Product Review: Prepworks Deli ProKeeper

When it comes to storing cheese, finding the right container is crucial for maintaining its freshness, flavor, and texture. The Prepworks Deli ProKeeper by Progressive is a popular choice for deli storage, but how well does it perform when storing cheese? Let’s explore both the advantages and disadvantages of using this product specifically for cheese storage.

Advantages of the Prepworks Deli ProKeeper for Cheese Storage

1. Airtight Seal for Freshness: The most significant advantage of the Prepworks Deli ProKeeper is its airtight silicone-sealed lid, which effectively locks in moisture and prevents air from entering. This is crucial for keeping cheese fresh, as exposure to air can lead to drying out and spoilage. The airtight seal helps maintain the cheese’s moisture content, ensuring it stays flavorful and prevents it from becoming overly hard or stale.

2. Adjustable Ventilation: The adjustable vent on the lid is a thoughtful feature that allows you to control the airflow inside the container. This is particularly beneficial for different types of cheese, as some require a bit of air circulation to prevent excess moisture, while others need to be kept as airtight as possible. For example, leaving the vent slightly open can help softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert maintain their texture without becoming overly moist.

3. Moisture Management: The container’s grooved bottom tray elevates the cheese slightly above any moisture that might collect at the bottom. This is especially useful for softer cheeses, which can become soggy if left in direct contact with excess liquid. By keeping the cheese elevated, the ProKeeper helps to preserve its texture and prevent premature spoilage.

4. Easy Visibility and Access: The clear design of the container allows you to see the contents at a glance, which is convenient for quickly identifying your cheese selection. The lid also snaps on and off easily, providing quick access to your cheese without any fuss. This is especially useful when you’re in a hurry or managing multiple types of cheese.

Disadvantages of the Prepworks Deli ProKeeper for Cheese Storage

1. Limited Ventilation Control: While the adjustable vent is a nice feature, its range of adjustment is somewhat limited. This can make it difficult to achieve the perfect balance of airflow for all types of cheese. Soft cheeses may still become too moist if the vent doesn’t allow enough airflow, while harder cheeses might not get the ventilation they need to stay in optimal condition.

2. Size Constraints: The container’s size can be a limitation for storing larger blocks or wheels of cheese. Measuring 11.75 x 7 x 2.25 inches, it may not accommodate thicker or more substantial pieces of cheese without cutting them down to fit. This can expose more surface area to air, potentially accelerating spoilage and affecting the cheese’s flavor and texture.

3. Moisture Retention Issues: Although the grooved tray helps manage moisture, it’s not always deep enough to prevent softer cheeses from sitting in liquid. If your cheese releases a lot of moisture, it could still end up in contact with the liquid, leading to sogginess and a decline in texture. Additionally, the grooves can be challenging to clean thoroughly, especially if moisture pools and dries in the grooves.

4. Potential for Odor Retention: Cheese, particularly more pungent varieties, can leave strong odors in the container. While the airtight seal helps contain these odors while the lid is on, the plastic material may retain some of the smell even after the cheese is removed. Over time, this can affect the flavor of other foods stored in the container and make it difficult to eliminate the odors completely.

5. Durability Concerns: The plastic construction, while lightweight, raises concerns about long-term durability. Repeated use and washing, especially in the dishwasher, can cause the plastic to wear down and the silicone seal to lose its effectiveness. This could lead to a less secure seal and diminished performance in keeping cheese fresh over time.

Final Thoughts

The Prepworks Deli ProKeeper offers several advantages for cheese storage, including its airtight seal, adjustable ventilation, and moisture management features. These elements make it a solid choice for those looking to keep their cheese fresh and flavorful. However, it’s important to consider the limitations as well. The container’s size, potential for moisture retention issues, limited ventilation control, odor retention, and concerns about durability may make it less suitable for some users, particularly those with specific cheese storage needs.

For casual cheese lovers or those storing smaller quantities of cheese, the Prepworks Deli ProKeeper can be a convenient and effective solution. However, if you’re a serious cheese enthusiast with a diverse collection or more substantial storage requirements, you may want to explore other options that offer more precise control and greater durability.

Retail price as of date of blog post: $18.99

*This review is our independent opinions and is not sponsored or paid. We do not receive compensation for any links included in this post.