Honest Reviews of the Most Popular Stainless Steel Lunchboxes
November 2020
Last reviewed: July 2024
Author:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
As an Amazon Associate, Kids Eat in Color® earns from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
Author:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
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Inside: The best stainless steel lunchboxes for your child and gritty honest reviews to go with them. You’ll be able to make your decision confidently!
I paused, my thumb hovering over the “buy now” button – on a $24.99 preschool lunchbox. “It’s too much,” I told myself.
Then again, I had to send food in something.
“What if it’s junk?”
I threw the phone on the bed.
Fast forward 8 years. I’ve time-tested so many boxes I can actually provide you with unbiased pros and cons about the best stainless steel lunchboxes for kids (and a few plastic ones too)!
You don’t have to go in wondering what can go right or wrong. I’ll tell you!
I’m into lunchboxes because I have to send lunches with my kids and they can help picky eaters eat better. If you need help with a picky eater, I’ve got a free child feeding guide that will help you.
Ready for the most honest lunchbox reviews you’ve ever read?
These are great. They are high quality and have a clean design.
The size is practical and would allow for a good amount of food for a young kid. This brand churns out quality. The layout is visually pleasing with 3 compartments.
After a few years of use, there is a limited show of wear and tear. The lids still fit snug and stay secure in a book bag.
Pros:
Practical size.
High quality.
Long lasting.
Easy to clean.
The design and layout is helpful to implement the lunchbox formula of protein + fat + color.
After using it as a lunchbox, they can make great snack boxes for older kids.
Cons:
Can be pricey up-front, but it does last a long time.
Dimensions: 6″ L x 5″ W x 1.75″ H. Good for: Preschool, kindergarten, big kid snack. Leakproof: No. Dishwasher safe: Yes. Other fun things shown in the picture: Flower Sandwich Cutters, Leaf Food Picks.
More of the Lunchbots’ great quality here, but this box is huge. This would be better for older kids or for a family-sized snack box with dried fruit, nuts, etc. Also, the compartments unfortunately do not fit a sandwich (even when it’s cut into quarters or triangles). So, if you ever serve sandwiches on “normal” sandwich bread, this box will bring you back to your high school geometry struggles. However, if you aren’t a sandwich person, you may love it.
Pros:
High quality.
Easy to clean.
Long lasting.
Cons:
Not appropriate for a small kid, it’s just too big. It may work for a kid with a very large appetite.
The 2 larger compartments do not fit a sandwich (a common lunch).
Dimensions: 8″ L x 6″ W x 1.75″ H. Good for: Older kid with very large appetite, adult, family snack box. Leakproof: No. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
If you follow lunch accounts on Instagram, you will find images of the Planetbox Rover. And it is GORGEOUS, but it is PRICEY.
Kids are thrilled to pick out the magnets that go on top. This is a huge selling point. They are fun, and kids love fun. Eventually, the magnets do show a lot of wear though.
The quality is high. The layout is the most aesthetic of all the other lunchboxes making it fun to pack. It comes with 2 round, leak-proof containers. They really are leak-proof and that is impressive.
But the biggest issue we found was that the latches stopped latching within a year. We’ve had people that have reported that they have NOT had this issue, but we’ve had it happen to a few of our boxes. The company offers new latches for purchase, but it’s something to consider given the already initial eye-popping price.
Pros:
Beautiful design.
High quality.
Fun for kids.
Easy to clean.
Cons:
Pricey.
Latch can break.
Over time, magnets show a lot of wear and tear.
Dimensions: 10” L x 7.4” H x 1.5” W. Good for: Elementary (2nd graders+). Leakproof: Yes. Plus, round containers included with purchase are also leakproof! Dishwasher safe: Yes. Other fun things shown in the picture: Small Animal Veggie Cutters.
While the Planetbox Rover is great for older elementary-aged kids, the Planetbox Shuttle seems like it may be better suited for preschoolers and kindergarteners. We have not tested this one yet, but wanted to include it for consideration since we can definitely vouch for Planetbox’s quality, design and ease of packing.
Dimensions: 7.8” L x 5.2” H x 2.0” W. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
If you are a fan of the original Yumbox or the Yumbox Panino and are ready for a bigger box, the leakproof, stainless steel Yumbox Presto is a good option.
The Yumbox containers are deeper and lighter than other similar lunchboxes like the Planetbox Rover and Bentgo Stainless Steel.
Pros:
Sturdy.
Lightweight at only 1.5 lbs (compared to others similar in size).
Well-made.
Deeper container.
Leakproof.
Cons:
Not dishwasher safe.
Latch can be hard to open for young kids.
If you break the latch, it wouldn’t be easy to replace.
Deeper containers could be a con if you send too much food by mistake (more food waste).
Dimensions: 10” x 8” x 2.25”. Good for: Elementary (2nd graders+). Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: No.
If you are a fan of Bentgo’s other lunchboxes (the Chill or the 5-compartment), then this one could be a good option for you.
This lunchbox has a practical layout, which is great for packing. However, the compartments are shallow. Over time, the coloring on the outside of the lunchbox chips off and the latch becomes loose. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review, they don’t offer replacements for the latches.
Pros:
Latch is easy to open.
Fairly easy to clean.
Leak resistant.
Cons
Color on the lid chips.
Latch gets looser over time & there is currently no replacement option.
Dimensions: 9.8″ L x 1.4″ W x 7.6″ H. Good for: Elementary (2nd graders+). Leakproof: Leak resistant. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
If your kid is into buses and divided plates, this may be your winning ticket.
This one can double as a plate and a lunchbox. It’s cute. Super cute, and durable.
That said, we don’t have confidence in the lid. It doesn’t always keep food in the original sections if swung around in a backpack, and well, it just seems like it could come off. For lunchboxes, we like 100% confidence that lids will not come off in a backpack.
Also, it’s hard to find a container to put the plate in, so it’s really best for at-home use.
Pros:
Fun design.
Durable.
Cons:
Not practical container sizes.
Not confident in the lid.
Hard to find a sleeve to fit it.
Dimensions: 10.63″ L x 7.13″ W x 1.4″ H. Good for: At-home preschooler or kindergartener. Leakproof: No. Dishwasher safe: Yes (the lid is not dishwasher safe). Other fun things shown in the picture: Veggie Shape Cutters.
If you’re looking for something that is leakproof and will be a great single-compartment lunchbox forever, this is it. It’s sturdy and comes with a silicone lid.
It may not be good for a small child’s lunch because the box is so big. The compartment is deep, which can be good or bad. If your kid doesn’t have a big appetite, it could lead to food waste. For kids with bigger appetites, it could be great.
One possible downside is that it doesn’t have separate compartments so all the food will touch. This could make it hard to pack different foods, like fruit or other juicy foods.
To help with packing, you could try fun additions, like filling silicone muffin cup liners with small portions of different foods. However, in transport, things may fall out of the muffin cup liners.
Pros:
Leakproof.
Durable.
Easy to clean.
Cons:
Compartment may be too deep.
One compartment only.
Not as “exciting” for kids.
Dimensions: 6.5″ L x 4.75″ W x 2″ H. Good for: Older kid or adult. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Yes. Other fun things shown in the picture: Panda Rice Molds.
The Omiebox has some unique features. It’s mostly plastic, but has a stainless steel insulated container inside the box. It can be used to keep foods warm or cold. It can also be used to keep some foods cold while keeping other foods warm.
It’s unique. If you have a small child that likes warm food at lunchtime and needs something easy to open (most of the time – read below), this is it. You can also put the whole lunch into one box – the thermos is included and fits right in. The handle in the lunchbox also makes it like a carrying case, which can be fun for kids.
The lunchbox, however, has a very large volume. So, even a lot of food looks like a little bit of food and you may easily overpack lunch and waste food without thinking.
Also, and this is the big one, several people have had issues with the thermos getting stuck shut. The thermos somehow vacuum-sealed shut and the child and teacher were unable to open it – so the child couldn’t eat the main part of their lunch.
Additonally, the thermos compartment doesn’t hold temperature for very long.
Finally, it’s a royal pain to clean. There are two gaskets, many parts, and some of it is dishwasher safe and some of it isn’t. We use it sparingly for this reason, but still pull it out for warm ravioli lunches or warm soup.
Pros:
Unique design (allowing thermos and components to be packed together).
Keeps food warm and cold.
Carrying case can be fun for kids.
Cons:
Thermos lid can get stuck shut.
Thermos compartment doesn’t hold temperature for very long.
Hard to clean.
Dimensions: 7.5″ L x 8.5″ W x 3″ H. Good for: Preschoolers, elementary. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Some parts. Other fun things shown in the picture: Dip Containers, Silicone Baking Cups.
This is a new lunchbox on the market and we have not had the chance to try it yet.
However, it looks similar to our favorite Lunchbot lunchbox and at a great price!
We will update you as we do more testing!
Dimensions: 7.01 x 5.55 x 2.52 inches. Good for: Seems good for preschoolers, elementary. Leakproof: No, but there is a bonus leakproof lid container. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
This is another new lunchbox we are excited to test out. Elk and Friends is the creator of the stainless steel cups we love, so we have high hopes for this one.
We will update you as we do more testing!
Dimensions: 8.5” x 7.1”x 1.6” inches. Good for: Seems good for preschoolers and elementary school kids. Leakproof: No, website description does not note it as leakproof. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Non-Stainless Steel Lunchboxes
If stainless steel is not for you, here are a few of the most popular non-stainless steel lunchboxes.
The Yumbox Original is a good size for kids who like snack-type lunches. There are 6 different compartments that are small.
This Yumbox Panino is about the same size as the original, but only has 3 compartments.It’s a good size for kids who like a sandwich and 3 small sides
But after 2 years of use, these boxes do leak. The silicone coating that makes it leak-proof does pick up odors, so we can’t wash the outer box in the dishwasher. That makes these boxes more high maintenance.
Pros:
Great size options.
Fun design for kids.
Cons:
Becomes not leakproof after wear and tear.
Silicone coasting picks up dishwasher soap odors.
Original:
Volume: 8.5″ L x 2″ W x 6″ H. Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade. Leakproof: Initially, but not after wear and tear. Dishwasher safe: Yes. Other fun things shown in the picture: Rainbow Paper Baking Cups.
Panino:
Dimensions: 6″ L x 2″ W x 8″ H. Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade. Leakproof: Initially, but not after wear and tear. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Bentgo can be found in the bestsellers on Amazon and Target. They are colorful, functional and easy to clean.
The Chill Lunchbox, specifically, comes with a built-in ice pack that is helpful for packing.
The negatives have been that because the Chill Lunchbox comes with the ice pack, it is heavier and doesn’t keep cool for too long. So if you are hoping it will last for an afterschool snack, we’d recommend adding another ice pack.
Pros:
Fun colors.
Functional design.
Easy to clean.
Durable.
Great customer service.
Cons:
The Chill Lunchbox can be heavy.
Ice tray doesn’t stay cool for too long.
5-Compartment:
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 6.5″ W x 2″ H. Good for: Kindergarten – 3rd grade. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Chill:
Dimensions: 8.9″ L x 6.5″ W x 2″ H. Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
This non-stainless steel lunchbox is the absolute cutest set for kids into LEGO®, blocks or building.
It’s fun! If you have a picky eater who is “blah” on lunch, and you want them to have more interest, this box may help. The smaller containers are great for small sides.
The latches have worked long term, and the fun factor lives on.
That said, the lunchbox itself is on the small side and the larger container is very deep. While this works for traditional Bento styles that are rice-based, it can be tricky to pack a sandwich. It can also be tricky to store.
Pros:
Fun factor is high!
Durable.
Cons:
A bit small.
Container depth makes sandwich-packing tricky.
Tricky to store.
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.6 x 6 inches. Good for: Preschoolers. Leakproof: No. Dishwasher safe: Yes Other fun things shown in the picture: Long toothpicks.
Lunchboxes don’t have to be fancy! These easy-to-pack, lightweight containers are a great option too. If your child loses this container, it likely won’t break your heart.
Pros:
Easy-to-pack.
Lightweight.
No tears if your child loses one.
Cons:
Prone to warp.
May need to replace them semi-frequently.
Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.7 x 10.1 inches. Good for: All ages. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Yes (may depend on your dishwasher settings).
What Should I Put in the Lunchbox?
If you also need help with what to pack for lunch, our Everyday Lunches ebook can help. It includes inspirations for new variations on classics like sandwiches and wraps, and the Grab-Ables Guide to grab-and-go lunches. We’ve also included ideas for fruit and veggies to serve on the side.
The recipe book also features tasty, make-ahead recipes, from muffins to nuggets to veggie-and-fruit roll-ups.
Plus, we share strategies that teach you how to quickly and efficiently pack lunches that kids will actually eat, and tips on how to help teach your child to pack their own lunch.
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian and has a masters of science in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In 2019, she founded Kids Eat in Color®, a public health resource that improves child and family nutrition and mental health. Prior to starting Kids Eat in Color® she coordinated youth nutrition programs at a food bank, performed research in inner-city food deserts, and consulted for the USDA national office SNAP-Ed program. Her academic background is in public health nutrition, cultural anthropology, and economics.
Inside: The best stainless steel lunchboxes for your child and gritty honest reviews to go with them. You’ll be able to make your decision confidently!
I paused, my thumb hovering over the “buy now” button – on a $24.99 preschool lunchbox. “It’s too much,” I told myself.
Then again, I had to send food in something.
“What if it’s junk?”
I threw the phone on the bed.
Fast forward 8 years. I’ve time-tested so many boxes I can actually provide you with unbiased pros and cons about the best stainless steel lunchboxes for kids (and a few plastic ones too)!
You don’t have to go in wondering what can go right or wrong. I’ll tell you!
I’m into lunchboxes because I have to send lunches with my kids and they can help picky eaters eat better. If you need help with a picky eater, I’ve got a free child feeding guide that will help you.
Ready for the most honest lunchbox reviews you’ve ever read?
Related: Get your picky eater on the road to eating more foods with BetterBites
1. Lunchbots Medium Trio II 3 Compartment Stainless Steel Lunchbox
These are great. They are high quality and have a clean design.
The size is practical and would allow for a good amount of food for a young kid. This brand churns out quality. The layout is visually pleasing with 3 compartments.
After a few years of use, there is a limited show of wear and tear. The lids still fit snug and stay secure in a book bag.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 6″ L x 5″ W x 1.75″ H.
Good for: Preschool, kindergarten, big kid snack.
Leakproof: No.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Flower Sandwich Cutters, Leaf Food Picks.
Related: Everyday Lunches
2. Lunchbots Large Cinco 5 Compartment Stainless Steel Lunchbox
More of the Lunchbots’ great quality here, but this box is huge. This would be better for older kids or for a family-sized snack box with dried fruit, nuts, etc. Also, the compartments unfortunately do not fit a sandwich (even when it’s cut into quarters or triangles). So, if you ever serve sandwiches on “normal” sandwich bread, this box will bring you back to your high school geometry struggles. However, if you aren’t a sandwich person, you may love it.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 8″ L x 6″ W x 1.75″ H.
Good for: Older kid with very large appetite, adult, family snack box.
Leakproof: No.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Silicone Baking Cups, Animal Food Picks.
3. Planetbox Rover: The Fanciest Schmanciest Stainless Steel Lunchbox
If you follow lunch accounts on Instagram, you will find images of the Planetbox Rover. And it is GORGEOUS, but it is PRICEY.
Kids are thrilled to pick out the magnets that go on top. This is a huge selling point. They are fun, and kids love fun. Eventually, the magnets do show a lot of wear though.
The quality is high. The layout is the most aesthetic of all the other lunchboxes making it fun to pack. It comes with 2 round, leak-proof containers. They really are leak-proof and that is impressive.
But the biggest issue we found was that the latches stopped latching within a year. We’ve had people that have reported that they have NOT had this issue, but we’ve had it happen to a few of our boxes. The company offers new latches for purchase, but it’s something to consider given the already initial eye-popping price.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 10” L x 7.4” H x 1.5” W.
Good for: Elementary (2nd graders+).
Leakproof: Yes. Plus, round containers included with purchase are also leakproof!
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Small Animal Veggie Cutters.
4: Planetbox Shuttle
While the Planetbox Rover is great for older elementary-aged kids, the Planetbox Shuttle seems like it may be better suited for preschoolers and kindergarteners. We have not tested this one yet, but wanted to include it for consideration since we can definitely vouch for Planetbox’s quality, design and ease of packing.
Dimensions: 7.8” L x 5.2” H x 2.0” W.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
5. Yumbox Presto Leakproof Stainless Steel Bento Box
If you are a fan of the original Yumbox or the Yumbox Panino and are ready for a bigger box, the leakproof, stainless steel Yumbox Presto is a good option.
The Yumbox containers are deeper and lighter than other similar lunchboxes like the Planetbox Rover and Bentgo Stainless Steel.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 10” x 8” x 2.25”.
Good for: Elementary (2nd graders+).
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: No.
6. Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunchbox
If you are a fan of Bentgo’s other lunchboxes (the Chill or the 5-compartment), then this one could be a good option for you.
This lunchbox has a practical layout, which is great for packing. However, the compartments are shallow. Over time, the coloring on the outside of the lunchbox chips off and the latch becomes loose. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review, they don’t offer replacements for the latches.
Pros:
Cons
Dimensions: 9.8″ L x 1.4″ W x 7.6″ H.
Good for: Elementary (2nd graders+).
Leakproof: Leak resistant.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
7. Stainless Steel Bus Plate with Lid
If your kid is into buses and divided plates, this may be your winning ticket.
This one can double as a plate and a lunchbox. It’s cute. Super cute, and durable.
That said, we don’t have confidence in the lid. It doesn’t always keep food in the original sections if swung around in a backpack, and well, it just seems like it could come off. For lunchboxes, we like 100% confidence that lids will not come off in a backpack.
Also, it’s hard to find a container to put the plate in, so it’s really best for at-home use.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 10.63″ L x 7.13″ W x 1.4″ H.
Good for: At-home preschooler or kindergartener.
Leakproof: No.
Dishwasher safe: Yes (the lid is not dishwasher safe).
Other fun things shown in the picture: Veggie Shape Cutters.
8. Ecolunchbox Splash Box Stainless Steel Lunchbox
If you’re looking for something that is leakproof and will be a great single-compartment lunchbox forever, this is it. It’s sturdy and comes with a silicone lid.
It may not be good for a small child’s lunch because the box is so big. The compartment is deep, which can be good or bad. If your kid doesn’t have a big appetite, it could lead to food waste. For kids with bigger appetites, it could be great.
One possible downside is that it doesn’t have separate compartments so all the food will touch. This could make it hard to pack different foods, like fruit or other juicy foods.
To help with packing, you could try fun additions, like filling silicone muffin cup liners with small portions of different foods. However, in transport, things may fall out of the muffin cup liners.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 6.5″ L x 4.75″ W x 2″ H.
Good for: Older kid or adult.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Panda Rice Molds.
9. OmieBox Bento Box for Kids: Hybrid Plastic and Stainless Steel Thermos Lunchbox
The Omiebox has some unique features. It’s mostly plastic, but has a stainless steel insulated container inside the box. It can be used to keep foods warm or cold. It can also be used to keep some foods cold while keeping other foods warm.
It’s unique. If you have a small child that likes warm food at lunchtime and needs something easy to open (most of the time – read below), this is it. You can also put the whole lunch into one box – the thermos is included and fits right in. The handle in the lunchbox also makes it like a carrying case, which can be fun for kids.
The lunchbox, however, has a very large volume. So, even a lot of food looks like a little bit of food and you may easily overpack lunch and waste food without thinking.
Also, and this is the big one, several people have had issues with the thermos getting stuck shut. The thermos somehow vacuum-sealed shut and the child and teacher were unable to open it – so the child couldn’t eat the main part of their lunch.
Additonally, the thermos compartment doesn’t hold temperature for very long.
Finally, it’s a royal pain to clean. There are two gaskets, many parts, and some of it is dishwasher safe and some of it isn’t. We use it sparingly for this reason, but still pull it out for warm ravioli lunches or warm soup.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 7.5″ L x 8.5″ W x 3″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers, elementary.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Some parts.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Dip Containers, Silicone Baking Cups.
10 and 11: Foogo Stainless Steel Thermos and Thermos Funtainer
Sometimes you just need a thermos to keep something warm. These two are consistently rated high.
Pros:
Cons:
Foogo:
Volume: 1¼ cups.
Good for: Kindergarten+.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Spoon.
Thermos Funtainer:
Volume: 10 oz.
Good for: Kindergarten+.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended.
Other: Comes with its own spoon!
12. WeeSprout 18/8 Stainless Steel Bento Box
This is a new lunchbox on the market and we have not had the chance to try it yet.
However, it looks similar to our favorite Lunchbot lunchbox and at a great price!
We will update you as we do more testing!
Dimensions: 7.01 x 5.55 x 2.52 inches.
Good for: Seems good for preschoolers, elementary.
Leakproof: No, but there is a bonus leakproof lid container.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
13. Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Bento Box
This is another new lunchbox we are excited to test out. Elk and Friends is the creator of the stainless steel cups we love, so we have high hopes for this one.
We will update you as we do more testing!
Dimensions: 8.5” x 7.1”x 1.6” inches.
Good for: Seems good for preschoolers and elementary school kids.
Leakproof: No, website description does not note it as leakproof.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Non-Stainless Steel Lunchboxes
If stainless steel is not for you, here are a few of the most popular non-stainless steel lunchboxes.
1. Yumbox Original & Panino Non-Stainless Steel Lunchboxes
The Yumbox Original is a good size for kids who like snack-type lunches. There are 6 different compartments that are small.
This Yumbox Panino is about the same size as the original, but only has 3 compartments.It’s a good size for kids who like a sandwich and 3 small sides
But after 2 years of use, these boxes do leak. The silicone coating that makes it leak-proof does pick up odors, so we can’t wash the outer box in the dishwasher. That makes these boxes more high maintenance.
Pros:
Cons:
Original:
Volume: 8.5″ L x 2″ W x 6″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade.
Leakproof: Initially, but not after wear and tear.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Rainbow Paper Baking Cups.
Panino:
Dimensions: 6″ L x 2″ W x 8″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade.
Leakproof: Initially, but not after wear and tear.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
2. Bentgo’s Popular Non-Stainless Steel Lunchboxes: Bentgo Kids Prints Bento-Style, 5-Compartment, Leakproof Lunchbox
Bentgo can be found in the bestsellers on Amazon and Target. They are colorful, functional and easy to clean.
The Chill Lunchbox, specifically, comes with a built-in ice pack that is helpful for packing.
The negatives have been that because the Chill Lunchbox comes with the ice pack, it is heavier and doesn’t keep cool for too long. So if you are hoping it will last for an afterschool snack, we’d recommend adding another ice pack.
Pros:
Cons:
5-Compartment:
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 6.5″ W x 2″ H.
Good for: Kindergarten – 3rd grade.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Chill:
Dimensions: 8.9″ L x 6.5″ W x 2″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
3. Oxford Brick Non-Stainless Steel Lunchboxes Set
This non-stainless steel lunchbox is the absolute cutest set for kids into LEGO®, blocks or building.
It’s fun! If you have a picky eater who is “blah” on lunch, and you want them to have more interest, this box may help. The smaller containers are great for small sides.
The latches have worked long term, and the fun factor lives on.
That said, the lunchbox itself is on the small side and the larger container is very deep. While this works for traditional Bento styles that are rice-based, it can be tricky to pack a sandwich. It can also be tricky to store.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.6 x 6 inches.
Good for: Preschoolers.
Leakproof: No.
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Other fun things shown in the picture: Long toothpicks.
3. Non-Stainless Steel 3-Compartment Meal Prep Containers
Lunchboxes don’t have to be fancy! These easy-to-pack, lightweight containers are a great option too. If your child loses this container, it likely won’t break your heart.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.7 x 10.1 inches.
Good for: All ages.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes (may depend on your dishwasher settings).
What Should I Put in the Lunchbox?
If you also need help with what to pack for lunch, our Everyday Lunches ebook can help. It includes inspirations for new variations on classics like sandwiches and wraps, and the Grab-Ables Guide to grab-and-go lunches. We’ve also included ideas for fruit and veggies to serve on the side.
The recipe book also features tasty, make-ahead recipes, from muffins to nuggets to veggie-and-fruit roll-ups.
Plus, we share strategies that teach you how to quickly and efficiently pack lunches that kids will actually eat, and tips on how to help teach your child to pack their own lunch.