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Afterpay Day Sale: 20% off site wide when you spend $75+
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Afterpay Day Sale: 20% off site wide when you spend $75+
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Afterpay Day Sale: 20% off site wide when you spend $75+
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Afterpay Day Sale: 20% off site wide when you spend $75+
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Bento Box Showdown: Stainless Steel vs Plastic

Written by: Smash Products | Date: 8/14/25

When it comes to packing lunch, not all food storage is created equal. If you’ve been comparing bento lunch boxes online, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of lookalikes. But the materials used in your lunch container matter—a lot.

Welcome to the ultimate bento box materials showdown: stainless steel (with silicone inserts) vs plastic with plastic trays.

What’s in the Box?

Let’s break down the contenders:

  • Smash Stainless Steel Bento Box: Features a tough stainless steel body with a removable, food-grade silicone insert. It’s microwave safe (yes, really), non-toxic, and lets you reheat or remove sections as needed.
  • Plastic Bento Boxes: Usually made from polypropylene or mixed plastics, these come with plastic trays inside. While they may look similar on the shelf, they’re not created equal when it comes to heat, durability, or long-term safety.

The Quick Comparison

Stainless steel Bento vs. plastic food container

[Table]

Why Stainless Steel Wins for Families & Foodies

Whether you're prepping for work or packing for your kid’s lunch, stainless steel bento boxes offer benefits plastic simply can’t match. They’re built to last, easy to clean, and are often made with real versatility in mind.

  • Kids Bento Lunch Box ready: It can handle drops, spills, and the daily chaos of school bags.
  • Lunch flexibility: Reheat a curry but leave the fresh salad cold? Go for it.
  • Peace of mind: No hidden toxins or heat-related surprises.
A person preparing meal for stainless steel bento boxes

Final Thoughts

When comparing bento box lunch containers, don’t just go by the price tag. Think about what your food touches, how you’ll use it day-to-day, and whether it’s designed for the long haul.

With a quality product like Smash, you’re choosing thoughtful design, safer materials, and the kind of everyday performance that helps you win the day—from the kitchen to the commute and everywhere in between.

Ready to upgrade? Explore the Smash stainless steel bento box and broader food storage range online.