Linnea Covington, a Denver-based food writer who loves cooking and planning meals for her family, tested the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box with her 5-year-old son, who took it to school every day for a week. Thinking about investing in one for yourself? We've scoured the internet for the most highly reviewed products and narrowed it down to 11 of the best bento boxes you can shop online right now.

While the removable dividers are adjustable, we found that they don't stay in place well enough to provide a completely airtight seal—which is completely fine for keeping dry foods separate, just something to be aware of. Thanks to the elastic strap and silicone seals, we didn't report any spills or leaks outside the compartments, even after using this bento box for multiple meals at home and in the office. If you’re looking for your little one’s first bento box, then Munchkin has got you covered with this cheery lunchtime companion.

How we chose our recommendations

Is it a box? Is it a bag? Is it a design statement? This roomy beauty from Canadian company Fluf is all three, and with superb eco credentials to boot. Soggy sandwiches will be a thing of the past thanks to Yumbox’s individually sealed sections which keep food nice and fresh. Each layer's lid has a gasket around the edges, ensuring that the tiers are entirely leakproof. The lids also feature a vent to allow hot air to release during reheating in the microwave. We found that the tight-fitting lids were a little difficult to open, so this set would be best for teens and adults with better grip strength. We found the seal wasn’t 100% water-proof, so you’d want to keep drinks in a separate container, but the Yumbox is certainly the most ooze-proof box we tried. The first bento boxes were made from bamboo, then later lacquered boxes and wood, such as cedar. Beginning in the 20th century, other materials began to be used, starting with aluminum in the 1920s. Today, you can still find bento boxes made from traditional materials as well as stainless steel, plastic, and glass. Single-use bento, common in Japan at convenience stores and sometimes found abroad as well, are typically made of single-use plastic or even styrofoam. Insulation

For many a Mumsnetter, the Sistema TO GO Bento Box is the go-to when it comes to transporting lunches to work, school or college. Another vote for the Sistema ones. I take my toddler out to visit family once a week and can stuff it full of things to try and tempt the palate.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user FairfaxAikman) After eating out of your bento, simply wash and dry it until next time. Some bento, especially insulated models, have removable inside trays that can be washed, and the exterior is only cleaned as needed. Traditional materials, like bamboo or wood, require more care and must be hand-washed. Lacquerware can even peel and chip in the wrong environment—it’s little wonder that people opt for materials like metal and plastic when given the chance for this everyday product.

Are bento boxes microwavable?

The removable compartment tray is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, while the outer shell should be hand washed to preserve the seal. It's available in green, purple, or blue, and there are also options with bright colors and multiple fun prints to suit any taste. UMAMI All-in-1 Bento Box: This bento box includes wooden utensils that, though pretty, didn’t seem entirely functional (especially the knife). And while it’s claimed to be leakproof, it did leak during our tests. The boxes were also a bit shallow, and we struggled to snap the lid on when we placed a small mandarin orange inside. READ NEXT: The best reusable water bottles and sport bottles The best lunchboxes to buy in 2022 1. Yumbox Panino: Best leak-proof lunchbox Whether you’re a tapas-style luncher, a classic sarnie lover or the lord of leftovers, there really is a lunchbox design that’ll work for you. Be it a plastic, glass or bamboo lunchbox, we’ve tested and reviewed them all and posted our findings below. Indeed, we like to think we’ve dispelled those memories of the stinky plastic boxes of old, highlighting brilliant new designs that keep food fresh and help you eat in comfort, whether you’re in the canteen or at the park.

Microwave Test: We heated microwave-safe boxes in the microwave for 1 minute at the 700-watt setting. Some bento boxes are insulated, but many are not, although these can be transferred into an insulated lunch bag to help you keep your food warm. What material is best for bento boxes?Material: A chunky plastic bento box able to withstand bumps and scrapes may be a good investment to see children through school. But if you’re saying no to plastic, then you may wish to invest in a more eco-friendly alternative, such as stainless steel or bamboo. The latches are easy enough for kids to use, but they latch securely, so the box will stay closed until it’s time for lunch. If this bento box isn’t big enough, the larger version holds a whopping 8 cups of food, so it’s great for folks with big appetites, for carrying fluffy foods like green salads, or for sharing. This model can be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Then to open the bento box, repeat the step; i.e. gently pull the silicon valve and the lid will come off without problems.