Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 10-Piece (81098) vs Sistema KLIP IT+ 3.35L 3-Pack

The short answer

For most small van kitchens, the Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 10-piece set is the more useful buy. You get five containers in five sizes, from 8 to 101 fl oz, with lids that lock, and when they're empty the whole set nests into one box about 9.75 x 6.5 x 8 inches. That covers fridge leftovers, prepped ingredients and small pantry items with one purchase, and gives space back when you're carrying less food. Joseph Joseph's guarantee is also longer: two years against Sistema's one.

The Sistema KLIP IT PLUS 3.35L 3-pack is the better choice for bulk dry goods. Three identical 3.35-litre boxes, each 255 x 175 x 117 mm, hold a bag of pasta or rice apiece, fill a drawer or bin evenly, and stack in a predictable grid. Sistema also publishes more detail per box, including exact dimensions and empty weight.

Both lock rather than press shut, which is the property that matters in a moving vehicle. For the full detail, read our Joseph Joseph Nest Lock review and our Sistema KLIP IT PLUS 3.35L review. VanLifeKitchens researches products rather than testing them; the figures below come from each maker's published pages and the Amazon listings, as cited in those reviews.

Spec comparison

Sizes and what they're for

This is the main difference.

The Nest Lock spreads its volume across five sizes. The 8 and 18 fl oz boxes suit herbs, cut lemons, garlic, sauces and dressings. The 37 and 63 fl oz boxes suit leftovers for one or two and chopped vegetables. The 101 fl oz box takes a batch of chilli or a bag of salad leaves. That range is what a fridge needs, as our storage guide's fridge section describes: rigid, lidded boxes that keep each item contained.

The Sistema pack is three of one size. Each box holds a 1 lb or 1 kg bag of pasta or rice, oats, snack bars or tortillas. Identical boxes are easier to plan around in a drawer: two sit side by side in about 13.8 inches of width, and you know exactly how many fit.

Edge: Nest Lock for the fridge and mixed use; Sistema for dry goods in bulk.

Space when empty

Empty containers are where van storage disappears. The Nest Lock's graduated sizes sit one inside the next, and the lids snap together into a single pile. Joseph Joseph lists the nested set at 9.75 x 6.5 x 8 inches, roughly the size of the largest box.

Sistema says the KLIP IT PLUS boxes have corner shoulders that let them nest compactly when empty. Three identical boxes nest less tightly than graduated sizes, though, because each one only drops partway into the next.

Edge: Nest Lock.

Lids and closures

Both are the right type of closure for a vehicle. The Sistema lid uses "a built-in leak proof seal plus Sistema easy-locking clips", per Sistema. The Nest Lock lids are described as "lockable, airtight, leakproof", and the listing photo shows latch tabs on two opposite sides.

Neither maker publishes a drop test or a leak-test method, so treat "leakproof" as a design claim on both. For liquids, keep boxes upright and inside a tray or fridge basket. Neither set restrains itself. Put full boxes inside a bin or fridge basket that can't slide, as the stop van kitchen rattles guide explains.

Edge: tie.

In a 12V fridge

Both are rectangular, which uses a chest fridge's floor better than round tubs, and both are rated for fridge and freezer use by their makers.

Sistema publishes each box's height, 117 mm (4.6 inches), so you can check it against the raised step over the compressor that many 35 to 45 litre chest fridges have. Joseph Joseph publishes only the nested size, not individual heights, so you'll need to measure each box after it arrives. On the other hand, the Nest Lock's smaller boxes slot into gaps around drinks and jars where a 3.35-litre box won't go.

Edge: Nest Lock for filling gaps; Sistema for planning on paper.

Materials and care

Sistema says its boxes are food-grade plastic, BPA and phthalate free, made in New Zealand. Joseph Joseph's page doesn't name the plastic; the Amazon listing says BPA free, and Joseph Joseph notes a California AB 1200 chemical disclosure.

Care is similar. Both are top-rack dishwasher safe and freezer safe. Both go in the microwave without a closed lid: Sistema says without the lid; Joseph Joseph says lay the lid loosely on top. Joseph Joseph adds that the containers aren't for ovens or grills and that oily, sugary or strongly coloured foods shouldn't be overheated in them. Either can stain from tomato sauce or curry.

Edge: Sistema, for more complete material information.

Value

Both are mid-range container sets; check current prices on Amazon, since they move often. The Nest Lock gives you more pieces and sizes and a two-year guarantee. The Sistema gives you more total volume in larger, uniform boxes with a one-year warranty. Neither costs enough to make the choice for you: buy the one that matches what you'll store.

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 10-piece if:

• You mainly want containers for fridge leftovers, prepped food and small items.
• Your containers will often be empty and you want them to pack into one box.
• You want a longer guarantee.

Buy the Sistema KLIP IT PLUS 3.35L 3-pack if:

• You mainly want dry goods such as pasta, rice, oats and snacks sealed in a drawer or bin.
• You want identical boxes that stack in a predictable grid.
• You want published per-box dimensions and weight.

The two sets also work well together: Sistema boxes in a pantry bin such as the IRIS Weathertight 19-Qt, and Nest Lock boxes in the fridge.

FAQ

Which is better for a van fridge, Nest Lock or Sistema KLIP IT PLUS? For most fridges, the Nest Lock. Its five sizes fill gaps around other items and hold small amounts without wasting space. The Sistema 3.35-litre boxes are large for a small chest fridge, though Sistema publishes their height, which makes planning easier.

Do both have locking lids? Yes. Sistema uses locking clips with a built-in seal. Joseph Joseph describes lockable, airtight and leakproof lids. Neither publishes a leak-test method.

Which takes less space when empty? The Nest Lock. Its graduated containers nest into one box about 9.75 x 6.5 x 8 inches. Sistema's identical boxes nest on corner shoulders but less tightly.

Which has the longer warranty? Joseph Joseph lists a two-year guarantee. Sistema's FAQ gives one year.

Can either go in the oven? No. Joseph Joseph says Nest Lock containers aren't suitable for ovens or grills, and the Sistema review advises keeping its plastic boxes away from hot stovetops and very hot food.

Sources and verification

• Joseph Joseph Nest Lock 10-piece review: specs and sources for the Nest Lock, including Joseph Joseph's US product page and the Amazon listing (checked 2026-10-13)
• Sistema KLIP IT PLUS 3.35L review: specs and sources for the Sistema boxes, including Sistema's product page, range page and FAQ, and the Amazon listing (checked 2026-10-13)