This post is sponsored, I was sent the lunchboxes to review, but I wasn't paid to write this review. This post contains an affiliate link. So, you know last year, I did that massive lunchbox review...and I've kind of gotten a bit of a name for myself as knowing about lunchboxes. So when a new one comes on the market and it needs to be reviewed...well the best place for that to happen is on this blog! This is the Little Lunch Box Co bento lunchboxes review.
These lunchboxes are brand new on the market, and having some to play with already is very exciting. You can purchase them at Little Bento World. There are 4 outer designs to choose from and as they come in one piece, they aren't interchangeable. We tried the Bento 5 batman and the Bento 3 watermelon.
Let's talk about the specs:
- Each one contains 4 cups of food
- The lid is attached with a hinge
- The compartments are leakproof
- The whole lunchbox is leakproof
- deep compartments cater for biscuits, a whole sandwhich, lots of cut up fruit and veg.
- dishwasher safe (although handwashing is recommended).
- fits in conventional cooler bags
- Reatails at $42.95 at Little Bento World
- comes in two styles: bento 5 or bento 3 with two designs in each style
Design. So, after using these for two weeks I've got a few observations that I'll share with you. We love the designs, they are very cute, my son in particular is very taken with his batman lunch box. My daughter really likes the watermelon design. It would be nice to have a unisex design, so that both kids could use the lunchbox, but the designs are perfect for young kids.
Washing. The fact that it's in one piece is fabulous too, as it means no lost lids, no missing trays, but I'm a dishwasher girl. If I can't put something through the dishwasher, it's a no-go in terms of lunchboxes. The reason for this is I like them super clean because they are going to contain food for a number of hours. Now, these can go through the dishwasher, but it's a bit tricky. You need a fair bit of space in the top rack...and also I found the compartments didn't clean completely due to the depth of them. No drama of course if you're happy to handwash (which they recommend anyway).
Size. The capacity is a step between a yumbox and lot of the larger lunchboxes on the market. However, the designs might be too young for kids who need a bigger lunchbox. The sandwich compartment on the bento three lunchbox is big enough for a sandwich and also a little treat, meaning you could use silicone cups to section that space if you like the versatility of the 5, but need to pack a sandwich. It's light enough for little hands to carry too.
Durability. We did some drop testing (both planned and unplanned). The lunchbox clip is the most vulnerable part of the lunchbox and it stood up to a few falls, so it think it is pretty good. The plastic is BPA free and quite sturdy, so I think this is a lunchbox that will last. The silicone seals match up really well and are wide, so there won't be any leaking problems.
Opening. As always, I gave the lunchboxes to the kids and told them to open them. Master 4 had no problems working out how to open it, so I also borrowed a 2.5 year old and asked them to open it, again no problems. I checked their ability of closing the lunchbox too. Master 4 had no problems, although laziness means he hasn't shut it at preschool. Miss 6 commented that it's the easiest lunchbox to open that she has!
Would we buy them? With the price of $42.95, it's quite an outlay for a lunchbox, but they are packed with features that make this a great lunchbox. All round, it would be a great investment for a 5-6 year old that would use it for a few years to come. It would also make an ideal full day out toddler lunchbox.
Check them out here!
Amanda says
Hi Kylie
I'm looking at both the bento 3 and 5 and was wondering if either of them would fit a boxed drink in them? I usually like to pack a Sustagen or an Up and Go, or a juice box and wondered if they'd fit?
Kylie says
Personally, I would put them in the cooler bag next to the ice brick. I think they would take up too much valuable lunchbox real estate. Sorry, but I don't have one to test in the lunchboxes.
Ann Powell says
After reading your review of these lunchboxes, I ordered a Bento 3 and a Bento 5 for my 4 year old son. I couldn't be happier! He takes the 5 for morning tea and the 3 for lunch to Kindy (he is a fairly big eater!) They are great quality, easy to clean and open and the perfect size. I've been searching for some time for the right lunchbox and these from The Little Lunchbox Company tick all the boxes. Well worth the money!
Cindy @YKOT says
Lovely lunch boxes! You do a great thorough review so no surprise that they want you to do more when a new lunch box comes onto the market. So helpful for parents to have someone walk-through what is on the market! Thanks!
Kylie says
Thanks Cindy, just you wait for this years one!
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
That watermelon design is super cute! Looks like a great option for my Miss T who is in grade 1 at school.
Kylie says
Yes! And it would last her a few years as it contains quite a bit of food!