I need non-plastic portable containers...

[kalisis]

for my lunch.

I need to be able to reheat them, but I guess this will be less of an issue with the coming summer months.

It just feels wrong to me - I do NOT microwave any plastic at home, but every day at work, I heat up my lunch that I brought in my plastic tupperware.

Agh!

I'm totally open to spam! I need unbreakable and leak-proof.

[hippiewitchie]

What about corning ware?
I am in the same boat you're in. I bring my lunch everyday and microwave my plastic bowls, so I am curious to see what everyone else says.

[TinyFrog]

I've been using small Pyrex that came with a lid. Except this week, where I keep putting my tomato soup in a plastic Tupperware container. It's not the lightest but it works.

[utopia760]

i use pyrex- but yeah that is breakable

[lunar forest]

pyrex with lids work really well. They're not that heavy, and they're real strong (we drop ours all the time!) I mean, are you swinging 'em around in your purse, or something?

a sandwich wraped in a cloth napkin works well in a lunch box.

have you seen these? Or these?

[lunar forest]

glass jars are good, too, as are thermoses.

[kalisis]

Originally Posted by lunar forest

I mean, are you swinging 'em around in your purse, or something?

I just spit coffee through my nose! Ha...

No, I just worry about things breaking.

Thanks for the links; I have seen those, but I need to be able to microwave them also. I thought about the pyrex stuff and was wondering if there just any other options.

Thanks!

[Virgo.Vegan]

I have to agree with the pyrex. They are heavier, but they don't break (I have yet to break one and have dropped them on the floor.) and they are microwave. Really, I don't think there is another (microwave-safe) option, other than glass, where you do not have to worry about leeching harmful plastics, chemicals, etc into your food.

[Belleweather]

Another vote for pyrex and corningwear. If I'm taking cold foods to work (like salad or something) I also have a nifty tin indian lunchbox, but that can't be microwaved at all.

[rere]

These are made from reed.

Oh,I just noticed they're disposable.

Maybe you could find reusable containers made from bamboo?

[avandon]

I struggle with this too

But yup, my lunch does bang around in my bag because I walk to work. And I want something that goes from freezer to microwave because I like to freeze leftovers for lunches which means they have to stack nicely in the freezer.

Of course they've also got to be small enough that they don't take up any significant space in my limited cabinets when empty.

I want a miracle!

I think the best answer would likely to freeze and carry in plastic but keep a plate and bowl (and silverware) in my desk at work and wash it each time I use it. I haven't done it yet but I think I should.

[Best Feeling]

I bring stuff in unbreakable, non-leaking thermoses. I keep a glass bowl and plate at my desk to heat things in/on. We have a sink that I can wash things in so that has been working well for me.

I tried glass storage dishes (I don't think they're pyrex) with lids but they leak in my bag so I just use those at home now.

[cristeen]

Ok, it's not microwaveable, but I use a tiffin. It's stainless steel, 3 stacked compartments. It's fairly indestructible.

It's big enough for me to put a good sized salad in the bottom, with a stainless lidded dressing cup. I have lidded glass custard cups that I use for yogurt, put it in the middle compartment with some fruit. The top compartment I use for chips or more fruit or cheese or nuts. It is not insulated, but we have fridges at work, and since I don't use a microwave anyway, it's not an issue for me.

I bought my tiffin at Cost Plus for $10, the custard cups were about $6 at Target, and the dressing cups were about $3 at Target.

[robertandenith]

there is no unbreakable stuff other than plastic to be used on a micro unless you don't reheat, you can use stainless steel containers then place them on a thermal bag to keep stuff hot. dunno.... reusablebags.com is the only place I recommend to buy stuff like that...

[alysmommy2004]

Originally Posted by Virgo.Vegan

I have to agree with the pyrex. They are heavier, but they don't break (I have yet to break one and have dropped them on the floor.) and they are microwave. Really, I don't think there is another (microwave-safe) option, other than glass, where you do not have to worry about leeching harmful plastics, chemicals, etc into your food.

: And they're made in the US.

[kalisis]

Thanks everyone!

I do have the option of reheating in something else, which is what I do when I buy frozen dinners.

I am thinking of investing in a good bento box that is pretty and then just reheating in the glassware here at work.

Thanks for the brainstorming session tho!

[kriket]

I have a bento (japanese lunchbox) that is made out of bamboo, it's not leak "proof" but for anything but soup it's pretty fancy. It was given as a gift tho, so I don't know where it came from. it holds odors too (a little) it can get that wet bamboo smell.