LunchBots Build -a- Bento Lunch Box, Silicone Bento Box for Kids, Multi-Compartment Lunch Container, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, BPA Free, 28 oz - Light Blue

I can’t say enough good things about this as a lunchbox for a preschooler. It is super durable, really easy to clean, and little hands can open and close it by themselves. I bought two of them so I can put one in the dishwasher while the other is being used to save a little bit of time. We do find the compartments a little bit large, but added some silicone muffin cups to subdivide them for smaller portions and it’s perfect!

Needed something a little smaller to fit side items in my son’s LLBean lunchbox along with a thermos. It’s a little snug but it works. Nice and easy for my kindergartner to open. Definitely wouldn’t be for anything wet or messy as I could see it leaking out or not being closed correctly and making a mess. One of the smallest dip containers can fit easily in the big compartment and squeezes into the smaller compartment fine.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: Much heavier than realized ended up returning

I am a big fan of LunchBots and have used them for a few years to pack my kids' lunches, specifically their Medium Duo stainless steel containers. I got a couple of these new Build-a-Bentos (in blue and tie dye pink) to see how they compared. I packed two identical lunches in the Build-a-Bento and the Medium Duo. My initial thoughts on the BAB after a week of lunch packing: -This is a great bento to get if you want to house everything in one box. This fit one half sandwich, a side of fruits/veggies and a few treats. The lid of the bento keeps the compartments divided - I was worried, for example that bits of chip would fall into other compartments in transit but that did not happen. I also love that you can take the compartments out, so I can now pack different things like a big salad, pizza slices for the kids. The silicone is dishwasher friendly but since it's bigger it takes up a bit more space. -If you look at my pic you'll see the Medium Duo is a bit smaller, which is convenient in its own way. A half sandwich and fruits/veggies fit perfectly. However, you need to pack snacks in separate containers. I also think the stainless is super easy to pop into the dishwasher and takes up less space. If you use a lot of multipack style snacks (like bags of chips, granola bars) that you wouldn't put in a bento anyway, this might be a better option for you. I know this is not a review for the Medium Duo but I will say I LOVE these boxes, have been using them for 2+ years, and they look seriously brand new. -I also included a pic to show how these fit into my kids lunchboxes - they have Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic boxes. The Build a Bento fits perfectly, you have some extra space for a napkin, plasticware, a smaller item like granola bar or fruit snacks but not much else. -Price: Yes it is $$$ compared to other options. As someone who has been using LunchBots exclusively for two rough little kiddos going on 4 years now, I can say that their quality is excellent and if their stainless options are any indication, I expect this silicone bento to also hold up for the next few years. Overall, I'm very happy with my new LunchBots Build a Bentos. I wouldn't say one is better than the other - it is simply figuring out what would work best for your family. I think these new bentos are great for an "all-in-one" lunch and will also be great for sending the kids with pizza, salads etc, and am looking forward to using these bentos alongside the LunchBots Medium Duo boxes we already have!

I am giving this 4 stars only due to the price, however, I love this bento box. I get frustrated being limited with meal prep containers that are stuck with the compartments they come with, or not being able to have cold foods along with foods that I may want to heat up. There are 3 compartments that can be removed, so essentially you do not even have to use any of the compartments if you do not want to and just want a regular meal container. It is a strong and thick, yet still flexible box; the top is not the most airtight and leak proof design, however it still has a strong grip and have NOT had issues with leaking yet. I even filled it with water and shook it and did not noticed any major leakage. I do not know if that will change over time after months of washing, cooking, and use in general. I LOVE being able to remove a section and warm only that piece, but be able to leave fruit, yogurt, or anything I prefer cold/room temp, I also love that this can go in an oven and be cooked from the container, this allows for even more versatility. I do not notice any staining or absorbing into the material as I have with previous plastic ones (and their infamous sauce stain/discoloration). Great product overall, just wish it was not so expensive; hard to afford to replace my older ones with multiple of these.