Suppose you are a student, office or off-site worker, or you want to bring foods to enjoy on your road trip, etc. In that case, an electric lunch box is a must-have item besides many meal prep bags with high quality. It can both store dishes safely and heat them again like they are freshly cooked.
- 1 What To Look For Before Buying The Finest Electric Heating Lunch Box
- 2 Types of Electric Lunch Boxes
- 3 How To Use An Electric-Heated Lunch Box Properly
- 4 How long does it take for an electric lunch box to heat up food?
- 5 How do you clean an electric lunch box?
- 6 Are electric lunch boxes safe to use?
- 7 What Should I Do If My Lunch Box/bag Has A Weird Smell?
- 8 How Long Does It Normally Take To Heat Dishes With An Electric Lunchbox?
- 9 Are All Electric Lunch Boxes Healthy?
- 10 Are electric lunch boxes worth it?
- 11 Can you put foil in electric lunch box?
- 12 What is the difference between electric lunch box and insulated lunch box?
- 13 Can you heat frozen food in electric lunch box?
- 14 Can you cook food in an electric lunch box?
- 15 Can you put soup in an electric lunch box?
- 16 How do you keep rice from getting hard in a lunch box?
- 17 How do you keep rice from drying out in a lunch box?
- 18 How much water do you put in an electric lunch box?
Electric lunch boxes are the perfect solution for people who want to enjoy a hot meal on the go. These devices are designed to keep your food warm and fresh throughout the day, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal wherever you are. With their compact size and convenient carrying handles, electric lunch boxes are ideal for students, office workers, and anyone who needs a quick and easy meal solution. Simply plug the lunch box into an electrical outlet, and your food will be heated up in no time. With a variety of colors and styles to choose from, electric lunch boxes are a practical and stylish choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a hot meal on the go.
As I understand its important role in our lives, I have compiled this list of 8 ideal food storage boxes for your delicious lunches so you can enjoy them at school, work, or in your own car. So follow me to find out what they are.
The 8 Best Electric Lunch Boxes of 2023：Our Tests and Reviews
1.FORABEST Electric Lunch Box Food Heater
Pros
- It includes multiple unique tools, like forks and spoons
- Minimizes your heating needs
Cons
- It may not work well for kids
Pulling out all the stops, this electric lunch box comes with two power cords for plugging into a standard wall or vehicle outlet, giving those with a busy lifestyle flexibility and convenience. The heated lunch box’s stainless steel container is dishwasher-safe and can hold up to 1.5 liter of food (or about 6.3 cups), giving you a lot of capacity. The set also includes a heat-resistant plastic container and lid that can be used to hold a side dish or sauce. A leakproof ring on the underside of the snap-on lid ensures contents won’t spill.
The lunch box has an integrated folding handle and utensil container on the lid, and it comes with a fork and spoon. For extra convenience, an insulated carrying case is included — this offers extra spill protection (and peace of mind) and also helps keep food warm during transport if you’d rather not bother with plugging into the car.
2.HotLogic Mini Portable Oven
Summary
Able to cook frozen food, reheat meals or leftover in an hour
Can keep your dishes warm up to 12 hours without any monitoring or drying out the foods
Compatible with various food container materials, like plastic, metal, Tupperware, foil, cardboard, glass, as long as they have flat-bottoms
Do not overcook your meals
Available in 120V and 12V plug, perfect for school, work, home, travel, or parties
Pros
- Come in many designs with eye-catching colors
- Very easy to clean
- High durability
- Perfect leak-proof to prevent food spill
- Temperature control is excellent
Cons
- Lack of on/off light indicator
Less of a lunch box and more of a heating sleeve, the HotLogic food warmer has over 22,000 reviews on Amazon and a stellar 4.7-star overall rating. It comes with a standard wall power cord, and the interior features a heated base and reflective material that will keep food warm for up to 12 hours without drying it out. The zipping lid opens wide for easy loading and removal of your meals, and it’s compatible with a variety of flat-bottomed, lidded containers up to 1.5 quart, including those made from heat-safe plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, and foil. Without heat, the Hot Logic can be used as a soft lunch box, and it comes in your choice of nine colors.
The handle on top of the heated lunch box makes it easy to tote around, but it doesn’t come with eating utensils, and it only plugs into a wall outlet. If you want to heat it in the car, you’ll need to purchase a power converter.
3.COROTC Electric Lunch Box
Pros
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Compatible with wall outlets and car sockets
- Utensils included
Cons
- No insulated carrying case included
One potential drawback of this product is the absence of an insulated carrying case, although this may not be a deal breaker for everyone. It’s worth mentioning that the lid has a folding handle, making it easy to transport.
With two cords included, you can power this product using either a wall outlet or a vehicle outlet. Additionally, the set comes with a 1.5-liter stainless steel container that is dishwasher safe, as well as a plastic container insert for side dishes and sauces. The snap-on lid is secure and leak-proof, and even features an integrated utensil container to hold the included fork, spoon, and knife.
Also read:The 15 Best Lunch Boxes of 2023
4.TRAVELISIMO Electric Lunch Box Food Heater
Summary
one for wall outlets and the other for cars, it is suitable for wall outlets only due to its heavyweight. The product does not require immense cleaning as it is dishwasher safe, and the outside can be wiped off with a moist towel. The lunch box has two compartments and a large storage capacity with a simple user control panel. The single heating element has kept the model simple and easy to use.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Simple and easy to use
- Two types of plug-in options
Cons
- Sometimes the latches on the lid can get misaligned
If you usually work on the road, like a car or truck driver, then nothing can beat this one with the 12V or 24V adapter included. But you can also use 110V power to heat your lunch at the office, school, or home.
Indeed, the Travelisimo lunch box can warm your food in 30 to 40 minutes to get away from your hunger, no matter where you are. With a large 1.5-liter capacity, this is a perfect portion serving for 1 adult.
Of course, the cleaning part is also easy as this lunch box is dishwasher-friendly. So after a long day working, you can throw your food container into the machine to clean.
5.Yokgrass Portable Food Heater
Summary
We strongly suggest it for those who like big lunches because it has a two-compartment design that makes it easy to separate various items, such as noodle-heavy foods and vegetables. In addition, the 304 stainless steel design makes it easy to clean at work by rinsing the containers under some running water.
Pros
- It remains straightforward to clean and use
- The power remains incredibly high on this model
Cons
- Some may find the high heat cooks their food slightly
The Yokgrass Portable Food Heater is a convenient and practical solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a hot meal on the go. Equipped with a 110V/12V dual power cord, it can be powered from a wall outlet or vehicle power socket, making it perfect for traveling, camping or even in the office.
This food warmer is compatible with flat bottom food containers made of various materials such as plastic, metal, aluminum foil, glass or cardboard. Just plug it in and let it warm up your cold food without you having to monitor it.
One of the best features of this device is its ability to maintain the temperature for up to 8 hours without drying out your food. Whether you want to reheat leftovers, thaw frozen foods, or prepare a fresh meal, this food warmer is a reliable solution.
The Yokgrass Portable Food Heater comes with a 304 stainless steel inner container that is removable and easy to clean. The lid has a built-in handle for easy transport and a vent that allows steam to escape, so food doesn’t get soggy.
6.VMOTOR Portable
Pros
- Cost-effective with a 1-year warranty
- Have a power indicator light to know when the box starts to warm up
- User-friendly and no-hassle cleaning
- Can be a perfect gift for anyone
- Ideal for anyone who works outdoor
Cons
- Might not be too durable
Can you believe with less than 20 bucks, you can have decent lunch storage? Yes, this is a Vmotor Portable lunch box that can deliver many healthier dishes thanks to its high-quality material and high functions in heating foods.
Therefore, if you need to wrap some delicious crockpot soups or meaty dishes and bring them to work or school, this one will surely satisfy you.Come with 3 layers, including the heating element on the base, a lunch box, and a lid above; it can thoroughly warm your midday meals quickly, regardless of where you are. So even you are on the go, you can still plug it in your car by 12V socket. Very convenient, isn’t it?
7.Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer
Feature
20-ounce capacity, which is ideal for a 1-person serving
Cool-touch exterior, carrying handle, and cord storage design can increase the portability
Warming base and outer lid to make sure your foods can be heated without any spill
Removable inner container and lid are dish washable for quick cleanup
Pros
- Suitable for everyone, as it is simple to operate
- Have other colors for you to choose
- The inner box can cool down fast to remove for cleaning
- Smell-proof lid
- Small appearance that does not ask for too much space on your desk or countertop
Cons
- No compartments
- Lack of temperature control (just on and off features)
This amazing item seems to be an ideal lunch bag choice for women as it has a cute small design with various colors. It employs a warming base, so plug it in whenever you need to reheat your food, and the heating base will do the job.
Thanks to the cool-touch exterior, you will never be burnt by the hot food in the inner pot. After dining, you can take out the removable container and place them in the dishwasher to clean.
They can hold 20-ounce (approximately 1.3 pounds) foods, which is adequate for a fulfilling lunch to energize the rest of your working day. Designed with a carrying handle and cord storage around the base, they are perfect for bringing to anywhere you want.
8.Baeelyy Kids Lunch Box
Pros
- 2-compartment container lets you separate food
- Insulated carrying case included
- Utensils included
- Compatible with both wall outlets and car sockets
Cons
- Fewer Amazon ratings at time of publishing
This food warmer lunch box features a 1.5-liter stainless steel container with two sections, making it easy to separate your meal, so flavors don’t mingle, or to portion out food if you’re taking both lunch and dinner to go. The lunch box has a snap-on leakproof lid and comes with an insulated carrying case to keep food warm when the unit isn’t plugged in. This pick is compatible with both wall outlets and car sockets for total versatility. An enclosed container on the handled lid is large enough to hold the included fork and knife, and you’ll also get a small towel for cleaning up any accidental spills. The inner container is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup when you get home.
What To Look For Before Buying The Finest Electric Heating Lunch Box
This article will be less informative if there is no buying guide to find a decent electric heated lunch box. So these are 10 important criteria to ensure you will have the right purchasing.
1. Available Adapters
Electric lunch boxes are meant to enhance the enjoyment of eating in the easiest and fastest way; therefore, you might want to buy those that come with different adapters.
Many models include 2 types of adapters, which are 12V for car use and 120V for home use. But some lunch boxes that have a 24V power cable can increase convenience. So check the power outlet you need before deciding which product is ideal for you.
2. High-quality Material
If you are a health-conscious person, this factor would be the first thing you look for. Indeed, heating meals by a box requires food-safe materials so your foods can come out healthy and tasty.
It is a nightmare if you taste some plastic smell in your food. In reality, most electric heated lunch boxes come with a stainless-steel inner container and a PP plastic body, so make sure that your lunch boxes are made from quality food-grade materials.
3. Ease Of Cleaning
The first thing to remember is you should not wash the whole body with water or submerge it in any liquid content to clean. However, most high-ranked products feature removable containers that are dish washable.
Or you can clean them quickly with water and light soap. Fortunately, both stainless steel and plastic are easy-to-clean materials.
4. Appropriate Design For Easy Transport
Another thing to consider is your lunch box’s design. It should have a heat-resistant handle so you can safely use it with no unexpected burns. And please note that you should opt for a lunch box with stackable parts that can help you carry them upright and handier.
Moreover, some manufacturers also offer an insulated carry bag that you can transport to anywhere you want. It also keeps your box safer and retains the heat inside.
5. Capacity
The normal capacity might range from 1 to 1.5 liter, which is ideal for a 1-person serving. So I suggest you rely on your consumption capability to choose the most suitable size that can hold enough dishes to eat for a hard-working day.
6. Leak-Proof Sealing
A good lunch box should be free from spills or leaks so everyone can carry it. Therefore, this is also a highlighted consideration for buying a device like this.
Seek one with a rubber sealing and the good leak-proof capability to seal your foods safely inside without causing any mess.
7. Heating Performance
Everyone has a limited lunchtime, so getting a fast-performance device is necessary. Plus, it should heat the dishes evenly to deliver the best results.
You can check the heating duration on the description or manual as many producers provide this information. But you should remember that all of them will need a certain time to warm up, so ensure you can plug it before your lunch break.
8. Number Of Compartments
In case you want to prepare a mouthwatering lunch with many dishes, you need to search for those that have more than 1 compartment.
It can separate your foods, for example, veggies, meat, or rice, into different parts so you can consume them more enjoyable. Some versions also include an extra plastic salad container.
9. Other Functions
Besides the main function of heating foods, some advanced-technology lunch boxes offer the cooking function, allowing you to cook your lunch right from a device.
So if you love any ready-made frozen dishes, buy an electric lunch box and let them take care of your delicious lunch.
10. Included Accessories
Many versions include utensils like a fork and a spoon that you can store in the built-in storage of the unit, increasing the convenience as you will never forget to bring your own utensils.
Types of Electric Lunch Boxes
When it comes to electric lunch boxes, you have several types to choose from.
The most common type is a heated lunch box. These come in various sizes and are designed to keep food warm for several hours. Many heated lunch boxes plug into a car charger for easy transportation and use. However, these lunch boxes must be plugged in to keep food warm.
Another type of electric lunch box is the insulated lunch box. These are usually larger than heated boxes, and they use thick insulation to keep food cold or hot. Insulated lunch boxes don’t require any external power and can keep food cool or warm for several hours.
Finally, there are electric lunch boxes with both heating and cooling capabilities. These are great for people who want to pack both hot and cold food. These lunch boxes also come in various sizes, and many of them require an external power source.
How To Use An Electric-Heated Lunch Box Properly
There is nothing easier than using a device to heat or cook your foods, like an electric lunch box. Here are some steps to operate it correctly to ensure your lunch is perfect for serving.
Step 1: Place the food inside the container
Step 2: Add some water into the food so it can be softer after heating
Step 3: Close the lid and plug it in
Step 4: After it finishes heating/cooking, remember to unplug before using
Besides these simple steps, there are also some cautions that you need to note when using the device
- Open the exhaust lid/steam vent before heating because the locked steam inside the box will result in product damage
- Always leave your lunch box upright to avoid leaks or spills
- The unit might be still hot after you unplug, so let it cool down before touching it
- Always unplug your tool prior to cleaning
- Never submerge the unit body and the power cord in water
- Do not place a device in a microwave to reheat or in the fridge for cold storage
Still figure out which way to use your electric lunch box for the best heating result? Watch and learn here.
Here are some answers to common questions about electric lunch boxes:
Electric lunch boxes have a built-in heating element that is powered by electricity. When you plug in the lunch box, the heating element begins to heat up, which in turn heats up your food. Some electric lunch boxes also have a built-in thermostat that helps to regulate the temperature and ensure that your food is heated to the desired level.
How long does it take for an electric lunch box to heat up food?
The amount of time it takes for an electric lunch box to heat up food will depend on the specific model and the type of food you are heating. In general, it takes about 20-30 minutes for an electric lunch box to heat up most types of food.[1]How long does lunch box heater take to warm food?
How do you clean an electric lunch box?
To clean an electric lunch box, start by unplugging it and allowing it to cool down. Next, remove any food or containers from the lunch box and wash them with soap and water. If the lunch box itself is dirty, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge and some mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the surface of the lunch box.[2]How to wash an electric lunch box?
Are electric lunch boxes safe to use?
Electric lunch boxes are generally safe to use, as they have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off and overheat protection. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and to handle the lunch box with care to prevent accidents or injuries.[3]Is it safe to use an electric lunchbox?
What Should I Do If My Lunch Box/bag Has A Weird Smell?
You can clean it with a damp cloth/paper towel soaked in white vinegar and leave it overnight. After that, discard the damp cloth/paper towel and wash your food container again with water. You can also add a bit of baking soda to suck the moisture as well.
How Long Does It Normally Take To Heat Dishes With An Electric Lunchbox?
It ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the power voltage you use or the current situation of your food. For example, it will take longer if you heat something you just removed from the fridge.
Are All Electric Lunch Boxes Healthy?
As long as they are made from food-safe material, these electric lunch boxes are totally healthy to use.
Are electric lunch boxes worth it?
An electric lunch box is never going to be as fast as a microwave. However, if you’re looking to enjoy a hot meal wherever you are, an electric lunch box is useful and practical. Plus, it won’t dry out your food like a microwave would.
Can you put foil in electric lunch box?
Use Foil Pan to Heat Food
You can use Foil Pan fill the food and heat it with our electric lunch box.
What is the difference between electric lunch box and insulated lunch box?
The food inside an insulated lunch box inevitably loses much, or all of its heat over the course of the day. An electric heated lunch box, on the other hand, actively heats the food at a predetermined time. It warms food evenly so every bite is tasty and hot.[4]Benefits of an Electric Heated Lunch Box
Can you heat frozen food in electric lunch box?
It can handle frozen foods and schedule hot meals to be ready anywhere your day takes you. This lunch box is much less costly and can even heat up frozen meals, as long as it’s plugged into an outlet.
Can you cook food in an electric lunch box?
While some use electric lunchboxes to simply reheat food on the go, others have found ways to cook meals inside of it, ready just in time for lunch.
Can you put soup in an electric lunch box?
Simply plug in your electric lunch box and it starts heating up, so your favorite homemade foods, soups, and leftovers are hot and ready when you are.
How do you keep rice from getting hard in a lunch box?
Those little cardboard take-out containers may be cute, but they will also let in air, making leftover rice chewy and hard. Transfer the cooled, cooked rice into an airtight storage container or a ziplock plastic bag (remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing) then store in the refrigerator.
How do you keep rice from drying out in a lunch box?
In a pinch, a low oven or dry hot holding cabinet can work if you add humidity and keep the rice tightly covered. If none of those options are feasible, you can also chill the rice and reheat it in small batches with a few drops of water.
How much water do you put in an electric lunch box?
Add 2 cups of water in the base of the lunchbox. Gently place the big bowl in then place the small rice bowl on top. Cover, secure the clips, plug the cord, and press the button to start.
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