If you're not into canteens or restaurants for lunch, then this guide is for you! The insulated lunch box has become a must-have for work and outdoor activities. Like the Milu 650 mL, it allows you to take and store healthy, homemade meals anywhere. But which one to choose? Don't panic, we explain you everything.
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Our selection
"With such a model, it is now possible to consume less packaging. Indeed, the Milu 650 mL offers the possibility to keep your home-made food…"
"With a simplistic and compact design, this isothermal lunch box is a perfect ally to eat healthy and comfortably at the office, with an excellent…"
"For the greediest, the Monbento MB Square Bento Box Blue Denim will be suitable for school outings, lunch breaks, picnics ... The cube contains 2…"
"This compact and fully recyclable isothermal lunch box will be perfect to take your homemade food and drinks. This way, you will eat healthy and…"
"The Travelisimo 40 W has nothing to envy to other models. Thanks to the resistance under the compartment, you can use it in a car…"
With such a model, it is now possible to consume less packaging. Indeed, the Milu 650 mL offers the possibility to keep your home-made food warm without any heat loss.
See priceAlso available in a 450 mL version, the Milu 650 mL is made of stainless steel. A double wall system with a non-slip bottom completes the package. Its 6.6 cm opening simplifies the filling and consumption of yourfood such as noodles, soups or fruits. A child can even use it to carry food.
The Milu 650 mL is completely leak-proof. It uses a snap-on closure. This makes it easy to open the lid. The lid can also be used as a bowl. Note that this model comes with a stainless steel hinged spoon and a cleaning brush.
With a simplistic and compact design, this isothermal lunch box is a perfect ally to eat healthy and comfortably at the office, with an excellent preservation of the taste and temperature of the food.
See priceAre you a fan of varied and healthy meals? This insulated lunch box is the accessory you need to enjoy your lunch break! Made without BPA, it comes in an ultra-thin and ultra-light form that won't clutter up your travels.
Supplied with an insulated bag,the container includes 3 completely sealed compartments that are separate from each other, so there are no leaks until lunch time. The quality of the construction also allows it to be used in the dishwasher, microwave or freezer. In any case, you won't need to reheat your dishes or put them in the fridge thanks to the good thermal insulation that this lunch box offers.
For the greediest, the Monbento MB Square Bento Box Blue Denim will be suitable for school outings, lunch breaks, picnics ... The cube contains 2 hermetic meal boxes stacked.
See priceThe Monbento MB Square Bento Box Blue Denim is BPA and BPS free. Made of PP plastic, this isothermal lunch box with a cubic shape is very resistant and easy to recycle. Thanks to it, you will save a lot of money and enjoy your home-made meals. Its total capacity reaches 1.7 L, with 850 mL for each compartment.
Its high airtightness is due to the intermediate lids with silicone seals. No leaks will be seen. Moreover, all the elements of this lunch box are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, except for the top lid. It's just a shame that cutlery is not included with the Monbento MB Square Bento Box Blue Denim.
This compact and fully recyclable isothermal lunch box will be perfect to take your homemade food and drinks. This way, you will eat healthy and hot everywhere and at any time.
See priceWith a container made entirely of stainless steel, the 720°DGREE WunderJar insulated lunch box is compact and easy to take with you at any time. It can be used as a lunch box or as a small gourd to keep your soups or drinks warm.
In addition to being ecological and recyclable, the materials are extremely resistant and healthy. In this 450 mL container, your food is kept at its initial temperature for more than 9 hours when hot and 16 hours when cold. The insulation quality is enhanced by the copper layer integrated in the container thanks to the innovative KeepDGREE technology.
The Travelisimo 40 W has nothing to envy to other models. Thanks to the resistance under the compartment, you can use it in a car as well as in the office. It has a power of 40 W and a capacity of 1.5 L.
See priceThe Travelisimo 40 W is distinguished by the presence of 2 power outlets. Indeed, this lunch box can be connected to the mains (220 V) as well as to a cigarette lighter socket (12 V). You will no longer need to heat up your meals in the microwave because the isothermal warming bowl does it without fail.
For added convenience, the Travelisimo Grey is one of the easiest lunch boxes to maintain. Remove the stainless steel tray and wash it by hand or in the dishwasher. This tupperware has 2 compartments for the enjoyment of both adults and children. A storage system allows you to slide in a spoon.
Any specific needs?
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | HIGH END | |||
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| OUR SELECTION |
Milu 650 mL
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Modetro Bento
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Monbento MB Square Bento Box Blue Denim
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720°DGREE WunderJar
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Travelisimo 40 W
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With such a model, it is now possible to consume less packaging. Indeed, the Milu 650 mL offers the possibility to keep your home-made food warm without any heat loss.
|
With a simplistic and compact design, this isothermal lunch box is a perfect ally to eat healthy and comfortably at the office, with an excellent preservation of the taste and temperature of the food.
|
For the greediest, the Monbento MB Square Bento Box Blue Denim will be suitable for school outings, lunch breaks, picnics ... The cube contains 2 hermetic meal boxes stacked.
|
This compact and fully recyclable isothermal lunch box will be perfect to take your homemade food and drinks. This way, you will eat healthy and hot everywhere and at any time.
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The Travelisimo 40 W has nothing to envy to other models. Thanks to the resistance under the compartment, you can use it in a car as well as in the office. It has a power of 40 W and a capacity of 1.5 L.
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Capacity
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650 mL
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850 mL x 2
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Material
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Stainless steel
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Plastic
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Plastic
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Autonomy
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Hot : 6 hCold
: 10 h |
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Dimensions
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10.5 x 10.5 x 19.5 cm
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22.9 x 22.9 x 4.4 cm
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14 x 14 x 14 cm
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Accessories
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Stainless steel spoon, cleaning brush, carrying bag
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Isothermal lunch bag
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-
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Since this is an accessory that you plan to use almost every day, make sure that the appearance of the insulated lunch box is in line with your tastes. In other words, the model must necessarily correspond with the age, gender and interests of its owner. In addition, beyond its look, the design of the isothermal box is also chosen according to its size. Of course, your choice will be made according to your needs, but you should know that there are :
Determining the capacity of your future isothermal lunch box comes down to defining your uses, i.e. your appetite and the type of recipes you plan to carry in it. By pure instinct, big eaters will lean towards a large capacity and those who usually don't have a big appetite, will opt for a small box. In both cases, you risk making the wrong choice, knowing that a model that is too large can lead to excess air, while a model that is too small does not leave enough room. Whatever your needs, the best choice would be to choose a medium size insulated lunch box that will allow you to make the right compromise between quantity and insulation. Indeed, a box with a capacitybetween 300 mL and 1 L allows you to have a good ration of food while preventing air flow when you put the lid on. As for the height, this will depend on your eating habits since soups and broths will need a deeper container than stews and stir-fried vegetables.
Certainly, insulated lunch boxes differ in size, style and shape. But if there's one detail that makes these practical everyday accessories stand out, it's the material they're made of. Moreover, it is through this specificity that you will be able to evaluate the insulation quality of a lunch box insofar as some materials are more insulating than others. There are therefore :
For
an isothermal lunch box to meet your needs in the long term, it must be above all practical. To do this, focus on the smallest properties that facilitate its daily use, such as:
The maintenance of an isothermal lunch box can quickly become tiresome when it is poorly chosen from the start. As it is an equipment that you will use daily, it goes without saying that its maintenance must be of the simplest and quickest in order to save you time. Plastic lunch boxes, for example, should be washed thoroughly to get rid of any traces of oil. Glass lunch boxes need to be handled with care to avoid breakage. Finally, stainless steel lunch boxes have the advantage of being easy to maintain, except that it is advisable to wash them only by hand to ensure their durability. In the end, we advise you to choose the material that will meet the desired insulation quality and that will save you time in terms of maintenance.
To ensure that your insulated lunch box keeps your food warm or cool and lasts as long as possible, it is essential to use it correctly. To do so, a good preparation of the box is necessary.
If you want to keep a dish hot, start cooking immediately. A few minutes before the meal is ready, prepare the can by pouring in hot (or boiling) water at the same temperature as your dish. You'll need to give it a good 10 minutes to get used to it.
Remove the water and replace it with food, filling it properly so that air cannot get in. Finally, quickly close your lunch box and store it in a place where it can keep warm.
If you want to use it to keep a cold dish fresh, the process is the same except that you pour cold (or ice-cold) water into it before putting the meal in.
The best way to find your way through the myriad of insulated lunch boxes on the market is to distinguish them by their design material. Discover below the different types of isothermal lunch boxes.
Both modern and elegant, isothermal glass lunch boxes are made of a sustainable and recyclable material
. They are generally offered in the form of jars, although there are sometimes larger, square or rectangular references. A glass lunch box is generally compatible with a microwave or an oven, but thicker glasses are better suited in this case. It can be equipped with either a hermetic plastic lid or a glass lid with an integrated rubber seal. Moreover, the insulation of this type of box is evaluated between 2 to 5 h in the heat and beyond 10 h in the cold.
The
stainless steel isothermal lunch boxes are the most appreciated by all, for their very good insulation level
. They can keep dishes for more than 10 h in the heat and up to 24 h in the cold. In other words, there is no need to put the box in the refrigerator or in the microwave before enjoying it.
Steel is a recyclable and durable material par excellence. It's lightweight and easy to maintain, not to mention that it can be shaped in a variety of ways to offer a retro, compartmentalized or tiered design.
Most plastic insulated lunch boxes sold today
are
BPA-free
. Manufacturers rely on this material to play on a panoply of designs, sizes or even colors and patterns. Even if they are the cheapest models on the market, they are still not suitable for storing food for too long, especially if it is hot food. Moreover, their use in the microwave is not at all recommended for the simple reason that they can harm your health. Moreover, it is good to remember that this material is far from being ecological.
The simple isothermal lunch box is presented as an ordinary dish in which the food will be arranged together. However, it can be multi-layered so that the dishes can be distinguished from each other if there are several of them. It is an extremely easy accessory to prepare and of course, its cleaning is done with the same ease.
Unfortunately, the box is far from being practical, because for those who are used to having a small salad before the main course and then finishing the meal with a dessert, it will inevitably take several layers to carry everything. In this case, the accessory is much heavier and more cumbersome than expected.
The insulated lunch box with compartments has the same appearance as the dishes in the canteen, the only difference being that it is a box and not a tray. The accessory is extremely practical since the ingredients or dishes are naturally diversified. Also, they can be eaten separately, which makes them even more delicious.
By opting for this type of insulated lunch box, there is no need to bother with several layers. The only drawback is that the preparation of the box requires more attention than with a single compartment model, as does the cleaning.
If you are used to eating all your meals on the same plate, nothing beats a simple isothermal lunch box. On the other hand, you can opt for the tiered ones to simplify your life during group outings in the open air.
If you like to eat your food separately, starting with a small appetizer, then moving on to the main course and finishing with dessert, you might as well choose an insulated lunch box with compartments. Looking for a lunch box for children? Go for this version immediately, even if it means giving your child a greater desire to eat thanks to the fun and more original format.
Eating a home-cooked meal at the office is much cheaper than paying a subscription to the canteen or going to a restaurant. In addition, the insulated lunch box allows you to keep the day's food warm or to reheat the leftovers from the previous day's meals, thus avoiding food waste.
With an insulated lunch box, you are sure to eat healthy meals instead of commercialized dishes that are generally very high in calories. The latter may contain products that are not necessarily suitable for people with intolerances or on diets. Also, the ingredients selected are usually classified as processed and not very fresh. By making your own lunch, you can select the ingredients and cooking methods that are best for your health.
Durable and usable at will, the insulated lunch box is a way to stop food waste, which makes up a large part of the world's waste. It also helps to preserve the environment by limiting the waste constituted by the packaging of the commercialized dishes. These are generally packaged in single-use trays that can constitute a considerable amount of waste in the long term.
Insulated lunch boxes are compact and easy to carry. Many are equipped with a handle with different compartments and good isolation of meal odours. They can also be kept hot or cold to ensure that the food is well preserved. Maintenance is also simplified by the possibility of dismantling the internal shelves to clean them separately.
Having a good insulated lunch box gives you a wide variety of choices in terms of menus. This reduces waste. Waterproof, it allows you to take yoghurt, sauce, baby food, sandwiches, fruit, soup, drinks without the need for cling film. Even in case of strong shocks, the lunch box will not leak thanks to the hermetic closure and the presence of silicone seal.
In our opinion, the best brands of isothermal lunch boxes in 2022 are :
Founded only 10 years ago, the Monbento brand is specialized in the manufacture of essential kits to facilitate the feeding of nomads. It offers all kinds of accessories, from isothermal water bottles to bags, without forgetting the inevitable isothermal lunch boxes. Focusing on quality, design and customization, this brand has become a must-have in the daily routine of active people.
Comfook is a renowned brand in the design of a wide variety of kitchen utensils and items, including the famous isothermal lunch boxes. With the goal of providing accessible and practical accessories for everyday use, Comfook relies heavily on high-quality materials. Users especially appreciate the simple, yet effective design of the brand's products.
Philorn is the kingdom of home and kitchen accessories par excellence. From decorative items to storage items, the brand's catalogue is synonymous with quality and durability. When it comes to isothermal lunch boxes, this brand offers a real embarrassment of riches.
Tatay is the reference brand in the world of the house for more than 85 years. Its objective: to offer practical, fun and essential items to simplify the daily life of households, whether in the garden, living rooms or kitchen. Its range of take away accessories includes resistant products that are adapted to every lifestyle.
Mepal is one of the largest manufacturers of plastic food preservation items and has been in the business for almost 60 years. The choice of material was not made lightly, since the brand relies on totally ingenious and durable plastic. Mepal offers products that are suitable for everyone's needs and stands out from the crowd thanks to its timeless, high-quality designs.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Maintain your insulated lunch box
To ensure the durability of your insulated lunch box, remember to clean it after use. You can use the dishwasher for ease of use. If the material is not compatible with this appliance, use a mild detergent and plenty of water. Grandma's recipes based on baking soda or white vinegar are also indicated to effectively remove persistent stains and food odors. Finally, drain the box before wiping it down with a dry cloth.
Don't skip out on additional insulated accessories
The
insulated lunch box should ideally be equipped with a bag that is also insulated. This is the best way to optimize the thermal preservation of the accessory, not to mention that a lunch bag is a real ally to facilitate its transportation. In addition, you can also acquire an isothermal gourd for the conservation of your drinks, and to alternate the conservation of your soups and your soups.
Fill your insulated lunch box well
It
is essential to fill the isothermal lunch box on both sides, especially if it is a hot meal. This way, you prevent the food on the surface from getting cold because of the air vacuum.
Close your lunch box quickly
Close
your insulated lunch box immediately once it is filled, because as Lea box is opened, air can sneak in between the food and the dish will systematically get cold
.
Choose your food correctly
If
you primarily want to keep dishes hot, your choice of ingredients should not be made lightly. This simply means that some foods will cool faster than others, and the heartier ones will hold the desired temperature better until lunchtime.
The best insulated lunch box depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
In addition to the fact that it must be well filled and well closed once loaded, the lunch box must be stored in a place that prevents air from entering. To store your box until lunch time, it would be wiser to use a lunch bag adapted to its size. Also, never leave it out in the open and never open it before consuming its contents.
The isothermal lunch box is an equipment perfectly adapted to the little ones. Their design completely avoids the use of toxic materials. As for their efficiency, they are logically perfect accessories to keep baby's meals fresh or warm if you are on the move.
If you can't finish the dish you've kept in your insulated lunch box, you can still eat it at the end of the day. You can also put it in the fridge and save it for later, as long as you finish it within the next 3 days.
The use of an insulated lunch box in the microwave depends on its material and the manufacturer's instructions. As a general rule, glass models are perfectly suitable for this type of use. On the other hand, neither stainless steel nor plastic is recommended, the former being simply incompatible and the latter being potentially harmful. As far as the oven is concerned, this equipment is generally not used in these conditions.
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