I tend to look at things from a somewhat … unglorified … point of view. However, I find certain things irresistibly enchanting. Is Mr Bento an overpriced thermos, or a really interesting way to take a four course hot lunch to work? It is both of these things. It does what it is supposed to do. And it costs too much. If it were priced more reasonably, more people could use it. But it is worth the extra dollars in my case.

On the plus side, it does keep things comfortably hot for up to about seven hours, from the time it is packed, until it is unpacked to eat, if you prewarm it with hot water as described in the instructions. Lunch with Mr Bento is a lot more interesting than sandwiches and potato chips. The hot lunches I pack will probably be healthier too.

On the minus side, it is a little bit of trouble to prepare and clean up. I usually rinse mine out right after lunch, a process that takes a few minutes, and then wash it thoroughly before my next use of it. Preparing an interesting meal for it is also a bit of a challenge, but the results are satisfying in more ways than one.

On the balance, it is a good thing. Here is where I purchased it. Here is a great place to get ideas about why it is useful.