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. Ad from shop KayuAndCoAU CoastalTech From shop StormJCreations, ad by ZoetangleLLC Most of them are even microwave safe so you can heat it up at your workplace. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. @2022 - All Right Reserved. However, this lunch box overcomes that and ensures proper insulation for your food. When it is time to eat, simply pop it inside the microwave. (40% off), ad by HandandHeartMarket Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. 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. Popular Mechanics. (15% off), ad by PrettyTiffin Monbento has been making these incredibly attractive, French-designed, luxe bento boxes since 2009. Best Japanese Products has a stringent review process when selecting the best products with the help of top experts and consultants of various fields. 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. Ad from shop MoonquakeDesigns A bento box is simply a boxed meal with compartments separating toppings or courses. ShopRhapsodious Materials: 100% recyclable BPA-free plastic, silicone | Compartments: 2-3 with a sauce container | Size: 40 ounces, "Sleek, minimalist, and sturdy, this bento box is surprisingly roomy and very easy to clean." So my lunch contains a little of everything. Kids will love this colorful bento box. Ad from shop UniqueThingzzStudio They can, however, be stored in an insulated carrying case. This style of bento box is not leakproof, so you won't want to use this for anything that has sauce or liquid. From shop UrthaEcoShop, ad by TimelessxCreations Ad from shop KodakStudio These sets aren't entirely leakproof, so they're better suited for lunches without sauces or liquids. Learn more. From shop FancifulCreationsCo, ad by JaydaCreativeDesign The pretty finish and the stylish design makes this lunch box a desirable option. Dont see this option? MentallyHealthyShop Looks like you already have an account! https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g37201555/best-bento-lunch-boxes/, BEST BENTO BOXES. 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. Japanese insulated bento tend to come in separate containers and resemble a Western-style lunchbox, with a thermos cup that fits into an insulated or non-insulated soft carrying case. Ad from shop Chitaccessory This best Japanese thermal lunch box is designed with a handle, to make it easy for you to carry it around. To help you, we have compiled a list of the best Japanese thermal lunch boxes, which we are sure you will love. More design-focused bento, as well as indestructible models with kids in mind, tend to be on the more expensive side. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. The bag can also be used as a placemat, making it a versatile item. This model can be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Ad from shop DesignIntel Ad from shop MagicPrintsStore Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! 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. From shop RabittoFakutori, $23.99 Since the compartments won't leak into each other, you can put soup or salsa in one section without worrying that it will seep into the other foods. ZoetangleLLC While they are not exceptionally long-lasting or heavy-duty, theyre inexpensive enough that if one gets left behind or tossed in the trash, it wont feel like a major loss. monbento MB Original Bento Lunch Box, Best Disposable: There are so many options and styles to buy from, choosing from which can be a daunting task. Bento-style meals and boxes have roots in Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, but have since spread through the rest of the world. Ad from shop LuxxxaShop After eating out of your bento, simply wash and dry it until next time. Popular Mechanics, BestReviews, and Simply Recipes all picked the Bentoheaven Bento Box. From shop MagicPrintsStore, Sale Price $25.00 (25% off), ad by DesignIntel From shop YoungBoutiqueShop, ad by CoastalTech Original Price $22.49 Ad from shop GoldyTees Bisphenol A (BPA) factsheet. Ad from shop ReimaginesCo Ad from shop FancifulCreationsCo From shop SandDuneSunsets, $73.41 You can warm up your food by reheating in the microwave. MoonquakeDesigns From shop Recy, $72.00 From shop JaydaCreativeDesign, Sale Price $23.67 From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a freelance writer for The Spruce Eats specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products, specifically cookware. $10.99, $13.74 (20% off), ad by ElkwoodDesignsAU From shop DesignIntel, $46.18 Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. Cleaning it is easyit's top-rack dishwasher safe, perfect for getting rid of any greasiness or stickiness left behind by food. From shop PrettyTiffin, ad by Chitaccessory 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. Bentgo Children's Lunch Box, Best Design: Chitaccessory KayuAndCoAU She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread. The Bentohaven Bento Lunch Box is an all-around good choice in terms of design, functionality, and price. We hope you enjoyed the ride into the world of the best Japanese lunch boxes and found a beautiful thermal lunch box that would be your partner every day. 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. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. our process. DesignByMerriment From shop IncognetSee, $23.32 This set is top-rack dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to avoid warping the lid. 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). FREE shipping, ad by MaesCustomCreations Bento boxes are designed with a single serving meal in mind, but they can still vary in size. FREE shipping, ad by Wiladu Continue reading to check out some of the best ones out there: The first best Japanese thermal lunch box is the BentoHaven Bento box. The bento box holds about 38 ounces, so theres plenty of space for lunch or dinner, making it a versatile box for kids and adults alike. From shop KozySweetHome, Sale Price $42.49 If you balance out your foods, you can typically create a filling meal, even in a smaller bento box. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. Early bento lids were completely separate from the base of the box and often tied up in furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, to help keep it secure. Ad from shop Recy 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. (10% off), ad by YouBayu If you want to heat up meals, make sure your bento is microwave-safe. From shop HandandHeartMarket, ad by CreativeLifeNY Ad from shop DreamStudioNewYork $69.99, $77.77 Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. All in all, it's a sturdily built lunchbox that also looks grown up. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. This is one of the most classic Japanese lunch boxes that look classy, sophisticated, and high end. It has three compartmentsone large 14-ounce section and two smaller 7-ounce sections. Ad from shop HandandHeartMarket Ad from shop YoungBoutiqueShop (10% off), ad by ReadyPrintLearn LuxxxaShop Ad from shop DKdecorStudio Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Not surprisingly, before the advent of the microwave, bento meals were eaten cold. This is again a great option for an insulated lunch box. From shop DesignsbyChristaLLC, $32.99 You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. They used the bento boxes to pack lunches of all kinds, including main courses, salads, sauces, snacks, and desserts, and transport them in order to evaluate their portability and whether or not they leaked in transit. From shop ShopRhapsodious, $9.99 How Choose The Right Japanese Futons? Dzukou The airtight design makes it leak-proof, keeping your lunchtime mess-free. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! Definitely one of the best Japanese thermal lunch box. The latches are easy enough for kids to use, but they latch securely, so the box will stay closed until its time for lunch. Here are the best Japanese thermal lunch boxes that will keep your food warm till you're ready to have it! $25.00, $41.67 Your food will remain hot for up to six hours. Read our, Grub2Go The Original Japanese Bento Box at Amazon, Ecolunchbox Three-in-One Classic at Amazon, Bentgo Salad BPA-Free Lunch Container at Amazon, Modetro Ultra Slim Leak Proof Bento Lunchbox at Amazon, monbento MB Original Bento Lunch Box at Amazon, Freshware Meal Prep Containers With Lids at Amazon, Best Overall: JaydaCreativeDesign Materials: Stainless steel| Compartments: 2-3 | Size: 32 ounces, "This is a small but mighty container, durable enough to stand up to daily use and easy to open and close so even kids can use it." This best Japanese thermal lunch box has a vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction that keeps your food warm. $16.42, $27.37 Freshware 2 Compartment Meal Prep Containers With Lids, The 9 Best Lunch Boxes for Kids to Keep Their Meal Fresh, The Best Lunch Boxes To Take Your Meal on the Go, The Best Insulated Tumblers to Keep Beverages Hot or Cold for Hours, The Best Colanders for Straining, Draining, and Rinsing: Tested and Approved, 9 Dry Food Storage Containers We Tested and Loved, The Best Hot Food Thermoses for a Great Meal Anywhere, The Best Fridge Organization Bins: Tested and Approved, We Tested the Best Coffee Thermoses, so You Can Stay Caffeinated On the Go, The Best Pantry Organization Bins and Shelves: Tested by The Spruce Eats, The Best Iced Tea Makers for a Refreshing Drink, We Tested the Best Mandolines for Quick and Precise Slicing, We Tested the Best Travel MugsThese 11 Are Our Favorites, The Best Personal Blenders to Save You Counter Space. If you plan on reusing them, prolong the life of these containers by hand washing them (though they are top-rack dishwasher-safe). Also, the design and the material make it a durable and sturdy option. It is also very easy to clean. You can also find non-insulated bento that come with an insulated carrying case. Ad from shop SALOwilderness While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. This compact bento box is a great innovation as it is easy and convenient to carry. 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. (10% off), ad by SandDuneSunsets Featuring two compartments, they're roomy enough for a main dish and side, a nice-sized salad, or a sandwich and chips. Check instructions before microwaving. is here for you with the best reviews on the products from Japan. RabittoFakutori From shop DKdecorStudio, $54.99 Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsys advertising platform to promote their items. Ahead, the best bento boxes that can be reused for convenient eating anytime, anywhere. MagicPrintsStore 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. FREE shipping, ad by MyQuBe This lunch box has insulated walls and is quite compact and easy to carry. This is quite a large lunch box that has three boxes that can be used individually or stacked together. Bento boxes are usually small and are meant for controlled portions of a large number of items. At its most basic, a bento box is a tray with a lid (either attached or detached) for ease of transportation. She also noted that the dividers will not prevent liquids from running into other compartments within the main container, so you'll want to take extra care if you're packing multiple sections of sauce or soft foods like yogurt or pudding. Unlike a thermos, most bento boxes are not fully insulated. Since this bento box comes with multiple sizes of compartments, its a great option for portion control. Some bento, especially insulated models, have removable inside trays that can be washed, and the exterior is only cleaned as needed. Bento box purists will love this classically designed box, which earned the top spot on our list after testing. Wiladu https://www.simplyrecipes.com/best-bento-boxes-5193584. ReadyPrintLearn Ad from shop ReadyPrintLearn Are thermal lunch boxes safe to carry food? The box is safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. Ad from shop DesignsbyChristaLLC From shop SkoogDesign, $53.76 Fully equipped with a set of utensils, this bento box can travel to work or a picnic with ease. YouBayu (15% off), ad by KayuAndCoAU It helps keep the food warm and cold, depending on what you are carrying. Ad from shop Wiladu Since its made entirely from stainless steel, this bento box can't be used in the microwave, so it's best suited for meals that are eaten cold or at room temperature. Ad from shop SandDuneSunsets Our tester packed a hefty amount of greens into the bottom section and loaded the top compartments with all of the ingredients for a Greek saladvegetables stayed separate from the feta and kalamata olives, and the dressing stayed put without leaking. She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. FREE shipping, ad by DesignsbyChristaLLC Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar, Komax Lunchmate Bento Lunch Box with Insulated Bag, Choosing Bento Box container | Guide to Buying Bento Boxes. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. BestReviews. Ad from shop PrettyTiffin FREE shipping, ad by TalithaKoumShopCo Original Price $44.55 Lids are also often hinged, making it easy to keep all parts of the box together. $22.02, $44.04 Ad from shop Sclipacktokcer 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. Erika is the main author of the website. Ad from shop IncognetSee $42.49, $49.99 Original Price $27.37 From shop ReimaginesCo, $49.00 From shop basisJP, $220.00 From shop shopweisslake, ad by AllAbundantThings It also sells stainless steel inserts and accessories. This was large enough for an adult portion of spaghetti and meatballs, a hunk of garlic bread, and a serving of vegetables, but it would also lend itself well to a sandwich, veggie sticks, and a serving of fruit. From shop AtlasLilyCo, ad by DreamStudioNewYork It has a modern, minimalistic design that looks uber-stylish. Beginning in the 20th century, other materials began to be used, starting with aluminum in the 1920s. Ad from shop Dzukou (50% off), ad by YoungBoutiqueShop Erika is the definition of The Crazy Cat Lady. Simply Recipes. These days, it is time for innovative thermal bento lunch boxes. Ad from shop wunderwunsch Which Bento Boxes are perfect for portion control? Best Japanese Products. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. No matter your plans, ensure any plastic is BPA-free. Ad from shop CreativeLifeNY 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 10 Best Bento Lunch Boxes for Organized Packed Lunches. Because they are still handmade, wood bento can cost over $100. In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Traditional materials, like bamboo or wood, require more care and must be hand-washed. Today, like with all packed meals, its often a matter of preference. Our tester filled this lunchbox with a sandwich, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes, and used the snack pod for a serving of berries. Original Price $49.99 If you have kids, Japanese thermal lunch boxes are a great option for kids to take to school as well. 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. Ideal for days when lugging around a dirty food container isn't an option (like a school field trip), these boxes are made from BPA-freeplastic and come in a pack of 15. A bento will typically contain rice or noodles alongside a protein, like fish or pork, as well as vegetables. Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best DesignsbyChristaLLC It also keeps your food fresh for a long time. DKdecorStudio 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. Each bento box was rated on its design, insulation, size, versatility, and overall value. remembering account, browser, and regional preferences, remembering privacy and security settings, personalized search, content, and recommendations, helping sellers understand their audience, showing relevant, targeted ads on and off Etsy. Good news! MyQuBe From shop ZoetangleLLC, Sale Price $37.87 Keep your lunch fresh and hot for hours with the best Japanese thermal lunch box. The lids have a pull tab to open the vents, which let hot air escape during reheating in the microwave. Grub2Go The Original Japanese Bento Box, Best Stainless: As with Western-style lunch boxes, bento boxes can be licensed with favorite characters or use bright, colorful designs to appeal to children. It is non-toxic and odorless. Choose the options youd like for the order. The upper compartment further features two more compartments that can fit inside the box. DesignIntel From shop DreamStudioNewYork, Sale Price $13.59 TimelessxCreations Bento meals also typically feature a variety of foods that are divided using trays or even separate compartments that are often stacked. Materials: BPA-free plastic (bento), 100% polyester (bag)| Compartments: 3 | Size: 28 ounces, "This slim design fits nicely into my work bag, and it's totally leakproof so I don't have to worry about carrying it on its side." Additionally, it comes with a carrying bag that makes it convenient for you to carry it. Each bento box was rated on its design, insulation, size, versatility, and overall value. From shop sarahcottonshop, Sale Price $10.99 We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. This best Japanese thermal lunch box is designed like a bento box and comes with two boxes and a separate box that includes chopsticks. From shop MyQuBe, ad by Dzukou From shop Dzukou, ad by GoenneJapan View cart for details. From shop LemonGoats, Sale Price $42.08 Original Price $46.76 AtlasLilyCo As you may expect with something that has been in use for nearly a millennia, Bento boxes and meals vary widely. Another fantastic feature is the ability to keep foods coldjust put the lunchbox body into the freezer overnight, and pack your cold lunch in the morning. From shop MegaDobyArts, ad by UniqueThingzzStudio $11.70, $13.00 The Spruce Eats / Bernadette Machard de Gramont. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, Cookware Expert for The Spruce Eats. It's available in green, purple, or blue, and there are also options with bright colors and multiple fun prints to suit any taste. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. You can ensure its safe by checking if the thermal boxes are free of chemicals and is antibacterial. shopweisslake Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. 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.