Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

We've been using this for almost two months and we love it!! My son has always eaten lunch at home (even in pre-K), so I knew hot lunches were the way to go when we started kindergarten this year. After hours of researching online, I finally settled on the Omiebox as it met all my criteria: bento style for efficiency (they have less than 30mins for lunch), keeps food warm, leak-proof and easy for him to manipulate. Why bento? I wanted to have all his food laid out in one go vs. having to open various containers. Not only does this save time, but I also feel it's less wasteful (don't have to toss multiple baggies). I pack an Honest Kids juice box which fits perfectly in one of the compartments - see photo. I use the side compartment to pack fruits and a sweet treat, the slider can be moved to divide this into two spaces. Keeps food warm - I prepare the thermos container by letting hot water sit in it for about 10 mins. I microwave food till it's piping hot, dump the water and wipe the container, put the hot food in and seal it. I've successfully sent pasta, meatballs, chicken nuggets, rice, etc. My son claims that his food is "really warm" at lunch time (~4 hours after packing). I will say that the thermos bowl formed a "vacuum seal" a couple of times, likely from too much steam sucking the cover in, and my son had to ask for help opening it. To prevent this form happening, I make sure not to screw the lid on too tightly - just enough to keep the warmth in. Leak-proof: we've had the Omiebox for almost two months and have had zero leaks! I haven't packed broth soups, though - while the bowl is supposed to be able to hold them in without leaking, I just don't think I'd risk it. Some reviewers have mentioned that they experienced some leaking when they packed "juicy" fruits like peaches, kiwi, etc. I guess it depends on where you put the fruit. It's true that while the side container as a whole is supposedly leak proof, using the divider does not give you two leak proof spaces - liquid from one side could still seep into the other side. To prevent this from happening, I use Glad Press and Seal to cover the side compartment. This also allows me to put a napkin and a small set of utensils on top of the fruit/treat area. Easy to use: my son takes this to school in his backpack then puts it in his cubby in the classroom. The handle is super convenient for taking it in-out of the backpack, and also for carrying the Omiebox on its own from the cubby to his eating area. The latch, which is located at the bottom of the lunchbox when held by the handle, is surprisingly strong (has not flown open when carried, as I feared). My son is able to open the thermos cup on his own - I just make sure that the "collar" (square plastic part) around the stainless bowl is attached tightly and correctly. This ensures that the cover can be screwed on/off with no issues. As for maintenance, we handwash this container everyday, remove all rubber gaskets and wash them and let everything air dry. No issues with mold, staining or stinking in the 2 months we've had it. I think my use of the Press and Seal also helps keep the moisture off the rubber gasket, at least for the side part, so hopefully it won't get moldy. Some reviewers mention that this holds too little food. I guess it really depends on your kid's appetite. My son is 5 and in the 95th %ile for both height and weight - he definitely has a good appetite but hasn't complained about needing more food at lunch. As his appetite increases, I figure I can use the space that currently holds his juice box for more food. We've also been able to use this without the thermos and it works just as well! You can technically put a sandwich directly into the slot where the thermos cup would be, but I typically Saran Wrap mine to keep it fresher for lunch. I also use silicone cups to divide that thermos slot as needed. I do wish this had a small sleeve or something attached to the outside that could hold utensils and a napkin. While I'm able to cram them inside for now, I'll eventually need to put in more food and will have to put the Omiebox in a bag along with other lunch paraphernalia.