As I previously reported, I (still) pack lunch for my daughter every weekday — and, depending on what we’ve got planned, on some weekend days, too.

Amazon

My original recommendation, the Sistema To Go bento-style lunchbox, is still a solid and versatile option. So too are the other boxes I’ve tried, including the insulated OmieBox and the ubiquitous Bentgo.

Still, there were some noticeable flaws, the most glaring of which is the sheer plastic-ness of it all, which I’ve been increasingly wary of using when it comes to food storage, even in BPA-free form. The plastic also gets shabby quickly with regular use, and has a tendency to hold onto certain smells. And the silicone edges that make some of the boxes leak-proof can also serve as lovely breeding grounds for mold.

But all of that is in the past, because I’ve finally found a lunch box I know I’ll be packing in perpetuity: The PlanetBox. It’s made entirely of stainless steel right down to the sturdy metal latch, so it’s not only completely plastic-free, it’s also extremely durable — so much so that it comes with a five-year warranty. (And as long as no one takes a hammer to it, I suspect it’ll last at least twice as long.)

Amazon

Our particular model is the Rover, a slim, 10-by-7-inch model with five perfectly portioned compartments (one large, three medium, and one tiny) that provide just the right amount of space for a diverse and well-portioned meal. There’s also the four-compartment Launch, and the two-compartment Shuttle, among others.

The boxes themselves are unadorned, but you can customize them with one of several patterned magnet packs. Bonus: You can buy the magnets separately, so they’re easy to replace when the box is in need of a refresh, and/or if you’re passing it on to another kiddo.

PlanetBox

There’s also a few different easy-to-clean lunch bags options for transporting your PlanetBox, all of which have multiple convenient compartments and can also be customized with tags and stick-on patches.

PlanetBox

A few caveats: With the exception of the Explorer set, PlanetBoxes aren’t necessarily leakproof on their own. And while I’ve never experienced leakage with ours, I’ve also never filled it with anything particularly leakable — for stuff like yogurt, hummus, and ketchup, I use the coordinating stainless steel containers (the Rover has a small and a large), which have strong-sealing silicone lids.

The PlanetBoxes are also pricey — at least at first glance. But even some quick math tells me that the cost-per-use makes it an unbeatable buy in the long run: My daughter’s Rover has now been in use for about as long as the lifespan of her previous plastic lunchbox, and it still looks basically brand new. We also have friends who’ve been using their Rovers for at least three times as long, and they have no plans to stop. Even with all of optional yet equally durable accessories, I’d say it’s money very well spent. 

If you want to see some more customer feedback, keep scrolling to read what a few reviewers had to say.

“Our kid likes this lunch container very much! It’s easy to be opened and closed by a preschooler. The compartments are perfect, one for starch, one for protein, one for veggies, one for fruits, and one for a little bit of sweet treats — Everything is presentable in one single display and we can make the food look pretty and it has helped make the meal more appetizing. Well made and good quality, highly recommend.” —ZM (Amazon)

“I did a lot of research trying to find a high quality plastic free lunch box for my kiddos lunch. This box is perfect. We have both loved using it everyday. Great size with portions - feels very sturdy, hasn’t leaked on us. Because I’m paranoid I do always wrap it in a rubber band, but it’s never opened up in transit to and from school!” —Lindsey (Amazon)

“I purchased it for my VPK boy! His school has this zero waste thing and he needs to have a stainless lunch box and not plastic. It’s pricey but hey it would last until he finishes grade school! I love it, too! Time to stay away from plastic products!” —DWinks (Amazon)

“Just bought my 3rd set for my daughter going to school this year. I’ve used planetbox for the 2 older siblings for 4 years now and still so good. No issues with cleaning and durability is great! Latches are still strong. It is a bit heavy, but that’s ok because I like that there’s no plastic to avoid forever chemicals. The silicone lids to the dippers are also great and doesn’t cause any lingering food smells or stains.” —Joan I (PlanetBox)

“This is the 6th product we have from them, not because we need a replacement but because they are that awesome! Nearly daily use for 4+ years and still going strong. My kids (7 and 3) love them, and my husband and I use them when we have to work at our offices. The stainless is key to be able to put right in the dishwasher and not absorb smells. The kids love the cute magnets and spots for a little treat. We recommend them to all of our friends!” —Taylor M (PlanetBox)

Get the Rover style from Amazon for $55.09 (also available in two smaller sizes; additional lunch box styles available at PlanetBox).

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.