A portable food warmer, commonly referred to as an electric lunch box or a lunch box heater, is a compact and convenient device designed to heat up food while on the go. It usually includes a container for storing food, an electric heating element, and a power source, such as a rechargeable battery or a plug-in power adapter.
Using an electric lunch box is easy – simply place your food in the container, plug in the lunch box if necessary, and turn it on. The heating element will warm up your food to a safe temperature, allowing you to enjoy a hot meal no matter where you are. Many electric lunch boxes feature multiple compartments, making it possible to store different types of food such as rice, vegetables, and meat.
Electric lunch boxes are a practical and energy-efficient solution for heating up food while at work, school, or on the go. They are a great alternative to using a microwave or stove, which may not be available or suitable in certain situations. With their compact size and convenient design, electric lunch boxes are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a hot meal without sacrificing convenience or quality.
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
If you have a busy job that keeps you on the go, we highly recommend this option equipped with a robust 50-watt fast heating system. This product is especially useful for delivery drivers who don’t have the luxury of stopping at home to eat and want to avoid relying on fast food, which can have negative impacts on their health.
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
This food warmer is designed to accommodate flat-bottom food containers made of various materials, such as plastic, metal, aluminum foil, glass, Tupperware, or cardboard. Simply plug it into a power outlet and let it do the work of warming up your cold dishes without requiring any monitoring.
What sets it apart is its exceptional ability to maintain the temperature for up to 12 hours without drying out your food. Whether you’re looking to reheat leftovers, defrost frozen foods, or even prepare a fresh dish, this food holder is a reliable solution.
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
The TRAVELISIMO Electric Lunch Box Food Heater is a convenient and practical solution for those who want to enjoy a hot meal on the go. Equipped with a solid 50-watt rapid heating system, it’s ideal for busy professionals, such as delivery drivers, who don’t have the luxury of taking a break for a meal at home.
This food warmer is compatible with flat-bottomed food containers made of a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, aluminum foil, glass, Tupperware or cardboard. Simply plug it into an electrical outlet and let it warm up your cold foods without you having to monitor it.
One of the best features of this product is its ability to maintain temperature for up to 12 hours without drying out your food. Whether you want to reheat leftovers, thaw frozen foods, or prepare a fresh meal, this food holder is a reliable solution.
While this product does not come with an insulated carrying case, it does have a folding handle built into the lid for easy transport. The set includes two cords that allow you to power it from a wall or vehicle outlet. The set also includes a dishwasher-safe 1.5-liter stainless steel container and a plastic insert for side dishes and sauces. The secure snap-on lid is leak-proof and even has an integrated utensil container that can hold a fork, spoon and knife.
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
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)
The Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer is an innovative and practical solution for those who want to enjoy a hot meal on the go. With its 20 ounce capacity, it’s perfect for a single serving, making it ideal for working professionals or students who don’t have access to a microwave or stove.
This food warmer is compatible with flat-bottomed containers made of various materials such as plastic, metal, aluminum foil, glass or cardboard. Just plug it into an outlet and let it warm up your cold food without you having to monitor it.One of the best features of this product is its ability to heat food slowly so that it retains its flavor and moisture. The Crock-Pot Lunch Crock food warmer also has a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to transport.
Thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe inner container and lid, the food warmer is easy to clean. It also comes in a variety of colors and designs, making it a stylish and practical accessory for any meal.Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer is a reliable and practical solution for those who want to enjoy a hot meal on the go without the need for a microwave or stove. Its compact size, convenient carrying handle and easy-to-clean design make it a must-have for anyone leading a busy lifestyle.
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
The Baeelyy Kids Lunch Box is a fun and practical way to make eating fun for kids. It is made of high quality materials that are both durable and easy to clean so it can withstand daily wear and tear.
The lunch box has a spacious interior that can fit a variety of foods such as sandwiches, fruit and snacks. It also has a removable divider that allows you to adjust the division according to your child’s preferences.The Baeelyy Kids Lunch Box was designed with functionality in mind. It has a leak-proof seal that prevents spills and messes, and a sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry the box. It’s also lightweight and compact, so it fits easily into a backpack or school bag.
One of the best features of this lunch box is its colorful and playful design. It comes in a variety of fun and vibrant patterns that kids will love. This makes it a great way to encourage kids to eat healthy and nutritious meals, as they will be excited to show their lunchbox to their friends.Baeelyy Kids Lunch Box is a functional and fun way to make meals palatable to kids. With its spacious interior, leak-proof closure and playful design, it’s sure to become a favorite with kids and parents alike.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric lunch box
There are several advantages and disadvantages of using an electric lunch box:
Advantages:
- Convenience: Electric lunch boxes are very convenient to use. They allow you to heat up your food quickly and easily, without the need for a microwave or stove.
- Portability: Electric lunch boxes are portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. This is especially useful for people who work or study outside of the home, or for those who are always on the go.
- Energy efficiency: Electric lunch boxes are energy efficient, as they use less energy than a microwave or stove to heat up food.
- Safety: Electric lunch boxes are generally safe to use, as they have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Electric lunch boxes can be more expensive than traditional lunch boxes.
- Dependence on electricity: Electric lunch boxes require electricity to function, so they may not be suitable for people who are often on the go or who do not have access to a power source.
- Size: Electric lunch boxes can be bulky and may not be suitable for people who need to pack a lot of food or who have limited space in their bags.
- Limited food options: Electric lunch boxes may not be suitable for certain types of food, such as foods that require refrigeration or foods that are prone to spoilage.
Lunch Box Buying Guide
When buying a lunch box, there are several things to consider:
- Size: Consider the size of the lunch box, as well as the size of the containers it comes with. A larger lunch box may be more suitable if you need to pack a lot of food, while a smaller lunch box may be more suitable if you only need to pack a few items.
- Material: Lunch boxes are typically made from a variety of materials, including plastic, stainless steel, and silicone. Plastic lunch boxes are lightweight and affordable, but they may not be as durable as other materials. Stainless steel lunch boxes are more durable and resistant to stains, but they can be heavy and more expensive. Silicone lunch boxes are lightweight and flexible, but they may not be as durable as other materials.
- Insulation: If you need to keep your food cold or hot, look for a lunch box with insulation. Insulated lunch boxes are made with materials that help to retain the temperature of your food, such as foam or foil.
- Ease of use: Consider how easy the lunch box is to use. Look for features such as removable containers, leak-proof seals, and easy-to-use closures.
- Price: Consider your budget when buying a lunch box. There are many options available at different price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your needs and your budget.
- Brand reputation: Research different brands and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of their products.
- Sustainability: If you are environmentally conscious, consider buying a lunch box made from sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic or bamboo.
Electric Lunch Box Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can you cook food in an electric lunch box?
Some electric lunch boxes are designed specifically for heating up pre-cooked food, while others have the capability to cook food from scratch. If you want to cook food in an electric lunch box, look for a model that has a higher wattage and a higher temperature range.
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.
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.