Key specs – Dimensions: H29 x W20 x D8 cm; Made from: Polyester (fabric exterior); Washing instructions: Wipe clean; Colours/design: 1; Microwave safe: N/A This lunch box stands out from the crowd and brings a real sense of fun to lunchtime dining. Yes, it’s a massive plastic dinosaur’s head that you stuff with food, but the design has actually been well thought through and the strap (which keeps the T-Rex’s mouth shut) also doubles up as a handle to carry it by. A: Stainless steel is one of the safest materials for storing and preparing food: that’s why virtually everything in any commercial kitchen is made out of it. It’s also easy to clean and sterilize, and durable. A stainless-steel lunch box is a great alternative to a plastic one. Q: Is a plastic lunch box safe? A: Generally, yes, as long as you follow two key rules: 1) don’t use any plastic that contains Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, and 2) never heat or microwave your plastic containers or lunch box. Heating causes the plastic to off-gas and leach. Therefore, any food touching heated plastic will absorb plastic particles. BPA and phthalates are the most harmful known chemicals in plastics, but it’s a relatively long list. Harvard Health Publishing delivers a concise explanation of the health threats of plastics (link below). Q: Can you put lunch boxes in a dishwasher? As a general rule, spot-clean your lunch box with warm water and soap. Q: How long does a sandwich last in a lunch box?

The Stanley brand is as traditional as it gets for men’s lunch boxes. The Stanley Classic Lunch Box is an expression of that tradition. For years, it’s been America’s best lunch box for work. The box features single-wall steel construction with a tension latch closure and molded plastic handle. Its distinctive hammer tone finish comes in two colors — navy or classic Stanley green. A leaf spring mounts inside the rounded lid to hold bottles, big cans, or a Stanley mug or flask. Key specs – Dimensions: H11.7 x W16.5 x D16.5 cm; Materials: Polypropylene; Washing instructions: Dishwasher safe; Colours/designs: 4; Microwave safe: No A: I wouldn’t. Dishwashers use a lot of two things: hot water and agitation. This combination can easily ruin vacuum seals in insulated lunch boxes and heat plastics to the point of leaching. I don’t think I would hesitate to throw my single-wall, steel Stanley Classic in the dishwasher, but it’s just as easy to clean it with a sponge and some dish soap. If the Stanley is loaded with a bottle in the lid, the 5.5-quart metal lunch box is big enough to handle a couple of small meal-prep containers, plus a piece of fruit and a bag of chips. It would also hold a big burrito and a piece of fruit; or a sandwich, a small container, and a piece of fruit. That’s all there is to it. The Stanley Classic Lunch Box is a simple tool built from an enduring American design that inspires nostalgia and implies practicality.Anyone who wants to curate their eating choices more carefully and save precious cash doing it (but doesn’t want to be that guy schlepping their lunch around in a plastic grocery bag). And anyone does mean anyone — our guide is styled as “best lunch box for men,” but my recommendations will work just as well if you’re ambivalent about the way your lunch box reflects on your gender!

The lunch boxes in this guide represent a wide range of lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Cheap and pricey, traditional, and innovative, functional, and flashy. There are not as many lunch boxes here as there are people who need lunch boxes, but ideally, there’s something here for everybody. How I Tested While using them, I also measured how long they could keep ice frozen — and whether they leaked when it melted. This eye-catching lunch bag is a nice interpretation of the ever-popular unicorn trend. The shape and detailing make it unique and fun, while the design and colours are not garish or too childish. It feels expensive and like it was made to last. Key specs – Dimensions: H25 x W20 x D8.5 cm; Material: Polyester; Washing instructions: Wipe clean; Colours/designs: 2; Microwave safe: N/A

Things to consider

A: According to the USDA, the danger zone for bacteria is between 40- and 140-degrees Fahrenheit. Meats are especially vulnerable to bacteria growth, so I wouldn’t mess around. The big, child-friendly latches are reassuringly effective yet easy for little hands to get to grips with. The cute animal designs will appeal to younger children while the practical nature of the box will appeal to parents of any aged child. Being able to throw them in the dishwasher of an evening is an added bonus and we like how light yet sturdy they feel too. The llama design is cute and gender-neutral but one of the real selling points of this product is that it’s available in 20+ different designs/characters, so you’ll be able to find one to suit any personality type. The little strap that holds the box together is somewhat essential – you might find the compartments come apart without it – so try not to lose it.

Key specs – Dimensions: L23.5 x W16.5 x D12.5 cm; Material: Plastic; Washing instructions: Wipe clean; Designs/colours: 1; Microwave safe: No Key specs – Dimensions: 19 x 8.3 x 22.9 cm; Material: Polyester; Washing instructions: Wipe clean; Colours/designs: 11; Microwave safe: N/A A: Using a container of very hot water as a heat source is a solid standby for insulated lunch boxes. Fill a metal bottle or container with near-boiling water, seal it tightly, and put it in with your lunch.What does that look like? Especially in insulated lunch boxes, I always look for quality stitching and abrasion-resistant material. Components like zippers and handles should be attached with a single stitch of robust thread (while we’re here, it’s also a good idea to make sure zippers operate smoothly and have substantial teeth). Key specs – Dimensions: Large 120 x 55 x 120 mm, medium 105 x 50 x 105 mm, small 90 x 45 x 90 mm and mini 65 x 40 x 65 mm; Material: Plastic; Washing instructions: Hand wash; Designs/colours: 8; Microwave safe: No This is quite a large lunch bag – you’ll easily get a couple of sandwiches, fruit, crisps, a treat and a drink in with space to spare, so it might be a bit bulky for everyday use. It’s ideal for school trips and picnics though and makes a lovely gift.

What we love about this cute Minnie Mouse-inspired lunch bag is the fact it doesn’t look anything like a lunch bag – it could easily be mistaken for a school bag and will appeal to lots of little girls as a result.

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Key specs – Dimensions: W24.5 x H19.5 x D8.5 cm; Material: Matt oilcloth; Washing instructions: Wipe clean; Designs/colours: 3; Microwave safe: N/A With Toy Story 4 introducing a new generation of small people to Woody, Buzz and the gang, the shops are awash with new film merchandise, and this lunch box is among them. An outer material that resists abrasion is key. Your lunch box is going to go everywhere with you; it’s going to get thrown around and stuffed in places. Make sure its shell is sturdy enough to meet the demands of your lifestyle. A: Insulated lunch boxes create a vacuum between two layers of material: an exterior layer (usually a nylon or polyester) and an inner layer of plastic, vinyl, etc. Heat transfers minimally through the vacuum, helping keep whatever’s inside cold (or hot). Q: How do you keep food warm in a lunch box?