
Cambros are plastic food storage containers made by the Cambro brand. They are used in commercial kitchens and are favoured for their durability, stackability, and tight-fitting lids. Cambros are made from a variety of plastics, including polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, and ABS. Polycarbonate is a strong, clear plastic that is also used to make impact-and-shatter-resistant windows and glasses lenses. However, it contains BPA, a chemical that has been linked to health issues. Polypropylene is a durable, low-cost, BPA-free plastic used in translucent Cambros. Cambro also manufactures specialty food pans, such as Coldfest pans, which are designed to keep food cold without the use of ice or electricity, and H-Pans, which are high-heat pans used for storing cooked foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, ABS Plastic |
| Durability | Long-lasting, shatter-resistant, stackable |
| Temperature Range | -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the material |
| Safety | BPA concerns with polycarbonate, but FDA has not banned its use. Polypropylene and polyethylene products are BPA-free. |
| Use Cases | Food storage, transportation, and serving in restaurants, hotels, and catering operations. Suitable for both wet and dry food storage. |
| Affordability | More affordable than metal pans, with polypropylene being the most cost-effective option. |
| Lid Type | Tight-fitting lids with various styles, including flat covers, notched covers, and seal covers. |
| Size | Various sizes, including 2, 4, and 8 quarts. |
| Ease of Use | Easy to clean, store, and handle. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cambros are made from polycarbonate, a type of clear, strong plastic
- Polycarbonate is used to make impact-and-shatter-resistant windows and glass lenses
- Cambros made from materials other than polycarbonate are BPA-free
- Cambros are also made from polypropylene, a durable, low-cost plastic
- Polypropylene is commonly used in 'Tupperware'

Cambros are made from polycarbonate, a type of clear, strong plastic
Cambros are plastic food storage containers made by the Cambro brand. They are utilitarian, inexpensive, durable, space-efficient, and easy to use and stack. They are frequently used by chefs and restaurants because of these qualities.
While there are concerns about the long-term safety of BPA, a chemical used to make polycarbonate, the FDA has not banned its use. Polycarbonate containers are stain-and-odour-resistant and capable of storing foods in a temperature range of -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit (although heat increases the degree to which BPA leeches into food).
Cambros made from materials other than polycarbonate, such as polypropylene, are BPA-free. Polypropylene is a durable, low-cost plastic that can withstand temperatures between -40 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also used to make glass lenses and shatterproof windows. It is not as easy to see through as polycarbonate, but it still provides enough visibility to identify the container's contents without removing the lid.
Cambros are available in a variety of sizes, including two, four, and eight quarts, and are suitable for both wet and dry food storage.
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Polycarbonate is used to make impact-and-shatter-resistant windows and glass lenses
Cambros are plastic containers made for food storage and transportation. They are utilitarian, inexpensive, durable, space-efficient, and easy to use. They are made of polycarbonate or polypropylene. Polycarbonate is a type of clear, strong plastic that is used to make impact-and-shatter-resistant windows and glass lenses.
Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic sheet material often chosen for its advantages over glass and other materials because of its impact resistance, flame retardance, insulation, and flexibility. Its superior durability, transparency, and low moisture absorption make polycarbonate sheet perfect for enclosures, window glazing, safety guards, sign faces, and more. Polycarbonate is also used in eyeglasses, windows, and protective lenses due to its transparency and sturdiness. Polycarbonate lenses are also thinner and lighter than glass lenses, and they won't break nearly as easily.
Polycarbonate is significantly more impact-resistant than glass. It can withstand impacts up to 200 times greater than glass, so it's much less likely to crack or shatter. Polycarbonate is also a superior insulator to glass, and its use can result in lower energy costs. It is also six times lighter than glass, making installation quicker and easier. Polycarbonate is also easier to cut than glass and can be cut on-site, reducing the risk of cutting errors and costly waste.
Polycarbonate lenses are also commonly used in prescription glasses, safety goggles, and sports eyewear. They are often recommended for children's glasses and highly active individuals due to their impact resistance. Polycarbonate lenses have proven to be one of the most impact-resistant lenses on the market, and they are less likely to crack, chip, or shatter when dropped or hit. They are also more scratch-resistant than glass, especially when treated with an anti-scratch coating.
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Cambros made from materials other than polycarbonate are BPA-free
Cambros are plastic food storage containers made by the Cambro brand. They are utilitarian, inexpensive, durable, space-efficient, and easy to use. They are used in commercial kitchens and restaurants. Cambros are made of polycarbonate, a type of clear, strong plastic that is also used to make impact-and-shatter-resistant windows and glasses lenses. There are concerns about the long-term safety of BPA, a chemical used to make polycarbonate. While the FDA has not banned their use, heat has been shown to increase the degree to which BPA leeches into food.
Another option is Cambro's Coldfest pans, which are made of ABS plastic and have inner walls filled with a non-toxic eutectic gel. These pans are designed to keep food cold without using ice or electricity. They are not suitable for storage or hot holding.
Cambros offer several advantages over stainless steel food pans, including being more affordable and offering equal holding capacity. They are also stackable, have tightly fitting lids, and are easy to clean.
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$20.5 $29.99

Cambros are also made from polypropylene, a durable, low-cost plastic
Cambros are food storage containers made for professionals. They are utilitarian, inexpensive, durable, space-efficient, and easy to use. They are frequently used by chefs and restaurants because of their durability and tight-fitting lids, which ensure less risk of spills. Cambros are made of polycarbonate or polypropylene. While polycarbonate is harder and more brittle, polypropylene is a durable, low-cost plastic that is often used to make glass lenses and shatterproof windows.
Polypropylene is a type of plastic approved for use in foodservice operations. It is durable and can withstand temperatures between -40 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also BPA-free, making it a safe option for food storage. Polypropylene Cambros are translucent, which allows for easy identification of the container's contents without removing the lid. This can be especially useful in a kitchen setting, where efficiency and safety are crucial.
Cambros made from polypropylene are stackable, making them a great option for optimizing storage space. They are also affordable, often costing less than alternative materials. This makes them a cost-effective option for those who need to store and transport food, such as restaurants, hotels, and catering operations.
The durability and affordability of polypropylene Cambros make them a popular choice for food storage and transportation. They offer a safe and efficient way to store and transport food, ensuring that food remains fresh and uncontaminated. For those who need a reliable and cost-effective food storage solution, Cambros made from polypropylene are an excellent option.
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Polypropylene is commonly used in 'Tupperware'
Cambros are food storage containers made from plastics like polycarbonate and polyethylene. They are utilitarian, inexpensive, durable, space-efficient, and easy to use. While most Cambros are made from polycarbonate, some are made from polypropylene, a type of plastic that is also used to make glass lenses and shatterproof windows. Polypropylene is a safer alternative to polycarbonate as it does not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used to make hard plastics that can leach into food and water supplies and cause various health problems.
Polypropylene is commonly used in Tupperware because it is considered safe for humans and is FDA-approved for both single and repeated-use food containers. It is also considered a safe plastic by the EPA. Polypropylene does not contain BPA and is recyclable, making it a good plastic option. It is also inexpensive to make and strong, which are desirable properties for Tupperware. Polypropylene is also super strong and inexpensive, making it ideal for packaging materials such as pallets, bottles, and beverage cups.
Polypropylene is marked with the number 5 surrounded by a triangle on the bottom, which helps identify it as a safer plastic option. It is important to note that while polypropylene is generally considered safe, some newer research points to toxicity in certain polypropylene containers. A 2019 study found that the toxicity of a particular plastic varied dramatically from product to product due to each product's manufacturing process. This highlights the importance of using BPA-free plastic products and avoiding heating food in plastic containers, as heat increases the chances of chemicals seeping into food.
Overall, polypropylene is commonly used in Tupperware because it is a safe, strong, and inexpensive plastic that is approved for food storage. Its flexibility and ease of recyclability make it a popular choice for manufacturing various products, including Tupperware. However, it is always advisable to use plastic products in limited amounts and opt for glass containers whenever possible to minimize potential health risks associated with microplastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Cambros are made of polycarbonate or polypropylene.
Polycarbonate is a type of clear, strong plastic that is also used to make impact-and-shatter-resistant windows and glasses lenses.
Polypropylene is a type of plastic that is BPA-free, durable, and low-cost. It is also translucent.
Polycarbonate can withstand temperatures from −40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Polypropylene can withstand temperatures from −40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, there are also Coldfest pans made of ABS plastic and H-Pans made of a material that can withstand temperatures from −40 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
































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