Frequently asked questions

There are many reasons, including:

Sizes and Capacities:

• Large: 4-5/16 inches tall, holds 3/4 cup
• Medium: 3-3/16 inches tall, holds 7-1/2 tablespoons
• Small: 1-11/16 inches tall, holds 3 tablespoons

All containers have a footprint of 2-1/4 inches, front to back.

The containers are made from a high-quality food-grade polycarbonate that is crystal clear and won't chip or break if dropped. The label clip is made from stainless steel that has been polished to a satin finish.

Note: We have found that in some cases, the oils from ground clove can etch the interior of a container and cause it to take on a permanent foggy look. Since this is difficult to prevent, we suggest simply always using that one container for ground clove and nothing else.

If after washing your container it still has a lingering spice aroma, let it soak it in a large bowl (about 1/2 gallon) of hot soapy water with a tablespoon of baking soda. Let it soak for about 20 minutes and then wash it or run it through the dishwasher.

Different sized containers help maximize space and keep spices fresher. The small SpiceCare containers are designed for spices that aren't used frequently, or are only used in small amounts. Also, by storing spices in a container that fits the volume, spices stay fresher because they're exposed to less air. High-volume spices that start out in a large container can be moved to increasingly smaller containers as the spice is used up. The smallest containers are great for cooks working in tight quarters. By storing back-up spice inventory in an out-of-the-way place, an extensive collection of spices can be perfectly organized and at your fingertips when space is at a premium.

It's a good idea to only buy as much spice as you'll use in a few months. But if you have more than will fit in your SpiceCare container, just keep a back-stock of spices in a box stored in an out-of-the-way place and refill your SpiceCare containers as needed. Older, less-functional spice containers (with an air tight seal) work well for this. Make a note on the inside of the SpiceCare label that there is a back stock of this particular spice so you don't accidently buy more when the container is empty.

Another good option is to share your spices with a friend. Ground spices are best if used within a few months, so if you can't buy a small quantity, share the excess. Remember, fresh spices make a big difference in the flavor of your food. To learn more about storing and cooking with spices visit the All About Spices section of our website.

Not at this time, but if there is interest in such a product we will get right on it. In the meantime, your SpiceCare collection will happily spin on a generic lazy Susan. The triangular shape allows numerous stacks of containers to fit on a lazy Susan with all the labels visible. No more trying to push the spices on the outer edge out of the way to see what is hiding in the center.

SpiceCare's modular design gives you endless storage flexibility. You can build collections of spices that are the perfect height for your cupboard. And the triangular shape allows numerous collections to fit on a lazy Susan with all the labels visible. This unique shape also keeps them from rolling around if you prefer to store them flat in a drawer. Direct light deteriorates the quality of spices, but you can still store your SpiceCare containers on the countertop if that's what works best for your space. Just face the stainless steel label clip out so direct light contact is minimized. Heat and steam will also degrade the quality of your spices, so it is best to avoid storing spices above or directly next to a stove. For more information on the best way to care for and use your spices check out the All About Spices section of our website.

Empty containers can either be hand washed or placed in the dishwasher on the top shelf. You can either remove the lids and place them in the utensil basket, or leave them attached—just be sure the lid is open and will not be bumped closed during the wash cycle. The stainless steel label clips and labels are also dishwasher-safe, but generally a simple wipe with a damp towel will do. It's also very important that the container be completely dry before refilling. For more information, please read our Care & Use section.

Note: We have found that in some cases, the oils from ground clove can etch the interior of a container and cause it to take on a permanent foggy look. Since this is difficult to prevent, we suggest simply always using that one container for ground clove and nothing else.

Yes, the lids seal tightly to prevent spills and the containers themselves don't have any holes that would promote spillage.

Yes, we sell all three sizes of containers as open stock and refer to them as SpiceCare Singles. The boxed SpiceCare Storage System is a great way to get started, and SpiceCare Singles allow you to expand your system to the exact number of containers you need with the exact sizes you prefer. In addition, we sell a packet of assorted shaker screens with corresponding flat lids, as well as packets of pre-printed and blank labels.

This is a built-in spoon leveler for accurate measuring. SpiceCare was developed by an avid baker and "just eyeballing it" when baking can result in disaster. SpiceCare containers come with the spoon-leveler lid installed, but flat lids are sold in a packet with shaker screens, and come as part of the starter kit.

The lids with the built-in spoon leveler won't close when a shaker screen is in place. When using a shaker screen, swap out the leveling lid for a flat lid. Also, some spices aren't used in a manner that requires measuring precision, so you have the option of using a flat lid on those containers if you prefer. All of the containers come with a built-in spoon leveler lid installed. A packet of five flat lids and shaker screens are included in the starter kit. This packet can also be purchased separately.

The key to swapping out the lids lies in a twisting motion. It may seem like it requires too much force, but as long as you twist the lid off, it won't break. Just grasp the lid and firmly twist until the pin snaps out. To reattach, insert one pin of the lid into the groove and press on the second pin until it snaps into place.

The shaker screens are very easy to pop in and out once you know how to line up the shaker screen in the opening of the container. To remove a screen, start by removing the lid. You can then use the tab on the front of the lid to pry up the rear of the screen. When you're ready to attach a screen, simply position the nose of the screen between the tabs and press down on the back of the screen until it snaps into place.

The variety of sizes allows for precision dispensing depending on the coarseness of the item being sprinkled. The large-sized holes are perfect for red chili flakes, the medium-sized holes work well for most ground spices and the fine holes deliver an elegant dusting of finely ground powders like cocoa and powdered sugar.

Yes, we sell a separate packet of five assorted shaker screens with five corresponding flat lids. The assortment includes three screens with medium-sized holes, one with large holes and one with small holes.

By not using stickers, you can quickly and easily change the labels on your containers. You're not committed to having one container only used for basil because of a permanent label or sticker. The back side of the labels are not laminated so you can jot temporary notes about the spice in pencil, such as the date it was purchased, or if you have a back stock of the spice in another container. The notes are easily visible by peering through the inside of the container.

Labels are held in place behind the stainless steel clips. To change a label, remove the faceplate by sliding it down the canister firmly with your thumbs. Then, position the label inside the faceplate, place the edge of the faceplate in the grooved area, and snap it back into position.

You probably are trying to put it on upside down! It's hard to see, but there's a slight taper to the small clip and it has to be right side up to securely snap onto the container. If you're having problems snapping it on, flip it over and give it another try.

A great visual clue is to look at the tabs of the label clip that snap into the groove of the container, on each side one is slightly larger than the other. The larger tab should be on top. Here's a photo to help.

Certainly. To make sure your labels are perfectly formatted, use one of our handy tools. The Label Maker is an online tool that lets you drag and drop spice names to create the perfect sheet of labels. Or, you can simply use our SpiceCare Word Template.

No, we don't recommend using the supplied laminated paper in your printer. It's much better to write on them with a permanent marker or ballpoint pen.

It's possible that over time they will wear out, but it's less likely if you use a well-wrung, barely damp cloth when wiping off the exterior of your SpiceCare containers. You can also cover your custom labels with clear tape to create a water-resistant surface.

We want you to cook with fresh spices that you love, and the only way to accomplish this is to buy your preferred spices from your favorite spice vendor. To learn more about storing and cooking with spices visit the All About Spices section of our website.

It depends on the type of food you like to cook. We have some different recommendations in the Connected Collections section of our website organized by cuisine.

One of the great features of SpiceCare is flexibility. There are lots of options and you don't have to choose just one. You can always sort your spices alphabetically, however the primary reason for SpiceCare's exclusive design is the ability to stack your spices based on how you cook with them. Whether you're cooking Indian food, Italian food, or Chinese food, you can grab a collection of spices and have six or eight spices right at your fingertips. You also have the flexibility to store your spices in different parts of your kitchen based on where you use them. Savory spices might be most commonly used near the stove, while baking spices may be better placed near your electric mixer. For more ideas, see our Connected Collections section.

We carefully selected the manufacturer we work with in China. This company is extremely reputable and manufactures for a number of companies around the world. They are partnered with a U.S company and have structured their facility and processes to meet very stringent guidelines for product quality and work place safety. We have visited their facility and have worked face-to-face with a number of people there, including one of the two owners. They are very proud of the company they have built and the high-quality work they produce. And we are very proud to have them making such a high-quality product for us.

Yes, we want you to be happy with our products. If they do not live up to your expectations, or are in any way defective please return them to the retailer where they were purchased.