5 Best Zojirushi Containers For Convenient, Microwaveable Lunch Packs

Updated 17 Jun 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 17 Jun 2022

Written by

Revuu Buddy

Zojirushi Classic Bento Vacuum Lunch Jar

BOTTOMLINE
This classic Zojirushi container is ideal for those who want the real Japanese bento box experience. Insulated bag, stainless steel lunch jar and stackable food bowls make it a better choice than traditional lunch boxes.

PROS
The insulated bag is stain- and tear-resistant. The bowls are large enough for a good amount of food. The lunch jar features a nonstick surface for easy cleanup in the microwave.

CONS
Some parts are made of plastic, not stainless steel. Containers aren't leak-proof or spill-proof. Thermos isn't always effective at keeping meals warm.

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Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar

BOTTOMLINE
This Zojirushi insulated food jar keeps oatmeal, soup, meats, and other hot food at the perfect temperature for hours, and it's simple enough for a kid to operate at lunchtime.

PROS
It's easy to open with the wide lid. It can hold around two cups of food. Stainless steel is both sturdy and beautiful.

CONS
Food residue might get trapped in the gasket. Heat retention is inconsistent. There are no individual containers, and each meal is served in one large serving dish.

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Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Box

BOTTOMLINE
This is designed for Japanese-style lunches (rice, fruit, soup and more), but it may also be used to store portion-controlled American lunch items. The metal lunch jar may be warmed or chilled as necessary before use.

PROS
The bottom bowl is coated in an insulating material that keeps foods piping hot for hours. It may also be used as a food cooler. Chopsticks and a metal spork are included.

CONS
The carrying bag has several issues with durability. Individual plastic bowls were described as flimsy. Food smells can be retained and transferred by containers.

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Zojirushi Ms. Bento Stainless-Steel Vacuum Lunch Box

BOTTOMLINE
This is a great bento lunchbox for children since the smaller containers and excellent heat/cold retention. The portion control element is a great tool for anyone wanting to lose weight. However, it is not ideal for larger food storage because it restricts the amount of food you can eat at once.

PROS
It retains heat and chill better than most standard lunch boxes. It's wonderful for follow a diet plan that limits intake. The ventilated soup bowl prevents steaming problems by allowing steam to escape.

CONS
Replacement parts can be costly. The lunch jar and other tiny containers were insufficient. It's not suitable for big lunches.

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Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

BOTTOMLINE
If you value having access to hot coffee or ice water all day, the Zojirushi travel cup is the one for you. It's leakproof and comes with a convenient locking mechanism for extra protection.

PROS
It can withstand high and low temperature changes quite effectively. It has a leak-proof, compact design that may be stored at any position. Interior is made of stainless steel, which makes it easy to disassemble for cleaning.

CONS
Replacement parts for rubber are outrageously expensive. The lid is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. For some, drinking from the cup is difficult because of the lid's shape.

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Buying Guide for Best Zojirushi Containers

Lunch boxes may have a certain degree of nostalgia for some people, but they aren't always the ideal solution for storing food. Zojirushi's ice cube tray features an insulating food jar, which solves several of the problems commonly associated with lunch boxes, such as insulation and durability. Traditional Japanese bento boxes, which store foods neatly while compactly stored in a larger container, are comparable to these containers. However, a Zojirushi jar can also be used to make huge servings of soup, hot beverages, or stew.

Zojirushi pots and pans are vacuum-insulated with a double wall to keep food hot for hours and cold for hours. Food containers that are specifically made for the jar's interior fit precisely and protect products from leaks, cross-contamination, and heat/cold loss. The term "stackability" refers to the product's ability to be easily transported.

Finding the best Zojirushi container for a child's packed lunch or an adult's on-the-road dinner might be difficult, but a good purchasing guide and recommendations may assist if you're searching for an alternative to tote bags or uninsulated aluminum lunch boxes.

Zojirushi is a Japanese term that means “elephant sign.” Since 1961, an elephant has been part of the company's logo.

HOW TO BUY THE BEST ZOJIRUSHI CONTAINER

How does a Zojirushi thermos function?

This food container looks like an oversize thermos with a vacuum seal for added insulation. Some Zojirushi containers, for example, are designed to hold a single food item, such as soup or stew. Smaller food containers, for example, may be nested within the outer jar. You prepare your meals, portion it out into sealable containers, and then stack them inside the jar. Remove the lids from the other containers, if necessary. The outer container and others can be used as a serving dish.

Zojirushi containers usually include a spoon/fork hybrid (spork) as well as one or more eating utensils. The containers are resealed and kept in the food jar until they may be cleaned for the next usage after eating the meals.

These containers are made of a material that is both insulative and heat-resistant, allowing food to stay at a safe temperature for hours. One is an excellent option for a child's uncooked lunch since it keeps food hot or cold for many hours. The small size and lightweight nature of this tool make it simple to transport to an office, school, or job site.

Materials and design

Higher-end Zojirushi thermoses are constructed of stainless steel with some plastic components and are available in a variety of materials. Stainless steel is a long-lasting, rust-resistant, and non-reactive material. The walls of the jar's outside should be sturdy enough to maintain the vacuum, and stainless steel excels at it over glass or plastic. Non-reactive metal or BPA-free plastic should be used to make the individual food containers.

Zojirushi containers appear like jugs or thermoses. The lid may be larger than usual to fit the individual food compartments. Some examples of plastic components that provide visual appeal include unusual hues or strong motifs. The container may be carried using a carrying strap or clip.

Capacity

When it comes to Zojirushi containers, the most important thing to think about is its capacity. A Zojirushi food jar, like any other meal storage box, can only contain a set amount of food.

Outer jar: This is a pot that will hold soup, stew, or beverages and has a capacity of between a pint and a quart.

Individual containers: Containers for food are available in a variety of sizes depending on the type of cuisine they contain. For example, a diner's container may hold 4 ounces, whereas a condiment or dessert container might only hold 1 ounce. For packed lunches, a variety of container sizes is preferable, since some foods do not fit in typical-size containers.

Use and care

A Zojirushi container features a few moving components, but there are many of containers with lids, and you want to be able to open the outer jar as well as the others. Many of these jars are simple to open, but some may be difficult for children to open. Models with a dimpled top for simple removal and a mechanism for dissipating any vacuum seal that forms after storage are better.

Zojirushi food jars and individual containers are not dishwasher safe, but they may be hand washed. It's difficult to clean the outer jar since it's full of food residue, but it must be empty in order for the containers to fit correctly. If the containers aren't cleaned properly, stains or odors may remain.

The individual food containers within a Zojirushi jar help consumers maintain an appropriate portion.

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WHAT ARE THE ATTRIBUTES OF ZOJIRUSHI CONTAINERS THAT I SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR?

Safety seals

One of the most typical flaws of conventional thermoses is a faulty seal that allows for leaks. Gaskets in the lids of Zojirushi jars, whether a single item jar or a multilayer food jar, provide an additional layer of protection against leaks and loss of heat or cold.

Accessories

Some Zojirushi containers are inexpensive and do not include any extra accessories, but there are many that include multipurpose cooking utensils, cleaning brushes, and additional food containers. A more costly Zojirushi food jar set might include a special storage and carrying bag.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Zojirushi company was founded in 1922, when a glass-lined vacuum bottle became available.

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HOW MUCH DO ZOJIRUSHI CONTAINERS COST?

Inexpensive

The Zojirushi Nylon AC features the same stainless steel construction and double-wall vacuum insulation as its more expensive counterparts. A typical container costs anywhere from $20 to $30.

Mid-range

The Zojirushi multi-component food jars loved by consumers who lunch on a regular basis generally start at $30, with a few large versions costing around $50. You may locate Zojirushi food containers with unique colors and designs for younger consumers in this collection.

Expensive

Zojirushi's stainless steel food jars, which are commonly used in place of the traditional Japanese bento box, fall within the premium range of its container line. The individual containers' engineering is top-notch, and food and drink items stay hot or cold for hours. Expect to pay anywhere from $70 and $140 for these Zojirushi food jar systems.

The Zojirushi container, like a traditional Japanese bento box, serves many of the same purposes as a conventional Japanese bento box but with better insulation.

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TIPS

Preheat your Zojirushi food container before adding the ingredients. A few minutes boiling water in the container will enhance heat retention. This also applies to pre-freezing a food jar in order to use it for ice cream.
The items in a meal are placed in the order that they'll be consumed. The dessert should be packed first (at the bottom), followed by the main course and side dishes. The food should be packed on top since you'll be opening the container first.
In the Zojirushi container, don't mix hot and cold foods. Although the outside jar is heat resistant, the individual food containers can still transmit heat or cold to one another.
Don't fill the food containers to the brim. When packing a Zojirushi container, portion control is always an issue. If a container is nearly filled with hot liquid, it might develop an unwanted vacuum seal.

Zojirushi was the first to use double-walled stainless steel vacuum bottles, which debuted in 1981.

FAQ

Q. Is it possible for a young child to open a Zojirushi container?

A. The larger opening associated with a beverage thermos is not available on some Zojirushi lunch jars or containers. However, this larger lid might be beneficial for some children and difficult for others to open. A good idea is to set aside a few minutes of your time once or twice a week with your kid to practice. If necessary, encourage a young user to get help from an adult.

Q. Is it possible to mix hot and cold food in one of these pots?

A. They're most effective when all of the meals are uniformly heated. Basically, foods that are to be served cold should be placed in the same container, while hot meals should be kept in a separate one. You may, however, serve cold meals that are served at room temperature with hot foods.

Q. Is it possible to use the Zojirushi container lid as a bowl?

A. In most situations, the oversize cover can be used as a food-safe container, although it may not have the same insulating properties as smaller bowls. Many individuals combine distinct components together to make a larger meal, such as chicken and rice.

Q. Are Zojirushi cookware dishwasher safe?

A. Because they utilize vacuum technology, these containers are not considered safe for automatic dishwashers, regardless of where you position the jar within the machine. Hand-washing is the most common cleaning technique, although certain attachments, such as a spork, can go in the dishwasher with other silverware.