on top...similar to how the bulk foodsaver containers are designed.

"Great idea - lasted a month"
I bought this and several other Foodsaver containers. This one developed several stress cracks and now does not hold vacuum.

"Don't buy this"
I got my canister as part of my original purchase of a food saver. With in a matter of weeks it was cracking. It became useless because of the cracks. When I emailed them to complain I was told I had to call it in to their service desk. I explained that due to a recent injury I can't talk. That I needed to use email, TTY or instant messing. I was told that I should get a neighbor, friend or family member to call. I'm checking the laws to see if that is a violation of the law. I believe it is a violation of the handy access law. But it doesn't matter it's just wrong. I will never buy another and you shouldn't.

"still intact after 1 yr trouble free daily use."
Terrific canisters, I just ordered a few more. Some reviewers complain that they crack easily, but mine are holding up well after 1 year of daily use. Although not "dishwasher safe" my husband ran them through the dishwasher anyway(top shelf) without causing damage.

"Good Product"
This is a great container. It can be used for storage and as a marinator. This is excellent for keeping berries fresh. The canister is a clear plastic, which looks much better than the smoke-colored ones.

As a marinator, it produced very flavorful chicken, but I'm not sure if it was more flavorful than traditionally marinated.

I am giving this four stars instead of five because the canister is top-rack dishwasher safe, but the lids are not.