From shop StormJCreations, ad by ZoetangleLLC This bento box has rubber-coated edges and internal hinges that help make it drop-proof and sturdy enough for the most active kids. Less common in the West, disposable bento meals are often sold to-go in single-use plastic trays. Keep your lunch fresh and hot for hours with the best Japanese thermal lunch box. She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. The box is safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Since this bento box comes with multiple sizes of compartments, its a great option for portion control. Because they are still handmade, wood bento can cost over $100. MabelandBelle Original Price $16.99 Yes! A thermal lunch box helps keep your food fresh when you finally sit down to have your lunch. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! FREE shipping, ad by StormJCreations FREE shipping, ad by shopweisslake Today, tops of boxes are often more secure, with lids and seals that resemble other food containers. This best Japanese thermal lunch box has a vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction that keeps your food warm. This is one of the most classic Japanese lunch boxes that look classy, sophisticated, and high end. Its products are also often insulated. The airtight design makes it leak-proof, keeping your lunchtime mess-free. Ad from shop ohanacrats Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsys advertising platform to promote their items. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. FREE shipping, ad by TimberTinkersCo The best Japanese Thermal Lunch box helps keep your food fresh for hours until you are ready to devour it. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/best-bento-boxes-5193584. $22.46, $24.95 Original Price $44.04 It also sells stainless steel inserts and accessories. Best Japanese Products has a stringent review process when selecting the best products with the help of top experts and consultants of various fields. This product is top-rack dishwasher-safe, which makes it a cinch to clean up any oily residue left behind by salad dressing. You can warm up your food by reheating in the microwave. Our tester liked how snug the lids are on the leakproof tiers but felt that young children would have a hard time opening these boxes. These are third party technologies used for things like interest based Etsy ads. But if you want a big salad, for example, you may need to find a bento box specifically designed for a big pile of greens so you won't be left hungry. Ahead, the best bento boxes that can be reused for convenient eating anytime, anywhere. While this box doesn't come with utensils, there is some space to store a coordinating Monbento cutlery set (available on Amazon) right under the lid. 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From shop binskistudio, $43.00 Ad from shop JaydaCreativeDesign MoonquakeDesigns The lids have a pull tab to open the vents, which let hot air escape during reheating in the microwave. ZoetangleLLC From shop FancifulCreationsCo, ad by JaydaCreativeDesign (40% off), ad by sarahcottonshop LeBrazen PrettyTiffin While classic design bento boxes are typically multi-tiered, this modern bento box features a slim design in a single layer. (25% off), ad by DesignIntel You can also consider how many foods youre likely to want to pack: A bento with lots of small compartments could be great if you like variety, or it could pose a problem if you typically want just a main and a side. A self-taught home chef, Marshall is passionate about making home cooking approachable and fun for more people. KayuAndCoAU There are so many options and styles to buy from, choosing from which can be a daunting task. From shop AllAbundantThings, Sale Price $11.70 $22.02, $44.04 From shop ReadyPrintLearn, ad by wunderwunsch TWTote Who else recommends it? From shop DreamStudioNewYork, Sale Price $13.59 To help you, we have compiled a list of the best Japanese thermal lunch boxes, which we are sure you will love. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread. From shop ReimaginesCo, $49.00 This compact bento box is a great innovation as it is easy and convenient to carry. Materials: BPA-free plastic and silicone| Compartments: 5| Size: 77 ounces, "'ll never have to buy a salad againthis container actually makes it enjoyable to pack my own at home." Other common items include tamagoyaki (a Japanese rolled omelet), potato or pasta salad, and fruit salad. Thermal lunch boxes are used to keep food warm or cold. Popular Mechanics, BestReviews, and Simply Recipes all picked the Bentoheaven Bento Box. Usually, it is difficult for lunch boxes to be completely insulated, whether it is made of metal, wood, or plastic. From shop Sclipacktokcer, Sale Price $11.67 Grub2Go The Original Japanese Bento Box, Best Stainless: Ad from shop KodakStudio Unlike a thermos, most bento boxes are not fully insulated. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. (20% off), ad by UrthaEcoShop Ad from shop DesignByMerriment Oh, this Japanese thermos lunch box is my favourite because of its look and also how well it keeps the food safe in it. All the lunch bowls are microwavable and come in three different sizes, perfect for your different portions. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. From shop SALOwilderness, $31.04 7 Best Japanese Chef Knives 2022 | Where to buy Knives in Japan, Classy, sophisticated, and high-end lunch box that comes at an affordable price, Modern, minimalistic design that looks stylish, Leakproof, so you can eat without making a mess at the desk, Safe to use in microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, Reduced heating time because of the silicone sealed lids and ventilation caps, One of the best insulated Japanese lunch boxes out there, Keeps cold meals colder for a much longer time than in other lunch boxes, Airtight container that keeps the freshness locked in for a long time, Comes with an adjustable divider that lets you portion your meals, Adjustable vent hole maintains the freshness of the food, Safe for microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, Insulated lunch box that comes with three food bowls, The bowls are microwavable and come in different sizes, Vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction that keeps food warm, Comes with a carrying bag for convenience, Compact lunch box bundle that comes with its own carrying case, Comes with two leak proof boxes and a separate box containing chopsticks, The bag is insulated and helps keep food hot or cold, Large lunch box with three stackable lunch boxes in pretty pastel shades, Boxes can be stacked to create a layer or used individually, Two-layer thermal lunch box made from stainless steel, Designed with a handle to make it convenient to carry, Insulated lunch box keeps food warm for up to seven hours, Comes with three vibrant and insulated lunch box, It also comes with chopsticks and its container, Colorful carrying bag that also works as a placemat, Lunch boxes are made of high-quality stainless steel, Lid comes with a heavy-duty silicone seal that prevents food from leaking or spilling, Insulated carrying bag that keeps food hot or cold. (25% off), ad by MentallyHealthyShop Ad from shop MentallyHealthyShop Ad from shop MoonquakeDesigns From shop GoldyTees, ad by ohanacrats Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. This model includes a fork, but our tester found it to be quite small and uncomfortable for an adult to hold, so you may want to invest in a full-sized silverware set instead. The included carrying case will help further insulate your meal. Original Price $77.77 This set is top-rack dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to avoid warping the lid. Featuring two compartments, they're roomy enough for a main dish and side, a nice-sized salad, or a sandwich and chips. $69.99, $77.77 From shop TimelessxCreations, $22.76 If you're shopping for your child, we recommend the Bentgo Kids' Lunch Box, which received high marks from our parent tester and her five-year-old. Each bento box is constructed with two equally sized boxes, each with its own airtight lid, and a small food cup that fits into either box (great for berries, crackers, garnishes, or sauce packets). Despite all of that, the lunch box is highly affordable and convenient. Ad from shop MyQuBe Recy This is a smaller capacity than some other bento boxes we tested, but it is large enough to hold a decent sized entree, a side, and a bit of dessert. From shop HandandHeartMarket, ad by CreativeLifeNY Most thermal boxes are safe to carry food and are approved by FDA. Not surprisingly, before the advent of the microwave, bento meals were eaten cold. https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g37201555/best-bento-lunch-boxes/, BEST BENTO BOXES. At its most basic, a bento box is a tray with a lid (either attached or detached) for ease of transportation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Saying no will not stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. Materials: BPA-free plastic| Compartments: 2 | Size: 25 ounces, "These feel a little thin, but they are nicely sized and do a great job as far as disposable food containers go." One drawback to the design is that its shallow height doesn't allow for tall foods, like a multi-layered lasagna, but our tester liked the slim design for tucking into a work bag or briefcase. Find out more in our Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar, Komax Lunchmate Bento Lunch Box with Insulated Bag, Choosing Bento Box container | Guide to Buying Bento Boxes. From shop ZoetangleLLC, Sale Price $37.87 These days, it is time for innovative thermal bento lunch boxes. - Linnea Covington, Product Tester. If you want to heat up meals, make sure your bento is microwave-safe. Modetro Ultra Slim Leak Proof Bento Lunchbox, The Best Glass Food Storage Containers, According to Our Tests, Best High-End: The durable stainless construction kept the sandwich from being crushed when the box was jostled around in a bag during transport. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Materials: BPA-free biodegradable wheat straw plastic| Compartments: 3| Size: 30 ounces, "This is aesthetically pleasing, functional bento box for the price, but the included fork is way too small. The bag that comes along with it is also insulated, so if you use it in conjunction with the boxes, the effect is much better. The Bentohaven Bento Lunch Box is an all-around good choice in terms of design, functionality, and price. If this bento box isnt big enough, the giant version holds a whopping 8 cups of food (found on Amazon), so its great for folks with big appetites, for carrying fluffy foods like green salads, or for sharing. Original Price $49.99 Today, you can still find bento boxes made from traditional materials as well as stainless steel, plastic, and glass. It has five compartments that are portioned for a childs appetite and is designed for kids aged three to seven, but it would also make a great snack container for adults. Single-use bento, common in Japan at convenience stores and sometimes found abroad as well, are typically made of single-use plastic or even styrofoam. Modern bento come in nearly every conceivable shape, size, and color. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Ad from shop ZoetangleLLC This is a two-layer thermal lunch box that is made from stainless steel. Traditional materials, like bamboo or wood, require more care and must be hand-washed. Ad from shop ShopRhapsodious Over the centuries, bento developed to reflect trends in Japanese cooking. From shop DesignByMerriment, Sale Price $21.00 This model can be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The removable compartment tray is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, while the outer shell should be hand washed to preserve the seal. Beginning in the 20th century, other materials began to be used, starting with aluminum in the 1920s. Ad from shop DesignIntel This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. Gone are the days when people would pack their lunch in a brown bag to keep it fresh. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. $21.00, $28.00 It also keeps your food at the right temperature for several hours. CreativeLifeNY SkoogDesign Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. If you're searching for a bento box that you don't have to take home and wash, these disposable containers are perfect. Tops can be held in place with clasps, airtight lids, or gaskets. The slightly grippy texture of the bento box also makes it easy to hand carry." In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. When looking for the best material, the important factor to look at is that it is food-safe and is durable enough to be carried around. Ad from shop Sclipacktokcer monbento MB Original Bento Lunch Box, Best Disposable: From shop LuxxxaShop, $30.83 The Bentohaven Bento Lunch Box is our best overall pick. From shop MyQuBe, ad by Dzukou Bentoheaven Deluxe Bento Lunch Box, Best for Kids: Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. After a two-year stint at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and she interviews field experts for their insight. Bento is a single-portion meal designed to be taken to go. Also included is a small lidded container for sauce or dressing. From shop shopweisslake, ad by AllAbundantThings sarahcottonshop I love the fact that I can quickly reheat it at my office. Ad from shop DesignsbyChristaLLC basisJP It is non-toxic and odorless. The mainsection of the box traditionally held rice or noodles, but bento boxes can be used to contain everything you need for cheese and charcuterie, picnic spreads, on-the-go snacks, and more. Our tester packed lunch for her son in the Bentgo box for a week and was thrilled to find that nothing leaked at any point. Thermos Stainless Steel Bento Box Containers, 2 product ratings - Thermos Stainless Steel Lunch Jar Approx 0.6 Coral Pink JBC-801 CP, 2 product ratings - Thermos Stainless Lunch Jar Coral Pink JBC-801 CP 600g 13~11.5~17.5cm Japan, 5 product ratings - Thermos stainless steel lunch jar About 1.3 Mid-Night Blue JBG-1801 MDB, 4 product ratings - OmieBox Insulated Bento Box for Kids Lunch, Leak Proof Thermos Food Jar, Blue, 5 product ratings - Thermos stainless lunch jar approximately 1.3 with Midnight Blue JBG-1801 MDB, 9 product ratings - THERMOS JBC-801 Navy Lunch Box Stainless Steel Bento Keep Warm with Bag, 2 product ratings - Thermos Stainless Lunch Jar Coral Pink JBC-801 CP. Great! From shop CreativeLifeNY, Sale Price $17.99 Disposable meal prep containers, with separate compartments, offer similar single-use convenience. Popular Mechanics. From shop sarahcottonshop, Sale Price $10.99 Something went wrong. MegaDobyArts Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Thermal Lunch Box. TimberTinkersCo If you balance out your foods, you can typically create a filling meal, even in a smaller bento box. Many bento boxes are microwave-safe, though not all. Please. Cleaning it is easyit's top-rack dishwasher safe, perfect for getting rid of any greasiness or stickiness left behind by food. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. It has a modern, minimalistic design that looks uber-stylish. Here are the best Japanese thermal lunch boxes that will keep your food warm till you're ready to have it! Plastic bento can also mimic more traditional designs that were once made with lacquer. $16.42, $27.37 Additionally, it comes with a carrying bag that makes it convenient for you to carry it. From shop IncognetSee, $23.32 (10% off), ad by LemonGoats It comes with a lunch bag that is again, very vibrant and colorful. Available in a variety of colors, it's a great choice for anyone who wants to make salads a regular part of their lunch routine. With the advent of refrigerators and microwaves, many of us store food for hours before eating it at low temperatures or may just want a piping-hot meal away from home. Some bento, especially insulated models, have removable inside trays that can be washed, and the exterior is only cleaned as needed. Monbento has been making these incredibly attractive, French-designed, luxe bento boxes since 2009. Ad from shop LemonGoats Ad from shop ReimaginesCo $17.99, $22.49 ElkwoodDesignsAU (10% off), ad by DKdecorStudio Ad from shop KozySweetHome Ad from shop Chitaccessory It comes with an insulated bag that is made of felt fabric and the interior is lined with food-grade aluminum foil. Ad from shop YoungBoutiqueShop FREE shipping, ad by Wiladu Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Lacquerware can even peel and chip in the wrong environmentits little wonder that people opt for materials like metal and plastic when given the chance for this everyday product. In order to help you decide which bento box is right for you (or your child), we sent a selection of highly-rated options to our experienced product tester, who packed them up with a variety of lunches and transported them in bookbags, purses, and tote bags. I also like it because of its minimalistic design that gives me the feel of Japan. | 9 Japanese Futons Buyers Guide to Japanese Teapots 2022 | 8 Japanese Teapots Youll Love! They vary in how leak- and splash-proof they are, so think about how much youll need to transport your bento, and even how far ahead you'll want to prep your food; an airtight seal will help keep food fresher longer and will prevent food from spilling in your bag. Another change in bento boxes in the 20th century was the introduction of insulation in the design. The insulated walls are what make this lunch box so alluring. Ad from shop TalithaKoumShopCo Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items. Ad from shop MegaDobyArts The lids have silicone gaskets that keep the boxes airtight and leakproof, with pull-tab vents that you can open for safe reheating in the microwave. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. The box is durable and safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Materials: BPA-free plastic | Compartments: 2-4| Size: 40 ounces, "This near-perfect bento box is easy to customize and also comes with a set of utensils that doesn't feel too small." They typically feature designs that make them amenable to everyday use, including light and easy-to-care-for materials as well as spill-proof lids. Which Bento Boxes are perfect for portion control? Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions. binskistudio $42.49, $49.99 These sets aren't entirely leakproof, so they're better suited for lunches without sauces or liquids. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! The insulated lunch box can keep your food warm for up to seven hours. As with Western-style lunch boxes, bento boxes can be licensed with favorite characters or use bright, colorful designs to appeal to children. LuxxxaShop Ad from shop KayuAndCoAU Simply Recipes. (50% off), ad by YoungBoutiqueShop Each bento box was rated on its design, insulation, size, versatility, and overall value. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. From shop Recy, $72.00 Best Japanese Thermal Lunch Box Quick Summary. Its durable which is another great thing I found as I have had this Japanese insulated lunch bag for a while now. Materials: BPA-free plastic| Compartments: 2| Size: 34 ounces, "The thick plastic seems very sturdy and high-quality. From shop DesignsbyChristaLLC, $32.99 The more common insulated option tends to be bento-inspired lunchboxes made by Western companies, often with a removable tray inside an insulated case. From shop KozySweetHome, Sale Price $42.49 While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Bento boxes marketed to children in America often feature tight seals and clasps for preventing splashes, and they come in bright colors. Ad from shop ElkwoodDesignsAU This best Japanese thermal lunch box is designed with a handle, to make it easy for you to carry it around. Traditional wood bento is, perhaps surprisingly for those not familiar, the most expensive. It also includes a lidded container that nestles in the center section to hold salad dressing, so you can add it when you're ready to eat. However, it isn't leakproof between compartments, so if you have sauce or dressing, you'll want to pack it separately to prevent seepage. Although very affordable, this lunch box is a pretty great option for kids and adults alike.