Usage and Care

Storage

         1) Sore in a cool, dry location

         2) Leave latches open and unlocked to preserve Oring shape

         3) Give a partial charge every 2-3 months to prevent battery going flat.

 

 

Quick Start Guides  

 

HB Plus Quick Start Guide

 

1: Hot Bento Use

a) Charge fully before use, LED on the AC adapter is red while charging, green when fully charged.

b) TURN ON: Push power button firmly, one time. Blue Light on device will turn on. Meal will be ready in 10-15 minutes.

c) Releasing latches while warming can improve heating.
    Stir or turn contents for better results.

d) Open pressure valve on top while cooking, before removing cover or if vacuum effect makes cover hard to remove.

e) Make sure AC port cover is securely closed.

f) Remove battery for cleaning-do not allow running water in battery cavity.

g) Wipe battery and battery cavity dry before using.

 

 

2: How to remove the battery:

 

Step 1: Pull up on center hand hold with one hand.

Step 2: Release the latches while maintaining upward pressure. Can be released one at a time.

Step 3: Pull upwards to release.

 

To reinstall battery: Align side tracks, push downward and snap into place.

 

3: AC Adapters:

3.5mm port: For battery charging while battery is on device. 16.8W AC adapter.

5.5mm port: For cooking or extended use. 120W AC cook adapter—Optional accessory, purchased separately

 

 

a) Charging Battery: Hot Bento Plus comes equipped with a 16.8W AC adapter for charging the battery. Battery can be charged while installed on device by plugging into the 3.5mm port shown above. Batteries may also be charged by themselves, using the supplied charger, and plugging directly into 3.5mm port on battery. This allows you to charge one battery while using another.

 

b) AC Operation: An optional 120W AC adapter is available for using Hot Bento Plus with AC power. This allows unlimited food warming and low temperature cooking. AC cook adapter is installed in the 5.5mm port. Visit www.hotbento.us to purchase optional adapter.

 

c) NOTE: If both chargers are plugged in at the same time, device will default to the 16.8W adapter for battery Charge.

 

4: Cleaning, Care and Storage

 

l  Cleaning

 

a) Make sure AC port cover is securely closed.

b) The lid and the inside of the lunch box can be cleaned with dish soap and sponge. Do not use hard scouring pads to clean, as they may damage nonstick coating.

c) Do not submerge of put charging port/power button area into direct water flow.

d) NOT DISHWASHER SAFE

 

l  Care

 

a) Periodically, give the cover O-ring a visual inspection. Make sure it is seated properly and clear of any food residue or debris.

b) When not using, release the cover latches to prolong O-ring life and prevent deformity.

c) Visually inspect the vent cover to keep clean and debris free.

d) Visually inspect the charge port cover to keep clean and debris free.

e) If not using for over 2-3 months, maintain battery charge per below.

 

l  Storage--battery maintenance in storage is important.

 

a) Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment, away from fire and heat sources.

b) Before storing, charge battery to 40% to 60% of capacity to retain residual charge.

c) Discharge battery every three months then recharge to 40%-60% capacity.

d) Not following this process could cause battery deterioration and failure.

 

  1. Charge fully before use (approximately 2 hours for fully empty battery)
    1. Plug AC Adapter into wall. Green LED will illuminate
    2. Lift charger port cover on device and insert charger pin
    3. Wall adapter LED will be red while charging, green when charge is complete

IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep AC port covered at all times except when charging

2. Prepare your Meal

    1. Release 3 top latches and remove cover
    2. Layer food with dense items at bottom, light items at top.
    3. Replace cover and secure cover latches
    4. Store in refrigerator, cooler or insulated bag to keep your meal fresh until ready to eat
3. ENJOY your Meal
    1. Press button to Power on Device
    2. Release the 3 top latches and loosen the cover
    3. Meal will be ready in 10-15 minutes
    4. Check the food temperature to see if it is to your liking
    5. NOTE: For HB-2, open pressure release valve while heating

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Make sure AC Port cover is closed securely
  2. Use soap and running water to carefully wash cover and stainless steel food tray only
  3. Do not submerge, not dishwasher safe
  4. Improper washing is not covered under the warranty 

USAGE TIPS

    • As with any heating device, check food temperature while heating to see if it’s to your liking. Most foods reach sufficient temperature between 10 to 15 minutes.
    • For best results, stir or rearrange your food 5-10 minutes after starting Hot Bento.
    • Layer food with dense items at bottom, light items at top.
    • RELEASE LATCHES FOR HEATING: The latches are designed to prevent leakage when carrying, releasing them for heating improves conductive circulation and increases heating efficiency. With latches released, food will get hotter in shorter time.
    • STEAM WARNING: Hot Bento’s heat modulation system is designed to control liquid and solid food heating. Use caution when heating small amounts of sauce or liquid inside Hot Bento. Hot Bento gets very hot, very quickly. Droplets or small pools of liquid can vaporize and cause difficulty in removing the top lid due to pressure imbalance. To solve this issue, simply open the pressure relief valve on cover. 
    • Turn off the unit when your meal temperature is satisfactory to conserve battery and use for a second heating. In most instances, Hot Bento will need to be recharged after heating your meal. Some lighter meals will allow for a second heating on a single charge. 

HEATING TIME AND TEMPERATURE EXAMPLES

Hot Bento's heating time and temperature will vary with different types of meals,  depending on the density of their contents. We've heated a few recipes and recorded the results below. Please note that time and temperature values are approximate and may vary from use to use.

   

 

Temperature after 10 minutes

 

Temperature after 15 minutes

Chicken and Vegetable Pasta

Hot Bento heating lunch box with pasta
 
140°F/60°C
 
167°F/75°C

3 Cups of Steamed Vegetables

Hot Bento heating steamed vegetables
 
127°F/53°C
 
149°F/65°C

Sliced Fried Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Hot bento heating Mac and cheese
 
94°F/34°C
 
108°F/42°C

Carne Asada Burrito

Hot bento heating burrito
 
117°F/47°C
 
140°F/60°C
 

 

SAFETY AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION  

HB-2 note for flying: Altitude can cause vacuum conditions in sealed containers making the cover difficult to remove. Open the pressure relief valve to equalize and prevent vacuum.

  • Hot Bento's stainless-steel food tray in non-removable and features an FDA certified Food Safe non-stick coating for easy cleaning. 
  • Hot Bento will automatically shut off when the stainless-steel food tray temperature reaches 125C/257F. It will cool slightly then restart. This feature extends battery life as the device is not running entire time it is heating.
  • With liquid or thin soup, be aware that heat passes right through liquid and drains battery more quickly as device cannot cycle heating charge. When heating liquid, power runs continuously and will turn off in 13-15 minutes.
  • Battery life and charge cycles vary with use and settings. Battery may eventually need replacement.
  • Hot Bento is not intended to reheat or thaw frozen foods.
  • Hot Bento is not intended to cook raw or undercooked foods. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs, may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
  • Do not touch the stainless-steel food tray when Hot Bento is operating. Doing so may result in injury

Standard Consumer Warranty

Hot Bento warrants its products against defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from Date of Purchase. Pursuant to a Limited Warranty, Hot Bento will, at its option, repair or replace legitimately defective products. Please contact us for more information. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Quality is Hot Bento’s top concern. While overall return rates remain low, we take them seriously and investigate causes.

  1. A common issue is water leakage causing the Printed Circuit Board Assembly to short out. While easy to clean, it is important to take care when washing:
    1. Make sure charge port cover is firmly closed
    2. Do not submerge
    3. Do not wash with dishwasher