Lunch Never Looked So Good: We Tested 11 Bento Boxes to Find the Best Ones

The idea of packing food to go is not new, nor is it unique to the Western world. There are metal tiffins in India, biàndāng in China, and bento boxes from Japan, which we are focusing on in this review. 

Today, the term bento describes a packed lunch gathered up in a box with little compartments for each food item; traditionally, rice was the main food placed inside, along with some vegetables and perhaps meat or fish. The bento experience encompasses the box, the food, the act of packing the food in the box, and the delight of eating from one. 

While its exact origins are murky, Sonoko Sakai, author of Japanese Home Cooking, postulates the bento box began as a way to bring food out and about. “I've read different things, like when the royal families went to go see the cherry blossoms, the servants would make a beautiful bento box,” she says. “So they would sit under the tree and lay out the blanket and watch the flowers bloom while they ate.” There was also the practical value of a portable box (and in older times, food wrapped in plant leaves) that contained the day's lunch. “When people went into the field, they had a bento, or if you're traveling you always carried a bento, and I think that it’s just a very ancient dish,” Sakai says. 

Today, bento has expanded to include all kinds of foods and boxes; a bento can contain onigiri as readily as an egg salad sandwich and a traditional lacquered-looking box is no more common than one that’s bright pink and decorated with anime characters. 

Choosing a bento box is personal, with some people valuing certain aspects over others: some might want a single box with few compartments, others might want one that has a multitude of compartments for keeping food separate; Some might want a two-tiered box with a band to hold them together, others might prefer a single box with a silicone-lined rim for ultimate leak-prevention. Today, there are many offerings on the market, so we tested 11 options and came away with five favorites for adults, kids, and everyone in between.

The Tests

• Packed Lunch Test: We packed each bento box with a simple lunch consisting of a small mandarin orange, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, 1/4 cup of walnuts, three Sidgal Norwegian crispbreads, and two small peeled carrots cut in half. We examined how (and if) everything fit, and if the box was easy to fill, put together, and close. 
• Leak Test: We filled each lunchbox with one cup of water and shook it to see if it leaked. 
• Stain and Odor Test: We smeared the interior of each bento box with tomato sauce, closed the lid, and let it sit for four hours. Then, we cleaned each box by hand and noted if the box was stained or had any lingering odors. 
• Durability Tests: We opened and closed each bento box 10 times. Throughout testing, we also noted if the boxes were easy to assemble and take apart, and because of our own clumsiness, we dropped them a few times. 
• Microwave Test: We heated microwave-safe boxes in the microwave for one minute at the 700-watt setting. 
• Cleaning Test: We hand-washed each bento box after use, noting if it was easy to clean and if any food stains or odors remained. 
• Usability Test: Throughout our testing, we examined and noted how easy it was to pack, assemble, unpack, and clean each bento box. 

What We Learned 

Size and Compartment-Style Were Important

Since what people pack for lunch varies greatly, we preferred bento boxes that allowed for a variety of options. The Monbento Large Bento Box, the TAKENAKA Bento Bite Dual, and the Bentgo Microsteel all had moveable partitions to build-your-own compartments, which allowed us to pack foods of all shapes and sizes. We found boxes with fixed compartments, like the LunchBots Large Stainless Steel Lunch Box and Bentgo Kids, more limiting; some items didn’t fit, or we had to cut them up to squeeze them in (for example, we had trouble fitting a small sandwich into the Bentgo Kids box, since all of the compartments were quite tiny).

We also found we preferred bento boxes that were mid-sized; bigger boxes, like the Bentgo Modern (which, at 9 x 7 x 2.4 inches, was one of the largest we tested), felt less portable. However, if a box was too small and shallow (like the Bentgo Classic, which had two boxes, one of which was only 1.7 inches deep), we had trouble fitting food inside, especially round fruits like mandarin oranges.

We Liked Leak-Proof Bento Boxes

While not a dealbreaker, it was nice when a bento box was entirely leak-proof—no one wants to open their backpack or purse to find spilled liquid. And not all boxes that claimed to be leak-proof were: the Bentgo Kids and UMAMI All-in-1 Bento Box both claimed to seal in liquids, but leaked a little when filled with water and turned and shaken. The most leak-proof boxes were the Monbento Large Bento Box and the Bentgo Stainless; nary a drop of water escaped even when they were vigorously shaken.

Bento Box Material Wasn’t Super Important

We didn’t find the box material super important unless you’re dead-set on microwaving your food in the box (in which case, we’d check manufacturer instructions and most likely avoid metal). In terms of staining and odor retention, we didn’t find too much of a difference between metal and plastic boxes; some metal boxes, like the LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container, did retain a slight tomato sauce smell, as did a few plastic ones, like the Bentgo Kids and Bentgo Classic boxes.

The Perfect Bento Box is a Personal Choice 

While we preferred boxes with larger, adjustable compartments, and ones that were medium-sized and deep, in the end, it all depends on your lunching habits and what you want to prioritize. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Good Bento Box

Our favorite bento-style boxes had large, adjustable compartments and were medium-sized and deep enough to fit non-square foods, like mandarins or clementines. We also liked boxes that were leak-proof, portable, and easy to clean.

Our Favorite Bento Boxes

The Best Bento Box

Bentgo Microsteel Lunch Box

$40 $24 at Amazon $40 at Williams Sonoma $40 $30 at Walmart

What we liked: This is a compact yet roomy bento box that features a moveable partition, should you like to keep your peas separate from your carrots, so to speak. It comfortably fits a variety of foods of all shapes and sizes without being bulky. It was also very easy to clean and didn’t retain any stains or odors. Plus, it’s leak-proof due to the silicone-lined lid and silicone airlock tab.

What we didn’t like: It’s unclear if this box is microwave-safe (another offering from Bentgo that is also made of stainless steel is, surprisingly, microwave-safe, but we couldn’t find an answer for this model). The lid can also be a little hard to remove, since the silicone tab on top, when pushed in, creates a seal. 

Key Specs 

• Materials: Stainless steel, silicone 
• Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 2 inches
• Capacity: 5 cups
• Accessories: Removable partition
• Compartments: Up to two
• Microwave-safe: N/A (we couldn’t find an answer to this, so we’d recommend avoiding microwaving it)
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes (top-shelf only), though the brand recommends hand washing the lid to increase the longevity of the silicone seal

The Best Leakproof Bento Box

Monbento Large Bento Box

$40 at Amazon View on Monbento.com

What we liked: This two-tiered box was roomy (we were able to comfortably fit all of the food items—with room to spare—in our packed lunch test), but still overall compact enough to toss into a tote bag or backpack. It was also incredibly leak-proof. 

What we didn’t like: It’s a bit pricier than some other boxes, and the leak-proof seal is so tight that we had trouble removing the lids. 

Key Specs

• Materials: Polypropylene plastic, silicone
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
• Capacity: 7 cups
• Accessories: Extra band, small removable compartment 
• Compartments: Up to three
• Microwave-safe: Yes
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Best Small Bento Box

Takenaka Bento Bite Dual

$40 at Amazon View on Takenakabento.com

What we liked: This was a charming two-tiered bento box that included moveable dividers and a fork. We liked its compact, small size (though it was still quite deep, which was nice) and how easy it was to fill, assemble, and take apart. 

What we didn’t like: It does not claim to be leak-proof, and we did have some water dribble out during our leak test. It’s also a bit pricey. 

Key Specs 

• Materials: Polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene 
• Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 4.2 inches
• Capacity: 4.89 cups
• Accessories: Band, plastic fork
• Compartments: Up to three
• Microwave-safe: Yes
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Best Bento Box for Kids

Pottery Barn All-in-One Bento Box

View on Potterybarnkids.com

What we liked: This was a simple box that, though it features fixed compartments, was spacious. It was also easy to open and close and featured an attached lid, which could be good for little kids (or adults) who are prone to losing things. Plus, it comes in a variety of fun colors and is budget-friendly. 

What we didn’t like: The fixed compartments could make packing different foods tricky, but overall we didn’t have a problem with it. The clasp, which is made of plastic, seems like it could break after extended use, and this bento box is not microwave-safe. 

Key Specs

• Materials: Plastic
• Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 2.5 inches
• Capacity: 5.5 cups
• Accessories: None
• Compartments: Five
• Microwave-safe: No
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes (top rack only).

The Best Traditional Bento Box

Suzuran Shokado Bento Box

View on Akazuki.com

What we liked: This beautiful, decorated box is akin to a more traditional bento-style box. It features a pretty illustration on the lid, and multiple-sized compartments for presenting a meal in style. And unlike more traditional bento boxes, it’s made of plastic; you don’t have to worry about caring for a wooden object. 

What we didn’t like: The lid doesn’t clasp onto the box, and it’s not leak-proof, meaning this is more of a bento box you’d serve at home rather than take on the go. It’s also not dishwasher- or microwave-safe.

Key Specs

• Materials: Plastic
• Dimensions: 3 × 6.9 × 1.8 inches
• Capacity: NA
• Accessories: None
• Compartments: Five
• Microwave-safe: No
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Competition

• LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container: Even though it’s made of stainless steel, this bento box retained some odor from the tomato sauce. We also found the fixed compartments a bit restrictive and noticed that the partitions, while attached, had gaps in the corners, so if you have something runny in one compartment, it could leak into the others. 
• 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. 
• Bentgo Modern: If you want a pretty bento box, this is it. While we liked the look of it, (and the fact that you can remove the interior box to microwave your food) it was pretty bulky, weighing in at 1 pound 10 ounces, making it the heaviest bento box in our lineup. It’s also leak-resistant, but not entirely leakproof. 
• Bentgo Classic: We liked the look and compact size of this bento box, but found the 1.7-inch deep section a bit shallow for our needs. 
• Bentgo Kids: This is a sturdy kids’ lunch box with a rubbery edge, making it resilient to drops. We found the small compartments a bit restrictive in terms of what you can pack, but we do think little kids would like the presentation. And while it claimed to be leak-proof, we did see a few drops of water escape near the hinges. 
• Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box: This box had a very utilitarian vibe; it wasn’t the most eye-catching of the lineup. It uses side clasps to lock the lid on, and it claimed to be semi-leak-proof except when tipped and turned, which seemed limiting. It was quite compact (though you could remove the inner compartments), and we had some issues closing it with a mandarin orange inside. The box (minus the lid) is also only microwave-safe for up to two minutes at 700 watts. 

FAQs

What traditionally goes into a bento box?

Traditionally, bento boxes were filled with rice and some little sides. “It was all about the rice and the little compartments,” Sakai explains. “The rice could be in an onigiri wrapped in a bamboo leaf, and then you have the side dishes, what we call okazu. Okazu are little nibbles that will enhance the rice, but it's always been centered around rice. So when you talk about Japanese bento, the first thing that comes to mind is rice, and that's the traditional main.” 

Can you put a bento box in the freezer?

Some of the bento boxes we tested are freezer-safe, so if you have a frozen mochi with ice cream in it, you can place the whole box in the freezer. 

Does a bento box keep food warm?

No, but you can buy insulated bags made specifically for bento boxes; these will help keep your food warm. Alternatively, some bento boxes we reviewed are microwave-safe, so you can reheat your food. 

Can you microwave a bento box?

Some bento boxes are microwave-friendly, but it's best to check the manufacturer's instructions.

Is a bento box good for school lunch?

We sure think so! Bento boxes make great lunch boxes for kids to take to school. Many of the boxes we tested were durable, leakproof, had compartments (to keep foods separate), and looked nice, to boot. They're also not super large, which means you can comfortably pack them into a backpack or bag. Our favorite kid-friendly box was from Pottery Barn—it's easy to open and close and comes in lots of fun colors.

Are there any foods that shouldn't go in a bento box?

Since a lot of bento boxes aren't fully leakproof, we wouldn't recommend putting soups or other liquidy dishes. We also don't recommend putting very hot foods into the bento box, as steam can build up and cause the lid to pop off.

Why We're the Experts

• Grace Kelly is a commerce editor at Serious Eats. 
• Prior to this, she tested equipment and ingredients for America’s Test Kitchen. She's worked as a journalist and has done stints as a cook and bartender. 
• She has written dozens of reviews for Serious Eats, including petty knives, tinned fish, fish spatulas, and tortilla presses, among others. 
• For this review, she interviewed author Sonoko Sakai about the origins of the bento box. She also packed 11 different bento boxes with a full lunch to see how each one accommodated all the components of a meal. She tested for leaks, stains, and odors, and conducted a variety of durability tests over three days.