Favorite size storage buckets w/ gamma seals?

Like Rachel, I use the Walmart buckets and like that size.  They get so heavy when you are moving lots of full buckets around.  I do use smaller buckets for some items, just depends on the item.  I keep my smaller containers in the kitchen and refill them from the buckets as needed.  My dh loves refill day.  lol

I was in Walmart today and the only buckets I found were in the paint department, would that be them?! I did not buy any in case they were the wrong ones. Do you put the mylar bags in them and if so, where do you buy your bags and how do you seal them. Thanks. Linda

You go to the bakery and ask for their empty frosting buckets.  It will cost about a $1.00 or so…these are the food grade quality buckets.  Usually they are rinsed out.  Then I have to wash them out once they’re home.  If you are not using a gamma lid,  make sure that there is a rubber ring on the inside of the lid to seal the bucket tight.  I have used these for years and not had a problem – and I did not use a mylar bag.   As far as I know, the buckets in the paint department are not safe for food.

You can get these buckets at doughnut shops, grocery store bakeries, and other bakeries if you ask.  Most are free or have a minimal cost to them.  Just ask for empty frosting buckets with sealing lids. 

I don’t have the seals, but you can google them.  I found some here: 

http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/gamma_seal_lids_gamma_lid_products.aspx

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/emergency_supplies/gamma_seal_lid.htm

http://beprepared.com/category.asp_Q_c_E_444_A_Gamma+Seals_E_

I would like to get some, but you can get a little gizmo called a “bucket opener” for less than 6 bucks, and it opens all my buckets.  It’s cheaper and it works.  The gamma seals might be easier, but can add enough additional money to your basic costs that I prefer to put into the actual food.  (I can’t eat a gamma seal,  lol)

I have a few with gamma seals, and they aren’t that easy for me to open. Some days I have to be stronger than I am. I have noticed that you (I) can never remove the part of the lid that you screw the gamma lid to. So if I want to change what I’ve stored in my bucket, I’m not sure how to clean it out properly. If I hose it out, wouldn’t the rubber gasket inside the ring that holds the gamma lid get wet and never dry out all the way? Also, I can’t even dump the last couple spoonsful of flour out of the bucket because of that ring.

Does anyone know how to get that ring off?

Also, the top of the gamma lid gets more dirty and it grosses me out. I don’t think I would get any more. We open and shut our regular lids a million times with the bucket opener, and we’ve never had one wear out or break. I think if I had gone with lesser quality buckets they may have been bent out of shape though. I haven’t used the bakery ones because I don’t think they usually have a rubber gasket. Also, I was afraid all my food would smell or taste like frosting! I guess that could be a plus for some!!