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BUYER'S GUIDE www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2017 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 1 7 Buyer's Guide Lunch Bags and Boxes D'ECO LUNCH BOXES FROM SCS DIRECT, INC. Improve the ease of lunchtime while reducing waste with lunch boxes that cater to the needs of everyone in the family. D'Eco Lunch Boxes, which hold a match- ing fork and knife in the lid, collapse to one third of their original size for easy storage, and are equipped with two compartments. D'Eco Lunch Boxes are BPA- and phthalate-free, as well as dishwasher and microwave safe. They are perfect for transporting meals and snacks. In addition to school or work, these conven- ient lunch boxes make a great companion for sporting events, picnics in the parks, outdoor concerts and long road trips in the car, rail or plane. SCS Direct, Inc. 203.590.2094 www.decohouseware.com BRILLIANCE FROM RUBBERMAID Rubbermaid's Brilliance line is designed with an airtight, leak-proof seal and innovative latches. The high quality material provides perfect clarity. The containers are designed with innovative vents that allow microwaving with the lid on, latches that open to help reduce splatters and heat-resistant BPA-free material. The design is modular and space efficient for easy or- ganization in the refrigerator. Suggested retail price: $5.99 - $12.99 Rubbermaid 888.895.2110 www.rubbermaid.com BY GREG GONZALES The contents of a lunchbox are crucial for anyone looking to eat healthier, control their meals or simply cook more at home, but the box itself matters almost just as much. Some lunchboxes are made f rom recycled materials for the eco-f riendly consumer, some insulate food entirely from the outside world and others present a choice for niche preferences and lifestyles — some of them achieve all three. Hikers, commuters, students, bike couriers and rideshare drivers can all find a box that fits their individual needs. The PackIt® lunch bag features built-in, f reezable gel to keep a lunch cold for hours, and comes in fun designs for all ages. Users place the bag in the freezer overnight, and the bag works like a mini portable refrigerator by the morning. It's big enough to fit a sandwich, snack and 12 ounce drink, and then it folds down to the size of a thick paperback book, securing with a Velcro tab for storage. Designs vary, and prices range from $15.99 for the mini version to $24.99 for larger versions on the PackIt website. Wild Eye Designs announced insulated wine handbags this year, with a posh bag that also functions as a lunchbox. The bag is great for the classy college coed who wouldn't be caught dead with an old cartoon lunchbox at an important meeting, or anyone who wants a little more flair. It's big enough to fit two bottles of wine, or one bottle of wine with lunch. With an interior pocket, the bag can also store keys, utensils, corkscrews and other day-to-day essentials. With three distinct designs, there's an appeal for everyone. It'll hit the market in time for the holidays, with a projected price point of $34.99. While bringing a lunch might achieve environmental goals for some consumers, this bag expands those goals. The (re)zip® brand of reusable storage products by Blue Avocado is made f rom 50 percent post- consumer recycled materials, upcycling up to four plastic bottles. These versatile and functional bags work great for work, travel or day trips, with a Velcro closure that folds over and clips to backpacks. No need to worry about leaching chemicals: the interior lining is made from FDA-grade PEVA material, meaning no lead or BPA. Compresses or rolls up easily, and is easy to clean. The bag can be found on the (re)zip website for $12.99. It's not a box or bag, but it comes with a carrying pack and oozes understated style. The Zojirushi Classic Bento® Stainless Lunch Jar comes with three microwavable, lidded inner containers, a spork, chopsticks, holders for included utensils and a carrying bag. There's also room at the top of the bag for large items that don't fit the containers. With a vacuum seal, food stays fresh and at desired temperature. The nonstick coated washable inner container makes it easy to clean as well. Retails for $80. The Lifefactory mobile food storage collection delivers functional utility matched with delightful, colorful vibrancy. Great for bringing a prepared lunch to work, storing leftovers, or even bringing food to a potluck or park party to beautifully deliver dishes directly to the table. The containers are made f rom tempered glass, and both the glass and sleeve are safe for microwaves, freezers and dishwashers — the glass and silicone sleeve can be used as bakeware. Lids are BPA/BPS-f ree polypropylene, and the company does not recommend baking or microwaving with them. With 1-cup, 2- cup and 4-cup sizes and various color options to choose f rom, consumers can choose the right container for their situation and kitchen. Prices range, depending on size, from $14.99 to $19.99. KN No Need to Brown Bag with These Stylish Lunchboxes Available Kid Basix LLC, the designer and manufacturer of The Safe Sippy™, has introduced a new line of modern, reusable stainless steel lunchboxes and contemporary, colorful, reusable bamboo plates and bowls. The company showcased its new Safe Snackers™ in the new products area at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show. "Many schools are now moving to trash-f ree lunch programs and the Safe Snackers are perfect for all on- the-go eating occasions," said Susan Soja, CEO of Kid Basix. "Eco-conscious families and their kids have been enjoying drinking f rom our environmentally- f riendly cups for the past 8 years. Now we are excited to apply our design innovation to allow families to enjoy snacks and meals with an environmentally clear conscience." The Safe Snackers are a unique grouping of multi-sized stainless steel lunchboxes that have an attached hinged lid and single flap opening, and silicone seal. They come in 7 oz for $14.99, 13 oz for $16.99 and 23 oz for $19.99. The multiple sizes ensures users always have the right container for the job, whatever the food and appetite. Suitable for salads, leftovers, nuts, f ruits, sandwiches, cookies and even yogurts. The silicone seal means no mess, because they 're leak-proof. Though attached, the hinged lid is easily removable and are dishwasher safe, meaning quick and simple cleanup. The Safe Snackers are currently available at select W hole Foods Markets. In addition, Kid Basix is exhibiting its new line of Bamboo Safe Servers™ that will launch for retail later this year. These are beautiful, colorful additions to any kid table setting. The Bamboo Safe Servers are plates that are heat-pressed into highly polished, naturally pigmented, child-sized tableware for kids. The line is dual-toned with an orange base and a choice of blue, pink or green tops. The Kid Basix Main plate with accompanying crescent-moon-shaped side plate nestles next to the main plate and, with a uniquely deigned snap system, easily detaches or attaches according to a child's preferences. Kid Basix designed the Bamboo Safe Server plates and side plates to suit the child who may prefer that certain foods not be in contact with other foods. The side plate is also a useful place to discard unwanted food. The Kid Basix bowl is perfectly sized for an appealing presentation of yogurt, f ruit, cereal or rice. Both plates and bowls feature the signature grip dots that allow a child to confidently grip and easily carry the line to and f rom the table as need. The Bamboo Safe Servers are environmentally f riendly and are a sustainable alternative to plastic, melamine, disposable paper or polystyrene. They are dishwasher safe and, because they're made of bamboo, the line naturally degrades once items reach the end of their life cycles. For more information, visit www.kid- basix.com. KN Kid Basix Expands Category Reach with New Launches

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