Kids Eat in Color is committed to providing informative articles based on scientific evidence.
This article is fact-checked by our team of experts.
Our team strives to be objective, unbiased, honest about the information provided.
This article contains scientific references. Please view them below.
The Best Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes & Bento Boxes for Kids
November 2020
Last reviewed: July 2026
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, feeding and ARFID.
As an Amazon Associate, Kids Eat in Color® earns from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
Author:
Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN
Share
+
You pause, thumb hovering over the “buy now” button on a $24.99 stainless steel lunch box for your preschooler. “It’s too much,” you tell yourself.
Then again, I have to send food in something.
“What if it’s junk?”
We’ve been there. We’re parents too.
Instead of letting you learn the hard way, we tested dozens of the best stainless steel lunchboxes and bento boxes for kids that are leakproof and non-leakproof, dishwasher-safe and not, for toddlers through big kids, and wrote down the honest pros and cons of each (plus a few standout non-stainless alternatives).
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)!
Not sure what to pack? Rr you’ve been packing lunches for years and you’re looking for fresh, new lunch ideas, our Everyday Lunches ebook has ideas to keep you creative all year.
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.
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.
These are great. They are high quality and have a clean design.
High quality, clean design, and a practical size that holds a good amount of food for a young child. 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 backpack.
The three-compartment design also makes it easy to build a balanced lunch using the lunchbox formula: a protein, a fat, and something colorful. As kids grow into a bigger box, these make excellent snack boxes.
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:
Pricey up-front (but it lasts).
Doesn’t fit a whole sandwich.
Dimensions: 6″ L x 5″ W x 1.75″ H. Good for: Preschool, kindergarten, big kid snack. Leakproof: No. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
More of the Lunchbots’ great quality here, but this box is huge. This would be better for older kids, big appetites, or for a family-sized snack box with dried fruit, nuts, etc. Heads up: the two larger compartments don’t 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 family, you may love it.
Pros:
High quality.
Easy to clean.
Long lasting.
Cons:
Too big for a small kid.
Larger compartments do not fit a sandwich.
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.
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.
It’s containers are deeper and lighter than similar lunch boxes like the Planetbox Rover and Bentgo Stainless Steel.
Pros:
Sturdy.
Lightweight at only 1.5 lbs.
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 invite overpacking (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.
The layout is practical and easy to pack, though the compartments are shallow. Over time the coloring on the outside chips and the latch loosens, and at the time of writing, Bentgo doesn’t offer replacement latches for this model.
Pros:
Latch is easy to open.
Fairly easy to clean.
Leak resistant.
Cons:
Color on the lid chips.
Latch loosens over time with 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. It doubles as a plate and a lunch box, and it’s super cute and durable.
That said, we don’t have confidence in the lid. It doesn’t always keep food in its sections when swung around in a backpack, and well, it just seems like it could come off. For a lunch box, we want 100% confidence the lid stays put. It’s also hard to find a sleeve or carrier to fit it, 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: Flower Sandwich Cutters, Veggie Shape Cutters.
If you want something leakproof that will last forever as a single-compartment box, this is it. It’s sturdy and comes with a silicone lid.
It may be too big for a small child; the compartment is deep, which cuts both ways: great for big appetites, but a food-waste risk for smaller ones. Because there’s only one compartment, all the food touches, which can make packing fruit or juicy foods tricky. Silicone muffin cup liners help separate portions, though things may shift in transport.
Pros:
Leakproof.
Durable.
Easy to clean.
Cons:
Compartment can be too deep.
Single 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 is unique. It’s mostly plastic but has an insulated stainless steel thermos inside the box, so it can keep some foods warm while keeping others cold. If you have a small child who likes warm food at lunch and needs something easy to open (most of the time — read on), this is it. The whole lunch packs into one box, the thermos is included and fits right in, and the built-in handle makes it feel like a fun carrying case.
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.
Two cautions. The lunch box has a large volume, so even a full lunch can look sparse, it’s easy to overpack and waste food. And the big one: several people have had the thermos vacuum-seal shut, leaving the child (and teacher) unable to open the main part of lunch.
The thermos also doesn’t hold temperature very long, and it’s a pain to clean (two gaskets, many parts, mixed dishwasher-safe status). We use ours sparingly, but still reach for it for warm ravioli or soup.
Pros:
Unique a;;-in-one design (allowing thermos and components to be packed together).
Keeps food warm and cold.
Fun carrying case for kids.
Cons:
Thermos lid can get stuck shut.
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.
Sometimes you just need a thermos to keep something warm, and the Funtainer is consistently top-rated. It’s durable and keeps soups hot, though it can be hard for young children to open
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!
We’ve loved Elk and Friends’ stainless steel cups for years. Their bento box is a newer addition to our kitchen, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite thanks to a thoughtful layout and compact design. It holds a lot without being bulky, packs efficiently, and (rare for this list) actually fits a sandwich. The lid comes off for easy cleaning.
Pros:
Holds a lot in a compact design.
Efficient to pack.
Fits a sandwich
Lid comes off for easy cleaning.
Cons:
Too new to know long-term; we suspect the lid latches may loosen over time.
Dimensions: 8.5” x 7.1”x 1.6” inches. Good for: Preschoolers and elementary school kids. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Yes.
The box is the easy part. If getting your child to actually eat lunch is the hard part, grab our free Picky Eater Guide, a registered dietitian’s best strategies for helping kids try (and keep eating) new foods.
Prefer a non-stainless lunch box? Our top picks
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-style lunches, with six small compartments. The Yumbox Panino is about the same size but has three compartments, good for a sandwich plus three small sides.
After years of use these boxes do start to leak, and the silicone coating that makes them leakproof picks up odors, so you can’t wash the outer box in the dishwasher, making them higher maintenance.
Pros:
Great size options.
Fun design for kids.
Cons:
Not leakproof after wear.
Latches may break over time.
Silicone picks up dishwasher-soap odors.
Doesn’t fit normal sandwich size.
Yumbox Original:
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 2″ W x 6″ H.
Panino Original:
Dimensions: 6″ L x 2″ W x 8″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade. Leakproof: Initially, but not after wear. Dishwasher safe: Yes. Other fun things shown in the picture: Veggie Shape Cutters.
Bentgo boxes are Amazon and Target bestsellers. They are colorful, functional, and easy to clean. The Chill version comes with a built-in ice pack that’s handy for packing, though it makes the box heavier and doesn’t stay cold for long; add a second ice pack if you want it to last for an after-school snack.
Pros:
Fun colors.
Functional design.
Durable.
Great customer service.
Cons:
Chill person is heavy
Ice tray doesn’t stay cool for long.
Holds a small amount of food (kids outgrow it).
Multiple compartments to clean.
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 is a silicone lunchbox. It’s light weight, making it great for little ones. They also have sweet, cute prints that make it adorable! The con though is that the compartments are deep making them easy to overpack food.
Pros:
Durable.
Easy to clean.
Cute designs.
Lightweight.
Leakproof.
Cons:
Compartment tend to be too deep
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 7″ W x 2″ H. Good for: Young kids 1st – 3rd grade. Leakproof: Yes. Dishwasher safe: Yes Other fun things shown in the picture: Animal Food Picks, Dip Containers.
Lunchboxes don’t have to be fancy! These easy-to-pack, lightweight containers are a great option — and if your child loses one, it won’t break your heart (or your budget).
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 (depending on settings).
What Should I Put in the Lunchbox?
Picking the box is half the battle — filling it is the other half. Our Everyday Lunches ebook can help. It includes fresh takes on classics like sandwiches and wraps, our Grab-Ables Guide to grab-and-go lunches, and ideas for the 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 strategies for packing lunches quickly and efficiently (the kind kids will actually eat), and tips for teaching your child to pack their own.
Stainless steel lunch box FAQs
Are stainless steel lunch boxes worth it for kids?
For most families, yes. Stainless steel lunch boxes are more durable than plastic, don’t stain or hold odors, and are free of BPA and other plastic chemicals. They cost more up front, but a good one (like the Lunchbots Trio) lasts for years and can become a snack box as your child grows — so the cost per use is often lower than repeatedly replacing plastic.
What is the best stainless steel lunch box for kids?
For most kids, the Lunchbots Medium Trio II is the best overall value — durable, well-sized for young children, and easy to clean. For elementary kids who want something fun, the Planetbox Rover is a favorite, and for a leakproof option the Yumbox Presto is our top pick. The best choice depends on your child’s age, appetite, and whether you need leakproof.
Are stainless steel lunch boxes leakproof?
Some are, some aren’t. Fully leakproof picks on this list include the Planetbox Rover (with its included round containers), the Yumbox Presto, the Ecolunchbox Splash Box, and the OmieBox. Boxes like the Lunchbots Trio and Cinco are not leakproof, so they’re best for dry foods rather than yogurt, applesauce, or soup.
Are stainless steel lunch boxes dishwasher safe?
Most are, but not all. The Lunchbots boxes, Planetbox Rover, Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel, and Ecolunchbox Splash Box are dishwasher safe. The Yumbox Presto is not, and the OmieBox is only partly dishwasher safe. Always check the specific model — lids and silicone seals sometimes need hand washing even when the tray is dishwasher safe.
What size stainless steel lunch box is best for a toddler or preschooler?
Smaller is better for little kids. A compact 3-compartment box like the Lunchbots Medium Trio II or the Planetbox Shuttle fits a preschooler’s portions without overwhelming them (or wasting food). Save the larger boxes like the Lunchbots Cinco for older kids with bigger appetites.
Do stainless steel lunch boxes keep food warm or cold?
Plain stainless steel boxes are not insulated, so they don’t hold temperature on their own — pair them with an insulated lunch bag and an ice pack. For warm food, use an insulated option like the OmieBox (which has a built-in thermos) or a dedicated Thermos Funtainer for soups.
How do you clean a stainless steel lunch box?
Most stainless steel boxes are dishwasher safe on the top rack, but hand washing the lids and silicone seals helps them last longer and prevents trapped odors. For stuck-on food, soak in warm soapy water; for stains, a paste of baking soda and water wipes them right off.
Stainless steel vs. plastic lunch boxes — which is better?
Stainless steel wins on durability, safety, and longevity: no BPA, no staining, no lingering smells, and it survives years of backpacks. Plastic and silicone boxes are lighter and cheaper, which can be better for very young kids who lose things. If budget allows, we recommend stainless steel for the main box and a cheap backup for the “will definitely lose it” phase.
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, feeding and ARFID.
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.
Related articles
Does ARFID Go Away? Understanding ARFID Recovery in Children
You pause, thumb hovering over the “buy now” button on a $24.99 stainless steel lunch box for your preschooler. “It’s too much,” you tell yourself.
Then again, I have to send food in something.
“What if it’s junk?”
We’ve been there. We’re parents too.
Instead of letting you learn the hard way, we tested dozens of the best stainless steel lunchboxes and bento boxes for kids that are leakproof and non-leakproof, dishwasher-safe and not, for toddlers through big kids, and wrote down the honest pros and cons of each (plus a few standout non-stainless alternatives).
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)!
Not sure what to pack? Rr you’ve been packing lunches for years and you’re looking for fresh, new lunch ideas, our Everyday Lunches ebook has ideas to keep you creative all year.
And 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?
Reviews of stainless steel lunch boxes for kids
1. 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.
2: 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.
3. Lunchbots Medium Trio II 3-Compartment Stainless Steel Lunchbox
These are great. They are high quality and have a clean design.
High quality, clean design, and a practical size that holds a good amount of food for a young child. 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 backpack.
The three-compartment design also makes it easy to build a balanced lunch using the lunchbox formula: a protein, a fat, and something colorful. As kids grow into a bigger box, these make excellent snack boxes.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 6″ L x 5″ W x 1.75″ H.
Good for: Preschool, kindergarten, big kid snack.
Leakproof: No.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Related: Everyday Lunches
4. Lunchbots Large Cinco: A 5 Compartment Stainless Steel Lunchbox
More of the Lunchbots’ great quality here, but this box is huge. This would be better for older kids, big appetites, or for a family-sized snack box with dried fruit, nuts, etc. Heads up: the two larger compartments don’t 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 family, 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.
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.
It’s containers are deeper and lighter than similar lunch boxes 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.
The layout is practical and easy to pack, though the compartments are shallow. Over time the coloring on the outside chips and the latch loosens, and at the time of writing, Bentgo doesn’t offer replacement latches for this model.
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. It doubles as a plate and a lunch box, and it’s super cute and durable.
That said, we don’t have confidence in the lid. It doesn’t always keep food in its sections when swung around in a backpack, and well, it just seems like it could come off. For a lunch box, we want 100% confidence the lid stays put. It’s also hard to find a sleeve or carrier to fit it, 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: Flower Sandwich Cutters, Veggie Shape Cutters.
8. Ecolunchbox Splash Box Stainless Steel Lunchbox
If you want something leakproof that will last forever as a single-compartment box, this is it. It’s sturdy and comes with a silicone lid.
It may be too big for a small child; the compartment is deep, which cuts both ways: great for big appetites, but a food-waste risk for smaller ones. Because there’s only one compartment, all the food touches, which can make packing fruit or juicy foods tricky. Silicone muffin cup liners help separate portions, though things may shift in transport.
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 is unique. It’s mostly plastic but has an insulated stainless steel thermos inside the box, so it can keep some foods warm while keeping others cold. If you have a small child who likes warm food at lunch and needs something easy to open (most of the time — read on), this is it. The whole lunch packs into one box, the thermos is included and fits right in, and the built-in handle makes it feel like a fun carrying case.
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.
Two cautions. The lunch box has a large volume, so even a full lunch can look sparse, it’s easy to overpack and waste food. And the big one: several people have had the thermos vacuum-seal shut, leaving the child (and teacher) unable to open the main part of lunch.
The thermos also doesn’t hold temperature very long, and it’s a pain to clean (two gaskets, many parts, mixed dishwasher-safe status). We use ours sparingly, but still reach for it for warm ravioli or soup.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 7.5″ L x 8.5″ W x 3″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers, elementary.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Some parts.
10. Thermos Funtainer
Sometimes you just need a thermos to keep something warm, and the Funtainer is consistently top-rated. It’s durable and keeps soups hot, though it can be hard for young children to open
Pros:
Cons:
11. 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!
We’ve loved Elk and Friends’ stainless steel cups for years. Their bento box is a newer addition to our kitchen, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite thanks to a thoughtful layout and compact design. It holds a lot without being bulky, packs efficiently, and (rare for this list) actually fits a sandwich. The lid comes off for easy cleaning.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 8.5” x 7.1”x 1.6” inches.
Good for: Preschoolers and elementary school kids.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
The box is the easy part. If getting your child to actually eat lunch is the hard part, grab our free Picky Eater Guide, a registered dietitian’s best strategies for helping kids try (and keep eating) new foods.
Prefer a non-stainless lunch box? Our top picks
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-style lunches, with six small compartments. The Yumbox Panino is about the same size but has three compartments, good for a sandwich plus three small sides.
After years of use these boxes do start to leak, and the silicone coating that makes them leakproof picks up odors, so you can’t wash the outer box in the dishwasher, making them higher maintenance.
Pros:
Cons:
Yumbox Original:
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 2″ W x 6″ H.
Panino Original:
Dimensions: 6″ L x 2″ W x 8″ H.
Good for: Preschoolers – 3rd grade.
Leakproof: Initially, but not after wear.
Dishwasher safe: Yes.
Other fun things shown in the picture: Veggie Shape Cutters.
2. Bentgo’s Popular Non-Stainless Steel Lunchboxes: Bentgo Kids Prints Bento-Style, 5-Compartment, Leakproof Lunchbox
Bentgo boxes are Amazon and Target bestsellers. They are colorful, functional, and easy to clean. The Chill version comes with a built-in ice pack that’s handy for packing, though it makes the box heavier and doesn’t stay cold for long; add a second ice pack if you want it to last for an after-school snack.
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. Austin Baby Silicone Lunch Box
This is a silicone lunchbox. It’s light weight, making it great for little ones. They also have sweet, cute prints that make it adorable! The con though is that the compartments are deep making them easy to overpack food.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 8.5″ L x 7″ W x 2″ H.
Good for: Young kids 1st – 3rd grade.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Other fun things shown in the picture: Animal Food Picks, Dip Containers.
4. 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 — and if your child loses one, it won’t break your heart (or your budget).
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.7 x 10.1 inches.
Good for: All ages.
Leakproof: Yes.
Dishwasher safe: Yes (depending on settings).
What Should I Put in the Lunchbox?
Picking the box is half the battle — filling it is the other half. Our Everyday Lunches ebook can help. It includes fresh takes on classics like sandwiches and wraps, our Grab-Ables Guide to grab-and-go lunches, and ideas for the 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 strategies for packing lunches quickly and efficiently (the kind kids will actually eat), and tips for teaching your child to pack their own.
Stainless steel lunch box FAQs
Are stainless steel lunch boxes worth it for kids?
For most families, yes. Stainless steel lunch boxes are more durable than plastic, don’t stain or hold odors, and are free of BPA and other plastic chemicals. They cost more up front, but a good one (like the Lunchbots Trio) lasts for years and can become a snack box as your child grows — so the cost per use is often lower than repeatedly replacing plastic.
What is the best stainless steel lunch box for kids?
For most kids, the Lunchbots Medium Trio II is the best overall value — durable, well-sized for young children, and easy to clean. For elementary kids who want something fun, the Planetbox Rover is a favorite, and for a leakproof option the Yumbox Presto is our top pick. The best choice depends on your child’s age, appetite, and whether you need leakproof.
Are stainless steel lunch boxes leakproof?
Some are, some aren’t. Fully leakproof picks on this list include the Planetbox Rover (with its included round containers), the Yumbox Presto, the Ecolunchbox Splash Box, and the OmieBox. Boxes like the Lunchbots Trio and Cinco are not leakproof, so they’re best for dry foods rather than yogurt, applesauce, or soup.
Are stainless steel lunch boxes dishwasher safe?
Most are, but not all. The Lunchbots boxes, Planetbox Rover, Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel, and Ecolunchbox Splash Box are dishwasher safe. The Yumbox Presto is not, and the OmieBox is only partly dishwasher safe. Always check the specific model — lids and silicone seals sometimes need hand washing even when the tray is dishwasher safe.
What size stainless steel lunch box is best for a toddler or preschooler?
Smaller is better for little kids. A compact 3-compartment box like the Lunchbots Medium Trio II or the Planetbox Shuttle fits a preschooler’s portions without overwhelming them (or wasting food). Save the larger boxes like the Lunchbots Cinco for older kids with bigger appetites.
Do stainless steel lunch boxes keep food warm or cold?
Plain stainless steel boxes are not insulated, so they don’t hold temperature on their own — pair them with an insulated lunch bag and an ice pack. For warm food, use an insulated option like the OmieBox (which has a built-in thermos) or a dedicated Thermos Funtainer for soups.
How do you clean a stainless steel lunch box?
Most stainless steel boxes are dishwasher safe on the top rack, but hand washing the lids and silicone seals helps them last longer and prevents trapped odors. For stuck-on food, soak in warm soapy water; for stains, a paste of baking soda and water wipes them right off.
Stainless steel vs. plastic lunch boxes — which is better?
Stainless steel wins on durability, safety, and longevity: no BPA, no staining, no lingering smells, and it survives years of backpacks. Plastic and silicone boxes are lighter and cheaper, which can be better for very young kids who lose things. If budget allows, we recommend stainless steel for the main box and a cheap backup for the “will definitely lose it” phase.