Question 1

What are the main differences between the PlanetBox Launch, Rover and Shuttle?"

Accepted Answer

We offer three systems specially tailored for different appetites. The PlanetBox Rover is designed for children and adults with smaller appetites who love variety. The Rover has 5 compartments and includes 2 optional Dippers. The Rover itself holds nearly 4.5 cups of food, which happily satisfies many customers.

The PlanetBox Launch is designed for folks with larger appetites. The Launch holds 30% more than the Rover at nearly 6.5 cups of food, and is designed to hold a 3 course meal. The Launch also comes with a Tall Dipper, which is perfect for dips and dressings. You can also use the glass Satellite Dish in your Launch if you have foods you want to reheat in the microwave or oven.

Our PlanetBox Shuttle can be used as a companion to PlanetBox Rover or Launch. It’s about a third the size of PlanetBox Launch, and features two compartments which hold approximately 3 cups of food. It’s great for snacks and small meals on the go!

Attached are the specific dimensions of our 3 lunch packing systems.  To learn more about what to expect when you receive your PlanetBox, check out our video at this link:

Also, if it helps, you can see a variety of packed lunches on our website, here:  https://www.planetbox.com/blogs/meal-ideas
 
Planetbox_Physical_Metrics_and_Volume_SEPT2017.pdf

Question 2

Is OmieBox food safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All materials are food-safe, BPA-Free, Phthalates-free and are CPSIA and FDA compliant.

Question 3

Is OmieBox microwavable?

Accepted Answer

No. OmieBox is not microwavable.

Question 4

Will the Rover hold enough food for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

The PlanetBox Rover will accommodate a wide assortment of foods that make a very healthy lunch for most kids and some adults. Many people find that they can pack more food than they originally thought. This is because the top of the PlanetBox lunchbox is raised, so you can pack the bottom compartment high with food.

The PlanetBox Rover fits nearly 4 ½ cups of food when fully packed! Many parents also find that using a PlanetBox helps them not pack too much food for their kids – so no food gets wasted, and kids aren’t being served more than they need.

Here’s a quote from one woman who wrote recently on our Facebook Page: “My nine year old is a BIG kid and a BIG eater… his PlanetBox Rover holds plenty for him for a school lunch.. and the Big Dipper is used for his afternoon snack.”

Many adults find that using a PlanetBox Rover helps them control their portion sizes while still packing a healthy, filling lunch. That being said, every person has their own unique preferences and needs.

Question 5

What are the differences between the bags you carry?

Accepted Answer

The Carry Bag is designed to be used with either the Rover or the Launch. It zips all the way open, and you can leave your PlanetBox nestled inside the Carry Bag while you eat your lunch. There are separate pockets for a snack and a water bottle with a 3 inch or less diameter.

The PlanetBox Sleeve is designed to fit the Launch Lunchbox, but will also fit the Rover lunchbox with a little room to spare.  It is a sleek, streamlined bag for holding and transporting your PlanetBox.   It's slim design is perfect for carrying inside a larger bag.

The Shuttle Carry Bag is the smallest Carry Bag, and is designed to carry only the Shuttle lunchbox. It will not fit either the Launch or Rover PlanetBoxes.

Question 6

How do I use the insulated container?

Accepted Answer

For maximum performance, preheat or pre-chill the insulated container prior to use by filling with hot/cold water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes and empty.

Question 7

How should I clean OmieBox?

Accepted Answer

Use warm, soapy water to wash. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers. Do not use bleach or cleaners containing chlorine.

Question 8

What are the differences between the Launch, Rover and Shuttle magnets?"

Accepted Answer

The Launch, Rover and Shuttle magnets come in different shapes to fit the tops of each lunchbox, and are NOT interchangeable between systems.

Question 9

Will food packed inside the PlanetBox spill or drip into another compartment or out the sides when it is carried and stored on its side? What about packing fruits that might leak some juice?

Accepted Answer

PlanetBox is designed to keep foods from “touching each other.”  When you close your PlanetBox, the top and the bottom meet so that foods will not co-mingle, even when carried and stored on its side.

PlanetBox is not designed to be leak proof.  The lunchbox itself is not air tight and it is not designed to hold wet, messy foods like yogurt, dips, and applesauce.    We created the Big, Little and Tall Dippers to use for foods such as these.  For the larger Launch Box, we also created the glass Satellite Dish.

Here is some information about how to pack messy foods such as fruits:

When packing fruits, the majority work just fine packed directly in your PlanetBox.  In our months of testing we have found that most cut up fruits will not create enough juice for there to be any spilling.  However, some fruits can be rather juicy – especially melons and citrus.  We have found that if you cut and pack these fruits the night before, they can create a lot of juice that can leak if put directly in the PlanetBox.  Therefore, we recommend cutting and packing these fruits in the morning (they make a lot less juice that way), or,  you can blot the fruit in the morning with a towel to absorb the extra juice. You can also pack them in the Big or Little Dipper (the Rover only), Tall Dipper (Launch or Shuttle only) or the Satellite Dish (the Launch only).

It may be helpful to you to watch some short videos about how to use our systems.  If you are interested in seeing them, they can be found on our YouTube Channel here,

We hope that this information is helpful to you in learning more about our systems.

Question 10

Is OmieBox leakproof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The insulated container can hold liquids, and the long and short compartments can hold wet foods but not liquids. The square compartment (under the insulated container) can only hold dry foods.

Question 11

Is OmieBox’s lid removable?

Accepted Answer

No, the lid is not removable.

Question 12

Can I put my PlanetBox or Dippers in the microwave or oven?

Accepted Answer

Our stainless steel components are not designed to go in the oven or microwave.  The glass Satellite Dish base is the only part of our system that is microwave safe.

To learn more about what to expect with our lunch packing systems, check out our video here:

Question 13

How do I use the insulated container lid?

Accepted Answer

Flip the opening lever up and twist it in a clock wise direction to open the lid.

Question 14

Are all your products tested to be safe from lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA and other toxic chemicals?"

Accepted Answer

Our products are independently tested by certified laboratories to be safe from lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, and other toxic chemicals. We source our materials very carefully, and the very reason we created our products was to offer a non-toxic way to pack lunches.

Question 15

How do I clean my PlanetBox stainless products?

Accepted Answer

Be sure to remove the magnets before washing your PlanetBox.  PlanetBox compartments wipe down easily with a sponge and mild soap and water.  Or, you can put your PlanetBox in the dishwasher.  All Dippers and the Satellite Dish are also dishwasher safe.

Do not use bleach or cleaners containing chlorine to clean your PlanetBox. It is best to dry off your PlanetBox immediately after cleaning if you do not want water marks to appear (water marks are harmless, however).

For more information on our lunch packing systems and what to expect, check out our video:

Question 16

Are extra compartments created by the divider leakproof?

Accepted Answer

No. Any extra compartments you create using the removable divider will not be leak proof.

Question 17

Does OmieBox come with utensils?

Accepted Answer

No, OmieBox is not sold with utensils.

Question 18

My PlanetBox latch got damaged and now it’s a little loose – can I fix it?

Accepted Answer

Your latch can be tightened rather simply. You can place your PlanetBox on a firm surface, and open the latch. Then put your thumbs on either side of the top of the latch, and give it a firm push towards the box (away from you). Test the latch now by opening and closing it to see if it is now tight enough. If not, try again a little harder this time. It requires a small but hard push to move the latch wire ever so slightly, but that’s all that is needed to tighten it up.

Question 19

Why does your product cost what it does?

Accepted Answer

Most of us are used to the low cost of buying things made out of plastic and designed to be used and thrown away fairly quickly. Our product is different. We use a high quality, expensive material and our products are intricately engineered to function well over time. All this costs more than the disposable items we are too used to consuming.

We realize that our products can be a significant investment for many families. As you know, this is something that you and your child can use every weekday for years to come. It is a high quality product that is not cheap to produce.

Our sincere hope is that people will find the investment worth it for their family.  But don’t take our word for it!  See PlanetBox's Facebook page for opinions from real users on whether PlanetBox was worth the investment for their family.

Question 20

Is OmieBox dishwasher safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, OmieBox is top rack dishwasher safe; however, hand washing is recommended for best results.

Question 21

What dippers can I use with PlanetBox Launch, Rover and Shuttle?"

Accepted Answer

The Big Dipper is designed to be used inside your Rover lunchbox, or packed separately with dry foods to use as a separate snack. It is too short to place inside Launch or Shuttle.

The Little Dipper is designed to be used inside your Rover lunchbox only.  It is too short to put inside Launch or Shuttle therefore it will not seal.

The Tall Dipper is designed to be placed inside your Launch or Shuttle lunchbox.  It is too tall to put inside the Rover lunchbox.

Question 22

How should I clean OmieBox?

Accepted Answer

Use warm, soapy water to wash. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers. Do not use bleach or cleaners containing chlorine.

Question 23

What size water bottle does the Carry Bag hold?

Accepted Answer

Our Carry Bags are designed to hold your BottleRocket or a bottle that is 3 inch or less diameter. We do not recommend using bottles with a larger diameter than 3 inches.

Question 24

Are PlanetBox products patented?

Accepted Answer

Our products are protected by US patents 8,328,034, D616,258 and D655,988. More patents are pending both in the USA and in foreign countries.  http://www.planetbox.com/pages/patents

Question 25

Why did you make the PlanetBox ColdKit?

Accepted Answer

Not only will the ColdKit keep food stored in a PlanetBox colder for longer, but it will also help keep people safer from food-borne illnesses. A recent study released in the journal Pediatrics showed that less than 2% of perishable items in children’s lunches (ages 3 to 5) were found to be in a safe temperature range. The PlanetBox ColdKit, along with the insulated Carry Bag, will help keep your food cold and your child safe.

Question 26

Will PlanetBox keep cut up fruits from going brown?

Accepted Answer

Once a fruit is cut, nothing can completely stop the oxidization process (that makes fruit brown) from happening. This has nothing to do with whether you pack it in a PlanetBox or not.  But there are a few things that other customers have suggested that you can do to slow it down:
Prepare your fruit as close as possible to when you're planning to serve it.
Use a sharp knife. This minimizes the microscopic bruising.
Toss the fruit with lemon or lime juice- the acid in citrus fruits inhibits and slows the chemical reaction causing oxidization. Blot on a towel after tossing.
There are also some powders available on the market that you can sprinkle over fruit to stop from browning. Most of these are made from asorbic acid (Vitamin C) and sugar.

Question 27

How do I open it?

Accepted Answer

Your BottleRocket is designed with a unique latch that makes it simple for little hands to open and lock tight. To open the Cap, flip the lock down and push the button to open.

Question 28

Will the Rover hold too much food for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

If you have a small child who barely eats anything at school and are concerned that the PlanetBox Rover will be too big for them, here are 2 things to note:

1) You do not have to pack each compartment full with food – sometimes just a few grapes or cheese cubes is all that the child needs.   The clever compartments are designed so that an empty compartment doesn’t make all the other foods shift around.

and...

2) Many parents find that their child will actually eat more food at lunch when it's packed in a PlanetBox. This is because the food is arranged neatly and attractively in front of the child and the child does not have to waste time struggling with individual containers.

Question 29

Will the Launch hold enough food for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

The PlanetBox Launch holds nearly 6 1/2 cups of food in total. The Launch was designed with USDA MyPlate guidelines in mind and most adults and kids find this is an ample amount of food for lunch.

Question 30

Will the Launch hold too much food for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

Each PlanetBox Launch compartment does not need to be filled up every day. You may prefer to pack larger-sized foods that take up a lot of space (like large lettuce leaf salads or popcorn), but are not as nutrient dense.

Question 31

Will Shuttle hold enough food for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

PlanetBox Shuttle is our smallest lunchbox, and is designed to hold small meals or snacks on the go. The PlanetBox Shuttle will accommodate various foods that make a healthy light lunch or snack for most kids and some adults. Many people find that they can pack more food than they originally thought. This is because the top of the PlanetBox lunchbox is raised, so you can pack the bottom compartment high with food. The PlanetBox Shuttle fits nearly 3 cups of food when fully packed!

Question 32

Dimensions and Measurements of Our Products

Accepted Answer

Attached is a chart of Approximate dimensions and measurements of our products.  
 
Planetbox_Physical_Metrics_and_Volume_SEPT2017.pdf

Question 33

How do the Dippers with the stainless steel lids and bases work?

Accepted Answer

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.

If you own a Dipper with the stainless steel top and bottom and you plan on putting warm foods in it, allow the foods to fully cool before placing the lid on the Dipper base.   If the foods are not allowed to cool before closing the Dipper, a vacuum seal can be created which will make the Dipper lid very difficult to remove.  If this happens, you need to chill the Dipper base and warm the Dipper lid.   That should help break the vacuum seal.

If you want to use a Dipper with the stainless steel top and bottom and pack it in the outer pocket of the Carry Bag separately for snacks, you should either pack dry food in it or place a rubber band around it to engage the seal in the lid. The Dipper is designed to fit in the outside pocket of the PlanetBox Carry Bag for easy access during snack time.

The silicone material used for the seal in the lid 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.

The seal in the lid of the stainless steel Dipper top is designed to pop in and out – in order to ensure proper and thorough cleaning. We prefer this approach over attaching the seals with an adhesive as food could eventually get stuck under the seal and become difficult to properly clean. You can remove the seal when cleaning and put it back into place once the lid is clean and dry.  If you lose a seal, you can order a replacement through your favourite PlanetBox stockist. A list of stockists can be found here: https://www.treasureu.co.nz/stockists.

Question 34

Can my child open and close the PlanetBox and Dippers by themselves?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 35

Is PlanetBox designed for children under 3 years old?

Accepted Answer

PlanetBox contains small parts and is not intended for children under 3 years of age.

Question 36

Does PlanetBox hold hot foods?

Accepted Answer

PlanetBox is not designed to retain heat. It does not keep hot foods hot. You can place warm food (not boiling hot liquid) inside your PlanetBox in the morning and it will be room temperature by lunch time.

The only container we have that can be reheated in the microwave or oven is the glass Satellite Dish.  The glass dish fits inside the Launch lunchbox only.

Some customers successfully use PlanetBox in their child's hot lunch line at school. They send an empty PlanetBox in the morning and their child brings home their PlanetBox in the afternoon to wash.  No trash created!

Question 37

Does PlanetBox hold soup/liquids?

Accepted Answer

The Dippers and glass Satellite Dish are designed to hold wet messy foods such as creamy, thick soups, thicker dressings such as ranch dressing, yogurt, applesauce, ketchup, etc.  Liquid/broth based items (clear soups, soy sauce, etc) are not recommended for use with the Dippers or Satellite Dish.

Question 38

How can I keep my food cold?

Accepted Answer

All our Carry Bags are insulated, and include a place for the PlanetBox ColdKit, which keeps food cold. Additionally, it can help to pack food that needs to stay cold the night before and put the entire lunchbox in the refrigerator overnight– that way the stainless steel lunchbox itself is cold at the start of the day. Add the dry foods in the morning and you are set to go.

Question 39

How do I draw on the Draw It Yourself magnets?

Accepted Answer

There are many different ways to draw on the Draw It Yourself magnets and we have tested different writing instruments.  In our testing, most crayons and colored pencils work well – crayons did not erase, and colored pencils drawings stayed on well, but could be erased if desired.  Some permanent markers did not smudge if you let the ink dry.  Regular markers can smudge and rub off, and are therefore not recommended. Dry erase markers will smudge and rub off, as they are designed to do (that’s why they are called “dry erase”), and therefore we do not recommend using them.

Question 40

Is PlanetBox heavy to carry?

Accepted Answer

The PlanetBox is lighter than it looks.  Rover weighs 19 oz, and Launch weighs 22oz, and the Shuttle weighs 13 oz – less than most Harry Potter books!

Question 41

The hinge on my lunchbox is a little raised on the sides - is this normal?

Accepted Answer

It is normal for there to be a space at the back (hinge) of your PlanetBox.  In fact, it is an intentional part of the design, to allow for flexing and sealing of the Dippers.

The back of the PlanetBox does not need to be flush with the hinge.  The space can be a little more or a little less than what is shown on this picture attached – the variable amount of space will not affect the functioning of the lunchbox.

Our stainless steel items are warrantied for 5 years from date of purchase.  If you have any trouble with using your PlanetBox during that time frame, please let us know so that we can help you.

Question 42

Is stainless steel a safe material for food?

Accepted Answer

Our high quality 18/8 (300 SS) and 18/0 (400 SS, not 200 SS) stainless steel is food safe and will not leach toxic chemicals when in contact with food. These types of stainless steel have been used for food storage in many cultures for generations, and are preferred materials for hospitals, commercial kitchens, and other environments where sanitation is a priority.

Question 43

Is the PlanetBox lunchbox recyclable?

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, meaning less waste in our landfills. Most stainless steel is also made of approximately 60% recycled content.   Your PlanetBox lunchbox is made to last a very long time, so we don’t anticipate that you would need to recycle it any time soon.  You can contact your local recycling program about how to recycle your PlanetBox.

Question 44

What material are the Magnets made out of?

Accepted Answer

We went to great lengths to ensure that our Magnets would not be made out of PVC/vinyl, which is the most toxic kind of plastic produced and is the standard for most refrigerator magnets. Instead, we made the Magnets out of a synthetic rubber material that has been certified to be safe from toxic materials and is accepted as safe for use in European markets (which have much stricter environmental health regulations than the USA).

Question 45

How do the Magnets stick to the stainless steel? Magnets don’t stick to my stainless steel refrigerator…

Accepted Answer

Even though magnets do not stick to all stainless steel surfaces, all stainless steels will have some small degree of ferromagnetism (magnets stick to them). The degree to which they do depends on nickel content relative to the other materials in the alloy. We have chosen 300 series stainless steel for the tray of our lunchbox and 400 series for the lid. The 400 series has slightly less nickel content which makes it better suited to holding the magnets. 400 series is somewhat hard to work with though, so it is not well suited to the lower tray of the PlanetBox assembly due to the deep pockets we form in the sheet material. For the tray, as well as the Dippers, we use the 300 series material which has very good workability properties. Both materials are highly corrosion resistant and completely food safe.

Question 46

Do I have stains/rust in my PlanetBox?

Accepted Answer

We understand that you want your PlanetBox to look shiny and spot free, so we’d like to explain where spots can come from, why they are harmless, and how you can remove them.

Some background: On rare occasion we have heard from customers that their PlanetBox is ‘rusting’. They say that what appears on the surface of the lunchbox – usually on the top lid – is rust and it does not wash off. We have replaced a number of these lunchboxes now and in all cases what is present may indeed be rust – but it is not the rusting of the actual lunchbox which is to blame.

PlanetBox is made from high grade stainless steel. This type of material is highly resistant to oxidization (rusting) of the base steel by virtue of the inclusion of other metals, namely Chromium and Nickel.  The alloyed metals serve to resist the degradation of the iron in the steel that can come with exposure to atmosphere and in particular, water.

Where do spots come from:  If there is a spot on your PlanetBox, it is most likely due to either:

1) A mark left behind from the electropolishing process, which smooths the surface of the metal and makes it shiny.

2) Detergents that contain chlorine bleach.  Bleach causes pitting and “eats away” at stainless, and should never be used to clean our products.  Common detergents that can contain bleach include many “Cascade” dishwashing products, as well as other brands.

3) Hard water can leave dark spots and stains on your stainless.

4) Magnetic material left from the magnets on top of the PlanetBox, especially if the magnets are accidentally left on during washing

5) Foreign material can attach itself to the lid of the lunchbox and then can proceed to corrode in place. This likely happens when customers wash their PlanetBox with other carbon steel items in their dishwasher or sink. Sharp kitchen knives are a potential culprit, as are rusty baking pans. These little flecks of iron or other contaminants attach themselves to the lid of the lunchbox.  After these bits of foreign debris attach themselves to the lid they proceed to rust. If these are left unattended for a very long time they can begin to ‘pit’ the lid of the lunchbox, making very tiny divots in the surface.

6) The Magnets, if they get wet, can cause rust.  The Magnets should be removed from the box when not in use and always kept dry.  The Magnets should not be used inside the box, only on the lid.

How you can remove spots:
The good news is that spots can usually be removed easily.

Corrosion Spots:  Corrosion spots can be easily cleaned up with either some super fine steel wool and a little elbow grease, or a paste of baking soda and vinegar.

Fine Steel Wool: Start by washing your PlanetBox very well under running water. Then take some Super Fine Steel Wool (#000 is one such ranking) and start by lightly buffing the spotted area. Often times it just takes a few strokes under light pressure to remove the spots. If that doesn’t do it, then proceed to work the surface harder with the steel wool pad. This may cause very minor scratches to the surface of the lunchbox, but the tradeoff is that it will almost always remove the offending spots – with no damage to your lunchbox. Rinse with running water as you are going and within no time you’ll have a shiny new PlanetBox to use and enjoy for years more to come.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:   Make a thick paste of baking soda and vinegar, and leave on for at least an hour.   Try scrubbing it with a sponge and/or some fine steel wool.  Rinse and dry.

Hard Water Spots:  Hard water has a high mineral content. If it is used to wash stainless steel, then left to set, the water will evaporate and leave behind minerals, such as limestone, which can appear as white spots. To avoid hard water stains, always rinse your PlanetBox after washing, and immediately dry using a clean, dry cloth. To remove hard water stains you can try placing a vinegar-soaked rag over spots for a short period of time, and rinsing and drying promptly.  If you are using a dishwasher, place 3 cups of vinegar in first wash cycle and repeat for the next several washes.   This should remove the spots.

We have attached some pictures showing how to clean spots off your PlanetBox.
 
Pictures_of_Cleaning_Spots_from_a_PlanetBox.pdf

Question 47

Are all your products safe from lead?

Accepted Answer

Our products are independently certified to be safe from lead, phthalates, BPA and other toxic chemicals.

Question 48

Are spots or scratches normal on my PlanetBox?

Accepted Answer

Our stainless steel lunchboxes are formed through a complicated process of machined tooling and finishing by hand.  It is normal for there to be small variations between boxes in appearance, and for boxes to have minor finish variations.  We do not coat our boxes – they are pure stainless steel.  Small scratches, marks, and dull spots can occur and pose no harm or concern for future use.  Each box will be unique and there will be variations between the boxes.  Some will have more or different marks than others.  We do not consider these to be defects – instead, they are part of the normal manufacturing process, and they will not affect the functioning of our new PlanetBox.

We have attached pictures of just a small handful of finish variations that we consider normal, for your reference. 
 
Minor_Normal_Surface_Variations_in_PlanetBoxes.pdf

Question 49

Should I take the Magnets off before I clean my PlanetBox?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Always take off the magnets before cleaning your PlanetBox.  Try storing the magnets on the refrigerator until your PlanetBox is clean and completely dry.  And no worries, the Magnets are optional so use them only when you wish.

If you do choose to use the magnets, they are designed to be used on the top of your PlanetBox lid.   Please do not put them on the inside of the lid and next to your food.   The magnets are not designed to get wet or to come in contact with foods.

For more information on our lunch packing systems and what to expect, check out our video:

Question 50

How do I clean your bags?

Accepted Answer

Here are some helpful tips and recommendations on cleaning the bags:

You should wash your bag regularly by either spot cleaning or hand washing it with soap and water. You can fully submerge all of our bags in warm soapy water but make sure to air dry thoroughly with the bag open.  Here is short video showing you how to clean your Carry Bag:

Also, you may find it helpful to see some advice from our customers about cleaning techniques that worked well:

1)  There has been success with washing bags in the dishwasher.

2)  Putting the bag in a lingerie bag on a gentle cycle in the washing machine can work well.   However, officially, we can't recommend using your washing machine because there are some models where the bag can get caught in the machine and damaged.   Machine washing or drying will void your warranty if the bag gets damaged.

3)  You can wash the bag by soaking it in a shallow tub with some liquid detergent or liquid soap and then add one cup of vinegar and one half cup of baking soda.   Let the bag soak for 30 minutes and then scrub it if needed, rinse and hang to dry.

Please know that smells, mold and staining are not covered under our warranty, as they are not considered manufacturer defects.

Question 51

Will my PlanetBox get scratched? Will it dent easily?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 52

My PlanetBox got dented in the corner – can I fix it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 53

Fixing the hinge

Accepted Answer

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. 
 
PlanetBox_Loose_Hinge_Fix.pdf

Question 54

Question 55

Will the Satellite Dish only fit inside the Launch lunchbox?

Accepted Answer

The Satellite Dish is only designed to be used with the Launch Lunchbox.  It will not fit inside the Rover or Shuttle lunchbox.

Question 56

Can I put my PlanetBox or Dippers in the microwave?

Accepted Answer

No, you can never put metal in the microwave, and our stainless products are not designed to go in the oven.  The glass Satellite Dish base is the only part of our system that is microwave safe.

Question 57

Can my child open and close the PlanetBox and Dippers by themselves?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 58

How does the Satellite Dish work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 59

Dipper Seal help

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 60

Dipper is stuck

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 61

What is the best way to close the Sililid Dippers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 62

Do your SiliLid Dippers work with older style PlanetBoxes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 63

How do The SiliLid Dippers Work?

Accepted Answer

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:

Question 64

Will PlanetBox Launch fit in the Carry Bag?

Accepted Answer

We recently updated our Carry Bags, so that now they are designed to fit either a Rover or a Launch Lunchbox.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the main differences between the PlanetBox Launch, Rover and Shuttle?"

Is OmieBox food safe?

Is OmieBox microwavable?

Will the Rover hold enough food for me or my child?

What are the differences between the bags you carry?

How do I use the insulated container?

How should I clean OmieBox?

What are the differences between the Launch, Rover and Shuttle magnets?"

Will food packed inside the PlanetBox spill or drip into another compartment or out the sides when it is carried and stored on its side? What about packing fruits that might leak some juice?

Is OmieBox leakproof?

Is OmieBox’s lid removable?

Can I put my PlanetBox or Dippers in the microwave or oven?

How do I use the insulated container lid?

Are all your products tested to be safe from lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA and other toxic chemicals?"

How do I clean my PlanetBox stainless products?

Are extra compartments created by the divider leakproof?

Does OmieBox come with utensils?

My PlanetBox latch got damaged and now it’s a little loose – can I fix it?

Why does your product cost what it does?

Is OmieBox dishwasher safe?

What dippers can I use with PlanetBox Launch, Rover and Shuttle?"

How should I clean OmieBox?

What size water bottle does the Carry Bag hold?

Are PlanetBox products patented?

Why did you make the PlanetBox ColdKit?

Will PlanetBox keep cut up fruits from going brown?

How do I open it?

Will the Rover hold too much food for me or my child?

Will the Launch hold enough food for me or my child?

Will the Launch hold too much food for me or my child?

Will Shuttle hold enough food for me or my child?

Dimensions and Measurements of Our Products

How do the Dippers with the stainless steel lids and bases work?

Can my child open and close the PlanetBox and Dippers by themselves?

Is PlanetBox designed for children under 3 years old?

Does PlanetBox hold hot foods?

Does PlanetBox hold soup/liquids?

How can I keep my food cold?

How do I draw on the Draw It Yourself magnets?

Is PlanetBox heavy to carry?

The hinge on my lunchbox is a little raised on the sides - is this normal?

Is stainless steel a safe material for food?

Is the PlanetBox lunchbox recyclable?

What material are the Magnets made out of?

How do the Magnets stick to the stainless steel? Magnets don’t stick to my stainless steel refrigerator…

Do I have stains/rust in my PlanetBox?

Are all your products safe from lead?

Are spots or scratches normal on my PlanetBox?

Should I take the Magnets off before I clean my PlanetBox?

How do I clean your bags?

Will my PlanetBox get scratched? Will it dent easily?

My PlanetBox got dented in the corner – can I fix it?

Fixing the hinge

Will the Satellite Dish only fit inside the Launch lunchbox?

Can I put my PlanetBox or Dippers in the microwave?

Can my child open and close the PlanetBox and Dippers by themselves?

How does the Satellite Dish work?

Dipper Seal help

Dipper is stuck

What is the best way to close the Sililid Dippers?

Do your SiliLid Dippers work with older style PlanetBoxes?

How do The SiliLid Dippers Work?

Will PlanetBox Launch fit in the Carry Bag?

Is the Launch Carry Bag designed to carry a water bottle?

Tell me more about the PlanetBox Sleeve

What are the new features of the updated Carry Bag:

Where are your products made?

How do you use your ColdKit?

How Can I Keep My PlanetBox Food Cold, For How Long?"

Will the PlanetBox ColdKit puncture?

How do I assemble it?

How to disassemble the BottleRocket?

Does BottleRocket keep warm liquids warm?

How long will it keep my drink cold?

What kinds of materials is the BottleRocket made out of?

Is it BPA safe?

How do I clean it? Is it dishwasher safe?

What types of cleaners can I use on it?