Zojirushi SL-NCE09 Ms. Bento Stainless-Steel Vacuum Lunch Jar

I wouldn't call myself a lunchbox collector, but I do have a heafty variety of lunch boxes, both American and Asian. Everything from your typical Japanese lacquered bento box wrapped in a lovely koi furishiki to a Coleman insulated lunchbox and thermos. This, by far, is my favorite. Previously, I had purchased a Mr. Bento, and while I find that it is also a very nicely constructed set, it was just way too big. Though I loved the convenience and variety the Mr. Bento offered, I rarely used it because I would invariably find myself wondering what to put into each container. I looked at the Mini and Ms. Bento boxes before, but both lacked that essential soup bowl that really makes the Mr. Bento so functional.

Then Zojirishi came out with this new design and everything just fell into place. It retains the convenient divided dish and roomy carrying case of the Ms. Bento, the smaller three bowl design of the Mini, and the lovely soup bowl of the Mr. Bento. Just right...Read more

I had originally wanted a Mr. Bento, but I'm not the type who eats a large amount, especially for lunch, so I opted to purchase the Ms. Bento. It's just the right size for me. As long as you follow the directions, the food stays nice and warm for a hefty amount of time. I usually make my lunch at 7am, and then eat it at 1pm, and it's always still toasty. I usually heat everything almost to boiling, though, so that probably helps. (I have yet to use it for cold food.)
It's fairly easy to clean by hand. I have managed to stain my bottom soup container, but that's really my own fault. I haven't met a plastic container that doesn't get stained from microwaving tomato soup.
I love that it comes with a spork. I'm not the best at eating with chopsticks.
I have been trying to convince my sister to purchase one of these, but she thinks they are too expensive.

I have had this lunch jar a few days ad i already love it ! This is an excellent way to use left overs or whatever is on hand. It saves me money and I love the bag it comes with. If you are worried about stainig lightly grease inside of jar with a couple drops of canola or olive oil. I wash the bowls in boiling water with scented dish soap and let dry overnight and ive noticed that helps with the plastic retaining certain smells. I usually dont microwave the food in the jars because it can stain them I microwave in bowls untill piping hot then transfer to lunch bowls. This jar works very well to retain heat and my soup was piping hot 6 hours later ! I had tomato soup, med size bean burrito, small muffin and grapefruit and 16 oz bottle of water. After my lunch my belly was full and I was happy. The jar kept my soup piping hot, my burrito very warm and my muffin and grapefruit at room temperature. This is a great buy because you can have a hot or cold lunch and you dont have to waste...Read more