Jessi's Top 5 Lunchboxes
- Jessi Mays
- Apr 11
- 5 min read
Why is finding a child’s lunchbox so difficult?! I’ve seen all types of lunchboxes brought through our school, as well as gone through dozens of lunchboxes with my three kids, and some are more successful than others. Here’s my top five lunch boxes for kids of all ages!
Dishwasher Safe: 10/10
Yes! You can toss the entire thing in the dishwasher, and it will come out sparkling. This is a huge win for busy parents!
Ease of Cleaning: 10/10
Because it’s stainless steel and dishwasher safe, cleaning is a breeze. Just toss it in the machine and go on with your day.
Durability: 10/10
Made from rugged stainless steel, this lunchbox can handle drops, bumps, and rough handling by kids. It’s built to last.
Leakproof: 2/10
Here’s the catch: the PlanetBox Rover itself is not leakproof. However, they offer separate containers that can fit in the compartments, and those are leakproof. So while the main box isn’t, you can get around that issue with their specialized containers.
Cost: 5/10
At almost $50, it’s on the pricier side, but given the durability and how long it can last, it’s a solid investment.
2. OmieBox
Dishwasher Safe: 2/10
Unfortunately, the OmieBox is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to wash it by hand. The good news is that the containers and add-ons are dishwasher safe, so you won’t have to worry about washing everything manually.
Ease of Cleaning: 5/10
Cleaning is a bit of a chore (handwashing only), but the box itself is easy to wipe clean. Just be careful not to put it in the dishwasher, as it could get ruined.
Durability: 8/10
OmieBox is generally pretty durable, but there’s a small chance that the latch could break with heavy use. On the plus side, they offer a great warranty to cover any issues!
Leakproof: 10/10
This one’s a big win! The OmieBox is 99% leakproof, so you won’t have to worry about spills or messy lunches ruining the rest of the bag.
Cost: 5/10
At $45, it’s definitely an investment, but like the PlanetBox, it’s built to last, and the leakproof design makes it super functional for those with younger kids who tend to be a little more accident-prone. The Omie box is also the only box on this list with a built-in thermos! You can pack hot and cold food in the same box.
3. BentGo Kids
Dishwasher Safe: 5/10
The BentGo Modern is partially dishwasher safe; the containers are dishwasher safe, but you’ll need to hand-wash the outer shell to keep it looking brand new. It’s still much easier than washing everything by hand, though.
Ease of Cleaning: 8/10
While the outer shell needs to be washed by hand, the compartments are easy to clean in the dishwasher. It’s fairly simple to wipe down and rinse out, making it a good middle ground for parents who don’t mind a little handwashing.
Durability: 7/10
The BentoGo is made from durable plastic, so it should hold up well for everyday use. However, like many plastic lunchboxes, it can wear down over time with heavy use or rough handling. It’s not as indestructible as stainless steel, but it should last for a good while with proper care.
Leakproof: 9/10
The BentoGo is 99% leakproof! If you pack something liquid, like soup, you might want to add a leakproof container inside to avoid messes.
Cost: 7/10
At around $30, the BentoGo is reasonably priced for a lunchbox with decent features. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for something functional without breaking the bank. BentoGo can be a tad small for big kids or big eaters!
Dishwasher Safe: 2/10
The Yumbox is not dishwasher safe. It must be handwashed to preserve its quality and silicone seals. Though it’s easy to clean by hand, it’s a bit more time-consuming than popping it in the dishwasher.
Ease of Cleaning: 5/10
Even though it’s handwash only, cleaning the Yumbox is pretty easy. Its stainless steel and silicone materials make it simple to wipe down, and the compartments can be quickly scrubbed by hand. Just make sure to dry it thoroughly after cleaning.
Durability: 8/10
Made from a combination of stainless steel and silicone, the Yumbox is quite durable and holds up well under normal use. However, like most containers, it can show signs of wear with rough handling, but it should last for quite a while if treated with care.
Leakproof: 9/10
Thanks to the silicone seals around each compartment, the Yumbox is highly 99% leakproof! While it's not completely leakproof for super liquidy foods (like soups), it does an excellent job of keeping most items, such as yogurt, fruits, and dips, sealed in and mess-free.
Cost: 6/10
Priced around $40, the Stainless Steel Yumbox is a good investment for a quality lunchbox. While it’s a little more expensive than basic plastic alternatives, the leakproof features and durability make it worth the price.
Dishwasher Safe: 10/10
The Ali+Oli Silicone Bento Box is dishwasher safe! It can be cleaned easily in the dishwasher, but it's recommended to place it on the top rack to avoid heat damage to the silicone. The components are designed for easy cleaning, so you won’t have to worry about scrubbing by hand.
Ease of Cleaning: 10/10
Cleaning the Ali+Oli Bento Box is simple thanks to its flexible silicone material. It’s both dishwasher safe and easy to wipe down for quick cleaning in between uses. Its smooth, flexible design helps prevent food from sticking, so even sticky sauces are easy to clean off.
Durability: 8/10
The Ali+Oli Silicone Bento Box is made from high-quality silicone, which is durable and flexible. It won’t crack or break like plastic, but over time, the silicone may show signs of wear with heavy use. Still, it holds up well and is a great option for those looking for a more flexible, unbreakable lunchbox.
Leakproof: 8/10
This bento box is designed with a leak-resistant lid, but it’s not entirely leakproof. It works well for most food items, such as fruits, sandwiches, and snacks, but may not fully contain very liquidy foods like soups or smoothies. For the most part, it will prevent small spills.
Cost: 8/10
At around $25, the Ali+Oli Silicone Bento Box is reasonably priced, especially considering the quality of the materials and the ease of cleaning. However, it’s on the higher end of the price scale for silicone lunchboxes, so it may be a bit of an investment for some families.
Others to consider:
BentGo Stainless Steel – While I do love this box, it can be hard for children to close on their own.
Rubbermaid meal prep containers – Inexpensive and easy to find, but do not last long.
LunchBots Build -a- Bento – A great little box, but too many pieces to wash!
Wildkin Kids Bento Box – Leakproof, but not dishwasher safe, and can break if dropped.
BentoGo Chill – I actually love this box, but it’s pretty heavy for the size.
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