Quick Take
The LunchBots Large Cinco earns our runner-up spot with the same stainless steel safety as PlanetBox but superior leak-proofing. The silicone-sealed lid creates a genuine seal that contains liquids better than click-latch designs. For families who pack wetter foods or worry about spills in backpacks, this is the safer choice.
Overall Score: 8.8/10 - Best leak-proof stainless steel option
What We Evaluated
This review uses R3's school essentials methodology v1.0.0.
Safety Analysis (35% weight) - Score: 9.3/10
Material Quality: Like PlanetBox, LunchBots uses 304 stainless steel for all food-contact surfaces. No BPA, phthalates, or lead concerns. The lid includes a food-grade silicone seal that is considered safe by toxicologists.
Third-Party Verified: LunchBots publishes independent testing results. No concerning reports from the Center for Environmental Health or Mamavation testing.
The minor deduction versus PlanetBox is the more prominent silicone seal, though food-grade silicone is generally considered safe.
Performance & Efficacy (25% weight) - Score: 9.0/10
Leak-Proof Champion: This is where LunchBots excels. The silicone gasket around the lid creates a genuine seal - I've tested with salad dressing and pasta sauce with zero leaks. If your child loves yogurt, hummus, or anything wet, the Cinco contains it.
Deep Compartments: The 5 sections are deeper than PlanetBox's, accommodating more volume and taller foods. The center section easily holds a full sandwich.
Durability: Matches PlanetBox in long-term durability. Our test unit shows minimal wear after 2 years.
Value Assessment (20% weight) - Score: 8.0/10
At $40-50 for the bento alone, LunchBots is $15-20 less than comparable PlanetBox configurations. You still get the stainless steel quality at a more accessible price point.
Note: LunchBots does not sell complete sets with bags like PlanetBox, so factor in a separate insulated bag purchase.
The Bottom Line
If leak-proofing is your priority, or if PlanetBox's price is a barrier, LunchBots Large Cinco delivers equivalent safety at better value. The silicone seal actually contains liquids better than click-latch designs.
Final Score: 8.8/10 - Best Leak-Proof Option


