Durbl Stories

Preparing a holiday feast is not just about cooking food; it's about showing your care and love for your family and friends. 

In a rented room, with a shared fridge and one office drawer, space gets personal. I chose the Durbl Fold-Up Lunch Box because it’s like a tiny magic button—press once and the volume shrinks. After lunch, I fold it down and suddenly my bag, drawer, and fridge can all breathe again. Why foldable? Give “air space” back to real space. Fold right after you eat; thickness drops, and you gain usable room above. Modular, tidy stacking. Once folded, every box has the same slim profile—lines up like books, grab-and-go. Perfect for light meals. Salads, sandwiches, sides, fruit—exactly the “office lunch” most of us pack. Quick facts (no math needed): Durbl folds to ~43–48% of its open height, freeing ~52–57% of vertical space. Scene 1｜Roommate-friendly “Fridge Tetris” How I do it Weekend meal prep: 600 ml as the main box (mains/salads), add 400 ml when I want fruit or a snack. After lunch, fold immediately and return it to the same fridge shelf. What happens On the same shelf, I free up at least two-box heights above the folded stack. Roommates naturally start stacking by layer; the fridge looks calmer and works better. Scene 2｜The One-Drawer Test in a Small Rental Kitchen Goal: Using just one kitchen drawer, compare how much it holds when boxes are not folded vs folded after lunch. Measure your setup Drawer inner size: L × W × H Box footprint: l × w, unfolded height h, folded thickness t Capacity cheat-sheet Flat count per layer ≈ ⌊L ÷ l⌋ × ⌊W ÷ w⌋ Layers (unfolded) ≈ ⌊H ÷ h⌋ Layers (folded) ≈ ⌊H ÷ t⌋ Total capacity = flat count × layers (compare both) How it feels in real life Not folded: the drawer is “just full.” Folded: suddenly “roomy”—you can still line up the same base layer of boxes, plus tuck in a cutlery pouch / zip bags on the side or stack an extra folded layer. Small tricks Keep all boxes facing the same way; labels out. Align your cutlery pouch along the long side of the drawer to avoid wasted corners. Put tissues on top with the opening facing outward. Scene 3｜The “Three-Box Workflow” in the Office Cabinet What I keep 600 ml × 3 (mains/salad/fruit or Mon–Wed) 1 cutlery set, 1 pack of tissues Optional: thin cutting board, a few zip bags, small condiment packs How I arrange it A | Left boxes, right extras: three folded boxes stacked on the left; on the right, bottom to top: cutlery → tissues. B | Two levels: base layer of three boxes; extras stacked above. Folding makes the “upper air space” usable. Why it matters Fold after lunch and your commute bag gets flatter and lighter. Open the drawer and see a uniform slim profile—it saves mental load, too. Use boundaries & smart habits Best for: salads, sandwiches, pasta, roasted veg, rice + sides, fruit. Skip for: very oily dishes, lots of soup/liquids, carbonated drinks, and piping-hot direct fill. Avoid heavy squeezing. Habits that help: Let hot food cool before sealing. Decant liquids into screw-top bottles. Wash at home together in one go; air-dry completely. My go-to capacity combos Daily: 600 ml (mains/salad) + 400 ml (fruit or yogurt toppings) Overtime / gym days: 600 ml × 2 (mains + protein/veg) For most light-meal office days, 600 ml is the MVP, and 400 ml is flexible add-on capacity. 5 micro-habits that make folding pay off Fold immediately after lunch. Keep the same orientation; labels facing out. Assign a fixed spot in the fridge/drawer—no searching. Weekend reset: wash → dry → restock. Roommate etiquette: only store what you’ll use this week; fold before putting away. FAQ Q1: Will it leak?For light meals and standard lunches, you’re fine; skip big volumes of soup. Use a dedicated bottle for liquids. Q2: Microwave-safe?Follow the brand’s guidance (Durbl’s platinum silicone body is heat-resistant). I personally reheat in a bowl to extend product life. Q3: Staining?Tomato and curry can tint silicone—rinse sooner, dry fully. An occasional soak with warm water + baking soda helps. Q4: Will repeated folding loosen it?With regular use, shape holds up well. Avoid high heat + rough pulling, and dry thoroughly. In a roommate world and a city commute, folding isn’t a gimmick—it’s visible order.Fold after lunch and space comes back; when space comes back, packing lunch becomes easier to stick with.Start with one small habit today: eat, then fold.

Whether you want a healthy snack or a quick meal, using a Durbl bag or container to prepare instant ramen is an eco-friendly and convenient option. Here’s a simple recipe and method: Ingredients: 1 pack of ramen noodles Handful of shredded carrots 2-3 sliced mushrooms Handful of spinach 1/2 to 3/4 cup diced firm tofu 1 tsp vegetable stock powder 2 tsp white miso Handful of chopped green onions Pinch of sesame seeds 2 cups water (or as per package instructions) Steps: Using Hot Water: Place all ingredients in a Durbl Half-Gallon Bag or Durbl Container Mega. Add 2 cups of boiling water and seal the bag or container. Let the noodles soak for 2-4 minutes until they soften. Open the bag, add your favorite seasonings like chili paste, curry paste, or sesame oil, and mix well before enjoying. Using Microwave: Place all ingredients in a Durbl Half-Gallon Bag or Durbl Container Mega and add cold water. Microwave the unsealed bag or container until the water boils. (Ensure the bag is slightly open or the container valve is open during heating.) Carefully remove, seal, and let it sit for 2-4 minutes to cook the noodles. Add your preferred seasonings, mix well, and enjoy. Using Durbl bags or containers not only helps the environment but also makes it easy to prepare a healthy meal at home or the office.

Get ready to change your life: You can make perfect rice every time using the DurbI Container-Mega in the microwave. No need for a rice cooker or stove! Just follow these steps to make rice using our award-winning container. Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice 1 1/2 cups water Instructions: Put the rice in a DurbI Container-Mega. Rinse the rice thoroughly, then discard the cloudy water. Add water to the rice. Cover the container and seal it. Don't forget to lift the vent on the cover. Microwave on high (600 watts) for 10 minutes. Adjust the cooking time according to your microwave's power. After heating, don't rush to open it. Close the vent and let the rice steam for 10 minutes at room temperature. Be careful! The container and its contents will be hot. Fluff the rice with a fork, and it's ready to serve! You'll get 2 cups of cooked rice. For more versatile cooking, consider using Durbl Bags, which are perfect for easy camping meals. These reusable silicone bags are not only eco-friendly but also practical. You can even make clear ice cubes with them for your drinks. That's it! This simple method using DurbI Containers makes perfect rice in the microwave every time!

Create nutritious homemade dog treats with these simple recipes. Use Durbl Bags, including reusable food storage bags and Quart bags, for easy storage and freezing. Ensure healthy and delicious snacks for your furry friend.

What can’t you do with a Durbl bag? You can make microwave popcorn, sous vide just about anything… and even make homemade ice cream! Homemade ice cream isn't just a delightful culinary project; it's a journey into creative freedom and sustainability. Imagine whipping up your favorite flavors right in the comfort of your kitchen, bypassing preservatives and embracing fresh, wholesome ingredients. The process is surprisingly simple and immensely satisfying, making it a perfect activity for family bonding or a personal treat. How to Make Ice Cream in a Durbl Bag Mix Your Ingredients: Start with a simple base – half-and-half and sugar are your foundational ingredients. For a single serving, mix ½ cup of half-and-half with 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Flavor It Up: Get creative! Add vanilla extract for a classic taste, or experiment with cocoa powder, fruit purees, or even small chocolate chips. Remember, this is your canvas. Bag It: Pour your mixture into a quart-sized reusable silicone bag. Seal it tightly, ensuring to press out as much air as possible – air is the enemy of smooth ice cream. The Ice-Salt Combo: Place your quart bag into a larger, gallon silicone bag. Fill this gallon bag with crushed ice, then sprinkle ⅓ cup of rock salt over the ice. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, which will help your mixture turn into ice cream. Shake It: Seal the gallon bag and start shaking. This part is both a workout and a party trick! Shake, squish, and massage the bag for about 10 minutes. For a softer texture, shake it less; for a firmer ice cream, a bit more. Ah, the sweet victory of churning your own ice cream! But wait, there's more – let's talk storing this frozen treasure in reusable silicone bags. It's easy, eco-friendly, and ensures your creamy concoction stays just the way you like it. Store Tips with your Durbl bags Air is Not Your Friend: After your ice cream-making triumph, transfer the leftovers (if there are any!) into a reusable silicone bag. Squeeze out the air – think of it as giving your ice cream a gentle hug goodbye before its freezer vacation. Date Me: Label your bag with the date. You’ll thank yourself later when you rediscover this frozen gem on a lonely Tuesday night. So there you have it. Storing and enjoying homemade ice cream in airtight silicone bags is not just about being eco-smart; it's about making your ice cream experience a whole lot cooler. Scoop on!

As spring unfolds and we inch closer to the joys of summer, longer days and warmer weather beckon us outdoors. After spending a sun-soaked morning in the garden, there's nothing quite like the rejuvenation offered by a chilled, homemade soda. Forget about the sugar-heavy commercial drinks; I'm talking about a wholesome, naturally carbonated beverage that's refreshing and rich in probiotics.Creating a customized soda allows you to control both its sweetness and fizziness. The beneficial bacteria in the whey feed on the sugars in the honey, gradually reducing the sweetness over time. If you're a fan of a dryer, slightly tart drink, like I am, you should extend the fermentation by a day or two to achieve the perfect taste. Conversely, if a sweeter touch is what you're after, shortening the fermentation period slightly will keep the sugars intact. Remember, the temperature of your surroundings can significantly affect the fermentation rate, so adjust accordingly.The carbonation magic happens when bacteria produce carbon dioxide during fermentation, creating that delightful fizz when there's no escape route in a sealed bottle. The intensity of the fizz can vary—a testament to the unpredictable yet exciting nature of wild fermentation!One of my favorite recipes involves using overripe fruit or fruit scraps that might otherwise be discarded, like apple peels, pineapple cores, or the tops of strawberries, which lend a subtle flavor and a lovely hue to the drink. This method not only maximizes the use of all parts of the fruits but also varies with the seasons, letting you enjoy a taste of each one throughout the year.As for the whey. A fermentation powerhouse is the liquid that accumulates at the top of the yogurt. If you need more than what naturally separates, you can easily make more by straining the yogurt through a cheesecloth set over a bowl. This whey can then kickstart your soda fermentation, be added to smoothies for a protein boost, or be incorporated into salad dressings and other fermented foods for an added probiotic punch.Homemade Probiotic Fruit Soda RecipeIngredients:● 3 cups filtered water● ½ cup organic honey● ½ cup freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice● ¼ cup fresh whey● Fruit scraps of your choice (e.g., berry tops, apple peels)Method:1. Warm the water in a saucepan over low heat to dissolve the honey.2. Remove from heat and mix in your citrus juice and whey.3. Place the fruit scraps into a clean 1-liter glass jar and pour the liquid over them.4. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about two days to start fermentation.5. Strain the concoction into a pitcher, funnel it into a sealed bottle, and let it ferment for another 2 to 4 days.6. Check the taste and refrigerate to stop fermentation once you're satisfied with the fizziness and flavor.7. Serve chilled, perhaps with a splash of vodka or rum for an adult twist.This refreshing drink is a delightful way to cool down and a healthful treat supporting digestion and overall well-being. Enjoy crafting your version of this springtime refreshment!

There is nothing quite like going home for a vacation and being greeted by a delicious, home-cooked meal. However, what happens if you are required to do some food preparation upon your arrival? If you're traveling with frozen food, you must take additionalpreventative measures to guarantee that your food remains icy and doesn't ruin.  Unfortunately, it's not as easy as simply throwing the active ingredients in a bag and heading to your destination. Without taking the correct steps, the food can become dangerous to consume, and no one intends to give a case of gastrointestinal disorder as a holiday present! Fortunately, our freezer storage space containers make traveling with frozen food a wind. Before loading up the vehicle to head to your destination, continue reading to get more information concerning how to take a trip with frozen food safely. Freeze your food at the ideal temperature. When it pertains to traveling with frozen food, there are a few things you'll need to take into consideration. You'll also need to do some things before your awaited traveling date. For example, ensure your fridge freezer is readied to the appropriate temperature. What temperature should a fridge freezer be? Preferably, it would be best if you kept your freezer at 0 ° F or listed below. This is chilly enough to ensure that food ices up solid. It also ensures that dangerous germs are inactivated and will not damage the food stored. Utilize the appropriate containers. There are better options than non-usable plastic containers and foil for carrying food. You require resilient containers that won't leak, and that will maintain your food secure while in transport. That's why using our fridge freezer storage containers is the most effective choice when taking a trip with frozen food. These containers are constructed from resilient materials like silicone, BPA-free plastic, and stainless steel. Also, they have tight-fitting covers that create a seal you can trust, so you don't need to bother with your food dripping during transit. Reusable silicone bags are superb for travel as well. They're ideal for the fridge freezer or refrigerator and work well for moving solid foods and fluids. And when you reach your destination, you can also utilize them for steaming and saving foods. When it's time to head home, they fold flat for effortless transport. Pack containers firmly. When packing your freezer storage containers, it is essential to load them snugly. This will aid in stopping your food from moving during transportation and coming to be thawed or harmed. The tighter you pack each container, the more likely you will stay iced up on your journey. Leave enough area for the lid to go on firmly.   Keep the food iced up. When you're traveling by auto, there are a few points you can do to keep your food iced up during the trip. Firstly, attempt to decrease the time your car is shut. The shorter the trip, the better. If you're most likely making constant quits or understand it will take some hours to reach your destination, pack a cooler with ice to keep your food cold. If required, pick up more ice along the way. Be strategic when packing. Place the heaviest icy containers in the all-time low of the colder and place lighter products on the top. Prepare everything nicely so that it's piled close together with minimal area in between. Loading icy things together securely will help them stay calm. If you're traveling in cozy weather conditions, place the colder in the main traveler area rather than the trunk. Doing this implies that the air conditioning unit will certainly be able to help keep it cool down. If you need to quit, preferably park in a shady spot instead of in the sunlight. The more excellent temperature levels will certainly aid in maintaining your food iced up. Traveling with frozen foods can be difficult, but it's doable with mindful preparation and prep work. Make sure to load your food in fridge freezer storage space containers and label them plainly so you know what is required to be consumed initially. Take action to maintain whatever is frozen in the process, and your food will certainly be prepared once you reach your destination.

Eating healthy has never been more convenient, no matter where life takes you. From bustling city streets to quiet moments in the park, or even settling back into office routines, Durbl's eco-friendly silicone containers offer the perfect solution for transporting your meals with ease. Their lightweight design ensures they're easy to carry, while the durable material prevents any breakage. Moreover, they're specially designed to keep your greens fresher for longer.After you've selected your favorite salad mix-ins, simply toss them into your Durbl container—opting for either the medium or large size is advisable—seal it with the innovative zip feature, and you're ready to hit the road or prepare your meals for the upcoming week.For those undecided on what salad to whip up, we've curated three enticing salad recipes that promise year-round enjoyment.Embrace the ease and versatility of a Classic Summer Salad, perfect for any occasion.Ingredients:● A bunch of Romaine Lettuce● A bunch of Baby Greens● 1 diced tomato● Your preferred dressing, as neededInstructions:Simply rinse and chop the lettuce and tomato. Combine them in your Durbl container, finishing with a generous drizzle of your chosen dressing.Ingredients:● A bunch of crisp lettuce● ¼ cup of mango, cubed● ½ a cucumber, cubed● ½ a zucchini, cubed● ½ an avocado, cubed● A sprinkle of salt● The juice from ½ a lemon● 1 tbsp of Olive oilCombine all components for a delightful dish.Ingredients:● A bunch of lettuce● ¼ green bell pepper, sliced● ¼ red bell pepper, sliced● ¼ onion, sliced● ¼ cup of diced tomatoes● ¼ cup of corn, drained● 1 cooked chicken breastInstructions:Combine all the vegetables in a large Durbl Dish. Season and grill the chicken breast before slicing and adding it to the mix. Finish with BBQ Ranch or another dressing of your choice.Salads are the epitome of culinary flexibility—easily modified to suit your taste buds. Feel free to experiment by substituting disliked ingredients with favorites. With Durbl's containers, taking your customized salads on the go is a breeze. Here's to delicious and healthy eating on the move!