Each box has a different set of attributes.  Some might be more important to you than others, so these will give you some ideas of how to narrow down what might be important to you in a box.  We are working on putting these icons in the descriptions of the boxes we have so that you can compare them easily - we hope to have this done soon!

Some boxes just stack, but many “nest”, so that they take up less space on the return trip.  Nesting boxes are also good for taking on trips: nest the tiers for travel, when you have leftovers, re-stack the layers and fill with food.  When you’ve had your leftovers snack, nest the layers again for compact travel!

Boxes can have one tier, or many.  This icon tells you have many little levels you have to pack your food in. 

Is there space to pack utensils?  Some boxes have a separate compartment on the top to hold chopsticks or a fork.  Some of the tiffins’ carrying bags also have a little space to slide in a set of eco-friendly bamboo utensils or chopsticks so you can eat on the go!

Does the box need a bento band?  Some boxes don’t have tight lids, or the stacking layers don’t snap together, so a bento band is used to hold the layers tightly together for travel.  Plus, you can switch up your bento bands and boxes for a colorful look!

Is the box’s lid water tight?  Many boxes don’t have tight enough lids to carry applesauce or salad dressing, but some boxes have “tight” lids - making them suitable for more “liquidy” foods.   These boxes have rubber seals and snapping closures on the lids.
(Some boxes have parts that are “tight” and others that aren’t!)

Is the box insulated?  In Japan and India, lunches are eaten at room temperature, so traditionally, they don’t have insulation.  You can get around this by using little reusable ice cubes, or adding a frozen fruit cup (so it thaws by lunchtime).  However, since some people are nervous about room-temperature food, some boxes are insulated or come with insulated bags.

Like we mentioned, most Japanese and Indian lunch packers eat their meals at room temperature, but if you really need that lunch to be hot on a cold day, most plastic boxes are microwaveable with their lids removed. 
(Don’t try this with the steel boxes though!)

Since some bento and tiffins are stainless steel, they can be heated over a flame, or in the oven.  Steel tiffins would be great for camping and hiking, since you could heat your meal over a toasty campfire on a cool evening!

Many bento boxes have delicate designs on the lids. 
We suggest hand-washing decorated lids at least.  (Although, once you’ve done that, the rest of the box doesn’t take that much more time or energy!)
If you really need to put it in the dishwasher, use the top rack. 
(If your dishwasher is too hot, it can warp those thin, inner lids, so be careful!)