FAQ
Frequently asked questions
PlanetBox is made of polished steel that will show signs of use after years of faithful service. This is normal and safe. Use of ‘brillo’ pads or wire brushes will scratch the surface. As for getting dented, PlanetBox is made of strong, high quality stainless steel, not the thin tin that old-fashioned metal lunch boxes were made of. It is much more durable. That said if you apply an excessive amount of force it may dent.
PlanetBox is made of a strong gauge stainless steel, and is very hard to dent. That said, if you drop it with enough force, at a specific angle, it's possible that a corner can dent. Thankfully, a bend in stainless steel is rather easy to fix (as opposed to plastic, which just breaks). All you need is a regular old set of pliers, and a thin soft cloth (like a thin dishtowel). You use the dishtowel to keep the pliers from scratching the metal, but really a scratch wouldn’t actually hurt the metal, it would just be cosmetic. You wrap the cloth around the edge and use the pliers to grasp the bent edge and pull out to straighten it out. It really is that simple. We like to recommend that people try fixing small issues with their PlanetBox first, as this is the fastest, easiest, and most eco way to get your PlanetBox back in working order.
We are very sorry to hear and see that the metal rod in the hinge on the back of your PlanetBox is loose! Thankfully, we have an easy fix for this problem. We have attached some simple directions, with pictures, to show you how to fix this. Of course, if these instructions are not helpful to you, please let us know. We like to recommend that people try fixing small issues with their PlanetBox first, as this is the fastest, easiest, and most eco way to get your PlanetBox back in working order.
By replacing wasteful, single-use plastic and paper containers, you will save money over the lifetime of the product. Also, your PlanetBox allows you to buy food in bulk, which is cheaper and less wasteful than single use containers. For example, a 1 oz prepackaged bag of cheesy crackers costs 87 cents, but 1 oz of those exact same crackers taken from a 12 oz box costs 43 cents – half as much!
Those who bring the PlanetBox to work as opposed to eating out will see quicker returns on their investment. Americans spend about 40% of their food allowance on eating out. Reducing these costs will help put some change in your pocket very quickly!
The latch on the PlanetBox lunchbox is designed for 3-year-old hands and older to close and open by themselves. The Dipper can be a little more challenging for little ones – most 3 and 4 year olds can do it, some cannot, but most preschool teachers are happy that they only need to help with 1 or 2 lids as opposed to many! Most 5 year olds and older can remove the lids themselves.
The Satellite Dish is designed to be used only when stored inside the PlanetBox Launch lunchbox main compartment. Use of the Dish separately is not recommended. Food can be placed in the glass base of the Dish and heated in the microwave or oven (recommended for temperatures only up to 400 degrees). We do not recommend heating/microwaving the silicone lid – remove before heating. Do not heat on the stove top or broiler.
The Satellite Dish is not recommended for use by small children without adult supervision. The glass base of the Dish can break or become damaged if subject to rapid, extreme temperature change, or excessive force. Likewise, the silicone lid of the Dish can tear if subject to excessive force. Please use care in handling.
We have created a super short video showing people how to keep the seal in the stainless Big Dipper lid. Here are the instructions in writing - Take your empty dipper lid, and put it upside down. Then place the dipper seal on top of the groove for the seal. Then take your empty dipper cup and place it upside down, on top of the lid, and squeeze. This should push the dipper seal into place on the lid. Flip the dipper right side up now, and remove the bottom cup. Now your seal should stay in place inside the lid.
Sometimes you can get a vacuum seal happening from a quick temperature change with the dippers. Try chilling the bottom of the dipper in some ice water (to make it contract slightly), and then turning it over and putting the top of the dipper in warm water (to make it expand slightly). That should take the top off. Of course, if that doesn't help, or you find the top is still too tight, please contact the store where you purchased the Dipper from, and they'll be able to assist you.
If you purchased a PlanetBox before August 2016, you can also use our new “SiliLid” Dippers with your original PlanetBox if you desire. It is possible that the latch will be more difficult to close, and that the sides of the PlanetBox will lift slightly when using your new SiliLid Dippers, but it is still possible to use them with your original PlanetBox. Our new PlanetBoxes that come with SiliLid Dippers are designed to fit them perfectly. For the best outcomes, we recommend using the dipper type that came with your original PlanetBox.
The Big, Little, and Tall Dippers are designed to hold wet, messy foods like yogurt, applesauce, ketchup, dips, creamy or thick soups, thicker dressings such as ranch dressing, etc. Liquid/broth based items (clear soups, soy sauce, etc) are not recommended for use with the Dippers. The Dippers can be placed inside the lunchbox, or packed separately for snacks. If you plan on putting warm foods in the Dippers, allow them to fully cool before placing the top on them. Hot foods will create a vacuum that can cause the lid to compress, which can lift up the edges and compromise the seal. Make sure your food is cool before attaching lid. The silicone material used for the seal is a fully cured, synthetic rubber that is inert and stable at high temperatures. The silicone material is tested and certified to be safe from lead, cadmium, mercury and a host of other toxic materials. Our silicone conforms to U.S. FDA and Europe’s stricter LFGB standards, and is safe from toxic chemicals. Instruct children to place the dippers flat on a table before removing the lid. The dippers should not be on their side when you remove the lids, or else the contents can spill. When you attach your dipper lid you will want to make sure that it is sealed all the way around the perimeter. The indented dots on the big dipper can be used to guide children on how to close the dipper properly – instruct them to push down on all the indented dots for a complete seal. If you purchased a PlanetBox before August 2016, you can also use our new “SiliLid” Dippers with your original PlanetBox if you desire. It is possible that the latch will be more difficult to close, and that the sides of the PlanetBox will lift slightly when using your new SiliLid Dippers, but you can still use them with your original PlanetBox. Our new PlanetBoxes that come with SiliLid Dippers are designed to fit them perfectly. For more information on our lunch packing systems and what to expect, check out our video:
The PlanetBox Launch Carry Bag does not have a specifically designed place to carry a water bottle inside the bag. However, there is a large pocket in the back of the bag that many people use to hold water bottles - see attached picture as an example. Other customers have also reported that they clip their water bottle onto the handle.
Here's some general information about the Sleeve: The PlanetBox Sleeve is a sleek, streamlined bag for holding and transporting your PlanetBox. It's slim design is perfect for carrying inside a larger bag. - Designed to fit the Launch, it also fits the Rover with a little room to spare - Outside made of durable 100% recycled PET (Red and Purple) or Nylon (Black); inside made of coated PEVA for easy wipe down cleaning - Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap and carry handle perfect for transportation to work and school - Insulated soft sided walls - ColdKit can be included inside next to your Launch or Rover lunchbox to keep it cool - Independently certified to be safe from lead, phthalates, BPA, and other harmful chemicals - Designed to fit perfectly inside the new PlanetBox Messenger Bag - 11 × 9 × 2.75 in - Hand wash, line dry, or wipe clean We've attached a diagram outlining some of the unique features and benefits of the sleeve. We also made a short video to show the sleeve in action - check it out here:
We have recently updated our Carry Bag designs. The latest design has the following features:
Fun, new and vibrant colors and patterns
A larger pocket on the front to fit your snacks
Updated and stronger zipper pulls
Clip on the side to attach your keys
Handle is attached to the back for easy carrying
All Carry Bags Sleeves have all been independently certified to be safe from lead, phthalates, BPA, and other harmful chemicals.
The inside is made of coated PEVA for easy wipe down cleaning.
Our products are designed by us, and made for us by long-standing manufacturing partners in China. Our IcePacks are made in the USA. When we started our company, we did an extensive search domestically in the USA for suppliers who could manufacture our product. We were unable to locate manufacturing partners within the USA who could meet our needs. The one domestic manufacturer who was willing to partner with us would have charged us a rate that meant we would have to sell the PlanetBox for $300 a piece! We share many of our customer’s concerns about working conditions abroad, and we work to make sure that the suppliers we choose to partner with provide ethical treatment to their employees and the environment. We visit our manufacturing partners regularly, ourselves, and we have our products independently tested to ensure that that they comply with all applicable safety standards.
Your ColdKit is designed to be frozen and placed inside the Carry Bag to help keep your foods cool until lunchtime. Although the ColdKit is designed to prevent puncturing, it is possible that it may tear. The IcePack is filled with purified water, so it is safe if punctured by chance. There are 8 small squares on the IcePack. If one square is punctured the other squares will remain unaffected and you can continue to use the IcePack. Here are some useful tips in using your ColdKit - 1) You should freeze the ColdKit overnight before using – and you should freeze the IcePack with the fabric Sleeve on. 2) Remove the ColdKit from the Carry Bag as soon as it comes home to prevent excess moisture inside the Carry Bag. 3) Wash the Sleeve intermittently to keep it clean – remove the IcePack and launder the Sleeve by hand or in your washing machine. 4) Make sure to thoroughly dry the Sleeve before using again. 5) Wipe clean the IcePack as needed. 6) We recommend treating the IcePack with extra care to prevent ripping and puncturing, especially when it is not frozen. For more information on our lunch packing systems and what to expect, check out our video:
Our boxes are not insulated however, all our bags are insulated and will fit the PlanetBox ColdKit which helps to keep foods cold. If you want your foods to stay cold until lunchtime, the best thing to do is to pack the refrigerated foods the night before and chill the entire lunchbox, without the magnets on it, overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning add the dry foods, the ColdKit, wipe any condensation from the top of the box and apply the magnets, and store the box inside the Carry Bag and you are set to go. Our ColdKits are not included with our lunchboxes but they can be purchased separately. Here is a link to them - http://www.planetbox.com/products/coldkit-1?variant=20535653697 The length of time that the box will stay cold is dependent on many factors - ie, what temperature it started out at, what temp it is being stored at, what type of ice pack you use, etc. We have tested our ColdKit in combination with the PlanetBox lunchbox and Carry Bag on a typical school day. By pre-cooling the PlanetBox in the refrigerator overnight and then placing it inside the Carry Bag with the ColdKit in the morning, a substantial lowering of temperature can be maintained. The exact temperature maintained throughout the day will depend on the ambient temperature the PlanetBox is stored in for the morning, exposure to direct sunlight or shade, and the number of times the lunchbox is opened throughout the morning. In our tests, a consistent 40° F temperature was maintained inside the lunchbox while the exterior temperature was 75° F through the morning hours. 40° F is a safe temperature to store perishable foods, according to the USDA. If a significantly higher exterior (ambient) temperature is anticipated, then we would suggest using two cold packs – one placed below the lunchbox and one placed above – to sandwich the PlanetBox in a blanket of cold throughout the morning. As reminder, the ColdKit can only maintain the cool for as long as it remains frozen. To truly keep perishable foods from spoiling for long periods, store them in a refrigerator. For more information on our lunch packing systems and what to expect, check out our video:
Although the ColdKit is designed to prevent puncturing, it is possible that it may tear with rough usage. The IcePack is filled with purified water, so it is safe if punctured by chance. There are 8 small squares on the IcePack. If one square is punctured the other squares will remain unaffected and you can continue to use the IcePack. We recommend treating the ColdKit with extra care to prevent ripping and puncturing, especially when it is not frozen.
Yes, it is dishwasher safe! Unlike other bottles, ours is designed so that parts can get thoroughly cleaned. To clean; disassemble all Cap components and place the Cap Assembly, Spout, and Spout Seal in the cutlery basket. Place the Flask in the top rack. The Base is intended to and should stay attached to Flask when washing. Everything can also be hand washed with warm soapy water.
Yes! Please contact your favourite PlanetBox stockist to purchase.
If your BottleRocket parts seem to be retaining flavors or smells, you can either try one of the following: 1) Soak the parts overnight in diluted vinegar and then wash in hot, soapy water. or 2) Soak the silicone pieces in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for twenty four hours and then wash in hot, soapy water.
By taking care of your PlanetBox products, you can expect years of dependable service. PlanetBox, LLC. warrants all PlanetBox stainless steel products to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of 5 years from the date of original purchase. Plastic cap and spout parts are warranted for 1 year. Any problem that is caused by abuse or negligence is not covered. Normal wear and colour fading are not covered. Scuffing and staining are considered normal wear and tear and are not grounds for a warranty replacement.
Please contact the store where you purchased the item from for warranty.