New Black & Blum Products Review
Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Director
New Black & Blum Products Review
The Black & Blum Range
- Stainless Steel Food Boxes: Microwave-safe (singles from £14.95, sets from £48.95) solving plastic blistering problems
- Explorer Flask Duo: 24-hour hot/cold retention with two cups included (£49.95)
- Insulated Bags: Made from recycled water bottles with up to 36-hour ice retention
- Design Philosophy: British design prioritizing actual functionality over marketing gimmicks
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The Game Changer: Stainless Steel in the Microwave
A few years ago, Black & Blum introduced something genuinely clever: stainless steel food boxes with clear plastic lids that you can safely put in the microwave. If you've used Lock & Lock plastic containers (or any of its many competitors) in the microwave, you'll know the problem: heat anything fatty or sugary and the plastic subtly blisters. Stainless steel doesn't, of course.
All you have to do is pluck up the courage to put something metal in the microwave in the first place. It works safely due to the rounded corners that prevent arcing. It may go against every instinct, but it does work safely every time.
The Sales Reality Check
I'll be honest: we haven't enjoyed the level of sales I was expecting from this groundbreaking product. So I asked Nick Cornwell, Black & Blum's Managing Director, if he had any idea why. His answer was illuminating: "It's all about meal prep."
The Meal Prep Revolution
Nick described what his wife does on Sunday afternoon: making her week's lunches in one batch, which she ladles into five stainless steel food boxes. These she takes to school (she's a teacher) and sticks in the microwave at lunchtime. Apparently, it's the fastest-growing part of the business at the moment.
So, reconvinced about the efficacy of these boxes, I've ordered in a load. Let me tell you what I found when I actually examined them properly.
The Stainless Steel Food Boxes: Examined Closely
Collection Overview
Best For: Home cooks who want knife-friendly boards with dishwasher convenience. Ideal for busy kitchens where practicality matters as much as performance.
I picked up the set of three from the shop and separated the top one that nests easily within the stack. I removed the vacuum-sealed lid, having first opened the valve, and peered in at the smooth satin finish interior with its gentle curves between sides and base.
It was immediately obvious how easily food could be removed without leaving anything behind, and how straightforward it would be to wash up by hand afterwards (although they're dishwasher-safe as well, of course).
These high-quality boxes have no flex in the body whatsoever. None. That's remarkable when you're accustomed to plastic containers that give slightly when you press them.
Key Benefits
- Microwave-safe stainless steel (remove lid before microwaving)
- No plastic blistering from fatty or sugary foods
- Smooth satin interior with gentle curves for easy cleaning
- Vacuum-sealed lids with valve pressure release
- Completely dishwasher-safe (containers and lids)
- No flex construction - rigid, quality feel
- Nests within each other for compact storage
- Four sizes available individually and in multipacks
- Perfect for weekly meal prep batch cooking
💡 Sunday Meal Prep Routine
Cook an entire week's lunches in one batch. Portion them into individual stainless steel boxes. Stack them in the refrigerator, nested to save space. Each morning, grab a box. At lunchtime, remove the clear plastic lid, place the stainless steel container in the microwave, heat your meal, eat. The smooth interior means food removes cleanly. A quick rinse or dishwasher cycle, and the box is ready for next week's batch. No plastic degradation. No blistering. No staining. No odour absorption.
The Explorer Flask: This Is the Flask to Beat All Flasks
Collection Overview
Best For: Anyone needing genuine 24-hour temperature retention for camping, travel, or long workdays.
Moving on to the 1-litre vacuum flask. This genuinely is the flask to beat all flasks.
Constructed almost entirely from stainless steel, it sports two full-sized insulated cups. You can pour from it without removing the stopper (just loosen it a turn). The fabric handle is removable so you can put the flask in the dishwasher. One cup acts as the lid, whilst the second full-sized cup attaches to the bottom.
This is simple, beautifully executed design that exemplifies Dan Black's work. Really quite beautiful.
✓ Exceptional 24-Hour Performance
Most flasks manage 6-12 hours of temperature retention. The Explorer Flask's 24-hour performance means you can fill it with hot coffee before leaving home in the morning and still have hot coffee available the following morning. Or fill it with iced drinks that remain cold through an entire day outdoors.
Key Features
- 1-litre capacity vacuum flask
- 24-hour hot or cold retention (exceptional performance)
- Two full-sized insulated cups included
- Pour without removing stopper (loosen one turn)
- One cup acts as top lid
- Second cup attaches to bottom for storage
- Removable fabric handle for dishwasher cleaning
- Almost entirely stainless steel construction
- Beautiful, simple design execution
Black & Blum Explorer Flask Duo
£49.95
Perfect for: Camping, long journeys, full workdays, outdoor activities
The Insulated Bags: Made from Recycled Water Bottles
Lastly, there are four sizes of bags with up to four different colours (Black, Moss, Clay, and Slate). What they all have in common is substantial insulation, watertight interiors (so spillages are safely contained and easily washed out), and construction from recycled water bottles.
✓ Genuine Sustainability
All bags are made from recycled water bottles, representing genuine sustainability rather than greenwashing. This recycled construction doesn't compromise performance. The insulation properties remain excellent, the watertight interiors function perfectly, and the durability matches or exceeds conventional bag materials.
Insulated Bottle Bag
Long strap design with room for your phone as well as any receptacle up to the size of a champagne bottle. Perfect for carrying drinks to events or commuting with beverages.
Insulated Lunch Bag
Roll-top and handy hook closure that makes it easy to attach when in transit. Ideal for daily lunch transport with secure closure and convenient carrying.
Insulated Tote Bag
Features a divider, long and short handles for carrying versatility, and an internal zipped pocket for organization. Suitable for shopping, beach trips, or larger meal transport.
Insulated Cooler Bag
Massive 25-litre capacity. Keeps ice frozen for an incredible 36 hours. Perfect for picnics, camping, beach days, or any situation requiring extended cooling.
💡 36-Hour Ice Retention
Pack the bag with ice on Friday afternoon and you'll still have frozen ice on Sunday morning. This makes it exceptional for weekend camping trips, beach weekends, or extended outdoor events. The watertight interior prevents meltwater leakage as ice eventually melts.
The Value Assessment: Premium But Justified
Black & Blum products aren't cheap. Let's address this directly.
The initial cost is higher, but consider the complete picture. Plastic food containers require replacement every few years as they blister, stain, and degrade. Over ten years, you might purchase three sets of plastic containers at £15 each, totalling £45. One set of Black & Blum boxes at £48.95 lasts indefinitely with no degradation.
The Explorer Flask's 24-hour performance and two included cups justify the £49.95 price compared to standard flasks that manage half the retention time and require separate cup purchases.
The insulated bags' 36-hour ice retention and recycled construction represent value beyond just functional performance, incorporating environmental responsibility.
Who Should Buy Black & Blum?
Black & Blum Is For You If:
- You're frustrated with plastic containers blistering from microwave use
- You're committed to meal prep and want reliable, durable containers
- You value products that last decades rather than years
- You need genuine 24-hour flask performance for camping, travel, or long workdays
- You want insulated bags with proper ice retention for outdoor activities
- You appreciate thoughtful British design that solves actual problems
✓ The No-Quibble Guarantee
We back all Black & Blum purchases with our guarantee: try the products out and return for a refund if they're not for you. This eliminates risk from the premium pricing. These aren't just expensive products; they're genuinely better solutions to real problems.
Why Buy Black & Blum from Art of Living?
We've specialized in premium kitchenware for over 50 years. We use these products ourselves and give honest advice based on real experience.
Explore the Black & Blum Range
British design that solves real problems: microwave-safe steel food boxes, 24-hour flasks, recycled insulated bags
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