Mepal Cirqula Rectangular vs Round Multi Bowls Compared
By Mepal | Clever products for every moment in your life. | Mepal | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Comparisons
Rectangular or round? We compare Mepal Cirqula shapes and sizes—500 ml, 750 ml, 1500 ml—so you can pick the right bowl for meal prep, leftovers, and stacking.
Quick answer
Choose rectangular Cirqula bowls when you want efficient stacking and a shape that fits neatly in fridge or freezer corners; choose round bowls when you prefer a classic look and easy stirring or serving. For most meal preppers, a mix works best: rectangular 500 ml and 1500 ml for compact storage, round 750 ml for everyday portions. Both shapes share the same tight-fitting lid and are suitable for the fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher—so shape and size matter more than material or care.
How shape changes storage and stacking
Rectangular Cirqula bowls maximize space because their straight sides and corners sit flush against each other and against the walls of your fridge or freezer. That means less wasted air and more containers per shelf. Round bowls leave small gaps between them, so they use slightly more footprint for the same capacity. If you stack containers, rectangular shapes tend to interlock more predictably, while round bowls can shift if you stack different sizes. Both shapes are designed to stack, but rectangular wins for tight, uniform stacks.
Size matters: 500 ml vs 750 ml vs 1500 ml
The 500 ml rectangular bowl is ideal for single portions of leftovers, sauces, or meal-prep components like chopped vegetables. The 750 ml round bowl holds a bit more—think a side salad, a small pasta portion, or sliced fruit. The 1500 ml rectangular bowl is the workhorse for family-sized leftovers, batch cooking, or marinating. Because the 1500 ml is rectangular, it slides into narrow spaces that a round bowl of similar capacity would not. If you often cook for one or two, the 500 ml and 750 ml are your daily drivers; if you batch-cook for a family, the 1500 ml saves you from using multiple small bowls.
Lids, care, and everyday use
All Cirqula bowls in this comparison come with a tight-fitting lid and are suitable for the fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. That means you can prep, freeze, reheat, and clean without transferring food. The rectangular 1500 ml bowl is also attractive enough to go from fridge to table. One practical note: the lid must be removed or vented before microwaving, and the bowls are not oven-safe. For oven cooking, choose a different Mepal product. Also, because these bowls are not fully leakproof for liquids, keep them upright when transporting soups or stews.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Rectangular vs round footprint: Rectangular bowls stack flush and use fridge space more efficiently; round bowls leave gaps but are easier to stir and serve from. Choose rectangular for tight storage; choose round for serving and stirring.
- 500 ml vs 750 ml capacity: 500 ml rectangular is best for single portions and small components; 750 ml round holds a bit more for sides or small meals. If you meal prep for one, start with 500 ml; for two, add 750 ml.
- 1500 ml rectangular for batch cooking: The large rectangular bowl replaces multiple small containers and fits narrow spaces; it is freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe and looks good on the table. Buy the 1500 ml if you cook in batches or store family leftovers.
Product facts
- Cirqula multi bowl rectangular 500 ml|17 oz - Vivid mauve: The rectangular bowl (500 ml | 17 oz) is perfect for leftovers and meal prepping. It features a tight-fitting lid and is suitable for the fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. A compact, stackable option for single portions and small leftovers; the rectangular shape uses fridge space efficiently.
- Multi bowl Cirqula 750 ml / 25 oz - Nordic sage: This 750 ml bowl is ideal for storing small portions of vegetables, salads or other dishes. Compact, practical and perfect for everyday use in the kitchen. A versatile round bowl for daily use; the 750 ml capacity suits sides and small meals, and the round shape is easy to stir and serve.
- Multikom Cirqula rechthoekig 1500 ml - Nordic sage: De multikom Cirqula rechthoekig met een inhoud van 1500 ml is een echte alleskunner in de keuken. De kom mag in de vriezer, magnetron en vaatwasser en staat ook nog eens prachtig op tafel. Alles in één! A large rectangular bowl that handles family-sized portions and batch cooking; freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, and presentable enough for the table.
Which Cirqula should you choose?
Best for
- Meal preppers who want efficient stacking and space-saving storage (rectangular 500 ml and 1500 ml)
- Everyday kitchen use for sides, salads, and small portions (round 750 ml)
- Batch cooking and family leftovers (rectangular 1500 ml)
Not for
- Oven cooking (these bowls are not oven-safe)
- Transporting liquids without a leakproof bag (the lid is tight-fitting but not fully leakproof)
- Those who prefer a single shape for all tasks—mixing shapes often works better
