Lunch Box Review
The Weekend Edition of the Wall Street Journal has a really fun review of some lunch boxes (I used to call them lunch pails when I was a kid) that have changed remarkably. The following is from staff writer Laura Lipton, Cataloge Critic for the Newspaper (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118609612870286681.html?mod=todays_us_weekend_journal
Shira Kronzon |
Igloo Lunch Works Playmate Lunch The good: A roomy bottom and a domed top section helps keep delicate food from being crushed. (“Wow, this is awesome,” Sarah said.) The bad: The kids’ mom, Allison, who packs lunches the night before, thought the 9 1/2 inch-tall, 7-inch-wide, 6-inch-deep lunchbox would eat up too much refrigerator space. The shopping: Site also sells full-size coolers. |
Shira Kronzon |
Lunch Box The good: Simple, 10 inch by 7 1/2 by 3 inch box, with one main compartment and inside and outside mesh pockets. Would easily fit inside a backpack or the fridge. The bad: Inner ridge in lining would make this model harder to clean than our Best Overall model. (An L.L.Bean spokeswoman says this “binding” covers the seams of the lining.) The shopping: There’s also a more traditional, horizontally shaped “Critter Lunchbox” for younger kids, $15. |
Shira Kronzon |
Deluxe Lunch Sack The good: Bag’s binding-free lining can be partially pulled out and rinsed under a faucet. The bad: At about 11 1/2 by 8 by 4 1/2 inches, it was far too big for our testers. (Company says it’s meant to accommodate prepackaged foods or multiple containers. Another model, $10.50, lacks the big front pocket but can be rolled up tighter when not in use.) The shopping: The company has added four new lunch-carrier styles this year, for a total of six. |
Shira Kronzon |
Varsity lunch bag The good: Our style favorite, with clever touches like an inner mesh pocket to hold a cold pack (not included). Comes in burgundy, orange, navy or pink. The bad: Our testers thought it too rigid to fit easily into their backpacks. Interior construction could easily trap food. The shopping: The company will personalize the lunch box with a name or monogram for $6. |
Shira Kronzon |
American Classic dual compartment lunch kit with container The good: Box had three completely separate spaces, plus a removable container. The bad: Though we thought the container clever and convenient, Jacob pointed out a downside: “The child has to bring it back.” The shopping: When we ordered, it’s new, hipper Raya line wasn’t included in the teen/adult section so we missed it, but it is now. |
There’s a new eco-friendly lunch box on the block called PlanetBox. http://www.PlanetBox.com. Made out of high quality stainless steel, PlanetBox has hip magnet accessories and individual compartments so your kids food won’t “touch each other.” There’s also an insulated bag made out of 100% recycled plastic to carry your new PlanetBox in. Its the eco and easy way to pack healthy, waste free lunches for your kids. Not your old-fashioned metal lunch box, PlanetBox delivers lunch transportation for the green generation.