The bento box is the perfect solution for packing organized, fresh meals for work or school. With its dual compartments, you can easily separate your foods—think a sandwich alongside fruit or snacks—keeping everything fresh and tidy. Inspired by traditional Japanese bento box culture, this design combines practicality with style, making meal prep a breeze.
Designed to be compact and easy to clean, the bento box reduces waste by eliminating the need for single-use plastic containers. Whether you’re meal prepping for yourself or your family, this versatile bento box simplifies your routine while helping you stay on track with healthy eating. Discover our top picks for the best bento boxes available and elevate your lunch game!
BentoHeaven Bento Box
Leak-Proof, Microwave & Dishwasher-Safe Compartments with Chopsticks – Perfect for Meal Prep
Monbento Square Bento Box
Stylish, Eco-Friendly, and Leak-Proof Lunch Container – Perfect for Travel and Meal Prep
Bentgo Classic Lunch Box
All-in-One Stackable Bento Box with Built-In Utensils
Umami Japanese Bento Lunch Box for Adults
Leak-Proof, Stylish Bamboo Design with Cutlery Set & Sauce Jar – Perfect for Healthy, On-the-Go Meals
TAKENAKA Bento Bite Dual
Stylish Double-Layer Bento Box with Utensil & Divider
Bentgo MicroSteel Leak-Proof Lunch Box
Microwave-Safe, Customizable Compartments, and Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel Design – Perfect for Fresh, On-the-Go Meals
1. Bentoheaven Premium Bento Box Adult Lunch Box
Chef Tim Anderson recommends opting for a tiered bento box with two chambers, as it allows for heating certain items while keeping others cold. The Bentoheaven bento box exemplifies this design, featuring two 20-ounce stacking compartments with removable dividers. It also includes a tray for cutlery and a smaller container for sauces or garnishes. This setup enables you to pack fresh or pickled vegetables in one compartment to enjoy at room temperature, while protein and rice can be heated in the other. With eight stylish color options and dishwasher-safe materials, it’s a fun and practical choice for both kids and adults.
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2.monbento – Leakproof Large Bento lunch box
This sleek and stylish bento box is designed for transporting various types of food without worrying about spills or leaks. Featuring a silicone seal, the plastic containers ensure a tight fit, making them ideal for both liquids and solids. The large box includes two stackable containers and a smaller food cup that conveniently fits inside one of the larger compartments. An elastic band securely holds the stacked boxes together, providing added stability during transport.
Despite their spacious design, these containers are lightweight, making them easy to carry to work or school. Our tests revealed that this bento box is both convenient and leak-proof; we never encountered any spills. Plus, the containers are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe, adding to their practicality.
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3. Bentgo Classic – Adult Bento Box
This simple and streamlined bento box has everything you need for packing meals on the go. Featuring two stackable containers with three compartments held together by a stretchy nylon strap, it’s both functional and compact. We appreciate the included built-in plastic utensils, adding to its convenience.
During testing, we found that despite its compact design, the bento box offers ample space for a satisfying amount of food. Available in a variety of colors, it’s an excellent choice for both kids and adults. Just note that the lids are not leak-proof, and the center divider is not microwave-safe.
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4. Umami Bento Box Adult
This sleek and efficient storage container is designed for easy transport of meals to work or school, complete with essential accessories like a knife, fork, chopsticks, and a sauce container. The bamboo construction and tight-fitting silicone lid ensure durability and freshness, while the removable dividers offer versatility for packing a variety of foods.
We appreciate that the clips secure the lid in place and make it easy to open when it’s time to eat. However, it’s important to note that this container is not completely leak-proof, so it’s best suited for foods that aren’t overly liquid.
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5. TAKENAKA Bento Bite Dual from
This set of stacking compartments is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it both strong and environmentally friendly. Throughout our testing, we found it easy to use, with lids that open and close effortlessly. The elastic band keeps the containers securely stacked, while the larger compartment perfectly accommodates a sandwich. The second box features a removable divider for added versatility.
Conveniently microwave and dishwasher-safe, this set showed no stains after microwaving. However, while the lids are user-friendly, it’s important to note that the compartments are not leak-proof. We experienced significant leaking during our tests, even with the band in place, so users should be cautious when packing liquid foods.
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6.Bentgo® MicroSteel® Leak-Proof Lunch Box
This spacious bento box features a removable divider, making it versatile for storing a variety of foods in different sizes and shapes. Crafted from stainless steel, it includes a silicone gasket that ensures the leak-proof lid is completely airtight. Simply release the valve to access fresh, well-protected meals.
During testing, we found the silicone lid to be both sturdy and durable, providing excellent leak protection. The container’s taller sides allowed us to fit ample food without cramming or crushing. Additionally, the stainless steel material is easy to clean, showing no stains or lingering odors after use.
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The Bottom Line
Bento boxes should be spacious, efficient, and convenient, which is why we love the Two Bento Lunch Box. This container is easy to clean, and its removable center tray adds versatility. It offers a fantastic way to store food in a portable, leak-proof design. If you’re seeking an efficient way to pack your kids’ lunches, the Bentgo Kids is another excellent option.
Our Testing Process
We evaluated 11 leading models of bento boxes, including the Two Bento Lunch Box, through a series of tests focusing on functionality, durability, and convenience. We started by assessing each product’s capacity, dimensions, and weight, as these factors contribute to a bento box’s overall practicality.
To test capacity, we filled each box with a full lunch—sandwich, fruit salad, cucumber salad, and snacks—and noted how well everything fit without feeling cramped. We then emptied and cleaned each box, paying attention to how easy they were to clean by hand and in the dishwasher.
Given that bento boxes are designed for meals on the go, we tested each for leaks by filling them with water and turning them upside down. We also evaluated their microwave-safe claims by microwaving leftovers in each container. Finally, we checked for stains, spots, or odors, considering how the material affected durability and cleaning ease.
What to Know About Bento Boxes Before Shopping
Material
The Two Bento Lunch Box and others may be made from various materials like stainless steel, plastic, or silicone. The material significantly impacts durability and functionality. Stainless steel options are durable, easy to clean, and resist odors, but they aren’t microwave safe. Plastic options are usually more convenient for microwaving and dishwasher cleaning but may absorb flavors and stains. Consider how you plan to use and clean your bento box before making a purchase.
Care
Regular cleaning is essential, especially with multiple compartments. If you intend to use your bento box daily or for meal prep, look for one that is easy to clean. Some bento boxes, including the Two Bento Lunch Box, are dishwasher-safe, while others may require hand washing.
Compartments
Unlike standard lunch boxes, bento boxes feature multiple compartments to keep food items separated. This is beneficial for preventing juicy foods from mixing with dry snacks. The best bento boxes should have compartments of various sizes, so consider what types you need. If you plan to pack sandwiches, ensure there’s at least one large compartment, and for snacks, choose one with multiple small compartments.
Accessories
Accessories enhance the functionality of bento boxes. Ideal options include cutlery or chopsticks for easy on-the-go meals. When choosing a bento box, consider which accessories are most important for your needs.
Other Bento Boxes We Tested
- Pottery Barn All-in-One Bento Box
This practical box fits food well but is not microwave-safe and lacks removable dividers, limiting versatility. It also isn’t leak-proof, so only dry foods can be packed. - Suzutan Shokado Bento Box
This traditional bento box is elegant but has a loose-fitting lid and isn’t microwave or dishwasher-safe, making it less practical for meals on the go. - LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Container
With fixed compartments and a lid that doesn’t secure tightly, this option isn’t reliable for transporting food.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the difference between a bento box and a lunch box?
A bento box, like the Two Bento Lunch Box, features multiple compartments that allow you to store an entire meal in one container, keeping different food items separate. It typically has a locking lid to keep everything secure.
What foods can you put in a bento box?
You can pack various foods in a bento box depending on its compartment sizes and sealing efficiency. Larger compartments can hold sandwiches or grilled chicken, while smaller ones are great for snacks, fruit, or vegetables. A leak-proof lid allows you to include wetter items like yogurt or hummus.
Who We Are
Laura Denby is a food and beverage writer specializing in detailed product recommendations. With a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of professional cooking experience, Laura leverages her expertise to find kitchen products that help readers become more efficient and confident in their culinary endeavors. Her work can be found at FoodNetwork.com, Food & Wine, Forbes, and People.com.
