PlanetBox Rover
An all-stainless bento tray with a stainless lid and stainless latches - zero plastic in the box itself; only the optional Dipper cups add silicone lids.
The verdict: Plastic-free
The Rover box itself is entirely stainless steel: a 304 (18/8) tray with fixed compartments, a 430 (18/0) stainless lid, and a stainless steel latch. No plastic and no silicone anywhere in the box - the tray doubles as a plate. It is not leak-proof precisely because it uses no gasket. The only non-steel parts in the system are the optional "Dipper" cups' silicone lids (sold with the set for wet foods); use the box without silicone-topped dippers and it is fully plastic-free. Rating reflects the box; add dippers and that portion becomes silicone-only.
Verification: Manufacturer confirmed
What it's made of
| Part | Material | Food contact |
|---|---|---|
| tray body (compartments) 304 (18/8) stainless; PlanetBox uses certified post-consumer recycled steel. Fixed compartments, no liner | Stainless Steel 304 / 18-8 | Yes primary |
| lid 430 (18/0) stainless steel lid (magnetic grade); still stainless, still food-safe. No gasket, so not leak-proof | Stainless Steel grade unspecified | Yes primary |
| latch brand states latch material is stainless steel (replacement latch spec confirms), but does not specify the grade | Stainless Steel grade unspecified | No |
| Dipper cup body (accessory) 304 (18/8) stainless steel small cups for wet/dip foods | Stainless Steel 304 / 18-8 | Yes primary |
| Dipper cup lid (accessory) optional food-grade silicone lids on the Dipper cups; the only non-steel food-contact part in the system, and only if you use dippers | Silicone | primary |
The archetypal all-steel bento: a single stamped stainless tray with fixed compartments, a magnetic lid, and a latch that a three-year-old can work. Because there's no gasket, it isn't leak-proof; for wet foods PlanetBox sells small stainless "Dipper" cups with silicone lids. The tray doubles as a divided plate, which is why it spans lunch-boxes and kids-dishware. The decorative carry-bag and magnets are separate accessories (remove magnets before washing). Also sold as Launch (fewer compartments) and Shuttle (smaller).
Pros
- Tray doubles as a divided plate; effectively indestructible
- Stainless latch is kid-operable and replaceable
- Uses certified post-consumer recycled steel
Cons
- Not leak-proof (no gasket) - pack wet foods in the silicone-lidded Dippers
- Cannot go in the microwave
- Heavier and pricier than plastic bento boxes
- Dippers, carry bag, and magnets are extra cost
Categories: Lunch Boxes · Kids Plates & Bowls
Sources
Every material claim above is backed by these. This is the scattered info we centralized.
- manufacturer https://www.planetbox.com/products/rover-recycled-stainless-steel-lunch-box-set brand states tray is 49% recycled 18/8 (304) stainless, lid is 18/0 (430) stainless, dippers are 91% recycled 18/8 (304) stainless with silicone lids; no plastic in the box
- manufacturer https://www.planetbox.com/products/replacement-lunchbox-latch replacement latch spec lists "Material: Stainless steel" - confirms the latch is steel, not plastic
- review https://babyfoode.com/blog/planetbox-rover-review/ independent review confirms all-stainless tray/lid/latch, not leak-proof by design, silicone-lidded dippers for wet foods
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