Best Lunch Boxes

When you’re looking to purchase a new lunch box, you should first consider which type is the most suitable for your everyday needs. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most popular types of lunch box:

Insulated 

Insulated lunch boxes make a great choice when the mercury starts to rise because they can keep your food fresher for longer. For lengthy commutes in hot weather, work areas without a fridge or day trips out, you will want to make sure your lunch box has enough space for a few ice packs to keep the temperature at safe levels until you’re ready to eat.

Bento

Bento boxes are a popular compact style lunch box with internal compartments. This allows you to store and transport different food types without them becoming mixed up en route.

Heated

If you have a power source at work, or wherever you’re headed for the day, then a heated lunch box is a convenient way to enjoy a hot meal away from home without having to spend money on fast food. You can either pre-cook your lunch at home and use your heated lunch box to reheat or take raw, pre-prepared ingredients and use it like a slow cooker.

Stackable

Stackable models make a great choice when you’re short on space. They are great for organizing your lunch and taking up less room in the fridge or kitchen area. Buying several stackable models will allow you to store a variety of foods conveniently and neatly without taking over food preparation space and irritating your co-workers.

Size 

Size matters when you’re choosing a lunch box. Consider your average packed lunch and ask yourself if it would comfortably fit within the given dimensions. You’ll also need to think about how you will transport your lunch box. If you opt for a large one, for example, you should confirm that it will fit in your bag and in the fridge at work. 

Materials 

Your choice of material will depend upon your needs:

• Plastic – Convenient for reheating, lightweight, easy to wash and often transparent, plastic is a good choice, but it’s also prone to cracks and scratches with frequent use. Moreover, highly disposable models are not a great choice for the environment. 
• Stainless Steel – Durable and long-lasting, a stainless-steel lunch box will protect your lunch from being crushed and is highly unlikely to break if you drop it. Bear in mind, though, that stainless-steel models tend to be on the smaller side and will not be microwave-safe.
• Fabric – Easy to store, fabric lunch bags tend to accommodate larger lunches best. They can often fit several small plastic containers so that you can organize your lunch exactly how you want it.

Insulation

Insulation is important to keep your lunch cool while traveling. Some lunch boxes have the capacity for additional ice packs over the warmer months, so even if you have a lengthy commute, your meal won’t suffer from the journey. Bear in mind that while insulation is important, it can also add bulk and reduce the internal capacity of your lunch box.

Compartments

For ample lunches, internal compartments are a great way to keep your lunch organized and in prime condition. Check whether or not the compartments are open inside or if they lock in under the lid to ensure that your lunch won’t get mixed up during transportation.

Easy to Carry

You’ll need your lunch box to be easy to carry. If you already take a hold-all or other bag out with you, then simply check the dimensions of the lunch box to make sure it will fit inside. Some lunch bags, like our top pick, come with handles or, even better, shoulder straps, that make them easy to carry while leaving your hands free. 

Easy to clean

Before purchasing your new lunch box, take a few minutes out to consider how easy it will be to clean. Some plastic models are dishwasher-safe, which can be a blessing after a hard day’s work when you want to relax rather than cleaning out your lunch box. Stainless steel and fabric models, though, usually need to be washed or wiped clean by hand.

Microwave-safe

If your workplace has a microwave, it makes sense to opt for a microwave-safe lunch box. This will allow you to quickly and easily heat up your lunch without having to transfer containers.

Leakproof

If you are considering transporting food with liquids such as sauces, you’ll need to make sure that your lunch box has high-quality leak-proof seals. Larger lunch boxes that can accommodate smaller sealed individual containers can also make a great choice for transporting liquids while avoiding leaks.