Able to pack wholesome and well-balanced lunches for varsity, work, or picnics? Take a look at my beneficial picks for the perfect bento containers for numerous wants!
In Japanese, bento (弁当) or obento (お弁当) refers to a transportable, balanced meal packed in a compact field referred to as a “bento-bako” (弁当箱). Bento containers are well-liked in Japan and the US for his or her comfort and affordability, excellent for work, college, or picnics.
Right here, I’ve compiled an inventory of the perfect bento containers, together with my favourite from LunchBots, primarily based on buyer rankings, opinions, and private preferences. For those who’re in search of a purposeful, sturdy choice to hold a scrumptious meal, learn on for my prime picks.
My Prime Picks:
- What’s in My Kitchen: LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container – $21.59 at Amazon
- My Favourite for Sizzling Meals: Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Metal Vacuum Lunch Jar – $64.50 at Walmart
- My Favourite Fashionable Bento: Bento Field MB Unique – $39.90 at Amazon
- Most Versatile Bento Field: Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Field – $29.99 at Walmart
- Greatest Finances Bento Field: Jeopace Bento Field – $9.99 at Amazon
Evaluations of The Greatest Bento Containers
1. What’s in My Kitchen: LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container
I’ve been utilizing this bento field from LunchBots for my children for years. I really like the big, easy, open format that has two equally sized compartments, making it simple to pack up and eat from (particularly since my children have a brief interval to eat lunch at college!). Whereas it isn’t insulated to maintain meals heat, that’s the norm in Japan since bento is most usually eaten at room temperature. As for what I pack into this bento field, I usually alternate between Japanese-style bento classics (like rice, teriyaki salmon, tofu, and edamame) and sandwiches.
The Specs:
- Capability: 27 oz
- Materials: Stainless-steel base with plastic lid
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 2
- Microwave-Protected?: No
- Dishwasher-Protected?: Sure
What I Like:
- Simple to pack and eat from
- Two compartments
- Sturdy development
What I Don’t Like:
- Not insulated
- Extra containers wanted for sauces, desserts, and so on
- Is probably not massive sufficient to accommodate massive parts
Purchase the LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container:
2. My Favourite for Sizzling Meals: Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Metal Vacuum Lunch Jar
Relating to packing a scorching lunch for my children, this vacuum lunch jar by Zojirushi is my go-to. With three separate plastic containers that stack on prime of each other and match neatly into an insulated stainless-steel case, I can simply pack rice (or different carbs), a principal protein dish, and a soup or aspect into one handy package deal. It retains the contents scorching or cool for as much as six hours, and if wanted, the interior plastic containers are microwave-safe. It even comes with a forked spoon that attaches to the bento’s exterior and a handy carrying bag!
The Specs:
- Capability: 28.5 oz
- Materials: Plastic meals containers, insulated outer stainless-steel jar
- Insulated?: Sure
- Compartments: 3
- Microwave-Protected?: Sure (interior plastic meals containers)
- Dishwasher-Protected?: No
What I Like:
- Retains contents scorching or chilly for as much as six hours
- Handy, neat strategy to carry a multi-dish meal
- Comes with an consuming utensil
- Features a bag for carrying
What I Don’t Like:
- Costly
- Heavier than most bento containers
- Hand wash solely
What Others Are Saying:
This Zojirushi lunch jar has a 4.4-star score from greater than 2,970 opinions on Amazon.
Purchase the Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Metal Vacuum Lunch Jar:
3. My Favourite Fashionable Bento Field: Monbento Bento Field MB Unique
If type is as vital to you as performance, the MB Unique bento field from Monbento could also be simply what you’re in search of. Made out of sturdy PBT plastic, this field consists of two stacked, hermetic, and leak-resistant compartments with steam vents for microwave heating. This smooth bento field is available in a variety of colours and patterns, certain to face out in any college cafeteria or workplace lunchroom.
The Specs:
- Capability: 34 oz
- Materials: BPA-free PBT plastic
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 2
- Microwave-Protected?: Sure
- Dishwasher-Protected?: Sure
What I Like:
- Fairly look
- Plenty of colours to select from
- Easy to pack, eat from, and clear
- Steam vents for microwaving
What I Don’t Like:
- Not insulated
- Brilliant coloured meals might stain inside plastic
- Doesn’t include utensils
What Others Are Saying:
Spruce Eats dubbed this choose as the perfect high-end bento field.
Purchase the Monbento Bento Field MB Unique:
4. Most Versatile Bento: Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Field
With a minimalist design and enormous capability, this bento field is ideal for many lunches on the go. What units it aside from my different prime picks is its detachable divider, which lets you pack and separate all kinds of meals, from a big salad to curry with rice.
It’s microwave- and oven-safe, and whenever you’re executed, the bottom can merely be positioned within the dishwasher.
The Specs:
- Capability: 40 oz
- Materials: Stainless-steel with silicone seal
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 1 or 2
- Microwave-Protected?: Sure
- Dishwasher-Protected?: Sure (besides lid)
What I Like:
- Detachable divider
- Efficient leak-proof seal
- Will be heated in microwave or oven
- Giant capability
What I Don’t Like:
- Will be tough to open
- Single-wall metal development doesn’t preserve meals scorching or chilly for lengthy
- Lid should be hand-washed
What Others Are Saying:
Severe Eats named it as their prime total bento field.
Purchase the Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Field:
5. Greatest Finances Bento: Jeopace Bento Field
For the worth, this bento field can’t be beat. It presents sufficient capability to pack a lunch for adults and children, particularly for the reason that included three compartments can accommodate a principal dish, sides, and even a dessert (I like to recommend my butter mochi!). It’s additionally microwave-safe so long as you take away the lid, so simply keep in mind to pop it off should you’re planning on warming issues up.
The Specs:
- Capability: 39 oz
- Materials: BPA-free plastic
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 3
- Microwave-Protected?: Sure (with out lid)
- Dishwasher-Protected?: No
What I Like:
- Reasonably priced
- Giant capability
- Easy design
- Three compartments
- Microwave-safe
What I Don’t Like:
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Liquid can transfer between interior compartments
- Included utensils are very small
What Others Are Saying:
Spruce Eats dubbed it as their favourite funds bento field, and it has a 4.4-star score from greater than 1,000 Amazon consumers.
Purchase the LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container:
Different Bento Containers to Take into account
Freshware Meal Prep Containers
These disposable plastic meal prep containers serve the same objective as extra conventional Japanese bento containers. Nonetheless, a part of what I like about bento containers is their reusability, which makes them environmentally pleasant and simpler on the funds. Whereas the producer states that these containers will be cleaned and reused, I’ve doubts in regards to the sturdiness of things constructed to be disposable. Personally, I’d go for one thing extra sturdy. The Freshware Meal Prep Containers can be found at Amazon for $10.64.
Bentgo Children Bento-Model 5-Compartment Leak-Proof Lunch Field
Whereas this bento field was chosen because the best choice for teenagers by the Spruce Eats, its particular person compartments are fairly small and it might leak. Due to the combined opinions, I’d advocate choosing one thing on my principal record as a substitute. The Bentgo Children Bento-Model 5-Compartment Leak-Proof Lunch Field is obtainable at Amazon for $27.99.
Umami Bento Field Grownup All-In-1
Though it’s a decently versatile choice, it doesn’t appear to be essentially the most leak-proof choice. The included wood utensils aren’t tremendous sturdy, particularly for the worth. It could be an excellent bento field, however I believe there are seemingly higher choices in the marketplace. The Umami Bento Field Grownup All-In-1 is obtainable at Amazon for $29.99.
Iteryn Bento Field Lunch Field
At below $15, this bento field from Iteryn was a severe contender for my prime funds choose. Nonetheless, after digging into the opinions, I discovered that some customers complained about leaking and the latches breaking after prolonged use. The Iteryn Bento Field Lunch Field is obtainable at Amazon for $11.65.
Why You Can Belief Me
To pick the perfect bento containers, I began with my very own experiences packing lunches, which started once I was in center college. I then checked out buyer rankings, opinions, and different trusted meals publications, took my very own preferences into consideration, and eventually narrowed my record right down to my prime 5 picks.
The whole lot to Know Earlier than Shopping for a Bento Field
What to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for a Bento Field
The very first thing to think about when shopping for a bento field is whether or not you need to serve scorching or room-temperature meals. In Japan, it’s conventional to eat the contents of a bento field at room temperature. Nonetheless, if you wish to serve scorching dishes like curry, pasta, or soup, you’ll need to search for an insulated bento field.
Moreover, how huge of a meal are you seeking to pack? Naturally, you’ll want a bigger bento field to pack a bigger meal, however it additionally will depend on what number of dishes you put together. Some bento containers have only one or two compartments, whereas others can have 5 or extra particular person compartments for various dishes!
What’s a Bento Field?
In Japanese, bento (弁当 bentō) or obento (お弁当 obentō) refers to a transportable meal packed right into a compact field generally known as a “bento-bako” (弁当箱). Bento containers are a well-liked method for Japanese schoolchildren and workplace employees to pack a balanced, wholesome style of dwelling to eat for lunch after they’re away from dwelling.
What Ought to You Put in a Bento Field?
Certainly one of my favourite issues about bento containers is that the format presents near-endless prospects. The one restrict is your personal creativity! Nonetheless, a conventional Japanese bento will usually function as much as 5 principal elements:
- Carbs resembling rice or noodles
- Fundamental protein resembling meat or fish
- Sides resembling tofu, egg, or salad
- Colourful fillers that add a touch of brightness to the bento, resembling cherry tomatoes or broccoli
- Fruits, both within the bento itself or in a separate container
For a full information to what to pack in your bento field, try my complete information.
Do Bento Containers Preserve Meals Sizzling?
Some bento containers are insulated to maintain meals scorching (or chilly). Nonetheless, in Japan, it’s conventional to eat bento at room temperature. We season bento staples particularly to style good at this temperature! That stated, I’ve indicated within the specs above whether or not every of my prime choose bento containers is insulated.
What Are the Advantages of Bento Containers?
There are a lot of causes to pack your meal in a bento field, however for me, the three most vital advantages are:
- It’s Wholesome: By packing your bento field with the classes of meals outlined above, you’ll naturally find yourself with a well-balanced choice of completely different elements and meals teams.
- It’s Economical: Packing meals from dwelling usually saves cash over going to a restaurant to your meal.
- It’s Environmentally Pleasant: Bento containers are reusable, decreasing packaging waste. In addition they present a good way to make use of up leftovers!
The Greatest Bento Recipes
Through the years, I’ve compiled many bento recipes and different bento articles on JOC. For those who’re new to bento, I’d advocate Your Information to Bento Field Lunch and Incessantly Requested Questions on Bento Making for some background on what bento is and how you can get began.
When you’re prepared to begin cooking, you may try a few of my favourite recipe roundups for bento containers beneath:
Costs have been correct on the time of publication.
