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compact your tiffin in a cleaner , more effective way .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Whether for school day or piece of work , packing your lunchis an well-fixed way to save money . However , if you do n’t have the right supplies , packing a sandwich , fruit , and snacks can be messy and wasteful . We ’ve all been there — you prepare a fresh and levelheaded lunch to bring to work , and after you relish it , you ’re left with a jam of soiled containers , lid , and plastic bags . Bento box are a silken and efficient solution that fix taking food for thought on the go unproblematic and streamlined .
Bento boxes should be compact , commodious , and easy to clean house . While some have one enceinte compartment , others come in with multiple small compartments for salt away snacks , yield , or vegetables .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Before choose one , it ’s important to assess your specific pauperization and keep in mind what solid food you contrive to pack , but it ’s also important to keep in psyche how you plan to clean and deal for it . In search of the good bento boxes available , we put some of the lead models through a serial of real - world exam .
What We Tested
To find the best bento box , we evaluated 13 picks on theirdesign , insulating material , andease of cleaning . For more information on how we try bento boxes , hold out our testing process below .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Bentgo Lunch Box
This all - in - one stackable set includes handy accessories like a built - in utensil set and nylon shoulder strap .
It ’s not whole leak proof , so be thrifty when put in liquid state or moist item .
This simple , sleek bento boxful by Bentgo include everything you need for packing food items on the go , earn it our top pick .
Credit: Amazon
The bento box is made up of two stacking container and feature three different compartment that are hold together by a stretchable nylon shoulder strap . The top tray match two ¾-cup portions , while the bottom tray accommodates two cups of food . We sleep together that it includes a build - in hardening of credit card utensil , although they can be tricky to position right .
Throughout the testing physical process , we were pleased to see that while this is a lightweight , compact merchandise , it still felt perfectly wide and held a good amount of food . We found this bento box easygoing to use and efficient at keeping food for thought fresh for several days in the fridge . And while it ’s not completely leak proof , the containers are capable to go a variety of food .
We care that the set of two containers makes it well-off to keep different eccentric of foods disjoined , including hot and cold items . The containers are also dishwasher safe for well-to-do cleaning . When it come to reheating , keep in creative thinker that while the main container are microwave safe , the center divider , hat and nylon shoulder strap are not . This choice comes in a change of color , so it ’s a great choice for kids and adults alike .
The Bentgo lunch box features two stacking containers and three different compartments.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
production Details : Material : charge plate |Number of compartment : Three |Dishwasher Safe : Yes , top wheel only |Microwave Safe : Yes ( only main containers ; chapeau , shoulder strap and nitty-gritty divider need to be absent )
Best Large
Monbento Large Bento Box
This sizable loge gibe a variety of foods neatly and expeditiously , and the airtight eyelid are completely leak out trial impression .
The tight - meet lids can be difficult to get on and off .
This fashionable and well - plan Monbento bento box is ideal for add up all types of food for thought . The plastic box are outfitted with a silicone seal that helps keep the lids gibe tightly , so you could tamp down liquidness or solidness without vex about spill or leaks .
The broad bento box dwell of two container that stack on top of each other , along with a smaller 10 Sunshine State . oz . container – great for dressings or snacks – that handily fits inside one of the larger boxes . The solidifying hail with an elastic band that continue the boxes securely in plaza .
With a gravid capacitance of 57 fl . oz . , it ’s a big pick for bigger meal . And while the bent is spacious enough to fit a big peck of nutrient , it ’s also lightweight enough to easily tote to and from work or school .
Although the palpebra are tricky to get on and off , we appreciate that this pick is completely leak proof . We also ascertain it in effect at maintaining freshness and keeping food in plaza , which can be a challenge withother food storehouse choice .
The container are secure to apply in the microwave , freezer , and dishwasher , adding to the toilet facility of this model . Just keep in mind that the lids demand to be hand wash , and the SEAL around the lids can warp and discolor with repeated dishwasher use .
Due to the size of the bento box , it also takes up significant infinite in the dish washer . While it has a high price than other options , we cogitate it ’s a good value for the box ’s seniority and designing .
Product detail : Material : Plastic and silicone polymer |Number of Compartments : Two or three |Dishwasher Safe : Yes |Microwave Safe : Yes
Best Small
Umami All-in-1 Bento Box
This compact bento box comes equipped with a few accessories that make it easier to take lunch on the go .
The container is n’t leak cogent evidence , and the size of the boxwood does n’t accommodate larger items .
This powder compact , all - in - one storage container comes equipped with a few essentials that make it well - equip for transporting food to and from body of work or school . While the loge is on the minuscule side , we love the obliterable divider for versatility .
The Umami box comes with a full set of utensils , let in a forking , tongue , spoon and chopstick . There ’s also a sauce jar that ’s ideal for salad binding , sauces and salad toppings .
We love that the box is a convenient size to throw in your bag for meal on - the - go , without needing to pack extra cutlery or container . However , keep in mind that it may be too small to match bombastic sandwich or other bulky items .
We find that the lid fits tightly and effectively – the clips are well-fixed to put in place and the lid is easy to give . However , even with the lid ’s silicone Navy SEAL and the shoulder strap in place we did notice that this container is n’t entirely leak proof .
This selection stupefy stop for ease of cleansing , as all components including the utensils are dishwasher secure . We also care that the box seat is well insulated , keep fruit nerveless for up to an hour and a one-half . Overall , we suppose this is a budget - well-disposed option that is long-wearing and efficient for store smaller meal and collation .
Product Details : Material : Plastic |Number of Compartments : Two to four |Dishwasher Safe : Yes |Microwave safety : Yes
Best for Kids
Bentgo Kids
This pick features five compartments and a tight - fitting , locking hat that make this an well-heeled and effective way to load down school lunches .
None of the divider are obliterable , so you ca n’t customize the size of the food section like you may with some other options .
For a colorful and convenient way to pack your child ’s meals , appear no further than the Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Box . This easy - to - pack bento box is very portable , and five convenient compartments intend you may keep your small one ’s food safely stack away without getting any of the items mixed up . It hold a little over two cups , name it well design for kid - sized appetites .
The box set matt when spread out , gain it easy to carry and eat from . The locking chapeau keeps everything safely in place , and though the tight - fitting latches keep food safe , they ’re easy enough for little fingers to open up and close without avail .
Throughout our examination , we happen the box to be relatively leak out test copy with only a few cliff escape near the hinges . Most significantly , the inner compartment is dishwasher good and designed to be slay for easy clean - up .
We noticed that some of the compartment are comparatively small , requiring some thought when prepping tumid items like sandwich and determining what food for thought can go into the circular compartment . And , while other models include an integrated ice pack , this one does not .
However , we love that the container has rubber edge along the sides , so it ’s extra durable and insubordinate to pass , scratches and denting . uncommitted in a variety of colorful pattern for kids to choose from , we think this bento box is an organized pick for school lunches .
Product Details : Material : Plastic |Number of Compartments : Five |Dishwasher Safe : Yes ( hired hand washing is recommend for the out shell ) |Microwave Safe : Yes
Most Adjustable
Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box
This bento box is compact with multiple compartments that make it wanton to store up to six unlike foods separately .
We noticed that it ’s not altogether leak cogent evidence , and it ’s a routine small-scale than the other boxes .
This slick , succinct bento box by Bento & Co is expertly organise to sport six lowly compartments hive away in one commodious loge . Customizable divider let in one horizontal centrifuge and two inner dividers for the compartment .
Each compartment is removable for easy cleanup and care , and the tight - fitting lid features a silicone rim and cartridge clip to keep the top secure . We love that this box includes chopstick that are stored the right way in the hat for easy access .
During testing , we find that the box was effectual at keeping its contents in home during travel . Although we love that the multiple compartment in this boxwood allow you to store different foods separately , it ’s crucial to keep in mind that it can be challenging to hive away larger pieces of solid food . It ’s also shorter than some of the other boxes , which stand for sure foods might get squished with the lid on .
We also incur that the lid was n’t completely leak proof , so you ’ll need to be mindful when storing sauce and other liquid items . Another consideration is storage , as the box is n’t insulate enough to keep nutrient dusty alfresco of the refrigerator .
The Bento & Co box is designed to urge originative lunches , with several compartments for storing a variety of snack - sizing items . With an approachable price point and a nice sort of features , this boxful is our top pick if you need an adjustable option .
Product point : stuff : credit card |Number of Compartments : Six |Dishwasher Safe : Yes ; but intimate lid should be paw washed |Microwave Safe : Yes ( with lid removed )
Best Design
Bentgo Modern
This wide bento box is leisurely to strip , and a removable splitter allows for either three or four compartment , adding a level of versatility and efficiency .
When the splitter is in stead , it do the other compartments quite small .
This versatile bento box by Bentgo is perfect for storing luncheon or leftover . Thanks to the smart design , the spacious box features either three or four compartments using a obliterable divider . That means you could either store a large detail — like a sandwich — and a few small items when the divider is removed , or you could stash away a extract of smaller items — like yield , crackers , and cheese — when the partition is in position .
With a capacity of 5.5 cups , it easily accommodates snacks and expectant meals . Conveniently , the interior compartment is designed to be removed so you may well bolt down it in the microwave oven , dish washer , or sink .
We love the attractive , sleek design of this box , and it performed exceptionally well in all of our tests . The silicone - seal , passing water - resistive palpebra was especially telling with no spill or messes . We found the locking clip to be sturdy and perdurable , and the removable tray was easy to clean and care for .
While we wish it had a consecrate space for utensils , the Bentgo Modern is an overall marvelous option for anyone looking for an low-cost , honest bento box .
production Details : cloth : Plastic and stainless steel |Number of Compartments : Three or four |Dishwasher Safe : Yes ( top wheel only ) |Microwave Safe : Yes ( food tray only )
The Bottom Line
Bento loge should be spacious , effective , and commodious , which is why we love theBentgo Classicbest of all . The containers are easy to clean , lightweight and portable , and we hump that the Seth includes utensils . This is a fantastic manner to keep meals sweet in an unionised and fashionable container .
Our Testing Process
To feel the ripe bento boxes , we put 13 options to the exam at our testing lab in Des Moines , Iowa , as well as at home . The bento boxes were evaluated on several categories : designing , insularity , and ease of cleansing .
To measure design , we considered what we were able-bodied to fit into the compartment as well as how much . We also observe if any items leaked or shift , as well as if it ever became damaged during the testing period .
Insulation was determined based on how fresh the food stayed , including if they stayed tender or cold ( bet on the item ) . We also note if the bento box was lay in in either the icebox or at room temperature .
Credit: Amazon
Ease of cleaning was based on if the bento box hail aside for cleanup , as well as if it were safe to put in the dishwasher . We also weigh how much space it took up in the dishwashing machine .
What to Know About Bento Boxes Before Shopping
Material
Depending on which eccentric of bento box you opt , it could be made from a variety of materials like unstained steel , charge card , or silicone polymer . It ’s significant to keep in mind that fabric is one of the most influential factor when pick out the best bento box for you — the specific material a container is made from direct impact its strength and functionality .
untainted steel bento boxful are long-lasting , easy to cleanse , and do n’t soak up flavors or nutrient discoloration . However , unstained sword bento boxes are not safe toput in the microwave oven . instead , charge plate bento boxes are usually more convenient — they can be wash away in the dishwashing machine and place in the microwave oven — but they often absorb flavors and stain , and they are n’t always as perdurable or big - tariff .
Our pick for best innovation , theBentgo Modern Bento Box , is a in effect compromise as it ’s made with long-wearing credit card that ’s both sturdy and sluttish to care for . Before you purchase , make certain to evaluate how you plan to use your bento box and how you be after to cleanse it .
The Monbento box comes with two stackable containers and a smaller container for dressing or snacks.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Care
Regularly cleaning a bento box is essential , and with multiple compartments , it ’s not always as straightforward as washing a regular dish . If you plan to expend your bento box for day-after-day lunches or hebdomadary repast prep , you ’ll desire one that ’s easy to clean house .
While some bento boxes are dishwasher - safe , others should be clean by hand . The Umami Bento Boxis an splendid choice for convenient cleaning , as all office are dishwasher safe . Before choose your selection , be indisputable to consider how you design to clean and manage for it .
Compartments
Bento box seat dissent from received lunch box because they moderate multiple compartments to keep individual intellectual nourishment items separated . compartment are a not bad way to keep voluptuous food item — like strawberries or blackberries — from touching dry bite .
The best bento box seat should have multiple compartments in alter sizes . With multiple divider to create six customizable compartments , theBento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Boxis project to salt away a mixed bag of token .
Before selecting the right one for you , verify to assess what type of compartment you require and how many . If you plan to compact sandwiches , ensure the bento box has at least one large compartment . If you project to pack small snacks , you ’ll want to pick one with multiple small compartment . Keep in nous that the more compartments a bento box has , the more tedious it will be to pick each one .
Accessories
Accessories are a helpful addition when picking out a bento box . The best bento boxes should make it easy to transport tiffin on the go , so accessory like cutlery or chopstick are an important part of that .
When selecting the right bento box for you , consider what accessories are most of import . If you plan to eat your lunch on the go , seem for an all - in - one option that include a knife , branching , and spoon , like our dear overall pick , theBentgo Classic Bento Box .
Other Bento Boxes We Tested
Bentgo Microsteel Lunch Box
TheBentgo Microsteel Lunch Boxis a respectable bento box features a removable divider that makes it a various option for storing foods of dissimilar sizes and human body . We like the untarnished steel grammatical construction , and the fact that it ’s oven safe to handily reheat leftovers .
While we care the size and found it lasting and easy to houseclean , we also noticed a few issues with this bento box . During the examination process , sauces and liquids spill both between the internal compartments and out of the container only . The box is also a bit tricky to afford , so daily utilisation can be a challenge .
Takenaka Bento Bite Dual
TheTakenaka Bento Bite Dualis is made from recycled plastic bottles , which intend it ’s potent , perdurable , and sluttish to houseclean . Throughout our testing process , we loved how easygoing this lot is to use — the lid are well-situated to unfold and close , and the elastic ring hold up the pot firmly in stead .
It ’s also handily microwave and dishwasher - good . While there ’s lots to lie with about this bento box , we find that the compartments are not leak trial impression . They leaked quite a minute during our trial even when the band held them securely in place . As a result , user should be aware when store liquified nutrient . This model also lacks a few of the features that other bento box offer , like multiple splitter and containers for dressing and sauces .
Your Questions, Answered
What is a bento box?
A bento boxful is a multi - compartment container design to store the various part of homemade meals .
The primary dispute between a lunch box and a bento box is that a bento box has multiple compartments to keep your intact lunch stored in one convenient box . Rather than compact multiple little container , baggies , or jars , a bento box keep everything stored severally in one convenient container .
The dividers also make it well-situated to separate items with dissimilar flavors so they do n’t commingle . Bento boxes should have a locking lid that keeps everything safely in situation .
How much can you expect to spend on a bento box?
depend on the construction and feature , bento box typically cost as grim as $ 15 and can be up to $ 40 . Our best overall pick , theBentgo Classic Bento Box , is $ 15 , while theBentgo Modern Bento Box , our pick for best design , is $ 35 .
What types of food should you store in a bento box?
The character of solid food you’re able to pack in a bento box depends on how many compartments it has and how expeditiously it seals . If your bento box has a larger compartment , you may easily throng a sandwich or piece of grill chicken .
Rice and vegetables are also arrant for a large compartment , and can be paired with a separate protein and sauce . you could also pack snacks like yield or vegetable . If your bento box boast a leak- cogent evidence lid , you could also compact liquid like soup , yogurt , or hummus .
Another fantastical exercise for bento boxes is for nipper since the freestanding compartment are idealistic for storing small sandwich and favorite snacks . Keep accompaniments like chips and crackers separate from a refrigerated bento box to maintain their crunchy grain .
Who We Are
This article was write byJordan Liberty Phillips , a author forBetter Homes & Gardens . Her expertise includes recipe and preparation , home decor , and shopping . For this article , she reviewed testing insights from our research BHG research team , who evaluated 13 picks on their design , insulation , and relief of cleaning . She also considered material , fear , compartment , and accessary to incur the good bento boxes .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends Navy SEAL of approval . production that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to check that they ’re deserving a spot in your home plate . We buy most of the product we test ourselves , but occasionally we are provided samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these caseful , we use the same testing measure we use to test the buy products .
Credit: Amazon
The Umami box has a secure, tight lid and clips to keep it in place.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Bentgo Kids lunch box comes with a patterned carrying case in a variety of colors and patterns.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Bento & Co
The Bento & Co lunch box includes six small compartments inside one box.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Bentgo Modern box includes three compartments or four when using the divider.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We tested the lunch box based on its durability, capacity, potential leaks, and food freshness.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Takenaka lunch box leaked quite a bit and lacked features like dividers.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
