Stanless steel or other "lunch box" recomendations

[Red Rock]

I have been in the process of clearing out all of my plastic ware. Which is quite a lot. It makes feel bad for the poor landfills around for those that don't recycle. Anyway...I digress.

I did a search on amazon for steel lunch containers and was reading reviews. So I was wondering what the good people of TE use and what your recommendations might be.

It is amazing how much more space I have now that I have rid myself of all of the plastic, or at least the majority. I probably will never totally get away from it.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Red Rock

[westtexas]

I go home or eat out for lunch every day, so I can't speak from personal experience.

But... I've always like the look of the LunchBots stainless steel containers and many people I know really like theirs.

[Blueberry]

I have and like these containers (http://lifewithoutplastic.com/boutique/set-of-4-large-stainless-steel-airtight-containers-nestable-p-519.html). Have ordered from that website with good results. They are all stainless except for a gasket - I believe silicon.

This website (http://www.happytiffin.com/index.html) also has really cool stuff. They have an insulated tiffin carrier I should look into.

However - I need a lunch box. I have been trying to figure out what might work for me, and haven't come to any great conclusions. I have also been looking at the Mr. Zojirushi Bento - but that won't meet your no plastic requirement.

Curious how others organize their lunches....

[ASammy1]

I found this http://www.zojirushi.com/user/scripts/user/prod_category.php?prod_category_id=6. But I don't know how good they are... Just another option to check out.

[ASammy1]

Whoops looks like Blueberry already posted about these...

[GLC1968]

In case you are just looking for plastic alternatives, I don't use stainless but I do use glass with plastic lids. These are my favorite because the gasket makes them leak-proof but it comes out for cleaning if necessary:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=215681&catid=198312&aid=338666&aparam=215681

These look interesting as well because storage is tough with all glass containers (they don't 'nest' like the plastic did).

http://www.rubbermaid.com/category/pages/productdetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091945

For actually carrying my lunch, I just use an insulated, washable bag. Currently, the one I have is from Thermos. When I had access to a fridge, I just used a plain fabric bag to carry everything. No need for protection from 'smooshing' when everything is in glass!

[Blueberry]

Whoops looks like Blueberry already posted about these...

Yeah - but the problem (for the OP) is that the inside containers are plastic. Really nice set though - I'm pondering it. It is BPA free.

[Owlie]

I'd go with glass. Heavy, but microwaveable. Storage is the only problem. (I have a love-hate relationship with my Pyrex...)

[Becky]

I'd go with glass. Heavy, but microwaveable. Storage is the only problem. (I have a love-hate relationship with my Pyrex...)

Duralex glass containers are "nestable". I buy mine from mightynest.com.

[Red Rock]

Thanks for all of your input and various sites that you have linked. I will have to take a longer look at these when I get the chance.

I know that some of these have plastic parts. I will have to deal with that. I think that is just part of the territory, so to speak. So that is why I'm looking. I have seen them used in various cooking magazines but have never really looked into the whole prospect of going without plastic for lunch. If I could come home and eat, that would be the best of all world's. However, I'm planning for the day at work, so coming home will not be an option.

I can understand the love-hate relationship with the pyrex. That is partly why I'm looking in this direction.

So thankyou for all of your input.

Red Rock

[malkin]

I use a glass snap top one.
Haven't broken anything in 2 years.

[sashadieken]

Here's (http://thenourishinghome.com/2012/08/test-kitchen-showdown-which-lunch-box-food-storage-containers-are-right-for-your-family/) a discussion about lunch containers on a blog I read.