Hello, fellow culinary adventurers! Sous vide has truly transformed the way we approach cooking, bringing restaurant-quality precision right into our homes. But to truly master this technique, having the right equipment is paramount, and at the heart of it all is your sous vide container. It’s more than just a bucket for water; it’s the vessel that ensures consistent temperatures, minimizes evaporation, and ultimately, guarantees perfectly cooked results every single time.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. With years of analyzing thousands of real user reviews, comparing specifications across hundreds of sous vide container models, and studying industry data on thermal efficiency and material safety, I bring you insights from comprehensive market research.
Choosing the ideal container can feel daunting with so many options, from basic tubs to comprehensive kits with all the bells and whistles. Embark on a journey to perfect your culinary craft; this guide meticulously breaks down features and user experiences to help you select the ideal best sous vide container for your kitchen.
How To Choose The Best Sous Vide Container
Selecting the right sous vide container is crucial for efficiency and consistent results. Here’s what to consider to make an informed decision:
Capacity and Footprint
Consider the typical volume of food you cook. A 12-quart container is excellent for everyday meals for 2-4 people, while larger 18-26 quart options are perfect for meal prepping, entertaining, or cooking whole roasts. Also, think about your counter and storage space; square containers often offer better space utilization than round ones.
Material and Insulation
Most quality sous vide containers are made from clear, food-grade polycarbonate, which is durable and heat-resistant. For longer cooks or to minimize energy consumption, look for models that include an insulating sleeve (often neoprene). This helps maintain a stable water temperature, reduces warm-up times, and protects your countertops from heat transfer.
Lid and Accessory Integration
A well-fitting lid is essential to prevent water evaporation, especially during extended cooking sessions. Many containers come with custom-cut lids designed to fit specific immersion circulators, or universal lids with flexible openings. Integrated racks are also a game-changer, keeping food bags submerged and properly spaced for optimal water circulation and even cooking.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Type | Best For | Key Feature | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIPAVI NXC15-UNIR | Kit | Overall Value | Universal Silicone Lid & Rack | Amazon |
| VÄESKE 26 QT | Kit | Large Batches | Commercial-Grade Capacity | Amazon |
| EVERIE Kit-TY-GJ | Kit | Versatile Use | Universal Silicone Lid | Amazon |
| Greater Goods 12 Qt | Kit | Consistent Results | Insulated Sleeve & Rack | Amazon |
| VÄESKE Insulated 12 QT | Kit | Precision Control | Neoprene Insulating Sleeve | Amazon |
| HOMENOTE 12 Quart | Kit | Complete Starter | Collapsible Hinged Lid | Amazon |
| Breville Commercial 18L | Container | Professional Kitchens | NSF Approved Polycarbonate | Amazon |
| LIPAVI C15 19 Qt | Container | Family Sized | Crystal Clear Polycarbonate | Amazon |
| Vpcok Direct 11.65 QT | Kit | Easy Access | Double-Door Opening Lid | Amazon |
| Vpcok Direct 12.6 Quart | Kit | Integrated Rack | Adjustable Fixed Rack | Amazon |
| COSPARX 12 Qt | Kit | Efficient Heat | Protective Neoprene Sleeve | Amazon |
| SEAYIN 12 Quarts | Container | Budget-Friendly | Pre-Cut Lid Included | Amazon |
| MEAT! Sous Vide 12L | Container | Simple Setup | Commercial-Grade Quality | Amazon |
| GOVNPJ 6qt Kit | Kit | Small Meals | Includes Vacuum Bags & Pump | Amazon |
| Rubbermaid 12 Quart | Container | Basic Workhorse | Commercial Grade Durability | Amazon |
The Best Sous Vide Container: In‑Depth Reviews
1. LIPAVI Sous Vide System Model NXC15-UNIR
The LIPAVI NXC15-UNIR system stands out as our top pick for its comprehensive design and thoughtful integration of essential sous vide accessories. This 15-liter (roughly 16-quart) container offers ample space for family-sized meals, ensuring you’re well-equipped for most cooking tasks without needing multiple setups. It’s a robust solution that truly optimizes the sous vide experience from start to finish.
Culinary enthusiasts consistently praise this system for its sturdy construction and the intelligent design of its universal lid. The silicone sleeve on the lid ensures a snug, gap-free fit for virtually any immersion circulator, which is critical for minimizing evaporation and maintaining stable temperatures over long cooks. Home chefs particularly appreciate the original LIPAVI sous vide rack, which effectively prevents bags from floating and doubles the usable capacity by keeping food perfectly spaced for optimal water circulation.
This system is ideal for anyone serious about sous vide who desires a complete, high-quality setup that simplifies the process and delivers consistent results. Its durability and well-engineered components make it a worthwhile investment for both beginners looking for a solid foundation and experienced cooks seeking an upgrade to their current setup.
Why it’s great
- Complete system with container, rack, and universal lid
- High-quality, durable polycarbonate construction
- Universal lid fits most circulators snugly
- Rack prevents floating and optimizes circulation
Good to know
- May require a mat underneath for long, high-heat cooks
- Larger footprint might be challenging for very small kitchens
2. VÄESKE Professional Large Sous Vide Container 26 QT
When you’re feeding a crowd or tackling large cuts of meat, the VÄESKE Professional Large Sous Vide Container is an absolute powerhouse. With a substantial 26-quart capacity, this container is designed for serious meal prep, catering, or impressive family feasts, comfortably accommodating multiple racks of ribs or a whole brisket with ease.
Experienced home chefs rave about the dual adjustable stainless-steel racks, which are instrumental in keeping numerous food pouches perfectly submerged and spaced, ensuring consistent edge-to-edge cooking. The thick neoprene insulating sleeve is frequently highlighted for its ability to significantly cut down warm-up times and maintain ultra-stable water temperatures, while also protecting countertops. Users also commend the custom-fit lid for eliminating overnight water checks and shielding the kitchen from humidity.
This is the ultimate setup for anyone who regularly cooks for large groups or requires commercial-grade consistency batch after batch. Its robust construction and comprehensive accessories make it an indispensable tool for those who demand maximum capacity and precision in their sous vide endeavors.
Why it’s great
- Massive 26-quart commercial-grade capacity
- Dual adjustable racks for perfect circulation
- Thick neoprene sleeve for superior insulation
- Custom-fit lid prevents evaporation and humidity
Good to know
- Significant counter and storage space required
- Higher price point reflects its professional capacity
3. EVERIE Sous Vide Container with Universal Silicone Lid and Sous Vide Rack and Container Sleeve KIT-TY-GJ
The EVERIE KIT-TY-GJ offers a fantastic all-in-one solution for sous vide cooking, bundling a 12-quart container with a universal silicone lid, a stainless steel rack, and a neoprene sleeve. This comprehensive kit is designed to enhance efficiency and ensure consistent results for a wide range of immersion circulators, making it a highly adaptable choice for many kitchens.
Cooks appreciate the container’s NSF-approved polycarbonate material for its safety and durability, while the silicone lid receives high marks for its collasible design and snug fit around various circulators like Anova, Joule, and Inkbird. The stainless steel rack, with its wobble-free dividers, is frequently mentioned for keeping food bags submerged and organized, optimizing water flow. Many users highlight the neoprene sleeve as a key feature, significantly reducing heat exchange and loss, which translates to stable temperatures and energy savings.
This kit is an excellent choice for home cooks seeking a complete, high-performing sous vide setup without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value precise temperature control and want to minimize evaporation during longer cooking sessions,
Why it’s great
- Complete kit with container, lid, rack, and sleeve
- Universal silicone lid fits many circulators
- NSF-approved polycarbonate container
- Neoprene sleeve enhances insulation and efficiency
Good to know
- Rack dividers can feel slightly small for very large items
- Initial smell from the neoprene sleeve may require airing out
4. Greater Goods Sous Vide Container 12 Qt with Stainless Steel Rack, Insulation Sleeve, and Lid
The Greater Goods 12 Qt Sous Vide Container kit is designed for those who prioritize consistent, restaurant-quality results at home. This thoughtfully assembled package includes a durable container, a fitted lid, a stainless steel rack, and an insulation sleeve, all working in harmony to create an optimal cooking environment for your sous vide immersion circulator.
Home cooks frequently commend the insulated sleeve and fitted lid for their ability to lock in heat and maintain a steady water bath, significantly reducing evaporation during long cooking sessions. Many users highlight the stainless steel rack as a game-changer for keeping food organized and fully submerged, preventing floating bags and ensuring uniform cooking. The clear sides with easy-to-read measurement marks are also appreciated for monitoring water levels and progress without disruption.
This container is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, all-purpose tool that delivers perfectly cooked food from edge to center every time. Its NSF-certified materials and universal compatibility with popular circulators like Anova and Inkbird make it a smart investment for elevating everyday meals.
Why it’s great
- Insulated sleeve and lid ensure stable temperatures
- Stainless steel rack prevents food from floating
- NSF-certified durable polycarbonate materials
- Clear sides with easy-to-read measurement marks
Good to know
- Clips for vertical bag securing might need separate purchase
- 12-quart capacity might be limiting for very large cuts
5. VÄESKE Insulated Sous Vide Container with Lid and Rack (12 QT)
The VÄESKE Insulated Sous Vide Container is engineered for chefs who demand meticulous precision and stability in their cooking. This 12-quart system combines a robust polycarbonate container with a custom-fit lid, an anti-float stainless steel rack, and a high-performance neoprene insulating sleeve, all designed to deliver flawless results, even during extended sous vide sessions.
Culinary professionals often highlight the neoprene sleeve for its exceptional ability to stabilize water temperature and prevent heat loss, making it ideal for 48-hour cooks without constant monitoring. Users appreciate the heavy-duty stainless steel rack for effectively keeping pouches fully submerged and properly spaced, eliminating floating and clumping. The custom-fit lid is also frequently praised for maintaining consistent water levels, preventing overnight refills and ensuring proteins are cooked perfectly.
This container is perfect for serious home cooks and professionals alike who value uncompromising performance and precision. Its compact professional capacity, combined with universal compatibility for popular circulators, makes it a reliable choice for gourmet prep and family meals where every detail counts.
Why it’s great
- Neoprene sleeve for superior insulation and temperature stability
- Anti-float stainless steel rack ensures even cooking
- Custom-fit lid prevents evaporation during long cooks
- Universal compatibility with most immersion circulators
Good to know
- Rack system might feel “wonky” if only cooking one small item
- Neoprene sleeve may slip down slightly during use
6. HOMENOTE Sous Vide Container 12 Quart with Universal Collapsible Hinged Lid
The HOMENOTE Sous Vide Container offers a fantastic all-in-one starter kit for anyone looking to dive into the world of precision cooking. This 12-quart container comes complete with a collapsible hinged lid, a stainless steel sous vide rack, a heat insulation sleeve, and even cooking recipes, providing everything you need to begin your sous vide journey.
Users frequently praise the BPA-free, NSF-approved polycarbonate construction for safe and efficient cooking, noting its excellent heat resistance and ability to prevent water evaporation. The collapsible hinged lid is a standout feature, making it incredibly convenient to refill or remove foods without fully detaching the lid. Many home cooks appreciate the adjustable stainless steel rack for keeping food bags submerged and ensuring proper water circulation, while the neoprene insulation sleeve is lauded for its ability to save energy and maintain stable temperatures.
This kit is ideal for beginners and those looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly setup that covers all the essentials. Its thoughtful design, including the hinged lid and insulation, makes it a highly functional and efficient choice for everyday sous vide cooking.
Why it’s great
- Complete kit with container, lid, rack, sleeve & recipes
- BPA-free, NSF-approved polycarbonate for safety
- Collapsible hinged lid for easy access
- Adjustable rack prevents floating and promotes circulation
Good to know
- Rack and container might be smaller than expected for some
- Plastic material may still feel pricey to some users
7. Breville Commercial Polycarbonate Tank, 18 Liter
The Breville Commercial Polycarbonate Tank is a robust and reliable choice for both aspiring home chefs and professional kitchens alike. With an 18-liter capacity, this tank provides ample space for larger cuts of meat or multiple portions, making it a versatile foundation for any serious sous vide setup. Its commercial-grade construction speaks to its durability and performance.
Users consistently praise this tank for its large capacity, which allows for cooking big roasts or multiple items simultaneously without overcrowding. The NSF-approved polycarbonate material is frequently highlighted for its break-resistant nature and ease of cleaning, ensuring longevity and hygienic use. Professional cooks appreciate its ability to integrate seamlessly with various Breville Commercial (formerly PolyScience) immersion circulators, creating a stable and efficient sous vide bath.
This container is ideal for those who need a sturdy, high-capacity option that can withstand frequent use and deliver professional-quality results. Whether you’re preparing elaborate meals at home or running a busy kitchen, its durability and generous size make it a dependable choice for diverse sous vide applications.
Why it’s great
- Large 18-liter capacity for big cooks
- Commercial-grade, break-resistant polycarbonate
- NSF approved for food safety and durability
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Good to know
- Lid and rack are not included and must be purchased separately
- Its size might be too large for very compact kitchens
8. LIPAVI C15 19 Qt Sous Vide Water Bath
The LIPAVI C15 19 Qt Sous Vide Water Bath is an excellent choice for families and those who frequently entertain. Its generous capacity is perfectly matched for larger cuts like prime rib or multiple racks of ribs, offering ample space for even warming and circulation, making it a true workhorse for substantial sous vide projects.
Family cooks consistently highlight this container’s ability to handle significant volumes of food, such as 15 lbs of prime rib, without overcrowding. Many users appreciate the crystal clear and strong polycarbonate material, noting its high temperature tolerance and dishwasher-safe convenience. For optimal performance, experienced sous vide enthusiasts recommend purchasing the matching lid and rack system separately, which significantly helps with temperature control and even cooking.
This container is ideal for home chefs who regularly prepare large meals and need a robust, high-capacity vessel. While it doesn’t come with a lid or rack, its quality construction and generous size provide a strong foundation for a versatile and efficient sous vide setup, especially when paired with LIPAVI’s complementary accessories.
Why it’s great
- Generous 19-quart capacity for large meals
- Crystal clear and strong polycarbonate material
- High temperature tolerance (-40 to 210 F)
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Good to know
- Lid and rack are sold separately
- Can get very hot on the base, requiring counter protection
- Significant evaporation during long cooks without a lid
9. Vpcok Direct Sous Vide Container with Lid Double-Door-Opening Design 11.65 QT
The Vpcok Direct Sous Vide Container introduces a smart double-door opening design, making it incredibly convenient for monitoring and managing your sous vide cooks. This 11.65-quart pot, complete with an integrated lid and rack, streamlines the cooking process by providing easy access to ingredients without fully exposing the water bath.
Home cooks particularly appreciate the double-door lid, which allows for quick additions or removals of food without significant heat loss or water evaporation. The integrated rack system is frequently praised for keeping food perfectly submerged and preventing floating, ensuring even heating throughout. Users also highlight the silicone sealing ring on the lid for its effective heat retention and compatibility with most immersion circulators, along with convenient handles for safe movement.
This container is an excellent choice for individuals or small families (4-6 people) who value ease of use and efficient monitoring during sous vide cooking. Its thoughtful design solves common problems like floating food and messy lid removal, making it a highly functional addition to any kitchen.
Why it’s great
- Double-door opening lid for easy access
- Integrated lid and rack system
- Silicone sealing ring reduces evaporation and heat loss
- High temperature resistance (-45 to 135 ℃)
Good to know
- Water can drip from the lid when opened
- Plastic material, while durable, may not be unbreakable
10. Vpcok Direct Sous Vide Container with Lid and Rack 12.6 Quart
The Vpcok Direct Sous Vide Container with Lid and Rack offers an all-in-one solution that integrates essential functions for a seamless cooking experience. This 12.6-quart container is designed to fix both your sous vide cooker and your food, while also providing heat preservation and convenient storage, making it a versatile addition to your culinary toolkit.
Cooks appreciate the unique design of the fixed sous vide rack, which prevents food from being unevenly heated by allowing height adjustments and ensuring full submersion. The lid is frequently praised for significantly reducing heat loss and evaporation, which is crucial for long cooking times. Users also highlight the high-quality, heat-resistant, and shatterproof materials, along with convenient handles that make moving the container safe and easy.
This container is ideal for home chefs seeking a professional cooking experience with a focus on convenience and even heating. Its integrated rack and lid system solve common sous vide challenges, making it a reliable choice for achieving perfectly cooked meals with minimal fuss.
Why it’s great
- All-in-one design integrates cooker and food fixing
- Unique adjustable fixed rack prevents uneven heating
- High-quality, heat-resistant, shatterproof material
- Lid effectively reduces heat loss and evaporation
Good to know
- May require removing circulator to add food, causing temporary error codes
- Some Anova models may require minor adjustments for a tight fit
11. COSPARX Sous Vide Container 12 Qt with Universal Silicone Lid
The COSPARX Sous Vide Container offers an efficient and organized approach to precision cooking, combining a 12-quart polycarbonate container with a universal silicone lid, a removable rack, and a protective neoprene sleeve. This kit is designed to provide consistent cooking results while maintaining a tidy and thermally efficient kitchen environment.
Home cooks appreciate the safe, BPA-free polycarbonate material that meets sous vide cooking safety standards. The removable silicone lid is frequently praised for its collapsible design, which simplifies storage, and its ability to ensure a perfect fit for consistent cooking. Users also highlight the protective neoprene sleeve for its effectiveness in reducing heat exchange and loss, maintaining water temperature, and shielding countertops from heat. The removable steel rack with clips is noted for providing sturdy support and ensuring even cooking.
This container is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and safe sous vide setup that prioritizes efficient heat control and smart storage. Its comprehensive design, including the insulation sleeve and rack, makes it a valuable tool for achieving optimal results in various culinary creations.
Why it’s great
- Complete kit with container, universal lid, rack, and sleeve
- BPA-free polycarbonate meets safety standards
- Neoprene sleeve for efficient heat control and counter protection
- Collapsible silicone lid for easy storage
Good to know
- Sous vide cooker is not included
- Rack and clips are nice, but may not be needed for all cooks
12. SEAYIN Sous Vide Container with Lid 11 Liter/12 Quarts
The SEAYIN Sous Vide Container offers a straightforward and budget-friendly solution for your immersion cooking needs. This 11-liter (12-quart) crystal clear polycarbonate container comes complete with a pre-cut lid, providing essential accessories for virtually all immersion circulators right out of the box, making it a convenient entry point into sous vide.
Home cooks frequently commend this container for its great quality and affordability, often noting it as significantly cheaper than comparable options. The crystal clear, hard polycarbonate material is praised for its strength, sturdiness, and excellent heat resistance, which helps maintain even water temperatures and prevents evaporation. Users also appreciate the 8-inch height, which is described as exactly right for most immersion circulators, and its perfect fit for popular models like Anova.
This container is ideal for beginners or those seeking a cost-effective yet reliable option for everyday sous vide cooking. While it doesn’t include a rack or sleeve, its robust construction and included lid provide a solid foundation for consistent and efficient precision cooking for a family-sized portion.
Why it’s great
- Budget-friendly with lid included
- Crystal clear, sturdy polycarbonate material
- Good heat resistance to prevent evaporation
- Perfect 8-inch height for immersion circulators
Good to know
- No rack or insulating sleeve included
- Plastic may deform slightly where the wand clamps
13. MEAT! Sous Vide 12L Commercial Grade Quality Container
The MEAT! Sous Vide 12L Commercial Grade Quality Container offers a straightforward and dependable solution for your immersion cooking needs. Designed with commercial-grade quality, this container provides a generous 12-liter cooking capacity, making it suitable for preparing multiple portions of vacuum-sealed meats or vegetables.
Users appreciate this container for its large, roomy capacity and excellent value, often noting it as a “best bang for your buck” option. The container is praised for its ability to hold hot water effectively, as designed, and its sturdy construction. Many find the square hole on top to be a perfect fit for MEAT! brand sous vide machines, ensuring a secure and efficient setup.
This container is ideal for those who prioritize a simple, effective, and commercial-grade quality vessel for their sous vide cooking. While it focuses on the core function of holding water and food, its robust build and ample capacity make it a solid choice for consistent results, especially when paired with a compatible immersion circulator.
Why it’s great
- Commercial-grade quality for durability
- Generous 12-liter cooking capacity
- Effectively holds hot water as designed
- Good value for the size and quality
Good to know
- Specific square hole for MEAT! brand circulators, check compatibility
- No rack or insulation sleeve included
14. GOVNPJ Sous Vide Container – 6qt Water Bath with Lid, Rack, Vacuum Bags & Hand Pump
The GOVNPJ Sous Vide Container is a perfect compact solution for individuals or small families, offering a complete kit for precision cooking at home. This 6-quart water bath comes with a lid, a rack, vacuum bags, and a hand pump, providing everything needed to start cooking 1-4 steaks at once without excessive water usage or counter space.
Home cooks rave about its perfect size for small meals, noting that its long and narrow shape maximizes usable space compared to round pots. The included rack is frequently praised for keeping food neatly in place and ensuring even cooking, while the lid minimizes evaporation during cooks. Many users appreciate that the kit also includes vacuum bags and a hand pump, making it a superb value for beginners or those seeking an all-in-one starter pack.
This kit is ideal for home cooks and beginners in sous vide who are looking for an efficient, space-saving setup for smaller batches. It helps save water and heats up faster, making it a practical choice for daily use without taking up too much counter or storage space.
Why it’s great
- Compact 6-quart size for small meals
- Complete kit includes lid, rack, vacuum bags & pump
- Built-in water level scale for precise filling
- Non-slip, textured base for stability
Good to know
- Not suitable for large batch cooking or very large items
- Hand pump, while functional, may not be as powerful as dedicated vacuum sealers
15. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Space Saving Square Food Storage Container 12 Quart
The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Space Saving Square Food Storage Container is a legendary workhorse in both professional and home kitchens, and an incredibly popular choice for sous vide enthusiasts. This 12-quart clear container, made from commercial-grade, break-resistant polycarbonate, offers exceptional durability and visibility, making it a reliable foundation for your immersion cooking setup.
Sous vide pioneers frequently recommend this container for its outstanding quality and perfect size for everyday cooking, often noting its significantly lower cost compared to dedicated sous vide baths. The commercial-grade material is praised for its ability to withstand temperatures from -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for high-heat sous vide and even brining or marinating. Many users customize a lid (sold separately) to create a snug fit for their immersion circulator, transforming it into a highly efficient sous vide vessel.
This container is an excellent, versatile option for anyone seeking a durable, high-quality base for their sous vide cooking. Its proven track record, commercial-grade construction, and adaptability make it a smart, long-lasting investment, whether you’re a meticulous meal prepper or a passionate home chef.
Why it’s great
- Commercial-grade, break-resistant polycarbonate
- High heat threshold (-40 to 212°F)
- Space-saving square design
- NSF 3-A and NSF 2-certified for food safety
Good to know
- Lid is not included and must be purchased separately
- No integrated rack or insulation sleeve
Understanding the Specs
Capacity (Quarts/Liters)
This refers to the maximum volume of water the container can hold. Common sizes range from 6 quarts (ideal for single servings or small items) to 26 quarts (perfect for large roasts, multiple racks of ribs, or meal prepping for many). A larger capacity provides more thermal mass, which helps maintain stable temperatures, but also requires more water and counter space. Choose a size that aligns with your typical cooking needs and available kitchen real estate.
Material & Temperature Range
Most sous vide containers are made from clear polycarbonate, a durable, heat-resistant plastic. This material allows you to see your food as it cooks and withstands the prolonged high temperatures of sous vide. Look for FDA-compliant and NSF-certified materials for safety and commercial-grade durability. The temperature range, typically from -40°F to 212°F (or equivalent Celsius), indicates its suitability for both hot water baths and potential use in refrigeration or freezing.
FAQ
Why do I need a special container for sous vide?
What size sous vide container is best for home use?
Is an insulated sleeve necessary?
Do I need a lid with a cutout for my immersion circulator?
What is the benefit of a sous vide rack?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best sous vide container winner is the LIPAVI Sous Vide System Model NXC15-UNIR because it offers a complete, high-quality system with a universal lid and effective rack for excellent value. If you want a commercial-grade capacity for large batch cooking, grab the VÄESKE Professional Large Sous Vide Container 26 QT. And for a versatile, insulated kit that balances features and price, nothing beats the EVERIE Sous Vide Container Kit-TY-GJ.
