The best bento box for you really depends on your needs - JustBento

16 Jun.,2025

 

The best bento box for you really depends on your needs - JustBento

As you may know, I was kind of away from this site for a while. Although I was still writing about food here and there, and about various topics related to Japan and Japanese culture, I have been rather absent from the world of bentos. Well OK, I did write another bento cookbook! But still.

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In my absence, the concept of the bento box has become a lot more popular. It is no longer difficult to find a suitable box and other equipment, as it used to be when I started this site back in . People are packing all kinds of bento boxes, or lunchboxes if you prefer, as the myriad of results for searching for "bento box" on Google or Pinterest and more show. People who have little interest in Japanese food, or anything Japanese, are showing interest in bento lunches. This is a great thing; when I started this site, it was to to spread the concept of the bento lunch, not just Japanese recipes for bentos. Just looking through the recipes on this site (which are all 100% bento-friendly) will reveal that there are plenty of not so Japanese recipes as well as Japanese ones, and both Just Bento Cookbooks have lots of recipes of both types.

In case it's not clear, the tl;dr version is: A bento lunch is simply a portable meal in a portable container. A homemade bento lunch is usually packed in a re-usable container, and ideally contains food that 1) tastes great (and safe!) several hours after it's made, 2) meets your or your family's dietary needs, and 3) looks really appetizing.

While the general concept of the bento lunch has indeed spread far and wide, I still feel that a lot of people are not quite getting it. A case in point is a recent video review posted by the venerable American institution, Cook's Illustrated. With all due respect, I think they are rather missing the point.

There is no such thing as the one perfect bento box that suits everyone.

The problem with product reviews of any kind that choose the "best" of something is that they do not take into account that everyone has different priorities and needs. The above video review is no different. The one they chose, a large MonBento model, is perfectly nice. MonBento makes great bento boxes (here's my review of one), but is the one they selected for everyone? Absolutely not. For one thing it's huge, with a a whopping ml capacity. It is actually marketed as a picnic box for 2 or more people. It's going to take up a ton of space in a backpack, and how would you pack that thing in a briefcase or a business-type tote bag? And how would a small child with a small backpack carry that back and forth to school?

Before going out to buy a bento box, think over your reasons and priorities wanting to get into bento lunches, as well as what you want to eat in them.

That's a long headline, but it really does cover the things everyone should think over before rushing out to buy a bento box. For instance:

  • Do you want to really get into Japanese style bentos? Then of course, a 'traditional' Japanese bento box will work perfectly.
  • Are you interested in creating charaben/kyaraben, i.e. decorative bentos with cute faces and such? Again, a small Japanese style bento box works great.
  • Are you going to be mainly packing 'fluffy' food like salads and sandwiches? A Japanese style bento, whether the food in it is actually Japanese or not, is packed very tightly with very little room for the food to move around. This means you can pack a lot of food in a small container. But if you'd rather pack food that needs a lot of space and can't be compacted, such as a salad or a large sandwich, then you will need a container large enough to hold the food plus the air it needs around it. It's possible also that you, or your child, is the type that needs to have each food separate and not touching each other, in which case you'll also need a box with lots of space or even multiple compartments. (If you are just going to be packing the standard sliced bread type sandwich, you could just get a sandwich box.)
  • Do you want to warm up your food before you eat it in a microwave? Then you need a microwave-safe box of course. Alternatively you could consider a thermal lunch jar, which keeps your food hot or cold for several hours.
  • Do you want to reduce or even eliminate your use of plastics? You may want to choose a non-plastic box made of metal or wood, although you need to be aware of the drawbacks of these materials.
  • Last but not really least, do you really just want to collect those pretty boxes? I understand - I was like that for a while. Like collecting dinnerware or something, that's a whole other topic really. For practical purposes you do not need a huge number of boxes.

It seems to me that the only kind of lunch that the Cook's Illustrated testers were considering for their reviews were the 'fluffy with lots of air' type, which is why they went for the big box. But if that's not the type of lunch you want to pack, all that space and bulk taken up by a big box is just unnecessary.

Most people need at least 2 different types of bento boxes, plus a couple of side boxes.

Unless you only eat one type of bento lunch, chances are you will need at least 2 different types of main containers for your bentos:

One compact Japanese style box, for densely packed meals. As I've stated many times on these pages, Japanese bentos are really packed pretty tightly and hold a lot of food.

The photos here are from the Just Bento Cookbook 2; they show a pretty hearty meal arranged on a flat plate, and the same meal packed into a single-layer type Japanese bento box and a two-tier type box. The single layer box has a capacity of around 850ml, and the two tier one a total of around 750 ml. The plate is a standard dinner plate, about 11 inches (28cm) in diameter.

One larger box, for salads or sandwiches and other meals that need a lot of air around them. Both of these boxes have a capacity of about 900 to ml; the one on the right is a 2-tier box, which each tier holding about 500 ml. Still a lot smaller than the large MonBento box though! Personally I don't really like big boxes because of the bulk, so I prefer to pack salads in multiple boxes - one large one for the fluffy greens, and a leakproof side box or two for say, a bean mix marinated in dressing and/or shredded cheese and ham.

In addition to the two basic box types, you may always want to have:

Some small side boxes for fruit, dessert and so on that you want to keep separate from the rest of the food, or to use for the salad packing method described above.

That should cover the needs of most people. If you want to add a third type of box a thermal type might be useful, especially for hot soup lunches, which are great in the winter. Here's another bento from the Just Bento Cookbook 2, with a hot soup in the thermal container and sides in a tiny yet cute children's bento box that I use as a side box.

Non-plastic bento boxes

Most bento boxes are made of some kind of plastic, but some are made of other materials. My comparison chart of different types of materials used for bento boxes should come in handy. If eliminating or reducing plastics is a high priority for you, consider how much you want to eliminate. If you want 100% plastic-free boxes, they are going to leak if you put liquid things in them.

If you want to keep your bento containers totally plastic-free, the solution is to not put liquid things in them, and carry them the right way up. It's a bit of hassle to be sure, and you need to consider if you can deal with that. If you can allow yourself a reduced amount of plastic, a box with a plastic or silicone sealing gasket around the lid, a couple of inner silicone or plastic containers with lids or sealing side boxes for liquid elements like dressing may be an acceptable compromise.

Further reading

  • I listed the Top 10 rules for bentos for me. It's a good exercise to try to make your top 10, or 5, or even 3 rules for what you want your bentos to be too. That will give you a clearer idea of what kind of box, not to mention accessories, you want to get.
  • My bento box size guide: Which size is right for you?
  • Some in-depth reviews of various bento boxes.
  • My original guide to selecting the right bento box, which talks about inexpensive alternatives.
  • Linked above too, but my comparison chart of different types of materials used for bento boxes should help, especially if you are considering alternatives to plastics.
  • My detailed review of a LunchBots box.

Buying Guide For Your Double Walled Lunch Box

Buying Guide For Your Double Walled Lunch Box

April 9th, |FAQ|

1. What is the double walled lunch box?

A double-walled lunch box is a type of lunch box that is designed with two layers of walls or insulation, typically made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. The double walls provide additional insulation and help to keep the food and drinks inside the lunch box at the desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Wholesale double-walled lunch boxes are often used by people who need to bring their own meals to work, school, or other activities, and want to ensure that their food stays fresh and at the desired temperature until it is time to eat.

2. How does a double walled lunch box work?

A double-walled lunch box works by providing an additional layer of insulation to help maintain the temperature of the food and drinks stored inside. The two walls or layers of the lunch box create an insulating barrier that helps to prevent heat from escaping or entering the container.

In a typical double-walled lunch box, the inner layer is made of a material that is safe for storing food and drinks, such as stainless steel or food-grade plastic. This layer is designed to hold the food and drinks and keep them separate from the outer layer.

The outer layer of the lunch box is made of a more durable material, such as hard plastic or metal, which provides protection for the food and drinks inside. The outer layer also acts as a shield, helping to prevent any outside heat or cold from affecting the temperature of the contents inside.

Some double-walled lunch boxes also feature a vacuum seal, which creates an airtight seal between the two layers of the container. This seal helps to prevent any air from entering or escaping, which can further improve the insulation and temperature control of the lunch box.

If you pack a hot soup in a double-walled lunch box with a vacuum seal, the inner layer of the container will keep the soup hot, while the outer layer will prevent any outside heat from entering. Similarly, if you pack a cold salad with ice packs in a double-walled lunch box, the inner layer will keep the salad cool, while the outer layer will prevent any outside heat from warming up the salad.

3. What can be put in a double walled lunch box?

A double-walled lunch box can be used to store a variety of food and drinks, depending on the individual’s preferences and needs. Some common items that can be stored in a double-walled lunch box.

  • Hot food: A double-walled lunch box is ideal for storing hot food, such as soups, stews, pasta, rice dishes, and curries. The double-walled insulation helps to keep the food hot for several hours, making it perfect for people who want to enjoy a hot meal while on the go.
  • Cold food: A double-walled lunch box can also be used to store cold food, such as salads, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. The double-walled insulation helps to keep the food cool for several hours, making it ideal for people who want to enjoy a fresh and healthy meal while on the go.
  • Drinks: A double-walled lunch box can be used to store a variety of drinks, such as water, juice, tea, coffee, and smoothies. The double-walled insulation helps to keep the drinks at the desired temperature, whether hot or cold, for several hours.
  • Snacks: A double-walled lunch box can also be used to store snacks, such as chips, crackers, nuts, and energy bars. The double-walled insulation helps to keep the snacks fresh and crispy for several hours, making them perfect for people who need a quick snack while on the go.

4. What are the materials for double walled lunch boxes?

There are numerous double walled lunch boxes on sale and it will be helpful to you if you have a clear and comprehensive understanding to the varied materials of double walled lunch boxes.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Disposable Bento Box Wholesale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Stainless steel

Pros

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy to clean and resistant to dents and scratches
  • Excellent insulation properties

Pros

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy to clean and resistant to dents and scratches
  • Excellent insulation properties

Plastic

Cons:

  • May absorb flavors or odors over time
  • Can be less durable than other materials
  • Not as effective in maintaining temperature

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Often less expensive than other materials
  • Can be produced in a variety of colors and designs

Silicone

Pros

  • Flexible and collapsible for easy storage
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe

Cons

  • May not be as durable as other materials
  • Limited insulation properties
  • Can retain flavors or odors

Glass

  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Microwave and oven safe
  • Resistant to scratches and stains and easy to clean

Cons

  • Heavier and more fragile than other materials
  • Can be more expensive than other materials
  • Limited insulation properties

5. What are the shapes of double walled lunch boxes?

Double-walled lunch boxes come in various shapes and sizes, and are designed to keep your food warm or cold for an extended period of time. Now follow KingStar to take a look at double walled lunch boxes of different shapes on the market.

  • Rectangular:Rectangular-shaped lunch boxes are the most common and versatile shape. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, from plastic to stainless steel. These lunch boxes often have several compartments, making it easy to pack a complete meal, including snacks and drinks.
  • Square:Square-shaped lunch boxes are similar to rectangular-shaped ones, but they have a more compact design. They are a good choice if you want a lunch box that is easy to carry and fits neatly in a backpack or purse.
  • Round:Round-shaped lunch boxes are a good option if you want a lunch box that is easy to clean and store. These lunch boxes often have a single compartment and a screw-on lid that keeps food fresh and secure.
  • Bento:Bento-style lunch boxes are a popular choice for those who want to pack a variety of different foods. These lunch boxes have multiple compartments and are often made of plastic or stainless steel. They are ideal for packing a balanced meal that includes vegetables, fruits, and protein.
  • Tiffin:Tiffin-style lunch boxes are a traditional Indian lunch box that consists of multiple stainless steel containers stacked on top of each other. These lunch boxes are designed to keep different types of food separate, and they are often used for carrying a complete meal, including rice, curries, and chapati.

6. What are the advantages of double walled lunch boxes?

More and more people are willing to take meals to school or office, so double walled lunch boxes become a hot product on the market. The box has many benefits and is ideal for packing a variety of different foods. Here are some key pros of double walled lunch boxes:

  • Temperature control:One of the most significant advantages of a double-walled lunch box is that it can keep your food at the desired temperature for an extended period of time. The insulation between the inner and outer walls helps to maintain the temperature of the food inside, whether you want it to stay warm or cold.
  • Durability:Double-walled lunch boxes are typically made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic, making them durable and long-lasting.
  • Versatility: Double-walled lunch boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of uses. You can use them to pack a complete meal, including drinks, snacks, and sandwiches, or as a food container for work or school.
  • Easy to clean:Many double-walled lunch boxes are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and maintain. They are also less likely to absorb food odors and stains, so they stay fresh and odor-free.
  • Environmentally friendly:Double-walled lunch boxes are a more environmentally friendly option than disposable plastic containers. By using a reusable lunch box, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to reduce plastic waste.

7. How to choose right double walled lunch boxes?

When choosing the right double-walled lunch box, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key things to keep in mind when making your selection:

  • Consider size and capacity: The size and capacity of the lunch box should be determined by the amount of food you plan to pack. If you prefer a smaller lunch, a compact lunch box may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you have a larger appetite or need to pack more food, you may need a larger capacity lunch box.
  • Material: Double-walled lunch boxes can be made from various materials such as stainless steel, plastic, or glass. Compared with other materials, Stainless steel is best choice. It is a durable and long-lasting material that is resistant to corrosion and rust. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, and it doesn’t absorb food odors or stains. Additionally, stainless steel lunch boxes are typically free of harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, making them a safe choice for food storage.
  • Insulation: The level of insulation is a key factor to consider when selecting a double-walled lunch box. A good quality insulation will keep your food at the desired temperature for an extended period of time. Look for a lunch box with vacuum insulation or a double-walled construction for the best results.
  • Compartments: Compartments are an essential feature of a lunch box, as they allow you to pack different types of food and keep them separate. Consider the number and size of compartments when choosing a lunch box. Some lunch boxes have one large compartment, while others have multiple compartments of different sizes.
  • Ease of Use: The lunch box should be easy to use and transport. Look for a lunch box with a secure closure, such as a snap or locking mechanism, to prevent spills or leaks. Additionally, consider the weight and size of the lunch box, as well as any additional features such as a carrying handle or shoulder strap.

8. FAQ – What else do you wanna know about double walled lunch boxes?

8.1 Is it safe to keep food in the double walled lunch box?

Of course, it is safe to keep food in a double-walled lunch box, as long as it is made of food-grade materials and is used properly. Double-walled lunch boxes are designed to keep food at a safe temperature, whether it’s hot or cold, for an extended period of time.

However, it’s important to follow basic food safety guidelines when using a lunch box.

  • Clean the lunch box thoroughly before and after each use.
  • Use an insulated lunch box with an ice pack or cold source for perishable foods that need to be kept cold.
  • Use a double-walled lunch box with a tight-fitting lid to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
  • Do not keep perishable foods in the lunch box for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
  • Avoid packing food that can spoil easily, such as mayonnaise-based salads, raw meats, or dairy products, unless you can keep them cold with an ice pack.

By following these guidelines and choosing a high-quality double-walled lunch box made of food-grade materials, you can safely store your food and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal on the go.

8.2Are double walled lunch boxes dishwasher safe?

Whether a double-walled lunch box is dishwasher safe or not depends on the specific lunch box and its materials. Some double-walled lunch boxes are dishwasher safe, while others are not.

  • Stainless steel lunch boxesare often dishwasher safe, as they are durable and can withstand high temperatures. However, you need to check the manufacturer’s instructions before you put a stainless steel lunch box in the dishwasher, as some may have plastic or silicone parts that are not dishwasher safe.
  • Plastic lunch boxesmay or may not be dishwasher safe, depending on the type of plastic used. Some plastics can warp or become discolored in the dishwasher, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting a plastic lunch box in the dishwasher.
  • Glass lunch boxesare generally dishwasher safe, but it’s important to handle them carefully to avoid breakage.

Here KingStar reminds you that it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting a double-walled lunch box in the dishwasher. If in doubt, it’s usually safer to hand wash the lunch box to avoid any damage.

8.3Can I heat baby food in the double walled lunch box?

It is not recommended to heat baby food in a double-walled lunch box. Most double-walled lunch boxes are designed to keep food at a specific temperature, rather than heat it up. In addition, some materials used in double-walled lunch boxes, such as plastic, may not be safe for heating in a microwave.

If you need to heat up baby food while on-the-go, it’s best to use a separate container that is specifically designed for heating in a microwave or hot water. You can then transfer the heated food into the double-walled lunch box once it has reached the desired temperature.

It’s also important to follow basic food safety guidelines when handling and storing baby food, such as washing your hands before handling the food, using clean utensils and containers, and keeping the food at a safe temperature to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

As a leading custom lunch box manufacturer, KingStar hopes that this article can be helpful to you while selecting.

Want to purchase custom lunch boxes in bulk? Want to establish a new brand? You are at the right place! KingStar provides one-stop OEM / ODM manufacturing service from product idea, tooling fabrication, mass production to global shipping. Send us an to , you will get prompt response within 24 hours.

Are you interested in learning more about Cornstarch Lunch Box? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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