Coffee bean storage is a much-debated topic (refer to alt.coffee or other such sources for expert advice). FYI-I do not home roast, but buy from a local roaster (or vacuum sealed i.e., Danesi). I recently picked some Le Parfait clear glass jars that have a locking lid. I bought from the Broadway Panhandler in New York City. The prices generally ranged from 3-8 dollars per jar depending upon the size.
These jars have a simple metal wired locking system with a rubber gasket which creates an air tight seal. This rubber gasket should be breifly boiled in water prior to initial use to ensure a proper seal is achieved. The locking mechanism (metal, I think) is quite easy to use but, I am not sure if rust may be an issue if it is not properly dried after washing.
I suggest purchasing varying size of jars due to the fact that as use consume the coffee and continue to use the same size jar a quantity of air will also be present to make up for the unused space (air and beans are bad). So I normally transfer the remaining amounts of beans to smaller sized jar as applicable.
The La Parfait jars are generally of clear glass. I have often heard and do believe that sunlight adversely affects the freshness of coffee beans. As such, I always place the filled coffee jars in a dark area such as kitchen cupboards.
Overall La Parfait have been, and continue to be the best low cost airtight storage jars available.
Buying Experience
I bought these jars from the Broadway Panhandler located in NYC on Broome Street.
