Buying guide for Best heated lunch boxes
There's something satisfying about eating a hot meal at work and using up those leftovers, but if you don't have access to a microwave, you'll end up eating tepid soup or cold pasta. A heated lunch box is a great alternative when you won’t be able to reheat or just prefer to keep your food hot. Just turn it on a little while before you want to eat, and it will warm your food to a toasty temperature.
Heated lunch boxes aren't extremely common gadgets, so you might not know much about them. Before you buy, you'll need to consider a wide range of factors, such as the overall capacity, how your lunch box is powered, and whether you’ll want compartments to separate your food. Plus, you want to consider where you’ll use it and if its design and color are going to suit your preferences.
Key considerations
Power type
Heated lunch boxes run off one of two power sources: a standard power outlet or a 12-volt car adapter. Which one is right for you depends on where you'll be consuming your lunch. While the majority of models are powered one way or the other, some include separate adaptors, so you can power them either way as needed.
Heating time
Check how long any heated lunchboxes you're considering take to heat up food. The majority range between 15 and 30 minutes, but you can find a few outliers that are slightly quicker or slightly slower. You should also remember these times are estimated and based on the lunch box being completely full, so it's always worth checking on your food every now and then, especially if you've only half-filled it.
Capacity
The majority of heated lunch boxes are designed to hold an average amount of lunch for one. However, this might not be enough if you have a large appetite or you want to share. The internal capacity is often stated in liters, but you may be able to find out the internal dimensions as well.
Materials
The vast majority of heated lunch boxes have a hard plastic exterior, though you can find a small number with insulated fabric exteriors, which are a bit like soft-sided coolers. On the inside, you’ll often find a removable metal food tray (usually stainless steel or aluminum), or the interior could have a metal lining or simply be made from molded plastic.
Capacity is a key feature; most boxes can hold one portion. Before recommending a product, we find out how much it can hold.
We research how quickly each heated lunch box warms food. Although times vary, most models work in approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
We research the durability of key components such as lids, closures, materials, and handles. Because most consumers will use their heated lunch box several days a week, we want to make sure the models we recommend are built to last.
Lunch boxes may be powered by electricity or a 12-volt car power adapter. Some boxes work with both sources. We factor this into our product reviews.
We find out whether a heated lunch box has insulation to keep food warm after it has been heated. We then research insulation thickness and durability.
We look for heated lunch boxes with exteriors that stay cool to the touch. This is an important safety feature.
We check to see if a removable tray comes with each box we evaluate. Typically made of metal, this component holds the food while it is heated inside the lunch box.
We determine if a heated lunch box has multiple compartments. This comes in handy for toting and heating more than one type of food at a time.
We look for heated lunch boxes with durable power cords and plugs that fit securely into electrical sockets or car power outlets.
Portability is crucial for customers who plan to tote their lunch to work or school. We look for sturdy handles, compact sizes, and car power adapters, which are key features that make it easy to transport and heat meals on the go.
Features
Internal separation
Some heated lunch boxes have separate compartments to store your food in. This is great if you like to keep different foods separate. For instance, if you have rice and curry, you might like to keep the two separate and mix them together later. Other heated lunch boxes have just one large internal compartment, which is less versatile.
Leak-proof lid
Ideally, your heated lunch box should have a leak-proof lid. If your heated lunch box isn't sufficiently leak-proof, you'll need to be careful to carry it upright, or you'll be limited to the types of food you can bring.
Color
You can find heated lunch boxes in a variety of colors, though they tend to be fairly plain, without any bold patterns. A large number of heated lunch boxes on the market are available in several colors, so it makes sense to choose one based on its other merits first and then select between the available colors.
Cool-touch exterior
A quality heated lunch box should have a cool-touch exterior so that you won't scald yourself on the outside of the box when it's finished heating your food.
Did you know?
Heated lunch boxes can help you save money by avoiding eating out on your lunch break. They also prevent waste, as you can bring your dinner leftovers to eat at lunch.
STAFF
BestReviews
Heated lunch box prices
Inexpensive
We wouldn't recommend spending any less than $20 to $30 on a basic heated lunch box as lower-priced models might not be particularly reliable.
Mid-range
These models cost between $30 and $40 and may be slightly larger and more durable than basic choices.
Expensive
At the high-end of the price spectrum, you'll find heated lunch boxes costing roughly $40 to $60. These are generally large and rugged with all the bells and whistles.
Tips
- Check the overall dimensions of your chosen heated lunch box. It should be compact enough to be easily portable and fit in your bag or a tote to take to work.
- Decide whether you need a heated lunch box with insulation. Insulation is advisable if you might not manage to get around to eating your food as soon as it's heated through. A sufficiently insulated model should keep your food piping hot for at least an hour or so after heating.
- Pick a heated lunch box that complies to any relevant safety standards. It should have been tested and inspected for safety by the manufacturer. If not, it may not be safe to use.
- Find out how you will know when your food is heated through. Check the manual to discover if the unit indicates in any way when it's done heating. Some heated lunch boxes either have an indicator light or let out a beep when they're finished — but not all do.
"Some heated lunch boxes have extras included, such as compact knives and forks or carrying cases. "
STAFF
BestReviews
FAQ
Q. Are heated lunch boxes safe?
A. Heated lunch boxes tend to run on a low voltage and are generally safe to use. Of course, you'll always find a few unreliable models out there, but as long as you avoid the cheapest offerings and select ones that have decent reviews, there's no reason to be more worried about their safety than any other electrical appliance.
Q. How do I clean my heated lunch box?
A. It probably goes without saying, but, unlike a regular lunch box, you can’t wash your whole heated lunch box because of the electrical components. The easiest heated lunch boxes to clean are those with a removable food tray or container, as you can wash it either in the sink or dishwasher, dry it, then return it to the body of your lunch box. Those without removable trays will need to be wiped down, which doesn't get them as clean and is more inconvenient.
Q. Are heated lunch boxes easy to use?
A. Yes, the majority of heated lunch boxes you simply plug in and leave for 15 to 30 minutes, so they're extremely easy to use.
