Heated food containers: description, types and tips for choosing

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

The Heated Food Container is a unique feature that allows you to conveniently reheat food in minutes anywhere with an electrical outlet. Such a food lunch box is intended not only for warming up, but also for transporting food. (you can take it with you on trips and to work, warming up a variety of food).

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

The main feature of such containers is that there are no hard-to-reach places in their design, where food could get and clog. This makes the heated containers easy to clean. Products of this type are made of 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 usable volume of 1 liter. The first compartment is designed to carry liquid products (it is equipped with a sealed lid), and the second is for second courses.

In addition, the design provides separate storage compartment for cutlery such as knife, fork and spoon. It is located on the box lid, 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 body and allows you to conveniently place the container in the bag. As for the heating element, it is built into the lower part of the case and operates on a 220 V network.

The principle of operation of a heated food container is very simple - the device is plugged into an outlet and heating is waiting. It can take from 2 to 20 minutes, it all depends on the ambient temperature, the food itself and its volume. Since the operating temperature of the appliance is + 60 ° C, the food is heated evenly and remains warm for another 2 hours.

The popularity of heated food containers is due to their following advantages:

• small size and weight;
• Convenient design with carrying handle and locking lid;
• for the manufacture of containers, exclusively safe, environmentally friendly and high-quality material is used;
• the presence of a special compartment for storing cutlery and a container with a lid for liquid food;
• the ability to monitor the performance of the device and the heating process due to the presence of a light indicator;
• the product allows you to heat food in a matter of minutes;
• simple operation.

As for the minuses, the design does not have them, except that the cost for individual models can be high.

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

Heating containers are divided into the following types, depending on the performance characteristics.

• On batteries... They are made of heat-resistant white polystyrene. They are ideal for storing both cold and hot food and can withstand heating temperatures up to + 70 ° C. The capacity in such models consists of two sections, separated by a partition. The products are equipped with a sealed lid and a USB device that allows heating food even in places where there is no access to a power outlet.
• Electronic. These devices are made of 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 exclusively from the mains and allow you to reheat food in 5 minutes. The volume of electronic containers with handles ranges from 0.9 to 1.5 liters.
• Boxes with heating function from a car cigarette lighter... They are usually equipped not only with a wire, but also with a special connector that can be connected to a cigarette lighter. Such devices can be safely taken with you on the road and traveling, as they allow you to quickly reheat food right in the car. Manufacturers produce such containers in various colors and volumes (from 500 ml to 1 l). In addition, the package includes an LED indicator, a spoon and a fork.
• Battery operated thermal containers for schoolchildren and children. It is important for every parent to provide their child with proper nutrition, especially when he is in class. Successful studies and wellness require nutritious food, not snacks.Therefore, schoolchildren purchase lunch boxes with a heating function, which are sold complete with a thermal bag and run on batteries. The volume of such containers can be from 0.6 to 0.8 liters.
• Containers for several sections. These models are indispensable when you need to take several portions 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 containers for the first courses, which can be heated separately in the microwave, as well as a spoon and a lid.
• Bunk and three-story containers. In such models, not only the horizontal placement of partitions is provided, but also the installation of trays in several floors. These are sealed products with a square shape and are mainly intended for use by adults. Food can be reheated both from the electrical network, having previously connected the device to an outlet, or in the microwave. Also on sale there are interesting options for three-section containers with a children's design.

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

• Plastic. Such products are characterized by lightness, affordable prices, but they are too fragile and do not last long. Typically, boxes have multiple compartments, making it much easier to carry multiple products. In addition, plastic containers can be made in different colors, which makes them popular.
• Glass... This option is not the most popular, but it can still be found on the market. These 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 friendly, practical material, it does not accumulate food debris, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Silicone trays can be made in different designs.

A metal container deserves special attention, most often it is used for its production. high quality stainless steel, which is distinguished by its medium weight and resistance to oxidation when interacting with products.

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

Heated food containers are marketed by a variety of manufacturers, each of which produces quality products in a wide variety of colors and designs. The most popular brands that have received many positive reviews include the following brands.

All products manufactured under this trademark are characterized by high quality, since only food-grade (environmentally friendly) plastic is used for their manufacture. Among the model range of this manufacturer, Electric lunch box containers deserve special attention. They are designed for both warming up and transporting food, and consist of 2 separate rectangular compartments.

In addition, the package includes and sauce container, which is conveniently installed in one of the containers. Since the container is vacuum, the food in it remains tasty, fresh and warm for a long time.

This brand has successfully established itself in the market of manufacturers of containers for food. The Clip & Close Micro model is distinguished by the fact that it is possible to heat the products placed in it from the electric network., as well as separately remove containers and put them in the microwave. The design of the product is equipped with a sealed lid, so liquid food will not spill during transportation. There are no voids inside the tray, so germs will never appear in them. These containers are easy to clean.

This manufacturer is known all over the world for containers. Simple control series, which provide complete waterproofness and tightness. The trays keep food fresh for a long time and do not let in odors. The set of containers consists of separate containers with a volume of 0.36, 0.65, 1.1 and 1.7 liters. The products are easy to use, as they have anti-slip inserts in their design. They are resistant to fats, oils, wash quickly.

In order for a food container with a heating function to serve reliably for a long time, it is necessary to take responsibility for its choice and purchase.

In addition, you should think about what you most often plan to carry with you: first and second courses or only liquid dishes. In the second option, it is recommended to buy a container with a high level of tightness, which would protect food from leaks. The heated container must combine compactness and versatility.

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

• The number of sections (offices). As a rule, most of the models are produced in a complete set with several containers, which are designed for different dishes. They allow you to reheat food both simultaneously in all sections, or separately. Experts recommend buying a device consisting of 2-3 containers and complete with a thick bag.
• Useful volume. It can be calculated by each person individually, since it is enough for someone to get by with light snacks, and someone wants to have a full lunch or dinner. When choosing the volume of the container, it is also necessary to analyze how convenient it will be to carry it with you. It is also important to consider the number of dishes. Usually, the most common and universal option are products with a volume of 1.5 liters.
• Availability of international markings. If a fork, a glass and "waves" are indicated on the plastic, 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, all that remains is to learn how to use it correctly.

For liquid meals and drinks, it is best to purchase additionally thermos... Sauces, which are often used in snacks, should be packed separately in a small container and placed in a container just before eating. It is not recommended to put bread in a container.

Vegetables should be pre-washed in running water and cut before eating. If this is done earlier, then the storage conditions may be violated, and the vegetables will lose their vitamin reserve and shape. The same goes for greens - they are washed and dried with paper towels.

Each electric container is supplied with instructions for use, which everyone can familiarize themselves with. Most models are equipped with LED indicators that allow you to monitor 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 dishwashing detergents.

In addition, you need to pay attention to markingindicated on the plastic trays. If it is not there, then the product cannot be used, because no one can predict what will happen to the containers after heating and washing.

After each tank wash need to dry.

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