Aluminum or stainless steel lunch box: which is better?

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 tested both products extensively for you. So you can get a good overview 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, considerably more energy is required to produce aluminum. 

Even if products made of this material appear more attractive at first glance due to the low purchase costs, you should always weigh things up carefully. Because stainless steel lunch boxes are absolutely 

• food safe, 
• durable 
• and sustainable. 

Expert advice: The use of aluminum, on the other hand, can cause health problems . 

Aluminum vs. stainless steel: the advantages and disadvantages at a glance

You have already seen some of the differences between aluminum and stainless steel. But to make a clear decision, it's worth taking a closer look at both materials. Are you ready?

Aluminum lunch box

Even if aluminum lunch boxes are definitely interesting for outdoor enthusiasts due to their low price and weight, critical voices are growing. The German consumer advice 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 be harmful to your health (aluminum can accumulate in food and get into your body this way)
• Not dishwasher-safe
  
  

Stainless steel lunch box 

The stainless steel lunch box is becoming increasingly popular in the outdoor scene. No wonder, as the sustainable material is absolutely harmless to people and the environment. Unlike aluminum and plastic, stainless steel is not harmful to health. On the contrary! 

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, a stainless steel lunch box is the ideal place to store food. Bacteria don't stand a chance here! You can smell and taste it. Because a stainless steel lunch box is 100% odorless and tasteless. 

Advantages:

• Durable and robust 
• Withstands heat and cold
• Pollutant-free
• Suitable for dishwashers

Disadvantages: 

• More expensive than aluminum
• No different colors. There is no choice of colors for the stainless steel lunch box

What is important when buying an aluminum or stainless steel lunch box? 

When buying a lunch box, you should pay attention to a few points, regardless of the material. We will now tell you what these are:

Size: 

In addition to the material quality, the size is the most important factor. If you want to use your aluminum or stainless steel lunch box on hikes, it should offer enough space for your snacks. Some models are also equipped with dividers. 

The welded dividers of a high-quality stainless steel lunch box ensure that you can transport different foods in one box.

Thanks to the individual compartments, they stay in place even when you're on the move and don't get mixed up on your tours. Round stainless steel containers are also ideal for snacks between meals . These are particularly space-saving.

Temperature: 

Want to enjoy hot food on the go? Then you should definitely use a leak-proof thermal lunchbox in it. It will keep your food warm for up to 12 hours. In summer, you can even keepyour food cool for up to 24 hoursin this special lunch box.

Closure: 

Even if the clasp may seem uninteresting at first glance. Don't be fooled! It plays a decisive role in whether your lunch box is leak-proof. At ALPIN LOACKER, we offer two different closure mechanisms.

1. The leak-proof boxes with integrated sealing ring all have a side clip closure. 
2. The non-spillable cans have a lid that can be put on and pressed down. 

If required, the lid can be additionally secured with a strap supplied.

Color: 

As you know, there is no choice of color for stainless steel lunch boxes. All models are only available in the typical silver look. This is simply because no color particles can be added to the material. 

However, you don't have to worry about the health risks of the dyes. Aluminum lunch boxes, on the other hand, are available in many colors. But their benefits for your health are highly questionable. 

Price: 

As with all other products, there are also large price differences for aluminum and stainless steel lunch boxes. However, you should not be tempted by supposedly cheaper models. Good stainless steel is expensive. Cheap models may look more attractive at first glance, but their quality and durability are questionable. 

At second glance, they are often much more expensive. Because while a high-quality lunch box is a long-lasting companion, cheap products break quickly and have to be replaced. So you buy your lunch box twice instead of once. And that is more expensive in any case.

We have created a table to help you decide what to buy. Here you can see again what you can transport in which stainless steel can.

Conclusion

If you value quality and care about your health, you should opt for a stainless steel lunch box. These models are robust, durable and food-safe. 

The highlight: a stainless steel lunch box is even dishwasher-safe and therefore absolutely easy to clean. Always remember to determine your area of use before buying. If you would like to transport liquid food, make sure it is leak-proof. You can recognize this by a special seal.

FAQ

Can stainless steel rust?

Stainless steel is generally rustproof. The material sometimes tends to rust if it is washed in the dishwasher together with rusty items. However, this problem can be solved in no time at all. Simply soak the affected lunch box in water with a dash of lemon juice for a few minutes. Then carefully rub the rust stains away with a rough cloth.

Where can I buy aluminum or stainless steel lunch boxes? 

At ALPIN LOACKER you will find high-quality stainless steel lunch boxes. As we attach great importance to sustainability and quality, we only use pure stainless steel and deliberately avoid the use of toxins and toxic chemicals. Our products are 100% food-safe.

Can I clean aluminum or stainless steel lunch boxes in the dishwasher?

Yes and no! Aluminum lunch boxes are not dishwasher-safe. They must be cleaned by hand. A stainless steel lunch box, on the other hand, can be cleaned in the dishwasher without any problems. 

Find out what else we have to offer and read on!