Heated food containers: description, types and selection tips

Thanks to modern technology, heating food without the use of a microwave oven has become available. All this happens with the help of special containers that plug into the outlet and instantly make food hot. Such devices are presented on the market in a huge assortment and can differ not only in size, design, but also in the material of manufacture.

The heated food container is a unique device that allows you to conveniently heat food in a matter of minutes at any place equipped with an electrical outlet. This food lunch box is intended not only for warming up, but also for transporting products (You can take it with you on trips and to work, warming up a variety of foods).

As a rule, all containers with electric heating are equipped with a tight lid, which has a convenient shape and attractive design.

The main feature of such containers is the fact that in their design there are no inaccessible places where food could get into and clog. Thanks to this, containers with a heating function are easy to clean. Products of this type are made of special plastic that is resistant to high temperatures. Unlike conventional food trays, containers have a built-in heating element.

As a rule, most models consist of 2 compartments designed for a usable volume of 1 liter. The first compartment is designed to carry liquid products (it is equipped with a sealed lid), and the second is for second courses.

In addition, the design provides separate compartment for storing cutlery such as a knife, fork and spoon. It is located on the box lid, which is securely closed on each side with 4 latches.

In addition, the product has special carry handlewhich, when folded, is hidden in the case and allows you to conveniently place the container in the bag. As for the heating element, it is built into the lower part of the housing and works from a 220 V network.

The principle of operation of the heated food container is very simple - the device is plugged into a wall outlet and waiting for heating. It can take from 2 to 20 minutes, it all depends on the ambient temperature, the food itself and its volume. Since the operating temperature of the device is + 60 ° C, the food is heated evenly and remains warm for another 2 hours.

The popularity of food containers with a heating function is explained by their following advantages:

• small size and weight;
• convenient design with a carrying handle and a lid with locks;
• for the manufacture of containers use exclusively safe, environmentally friendly and high-quality material;
• the presence of a special compartment for storing cutlery and a container with a lid for liquid food;
• the ability to control the operation of the device and the heating process due to the presence of a light indicator;
• the product allows you to heat food in a matter of minutes;
• simple operation.

As for the minuses, the design does not have them, except that the cost of individual models can be high.

Boxes for food with heating are presented on the modern market in a huge assortment. They may differ in size, design, but all products are united by the fact that they are manufactured exclusively from safe and durable materials.

Depending on the operational characteristics of the heating containers are divided into the following types.

• On batteries. They are made of heat-resistant polystyrene white. They are ideal for storing both cold and hot food, withstanding temperatures up to + 70 ° C. The capacity in such models consists of two departments, separated by a partition. The products are equipped with a sealed lid and a USB device that allows you to heat food even in places where there is no access to an outlet.
• Electronic. These devices are released from food grade plastic, which is designed to quickly heat food. They can also be stainless steel, ABS plastic and rubber. The design has a cover with silicone seals and fasteners. Such models are powered exclusively from the network and allow you to reheat products in 5 minutes. The volume of electronic containers with handles is from 0.9 to 1.5 liters.
• Boxes with the function of heating from the car cigarette lighter. They are usually equipped not only with a wire, but also with a special connector that can be connected to the cigarette lighter. Such devices can be safely taken with you on the road and travel, as they allow you to quickly warm food directly in the car. Manufacturers produce such containers in various colors and volumes (from 500 ml to 1 liter). In addition, an LED indicator, a spoon and a fork are included in the package.
• Battery-operated thermal containers for schoolchildren and children. It is important for each parent to provide their child with proper nutrition, especially when it comes to class. Successful studies and well-being require good nutrition, not snacks.Therefore, students get lunch boxes with a heating function, which are sold complete with a thermal bag and run on batteries. The volume of such containers can be from 0.6 to 0.8 liters.
• Containers for several sections. These models are indispensable in the case when you need to take several servings of different dishes with you. Due to the special design, the products in such containers maintain their integrity and do not mix. The set includes several removable containers for the first dishes, which can be separately heated in the microwave, as well as a spoon and a lid.
• Two-tier and three-tier containers. In such models, not only horizontal placement of partitions is provided, but also the installation of trays in several floors. These are sealed square shaped products that are intended primarily for use by adults. Food can be reheated both from the mains, having previously connected the device to a power outlet, and in the microwave. Also on sale there are interesting options for three-section containers with a children's design.

Today, on sale you can find food containers with a heating function, which differ not only in their configuration, but also in the material of manufacture. As a rule, manufacturers produce trays from the following raw materials.

• Plastic. Such products are characterized by lightness, affordable price, but they are too fragile and serve a short time. Boxes usually consist of several compartments, which greatly simplifies the transport of several products. In addition, plastic containers can be made in various colors, which makes them popular.
• Glass. This option is not the most popular, but still it can be found on the market. Such trays are most often used for heating in the microwave.
• Silicone This material is used as an element of heated containers made of other materials, or for the manufacture of containers with removable heating elements. Silicone is a very reliable, environmentally friendly, practical material; food residues do not accumulate on it, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Silicone trays can be made in a variety of designs.

A metal container deserves special attention, most often they are used for its production high quality stainless steel, which is characterized by medium weight and oxidation stability when interacting with products.

As for the sizes, food containers with the possibility of heating can be of small and medium volume. The smallest models are produced with the following dimensions: 23 cm (length), 17 cm (width) and 11 cm (height). Their weight does not exceed 500 g. There are also on sale more voluminous options for trays.

Heated food containers are presented on the market by various manufacturers, each of which produces quality products in a wide range of colors and designs. The following brands are among the most popular manufacturers that have received many positive reviews.

All products manufactured under this brand are of high quality, since only food-grade (environmentally friendly) plastic is used for its manufacture. Among the lineup of this manufacturer, Electric lunch box containers deserve special attention. They are designed both for warming up and for transporting food, they consist of 2 separate rectangular-shaped compartments.

In addition, the package also includes bowl for sauce, which is conveniently installed in one of the containers. Since the container is vacuum, the products in it remain tasty, fresh and warm for a long time.

This brand has successfully established itself in the market of food container manufacturers. The Clip & Close Micro model is different in that the products placed in it can be heated from the mains, as well as separately remove the containers and put them in the microwave. The design of the product is equipped with a sealed lid, so during transport liquid food will not spill. There are no voids inside the tray, so microbes will never appear in them. These containers are easy to clean.

This manufacturer is known worldwide for its containers. Simple control series, which provide full water tightness and tightness. Trays for a long time keep freshness of products and do not pass smells. A set of containers consists of individual containers with a volume of 0.36, 0.65, 1.1 and 1.7 liters. The products are easy to use, as they have anti-slip inserts in their design. They are resistant to fats, oils, wash quickly.

In order for a food container with a heating function to serve reliably for a long time, it is necessary to take responsibility for its selection and purchase.

In addition, you should think about what is most often planned to be carried with you: first and second courses or only liquid dishes. In the second option, it is recommended to buy a container with a high level of tightness, which would protect food from leaking. The heated container must combine compactness and multifunctionality.

During the purchase, you should pay attention to such indicators of the device.

• Number of sections (compartments). As a rule, most models come in a complete set with several containers that are designed for different dishes. They allow you to heat food both at the same time in all sections, and separately. Experts recommend buying a device consisting of 2-3 containers and equipped with a dense bag.
• Useful volume. Each person can count on it individually, since for someone it is quite enough to do light snacks, and someone wants to fully have lunch or dinner. When choosing the volume of the container, it is also necessary to analyze how convenient it will be to carry with you. It is also important to consider the number of dishes. Usually the most common and universal option is considered to be 1.5 liter products.
• Availability of international marking. If a fork, a glass and “waves” are indicated on the plastic, then the container can be safely used to heat food. In the absence of such labeling, you should think about the quality of the product, since it may not have passed laboratory tests.

After the container for heating food is purchased, it remains only to learn how to use it correctly.

For liquid foods and drinks, it’s best to purchase extra thermos. Sauces, which are often used in snacks, must be packed separately in a small container and placed in a container immediately before meals. Putting bread in a container is not recommended.

Vegetables should first be washed in running water and chopped before eating. If this is done earlier, storage conditions may be violated, and vegetables will lose their vitamin supply and shape. The same applies to greenery - it is washed and dried with paper towels.

Each electric container has a complete set of instructions for use, with which everyone can familiarize themselves. Most models are equipped with LED indicators that allow you to control the heating process.

After eating, all containers should be thoroughly washed, especially plastic products, as they quickly absorb odors. They are best washed soda solution, and not the usual detergents for dishes.

In addition, you need to pay attention to markingindicated on plastic trays. If it is not, then the product cannot be used, because no one can predict what will happen to the containers after heating and washing.

After each tank wash need to dry.

The following review focuses on the design and use of a multi-purpose heated food container.