Yumbox. Ours have been going strong for six years.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Feminist10101) Microwave Test: We heated microwave-safe boxes in the microwave for 1 minute at the 700-watt setting. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content, personally tested eight of the items on this roundup. Her work has also appeared in The Kitchn, Made Local Magazine, Food52, and Far and Wide. Bentgo Classic: We liked the look and compact size of this bento box, but found the 1.7-inch deep section a bit shallow for our needs.

She [my daughter] won’t forget her cool Smiggle lunchbox. Blimey though, they certainly know how to charge!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user UnitedRoad) Our verdict Thinking about investing in one for yourself? We've scoured the internet for the most highly reviewed products and narrowed it down to 11 of the best bento boxes you can shop online right now. While the removable dividers are adjustable, we found that they don't stay in place well enough to provide a completely airtight seal—which is completely fine for keeping dry foods separate, just something to be aware of. Thanks to the elastic strap and silicone seals, we didn't report any spills or leaks outside the compartments, even after using this bento box for multiple meals at home and in the office. Food flask: If you’re a soup fiend, go for a flask instead of a lunchbox. Wide flasks such as the Thermos King Food are double-wall insulated and water-tight – more so than lunchboxes that describe themselves as leak-proof. A food flask is wide enough for rice, noodles and stews as well as soup. For more, read our review of the best flasks. Which material is best for lunchboxes?Another vote for the Sistema ones. I take my toddler out to visit family once a week and can stuff it full of things to try and tempt the palate.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user FairfaxAikman) Like its Japanese definition, UMAMI means "tasty" and represents the fifth flavor in gastronomy, complementing bitter, sour, sweet and salty. Fully equipped with a set of utensils, this bento box can travel to work or a picnic with ease. It has two generous compartments that can be modified with the two adjustable (and removable) dividers, great for keeping side dishes separated or sectioning fruits away from more savory foods. Also included is a small lidded container for sauce or dressing. Durability Tests: We opened and closed each bento box 10 times. Throughout testing, we also noted if the boxes were easy to assemble and take apart, and because of our own clumsiness, we dropped them a few times. Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and she interviews field experts for their insight. She personally tested eight of the items on this roundup.

Umami Bento boxes are designed to sustain a maximum of 3 minutes in a Microwave oven. This is enough to reheat your food. Do not exceed 3 minutes as the high temperatures could damage the plastic. Early bento lids were completely separate from the base of the box and often tied up in furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, to help keep it secure. Today, tops of boxes are often more secure, with lids and seals that resemble other food containers. Tops can be held in place with clasps, airtight lids, or gaskets. Lids are also often hinged, making it easy to keep all parts of the box together. They vary in how leak- and splash-proof they are, so think about how much you’ll need to transport your bento box, and even how far ahead you'll want to prep your food; an airtight seal will help keep food fresher longer and will prevent food from spilling in your bag.This sleek Japanese-inspired bento box, complete with bamboo-look lid, will bring a little bit of class to your midday meal. Another vote for Yumbox here. Not cheap, but last for years.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user boccas) Our verdict Bento is a single-portion meal designed to be taken to go. Of Japanese origin, today bento is popular all over Asia and, increasingly, the world. The bento box is designed to carry this meal, and is a popular storage option for lunches on the go. Do not use your bento box to cook food in a microwave oven, it is only designed to reheat already cooked foods.