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Best Bento Boxes

Updated June 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Zojirushi
Mr Bento Stainless Lunch Jar
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Bottom Line

Expensive, but a truly authentic Japanese-style bento box. Well-designed, with a sturdy carrying bag and two levels of insulation for hot and cold items.

Pros

Very efficient use of storage space. Keeps hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Storage pockets for utensils and condiments.

Cons

Some container leakage reported. Quality of insulation is variable. Containers can retain food odors after use.

Monbento
Original Bento Box
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Bottom Line

For those who enjoy packing a healthier lunch for school or work, this is a great choice. Smaller compartments encourage smaller portions.

Pros

Dishwasher and microwave safe. Lid fits securely, but still opens easily. Attractive outer shell design with soft touch texture.

Cons

Food stains difficult to remove completely. Container too small for sandwiches. Compartments can leak.

BentoHeaven
Leakproof with Cutlery, Chopsticks
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Bottom Line

Attractive midrange alternative to higher end bento boxes. Solid construction similar to Tupperware, including the helpful "burp" feature.

Pros

Releases excess air by "burping". Silicone gaskets provide good seal. Aesthetically appealing design.

Cons

Not as leak-proof as promoted. Some warping in microwave reported. Elastic strap can stretch out over time.

Best Bang for the Buck
Bentgo
All-in-One Stackable
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Bottom Line

Great entry-level introduction to Japanese-style bento boxes. Microwave and dishwasher safe, and very compact for storage.

Pros

Easy to clean and store. Ideal for portion-controlled meal preparation. Other matching components available, such as cups and utensils.

Cons

Some design issues, including leakage and mediocre seals. Fit between top and bottom compartments not secure.

EasyLunchboxes
3-Compartment Bento Containers, Set of 4
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Bottom Line

Not a traditional Japanese bento box design, but uses the same philosophy. Perhaps not as durable as other contenders, but great for school lunches and diets.

Pros

Color-coded lids for easy user identification. Inexpensive to replace, so can be disposable. Lids fit very securely, keep foods separated.

Cons

Durability is a common concern. Inferior counterfeits reportedly sold on occasion. Compartments are smaller than expected.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 17 Models Considered
  • 68 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 137 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    The team that worked on this review
    • Devangana
      Devangana
      Web Producer
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Michael
      Michael
      Writer
    ×

    Zojirushi

    Mr Bento Stainless Lunch Jar

    Zojirushi

    Mr Bento Stainless Lunch Jar

    Expensive, but a truly authentic Japanese-style bento box. Well-designed, with a sturdy carrying bag and two levels of insulation for hot and cold items.
    $44
    ×

    Monbento

    Original Bento Box

    Monbento

    Original Bento Box

    For those who enjoy packing a healthier lunch for school or work, this is a great choice. Smaller compartments encourage smaller portions.
    $29
    ×

    BentoHeaven

    Leakproof with Cutlery, Chopsticks

    BentoHeaven

    Leakproof with Cutlery, Chopsticks

    Attractive midrange alternative to higher end bento boxes. Solid construction similar to Tupperware, including the helpful "burp" feature.
    $19
    ×

    Bentgo

    All-in-One Stackable

    Bentgo

    All-in-One Stackable

    Great entry-level introduction to Japanese-style bento boxes. Microwave and dishwasher safe, and very compact for storage.
    $14
    ×

    EasyLunchboxes

    3-Compartment Bento Containers, Set of 4

    EasyLunchboxes

    3-Compartment Bento Containers, Set of 4

    Not a traditional Japanese bento box design, but uses the same philosophy. Perhaps not as durable as other contenders, but great for school lunches and diets.
    $13