Cambro
Cambro refers to a brand of commercial food storage containers manufactured by Cambro Manufacturing that has become a genericized term in professional kitchens, used to describe any of the brand's clear or translucent square and round storage containers used for ingredient organization and food prep storage.
Cambro is both a brand name and a genericized term in professional kitchens for commercial food storage containers, particularly the clear or translucent square and round containers used for ingredient organization and prep storage. When a chef says “grab a cambro,” they typically mean any Cambro-brand storage container, regardless of size or shape. Founded in 1951 by brothers William and Argyle Campbell in California (the name combines ‘Cam’ from Campbell and ‘bro’ for brothers), Cambro Manufacturing has become the industry standard for food storage solutions in commercial foodservice.
Cambro Container Types and Materials
Cambro containers are manufactured in three distinct materials, each rated for specific temperature ranges and applications. Polycarbonate (sold under the Camwear line) is clear, handles temperatures from -40°F to 210°F, and is ideal for hot holding and sous vide applications. Polyethylene containers are natural white, BPA-free, and rated for -40°F to 160°F, offering chemical resistance for acidic ingredients. Polypropylene containers are translucent, providing visibility of contents while maintaining the same -40°F to 160°F range as polyethylene.
The most recognizable products are CamSquares (square containers) and round storage containers, available in sizes ranging from 1 quart to 22-24 quarts. All containers feature graduated measurement markings molded into the sides for portion control and recipe consistency. They’re NSF-listed, ETL-approved, and dishwasher safe with stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and non-stick interiors that won’t absorb flavors or odors from strong ingredients like curry or tomato sauce.
Square vs Round Containers: Why Shape Matters
Square Cambro containers provide up to 33% better storage efficiency than round containers in equivalent shelf space. This makes CamSquares the preferred choice for walk-in coolers and dry storage where maximizing shelf space is critical. The square shape allows containers to sit flush against each other without wasted gaps, and they stack securely without wedging or sticking.
Round Cambro containers remain the better option for liquids, stocks, and soups because the circular shape facilitates easier stirring and whisking. The curved sides prevent ingredients from getting trapped in corners, and the shape promotes better air circulation for faster cooling of hot liquids. Many kitchens maintain both square and round containers to optimize storage based on what’s being stored.
Beyond Storage: The Full Cambro Product Line
While storage containers dominate kitchen conversations, Cambro Manufacturing produces a comprehensive range of commercial foodservice equipment. Their product line includes insulated food carriers (Camcarriers) for off-site catering, mobile shelving units, ingredient bins, hotel pan-compatible food pans, beverage dispensers, warewashing racks, and utility carts. Many of these products have become as ubiquitous as the storage containers, though “cambro” as slang specifically refers to the storage containers rather than other equipment.
The brand’s reputation for durability means Cambro containers regularly outlast cheaper alternatives by years. Restaurants report containers lasting 5-10 years with daily commercial use, making the higher upfront cost worthwhile. The containers’ resistance to cracking, warping, and cloudiness maintains their professional appearance throughout their lifespan, which matters for open kitchen operations where guests can see food storage areas.
Practical Buying and Maintenance Tips
When purchasing Cambro containers, match the material to your specific needs rather than defaulting to polycarbonate. Polyethylene costs less and handles most cold storage applications perfectly well. Buy lids separately and stock extras—lids crack or warp before containers do. Consider color-coded lids (sold separately) for HACCP compliance: red for raw meat, yellow for raw poultry, green for vegetables, and blue for seafood.
For maintenance, avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause thermal shock and cracking, especially with polycarbonate. Don’t pour boiling stock directly into a cold container. Use low-temp or air-dry dishwasher settings rather than high-heat drying, which can warp lids over time. Replace containers when measurement markings become illegible or when the material develops hazing that obscures contents—these are signs the plastic has degraded and may harbor bacteria in micro-cracks.
Key Properties
Common Uses
In professional kitchens, "cambro" is used as both a proper noun ("Cambro container") and a generic term ("grab a cambro of diced onions"). Line cooks use cambros for mise en place storage during service, storing prepped vegetables, proteins, and sauces within arm's reach. Prep cooks fill cambros during morning prep for storage in walk-in coolers, labeling each with contents and date. Pastry chefs prefer cambros for dry ingredient storage because the airtight seals keep flour, sugar, and other dry goods fresh and pest-free. Catering operations use cambros for transporting prepared ingredients to off-site events. The term appears on prep lists, inventory sheets, and kitchen orders as shorthand for any Cambro-brand storage container.
