Nowadays, more and more people pay attention to and value healthy eating, and are more willing to choose to bring their own lunch boxes. Microwavable lunch boxes have become people’s first choice. So, how to choose microwaveable lunch boxes correctly?
In this blog, we will discuss in depth the types of microwavable lunch boxes and the advantages of LEBO wholesale lunch boxes, and provide you with a guide to choosing microwaveable lunch boxes.
Types of Materials For Microwavable Lunch Boxes
There are many types of materials for microwavable lunch boxes on the market. The types of lunch boxes suitable for microwave heating can be analyzed from the aspects of material, heat resistance, sealing, safety, etc. Please continue reading, I believe that through these analyses, you can find the microwavable lunch boxes that best suit you.
Material Selection
Plastic lunch box
The microwaveable plastic lunch boxes are made of polypropylene, polypropylene resin, composite polypropylene, polysulfone resin and other materials. It can withstand temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius and can be used for microwave heating. The lunch box made of PET resin and polyester material can withstand heat above 220 degrees Celsius and can even be used in the oven.
You don’t have to worry about plastic lunch boxes being bad for your health. These plastic materials are BPA-free and will not release toxic gases when heated at a limited temperature. You can use them with confidence.
Glass lunch box
Glass lunch boxes have good microwave penetration, stable physical and chemical properties, high temperature resistance (up to 500℃ or even 1000℃), and are suitable for long-term use in microwaves. But it should be noted that not all glass lunch boxes are suitable. When buying, be sure to buy glass lunch boxes with the label “for microwave ovens only”.
Ceramic lunch boxes
There are heat-resistant ceramics and ordinary ceramics. Heat-resistant ceramics are suitable for long-term use in microwave ovens, while ordinary ceramics can only be used for short-term heating.
Metal lunch boxes
Lunch boxes made of metal materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and enamel are not suitable for use in microwave ovens because microwaves cannot penetrate these lunch boxes. When heated in the microwave, electric sparks will be generated, reflecting microwaves, which will not only damage the furnace body but also fail to heat food. Therefore, they are not suitable for use in microwave ovens.
Heat Resistance Selection
The heat resistance temperature of microwavable lunch boxes is an important criterion for selection. For example, some ordinary plastic lunch boxes may deform or release harmful substances at high temperatures, so you must choose plastic lunch boxes made of PP. This material has very good mechanical and thermal properties, and is relatively stable in high temperature resistance. It can withstand heat up to 130℃ and has a melting point of up to 200℃. It is safe and non-toxic and suitable for microwave use.
Most of the microwavable lunch boxes manufactured by LEBO are made of high-quality PP raw materials, which are the first choice for microwavable lunch boxes. If you are considering buying non-microwave lunch boxes with good heat preservation performance, you can choose our lunch box with 304 stainless steel liner.
Sealing options
The sealing of the microwavable lunch boxes also affects the heating effect. A lunch box with good sealing may produce steam during the heating process, and a lunch box with poor sealing may explode or break. Therefore, when choosing a lunch box, try to choose a product with good sealing, and leave a certain amount of venting holes when heating.
Safety options
When choosing microwavable lunch boxes, you must pay attention to whether the material of the lunch box meets the food hygiene requirements. During the microwave heating process, if the lunch box releases harmful substances, it will contaminate the food and affect human health.
In summary, the main materials of microwavable lunch boxes are heat-resistant plastics, heat-resistant ceramics and glass. When choosing, pay special attention to the heat resistance, sealing and safety of the lunch box to ensure the safety of the heating process and the quality of the food.
Advantages of LEBO Microwavable Lunch Boxes
Regarding the discussion of microwavable lunch boxes, today we would like to highlight the significant advantages of microwave heating in the high-quality PP plastic lunch boxes produced by our LEBO factory.
High-temperature resistance
The PP plastic used by LEBO, also known as polypropylene material, has excellent high temperature resistance. This material can withstand high temperatures of up to 200°C, which means that when food is heated in a microwave oven, the PP plastic lunch box will not melt or deform, ensuring uniformity and safety of food heating.
Non-toxic and odorless
We use high-quality PP raw materials to make our microwavable lunch boxes. This PP plastic is a non-toxic and odorless material, so it will not release harmful substances or produce odor during the heating process, and is harmless to human health. This ensures that the food will not be contaminated during the heating process and maintains the original taste and nutrition of the food.
Corrosion resistance
The PP plastic used in the Loeb factory has good corrosion resistance and is not easily corroded by acidic or alkaline substances in food. This means that PP plastic lunch boxes can maintain their original performance and appearance even if used for a long time.
Environmental protection
PP plastic microwavable lunch boxes can be reused, reducing the use of disposable plastic products, thereby helping to protect the environment. In addition, due to its high temperature resistance, PP plastic lunch boxes are easier to clean and disinfect.
Other advantages
Our microwavable lunch boxes made of PP also have good chemical stability and sealing properties, which can effectively maintain the humidity and nutrients of food and prevent food juices from spilling.
If your customer base pursues lightness and durability and needs to use microwave heating frequently, then LEBO PP plastic lunch box is a good choice.
Things to Note When Microwaving Lunch Boxes
Check the lunch box
Before putting the PP plastic lunch box into the microwave, make sure that the lid of the lunch box is also made of PP material, and make sure that the lunch box is printed with signs that are safe to use in the microwave, such as a sign with a triangular arrow and a number of 5 in the box. If there is no such mark, please do not use in the microwave to avoid deformation or release of harmful substances under high temperatures.
Open the lunch box
Before heating, it is recommended to open the lid of the lunch box or leave the ventilation holes to avoid deformation or rupture of the lunch box due to the pressure difference caused by heating.
Avoid over-heating
Overheating will not only affect the taste and nutrition of the food but may also lead to deformation or damage to the lunch box. Therefore, pay attention to observing the state of the food during the heating process and adjust the heating time appropriately as needed.
Best Time to Microwave Plastic Lunch Boxes
Usually, the recommended time for heating PP plastic lunch boxes in the microwave is 3 to 5 minutes. This time range is based on the heating performance of most PP plastic lunch boxes.
Types of food
Different types of food have different heating time requirements. For example, calorie-dense foods such as cakes and bread may only take 1 to 2 minutes to heat, while calorie-dense foods such as rice and meat may take 2 to 3 minutes to heat.
Lunch box capacity
The capacity of the lunch box will also affect the heating time. Larger lunch boxes may require longer heating time to ensure that the food is heated evenly.
Heating method
Even if the heating time does not exceed 3 minutes, if the microwave heats too strongly or unevenly, it may still cause the lunch box to deform or other problems. Therefore, when using a microwave oven, it is recommended to choose medium or low-grade firepower and turn the food over appropriately in the middle to ensure even heating.
FAQs for Plastic Lunch Boxes
What to pack in a lunch box?
You can pack any solid food in your lunch box, or you can pack liquids in a soup lunch box. Foods that can be in your lunch box include, but are not limited to:
- A balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables cut into small, easy-to-eat pieces.
- Sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
- Snacks such as nuts, yogurt, cheese sticks, or granola bars.
- Drinks in spill-proof containers.
- Condiments or seasonings in small, leak-proof containers.
How to keep food warm in lunch boxes?
LEBO’s wholesale plastic lunch boxes with stainless steel liners have insulation functions. If you want to keep your food warmer for longer, you can do these things:
- Fill the lunch box with hot water to preheat it, then pour out the water before putting the food in it.
- Wrap the food in aluminum foil before putting it in the lunch box.
- Use packaging bags or heating packs designed specifically for lunch boxes.
LEBO’s wholesale lunch boxes can be customized with corresponding packaging bags, which can not only keep the lunch box warmer for longer, but also protect the lunch box from being bumped. The humanized handle bag design allows consumers to carry it easily.
How to keep lunch box cold?
Keeping your lunch box cold is similar to keeping it warm, you can keep your food cold by:
- Pre-cooling your lunch box in the refrigerator before packing it.
- After you pack your food, you can put ice packs in the empty compartments to keep your food cold.
- Use an insulated lunch box to insulate your food from the heat and keep it cold.
- Store your lunch box in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
How long do ice packs last in lunch box?
Ice packs in lunch boxes usually last about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the ambient temperature and the insulation quality of the lunch box. High-quality ice packs or ice packs designed for extended cooling can last up to 8 hours. For best results, use multiple ice packs and do not open the lunch box frequently before using the ice. LEBO’s lunch boxes have stainless steel linings, which can better extend the ice pack’s insulation.
How to clean a lunch box?
Cleaning lunch boxes is very simple, just follow these cleaning instructions:
- Remove any leftover food and rinse away any crumbs or residue.
- Scrub the inside and outside with warm soapy water and a sponge or cloth. Pay special attention to the cleaning of seams, corners, and any removable parts.
- For stubborn stains or odors, use a mixture of baking soda and water, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry completely before next use.
- Some lunch boxes may be dishwasher safe, check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Where to bulk buy lunch boxes?
You can buy lunch boxes in bulk from our website. LEBO is a professional lunch box manufacturer. Our microwavable lunch boxes are made of high-quality food-grade plastic and 304 stainless steel. They have exquisite appearance and excellent insulation performance and are deeply loved by consumers. Choose LEBO as your lunch box supplier. Welcome to contact our sales team for bulk orders.
Why Choose LEBO Wholesale Lunch Boxes
As a 30-year-old plasticware manufacturer, LEBO focuses on long-term stability and sustainability in its pricing strategy to avoid the uncertainty brought to customers by price fluctuations. On the premise of ensuring that wholesale lunch boxes meet international standards and requirements and ensure consumer safety and hygiene, we strive to reduce production costs as much as possible and provide more affordable prices for B2B customers. LEBO wholesale lunch boxes are available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors to meet the needs of different customers. OEM and ODM customization services are also provided to provide better services in all aspects.
LEBO plastic lunch boxes are widely loved and trusted in the market for their advantages of being light and easy to carry, affordable, diverse in styles, heat-resistant and durable, microwaveable and refrigerator-safe, as well as environmentally friendly concepts. It is not just a lunch box, but also a reflection of LEBO’s attitude towards life.
Click here to view our full range of wholesale lunch boxes, and click here to view our customization services. Welcome to contact us, we will respond to your inquiries within 24 hours.