Heated Food Containers: Description, Types and Tips for Choosing

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

The heated food container is a unique device that allows you to comfortably warm food in minutes in any place equipped with an electrical outlet. Such a food lunch box is designed not only for heating, but also for transporting food. (you can take it with you on trips and to work, warming up the most different food).

As a rule, all electrically heated tanks are equipped with a tight lid, which has a convenient shape and an attractive design.

The main feature of such containers is considered to be that there are no hard-to-reach places in their designs where food could get into and get clogged. Thanks to this it is easy to clean containers with heating function. Products of this type are made from 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 useful volume of 1 liter. The first compartment is designed to carry liquid products (it is equipped with an airtight lid), and the second is for second courses.

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

In addition, the product has special carrying handle, which when folded is hidden in the case and allows you to conveniently place the container in a bag. As for the heating element, it is built into the lower part of the body and operates on 220 V.

The principle of operation of the container for food with heating is very simple - the device is plugged in 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 working temperature of the device is + 60 ° C, the food warms up evenly and remains warm for 2 hours.

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

• small size and weight;
• convenient design with carrying handle and lid with retainers;
• for the manufacture of containers using exclusively safe, environmentally friendly and high-quality material;
• availability of a special storage compartment for cutlery and a container with a lid for liquid food;
• the ability to monitor 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 minutes;
• simple operation.

As for the minuses, they have no construction, except that the cost of individual models may be high.

Heated food boxes are presented on the modern market in a huge range. They may differ in size, design, but all products are united by the fact that they are produced exclusively from safe and durable materials.

Depending on the performance characteristics of the warming containers are divided into the following types.

• On batteries. They are made of heat-resistant white polystyrene. They are ideal for storing both cold and hot food, withstanding heating temperatures up to + 70 ° C. Capacity in such models consists of two sections separated by a partition. Products are equipped with an airtight lid and a USB device that allows you to heat food even in places where there is no access to the outlet.
• Electronic. These devices are produced from food grade plastic, which is designed to quickly heat food. They can also be made of stainless steel, ABS plastic and rubber. The design has a cover with silicone seals and fasteners. Such models are powered solely from the network and allow you to warm up food in 5 minutes. The volume of electronic containers with handles ranges from 0.9 to 1.5 liters.
• Boxes with warm-up function from the car cigarette lighter. They are usually completed not only with a wire, but also with a special connector that can be connected to the cigarette lighter. Such devices can safely take on the road and travel, as they allow you to quickly heat up food right in the car. Manufacturers produce such containers in different colors and volumes (from 500 ml to 1 l). In addition, the package includes a LED indicator, a spoon and a fork.
• Thermal containers for schoolchildren and children working on batteries. It is important for each parent to provide their child with proper nutrition, especially as regards the time when he is in the classroom. Successful study and well-being requires good nutrition, not snacking. Therefore, schoolchildren get lunch boxes with heating function, which are sold complete with a thermo bag and run on batteries. The volume of such containers can be from 0.6 to 0.8 liters.
• Containers in 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 retain their integrity and do not mix. The set includes several removable tare for the first courses, 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 the horizontal placement of partitions, but also the installation of trays on several floors is provided. These are square sealed products that are intended primarily for use by adults. Food can be reheated both from the electrical network, having previously connected the device to the socket, and in the microwave. Also on sale are interesting options for three-section containers with children's design.

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

• Plastic. Such products are characterized by ease, reasonable price, but they are too fragile and serve a short time. Typically, the boxes consist of several compartments, which greatly simplifies the transport of several products. In addition, plastic containers can be made in different 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 safe, practical material, it does not accumulate food residues, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Silicone trays can be made in different designs.

The metal container also deserves special attention, most often for its production they use high-quality stainless steelwhich differs in average weight and resistance to oxidation when interacting with products.

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

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

All products manufactured under this brand name are characterized by high quality, since only food grade (eco-friendly) plastic is used for its production. Among the model range of this manufacturer, the Electric lunch box containers deserve special attention. They are intended both for heating and for transporting food, consist of 2 separate compartments of rectangular shape.

In addition, the package includes sauce containerwhich 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 differs in that it is possible to warm the products placed in it from the electrical network, as well as separately remove the container and put them in the microwave. The design of the product is equipped with an airtight lid, so during transportation liquid food will not spill. There are no voids inside the tray, so microbes will never appear in them. Such containers are easy to clean.

This manufacturer is known worldwide for containers. Simple control series, which provide full water tightness and tightness. Trays for a long time retain the freshness of products and do not miss the smell. A set of containers consists of separate containers of 0.36, 0.65, 1.1 and 1.7 l. The products are easy to use, as they have anti-slip inserts in their design. They are resistant to fats, oils, quickly washed.

In order for a food container with a heating function to last for a long time reliably, its choice and purchase must be taken responsibly.

In addition, you should think about the fact that most often you plan to carry with you: the first and second dishes or only liquid dishes. In the second variant, it is recommended to buy a container with a high level of tightness that would protect food from leaking. Heated container must combine compactness and versatility.

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

• The number of sections (branches). As a rule, most models come in a package 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 tight bag.
• Useful volume. Each person can count on him individually, as it is quite enough for someone to get along with light snacks, and someone wants to have a full meal or dinner. Choosing the volume of the container, it is also necessary to analyze how convenient it will be to carry with them. It is also important to consider the number of dishes. Usually the most common and versatile option is the product volume of 1.5 liters.
• Availability of international labeling. If the plastic indicates a fork, a glass and "waves", then the container can be safely used to heat food. In the absence of such labeling, one should think about the quality of the product, since it may not have passed laboratory tests.

After the container for warming up food is purchased, it will only be necessary to learn how to use it properly.

For liquid foods and drinks, it is best to additionally purchase thermos. Sauces, which are often used in snacks, need to be packaged separately in a small container and put in a container just before eating. Bread into the container is not recommended.

Vegetables should be pre-washed in running water and cut in before eating. If this is done earlier, then storage conditions may be disturbed, and vegetables will lose their vitamin reserves and shape. The same applies to greenery - it is washed and dried using paper towels.

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

After eating, all containers should be thoroughly washed, especially for 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 not, then the product can not be used, because no one can predict what will happen to the tanks after heating and washing.

After each tank wash need to be dried.

The following review focuses on the design and use of a versatile heated food container.