Hello!

Average Ratings (from 23 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
Haier is perfect for my family
Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results
Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher :
4.32 out of 5 based on 33 reviews.

About the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher (HDW12-SFE3SS) …

Haier appliances are designed to make life easier, so you can get more out of every day.

Their great value dishwashers are stylishly designed and come in your choice of white or brushed stainless steel.

The Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher is packed full of features including:

  • Delay start function
  • 4.0 star energy rating
  • Half load option
  • LED display

Click here to find out more about the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher.

Please note: the mum featured in the video above received a free Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher to trial and review. 

 

The Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher measures:

Width 600mm
Height 850mm
Depth 600mm

 Where to buy the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher …

Haier_12_place_setting_dishwasher_product_review_200x200

Haier appliances are stocked in most major retailers. Simply head to your nearest store and ‘Ask for Haier’. Find your nearest stockist here.

From 1st June – 31st July 2015, when you purchase selected Haier Dishwashers, you’ll receive a bonus 3 month Finish Starter Kit. Click here for terms and conditions.

 

About the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher product review …

In the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher product review, selected mums will put the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher through it’s paces in their very own homes. They’ll then be asked to post their reviews and ratings on this page.


Published 4th June 2015


  • Part One - Easy Installation

    Our lovely new dishwasher arrived on Tuesday. Our dishwasher has been broken for at least 2 years, so we were very excited to get to review the Haier dishwasher! On delivery, we had a moment of panic, when we looked at the new machine we were not sure it was going to fit into the dishwasher space in the kitchen, despite having taken measurements. However, my husband got it into place, as it has screw adjustable legs. Connection of hoses and tubings and power was straight forward. Looks good in position, and now that it is actually in place, it fills the dishwasher space better than our previous broken machine.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Part Three: Washing Results

    We have been using the machine for a couple of weeks now, and how has it been washing?
    Well I am impressed! Its results have been great! Things are coming out cleaner than they ever did in our previous machine. And last night I even jammed so much in there it was almost overloaded, and everything come out clean! Sure, the plastics are still a little wet (I set the machine at night and unload in the morning), but that is plastics for you!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • this is an amazing product

    Haier is an excellent brand and this dishwasher is one of the great items.it gives a quality cleaning with time an energy saving.2 of my friends already have this but i’m recommending to other’s as well.this is something every one should have at their home.so they can spend quality time with family when dishing is done in the dishwasher.i’m in love with this.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • easy to use and cleans well

    My new Haier 12 place setting dishwasher is a dream to use. It easily takes all the dishes from morning to evening. I love the extra dry setting and the half load option too.
    I would definitely recommend the Haier 12 place setting dishwasher to my friends.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • After a few weeks now.....

    This machine keeps surprising me! My OLD dishwasher would surprise me with things that it hadn’t cleaned properly, whether it was due to my placement, not rinsing it or plain reasons unknown. This dishwasher surprises me with the things it DOES clean! I HAVE managed to get a few things come out unclean, and always due to me not rinsing something that it is all dried out, or placing things too close – and I have done these things on purpose, just to test it!

    My only slight negative on the machine, is the lights on the control panel. They are all red, and they aren’t insulated from each other. So if you look at the control panel from an angle, it looks like more lights are on than are really. You need to look front on to see properly. Then, once you have the machine started, the lights on one side of the panel blink on and off constantly. These are not big issues really, afterall, you set the machine and walk away, you don’t sit around and watch it!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • dish washing is more easy

    Haier is brand i trust.My first product from Haier was my first washing machine which builts a great trust on Haier.there’s so many other compnies in the market with the tough competitions but if you need some quality item then nothing better than Haier. Its gives perfect cleaning and great for families. and my recommendation is electrical products can’t be change everyday so a good quality product means a good decision. doesn’t matter how expensive it is. Haier has very modern a stylish design, which can change the looks for your laundry so go for it.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • just brilliant, and family friendly

    i have never considered having a dishwasher. I always considered them to be for lazy people. I also thought they were a water waster. But this is brilliant. Energy and water efficient. Easy for everyone in the family to use. Not overly huge in size, so space saving. I rave to all my friends about this dish washer, I love it

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Part Two - Controls

    The control panel is simple and basic. Love the time remaining indicator – my previous dishwasher didn’t have that! The instruction manual is also very simple and no fuss. On the upper rim of the door, there is a legend for the symbols on the front control panel. The programs can only be set when the door is closed. So remember the symbols! No huge problem. The door doesn’t have a latch system to open it – you need thumb pressure on the upper machine surround to open the door. Again, not a huge problem (in fact, the latch system was one of the things that failed on my previous machine). Really loving have a working dishwasher again! The old one had sat there in its space for 2 years – total waste of space. And I am finding it so much easier to keep up with the clutter in the kitchen!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Happy with my new kitchen buddy

    It has been 4 weeks since I became acquainted with Master Haier, and he has become an essential part of the family. He has allowed me to enjoy having a birthday surprise, made the kitchen dazzle with his smooth looks, made my kitchenware feel so much cleaner and he has helped me through the man flu. This dishwasher has a good capacity, can be adjusted in heights to suit your needs, has multiple wash cycles depending on what/who/how many, is pretty goos on water/energy needs and does the job he is designed too. I am happy, kids are happy and visitors seemed to enjoy him too. Welcome to the family Dishwasher Haier, looks like you are staying.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Reviews from the younger family members

    Miss 5: I love trying to put all the dirty things in the new dishwasher. It has lots of slots and spaces for all the kitchen things. Mum says things have places in the machine but I can’t remember them all the time, but get most of the plates and cups in. I love to check the blue rinse stuff and watch the lights on the dishwasher while it works. MIss 3: my favourite thing about the new dishwasher is that it has a mirror on the front (handle) so I can see the funny faces I make, and can see if it looks like I have brushed my hair.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Grate

    This dishwasher has made it so easy with great space between each dish so they clean. It dries everything perfect and the fast wash s great for parties when your trying to do lots of quick cleans.washers very well even very siloed pots and pans, super quiet, concealed buttons great if you have young kids.Looks fantastic. I found this good looking dishwasher to be quite inexpensive compared to others. However it’s energy ratings and water usage was up there with the more expensive, well known products

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • just brilliant, and family friendly

    i have never considered having a dishwasher. I always considered them to be for lazy people. I also thought they were a water waster. But this is brilliant. Energy and water efficient. Easy for everyone in the family to use. Not overly huge in size, so space saving. I rave to all my friends about this dish washer, I love it

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Easy to use, great extra functions.

    The haier 12 piece dishwasher is a great addition to our house. It’s efficient, easy to use, has excellent features such as extra dry and half load. Even the kids can use it.
    I would recommend to any of my friends.



  • Stopped working - 2 months old.

    My Haier 12 place setting dishwasher is two months old, and has suddenly stopped working. It won’t turn on at all. I loaded it up, added the powder, shut the door and tried to turn it on and nothing. I have called Haier’s customer support and they have given me the numbers of local repairers, but from past experience I may now be without a dishwasher for an unspecified length of time. Definitely something to consider if you are looking to buy one of these. After two months of using it, and now this, I probably wouldn’t buy or recommend one.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • easy to use and cleans well

    My new Haier 12 place setting dishwasher is a dream to use. It easily takes all the dishes from morning to evening. I love the extra dry setting and the half load option too.
    I would definitely recommend the Haier 12 place setting dishwasher to my friends.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Happy with my new kitchen buddy

    It has been 4 weeks since I became acquainted with Master Haier, and he has become an essential part of the family. He has allowed me to enjoy having a birthday surprise, made the kitchen dazzle with his smooth looks, made my kitchenware feel so much cleaner and he has helped me through the man flu. This dishwasher has a good capacity, can be adjusted in heights to suit your needs, has multiple wash cycles depending on what/who/how many, is pretty goos on water/energy needs and does the job he is designed too. I am happy, kids are happy and visitors seemed to enjoy him too. Welcome to the family Dishwasher Haier, looks like you are staying.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Reviews from the younger family members

    Miss 5: I love trying to put all the dirty things in the new dishwasher. It has lots of slots and spaces for all the kitchen things. Mum says things have places in the machine but I can’t remember them all the time, but get most of the plates and cups in. I love to check the blue rinse stuff and watch the lights on the dishwasher while it works. MIss 3: my favourite thing about the new dishwasher is that it has a mirror on the front (handle) so I can see the funny faces I make, and can see if it looks like I have brushed my hair.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Pot scrub not great.

    This week I gave the Haier its toughest test yet – a big pot scrub. I soaked, rinsed and even loosened as much as I could with a dish brush before putting these pots (one Stainless Steel I’ve only had for a few months, and one ceramic titanium coated non-stick I’ve had for years that is starting to wear out). The Haier’s performance on Intensive cycle was not great, and both pots still needed some pretty good scouring by hand. I’m not sure how another dishwasher would fare under these conditions, so it’s hard to judge the Haier’s performance here. However, I can say that it doesn’t do well with heavily soiled pots and pans.
    I am still very satisfied with its performance on our everyday cutlery and crockery, however.



  • After a few weeks now.....

    This machine keeps surprising me! My OLD dishwasher would surprise me with things that it hadn’t cleaned properly, whether it was due to my placement, not rinsing it or plain reasons unknown. This dishwasher surprises me with the things it DOES clean! I HAVE managed to get a few things come out unclean, and always due to me not rinsing something that it is all dried out, or placing things too close – and I have done these things on purpose, just to test it!

    My only slight negative on the machine, is the lights on the control panel. They are all red, and they aren’t insulated from each other. So if you look at the control panel from an angle, it looks like more lights are on than are really. You need to look front on to see properly. Then, once you have the machine started, the lights on one side of the panel blink on and off constantly. These are not big issues really, afterall, you set the machine and walk away, you don’t sit around and watch it!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Going Intensive

    As a person big on saving water I was happy to see this dishwasher had 4 stars. I normally not use the intensive setting very often, but having the flu run through the house I figured less cleaning for me and more hot water to rinse away any germs that might try to hang around. I have also taken the opportunity to run the kids plastic toys through the dishwasher for the same reason. Master Haier is much better at having his arms in very hot water than I am!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Still going well.

    The Haier is still cleaning dishes well, all the better for a filter clean. I tried for the first time this week to clean the “toddler tracks” off the front. Grubby handprints came off fairly easily with spray and wipe and a microfibre cloth.
    I have been washing a few items that were covered in soot from a house fire we had a while ago. I’ve been very impressed with the Haier’s performance on these pieces as cleaning them by hand has been VERY labour intensive.



  • Even my mum can use it!

    My mother came to stay during the week and she tends to sink wash everything. I suggested that instead she could load up the dishwasher, and use that extra time to play with the kids. I came home from work and not only had she loaded it, but had even worked out how to turn it on! What an indication that the controls are easy to understand. She was amazed at how much room there was even for the bigger plates. Extra family time, thanks Haier.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • My Saviour this weekend.

    I have fallen victim to the dreaded flu. After sitting up in the wee hours holding sick children my immune system has been breached. What goes first when Mummas are sick? The cleaning. Thanks to my special buddy Master Dishwasher, I can stuff all my dirty kitchen mess inside the roomy shiny machine, that has rack a each for everything and nobody needs to see how I have dropped the ball! Two days sitting in there and Haier still got them clean!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Dishes must be pre-rinsed.

    The direction in the Haier 12 place dishwasher’s manual to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher is not just a suggestion, it is very important. I came home after being away, and my husband had been using the dishwasher without rinsing which had compromised on the cleaning performance. I pulled the filter out to clean it, and it was full of disgusting food bits. I now realise how easily food gets stuck in the filter, and we will be very diligent about not only pre-rinsing dishes in the sink before loading but also cleaning the filter several times a week.



  • Pile it all in.

    Hello weekend. Time to cook up a storm and get lunches, emergency meals etc happening. I am using this, that and the other. Luckily this machine is ready to take on board a lot of washing. Space for my pots n pans and he is still able to whizz his little arms around to clean my culinary utensils. Master Haier, does seems to struggle a tad on the drying though….

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • surprise option

    So, an unplanned trip south for work means I need to ship out with a very dirty house and little time to do anything about it. Packing, washing clothes, finding warm enough clothes to wear! Argh! I have kinda cleaned up the kitchen area and already run a load in the Haier, but I still have more items we continued to use as I cleaned. Luckily it has a rinse option. I can run the rinse, turn off the machine before I leave and know they are ‘gross bits’ free and waiting for my return and more dishes.

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Still going well

    Still doing a fair job of getting the dishes clean. I did notice a little bit of food left on the last load, but my husband stacked and set it so it’s possible he didn’t rinse the items correctly or use enough powder etc. For an affordable option the Haier is a good choice.



  • Effective options and cleans well with less water

    We have been using the Haier 12 piece dishwasher for a couple weeks now and are impressed. We love the delayed start as it means we can fill it and set the timer to come on when we are asleep. The half load option is a bonus for those days when you only have a small wash to do. Overall we are impressed.



  • Part Three: Washing Results

    We have been using the machine for a couple of weeks now, and how has it been washing?
    Well I am impressed! Its results have been great! Things are coming out cleaner than they ever did in our previous machine. And last night I even jammed so much in there it was almost overloaded, and everything come out clean! Sure, the plastics are still a little wet (I set the machine at night and unload in the morning), but that is plastics for you!

    Would you recommend the Haier 12 Place Setting Dishwasher?
    The Haier dishwasher has all the features I want out of a dishwasher
    Haier is perfect for my family
    Using the Haier dishwasher gives me the best dishwashing results


  • Sparkly clean.

    Dishes are still sparkly clean, if a bit wet. We tried the Finish Quantum sample tablets that came with the dishwasher, and got excellent results, but have also been getting great results with powder. We prefer not to have tablets in the house with a toddler, so it’s great that it works well with powder.


Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Topics

The right lunch box helps keep little humans nourished while making life a lot easier for mums and dads! So to help you find the perfect one faster, we’ve put the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia in one handy spot.

Kids’ lunch boxes have come a very long way. No longer just plastic boxes for toting treats, they’re now durable, washable, droppable and best of all, easy for kids to use. There are heaps of different styles to choose from, and if you head to the bottom of this article, you’ll find more information on what to look for, how to choose the right one for your child, and even what to put in it!

Whether you’re after a colourful lunch box to match that new drink bottle, or a machine-washable option that saves you time, there’s something in our shortlist for every type of foodie.

The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case.
The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case. Image: The Somewhere Co.

Lunch Box Comparison Table

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to lunch box shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)

The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.

MontiiCoB.BoxFrank Green Lunch ContainerYumboxSky Gazer Bentgo ModernThe Somewhere Co. MiniEcoCocoonBright Star KidsStuck On YouCountry Road ElysiaOmieBox
StyleBagBentoBoxBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBento
Colour variationsYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
MaterialFabric & aluminium liningPP & siliconeStainless steel & siliconeABS, tritan & siliconeFabric & PEVA liningBPA-free plasticRPET & aluminium foil liningStainless steel & siliconeFabric & insulation liningBPA-free plastic100% cotton canvas & insulation liningStainless steel, plastic & silicone
Start price$42.95$27.95$79.95$49.95$34.99$39.95$38$84.95$39.95$54.95$59.95$89.95
Loved for itsRoomy size & machine washable designCustom divider3-in-1 designPortion-controlled sectionsUnique designsRemovable sandwich dividerShoulder strapDishwasher-safe partsPersonalisationLeak-proof silicone sealInternal name labelStorage for hot and cold food
Mouths Of Mums Kids’ Lunch Boxes Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)

How to choose the best lunch box for school

When you’re searching for a kids’ lunch box, take the time to work out what will best suit their needs. If you make the right choice and invest in a quality one, it will last many years.

  • Box, bento or bag? If your child doesn’t like different foods touching, a bento lunch box is a great choice. Also, think about whether they prefer cut-up or whole fruit; a bento is better suited to cut food, while bags and boxes suit whole fruit. Bags are fantastic if you like to pack separate containers, like smaller bento or snack containers.
  • Freshness is a must – An insulated bag or box will keep everything cool and fresh until snack and lunchtime. But you can also get boxes that come with cold and ice packs. Remember, kids’ lunches often sit at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 hours before they’re eaten, so insulation and coolness are important. Check out how to keep school lunches safe in the heat.
  • Easy-to-clean design – Check if the box is dishwasher-safe, or for lunch bags, if they’re machine-washable.
  • Leak-proof – The last thing you want is a soggy mess at lunchtime, so if buying a hard lunch box, look for designs that are leak-proof with proper seals.
  • Child-friendly – Depending on your child’s motor skills and independence, you may need to start with a product that’s simple to open and close.
  • The right size – We tend to pack way too much in our kids’ lunches, so think about how much realistically you’ll need to pack for your child when choosing the size of their lunch box. You may also need to consider the size of their school bags.

12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia

Ready to get back-to-school sorted? From stainless steel gems to beautiful bentos, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. So sit back and enjoy our curated Mom Guide of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia.

Any included reviews come via the Mouths of Mums Facebook Page.

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags, $42.95

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags.

These award-winning lunch bags have sold over 200,000 units – and it’s clear to see why. The interior of each large bag measures 29cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm, making them big enough to fit multiple containers and even many popular bento boxes. Each bag comes with an ice pack for up to eight hours of cooling – and you have a massive range of designs to choose from.

Pros:

  • Interior name label
  • Fabulous large size fits everything!
  • Comes with an ice pack for day-long cooling

“A vote for montii co lunch boxes, lunch bags and freezer bricks (they really do stay frozen all day!!” (Megan)

“Montii lunch bags are the best and the freezer brick can stay frozen for ages I forgot one day and it was still cold after 24hrs” (Sarah)

Where to buy it: MontiiCo, Lime Tree Kids


b.box 2L Kids’ Lunch Box, $27.95

B.box 2L kids bento lunch boxes.

Tired of apples not fitting in hard lunch boxes? b.box has solved this with its flexible ‘whole fruit holder’ that bends around the fruit rather than squashing it – genius! If you’re not keen on cutting up a fruit salad every day, this multi-compartment two-litre lunch box has handy homes for everything. It also comes with a gel cooler pack (a must for Aussie summer!), and it’s freezer-safe. Choose from a range of colours.

Pros:

  • Leak-proof silicone seal
  • Comes with a gel cooler pack
  • The square section is big enough for a regular sandwich

“B-box lunch boxes are the best…all parts come out so you can wash them super easy! So many awesome accessories available for them too!” (Kerrie)

“BBox lunch boxes are great and they fit in the large Montiico lunch bags. As someone has said, the ice brick that comes with it is amazing too” (Tash)

“I really like the B.Box lunch boxes.” (Kendal)

“Bbox is the winner in our community on repeat.” (Mums On A Budget)

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Woolworths, b.box


Frank Green Lunch Container, $79.95

Frank Green coloured lunch containers.

Got a Frank Green fan on your hands? This is the lunch box to match their drink bottle. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours suited to all ages and uses 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and quality silicone lids. Monograms, bumper guards and ice bricks are all available separately.

Pros:

  • Leak-resistant design for mess-free travel
  • Comes with two microwave-safe removable containers
  • Customisable with your choice of bumper, ice brick and monogramming (at an additional cost)

Where to buy it: Frank Green


Yumbox Kids’ Compartment Lunch Boxes, from $49.95 

Yumbox Kids Bento Box shown in pink and purple options.

With the option of four, five or six compartments, it’s easy to see why Yumbox Bento Lunch Boxes are such a hit with Australian kids. They feature handy, pre-measured half-cup serving compartments to help pack a healthy lunch and contain absolutely no BPA or phthalates. Pop it straight into the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.

Pros:

  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Includes five half-cup sections for portion control
  • Sections are labelled to help parents with a balanced lunch

Where to buy it: Biome, Yumbox


Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bag, from $34.99

Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bags.

If your little (or not-so-little) one wants a lunch bag everyone will comment on, this is it. Available in a range of stunning designs, they come with a long and strong handle and easy-use zippers. But good looks aside, what’s winning heart about these is their capacity – they hold up to seven litres of food!

Pros:

  • Water-resistant
  • PEVA internal lining
  • Side pocket for a water bottle

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Sky Gazer


Bentgo Modern Bento Boxes, $39.95

Bentgo Modern Lunch Boxes.

After something a bit more mature? Bentgo’s Modern lunch boxes are a great option. They have a sleek matte finish in a choice of four stylish shades, including Mint Green, Orchid, Dark Grey and Navy. Each is cleverly designed with a removable divider that allows you to choose between using three or four compartments. Even better, they are leak-proof, microwave-safe and fine to pop in the dishwasher.

Pros:

  • Kid-friendly latch
  • Antibacterial silicone seal
  • Includes four large compartments

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Amazon


The Somewhere Co Mini Lunch Case, $38

The Somewhere Co. Mini Lunch Bags.

Colourful and easy to carry, these bags are insulated, eco-friendly and secure. It features aluminium foil lining that keeps food fresh all day long, and it comes with top-level carry handles and a shoulder strap, which is brilliant for those days when kids have a lot to tote. Choose from a range of styles.

Pros:

  • Roomy and stylish
  • Shoulder strap makes carrying easy (and great if schoolbags are too full!)
  • Zip-front pocket handy for cold packs or notes from mum

Where to buy it: The Somewhere Co.


EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box, $84.95

EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Lunch Box with a bagel and fresh food inside.

Large enough for the hungriest of school kids, this stainless steel wonder has a removable silicone seal in the lid to stop thick liquids from leaking. No more soggy anything! There are five handy compartments to make sure all of the food groups are ticked off, with a large compartment perfect for sandwiches, and smaller ones for snacks.

Pros:

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Every compartment is leak-proof
  • Easy to open and close (suitable for younger kids)

Where to buy it: Biome, EcoCocoon


Bright Star Kids Personalised Lunch Bags, $39.95

Bright Star Kids insulated lunch bags in a row.

Practical and customisable with your child’s name, these insulated bags tick all the boxes. You have a choice of five bag colours, and from there you get to choose from a huge range of designs and fonts to personalise it! Each comes with a mesh pocket for ice bricks, a top carry handle, a secure zip closure and enough internal space to fit a medium bento box.

Pros:

  • Machine-washable
  • Internal mesh pocket for an ice brick
  • With their name on it, you won’t need to visit lost property!

Where to buy it: Bright Star Kids


Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento Lunch Box, $54.95

Stuck On You Large Kids' Bento Boxes.

With a leak-proof silicone seal, these colourful lunch companions keep sauces and dips right where they belong. They come with six compartments, which convert to three for easy washing on the top shelf of the dishwasher. They’re free from any nasties and customisation with your child’s name – no more lost property, yay! Choose from box colours of Matte Navy, Pink Lemonade, Dusky Blue or Seafoam Green- if you can!

Pros:

  • BPA and phthalate-free
  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Separates into three parts for easy cleaning

Where to buy it: Stuck On You


Country Road Elysia Lunch Pack, $59.95

Country Road Elysia Lunch Packs in pink and green.

Uber stylish and as roomy as can be, these contemporary bags are perfect for kids of all ages who prefer to pack several separate containers. It has a 100% cotton canvas outer, an insulated lining and comes with a super handy internal name label. Just as great for preschool as they are for high school.

Pros:

  • Easy-carry handle
  • Internal name label
  • Stylish design, great for kids who prefer muted shades

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Country Road


OmieBox Hot/Cold Bento Lunch Box V2, $89.95

Omiebox hot and cold kids' lunch boxes in pink and blue styles.

Finally, a kids’ lunch box that stores hot AND cold food in one place! Designed out of necessity by a problem-solving mum, the OmieBox encourages low-waste lunches and ends the need to use multiple clunky containers (which always get lost!). The spill-proof individual compartments mean no mixing of savoury and sweet, and the  280ml double-wall thermos keeps soups and pasta hot for up to six hours!

Pros:

  • Keeps food hot for up to 6 hours
  • Fabulous for ‘nude food’ lunches
  • Awesome carry handle for younger kids

Where to buy it: Biome, Woolworths


What to put in kids’ lunch boxes

Health professionals agree that kids need a good balance of lean protein, grains, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day. Skip the processed food and try to reach for whole foods that pack a punch in the nutrient department. Here are some great ideas:

  • Grilled chicken or turkey wraps with fresh salad
  • Crackers and vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus
  • Whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes and your choice of cheese
  • Zucchini slice cut into rectangles for easy stacking in an insulated box
  • Almond-meal slice with raspberries or blueberries – or both!
  • Vegetarian sausage rolls – these freeze well and make a great meat-free lunch when cold.

Top image: MontiiCo

We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Do your kids hate sandwiches? Check out these 10 sandwich alternatives that dial up the YUM! 

  • Getting ready for the return to school has started to kick in so this was a timely read. We have the yum box and i love it, it is so easy for my daughter to open and close on her own. I find the lunch cooler bags also a great idea however some days depending on what else needs to go to school, they can be quite bulky to include in the school bag. I need to do some more research this year as i like the idea of being able to watch it in the washing machine, that is a clever idea.

    Reply

  • Along with all of the other back to school products; there is also a good range of lunch boxes available for people to buy. It has been fun to see the wide range of bottles and lunch boxes that are available for the new year for school and for work.

    Reply

  • Lunch boxes have come such a long way since my eldest was a kid, he’s now 26! There’s really a solution to everything from food heating, cooling, dividers, pockets etc etc. Lunch boxes are a real fashion accessory and so on-trend these days. I personally love the Bento lunch boxes. They save on plastic and separate different foods.

    Reply

  • I am such a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes and Bento. Food should be so many wonderful things; including delicious, fun, colourful and nutritious too. Lunch is a favourite meal because the body is ready for some more calories and a boost of energy. Food looks so good in Bento lunch boxes.

    Reply

  • So so many fantastic options! We use the montii co ones for our kdis and swear by it. Its lasted 3 years so far and still standing strong, like new since the first day using it. They are so durable and i find cleaning them to be the easiest for us.

    Reply

  • There are so many great lunch box option out there indeed ! I’ve always liked the Bento style lunch boxes for my kids. It reduces the use of plastic lunch bags and packaged food which aren’t very good for the environment and it encourages to present a good variety of foods (which is not only better nutrition wise but lao to prevent our kids from getting bored with same foods all the time.

    Reply

  • There are some really fabulous options here. So many variations of colour, shape and size. I love the bento style lunch boxes, so handy to keep food separate and eliminate the use of plastic packaging. The machine washable bags are a great idea too. They can get grubby so fast, this would be so much easier to maintain

    Reply

  • This has gotten much easier since my kids hit high school – they have strong opinions about their lunch boxes, so I don’t have to think about it so much anymore! However, I am strongly in favor of bento style boxes regardless of their age. They’re easy to clean, easy to pack, and invite appropriate sized portions.

    Reply

  • Great article! Our kids are so lucky, when it comes to lunchboxes, they really are spoilt for choice. There are so many to pick from. Regarding sandwiches, my eldest son, used to hate sandwiches for school lunches. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered that he’d throw out his sandwiches in the playground bins. My son’s an adult now and he still hates sandwiches. He only likes “hot” lunches. So glad he lives on his own now and can make his own “hot” lunches just the way he likes them.

    Reply

  • This is an extremely useful article!! 2 schppl going kids and third starting kinder soon means we are always on the lookout for lunch ideas and lunch boxes. This is a great list with features and prices listed to make the search easier and help with decision making for purchasing of the lunch boxes

    Reply

  • This is super useful article and thank you. I can see so variety of lunch boxes from every store. Always wonder which one would be more convenient to use by little hands. I love some of these lunchboxes to give it a try for this year. And then decide to go with suitable ones

    Reply

  • Wow, lunch boxes have really come such a long way from when I was taking a lunch box to school. Feel old, like “back in my day”, but we were lucky to have options like are available now. While I like some of these designs, I feel like they aren’t super practical.

    Reply

  • These lunchboxes are beautiful but are they really worth the expensive price tag? I have been through so many lunch boxes and bags over the years and found the best it to use an insulated lunchbox bag with ice brick and use small containers to keep individual items fresh and assessable.

    Reply

  • I love the bbox lunch boxes. They are so reliable and tough when kids throw their bags around. Easy to wash and store. I have used the we can be tiny snackies at home too. The boys love choosing a certain animal shape. They wash well, are durable and great quality.

    Reply

  • My kids are old enough now to pack their own lunches and I am so happy to see the great choices they are making. They take left over meals, cook food in the morning to take and now I am confident they aren’t throwing away sandwiches! I do have the chilly bags for them, I find they fit better into bags

    Reply

  • Love our bento b.boxes. So easy to pack. I do however worry that they’re made of plastic, not metal….

    Reply

  • My daughter uses a bento box now for work and sometimes an insulated bag in summer, but when she was at school it was a rectangular lunch box with no compartments. It was very easy to wash each day, just the box and lid, and it could still be filled with rolls/sandwiches and snacks.

    Reply

  • Lunchboxes are so important these days. Back in my day it was a brown paper bag or the exact same lunch box that everyone else had and there were three compartments. Today its such a fashion statement and as much as the lunchbox itself is judged so are the contents.

    Reply

  • I absolutely love the bb box quite sturdy. It took many lunch box to find one that would last. Before this lunch box we had a stuck on you. I found the stuck on you lunch box didn’t last when the hinge’s snapped they wouldn’t get back to me (only had for a short time and my youngest couldn’t open it so it wasn’t dropped. Just opened it after the 8th time and snapped). The bb box has lasted the last year and a half and still going strong

    Reply

  • What a great help for busy Mommas like us. From the style to comfort and convenience, this article really put the best for our kids. Not to mention the added info about safety on what these lunchboxes were made of! I am also impressed about the organisation function of each, it seems small but woooh could put so much…thanks for sharing this article

    Reply

Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join