Whether you are seeking the best stainless steel bento box for minimizing the impact on the environment or for durability (especially compared to other materials), it’s not easy, right? When you’re browsing the market, there will be thousands of options.
To help you easily determine the right one, we have listed out the four important factors to consider and suggested some reliable brands in this post.
Here are the best stainless steel bento boxes you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Soup: Mr.Dakai Upgrade Leak-Proof-Bento Box
- Skid-Proof: WeeSprout 18/8 Stainless Steel Bento Box
- Lightweight: LunchBots LB-CINCOB-S
- Durable: BKLYN BENTO BBC-11244
- Easy To Clean: MOSFiATA FML-HF002
- Best For Semi-Liquid Food: Ecozoi FR-QS3Z-9Y7T
| 6 Best Stainless Steel Bento Boxes | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Soup | Mr.Dakai Upgrade Leak-Proof-Bento Box | |
Skid-Proof | WeeSprout 18/8 Stainless Steel Bento Box | |
Lightweight | LunchBots LB-CINCOB-S | |
Durable | BKLYN BENTO BBC-11244 | |
Easy To Clean | MOSFiATA FML-HF002 | |
Best For Semi-Liquid Food | Ecozoi FR-QS3Z-9Y7T | |
Best For Soup: Mr.Dakai Upgrade Leak-Proof-Bento Box
- Leak-proof - leak-proof sealing lids
- Ideal for a standard adult portion – 71-ounce capacity
- Portable – the top foldable handle
- Wish the side clasp was sturdier
- The silicone lids are sticky and hard to clean
This bento box has three stackable compartments with the capacities of 23-23-25 ounces from top to the bottom. It’s large enough for a standard adult portion of meatballs and spaghetti, some soup, and fruit chunks or salads.
Since there’s a leak-proof sealing lid for each compartment, you can put hot soup or salsa in one of them with no fears of leakage and mess.
This lunch box can keep warmth for 1-2 hours at room temperature and 2-3 hours if put inside the included lunch bag.
As a great plus, it features a foldable handle on the top for portability.
Note: This lunchbox also comes with a portable flatware set.
| Mr.Dakai Upgrade Leak-Proof-Bento Box Specifications | |
|---|---|
Shape | Round |
No. of Compartments | 3 |
Capacity | Two top tiers: 23 ounces/each Bottom tier: 25 ounces |
Highlight Features | leak-proof sealing lids 71-ounce capacity the top foldable handle |
Do you want a budget-friendly, leak-proof stainless steel bento box for soup? Then, look no further than the Mr.Dakai Upgrade Leak-Proof - Bento Box
Skid-Proof: WeeSprout 18/8 Stainless Steel Bento Box
- No spillage or slipping – a skid-proof filler-free silicone sleeve
- No risks of forgetting or losing the lunch box at school - the 3-sectioned design
- Extra convenience – a free leak-proof dip container
- You have to hand-wash the silicone sleeve
This small and cute bento box from WeeSprout is perfect for kids.
Aside from the right capacity and organized interior, it highlights skid-proof silicone sleeves to prevent sliding or slipping due to wet hands or on slippery surfaces. Reassured, this sleeve is filler-free and food-grade. Just take note that it can’t be tossed into a dishwasher.
We like the 3-sectioned design, so there is no risk that your kids lose them at school.
If you want to pack dip, sauce, or some soup, use the included container that comes along with a leak-proof, food-grade silicone lid.
| WeeSprout 18/8 Stainless Steel Bento Box Specifications | |
|---|---|
Shape | Rectangular |
No. of Compartments | 1 |
Capacity | The bigger section: a whole sandwich cut in quarters The smaller sections: 1/4 cup |
Highlight Features | a skid-proof filler-free silicone sleeve a compact size to fit any kids’ backpack the 3-sectioned design a free leak-proof dip container |
Wrapped with skid-proof silicone sleeve, the WeeSprout 18/8 Stainless Steel Bento Box takes no risks of becoming a mess if you unexpectedly drop it
Lightweight: LunchBots LB-CINCOB-S
- Easy to carry – lightweight and compact design
- Better organize multiple foods – including 5 separate sections
- Not for packing liquid
A lightweight bento box will be indeed a life-saver for your kids when packing it to school. If that’s also what you are looking for, consider the LunchBots LB-CINCOB-S, which weighs only 16 ounces and is the lightest option on the market.
It can hold 32 ounces at a time and provides 5 separate sections to organize foods.
As its capacity is 50-60% larger than classic bento boxes, it’s suitable for adults too. However, take note that this set doesn’t come with any leak-proof container, so there’s no way to pack soup.
| LunchBots LB-CINCOB-S Specifications | |
|---|---|
Shape | Rectangular |
No. of Compartments | 1 |
Capacity | Total: 32 fl. oz. Smart sections: 4 fl. oz./ each Big sections: 10 fl. oz./ each |
Highlight Features | lightweight and compact design including 5 separate sections |
If you want a lightweight yet high-quality stainless steel bento box for your kids, then don’t miss out the LunchBots LB-CINCOB-S
Durable: BKLYN BENTO BBC-11244
- Virtually indestructible - 100% stainless steel construction
- Not opened unexpectedly - two tight locking latches on the sides
- Not leak-proof
Our next pick is the BKLYN BENTO BBC-11244.
The best thing about this bento box is its 100% stainless steel construction. No plastic or silicone parts. It also features two sided locking latches to prevent unwanted opening if unexpectedly fallen, dropped, or under harsh collision.
It’s susceptible to deform, break down, or wear out fast. Because of its virtually indestructible design, this lunch box is perfect for any on-the-go lifestyle.
| BKLYN BENTO BBC-11244 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Shape | Rectangular |
No. of Compartments | 3 |
Capacity | The bottom tier: 2-7/8 cups The mid-tier: 2-1/2 cups The top tier: 7/8 cups |
Highlight Features | 100% stainless steel construction two tight locking latches on the sides |
Highlighting indestructible and durable construction, the BKLYN BENTO BBC-11244 deserves a slot in our review list
Easy To Clean: MOSFiATA FML-HF002
- Easy to clean – nonstick, dishwasher-friendly silicone sealing rings
- Easy to keep your flatware - the built-in compact storage on the top lid
- Pricey
If you want a bento box that’s both leak-proof and easy to clean, check out the MOSFiATA FML-HF002.
It’s a two-tier lunch box designed with silicone sealing rings for no leakage. But the notable thing is these silicone parts are non-stick and dishwasher-safe although you can hand-wash them within minutes.
We also love the compact storage for your portable flatware. This way is more hygienic than tossing them into the lunch bag or more convenient and less risks of losing them than when you store them somewhere else.
| MOSFiATA FML-HF002 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Shape | Rectangular |
No. of Compartments | 2 |
Capacity | 56 oz. |
Highlight Features | nonstick, dishwasher-friendly silicone sealing rings the built-in compact storage on the top lid |
The MOSFiATA FML-HF002 outperforms other similar counterparts for its non-stick leak-proof silicone sealing rings, making it both mess-free and easy to clean.
Best For Semi-Liquid Food: Ecozoi FR-QS3Z-9Y7T
- Suitable for packing semi-liquid foods - lead-resistant lids
- Environment-friendly – 100% stainless-steel lunch box construction & recyclable packaging
- Not 100% leak-proof
The Ecozoi FR-QS3Z-9Y7T is a three-tier bento box with a top collapsible handle. As its lids are lead-resistant, it will be best for packing semi-liquid foods.
Regardless, there are two things that impressed us the most:
First, the whole set is indeed environment-friendly: aside from the plastic-free container design, its packaging is recyclable.
Secondly, there is a flatware set - including a spoon and a fork - enclosed in the package.
| Ecozoi FR-QS3Z-9Y7T Specifications | |
|---|---|
Shape | Round |
No. of Compartments | 3 |
Capacity | 42 Fluid Ounces |
Highlight Features | lead-resistant lids 100% stainless-steel lunch box construction & recyclable packaging |
Due to leak-resistant lids, the Ecozoi FR-QS3Z-9Y7T is the perfect lunch box for semi-liquid food
How To Choose The Best Stainless Steel Bento Box?
Capacity
As each individual has a specific portion, there’s no one-size-fit-all bento box for everyone.
And, it’s not that good to just opt for the largest size possible. The primary reasons are larger lunch boxes equal extra cumbersomeness inside your backpack and the higher risk of wasting food because you overpack.
On the contrary, a too small size of lunch box results in either of two consequences:
- You’ll be left hungry
- You’ll have to pack multiple lunch containers to meet your portion, which is inconvenient
Here are two tips to help you pick the right bento box size:
- Consider your appetite
- Consider your backpack space
Multiple Compartments Or Multiple Containers?
Unless you want to pack a main and a side, it’s essential to consider which options to go for: multiple compartments or multiple containers?
A bento box with multiple small compartments will come in handy for those who like to have a variety of dry foods, each of which is in small portions, for their lunch.
A bento box consisting of multiple containers is suitable for packing a variety of foods, each of which is in a big portion, for their lunch. This option is also ideal for packing liquid to semi-liquid foods as long as the lid is leak-proof or leak-resistant.
Lid
Whether for packing dry foods, liquid foods, or semi-liquid foods, the lids of bento boxes should be secure.
Pay attention to 1) how well the lid fits to the container and 2) the lock type.
There are many options when it comes to the lock type of bento boxes, such as gaskets, airtight lids, and clasps. The choice depends on:
Which type of food you’re packing: Is it easy to leak or splash?
With those foods that are susceptible to leak or splash, you should opt for airtight lids because this lock type offers the best leak-proof capability. It also keeps food fresh the longest.
For dry foods, clasps or gaskets are good to go.
Who is going to use it: kids or adults?
Kids’ hands are still weak and clumsy to use complicated lock types. Therefore, parents should consider choosing an easy-to-use lock.
Easy To Clean
Bento boxes, if not cleaned properly, are prone to get mold – which affects the user’s health.
Besides, nobody would be willing to use a bento box that’s too hard to clean.
While those options with small compartments are handy in keeping your multiple foods separately, they can be struggling to clean thoroughly.
The easiest-to-clean are those lunch boxes with open sections or those models that are dishwasher-friendly.
Which Brands Make The Best Stainless Steel Bento Box?
WeeSpout
We love the brand story of WeeSpout, which is about a small family looking for a sustainable way to feed their five young kids healthy food. We’ve seen ourselves in that story and find the brand reliable. Their products are high-quality, packed with features, and very practical.
LunchBots
The brand story of LunchBots is about a mom with two young boys who want to replace toxic plastic disposable food packaging with a healthier and more sustainable alternative. The brand has been in the industry for 10 years, standing out for unique designs, uncompromising quality, and premium materials.
Ecozoi
If you are looking for eco-friendly lunch boxes at a much more affordable price point, Ecozoi is a great stop. They are a manufacturer of chemical-free and plastic-free home and kitchen products. A great bonus is their product packaging is zero plastic, too.
FAQs
Is stainless steel better than plastic bento boxes?
Yes, it is. Bento boxes made of stainless steel are healthier, easier to clean, and more durable than those made of plastic.
Are stainless steel bento boxes safe?
Yes, they are. Stainless steel bento boxes don’t take the risk of containing BPA as those made of plastic, which means they’re more health-friendly.
Do stainless steel bento boxes keep food warm?
Compared to plastic, stainless steel bento boxes keep food warm better. But if you are looking for a bento box that can keep food warm for several hours, choose an insulated model.
Do stainless steel bento boxes rust?
No, they don’t. Stainless steel bento boxes these days are food-grade and health-friendly, meaning that it doesn’t rust or corrode.
How do you heat a stainless steel bento box?
To heat a stainless steel bento box, put it in a microwave or soak the bottom of the box in hot water.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has given you all the useful information you will need to pick the best stainless steel bento box that suits your portion, budget, and style.
Please consider visiting our blog for more related blog posts if you want to learn more about this topic. Thanks for reading!
