CoolBites Premium Bento Lunch Box - BPA Free Leakproof Multi Compartment Convertible Lunch Container with Built-in Freezable Gel Ice Pack

Purchased this because I generally make my own lunches and wanted something with individual compartments so I could separate the courses of my meal. There are two removable trays that go into the bottom compartment and a second level with two fixed trays. Under the fixed tray is a thin member ice packet that is removable for placement in the freezer to recharge it before each use. The top lid has a latch on each side that tightly snaps into the bottom tray to seal the container. I use the container within a bigger lunch bag that is thermally isolated which, I am sure, helps to maintain the CoolBites lunch box at a regulated temp. I generally pack a lunch at 6AM and consume my lunch by 12AM. by this time, the cool pack is no longer frozen but cold. I don't know how this ice pack would behave without being in my lunch bag which I also add an ice pack to because i include several bottles of water that I want to keep cold. So, I cannot attest to how well this lunch box would contain the cold if used by itself but my guess is it might not last the 6 hours I need it to before my lunch window. As far as the construction, I am a bit disappointed in its inability to isolate the different compartments from each other. I pack this rather level in my larger lunch bag but I constantly find that the liquids in the top tray leak into each other and into the bottom container (with items such as green beans in water, applesauce, etc).The Ice Pack fits in a recessed underneath an area of the top tray. It fits in rather tightly and there is really no easy way to remove it which is necessary if you plan on microwaving the contents. There is a rubber vent plug on the top of the lunch box which I believe is to remove the pressure that may build up from microwaving the contents. I am not sure if it is necessary to open this vent prior to microwaving or not. I don't recall any instructions that mentioned this. I always do because I didn't want the built up pressure to result in a rupture although most likely the plug would pop first. The unit was a bit pricey but it would have been worth that if it did a better job of sealing all the individual sections. I still like it and use it about 50% of the time but I find myself using small Tupperware type containers for the liquid items which kind of defeats the purpose of having this lunch box to do the job. It holds a reasonable amount of food to satisfy me for lunch which is a plus. I give it three stars because I don't like the internal leaking between compartments and I don't like that I have to find a butter knife or other similar item to pry the ice pack out of its location every time I prepare my meal.I did not receive this item as a promotion and have given a fair and honest evaluation of its performance as it relates to my experience.

7 months of use for my preschooler sometimes daily or every other day. 3 months in I dropped it on tile floor once and a latch broke off with no chance of super gluing the pin back on to secure it back on. It broke and spun into the random space the house fairies live in. A blessing in disguise because 3 latches (instead of 4) made it much easier for my 3.5 year old to open and close.With all 4 latches it takes more strength than my toddler has in the fingertips. It has never leaked with 3 or 4 latches. It is the perfect size for lunch and many compartment options for a lunch of veggies, fruit, protein, grain, dairy, and snack. I do not put a drink inside. I use silicone cupcake holders for further separation (e.g., olives). If I need a little extra space I just take out one of the blue dividers and voila!I will buy another one even though the latch broke off.A note on not leaking; it has many compartments on the inside and those are not individually leak proof. It is built to keep all inside contents from leaking out. If you want to put soup in a compartment and chips in another expect there to be soggy chips and a dry backpack.A tip for other parents using this at school; if you pick up your child, check to make sure the blue divider cups it comes with didn't accidentally get thrown away. This had happened for both my compartments when someone other than me picked my little one up. I assume my child turned out over the trash can to dump it out and the divider slipped out.It's a great container and I haven't had the danger issues others have reported with the freezer packs. I store mine flat.Lastly, I purchased an Ikea brand bento box and love it too. It doesn't have the freezer pack, it's 2 layers, is risky equally (if not more) hard to close, and had been leak proof. I like this one better because of the colors, double layer, and freezer pack. Plus it's top rack dishwasher safe.

UPDATE 2/21/18: I've increased my review from 4 stars to 5 stars (I rarely give 5 stars) I liked this bento box so much for my 5 year old, that I bought another one. I noticed some improvements on the original model. It seems the company now includes an extra set of "locks" to close the box (in case a pair brakes off) and it is easier to remove the ice pack now. I can only assume CoolBites reviewed the customer feedback and made these adjustments. That being said the only "slightly" negative to this box is that it can be a bit heavy - but that is to be expected with the ice pack. It's nothing my 5 year old can't handle. I would most def recommend buying this bento box.ORIGINAL REVIEW: This bento box is a great size for out new Kindergartener, and she is able to open and close it without assistance. I like that there is flexibility in the configuration of the inside of the bento box. I can leave out the 2 smaller dishes in the bottom section to create a larger dish. We have not had any issues with leaking, although I have not put any liquid or loose items (like dressing or yogurt). The reason I gave a 4 star review instead of a 5 star review is because ice pack is a bit difficult to get out (I use the butt end of a spoon to pop it out). The ice pack does "sweat" a bit as it defrosts (as any ice pack would), so just be aware of what you are putting in the bottom container (we ended up with a soggy piece of chocolate, lesson learned). All in all, I plan on buying another CoolBites Premium Bento Lunch Box. For the price, it can't be beat.

Excellent best pack lunch container I have bought.Service and quality good.

Ho comprato questo prodotto per portarmelo quotidianamente a lavoro e lo trovo molto comodo sia per mantenere qualcosa in fresco grazie al ghiaccetto sia perché grazie ai diversi scomparti posso portare pane, cracker, contorni, avendo più possibilità di scelta nella sua compattezza.

This product does everything it says but sometimes the ice pack when freezed creates bumps on the surface that prevents it to fit properly under the inner tray. This is probably due to too much liquid in the ice pack.Although the product being spillproof as advertised the lunchbox "sweats" when paired with the ice pack. If u have it in a bag with papers you will risk to damage them

This lunch box is ok, it's well sealed overall but the top tier is always covered in whatever is in the bottom - extra water from a salad, oil, anything that can seep through comes into the top tray ruining it, so I've stopped using it.

rubbish if your mouse or small child be ok any one else dont bother