Electric Lunch Box Not Heating? 7 Fixes Before You Return It

Is your electric lunch box not heating? Before you return it or throw it away, try these 7 fixes. Most problems have simple causes. A dead socket, a tripped thermostat, or water in the base fixes in minutes. Only return it if the heating element is actually burnt.

Fix 1: Check If the Wall Socket Works

This sounds obvious, but it is the most common cause. The socket you use at office may be dead, switched off, or connected to a tripped circuit breaker.

How to test:

1. Plug your phone charger into the same socket.
2. If your phone charges, the socket works. Move to Fix 2.
3. If your phone does not charge, the socket is dead. Try a different socket.

Common socket problems in Indian offices:

• The socket switch is off (check the toggle)
• The power strip is off or its fuse has blown
• The circuit breaker for that section has tripped (ask your office admin)
• Loose wiring inside the socket (do not fix this yourself — call an electrician)

Fix 2: Check the Power Cord for Damage

The power cord on most electric lunch boxes is thin and flexible. It gets bent, twisted, and stuffed into bags daily. Over 6 to 12 months, the internal wires can break even if the outer cover looks fine.

What to check:

• Look for visible cuts, cracks, or burn marks on the cord
• Check the point where the cord meets the plug — this is the most common break point
• Check where the cord enters the lunch box base — another common break point
• Gently bend the cord along its length. If you hear a crackling sound, the wire inside is broken.

If the cord is damaged: Do not use the lunch box. A damaged cord can cause electric shock or fire. Contact the brand for a replacement cord. Most brands sell spare cords for ₹100 to ₹200.

Fix 3: Reset the Thermostat

Most electric lunch boxes have a thermostat that cuts power when the temperature gets too high. Sometimes the thermostat gets stuck in the "off" position. A simple reset fixes this.

How to reset:

1. Unplug the lunch box from the wall socket.
2. Remove all containers and leave the lid open.
3. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the base to cool completely.
4. Plug it back in.
5. Check if the indicator light turns on.

Why this happens: If you overfill containers and gravy spills on the heating element, the base overheats. The thermostat trips to prevent damage. It needs to cool down before it resets itself.

If this keeps happening: You are likely overfilling the containers. Leave 1cm of space at the top of each container. Make sure lids are tight so gravy does not leak onto the heating element.

Fix 4: Check If Containers Are Placed Correctly

The bottom container must sit flat on the heating element. If it is tilted, raised, or the wrong size, the heat does not transfer properly.

Things to check:

• Is the bottom container fully touching the heating plate? Lift it out and place it again.
• Is there food residue between the container and the heating element? Clean the base (dry wipe only).
• Are you using the original containers? Aftermarket containers may not fit properly.
• Is the container deformed or dented? A dented bottom creates air gaps that block heat transfer.

Quick test: Fill the bottom container with water and place it on the heating element. Plug in for 15 minutes. If the water gets warm, the element works. The problem was container placement.

Fix 5: Check for Water in the Base

Water in the heating base is a serious problem. It can short-circuit the element, rust the wiring, or trip the thermostat. This usually happens when someone washes the outer body under running water by mistake.

Signs of water in the base:

• The indicator light flickers or does not turn on
• You hear a hissing or sizzling sound when plugging in
• The circuit breaker trips when you plug in the lunch box
• You see rust or moisture inside the base

How to fix:

1. Do NOT plug it in. This is dangerous.
2. Turn the base upside down on a dry towel.
3. Leave it in direct sunlight or a warm, dry area for 24 to 48 hours.
4. After drying, test by plugging in with no containers (empty).
5. If the indicator light works and the base gets warm, it is safe to use again.

Fix 6: Test with an Empty Box

This test tells you if the heating element itself is working.

Steps:

1. Remove all containers from the lunch box.
2. Plug in the empty box.
3. Wait 5 minutes.
4. Carefully touch the heating plate inside the base. Use the back of your hand from a distance first to check for warmth.

If the plate is warm: The heating element works. The problem is with container fit, food quantity, or heating time. Go back to Fix 4.

If the plate is cold after 5 minutes: The heating element is likely burnt out. Move to "When to Return" section below.

Fix 7: Check the Fuse in the Plug

Some electric lunch boxes have a small fuse inside the plug. If this fuse blows, no power reaches the heating element. The indicator light stays off.

How to check:

1. Unplug the lunch box.
2. Open the plug cover (some plugs have a small screw or snap-on cover).
3. Look for a small glass or ceramic fuse inside.
4. If the fuse wire inside is broken (you can see a gap), the fuse is blown.
5. Replace with the same rating fuse (usually 3A or 5A for electric lunch boxes).
6. Fuses cost ₹5 to ₹10 at any electrical shop.

Not all plugs have fuses. Indian-style 2-pin plugs usually do not. 3-pin plugs sometimes do. If your plug does not have a fuse, skip this step.

When to Return or Replace Your Electric Lunch Box

If you tried all 7 fixes and the lunch box still does not heat, the problem is internal. Here are signs that mean you should return or replace it:

Warranty tip: Most brands offer 6 to 12 months warranty. Keep your Amazon order receipt or invoice. Veigo offers 12 months warranty. Milton and Cello usually offer 6 months. Contact the brand directly for faster service than going through Amazon returns.

When replacing makes more sense: If your lunch box is older than 12 months and out of warranty, buying a new one (₹650 to ₹800) is cheaper than repairing. Internal wiring repairs cost ₹200 to ₹400 at a local electrician, and there is no guarantee it will last.

Shop InstaCuppa Best Sellers

While you’re here — check out our top-rated kitchen tools trusted by thousands of Indian families.

Portable Blender 400 ML

₹2,199

View Product

Thermos Flask Sports Lid

₹1,299

View Product

Portable Blender 500 ML

₹2,799

View Product

Electric Kettle Cooker 1.2L

₹1,699

View Product

Electric Chopper 2000 ML

₹2,499

View Product

Milk Frother with Stand

₹899

View Product

Mini Electric Chopper

₹899

View Product

Thermos Flask Straw Lid

₹1,299

View Product

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my electric lunch box heat slowly but not get hot?

This usually means the wattage is low (15-25W). These models only reach 60 to 65°C. It is not a defect — it is a design limit. If you need hotter food, upgrade to a 40W or higher model like Milton Futron or Wonderchef Hot Meal Slim.

My indicator light is on but food is still cold. What is wrong?

The indicator light only shows that power is reaching the plug. It does not confirm the element is working. Test with an empty box (Fix 6). If the base stays cold, the element is burnt. If the base is warm, the container is not sitting correctly on the element.

Can I get the heating element replaced?

Some brands sell replacement parts through their service centres. Contact the brand directly. Local electricians can also replace heating elements, but make sure they use the correct wattage rating. A wrong element can cause overheating or fire.

Is it safe to use an electric lunch box with a damaged cord?

No. A damaged cord can cause electric shock, sparks, or fire. Stop using the lunch box immediately if the cord has cuts, cracks, or burn marks. Order a replacement cord from the brand or buy a new lunch box.

How long should an electric lunch box last?

With proper care, 2 to 3 years. The heating element and thermostat are the parts that wear out first. SS containers last 5 to 10 years. Keep the base dry, do not overfill containers, and unplug after every use to extend the lifespan.