If you're not a fan of plastic and want to avoid it while transporting your lunch, you're in luck: there are plenty of stainless steel lunch containers out there. But our favorite of the bunch has to be this 3-in-1 set from ECOlunchbox.
We're obviously fans of the Bento Box, as we've shown in our previous lunchbox picks this week. We like a lunchbox that gives us options. This stainless steel lunchbox from ECOlunchbox has two layers that snap together: a lower container and an upper container with a smaller container inside it. Because there's no plastic used, the lid is not 100% leak-proof, so it's not suitable for soup. Otherwise it's a great option for a mix of salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
SPECS
- Made of lead-free, food-safe, series 205 stainless steel
- Entirely plastic-free
- Dishwasher-safe
- Measures 4"w x 5.5"l x 2.75"h. The bottom layer is 1" deep and fits a whole sandwich on sliced bread. The top layer is 1.5" deep.
- Made in India
Buy It! ECOLunchbox 3-in-1, $25 from ECOLunchbox
Related: Stainless Steel Lunchbox from PlanetBox
(Images: ECOLunchbox)
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Love this!!!
Similar but CHEAPER - - try an Asian grocery store. Lots of stainless steel lunch pieces. My kids use them in their lunch boxes. Go through the dishwasher like a dream : )
This looks great, but am I the only one that finds containers that aren't leak-proof useless? I usually eat leftovers (often a lot of soups, stews, and saucy things) and I like to shake my salad dressing in the container to distribute it evenly.
Perhaps I'm just fussy. :/
We've found these kinds of containers limited as well. They're cute (plastic) or eco-hip (metal), but I'd just as soon have a mason jar to hold a salad or cold dish and a big mouth food thermos for a hot dish.
Also, since the sections aren't really air tight, if you've got salad in one box and crackers in another, your crackers are likely to be softened from the moisture in the salad. These boxes are so adorable but I agree that Mason jars are the bomb for all types of lunches. I could see using a bento box to carry around dry snacks for kids --- cereals, goldfish, maybe raisins?
I really like Tiffins better. They come with a much smaller packaging label and more tiers. They are not leak proof but I bring a tote bag for lunch anyway. So my Pyrex soup is in there and my Tiffin holds the sandwiches, chips and salad all in the 3 separate tiers.
Having said that. I think it's brilliant that these kind of almost no-waste ideas are taking off. Yay!
Depends on your linches, I guess. YMMV as they say. Have you had a look at the Mr Bento? This might be right up your alley.
I keep my two-layer tiffin in the car for unexpected to-go meals (esp. Chinese takeout), but when I need to slip a to-go container into my purse or tote for lunch/dinner out when I'm not driving, my flat stainless LunchBot is the perfect choice. At $12.95, bought locally on sale, it is a cheaper option as well. Regardless, any re-useable container that's not plastic is the healthier choice, for our bodies and the environment! Glad to see more of these coming out and being used!
Bravo. This work season I'll be getting more to-go food and I'm determined to bring my glass containers and Tiffins to go waste free. Do restaurants and to go places give you a sideways glance or question you when you want to use the containers?
Bravo. This work season I'll be getting more to-go food and I'm determined to bring my glass containers and Tiffins to go waste free. Do restaurants and to go places give you a sideways glance or question you when you want to use the containers?
**Tsk comment posting twice, I swear I only submitted once.
just bought one of these as a gift. i do find that leakproof glass bowls are best for salads and soups. pyrex makes some great ones-the lids are made of plastic, but i'm pretty sure they are BPA free.
OMG! Growing up in India in the 80s, these were the same lunch boxes mom used, to pack lunches for me, my sister and dad. You could get these in aluminium too. They were probably less than a dollar then, I should probably see what these cost now on my next trip.
I haven't heard of Mr. Bento! Thanks for the heads up, I'll take a look. :)
We received this as a gift and I pack my daughter's preschool lunch in it. Works well for that!
For my son's lunch I wanted no plastic boxes,,ziploc bags, or foil that crush sandwiches. I love this box & have received many compliments over the 2 years of use/abuse. I put the sandwich on the top & cut up veg on the bottom. It goes in the dishwasher several times of week. Love it & so does he.