The best thermos containers for kids keep food hot until lunchtime and are easy for kids to open on their own. I’ve tested plenty over the years, and these are my top picks for packing everything from soup and pasta to leftovers for school. Whether you’re shopping for a kindergartener or a hungry teenager, I’ll help you find the right one.
A Thermos Is a Must-Have for Hot Lunches
I’ve been sharing how I use a thermos to pack my kids’ hot school lunches since 2012, and I’ve tested many different containers over the years. Some have come and gone, while others have stood the test of time and are still the ones I recommend. Whether your child’s school has a microwave or not, a thermos means they can skip the line and have a warm lunch ready to eat. Below, I’ll share what I look for when buying one and which containers work best for different ages and appetites.
What To Look For
- Double-wall insulated stainless steel: Helps keep food hot until lunch.
- Wide opening: Easier to fill, eat from, and clean.
- The right size: 12oz for younger kids, 16-18oz for growing appetites, and 20-25oz for hungry teens.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: Less cleanup after school.
- Easy-to-open lid: Kids should be able to open it without asking for help.
What To Avoid
- Plastic-only interiors: Don’t retain heat as well as vacuum-insulated stainless steel.
- Hand-wash-only containers: More cleanup for everyday lunches.
- Tall, narrow openings: Harder for kids to reach the food with a spoon.
Kids’ Lunch Thermoses I Recommend
Not every thermos works for every kid. I’ve learned that younger kids need a lid they can open without help, while older kids usually need more room for a full meal. These are the ones I’ve tested and recommend, with options for smaller appetites, growing kids, and teens who need a bigger lunch.
Thermos Lunch Box: All-in-One
Want to pack a hot lunch and cold sides without sending several containers? An all-in-one thermos lunch box lets you pack everything together. I especially like this option for younger kids because they can open one box and have their entire lunch ready to eat.
Keeping Food Hot Until Lunch
Even the best thermos won’t keep food hot until lunch if you don’t use it correctly. The two things that make the biggest difference are heating the food thoroughly and preheating the container. In this video, I’ll show you how to use a thermos so your child’s lunch stays warm for hours.
If you’re new to packing lunches in a thermos, read this post for how long food stays good in a thermos.
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Amanda says
Hi! Regarding the Lunchbots thermos: I love it! My daughter has already used it for two school years (kindergarten and grade 1) and it is in great condition. She did not find it hard to open (even with little kindergarten hands). I just make sure that I do not twist the lid on too tightly. I fill with boiling water for a minute, dump out the water and then add the hot food and it is still nice and warm for lunchtime. I also very often put yoghurt in there. While the manufacturer’s instructions may say not to put in dishwasher you definitely can put the bottom piece in. I do it all the time and as I mentioned, it is in great condition. I hand wash the top piece, but that’s just a flick! I think I will actually order the size up (1 1/2 cups) for my grade 2 daughter now, and give the smaller 1 cup one to my little one starting kindergarten.
SHUMAILA says
Hi
Which lunchbox exactly you bought for your daughter?