Buy It For Life
Lunch Boxes

Cookware & Kitchenware

Buy it for life: the most durable lunch boxes,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Igloo Playmate

A robust and time-tested lunch cooler with excellent insulation.

Mentioned 8 times in the threads we read

• Robust
• Excellent insulation
• Long-lasting

I still use my granddad’s Igloo Playmate. It must be about 40 years old at least.
– solishu4

Got an Igloo Playmate in '86 -- for band camp lunches, of all things. Still have it.
– Alive-Tumbleweed-742

I'm an electrician in texas I use a 4qrt igloo playmate or their backpack cooler with a frozen water bottle as an ice pack.
– visionslip

Stanley Classic Lunch Box

A durable and iconic lunchbox that stands the test of time.

Mentioned 9 times in the threads we read

• Durable
• Iconic design
• Long-lasting

My Dad bought a small plastic igloo cooler and a Stanley thermos in the 70s... he's still got both today.
– HauntedButtCheeks

I literally spent months hunting down decently priced old stock on eBay. It took a long time but well worth it.
– ANCAP127

Hubby has a Stanley thermos for his coffee that’s over ten years old.
– OutlanderMom

Zojirushi Vacuum Insulated Lunch Jars

Highly reliable vacuum insulated lunch jars that keep food hot or cold for extended periods.

Mentioned 4 times in the threads we read

• Excellent insulation
• High-quality
• Reliable

I know they are well known for their rice cookers, but if you can get your hands on Zojirushi vacuum insulated lunch jars... They're really good quality.
– solidsnake070

I absolutely love these and couldn't stop buying more after the first one!
– lize_bird

Arctic Zone Titan Lunch Bags

Affordable and sturdy lunch boxes that offer good insulation.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Affordable
• Good insulation
• Sturdy

I have two Arctic Zone Titan lunch bags. They are available on Amazon but I get them at Costco... very affordable.
– Marin79thefirst

RTIC Cooler

Large insulated coolers that keep items chilled all day.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Large capacity
• Effective insulation
• Durable

My boss gifted me and my coworkers a RTIC cooler and it's great.
– curryp4n

He keeps the cooler in his car. It stays cool all day.
– curryp4n

Engel Hard Side Lunch Box

A durable and long-lasting hard-sided lunch box ideal for tough environments.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Durable
• Hard-sided
• Long-lasting

I have an Engle hard side lunch box. Been great so far, had it almost 10 years.
– 25jon25

Same here. I got a second one for free when a project finished that is waiting in the wings, but my first one just won't quit.
– justadumbwelder1

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