Lunch box made of aluminum or stainless steel: Which is better?

Plastic-free lunchboxes made of aluminum or stainless steel are becoming increasingly popular. But what exactly is the difference? And which product is better?

We have done the research and extensively tested both products for you. This way, you can get a good overview yourself and find your perfect lunchbox. 

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, much more energy is required to produce aluminum. 

Even though products made from this material may seem more attractive at first due to the low purchase cost, you should always weigh carefully. Because stainless steel lunchboxes are absolutely 

• food safe, 
• durable 
• and sustainable. 

Expert note: The use of aluminum, on the other hand, can lead to health problems. 

Aluminum vs. stainless steel: The pros and cons at a glance

You have already learned some 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 lunchbox

Although aluminum lunchboxes 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.

Even severe developmental damage is associated with the material.

Advantages: 

• Extremely lightweight 
• Affordable to purchase
• Recyclable

Disadvantages:  

• Can lead to health damage (aluminum can accumulate in food and thus enter your body)
• Not dishwasher safe
  
  

Stainless steel lunchbox 

The stainless steel lunchbox is becoming increasingly popular in the outdoor scene. No wonder, since this sustainable material is absolutely harmless to humans and the environment. Unlike aluminum and plastic, stainless steel is not harmful to health. On the contrary! 

Thanks to the antibacterial properties, a stainless steel lunchbox is the ideal storage place for food. Bacteria have no chance here! You can smell and taste it. Because a stainless steel lunchbox is 100% odorless and tasteless. 

Advantages:

• Durable and robust 
• Resistant to heat and cold
• Free of harmful substances
• Dishwasher safe

Disadvantages: 

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

What matters when buying an aluminum or stainless steel lunch box? 

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

Size: 

Besides material quality, the size is the main factor. If you want to use your aluminum or stainless steel lunch box on hikes, it should have enough space for your snacks. Some models also come with dividers. 

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

Thanks to the individual compartments, your food stays in place on the go and won’t get mixed up during your trips. For a small snack in between, round stainless steel containers are also a great option. They save space especially well.

Temperature: 

Do you want to enjoy warm meals on the go? Then you should definitely choose a leakproof Thermo Lunch Box use. Your food stays warm for up to 12 hours. In summer, you can even keep your food cool for up to 24 hours in this special lunch box. 

Closure: 

Even if the closure might seem uninteresting at first glance, don’t be fooled! It plays a major role in whether your lunch box is leakproof. At ALPIN LOACKER, we basically offer two different closure mechanisms. 

1. The leakproof boxes with an integrated sealing ring all feature a side clip closure. 
2. The non-leakproof boxes have a lid that rests on top and is pressed down. 

If needed, the lid can be additionally secured with a supplied band.

Color: 

As you know, there is no color selection 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 dyes. Aluminum lunch boxes, on the other hand, come in many colors. But their benefits for your health are highly questionable. 

Price: 

As with all other products, there are big price differences in aluminum and stainless steel lunch boxes. However, you shouldn’t be tempted by seemingly cheaper models. Good stainless steel is expensive. Cheap models may look more attractive at first glance, but their quality and durability are questionable. 

Often, they are even significantly more expensive at second glance. Because while a high-quality lunch box a longtime companion, cheap products break quickly and need to be replaced. This way, you end up buying your lunch box twice instead of once. And that is definitely more expensive. 

For your purchase decision, we have created a table for you. Here you can see again what you can carry in which stainless steel box.

Conclusion

If you value quality and care about your health, you should choose a stainless steel lunch box. These models are sturdy, durable, and food safe. 

The trick: A stainless steel lunch box is even dishwasher safe and therefore very easy to care for. Before buying, always consider how you plan to use it. If you want to carry liquid foods, look for leak-proof features. You can recognize these by a special seal.

FAQ

Can stainless steel rust?

Basically, stainless steel is rust-resistant. The material can sometimes develop surface rust if cleaned in the dishwasher together with rusty items. But this problem can be fixed quickly. Simply soak the affected lunch box for a few minutes in water with a splash of lemon juice. Then gently rub off the rust spots with a rough cloth. 

Where can I buy aluminum or stainless steel lunch boxes? 

At ALPIN LOACKER, you’ll find high-quality stainless steel lunch boxes. Since we place great value on sustainability and quality, we use only pure stainless steel and consciously avoid toxins and harmful chemicals. Our products are 100% food safe.

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

Sort of! Aluminum lunch boxes are not dishwasher safe. They need to be cleaned by hand. A stainless steel lunch box, on the other hand, can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. 

Find out what else we have to offer and keep reading!