Rubbermaid Brilliance 20-Piece (1990616): problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-16

Summary

The 20-piece Brilliance set (model 1990616) is a made-in-USA Tritan plastic container kit whose guaranteed leakproof dual-latch seal is its real strength. The dominant owner complaint is mid-term spiderweb cracking of bases and lids, and Rubbermaid sells no replacement parts for the plastic line, so one cracked piece can orphan a container. There are no consumables and no yearly running cost beyond food; the set is a strong buy under about $35 and a weak one near $80.

Common problems and fixes

Freezer cracks — water expands when it freezes and can crack the container and deflect the wiper seal; one Sam’s Club owner cracked a 12-cup container after freezing water three-quarters full. Avoid freezing filled containers. [1][6]
Microwave damage — melted spots and warped lids from repeated high-heat reheating; the service limit is 165°F short-term. Vent the latches, remove the lid after microwaving and let it cool to protect the seal. [1][7]
No replacement parts — no official channel sells replacement lids or bases for the plastic line; Rubbermaid’s replacement-parts page only routes to a warranty contact form. [4][9][8]
Staining from turmeric and curry — these can stain the Tritan despite stain-resistance claims. [1]

Parts and consumables

No replaceable parts or consumables reported.

Yearly running cost

None. There are no consumables, no filters and no subscriptions; the only ownership cost is durability-driven replacement, because a cracked lid or base cannot be replaced individually and the whole set may need replacing.

When it is a good buy

Under $35 — strong value if the listing is truly the ten-container 20-piece set: guaranteed leakproof seal, Tritan clarity, five sizes, made in the USA; cracking risk is tolerable because the set is cheap to replace. Walmart listed the 20-piece variety set at $31.99 (Walmart, October 2026). [10]
$36-55 — fair-to-good value, still below most glass alternatives. Kohl’s listed the set at $71.99 regular and $53.99 with a promo code (Kohl’s, October 2026). [11]
$56-80 — weak-to-fair for the plastic set: Macy’s listed it at $79.99, 40% off a $134.00 reference (Macy’s, October 2026), which approaches Brilliance Glass (oven-safe to 450°F) or Wirecutter’s recommended plastic set, the Snapware Total Solution 20-piece, which has replaceable lids. [12][13][14]
Better choices — Brilliance Glass when longevity matters (oven-safe, no microplastics concern); Snapware Total Solution 20-piece when replaceable lids matter; Rubbermaid TakeAlongs when budget transport is the goal. [13][14]