For the most up-to-date lunchbox review click to view the 2017 lunchbox review!
I have been totally overwhelmed by the excitement surrounding this lunchbox review. I have managed through the generosity of many lunchbox suppliers to secure 21 of the lunchboxes available on the market for back to school/ back to preschool for next year- 2016. I’m calling it The Great 2015 Lunchbox Review. If you are undecided about which lunchbox is best for you, read on! Every lunchbox review you need to help your lunchbox decision making is here!
There are new lunchboxes included in the 2017 review!
Your first question might be…why is she doing this? Well, Miss 5 is off to school next year and there is an overwhelming number of lunchboxes on the market. They all claim to be the next best lunchbox, they all have different features and they all suit different people and different lunch packing styles.
I want to give you all the opportunity to see what they all do, and how and what they are best suited for, so I’ve collated all the info for you, to make your choice much easier. In addition to that, each lunchbox reviewhas a full write up, with pictures and its pros and cons in a review that should answer any questions you may be left with. I’m not calling this a definitive guide, if there is another lunchbox question you have, post it at the bottom of the page in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer it.
Here’s the lunchboxes I’ve reviewed:
- Yumbox panino
- Yumbox original
- Bentgo kids
- Boon cargo
- Boon trunk
- Nude food movers
- Lunchbots Cinco
- Shikiri
- Tupperware sandwich keeper plus
- Sistema cube
- Sistema Triple Split
- Fliplids
- Go Green
- Fuel bento
- Planet Box
- Ikea FESTMÅLTID
- Decor DUO 3
- Goodby hERO
- Gold-i-lock
- Easy lunchbox
- Bentology bento
What I’m going to be using in 2016:
Miss 5: Yumbox (she has fruit break separately)- we interchange between the panino and the original,
Goodbyn and also Bentology Bento Box
Master 3: Boon Cargo and Trunk while I can still get away with it (they are opened for him at preschool).
Mr Kidgredients: Fuel Bento and Shikiri
Me: Lunchbots Cinco and Planet Box
The tables will give you the quick details, the full review posts will give you my impressions…and at the bottom I’m updating questions as they are asked!
So here goes!
[table id=7 /]
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[table id=9 /]
What fits an apple I hear you ask?
Goodbyn (kids size apple), Go Green (kids size apple), Sistema Cube Max, Sistema Triple split, Decor Duo 3.
What can go in the microwave?
The containers from:
Bentology, Fuel Bento, tray from Bentgo
These with no lid:
Complete:
Easy lunchboxes (with the lid loosely on)
Sarah says
I was just wondering which lunch box you would suggest for a 5 year old who is a big eater I was thinking the go green
kidgredients says
Hi Sarah,
I haven’t done this years review yet and there are some new ones! You need to know first: does the school require everything in one box? Or three containers eg crunch and sip, recess and lunch? if so, the go green would probably contain too much for just lunch.
yojana says
I am looking for a simple three compartment lunch box that would fit in a small fridge to go. Do you have a recommendation? Thanks for such a great summary!
kidgredients says
The panino would work- but it’s 4 compartment, so maybe an easy lunchbox?
kidgredients says
Oops just read the small fridge to go. Sorry! I don’t have a small one, only a medium.
Tracy says
This is great. Would any of these boxes fit a tub of yoghurt standing up, or would u have to lie it down? I worry about the height with someone them maybe not tall enough.
kidgredients says
Probably the sistema triple split would!
Robyn says
Where can I find the go green for $43?
Great table by the way!
kidgredients says
http://www.trendyliltreats.com.au/go-green-lunch-box-drink-bottle/ Here it is, just as a lunchbox. Not with bag etc.
Sonia says
Hi. Thanks for such a thorough review! Sorry if this has already been asked but could you please tell me if the yum box panini fits into the fridge to go medium with room to spare. I have a very hungry boy and want to put a few extra things in his lunch bag (on top if what fits in the yum box. Eg. A banana, bag if popcorn etc
kidgredients says
Hi Sonia, it fits and I’ll be doing some photos next week. There is room, but not heaps!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Who knew there were so many lunchboxes and so many options! Thinking the Fuel Bento might be a great option for the hubster for Christmas – I’m just wondering if it’s slim enough to fit into his laptop bag and if it would leak when put on it’s side?
kidgredients says
It might leak when on its side, depends what you put in it. ? I’m impressed he’ll take lunch!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I can’t believe that you wrote this corker of a post plus a more detailed review for each lunchbox listed – well done you! I hope you can have a bit of a rest now Kylie!
kidgredients says
Hopefully! ? it was a mammoth task to do, but I hope it will help someone get organised for back to school!
Feeding Finn says
This is a lot of work Kylie, well done! It will be a great resource for parents looking for a lunchbox. We have the two types of yum box and love them. They are perfect for my 1 yr old and 4yr old and we found them great for plane journeys. We also have the lunch bot one which again we love but I like that you can put yoghurt in the yum box ones.
Maja @ Mumma Hack says
You’ve made so many lives much easier with this list! Really great. Thank you 🙂
kidgredients says
Thanks Maja, I’ve really enjoyed doing it!
pinchmebeautiful says
Wow! this is fantastic and much needed review. My little lady is about to start school, so this has been a real help to me. Thank you.
kidgredients says
Thanks for stopping by and reading! I hope it has helped you make a choice for next year!
lu @ looking for mama me says
I thought I commented earlier, but I must have forgotten to when I read it. What I meant to say is EPIC! You did such a great job trying and reviewing all these. I really want to get my girl a lunchbox for daycare, and then school. Thanks for making my hunt easier 🙂
kidgredients says
Lu, you’ve called this EPIC twice in one day! I’m feeling very loved. 🙂
Corinne says
Wow thank you, a lot of work has been put into this, appreciate it!
Although I literally was going to pack a lunch like my parentals did for me back in the day (yep soggy sandwich wrapped in glad wrap) in some random box with a lid, a piece of fruit and a snack but now, ummm this post has got me a little anxious.
Is that Not what anyone does anymore?
It seems like a lot of work! Haha I’m so overwhelmed now with these home made snacks and divider thingy’s, it’s the last thing i would ever have though of having to do……crap.
kidgredients says
Corinne, there is no judgement from me whatsoever. You can pack whatever you feel comfortable with and whatever your child/children eat in whatever container you like.
Do whatever makes you happy! There is never any need to feel lunch-anxiety. If you want snack ideas I’ve got them a plenty on the blog! And if you want extra help, just pm my facebook- I’ll help you out.
The Free From Fairy says
This is brilliant!!! What I want to know is where you can buy them all!!
kidgredients says
Well, eats amazing has the yumbox in the UK. Then I have no idea! ? sorry! Most of them are US brands.
Bianca says
Great review. My kids have been using their tupperware sandwich keeper plus since they were little (few replacements in there)but we now use yumboxes. We have 1 original (miss 4) 3 panino (miss 10, mr 11, mr 14.)
My kids ❤️ their yumboxes and don’t often need to take other food or extra lunchbox tubs.
We also have some tupperware fruit savers if they want to take whole fruit.
Kel britinoz says
Great work! My miss 5 is starting school in Jan. we have the yumbox original which has been fab & I’m intending to stick with it for school. They also have fruit break & morning tea which will be packed separately. Do you know of a good insulated bag which fits the yumbox with room for otheir containers too? Or is it best to have one insulated bag For yumbox & not worry about keeping fruit break & morning tea cool?!
kidgredients says
I put mine in a smiggle double decker: yumbox with ice pack under it in the bottom and I the top I either put an idea k with fruit break or I use a gel-cool container.
Breeze says
You didn’t test ‘Fridge to go’ lunch boxes. Little Aussie company. Ice bricked. Awesome.
kidgredients says
As in the cooler bags? No, sorry, this review was just about lunchboxes, not cooler bags.
Katie says
Cheap Reject Shop lunchbox – lid is attached, fits all manner of items due to it’s taller size. My three primary school kids have had theirs for two years each, and they’ll go around again next year. Save your money.
kidgredients says
Is it leakproof and BPA free? I’m keen to know more!
Catherine says
Hi – Thanks for this, very timely for me (clueless mother of an almost preschooler!) I love the look of the Bento Boxes from Little Linky, however wondering whether they fit in an ice block (or any other way to recommend keeping them cool – as I don’t think there’s a fridge at preschool next year)? And if they do fit an ice block any recommendations on which block to use? Thanks again!
kidgredients says
Hi Catherine do you mean the lunchbots bento cinco? It fits in a medium fridge to go. 🙂
yourkidsot says
Thank you so much for this review! It is so comprehensive, will be sharing. My Mr 5 starts school next year and has used the basic Sistema one for the last 2 years at preschool so we will probably stick with it until it breaks. It has also lasted the distance with his big sister, not bad I think considering it is one of the cheaper options!
Jac says
Great resource! I am wondering where you got the planetbox from for $84.95 though? I can’t find them for under $114 (not incl shipping!).
kidgredients says
The box alone is $87.95 (it appears to have increased by 3 dollars since the weekend!). Go http://www.biome.com.au/planetbox-bottles-bag-parts/14375-planetbox-rover-stainless-steel-lunchbox.html and you can get the box itself for $87.95. ex post of course. But I recommend the bag, it is pretty awesome!
Louise says
Thank you. We have the yumbox panino and although a bit heavy, it is the perfect size and leakproof, and dishwasher safe and fits our school requirements so well. We have a separate container for fruit break and recess (sistema small divided).
kidgredients says
You’re welcome! That pretty much sums up how we use it too! Love our panino!
ptswarts says
I wonder which one would fit an ice ‘brick’ in it for keeping the lunch cool. I have the nude food mover & can put a small one in there, but then not so much lunch for my 13 year old son.
kidgredients says
You need to grab an insulated bag/sleeve as well. They sell them in woolies for the nude food movers. Then you can pop the flat style ice bricks in around the lunchbox. That should help!
JM says
Wow! this is amazing and heaps of work! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and findings! I wonder if anyone has ideas on what to do/use when the Teacher has the kids unpack morning tea, fruito-vego, snacks and lunch into separate buckets at the start of each day. My one-stop lunch container was instantly useless and I was left tracking inumerable container bits through the Kindy year. Did anyone find a way to navigate that? Also, the school is very hot so I found anything not wrapped with an ice block was literally wrotten by mid-morning even if it was in an insulated lunchbag. Any ideas or tricks for keeping fresh foods edible?
kidgredients says
Oh my! That seems like a crazy system. I still pack a separate morning tea with my yumboxes. Maybe the bentology would work for you as it has removable containers or the planet box or the goodbyn? The fridge to go is meant to be an awesome cooler bag- maybe that would be an option for you?
Ingrid says
Which ones have lids which are secure and won’t accidentally come off in their school bag on the way to school if they’re packed on their side?
kidgredients says
Hi Ingrid, the yumbox (original and panino) as well as the bentgo and also the go green would work for you!
Sarah says
Great array of lunchboxes. Thank you for the information I like the spreadsheet style of each lunchbox. Will make it easier to choosing a lunchbox for next year.