If you're on the fence about which bento box to order for your child (BENTGO KIDS or YUMBOX), I will compare the two brands in this review. My family has used both kinds for about a month.
**BENTGO KIDS**
My 5 year-old kindergartner takes this box for his lunch, and it is truly the better choice for YOUNGER CHILDREN in my opinion. It has a more juvenile color scheme, five small food compartments, DURABLE RUBBER TRIM on the top and bottom, and overall exudes a higher quality product that will withstand more abuse than the Yumbox. The latches are more HEAVY-DUTY than the Yumbox, and although it can be a bit difficult for kids to close at first (it's a tight seal around the inner tray), my son got the hang of it after a couple tries. The Bentgo Kids trays come in three different colors and seem more durable than the Yumbox trays.
The Bentgo Kids box doesn't hold a LOT of food, but it is plenty for my son, and I imagine it will provide ample food until he's in second or third grade (probably a good box for 3-8 year-olds?). The largest compartment will fit a half sandwich unless your bread is huge, but then you can just cut it in quarters. The Bentgo Kids shell is a bit larger than the Yumbox, so it's a tight squeeze into my son's soft-sided LL Bean box, but we manage to fit the Bentgo and a Lifefactory water bottle into the LL Bean box.
*UPDATE* - We recently purchased an LL Bean Discovery lunch box, and this easily fits either the Bentgo or Yumbox as well as a water bottle and extras. The Bentgo also fits in a Lands' End ClassMate soft sided lunch box with a Goodbyn water bottle (see photo).
Does the Bentgo Kids leak? Nope. The rubber gasket on the lid is impressive, and ranch dressing has stayed neatly in the center dip compartment. The gasket on the Yumbox doesn't seem to be as good, so this is another reason why I like the Bentgo Kids better for younger children. It's pretty much foolproof. To clean, simply remove the inner tray and put it in the dishwasher. I always hand wash the outer shell or at least give it a wipe-down each day.
**YUMBOX PANINO**
I purchased this Yumbox Panino for my 9 year-old third grader. I like the Yumbox Panino colors and design better for OLDER CHILDREN (maybe 7-12 year-olds?). It's less juvenile than the Bentgo Kids box, and the Panino version has room for a larger sandwich. Since its tray has thin dividers, it will HOLD A BIT MORE FOOD too. The Yumbox has a slightly SMALLER FOOTPRINT than the Bentgo Kids, and it fits snugly in my son's LL Bean lunch box, but his water bottle does make his lunch box lid bulge out - not a big deal. We have since upgraded to the LL Bean Discovery lunch box, which is much deeper and has plenty of room. If you only have room for a small, narrow water bottle, the Goodbyn bottle is a great option (found on Amazon).
We have packed ranch dressing in the center, and as long as I press down tightly while latching the lid, it doesn't leak. The inner tray has printed text underneath (they are not removable stickers), but it does have a more grown-up look to it than the whimsical designs on other Yumbox trays. Yumbox sells plain trays on their website. The tray easily snaps out for washing in the dishwasher, but we always wash the outer shell by hand.
FOUR compartments or SIX? Yes, Yumbox offers two different versions - same size, but the trays have either more or less compartments. I debated greatly over which to buy, but ultimately I decided that the Panino (4 compartment) style would grown with my son better than the 6-compartment Yumbox, and on days when he doesn't pack a large sandwich, I simply use silicone baking cups as dividers. Links to the cupcake liners and leaf-shaped food picks shown in my photo are at the end of this review.
SUMMARY:
Both boxes have different features, so the box to choose really depends on your child's needs. The YUMBOX PANINO is my favorite for OLDER CHILREN or those who eat larger lunches because of the tray design and color combinations. The BENTGO KIDS is terrific for younger kids as it seems MORE DURABLE yet holds plenty of food for little ones. I do wish the Bentgo Kids box came in more colors, but perhaps this is in the works. For now, my son enjoys using his different-colored trays to switch things up a bit.
Links to other products shown in my photo:
Silicone Cupcake Liners (this set has red, which my sons had to have):
http://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Cupcake-Kitchen-Buddies-Included/dp/B00LR84HXA/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1425867226&sr=1-1
Leaf Food Picks:
http://www.amazon.com/Tornado-P-2759-Leaf-pick-10P/dp/B0019XLGLE/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1426438596&sr=1-1&keywords=leaf+food+picks
Goodbyn Bottle:
http://www.amazon.com/Goodbyn-20064BT-Bottle-Blue/dp/B0050O92PK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442187692&sr=8-1&keywords=goodbyn+bottle
February, 2017 UPDATE:
My second grader is still using his Bentgo Kids nearly every day, as it holds more than enough food for his appetite. The rubber trim began to peel off a bit on the outer container (though I always hand wash it), and Bentgo sent me a replacement! What a wonderful product and equally great customer service!
Bentgo® Kids Bento-Style 5-Compartment Leak-Proof Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7 - Durable, Drop-Proof, Dish
4.6
| 59,059 ratingsPrice: 27.99
Last update: 08-04-2024
About this item
#1 LUNCH BOX BRAND*: Thoughtfully designed & rigorously tested, there’s no wonder why parents love Bentgo Kids, America’s favorite one-of-a-kind children's lunch box. It features 5 compartments portioned perfectly for a total capacity of 2.4 cups, suitable for a child’s appetite (ideal for ages 3-7).
LEAK-PROOF TECHNOLOGY: Meals are kept fresh and mess-free with separate compartments and a tightly fitting leak-proof lid. The 2 kid-friendly latches are easy to open and close, and this bento box lunch container is easy to pack in a backpack for school and activities.
DROP-PROOF DESIGN: This stylish lunch box has a lightweight design constructed with durable, rubber-coated edges that are slip and slide-proof for meal prep. The sturdy design protects the lunch box when dropped, making it ideal for active kids on the go.
MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER-SAFE: The removable tray reheats food safely in the microwave, is easy to clean, & dishwasher safe. It’s completely reusable and made with eco friendly, BPA-free, food-safe materials. (Hand washing is recommended for the outer shell).
PURCHASE WITH A PURPOSE: Bentgo continues to be a proud supporter of Feed the Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives hope and resources for hungry children and families. Since 2017, Bentgo has donated nearly $300,000 to help end hunger.
LEAK-PROOF TECHNOLOGY: Meals are kept fresh and mess-free with separate compartments and a tightly fitting leak-proof lid. The 2 kid-friendly latches are easy to open and close, and this bento box lunch container is easy to pack in a backpack for school and activities.
DROP-PROOF DESIGN: This stylish lunch box has a lightweight design constructed with durable, rubber-coated edges that are slip and slide-proof for meal prep. The sturdy design protects the lunch box when dropped, making it ideal for active kids on the go.
MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER-SAFE: The removable tray reheats food safely in the microwave, is easy to clean, & dishwasher safe. It’s completely reusable and made with eco friendly, BPA-free, food-safe materials. (Hand washing is recommended for the outer shell).
PURCHASE WITH A PURPOSE: Bentgo continues to be a proud supporter of Feed the Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives hope and resources for hungry children and families. Since 2017, Bentgo has donated nearly $300,000 to help end hunger.
Product information
Product Dimensions | 8.5"L x 6.5"W x 2"H |
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Recommended Uses For Product | school |
Special Feature | Lightweight, Sturdy, Durable, Microwave Safe |
Container Shape | Rectangular |
Closure Type | Flip Top |
Material Type Free | BPA Free, Vinyl Free, Lead Free, PVC Free |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Item Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
Item Volume | 2.4 Cups |
Is Microwaveable | Yes |
Item Form | Rectangular |
Manufacturer | Bentgo |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00817387027922 |
UPC | 817387027922 |
Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
ASIN | B0B6ZDNMKX |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | BGOKIDS-SF |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
58,974 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #347 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #3 in Kids' Lunch Boxes |
Date First Available | July 20, 2022 |
Number of Sets | 2 |