Have you noticed that you eat cold every day? Do you want to be able to heat up your meals easily? We strongly recommend you to invest in a heated lunch box.
Let's say you are an office worker or you want to bring food to enjoy on a car trip. In this case, you need a jar that can serve you hot meals to regain your energy. For optimal efficiency, the best item to choose is definitely a heated lunchbox. It can both keep the food safe and reheat it again as if it was freshly cooked. On the market, you will find a variety of models, but recognizing the right product involves consumer experience.
Indeed, the best heated lunch box is first of all the one that collects the best reviews on online comparisons. In addition, it must meet key criteria such as the type of adapter, capacity, convenience, heating performance and many others.
Given the important role of this utensil, our editorial team has compiled a list of the 7 best heated lunch boxes. This will help you make a tailored choice before you land on our buying guide.
What is a heated lunch box?
Simply put, a heated lunch box is a lunch box that runs on electricity. Technically, we are talking about an electric lunch box that can store, heat and transport food. There are even some models that offer cooking options without altering the quality of the meals.
For its operation, the device embeds an adapter that you can plug into an outlet. Depending on the model, there are adapters for vehicles (12v and 24v) as well as adapters for domestic use (220v). We can therefore say that the heated lunch box is an alternative to microwaves which do not always have an excellent reputation.
Conceptually, the device can be recognized by its outer structure made of healthy and environmentally friendly plastic. This is further reinforced by a premium quality stainless steel interior. Inside, you will find compartments for storing your food. All in all, it is a very useful equipment for eating healthy and hot at any place.
Top 7 best heated lunch boxes
The Black Electric Lunch Box (Car/Home)
The first product we would like to introduce to you is this beautiful model from Healthy Lunch. More than just an electric lunchbox, it's a mini portable oven that allows you to heat up food effortlessly. You can even cook frozen foods and turn them into healthy meals. In this regard, the best thing is the capacity of the container that can store up to 1 liter of meals.
Moreover, this food warmer is compatible with the power supply of a car or a truck. It is therefore the perfect utensil for mobile workers. Also, you can connect it to the mains using a 220v adapter provided in the delivery package.
Product specifications:
- Dimensions: 24 cm x 11.5 cm x 17 cm
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Number of compartments: 3
- Recommended uses: Car, truck, home, office
- Available in : 220V and 12V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts : Yes
Advantages:
- Very easy to clean
- High power of 45W
- Excellent food preservation with stainless steel and BPA free walls
- Perfectly sealed to prevent food spills
- Variety of compartments for balanced meals
- Two adapters included
- Free delivery
The disadvantages:
- Lack of temperature control features
The Orange Heated Lunch Box (Car/Home)
Can you imagine that with less than 70 dollars, you can have a quality lunch box for lunch? Well, the answer is yes and it is the orange colored heated lunch box from Healthy Lunch brand.
Specifically, it can provide many healthy dishes thanks to its high quality material and triple compartment. Therefore, if you need to pack delicious soups or meat dishes for work or school, it will surely satisfy you.
Comes with two adapters for home and car connection, you won't have to wait forever for hot food. Simply open your jar and place your food items inside. Then, close the lid tightly while locking the ends. Finally, turn on the heater and make sure the light indicates it is on.
Product Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.5 cm x 19 cm x 10 cm
- Material: 100% recyclable, BPA-free, food-grade PP plastic
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Number of compartments: 3
- Recommended uses: Car, home, office
- Available in: 220V and 12V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts : Yes
- Includes a sealed loop so your food never leaks outside
The advantages:
- Economical and delivered free of charge
- Has a light to let you know when the box starts to heat up
- Easy and hassle-free to clean in the dishwasher
- Storage space for lids
The disadvantages:
- Available in only one color
The Green Heated Lunch Box
The first thing that impresses about this food box is its sturdy appearance and design. By scrutinizing it, we can say that it will make an ideal choice for people who work in the construction industry. Indeed, the lunch box is presented as a tool box accessible in 1 or 2 double compartmented floors.
Further, it has an ecological plastic interior with a stainless steel layer as a coating. So it is a completely healthy and food grade jar for long lasting and safe operation.
However, it only comes with a 220V power cord. Therefore, make sure you have a cigarette lighter socket if you want to use it in your car.
Product Specifications:
- Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 14 cm x 17 cm
- Material: BPA-free food grade PP plastic and stainless steel
- Capacity: 400 ml and 800 ml
- Number of compartments: 2 (one tier) and 4 (two tiers)
- Recommended uses: Car, home, work
- Available in: 220V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts: Yes
Advantages:
- Cleaning is effortless, as you can wash them manually or in the dishwasher
- Excellent product for men, especially those who work in the field, such as construction workers
- Available in two types of capacities depending on your needs
- Has a carrying handle
- You can plug it in and leave it to heat your food without close supervision
The disadvantages:
- The lunch box is not provided with a 12V adapter (only 220V)
The Original Green Heated Lunch Box
What we like most about this lunch box is its original design. Obviously, it is designed in an oval shape that allows you to take it anywhere. You can use it in your office, at school, while traveling, etc. All in all, it is quite compact and imposes no geographical limits to enjoy a delicious hot meal.
Moreover, you can use it with 220V and enjoy its 360° steaming technology. In easy French, this means that the appliance will heat your food not only evenly and naturally. You will therefore have no risk of ending up with a meal at double temperature.
Finally, thanks to its anti-spill function and heat-resistant handle, this heated lunch box guarantees the best experience for your lunch.
Product Specifications:
- Dimensions: 26 cm x 14.5 cm x 15.3 cm
- Material: BPA-free food grade plastic and stainless steel
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Number of compartments: 2
- Weight: 800 g
- Recommended uses : home, office, picnic, school, travel
- Available in: 220V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts : Yes
Advantages:
- Advanced heating technology for a fast process in 15 min
- Ideal for multiple uses, such as office, picnic, travel, school or car/truck
- Convenient operation with airtight design and carrying handle
- Hassle-free operation and cleaning
- Reheats food evenly
- Free shipping
Disadvantages:
- Does not come with a cigarette lighter plug
The Blue Electric Lunch Box (Car/Home)
Here is another top of the line electric lunch box. This product meets all safety standards to provide you with the most enjoyable lunches possible.
In fact, it is made from excellent dietetic materials with excellent heat resistance. So you won't have to worry about your food being contaminated during the heating process. And thanks to its compact design, this item has great portability, whether at work, school or on the road.
Product Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20 cm x 11 cm x 13 cm
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1.5 liter
- Number of compartments: 2
- Recommended uses: home, car
- Available in : 220V and 12V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts : Yes
The advantages:
- The capacity is quite spacious
- Capable of heating in 25 minutes
- Airtight lid for an excellent seal
- Heated lunch box comes with two free adapters
- High sturdiness
The disadvantages:
- Available in only one color
The heated Lunch Box White
Most electric lunch boxes are designed with 2 compartments, but if you need a model with more space, this product will be a good option.
With the four compartments that adorn its 2 tiers, you can better divide the food portion or spread out more dishes to enjoy at lunch. Rice, meat and any meal preparation with salad come to mind. In addition, the container has a removable layer with a heating base to heat up your dishes.
The heating time is quite variable, depending on the temperature you want to achieve. So, if you have just taken a dish out of the refrigerator, it may take a little longer to heat up. However, its high power will heat up your dishes quickly.
Product Specifications:
- Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 14 cm x 17 cm
- Material : Healthy plastic with stainless steel coating
- Capacity: 800 ml
- Number of compartments: 4 (2 levels)
- Recommended uses: home, office
- Available in: 220V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts : Yes
Advantages:
- Quite light
- Good sealing
- Easy to clean after use
- Accessible in 2 levels
- Equipped with a steam cooking system
- Has a carrying handle
- Free delivery
The disadvantages:
- Does not come with a cigarette lighter socket
The Heated Lunch Box (Truck / Car)
If you usually work on the road, like a car or truck driver, we highly recommend this product. Nothing can beat it with the precision of the cigarette lighter adapters it comes with. Obviously, the store offers it with a 12v and a 24v plug. All you have to do is choose the one that is compatible with your vehicle.
You will be able to travel freely while consuming hot meals, far from the insecurity of fast-food restaurants. Moreover, the electric lunch box can heat up your food in 20 minutes to keep you away from hunger, wherever you are. With a large capacity of 1.5 liters, it's a perfect size for an adult.
Of course, the cleanup part is easy too, as this lunch box is dishwasher safe. So after a long day of work, you can put your food container in the machine for cleaning.
Product Specifications:
- Dimensions: 23 cm x 10.5 cm x 16 cm
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 1.5 liter
- Number of compartments: 1
- Recommended uses: car, truck
- Available in : 12V and 24V outlet
- Dishwasher safe parts : Yes
The advantages:
- Perfectly suited for mobile workers
- Only takes 20 minutes to heat up dishes
- Comes with accessories (a fork, a knife and an extra plastic compartment)
- Can be used and cleaned easily
- Excellent quality/price ratio
- Can be an excellent alternative to the microwave
- Free delivery
The disadvantages:
- Not accessible with a mains adapter
How to choose a heated lunch box?
This article would be less informative if there wasn't a buying guide to help you choose the best heated lunch box.
Choosing based on adapters
Electric lunch boxes are designed to enhance the enjoyment of eating in the easiest and fastest way. Therefore, you may want to buy those that come with different adapters.
To this end, many models include 2 types of adapters: 12V for in-car use and 120V for home use. Further on, you can also find some lunchboxes with a 24V power cable, especially for trucks. So check the power outlet you need before deciding which product is ideal for you.
Choose based on design material
If you are a health-conscious person, this factor is definitely the first thing you look for. It would certainly be a nightmare if you smell plastic in your food.
Obviously, consider opting for a unit that has walls designed from healthy and eco-friendly materials. Specifically, heating meals through a box requires materials like stainless steel. For your safety, this is a food-grade material that is free of BPA.
Choose based on ease of cleaning
The best heated lunch box should make your life easier in terms of maintenance. Obviously, it is not recommended to wash the entire body of the device with water or dip it in liquid to clean it. Besides, it is a rather tiring maneuver. For better maintenance of your box, consider choosing a model that has removable containers that are dishwasher safe. Fortunately, stainless steel and plastic are easy to clean.
Choose based on convenience and practicality
Another thing to consider is the practicality of your lunchbox, which is mostly dependent on its design. Here, we are talking about the features that can make the jar easier to use. For example, it should have a heat-resistant carrying handle. This way, you could use it safely without unexpected burns.
Furthermore, the best warming lunch box should include storage for cutlery. Better yet, some brands like Healthy Lunch go above and beyond by offering you accessories like:
- Forks;
- Spoons;
- Knives, etc.
You can install them in a built-in storage space in the lunchbox, which increases its convenience.
Apart from that, some manufacturers also offer a cooler bag that you can carry anywhere you want. It also keeps your box safer and retains the heat inside.
Choose based on storage capacity
Generally speaking, the normal capacity of an electric food box can vary from 1 to 1.5 liters. Besides, this is a capacity that is ideal for one person's portion. However, we suggest that you rely on your consumption capacity to choose. For a hard worker, the best hot jar should hold enough food to eat for an entire workday.
Choose based on water resistance
A good lunch box should be free of spills or leaks so that everyone can carry it. The heated lunch box is no exception to this rule. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, look for one with a rubber seal and good sealing ability. The goal is to seal your food safely inside without causing a mess.
Choose according to heating performance
Everyone has a limited lunch break. Therefore, it is necessary to get an appliance with fast performance. In addition, it must heat the meal evenly to provide better cooking. On the market, there is a variety of products that promise crazy performance. It should be noted that not all of them are accurate, as some of the information is hidden in advertising.
Otherwise, a quality heating box can cook for 20 to 30 minutes maximum and reheat in 5 minutes. You can also check the heating time on the description or manual after purchase.
Choose according to the number of compartments
The more compartments your warming lunch box has, the more different types of food you can store in it. If you want to prepare a full lunch with many dishes, you should look for ones that have more than one compartment.
This will allow it to separate your food, such as vegetables, meat or rice, into different parts. Some versions also include tiers so you can eat more comfortably.
How to properly operate a heated lunch box?
In order to have the tastiest lunchboxes, you need to know how to properly operate your electric lunchbox. Here are a few steps to get it working properly to ensure your lunch is perfect for serving.
- Step 1: Place the food inside the container.
- Step 2: Add a little water to the food to make it softer after heating.
- Step 3: Close the lid and plug it in.
- Step 4: After finishing heating/cooking, remember to unplug the appliance before using it.
In addition to these simple steps, you should also take certain precautions when using the unit:
- Open the steam exhaust cover before heating, as the steam locked inside the box will damage the food.
- Always leave your lunch box upright to avoid leaks or spills.
- The unit may still be hot after you unplug it, so let it cool down before touching it again.
- Always unplug your lunch box before cleaning it.
- Never immerse the body of the unit and the power cord in water.
- Do not place your lunch box in the microwave to heat it up or in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
Still don't know how to use your electric lunch box to get the best heating results? Watch and learn here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best warming lunch box is like a mini portable oven that excels in heating and cooking your food. In this case, it is surely the Original Green Heated Lunch Box. It is a perfect choice that can balance your budget and requirements for the best electric lunch box. However, you can always visit the store's rich catalog to narrow down your choice. Once found, feel free to share your favorite model with us in the comments.
