According to the material, bento boxes can be divided into plastic bento boxes, aluminium stainless steel bento boxes, wooden bamboo bento boxes and insulated lunch boxes.
Plastic bento box
Advantages: With cartoon characters and other patterns, it is loved by children. The price is relatively cheap, and high-quality plastic lunch boxes have a shiny appearance and beautiful design. If they are not deformed, they have strong sealing properties and, depending on the material, can be heated in the microwave.
Disadvantage: they cannot be kept warm for long and cannot be put in the oven.
Aluminium lunch box, stainless steel lunch box
Pros: Resistant to scratching and durable. Easy to clean. Lightweight and suitable for children.
Disadvantages: Cannot be used in microwave ovens, with limited design options. Can be used in dishwashers, but aluminium bento boxes are prone to discolouration.
Wooden and bamboo bento boxes
Bamboo bento boxes can hold sandwiches, rice and veggie rolls and other food.
Advantages: Wooden and bamboo bento boxes are generally lightweight, and the raw materials used to make them are very natural and environmentally friendly. They also look very nice when picked up, making them a favourite among foodies.
Disadvantages: They do not keep food warm, cannot be sealed, and can leak soup if not placed properly. Wooden lunch boxes cannot be heated in the microwave.
Wooden or bamboo lunch boxes are more suitable for dim sum, cold food and fitness meals. It is better not to put oily food in them. Wooden utensils also need to be taken care of, otherwise they will age easily.
Insulation Lunch Box
Advantages: Good sealing, more convenient for carrying soup; Isolate the air, inhibit bacterial growth and prolong food preservation; It can maintain the original temperature of food without the need for secondary heating, reducing the loss of nutrients (retaining the original flavour and locking in freshness); and can be used for both insulation and cooling, suitable for various occasions.
Disadvantages: Compared to other square boxes, they are larger in size, heavier and less portable; compared to regular lunch boxes, the price is higher; in addition, the packaging often consists of three layers inside and three layers outside, resulting in a smaller capacity of the final lunch box.
