Q: I'm considering replacing my ancient lunch cooler, and wouldn't mind something with compartments. I have Tupperware, which doesn't always fit into the cooler very easily. One caveat: any food containers included with a bag, box, or cooler set have to be microwave-safe. I know metal tiffin sets are awesome, but I hate cold food and lugging a steamer to work is not an option. Any recommendations?
Sent by Lindsay
Editor: Lindsay, the Lunchbox by Oots (shown above) is made of BPA-and-phthalate-free polypropylene plastic, and the containers are dishwasher AND microwave-safe. Available for $39.50 from Amazon.
Other suggestions for Lindsay?
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I'm actually hitting this same issue. I don't want to use plastic to microwave my meals, but I like a hot lunch. I haven't tried this yet, but I'm planning on bringing a round pyrex serve & store dish over to my local green store where they have tiffin boxes for sale. if it fits (it looks about the right size, and I can always pad if it's a bit undersize), I can put the pyrex in the tiffin box for taking back & forth on days I want a hot lunch, and cook it in the glass pyrex dish in the microwave.
I usually just fill a tote back with however many of the smallest Pyrex containers I need to store what I'm bringing. This isn't a compact solution, but it allows you to bring different sides to heat up separately.
What about glass snapware? I remove the plastic lids and cover with a paper towel or napkin for microwaving. I also love that they don't stain or get food perma-stuck to them!
i carry my lunch in different sized bell jars. i'm sure you've thought of this, i'm just making sure!
We've ditched all our plastic (we tried to recycle them, not always possible but the bacteria levels were out of control).
PYREX. We love it and it's microwaveable. Check out Chico bags products as well for fruit sleeves and maybe sandwich bag sleeves.
I like the glass snapware as well. They clean up better than plastic ever does and they come in a variety of useful sizes.