Which lunch box is best?

If you carry your lunch on a regular basis to work or school, you may have realized that brown paper bags are not very cost-effective. Over time, the continuous waste piles up. A lunch box is a more eco-friendly alternative to disposable bags. The best lunch boxes are durable containers that can withstand repeated use for many months. When selecting a lunch box, remember that some are sturdier than others, and some are easier to clean than others. Check out our tips below on how to pick the best one for you.

What to know before you buy a lunch box

Lunch box size

A good lunch box should be large enough to accommodate your typical lunch, whatever that might entail. For some, that could be a simple sandwich or leftover dinner. For others, it could include a main course, a side dish and several snacks. Think about how much food you need to pack, and focus on products that would be able to accommodate that amount of food.

Also, keep in mind the amount of storage space your lunch box will require. If you need to keep the lunch box refrigerated, either at home or at work, you’ll want one that isn’t too large for a refrigerator shelf.

Organization

A lot of lunch box options consist of a single compartment you which food is stored, but there are some compartmentalized options as well. For example, a lunch box may contain a “main” food area as well as a pocket for utensils and a mesh drink holder on the side. Some lunch boxes even have separate storage areas for cold and warm items.

Ease of cleaning

Lunch boxes need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Look for one with an easy-wipe interior and an exterior that won’t show stains. Keep in mind, too, that a lunch box with multiple compartments may be more difficult to clean than a lunch box with a single compartment. After all, there is more surface area to be cleaned in a compartmentalized lunch box.

Durability

Chances are you’ll want your new lunch box to last for a while. You don’t want it wearing out — or even breaking — after a few uses. But be wary, because there are flimsy lunch boxes out there that may break down after a few heavy uses. To get the most for your money, look for something strong and durable.

Pay particular attention to the interior lining of the lunch box; you don’t want one that will crack or tear, as this would create more opportunities for bacteria to grow unprotected.

Extras

Some lunch boxes come with extras — perhaps an ice pack to help chill food or a few storage containers. Of course, you could also purchase these items separately; they’re not make-or-break features for most people. However, if you’re struggling to make your decision between two lunch boxes, the extra features included in each may help you decide.

The good thing about included extras is that you can be sure they will fit inside your lunch box. This may not be true for dishes and containers you already own. On the other hand, the extras included with some lunch boxes are not necessarily of the highest quality.

How much you can expect to spend on a lunch box

Most lunch boxes cost between $5 and $35. The price depends, in large part, on the size of the lunch box, the quality of its construction and any extra features that come with it. For example, you can expect to pay more for a large lunch box with an insulated interior and an ice pack than you would for a simple child’s lunchbox with one compartment.

If you want quality, we recommend spending at least $15. Lunch boxes of this caliber tend to offer plenty of space and hold up well over time. It’s especially important to choose something durable if you’ll be using it day in and day out for a long time.

Tips

Even if your lunch box is insulated and has an ice pack, it’s a good idea to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat. This holds especially true if it will be two hours or more before you’re ready to sit down and eat.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your lunch box so they don’t crush the more delicate items.

Wipe your lunch box out with soap and warm water daily to prevent bacteria from building up inside of it.

Consider replacing your lunch box yearly to avoid mold and bacteria buildup, especially if the interior lining begins to crack.

Best lunch box FAQ

Q. Can I put my lunch box in the dishwasher?

A.  Most lunch boxes are not designed to go in the dishwasher, and putting them in there may damage the box. Consult manufacturer guidelines for your particular lunch box.

Q. What are bento lunch boxes?

A. Bento lunch boxes are compartmentalized tray lunch boxes that allow you to place different food items in the same box without needing separate baggies or other containers for each. They’re a popular choice for those who are trying to be mindful of portion control. These lunch boxes are often made of plastic and come with removable trays that may be able to be washed in the dishwasher.

What are the best lunch boxes to buy?

Top lunch box

ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Box

What you should know: This large, insulated lunch box is suitable for children and adults alike, and it’s a great choice for individuals who like to mix up their meals and snacks.

What you’ll love: It comes with plenty of extras, like a six portion-control containers, ice pack, pill storage container and shaker cup. It’s made of heavy-duty fabric that won’t tear easily, and it’s large enough to carry all of your food and snacks for the whole day.

What you should consider: Some users say the included ice pack doesn’t do a great job of keeping the food cold on its own. You may wish to add a second ice pack.

Top lunch box for the money

MIER Insulated Lunch Bag

What you should know: If you’re looking for a large lunch box that can accommodate all types of foods, this model is worth considering.

What you’ll love: This double-decker cooler has two separate sections for keeping warm and cold items separate. It also has a small front pocket for storing utensils and napkins.

What you should consider: This lunch box is large, which is great if you have a lot of food, but not so great if there’s only a little bit of space in the refrigerator.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which Nest cameras are best?

If you want a connected home, you may already be a fan of Nest products. The company makes smart devices to help you keep tabs on the many goings-on that occur when you’re not there. Nest of surveillance cameras live up to the company’s reputation for providing well-designed, attractive products that interface easily with a smartphone app. Peace of mind is just one benefit of having a Nest camera in your home. Read on to learn about the other benefits of owning a Nest camera.

What to know before you buy a Nest camera

Nest benefits

Nest cameras offer many advantages over some competing security cameras, including ease of use and clarity of video. What’s more, users can record 24 hours a day without interruptions — many other home surveillance systems only offer recording when movement is detected.

You can access your Nest camera remotely through your Nest phone app. With this feature, you can hear and talk to people or pets on the other side of the camera. With a subscription service, Nest will hold your video feed for up to 30 days. The company also gives you three-hour “snapshots” of what has been going on in your home.

Nest Cameras have a reputation for durability and reliability. Perhaps that’s one reason why they range in price from about $200 to $350, which is slightly more expensive than other surveillance camera options on the market. A Nest camera on the lower end of the price range could double as a baby or pet monitor; it’s easy to set this up with a simple plug into a wall outlet. Higher-end Nest cameras work with an “IQ” that enables them to identify human faces. Nest also offers a service called Nest Aware that can tell the difference between human movement and other movements. It can also learn to identify faces.

Nest camera FAQ

Q. Will a Nest subscription cost me more if I have more than one camera in my home?

A. Yes. With a subscription, Nest requires you to pay for each camera. However, after the first camera, each additional camera can be added to your service at a discounted rate.

Q. Does a Nest camera work with Alexa?

A. Yes. Nest builds connected devices. If you have the Amazon Echo Show, you can access your feed by simply asking Alexa to show you the area of your home it covers.

What’s the best Nest camera to buy?

Top Nest camera

Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor, Battery – 2nd Generation

What you need to know: This Nest camera is made to withstand outdoor weather conditions (though you can also put it inside) and provides a high-quality image.

What you’ll love: It’s attractive and compact, can handle being outdoors, is wire-free and includes a magnetic mount. It’s also easy to install. If there’s an outage of power or Wi-Fi, it will store up to an hour of recorded events.

What you should consider: Though the battery makes installation convenient, some users say it can drain quickly.

Top Nest camera for the money

Nest Indoor Security Camera (2nd generation)

What you need to know: This camera is unobtrusive, easy to set up, and not exorbitantly expensive. It’s a great unit for someone on a budget who would like to keep tabs on home (kids, pets, and so on) when at work or away.

What you’ll love: It works with Alexa. The built-in mic/speaker combo allows you to chat with those at home and also monitor them.

What you should consider: Some customers had difficulty with the camera not recording all events.

Worth checking out

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight

What you need to know: This camera not only provides wide, clear views, but also acts as a security floodlight.

What you’ll love: This particular Nest camera can distinguish between a person, an animal or a vehicle and send alerts to your phone via the Google Home app. You can also customize the light settings and talk through this camera.

What you should consider: It’s the most expensive Nest camera.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which log splitters are best?

Unless you consider splitting logs to be part of your fitness routine, you probably want to avoid the backbreaking work of doing it with an ax, not to mention the obvious dangers involved with that method. A log splitter allows you to avoid both of these issues. They’re available in manual, electric and gas options.

For the majority of consumers who don’t need to split excessively large logs or run through an extremely high volume of cords, an electric model like the WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter will do the job. It’s reasonably priced, requires almost no maintenance and can handle logs up to 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length.

What to know before you buy a log splitter

Safety

Log splitters are very useful pieces of equipment, but they can be dangerous if you don’t follow proper safety precautions. Before using your machine for the first time, read through the entire instruction manual to ensure you have a thorough understanding of how it works and what to do. It’s important to only operate your log splitter when you’re alert and well-rested.

Never put your hands anywhere near the splitting area when a log splitter is in action. Make sure to wear safety glasses the entire time to protect your eyes from small pieces of wood that may go flying. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and sturdy footwear. If using a gas-powered model, it’s a good idea to wear hearing protection.

Power source

Log splitters may be manual, electric or gas-powered. Manual models may be as simple as metal guides that are combined with a sledgehammer to drive a wedge into a log, or they may use hydraulics. The latter are more expensive but require significantly less effort on your part.

Electric log splitters are popular because they’re quiet, emission-free and require almost no maintenance. They tend to be smaller and easier to move than gas-powered models. However, they aren’t as powerful, so they may not be suitable for someone who regularly splits a lot of large logs.

Gas-powered splitters are the most capable, but they’re also the loudest and dirtiest. They require more maintenance than the other types as well. That said, they’re a good choice for those who need to split logs in places where they won’t have access to power or who need to split very large logs.

Splitting orientation

Log splitters may cut logs in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Neither type is inherently better than the other; however, some people may find it easier to load large and heavy logs in vertical splitters since you don’t have to lift them as high off the ground.

What to look for in a quality log splitter

Driving force

Every log splitter has a maximum driving force that determines what kind of logs it can handle. The higher the driving force, the better a splitter is able to handle hardwood varieties. It also increases its ability to handle very long or thick logs. Most manual and electric log splitters have a driving force from 4,000-10,000 pounds, while gas log splitters may have as many as 20,000 pounds. For the majority of people, a splitter with 6,000-10,000 pounds of driving force should meet their needs.

Log capacity

Along with the driving force, pay close attention to the log capacity. This is determined by a combination of the driving force, ram size and cradle size. For consumer-level electric and manual models, it’s common to accommodate logs with a maximum diameter of 8-12 inches and a maximum length of 16-20 inches. If you expect to cut logs bigger than that, you’ll likely need to purchase a gas log splitter.

Cycle time

The cycle time refers to the amount of time it takes for the ram to split a log and return to the starting position. The shorter the cycle time, the faster you can work through large piles of logs. Cycle times can range anywhere from six to 25 seconds.

Automatic ram return

On some log splitters, you need to manually return the ram to the starting position. Models with an automatic ram return function eliminate this step for more convenient operation.

Wheels

Log splitters are generally heavy pieces of equipment. Models equipped with wheels are easier to position as needed. The larger the wheels, the better you’re able to maneuver a log splitter over uneven ground.

How much you can expect to spend on a log splitter

Manual log splitters cost $50-$200. Electric splitters cost $250-$500. Gas log splitters can cost anywhere from $300-$1,500 or more.

Log splitter FAQ

Do log splitters require any maintenance?

A. The amount of maintenance log splitters require varies by type. With manual and electric models, you may need to periodically add some hydraulic fluid, but that’s pretty much it. With gas log splitters, you’ll need to monitor oil levels, periodically clean filters, check the spark plugs and perform all the other maintenance that gas engines typically require.

Is it better to split fresh or dry logs?

A. Cut logs dry quicker than whole logs. Because of this, many people choose to split their logs when they’re still fresh so they don’t have to wait so long to use them as firewood. That said, fresh logs require more driving force, so you’ll need to make sure you purchase a machine with enough power for that.

What’s the best log splitter to buy?

Top log splitter

WEN 6.5-Ton Electric Log Splitter

What you need to know: The WEN log splitter is the perfect choice for many users because it offers an ideal balance of power, capacity, and portability.

What you’ll love: It can handle logs up 10 inches in diameter and 20.5 inches in length, which is more than most splitters of its size. Plus, it comes with a tall, optional-use 34-inch stand so you don’t have to hunch over to operate it.

What you should consider: It’s difficult to lift the splitter onto the stand without a second person’s help.

Top log splitter for the money

Sun Joe LJ10M 10-Ton Hydraulic Log Splitter

What you need to know: If you need a lot of driving force but don’t want to deal with a noisy and messy gas-powered machine, the manual hydraulic LJ10M is the way to go.

What you’ll love: It’s equipped with springs for automatic ram return, which saves time and makes your job easier. It also features long handles for comfortable operation.

What you should consider: It requires a good amount of physical effort, so it wouldn’t be the right choice for anyone who needs to split a lot of cords of wood.

Worth checking out

Landworks Log Splitter

What you need to know: This powerful log splitter can power through making trees into firewood.

What you’ll love: This log splitter has a lot of features to make it easy to cut and haul logs around your property. It has a splitting force of 20 tons and supports to stabilize the logs. It also has wheels and a handle so you can move it around easily.

What you should consider: It’s significantly more expensive than the other picks. Some people also had issues with oil leaks.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.