The 4 Best Lunch Boxes, Tested & Reviewed
The 4 Best Lunch Boxes, Tested & Reviewed
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Plastic, Nylon, and Polyester Were All Easy to Clean
Spills happen, but the best lunch boxes have stain-resistant interiors.
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
While hard plastic (like the interior of our Hydro Flask box) was the most painless to wipe clean with no residual smell, I found that nylon and polyester were plenty easy to clean. Although they dried at a slower pace than plastic, a water rinse was still an efficient way to clean them. That said, zipper boxes like our Carhartt option, were trickier to clean, thanks to the bunched seams in and around the track.
All of my top picks were lined with some version of BPA-free food-safe polyester, nylon, or plastic, which was equally effective at keeping food cold for a long time. The added foil layer in the Sunnybird model was especially helpful at keeping ice frozen (after a full eight hours, it contained the greatest amount of solid ice cubes).
The Criteria: What to Look for in a Lunch Box
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
Above all else, your lunch box must be as convenient to use as it is efficient. I preferred soft shell options that were still rigid enough to keep all food safe and un-squished, but that still could be collapsed or flattened when emptied. While I preferred lunch boxes that could be stored easily in a tote bag (alongside laptops, books, and other essentials), I found that boxes with shoulder straps were plenty comfortable to transport. Bags with top handles weren&#;t as easy to tote along. Lunch boxes that weighed less than one pound were preferable. I found that a six-can capacity was optimal. Less than that, and it could be difficult to store enough food for a proper lunch, while more than that gives room for food to slide around in transit. As for materials, nylon and polyester cleaned up efficiently and insulated well.
Our Favorite Lunch Boxes
What we liked: For starters, this thing can keep food and drinks cool seemingly forever. The insulated, zippered technology proved incredibly effective, even over eight hours. Thanks to the dual-compartment layout, heavier items like hard fruits and beverages could live in the bottom compartment and softer items and sandwiches can remain tucked away in the upper chamber. You could store a six-pack in the bottom compartment and still have room for your lunch. Although the Carhartt is a bit too large to fit into a tote or a backpack, it comes with a comfortable shoulder strap. And in a matte black, stamped with the Carhartt logo, it&#;s chic enough to wear with no lunch box shame.
What we didn&#;t like: While I liked the look of this bag, it is larger than many of its competitors. It can be bulky and inconvenient on crowded commutes, and the strap does not extend, which means that, for taller people, it may hit at an awkward height. Cleaning dual-compartments can be time-consuming, especially for a zippered lunch box where food and sauces get caught around seams and zipper tracks.
Key Specs
- Weight: 0.7 Pounds
- Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 7 inches
- Materials: 600D water-repellent polyester
- Can capacity: 12
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
What we liked: Packing this square, hard-plastic-lined lunch box was very satisfying (like a game of Tetris, if you will). The shape left room for a substantial lunch, but it&#;s not so big that food slid around&#;plus, there&#;s an interior pocket for things like silverware or napkins. The BPA-free plastic interior is easy to clean (I hardly needed soap), and it certainly kept things cold. It zipped tightly enough to ensure that any spills or liquids stayed inside the container. It proved to be durable in transit, and both the interior and exterior air-dried quickly after cleaning.
What we didn&#;t like: This box is on the heavier side at over a pound, and it&#;s too bulky to fit into a standard bag or backpack. While the top handle is comfortable to hold, it&#;s inconvenient for commuters who need both hands (which is most commuters). The top handle design may feel a bit juvenile for lunch-boxing adults. Plus, due to the rigidity of the hard-cooler material, awkwardly shaped items can be tricky to finagle inside.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.6 x 5 inches
- Materials: Polyester
- Can capacity: 6
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
What we liked: While this attractive Yeti number was rigid and sturdy enough to keep its shape and protect food, it&#;s still a softshell lunch box, which means it is lighter and more malleable when packing and can collapse flat once emptied. Not only is the Yeti aesthetically pleasing (just about as cool-kid-rugged as a lunch box can get) even at its petite size, it still fits six cans comfortably. That means you&#;ll have just enough space to pack a balanced lunch without worrying about items shifting during transit. The brand&#;s proprietary Coldcell Flex insulation&#;flexible foam that keeps items hot or cold&#;proved very effective in my cold retention tests. The interior was cleaned easily and the water-resistant interior and exterior air-dried rapidly.
What we didn&#;t like: For people who are not looking to store their lunch box in a larger bag, this option does not come with a shoulder strap, just a short top handle. And while there are fabric loops on the back that could be used to attach it to the outside of a backpack or perhaps a bicycle, you&#;ll need additional equipment to do so. I liked the latch closure, but the hook-and-clip mechanism took some time to get used to. While the material itself cleaned quite efficiently, the shape of the lunch box made it difficult to reach inside and scrub the corners.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 8.75 inches
- Materials: Rubber and foam
- Can capacity: 6
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
What we liked: I loved the look of this two-toned roll-top lunch box, but more importantly, I was pleased with how lightweight it was, how easily it could fit in a larger work bag, and how readily it collapsed entirely flat. The roll top kept the interior insulated and I found the clip-style closure to be quite satisfying to use. If you&#;re determined, the Sunnybird can fit 12 cans, but for the sake of a more typical lunch, the top can be rolled up or down to allow for just the right amount of room without any dead space. Given how lightweight it is, this option, which contains three-layered foil insulation, punches above its weight in terms of temperature control.
What we didn&#;t like: The double-stitched fabric took longer than other lunch boxes to dry, and like the Yeti, was more difficult to clean in deeper corners. Additionally, while the bag kept things cold, I did notice some condensation on the outside after several hours.
Key Specs
- Weight: 0.6 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 9 inches
- Materials: Nylon; insulating 3-layer foil
- Can capacity: 12
Serious Eats / Nick Simpson
The Competition
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- Igloo Modern Lunch Cooler: The Igloo was easy to pack and clean, but it did not insulate as well as its competitors, and the shape (and lack of shoulder strap) made it difficult to carry and store.
- REI Pack-Away Soft Cooler: This is a good option for people merely looking to tote around beverages, but the soft, flat format makes it difficult to pack lunch without reliably squished food. It leaked a good deal through the zipper when filled with ice.
- Coleman Chiller Collection Soft Cooler: The Coleman did a great job keeping things cold and intact throughout the day, but I found the shape and style to be particularly bulky and awkward to carry. It offered too much space for a standard lunch. The fabric showed dirt and wear very quickly.
- Corkcicle Crush-Proof Cooler: This square lunch box is a great size and made with a nice-looking neoprene material. If you are cool with a square shape and a top handle, this is a strong option, though I worry that the exterior fabric might not hold up over time.
- Built Prime Lunch Bag: The Built Prime was light enough to carry around, but the flimsy fabric and pliant material meant that food got squished in transit.
- Mier Adult Lunch Box: The Mier is a great alternative to the winning Carhartt pick. The spacious capacity is no joke: There are dual compartments, and it can be worn comfortably over the shoulder. That said, it may run a bit too large for many.
- Packit Freezable Lunch Box: This lunch box can indeed be tossed right into the freezer, so the gel built directly into the fabric hardens. That said, it&#;s heavy (the gel inserts are not removable) and it will keep products colder than a standard lunch requires.
- FlowFly Double-Layer Cooler The FlowFly was roomy and lightweight when empty, but the bulky, dual-compartment cooler&#;s zippers caught on the fabric and were more finicky to open and close than other options.
- Coobiiya Lunch Bag: The Coobiiya is designed to resemble a handbag, and it certainly looks nice. But it was too small and uniquely shaped to pack a standard lunch. It leaked when filled with ice.
FAQs
What's the best lunch box for a commuter?
An insulated lunch box will help keep your food fat a safe temperature. Just as important is a shoulder strap, which makes the lunch box easier to carry (this is especially important for commuters who use public transportation!). The Carhartt lunch box I tested has a traditional handle and a shoulder strap, making it a versatile option.
Are lunch boxes always insulated?
No, but the majority of lunch boxes on the market right now offer some form of insulation technology. I only tested insulated options to ensure that the winners would keep food at a safe temperature. When shopping for a lunch box, look for language that promises an insulated interior.
Are all lunch boxes safe to eat out of?
Any lunch box you purchase should be made of BPA-free, certified food-safe materials. This should be listed in any and all product descriptions.
What is the best material for a lunch box?
My favorite lunch boxes were made of nylon and polyester, given that they were insulated effectively, cleaned well, and dried easily&#;all while holding up against exterior damage.
How long will a lunchbox keep my food cold?
It depends on the lunch box. But any well-insulated option packed with an ice pack should keep things cool for up to eight hours (a full workday, essentially).
How should I clean my lunch box?
While all models and materials are different, each lunch box I tested was designed to be hand-washed with soap and water and air-dried. Certain models had exteriors that were more sensitive to stains and water, in which case, spot cleaning can be a better idea than dumping the whole enterprise into the sink. The majority of the lunch boxes were neither dishwasher- nor washing machine-safe, so check the label carefully before using either.
Why We&#;re the Experts
- Eliza Dumais has been covering food & drink for various publications for over 10 years&#;and packing to-go meals for even longer.
- She has written several dining, cooking, and drinking product reviews, including this kitchen gadget round-up.
- For this story, she put 13 lunch boxes through rigorous testing to declare her designated winners.
5 Reasons to Use an Insulated Lunch Bag
As a young mother, juggling between work, household chores, and ensuring your kids eat nutritious meals can be quite a challenge. One simple solution that has made my life so much easier is the insulated lunch bag. Whether it's a funky &#;Giraffe&#; pattern or the special &#;Highland&#; cow bags shown below that my kids adore or a sleek, stylish women&#;s lunch bag for myself, these bags have become indispensable in our daily routine. Let me share with you five compelling reasons to use an insulated lunch bag and how it can make your life a little easier.
- Keeps Food Fresh and Safe
Maintaining the Right Temperature
One of the biggest advantages of an insulated lunch bag is its ability to keep food at the right temperature. This is crucial for both health and taste. I remember the days when I used regular lunch bags, and my kids would come home with half-eaten, warm sandwiches that had become soggy and unappetizing. With an insulated lunch bag, you can be sure that the food stays fresh and delicious until lunchtime.
Preventing Foodborne Illnesses
Keeping food at safe temperatures is not just about taste; it's also about safety. Insulated lunch bags help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. This is especially important for perishable items like dairy and meat. For instance, I pack yogurt and cheese sticks for my kids, knowing they'll stay cool and safe to eat, thanks to the Eco Chic insulated lunch bag.
- Versatile for Different Meals
Accommodating Hot and Cold Foods
One of the joys of using an insulated lunch bag is its versatility. Whether you&#;re packing a hot meal or something cold, these bags can handle it all. I often send my kids to school with a mix of hot soup and cold fruit. The insulated compartments keep everything at the right temperature, ensuring that their meals are both varied and nutritious.
Encouraging Healthy Eating
Having the ability to pack a variety of foods encourages healthy eating habits. With an insulated lunch bag, I can include fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins in my kids' lunches. They get to enjoy a balanced meal, which is crucial for their growth and development. It&#;s amazing how something as simple as the right lunch bag can support healthy eating habits.
- Environmentally Friendly
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
Using an insulated lunch bag is a great way to cut down on single-use plastic and paper waste. Before switching to these reusable bags, I used to rely on disposable plastic bags and containers. Not only was this wasteful, but it also added to the clutter in my kitchen. Now, with our foldable lunch bags, we are doing our part to reduce waste and teach our kids the importance of caring for the environment.
Long-Term Benefits
Investing in a good, insulated lunch bag pays off in the long run. We save money by not constantly buying disposable bags and containers. Plus, many of these bags, like the kids' foldable lunch bag and children&#;s foldable lunch bag, are designed to last for years. It's a small change that brings significant benefits both financially and environmentally.
- Convenience and Portability
Easy to Carry
Insulated lunch bags are incredibly convenient and portable. Whether it&#;s a small lunch bag for quick snacks or a larger one for full meals, they are designed to be easy to carry. The Eco Chic bags with sturdy handles making them perfect for school, work, or a day out. I love my women&#;s lunch bag, which I can easily tuck into my work bag without worrying about spills or mess.
Features that Add Convenience
Many insulated lunch bags come with additional features that make them even more practical. For example, foldable lunch bags are a godsend for saving space. When not in use, they can be easily folded and stored away. My kids love their lunch bags with fun patterns like the Giraffe pattern and Highland Cow pattern. These designs not only make the bags fun to carry but also easy to identify among the sea of lunch bags at school.
- Stylish and Fun Designs
Variety of Designs
Gone are the days when lunch bags were plain and boring. Today, you can find insulated lunch bags in a myriad of designs and patterns. From the adorable Giraffe pattern lunch bag to the charming Highland cow pattern lunch bag, there&#;s something for everyone. My daughter loves her Giraffe pattern lunch bag, and my son can&#;t get enough of his Highland cow pattern bag. These fun designs make packing lunch an enjoyable experience for them.
Conclusion
Using an insulated lunch bag has been a game-changer for our family. From keeping food fresh and safe to offering convenience and reducing environmental impact, these bags provide numerous benefits. Whether you choose a small lunch bag for quick snacks or a stylish women&#;s lunch bag for work, the versatility and practicality are unmatched.
If you&#;re a young mother looking for ways to make mealtime easier and more efficient, I highly recommend investing in an insulated lunch bag. Not only will it keep your food at the perfect temperature, but it will also add a touch of fun and style to your daily routine. So go ahead, pick a fun giraffe pattern or a cute Highland cow pattern, and make lunchtime the best part of the day for you and your kids.
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