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I've already found a lunchbox system that works very well for packing lunches for my daughter (who doesn't have "warming" capability at her school, so the lunches are cold by default). However, I want to get more consistent about making sure that my husband makes it to work with a good lunch.

Right now for his lunches I use round and rectangular Pyrex containers with fitted plastic lids, but they aren't ideal; the lids leak anything too liquidy and the containers (having different shapes) are kind of clunky, meaning that they don't fit together nicely in a lunch bag or insulated cooler.

Since I'd frequently be packing "last night's dinner" as a leftover component, I'd like to find a lunchbox system that is oven-/microwave-/dishwasher-compatible. This essentially means that plastic (except for lids, maybe, which can be removed) is out. I've been looking through Amazon's selection with little luck.

Here's what I'm seeking feature-wise. I know that I probably won't find everything I'm looking for in one system, but I hold out hope nonetheless. :)

  • Microwavable
  • Oven-safe (this probably means Pyrex, ceramic, etc.)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Fitted lids
  • Fit together in a carrying container
  • Carrying container is insulated
  • Not too flamboyant/low-profile design (this one's just a bonus for my husband's sake)

Do you know of any lunchbox systems that meet some/all these criteria? (I sure hope so!)

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 .....seriously? – jimmy May 21 2011 at 12:36
Yes, seriously. What's so odd about seeking a nonplastic lunchbox to pack reheatable paleo lunches? – familygrokumentarian May 21 2011 at 12:45
For me (no microwave): a thick soup or curry in a stainless steel thermos. For husband (with microwave): two pint mason jars, one with a hearty soup or curry, one with meat/fish and vegetables. Or one with meat and one with vegetables. – a mesmerizing trickster Apr 19 at 21:43
I can also put meat and vegetables in the stainless steel thermos, so long as I pack it really tight with some sort of sauce or drippings to fill in the air gaps, it will stay hot until lunch. – a mesmerizing trickster Apr 19 at 21:44
Just remove the mason jar lids before microwaving. – a mesmerizing trickster Apr 19 at 21:45

7 Answers

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Have you thought about making a lunchbox/bag to suit your current glassware, or some of the prospective glass-lock types? Might be a bit easier than the reverse- and even if you're bad at sewing/don't have the time, you might be able to get something custom from a friend or from Etsy.

I'm working up (/saving up) to getting the glasslock stuff myself, but I have a set of Pyrex that works well. I have two sets, actually- some with blue lids that don't seal well with liquids, which sound like the ones you're talking about- and some with silver lids, a "microwave" vent, and a much better seal. I got mine as a wedding gift a few years ago, so I can't tell you precisely where to get them, etc, but a quick amazon search yielded these, which are similar: http://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Leak-Lids-12-Pc-Storage/dp/B0039L1DOO/ref=sr_1_48?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1306079635&sr=1-48 They're called pyrex "no-leak" - which seems about right to me. :) (tho I do tend to take things that are more leaky- smoothies, soups- in mason jars, and not test the no-leak claim of the pyrex!)

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Google "silicone lunch box" or "collapsible lunch box" there are several options, but they may or may not take some effort to get because they are generally available from Asian countries. There are a couple from US sites however. Just make sure they are 100% silicone before you stick it in the oven.

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Oooo silicone? I've not sized that up as an opinion before. Anybody else own one of these? Comments if so? – familygrokumentarian May 21 2011 at 12:43
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What about these Glass containers ? Or I got my husband a Mr. Bento for lunch. We heat up his food befor he goes to work, and it's still hot by the time lunch rolls around.

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 Or, just found this amazon.com/Lock-Glass-Lunch-Color-Pattern/dp/… – Moxieknits May 21 2011 at 16:07
The Kohl's stuff linked in your answer is too close to what I already have - somewhat clunky lidded glassware. I want something designed to fit together in a carrying case. I do love that Amazon link - I think the box is adorable, and love that there is a gasket to prevent leaks. A few folks reviewing the Amazon lunchbox mention the smallish size - and the carrying case is rather...decorative. Would be perfect for me, but I'm not sure given the case's design and the size of the containers if it's a candidate for my husband. – familygrokumentarian May 21 2011 at 16:40
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The Kinetic Go Green GlassLock containers are what we use at home and they're awesome! Actually one of the best purchases I've made for the kitchen. I get mine at TjMaxx cause they're cheap there but Amazon sells them too http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L4JQGS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003D449Q6&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1V6XKD5G558XPSWA2NKW

Theyre tempered glass, so you can put stock in the freezer with them, microwave them (i don't own one but it says you can), they have silicone seals that are removable so you can wash them if food gets in there and they do not leak at all. they're awesome. Dishwasher safe.

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oh, drawback is i don't think you can use these in a regular oven, but we generally use our for lunches to go/leftover storage. – tartare May 21 2011 at 15:54
I like the looks of the kinetic - esp. the no-leak feature, but I'd like a carrying case designed to hold everything, too. It's kind of a pain trying to wedge our lidded Pyrex set awkwardly into an insulated lunchbox that wasn't made to go with the Pyrex pieces. – familygrokumentarian May 21 2011 at 16:43
...and yes...I know that I'm being a bit picky. Guess for purposes of this question I'm being a lunchbox diva. :) Thanks for your input! – familygrokumentarian May 21 2011 at 16:44
no prob, nothing wrong with knowing what you want. – tartare May 21 2011 at 16:57
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I use Mason jars of varying sizes for all my lunchbox needs. Because I'm not canning/sealing them I re-use the caps. When the lids are screwed on they never leak. They are dishwasher/oven/microwave safe. I know that you are looking for a "lunchbox system" that is all fitted and insulated, but combining mason jars with an insulated lunchbox bag would be good except for the bento-box like functionality and much cheaper than buying a pre-made system. I buy 12-packs of mason jars at Walmart for about $10, and I also use them for storing bulk foods in my freezer, although it's important to leave air space at the top for liquidy items so that the glass doesn't break.

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Have you looked for a bento box that is microwaveable? Here is an amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Bento-Lunch-Box-Set-Dishwasher/dp/B0043YIG8C I haven't tried this system but it says freezer and microwaveable.

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Second bento boxes. They don't leak, they've got separate little areas, and there are like millions of varieties (they're standard in Jp/Kr/China). – saintpuffy May 21 2011 at 15:55
Oh, and cheap :) You can get metal ones, so do that for oven, do the plastic one for nuking. – saintpuffy May 21 2011 at 15:56
Sorry; I avoid combining hot food with plastics, so nuking plastic sets isn't for me. – familygrokumentarian May 21 2011 at 16:01
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after about 2 years now, I am sure you may have found the perfect system. Can you recommend something. I am in THE EXACT situation as you have mentioned in your question so will like to know what did you end up with as THE PERFECT lunch box system (leakproof, microwavable, cheaper than driving home for lunch)

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Sorry, Leo, I still haven't found my holy grail lunchbox! Perpetually on the lookout for it... – familygrokumentarian Mar 13 at 0:33

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