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.
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
Common questions
Does the PlanetBox Rover have plastic in it?
No. Nothing that touches your food on the PlanetBox Rover is plastic or silicone — the food path is stainless steel.
What is the PlanetBox Rover made of?
Part by part, the PlanetBox Rover is: tray body (compartments) — stainless steel; lid — stainless steel; latch — stainless steel; Dipper cup body (accessory) — stainless steel.
Does the PlanetBox Rover contain lead?
No detectable lead was found in the PlanetBox Rover. That finding comes from independent lab (XRF) testing, not a manufacturer claim.
Is the PlanetBox Rover BPA-free?
No plastic touches your food on the PlanetBox Rover — the food path is stainless steel — so BPA, which comes from polycarbonate and epoxy plastics, is not in play here.
Where is the PlanetBox Rover made?
The PlanetBox Rover is made in China.
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
Spot a mistake or something out of date? Let us know — corrections are how this stays accurate.