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Pack your lunch in a cleaner, more efficient way.

An assortment of bento boxes on a wood countertop, including Bentgo Lunch Box and Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Bento boxes are a sleek and efficient solution that makes taking food on the go simple and streamlined.

Bento boxes should be compact, convenient, and easy to clean.

Its not completely leak proof, so be careful when storing liquids or moist items.

Bentgo Classic Bento Box

Credit: Amazon

The top tray fits two 34-cup portions, while the bottom tray accommodates two cups of food.

And while its not completely leak proof, the containers are able to fit a variety of foods.

The containers are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Food inside the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

This option comes in a variety of colors, so its a great choice for kids and adults alike.

The tight-fitting lids can be difficult to get on and off.

This stylish and well-designed Monbento bento box is ideal for toting all types of food.

The Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers in its original packaging

containergreat for dressings or snacksthat conveniently fits inside one of the larger boxes.

The set comes with an elastic band that keeps the boxes securely in place.

With a large capacity of 57 fl.

A person washes the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers in a sink

oz., its a great pick for bigger meals.

Due to the size of the bento box, it also takes up significant space in the dishwasher.

The container isnt leak proof, and the size of the box doesnt accommodate larger items.

Food inside the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers

While the box is on the smaller side, we love the removable divider for versatility.

Theres also a sauce jar thats ideal for salad dressing, sauces and salad toppings.

However, keep in mind that it may be too small to fit larger sandwiches or other bulky items.

The Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Container with the top off

This option gets points for ease of cleaning, as all components including the utensils are dishwasher safe.

It holds a little over two cups, making it well designed for kid-sized appetites.

The box lays flat when opened, making it easy to pack and eat from.

The Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers stacked and secured with a strap

Most importantly, the interior compartment is dishwasher safe and designed to be removed for easy clean-up.

And, while other models include an integrated ice pack, this one does not.

We noticed that its not completely leak proof, and its a bit smaller than the other boxes.

Food inside the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers

Customizable dividers include one horizontal separator and two inner dividers for the compartments.

We love that this box includes chopsticks that are stored right in the lid for easy access.

During testing, we found that the box was effective at keeping its contents in place during travel.

The Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers in its original packaging

Another consideration is storage, as the box isnt insulated enough to keep food cold outside of the refrigerator.

When the divider is in place, it makes the other compartments quite small.

This versatile bento box by Bentgo is perfect for storing lunch or leftovers.

A person washes the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers in a sink

Thanks to the smart design, the spacious box features either three or four compartments using a removable divider.

With a capacity of 5.5 cups, it easily accommodates snacks and larger meals.

The silicone-sealed, leak-resistant lid was especially impressive with no spills or messes.

Food inside the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers

The containers are easy to clean, lightweight and portable, and we love that the set includes utensils.

This is a fantastic way to keep meals fresh in an organized and stylish container.

The bento boxes were evaluated on several categories: design, insulation, and ease of cleaning.

The Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Container with the top off

We also noted if the bento box was stored in either the refrigerator or at room temperature.

We also considered how much space it took up in the dishwasher.

Stainless steel bento boxes are durable, easy to clean, and dont soak up flavors or food stains.

The Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Containers stacked and secured with a strap

However, stainless steel bento boxes are not safe toput in the microwave.

Before selecting your pick, be sure to consider how you plan to clean and care for it.

Compartments are a great way to keep juicy food itemslike strawberries or blackberriesfrom touching dry snacks.

Monbento Large Bento Box

Credit: Amazon

The best bento boxes should have multiple compartments in varying sizes.

If you plan to pack sandwiches, ensure the bento box has at least one large compartment.

If you plan to pack small snacks, youll want to pick one with multiple small compartments.

Food displayed inside two Monbento Large Bento Boxes

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Accessories

Accessories are a helpful addition when picking out a bento box.

When selecting the right bento box for you, consider what accessories are most important.

We like the stainless steel construction, and the fact that its oven safe to conveniently reheat leftovers.

The parts of the Monbento Large Bento Box on a table

The box is also a bit tricky to open, so daily use can be a challenge.

Its also conveniently microwave and dishwasher-safe.

While theres lots to love about this bento box, we found that the compartments are not leak proof.

A person washing a top of the Monbento Large Bento Box

They leaked quite a bit during our test even when the band held them securely in place.

As a result, users should be mindful when storing liquid foods.

Your Questions, Answered

What is a bento box?

A hand placing the top of the Monbento Large Bento Box in a dishwasher

A bento box is a multi-compartment container designed to store the various components of homemade meals.

The dividers also make it easy to separate items with different flavors so they dont mix.

Bento boxes should have a locking lid that keeps everything safely in place.

A person packing a Monbento Large Bento Box inside a lunch bag

How much can you expect to spend on a bento box?

What types of food should you store in a bento box?

you might also pack snacks like fruit or vegetables.

The Monbento Large Bento Box in its packaging

Keep accompaniments like chips and crackers separate from a refrigerated bento box to maintain their crunchy texture.

Who We Are

This article was written byJordan Liberty Phillips, a writer forBetter Homes & Gardens.

Her expertise includes recipes and cooking, home decor, and shopping.

Food displayed inside two Monbento Large Bento Boxes

She also considered material, care, compartments, and accessories to find the best bento boxes.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.

The parts of the Monbento Large Bento Box on a table

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

A person washing a top of the Monbento Large Bento Box

A hand placing the top of the Monbento Large Bento Box in a dishwasher

A person packing a Monbento Large Bento Box inside a lunch bag

The Monbento Large Bento Box in its packaging

Umami All-in-1 Bento Box

Credit: Amazon

The Umami Bento Box closed and placed on a table

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

All components on the Umami Bento Box on a table

A person eating from the Umami Bento Box

Food inside both sections of the Umami Bento Box

The Umami Bento Box placed in a dishwasher

The Umami Bento Box in its packaging

The Umami Bento Box closed and placed on a table

All components on the Umami Bento Box on a table

A person eating from the Umami Bento Box

Food inside both sections of the Umami Bento Box

The Umami Bento Box placed in a dishwasher

The Umami Bento Box in its packaging

Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Credit: Amazon

The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box inside a soft lunchbox

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Food inside an open Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Food inside the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

A person washes the inside of the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box open next to its box

A person removes the divider inside the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box inside a soft lunchbox

Food inside an open Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Food inside the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

A person washes the inside of the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box open next to its box

A person removes the divider inside the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box

Credit: Bento & Co

Food inside the Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box with the lid off

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box inside plastic packaging

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box with the top removed

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box inside a soft lunchbox

A person washes the Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box in a sink

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box in a dishwasher rack

Food inside the Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box with the lid off

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box inside plastic packaging

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box with the top removed

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box inside a soft lunchbox

A person washes the Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box in a sink

The Bento & Co Shikiri Modern Plus Bento Box in a dishwasher rack

Bentgo Modern Lunch Box

Credit: Amazon

The Bentgo Modern Lunch Box with the lid open

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person washes the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box in a sink

A person places the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box into a dishwasher

Food inside the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box

A person places the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box into a tote bag

Food inside the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box

The Bentgo Modern Lunch Box with the lid open

A person washes the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box in a sink

A person places the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box into a dishwasher

Food inside the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box

A person places the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box into a tote bag

Food inside the Bentgo Modern Lunch Box

An overhead view of the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Container

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

The parts of the Takenaka Bento Bite Dual on a table

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens