Ready to pack healthy and well-balanced lunches for school, work, or picnics? Check out my recommended picks for the best bento boxes for various needs!
In Japanese, bento (弁当) or obento (お弁当) refers to a portable, balanced meal packed in a compact box called a “bento-bako” (弁当箱). Bento boxes are popular in Japan and the US for their convenience and affordability, perfect for work, school, or picnics.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of the best bento boxesincluding my favorite from LunchBotsbased on customer ratings, reviews, and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a functional, durable option to carry a delicious meal, read on for my top picks.
My Top Picks:
- What’s in My Kitchen: LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container – $21.59 at Amazon
- My Favorite for Hot Foods: Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar – $64.50 at Walmart
- My Favorite Stylish Bento: Bento Box MB Original – $39.90 at Amazon
- Most Versatile Bento Box: Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box – $29.99 at Walmart
- Best Budget Bento Box: Jeopace Bento Box – $9.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Bento Boxes
1. What’s in My Kitchen: LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container
I’ve been using this bento box from LunchBots for my kids for years. I love the large, simple, open format that has two equally sized compartments, making it easy to pack up and eat from (especially since my kids have a short period to eat lunch at school!). While it isn’t insulated to keep food warm, that’s the norm in Japan since bento is most typically eaten at room temperature. As for what I pack into this bento box, I typically alternate between Japanese-style bento classics (like rice, teriyaki salmon, tofu, and edamame) and sandwiches.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 27 oz
- Material: Stainless steel base with plastic lid
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 2
- Microwave-Safe?: No
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes
What I Like:
- Easy to pack and eat from
- Two compartments
- Durable construction
What I Don’t Like:
- Not insulated
- Additional containers needed for sauces, desserts, etc
- May not be large enough to accommodate large portions
Buy the LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container:
2. My Favorite for Hot Foods: Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar
When it comes to packing a hot lunch for my kids, this vacuum lunch jar by Zojirushi is my go-to. With three separate plastic containers that stack on top of one another and fit neatly into an insulated stainless steel case, I can easily pack rice (or other carbs), a main protein dish, and a soup or side into one convenient package. It keeps the contents hot or cool for up to six hours, and if needed, the inner plastic containers are microwave-safe. It even comes with a forked spoon that attaches to the bento’s exterior and a convenient carrying bag!
The Specs:
- Capacity: 28.5 oz
- Material: Plastic food containers, insulated outer stainless steel jar
- Insulated?: Yes
- Compartments: 3
- Microwave-Safe?: Yes (inner plastic food containers)
- Dishwasher-Safe?: No
What I Like:
- Keeps contents hot or cold for up to six hours
- Convenient, neat way to carry a multi-dish meal
- Comes with an eating utensil
- Includes a bag for carrying
What I Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Heavier than most bento boxes
- Hand wash only
What Others Are Saying:
This Zojirushi lunch jar has a 4.4-star rating from more than 2,970 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar:
3. My Favorite Stylish Bento Box: Monbento Bento Box MB Original
If style is as important to you as functionality, the MB Original bento box from Monbento may be just what you’re looking for. Made from durable PBT plastic, this box consists of two stacked, airtight, and leak-resistant compartments with steam vents for microwave heating. This sleek bento box comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, sure to stand out in any school cafeteria or office lunchroom.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 34 oz
- Material: BPA-free PBT plastic
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 2
- Microwave-Safe?: Yes
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes
What I Like:
- Pretty look
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Simple to pack, eat from, and clean
- Steam vents for microwaving
What I Don’t Like:
- Not insulated
- Bright colored foods may stain interior plastic
- Doesn’t come with utensils
What Others Are Saying:
Spruce Eats dubbed this pick as the best high-end bento box.
Buy the Monbento Bento Box MB Original:
4. Most Versatile Bento: Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box
With a minimalist design and large capacity, this bento box is perfect for most lunches on the go. What sets it apart from my other top picks is its removable divider, which allows you to pack and separate a wide variety of foods, from a large salad to curry with rice.
It’s microwave- and oven-safe, and when you’re done, the base can simply be placed in the dishwasher.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 40 oz
- Material: Stainless steel with silicone seal
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 1 or 2
- Microwave-Safe?: Yes
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes (except lid)
What I Like:
- Removable divider
- Effective leak-proof seal
- Can be heated in microwave or oven
- Large capacity
What I Don’t Like:
- Can be difficult to open
- Single-wall steel construction doesn’t keep food hot or cold for long
- Lid must be hand-washed
What Others Are Saying:
Serious Eats named it as their top overall bento box.
Buy the Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box:
5. Best Budget Bento: Jeopace Bento Box
For the price, this bento box can’t be beat. It offers enough capacity to pack a lunch for adults and kids, especially since the included three compartments can accommodate a main dish, sides, and even a dessert (I recommend my butter mochi!). It’s also microwave-safe as long as you remove the lid, so just remember to pop it off if you’re planning on warming things up.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 39 oz
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Insulated?: No
- Compartments: 3
- Microwave-Safe?: Yes (without lid)
- Dishwasher-Safe?: No
What I Like:
- Affordable
- Large capacity
- Simple design
- Three compartments
- Microwave-safe
What I Don’t Like:
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Liquid can move between inner compartments
- Included utensils are very small
What Others Are Saying:
Spruce Eats dubbed it as their favorite budget bento box, and it has a 4.4-star rating from more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers.
Buy the LunchBots Medium Duo Snack Container:
Other Bento Boxes to Consider
Freshware Meal Prep Containers
These disposable plastic meal prep containers serve a similar purpose as more traditional Japanese bento boxes. However, part of what I like about bento boxes is their reusability, which makes them environmentally friendly and easier on the budget. While the manufacturer states that these containers can be cleaned and reused, I have doubts about the durability of items built to be disposable. Personally, I’d opt for something more durable. The Freshware Meal Prep Containers are available at Amazon for $10.64.
Bentgo Kids Bento-Style 5-Compartment Leak-Proof Lunch Box
While this bento box was selected as the top choice for kids by the Spruce Eatsits individual compartments are pretty small and it may leak. Because of the mixed reviews, I’d recommend opting for something on my main list instead. The Bentgo Kids Bento-Style 5-Compartment Leak-Proof Lunch Box is available at Amazon for $27.99.
Umami Bento Box Adult All-In-1
Although it’s a decently versatile option, it doesn’t seem like the most leak-proof option. The included wooden utensils aren’t super durable, especially for the price. It may be a good bento box, but I think there are likely better options on the market. The Umami Bento Box Adult All-In-1 is available at Amazon for $29.99.
Iteryn Bento Box Lunch Box
At under $15, this bento box from Iteryn was a serious contender for my top budget pick. However, after digging into the reviews, I found that some users complained about leaking and the latches breaking after extended use. The Iteryn Bento Box Lunch Box is available at Amazon for $11.65.
Why You Can Trust Me
To select the best bento boxes, I started with my own experiences packing lunches, which began when I was in middle school. I then checked out customer ratings, reviews, and other trusted food publications, took my own preferences into account, and finally narrowed my list down to my top five picks.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Bento Box
What to Consider Before Buying a Bento Box
The first thing to consider when buying a bento box is whether you want to serve hot or room-temperature foods. In Japan, it’s traditional to eat the contents of a bento box at room temperature. However, if you want to serve hot dishes like curry, pasta, or soup, you’ll want to look for an insulated bento box.
Additionally, how big of a meal are you looking to pack? Naturally, you’ll need a larger bento box to pack a larger meal, but it also depends on how many dishes you prepare. Some bento boxes have just one or two compartments, while others can have five or more individual compartments for different dishes!
What is a Bento Box?
In Japanese, bento (弁当 bentō) or obento (お弁当 obentō) refers to a portable meal packed into a compact box known as a “bento-bako” (弁当箱). Bento boxes are a popular way for Japanese schoolchildren and office workers to pack a balanced, healthy taste of home to eat for lunch when they’re away from home.
What Should You Put in a Bento Box?
One of my favorite things about bento boxes is that the format offers near-endless possibilities. The only limit is your own creativity! However, a traditional Japanese bento will often feature up to five main components:
- Carbs such as rice or noodles
- Main protein such as meat or fish
- Sides such as tofu, egg, or salad
- Colorful fillers that add a dash of brightness to the bento, such as cherry tomatoes or broccoli
- Fruitseither in the bento itself or in a separate container
For a full guide to what to pack in your bento box, check out my comprehensive guide.
Do Bento Boxes Keep Food Hot?
Some bento boxes are insulated to keep foods hot (or cold). However, in Japan, it is traditional to eat bento at room temperature. We season bento staples specifically to taste good at this temperature! That said, I’ve indicated in the specifications above whether each of my top pick bento boxes is insulated.
What Are the Benefits of Bento Boxes?
There are many reasons to pack your meal in a bento box, but for me, the three most important benefits are:
- It’s Healthy: By packing your bento box with the categories of food outlined above, you’ll naturally end up with a well-balanced selection of different ingredients and food groups.
- It’s Economical: Packing food from home generally saves money over going to a restaurant for your meal.
- It’s Environmentally Friendly: Bento boxes are reusable, reducing packaging waste. They also provide a great way to use up leftovers!
The Best Bento Recipes
Over the years, I’ve compiled many bento recipes and other bento articles on JOC. If you’re new to bento, I’d recommend Your Guide to Bento Box Lunch and Frequently Asked Questions about Bento Making for some background on what bento is and how to get started.
Once you’re ready to start cooking, you can check out some of my favorite recipe roundups for bento boxes below:
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
