Plastic-free lunch boxes made of aluminum or stainless steel are becoming increasingly popular. But what exactly is the difference? And which product is better?
We went on a search and extensively tested both products for you. This way you can get a good overview for yourself and find your perfect lunch box.
What is the difference between aluminum and stainless steel?
The difference between aluminum and stainless steel lies in the material properties. Aluminum has a lower density and is therefore lighter. However, significantly more energy is required in the production of aluminum.
Even if products made from this material seem more attractive at first glance due to the low acquisition costs, you should always weigh it carefully. Because lunch boxes made of stainless steel are absolutely
- food safe,
- durable
- and sustainable.
Expert tip: The use of aluminum, on the other hand, can lead to health problems.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel: An Overview of the Advantages and Disadvantages
You have already learned some differences between aluminum and stainless steel. But to make a clear decision, it is worth taking a closer look at both materials. Are you ready?
Aluminum Lunch Box
Even if aluminum lunch boxes are quite interesting for outdoor enthusiasts due to their low price and weight, critical voices are increasing. The German consumer center, for example, warns in its article "Aluminum in food and packaging widespread" of massive health damage to kidneys and bones.
Severe developmental damage is also associated with the material.
Advantages:
- Extremely light
- Inexpensive to purchase
- Recyclable
Disadvantages:
- Can lead to health damage (aluminum can accumulate in food and thus enter your body)
- Not dishwasher safe
Stainless Steel Lunch Box
The stainless steel lunch box is becoming increasingly popular in the outdoor scene. No wonder, after all, the sustainable material is absolutely harmless to humans and the environment. Unlike aluminum and plastic, stainless steel is not harmful to health. On the contrary!
Due to its antibacterial properties, a stainless steel lunch box is the ideal storage place for food. Bacteria don't stand a chance here! You can smell and taste it. Because a stainless steel lunch box is 100% odor and taste neutral.
Advantages:
- Durable and robust
- Withstands heat and cold
- Free of harmful substances
- Dishwasher safe
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than aluminum
- No different colors. The stainless steel lunchbox has no color selection
What should you consider when buying a lunchbox made of aluminum or stainless steel?
When buying a lunchbox, regardless of the material, you should pay attention to a few points. We will tell you which ones now:
Size:
Besides the material quality, size is primarily crucial. If you want to use your aluminum or stainless steel lunchbox on hikes, it should offer enough space for your snacks. Some models are also equipped with compartments.
The welded partitions of a high-quality stainless steel lunchbox ensure that you can transport different foods in one box.
Thanks to the individual compartments, they stay in place even on the go and are not jumbled during your tours. For a small snack in between, round stainless steel containers are also suitable. These are particularly space-saving.
Temperature:
Do you want to enjoy warm meals on the go? Then you should definitely use a leak-proof Thermo Lunchbox . It keeps your food warm for up to 12 hours. In summer, you can even keep your food cool in this special snack box for up to 24 hours.
Closure:
Even if the closure may seem unimportant at first glance, don't be fooled! It significantly contributes to whether your lunchbox is leak-proof. At ALPIN LOACKER, we generally offer two different closure mechanisms.
- The leak-proof boxes with an integrated sealing ring all have a side clip closure.
- The non-leak-proof boxes have a lid for placing and pressing down.
If necessary, the lid can be additionally secured with a supplied strap.
Color:
As you know, there is no color choice with stainless steel lunch boxes. All models are exclusively available in the typical silver look. This is simply because no color particles can be mixed into the material.
However, you do not have to worry about the health risks of dyes either. Aluminum lunch boxes, on the other hand, are available in many colors. But their benefit to your health is extremely questionable.
Price:
As with all other products, there are also large price differences with aluminum or stainless steel lunch boxes. However, you should not be tempted by seemingly cheaper models. Good stainless steel is expensive. Cheap models may seem more attractive at first glance, but their quality and durability are questionable.
Often, they are even significantly more expensive on closer inspection. While a high-quality lunch box is a long-term companion, cheap products break quickly and need to be replaced. So you buy your lunch box twice instead of once. And that is more expensive in any case.
For your purchase decision, we have created a table for you. Here you can see again what you can transport in which stainless steel box.
|
Leak-proof |
Double-layered, partly leak-proof |
Not leak-proof |
|
|
Fruit |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Vegetables |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Nuts |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Dried fruits |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Bar |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Roll |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Cooked |
✔ |
✔ - only on the upper floor |
|
|
Salad |
✔ |
✔ - only on the upper floor |
Conclusion
If you value quality and care about your health, you should opt for a stainless steel lunchbox. These models are robust, durable, and food-safe.
The highlight: A stainless steel lunchbox is even dishwasher safe and therefore absolutely easy to care for. Always remember to determine your area of use before buying. If you want to transport liquid foods, pay attention to leak-proofing. You can recognize this by a special seal.
FAQ
Can stainless steel rust?
In principle, stainless steel is rust-free. The material sometimes tends to develop surface rust when cleaned in the dishwasher with rusty parts. However, this problem can be solved in no time. Simply place the affected lunchbox in water with a dash of lemon juice for a few minutes. Then gently rub away the rust stains with a rough cloth.
Where can I buy lunchboxes made of aluminum or stainless steel?
At ALPIN LOACKER you will find high-quality stainless steel lunchboxes. Since we place great importance on sustainability and quality, we use only pure stainless steel and consciously avoid the use of toxins and harmful chemicals. Our products are 100% food-safe.
Can I clean lunchboxes made of aluminum or stainless steel in the dishwasher?
Yes and no! Aluminum lunchboxes are not dishwasher safe. They must be cleaned by hand. However, you can easily clean a stainless steel lunchbox in the dishwasher.
Find out what else we have to offer and keep reading!