Making your favorite recipes doesn't just mean having the right ingredients and cookware, it also means having a trusty mixing bowl by your side. Mixing bowls are a basic tool used in almost any form of cooking and baking that you can think of, from making cakes to kneading dough - but their importance and versatility shouldn't be underestimated! Whether you're an experienced home cook or someone starting out learning the basics, understanding how to properly use a good-quality mixing bowl is an essential part of every kitchen.
In this article, we'll discuss why mixing bowls are so useful as well as which type might work best for different types of dishes. From material selection and size to care instructions, we aim to provide all the information needed for taking on even the biggest recipes with ease!
Why mixing bowls are essential in the kitchen?
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen game? Don't overlook the importance of a versatile mixing bowl. Here are five reasons why you should make sure you have at least one (if not a few!) in your collection.
Baking Made Easy: Whether you're whipping up a batch of cookies or kneading dough for a fresh loaf of bread, a mixing bowl is a must-have. With a wide, sturdy base and tall walls, it provides ample space to combine ingredients without making a mess. Plus, you can choose from a variety of materials, like glass or stainless steel, to ensure that your doughs and batters are evenly mixed.
Prep Like a Pro: When it comes to meal prep, a mixing bowl is a game-changer. Chop vegetables, marinate meat, or toss a salad all in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. And because mixing bowls come in different sizes, you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
Versatility: A mixing bowl isn't just for mixing - it can be used for so much more! From serving up popcorn to holding fresh fruit, having a few mixing bowls on hand can make mealtime a cinch.
Save Time: Are you tired of running back and forth to the fridge or pantry while you cook? A mixing bowl can help you save time by holding all your ingredients in one place. Plus, you can use it for multiple steps of a recipe, cutting down on the number of dishes you have to wash later.
Affordable: When it comes to kitchen gadgets, mixing bowls are some of the most affordable items out there. You can find high-quality options for under $20, making them a budget-friendly addition to your kitchen.
What are the different types of mixing bowls?
Are you looking to replace your old plastic mixing bowls, but not sure which type to get? From stainless steel to ceramic, there are numerous options available that offer different benefits depending on your needs. Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of each type of mixing bowl.
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: These mixing bowls are great
all-purpose options and are known for their durability and resistance to rust and stains. They also tend to have a polished finish that makes cleaning them a breeze. However, stainless steel can be quite heavy, making it more difficult to handle for some chefs.
Glass Mixing Bowls: Glass bowls are perfect for those who want to see what they are mixing without having to lift the bowl. They are microwave-safe and can even be used as serving dishes. However, glass bowls can break easily if dropped or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Ceramic Mixing Bowls: Ceramic bowls are a stylish addition to any kitchen and are often lighter than their stainless steel counterparts. They also come in a variety of colors and designs. However, they can be more fragile and are not as resistant to stains and scratches.
Plastic Mixing Bowls: These plastic bowls are one of the most affordable options available and are a great choice for outdoor gatherings or for those who are just starting out in the kitchen. They also tend to be lightweight and come in a range of colors. However, plastic can be more prone to scratches and discoloration over time.
How to choose the right mixing bowl for your recipe?
The mixing bowl you use can make a big difference in how your recipe turns out. Here are some tips for choosing the right mixing bowl for your needs:
Consider the Size: For most recipes, you'll want a mixing bowl that's large enough to hold all the ingredients with some room to spare. However, for smaller tasks like whisking a sauce or dressing, a smaller mixing bowl may be more convenient. If you're not sure what size to get, choose a medium or large bowl that can be used for a variety of recipes.
Think About the Material: The material you choose depends on what you'll be using the mixing bowl for. Stainless steel or plastic bowls are great for everyday mixing and stirring. Glass bowls are perfect for recipes where you want to see the color and texture of the ingredients change as you mix. Ceramic bowls are stylish but can be heavier and more fragile. Avoid aluminum bowls which can react with acidic ingredients.
Evaluate the Shape: A round bowl is a classic choice, but other shapes like square or rectangular bowls can be useful too. Square and rectangular bowls are ideal for tasks like folding ingredients where a flat bottom is helpful. However, round bowls typically offer more volume and are easier to clean.
Consider Special Features: Some mixing bowls come with additional features like pour spouts for drizzling sauces or non-slip bases for stability. If you make a lot of recipes that require pouring or stirring, these extra features can be quite useful. However, they are not necessary and will depend on your specific needs.
Following these tips will help you choose a mixing bowl that's perfectly suited for your recipe. With the right bowl, mixing and preparing your favorite dishes can be even more enjoyable.
What is the proper care and maintenance of mixing bowls?
Taking proper care of your mixing bowls helps extend their lifespan and performance. One of the easiest ways to maintain your mixing bowls is by cleaning them after each use. It is recommended to wash them by hand with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive detergents or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface and damage the finish of your bowls.
Another important tip for maintaining your mixing bowls is to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures. Do not place them in the microwave or oven unless they are specifically designed for high-temperature use. Additionally, avoid storing acidic or highly concentrated ingredients in your mixing bowls, as they can change the color or damage the finish.
When storing your mixing bowls, try to keep them in a dry and cool environment away from direct sunlight. This will prevent rust and discoloration. You can also stack them together to save space, just make sure they are completely dry before stacking to prevent any trapped moisture.
By following these tips, you can keep your mixing bowls clean, durable, and in excellent condition for years. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best care and maintenance of your specific type of mixing bowls.
Conclusion
The last thing to know about mixing bowls is that they are essential in the kitchen – you really can't do without them! So make sure you don't skimp on them and get some bowls of both metal and glass so you have variety. Keeping them up is no trouble either, as long as you remember to not let food ingredients sit too long or anything like that. That's why everyone should have a good old-fashioned set of mixing bowls in their kitchen – for comfort, convenience, versatility, and most importantly fun!
Whether it's making pancake batter or a trifle dessert, their multi-tasking role will never be forgotten. And one more word of advice – stay away from cheap Chinese plastic ones that are too light - there's no better feeling than having decent weight when mixing those large batches of flour in your sturdy bowl!
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Mixing Bowls on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Mixing Bowls - Reviews
The Best
REGILLER - Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, Non-Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom.
Product information
When it comes to mixing bowls, you want something that is durable, functional, and stylish. Our premium stainless steel mixing bowls tick all the boxes with their high-quality construction, measurement lines, and non-slip silicone bottoms. Made of premium stainless steel, our mixing bowls resist dents and are rust-proof, offering long-lasting performance. The mirror finishes inside and brushed finish outside design give them a sleek look that's perfect for any kitchen.
With measurement lines for 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5, and 7 quarts, our bowls are designed to be stackable for easy storage and carry. The non-slip silicone bottoms prevent the metal bowls from slipping or sliding, making them ideal for mixing, beating, and whipping. They also protect your desk from high temperatures, preventing any damage. Colorful and easy to identify, our multicolor stainless steel bowls bring a fresh pop of color to your kitchen. They're perfect for everyday use on your home table, ideal for whisking eggs, mixing dessert, baking batters, cake dough, tossing salads, and marinating. The deepening basin type also ensures that you can mix ingredients without any splash, keeping your workspace clean and tidy.
Invest in our premium stainless steel mixing bowls, and you'll have the ultimate kitchen essential at your fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, these bowls will make food preparation a breeze.
These silicone-bottomed bowls are great! They stay wherever you put them. No sliding or moving while mixing. A few users said that they should have purchased this set long ago. We love to use them to mix up the cake batter and frosting. There are so many uses for them and they clean easily.
A few customers said that they didn't receive any lids with the set of bowls. They said that these bowls are advertised on Amazon as coming with air-tight lids and they did not come with any lids at all. Some mentioned that they have a metallic smell that is awful and overpowers everything else. Others said that they didn't get the 7 qtr bowl.
Our Thoughts - Sorry but we have checked the ad and it doesn't say anything about lids, and the photos don't show lids.
Very Good
Product information
If you're in need of high-quality mixing bowls for your kitchen, look no further than our 3-piece stainless steel mixing bowl set. This set includes three bowls in varying sizes, making them perfect for a range of tasks. The 1.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl is ideal for whisking eggs or making salad dressings, while the 3-quart mixing bowl is perfect for use with electric mixers. The largest mixing bowl, at 5 quarts, is designed for doubling recipes, tossing salads, and serving popcorn. No matter what your recipe calls for, our mixing bowls have you covered!
Constructed with stainless steel interiors, our mixing bowls won't retain odors or colors. The white plastic exteriors also shield your hands from extreme heat, making them comfortable to hold even when mixing hot ingredients. Non-skid bottoms stabilize the bowls while mixing, even when tilted, making them ideal for chilling and marinating. As an added bonus, our mixing bowls nest for compact storage and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Upgrade your kitchen with our 3-piece stainless steel mixing bowl set and get ready to cook like a pro.
Some users said that they are extremely happy with the Oxo bowls. The bottom sits nicely on the countertop and doesn't slide around. They are also not as heavy as they may appear. Nowhere near the weight of glass mixing bowls.
Long-time users: "Bought over 10 years ago and we use them and put them through the dishwasher many times a week. They're still white on the outside. The rubber bottom has not deteriorated and we still enjoy how useful that feature is. Great bowls."
A few users said that these are not dishwasher safe. Apparently, water can be heard splashing between the plastic covering and the stainless steel. Some customers received damaged and used bowls.
Our Thoughts - Grips on the bottom of the bowls are nice but sometimes a bit irritating. Beautifully made and a pleasure to use. Worth the premium.
Good Value
Product information
Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, Pyrex 3-piece round glass bowl set is a must-have for any kitchen. This set includes three bowls in different sizes, perfect for all types of food preparation, baking, and home entertainment. Made of high-quality tempered glass, these bowls are not only durable but also resist stains and odors, ensuring that they will stay looking new for years to come. With Pyrex, you can worry less about scrubbing hard to get rid of stains or any funny smells.
Our glass bowls are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making them low maintenance and easy to use. You can store your leftovers for tomorrow or warm your food without holding back. As an added bonus, this set comes with a limited warranty. So, you can use it with utmost confidence.
A trusted brand loved by generations of cooks, Pyrex glassware products is affordable and great for all cooking, serving, and storing needs. Upgrade your kitchen with the Pyrex 3-piece round glass bowl set, and get ready to prepare and entertain with ease.
From many happy users: These are really nice. The metal-type mixing bowls work well but after trying glass ones, they are heavier and don't "spin" around when mixing things, which is nice. Purchased these bowls for baking, and recently used them to make peasant bread. Used the largest bowl to mix the recipe and the other two to bake the bread. They stood well to the heat of the oven and turned out some perfect evenly cooked golden brown bread.
Great bowls. Good quality. They will last and can be passed on to the next generation. These bowls are absolutely amazing. Very sturdy and easy to mix in almost anything.
Some customers received chipped bowls. There is also a warning about customers receiving fake/counterfeit Pyrex bowls. The stamps o the bowls are all blurry and the glass has a cheap grey tint to it, sharp edges, visible chips, defects, and air bubbles throughout. A few customers said that the customer service is terrible and almost non-existent.
Our Thoughts - Amazon please check what companies are selling. These bowls are sold by and fulfilled by Amazon. Could they be tempered glass mixing bowls?
We honestly think you can never go wrong with Pyrex (if it's not fake) products.
Good
Product information
Add a touch of elegance to your kitchen with our uniquely designed patterned ceramic mixing bowls. Each bowl is crafted with exquisite craftsmanship that makes them a unique and striking addition to any table setting. Besides enhancing the appearance of your kitchen, these bowls also stimulate your appetite and make every meal an enjoyable experience.
Our 3-piece set of 3.7/2/1-quart capacity bowls is perfect for any kitchen use. The largest bowl is great for mixing dough, cookies, or prepping recipes. The middle bowl doubles as a serving dish for salads and fruits, while the smallest bowl is an excellent choice for cereal, soup, or snacks.
Our mixing bowls have a stackable design that helps save space in your kitchen cabinets. When not in use, they can be stacked on top of each other, which makes them a perfect match for small kitchens. These bowls are also easy to clean and are dishwasher safe. They can easily survive infinite rinse, wash, and dry cycles without getting damaged. Alternatively, you can wash them by hand with soap and warm water.
Made of high-temperature ceramic, our mixing bowls are healthier than plastic mixing bowls as they are completely free of harmful materials, cadmium, or lead. This means that you can enjoy healthy food with peace of mind.
Our bowls are oven, dishwasher, and microwave-safe, which means that you can safely reheat food or even bake a cake in the oven. No matter where you use them, these elegant and functional mixing bowls are perfect for enhancing the beauty and functionality of your kitchen. They also make the perfect gift choice for Christmas and Thanksgiving, with their vibrant color and smooth finish.
Not quite as big as we expected but they will do a great job. They are so pretty and we love them. These bowls are very beautiful. Some customers said that after they had ordered them, they discovered DOWAN have matching plates, pasta bowls, dessert bowls, etc. They love the design so much that they plan on ordering other matching products.
A few users found that using a bowl in the microwave cracked. After tried contacting the manufacturer and all they kept telling them via email was that the bowl are safe to 270 C… and offered nothing more. How do you know the temp of your microwave oven? They called Amazon and described the situation, then Amazon decided to refund their money.
Our Thoughts - Beautiful colors and perfect for a salad, pasta bowl or to mix things in. They can be used for almost anything.
Good
Product information
If you're looking for high-quality stainless steel mixing bowls, our set of 1-1/2-Quart, 3-Quart, and 5-Quart sized bowls is perfect for you. These bowls are dishwasher, freezer, and refrigerator safe, making them easy to clean and store. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, our mixing bowls are durable and resist scratches, stains, and odors. Invest in our set and take your cooking skills to the next level!
These are the most versatile sturdy everyday mixing bowls. Also, thanks to the tight-fitting lids, they can be used as storage containers for diced vegetables and as storage bowls for leftover meals (soups, chili; pasta casseroles) - with easy/breezy clean up and no lingering smells. Moreover, each mixing bowl is clearly marked, on the bottom, with the capacity.
Premium quality + singular design + accurate size/capacity + multipurpose functionality = great mixing set of bowls.
A few users said that after less than a year, the stainless steel mixing bowls started to rust. That's right, rust. Some mentioned that the outer surface material started to peel off while hand washing them. However, Cuisinart came to the rescue and replace them. Other users decided to remove the outer white material completely. So now they have stainless bowls without the white outer surface.
Our Thoughts - Exactly what mixing bowls need to be: useful sizes, good shape, sturdy stainless steel, with the added bonus of good lids.
Good
Product information
Invest in our top-rated set of mixing bowls and take your cooking skills to the next level. Made with thicker stainless steel, these bowls can last a lifetime and remain lightweight and easy to handle. The non-toxic and nonslip silicone bottom keeps the bowl from moving around no matter how energetically you mix.
Our set of mixing bowls comes in various sizes, including 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5 quarts. With etched measurements that double as measuring cups, meal preparation has never been easier! You can effortlessly mix and measure ingredients in the same mixing bowl, eliminating the need for multiple utensils and saving time.
Our mixing bowl set also includes tight-fitting BPA-free lids that help keep your food fresh for longer. These lids are of high quality and do not contain any harmful materials. Additionally, our premium mixing bowl set is dishwasher safe, allowing you to save time on the cleanup process. The lids should be washed by hand to maintain their quality.
Upgrade your cooking experience with our premium quality mixing bowl set and enjoy the convenience of mixing, measuring, and storing all in one easy-to-use dish. Our bowls are constructed to last and our design ensures you can use them without hassle.
These bowls are beautiful and the lids are an added bonus. The lids fit well and the "rubber/silicon" on the bottom does a good job of keeping them steady while you're mixing. They are not made of thin stainless steel like some cheaper bowls, well worth the money.
A few users mentioned that they only had these bowls for about two months and will be throwing them away. The inside of some of the bowls is "chipped" in various places all the way through to the black rubber on the bottom.
These bowls have never been in the dishwasher - only hand washed. No sharp tools have been used to mix items. The lids do not fit securely - not airtight at all. Also, the bowls appear to be permanently stained.
Our Thoughts - The chipped bowl as mentioned above is not really a chip that came off. Stainless Steel doesn't chip as such. We think that it may be cavities when the stainless steel was produced.
Good
Product information
If you are looking to simplify your kitchen and streamline your cooking routine, look no further than our 6-piece set of colorful, plastic mixing bowls. With 6 different sizes ranging from 5.28 to 0.29Qt, these bowls complement your cooking and make meal prep a breeze. They are ideal for making salads, preparing food, mixing batters, or storing and serving meals.
Meant for everyday use, these mixing bowls are perfect for your home table and can also double as go-to containers for side dishes, dressings, and sauces. You can get creative and use them for various purposes.
Our bowls are designed to help you save counter space, as they can nest in each other. This makes it easy to keep them in a corner of your kitchen and access them whenever you need to. You can easily store them in a small cabinet or drawer.
Made of high-quality, BPA-free plastic, you and your family can use our mixing bowls with peace of mind. They are durable, lightweight, and easy to clean, ensuring that they stand up to the rigors of daily use. Additionally, our mixing bowl set is dishwasher safe, making them very convenient for fast and easy clean-up.
Invest in our set of colorful plastic mixing bowls and experience the convenience of simplifying your kitchen routine, making cooking more comfortable, and saving space and time.
Happy users said that they absolutely love these bowls. They are sturdy and easy to clean. They wanted a cheap set and this is perfect. They are lightweight and the sizes are nice to choose from. They are also dishwasher safe and for the price better than other mixing bowls.
The lids do not fit the bowls, at all! Much lighter weight than expected. Not sturdy enough for mixing, more like a storage-type bowl but without any lids. The manufacturer's ad said these were dishwasher and microwave safe, but there are no markings to indicate that. A few users said that they wanted something a little studier and heavier.
Our Thoughts - The comment about the lids not fitting the bowls. We didn't see anywhere on the ad where lids are part of the kit. For the price, these bowls are definitely worth it. They are sturdy and easy to wash.
Good
Product information
Take your cooking to the next level with our set of high-quality stainless steel mixing bowls. Each bowl is crafted with heavy gauge stainless steel, making it resistant to rust and durable for long-lasting use. Featuring a mirror finish interior and fingerprint-proof exterior, you can use them with peace of mind.
Our mixing bowls come in larger sizes, which is perfect for serving larger portions or mixing large batters. The set includes bowls in sizes 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.5, and 7 quarts, giving you flexibility and less mess when mixing, tossing salads, washing vegetables, marinating, and storing food items.
Cleaning these bowls is a breeze. The silver bowls feature a shiny interior and fingerprint-proof satin exterior, making them easy to clean by hand. The non-slip silicone bottoms ensure that the bowls stay put when mixing, beating, and whipping.
These bowls also come with tight-fitting lids made of flexible BPA-free plastic, ensuring your food stays fresh when stored. The colorful lids look great and create a secure seal, making them perfect for food storage. Our set of stainless steel mixing bowls is perfect for anyone who loves to cook and keep their ingredients organized and fresh.
From happy customers: When they these, they couldn't believe their price. They thought they would be very low-quality but they aren't. Great mixing bowls, awesome value, love the weighted rubber bottom the most!
Absolutely perfect - so much lighter than glass bowls which is a plus. They stay in place when mixing and are easy to clean. Love these mixing bowls and for the price, they are as good as the best mixing bowls! The silicone bottom is amazing. The lids are a wonderful touch!
Some users said that they found flaws and imperfections like dents, scratches, and black smudges on the silicone bottom that wouldn't wash off. A few users mentioned that the lids don't seal properly.
Quality - the bowls are very lightweight compared to the much thicker ones.
Lids - none of the lids close securely on any of the bowls.
Scratches - the inside of bowls scratches very easily.
Customer Service - Wrote to the seller about my issues asking for a refund. The response was timely but just said "Thanks for your purchase and support of the product." Never addressed the issues with their product or my request for a refund.
Our Thoughts - These bowls are great! no rust, lids fit great, easy to wash and the storage is a BIG plus.
FAQs
Why do all chefs use stainless steel bowls?
Stainless steel bowls are a popular choice among professional chefs for several reasons. First and foremost, stainless steel is a durable and high-quality material that can withstand heavy use in a busy kitchen. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and odors, making it a hygienic choice.
Another reason why chefs prefer stainless steel bowls is that they are non-reactive. This means that they do not react chemically with acidic foods or alter the flavor of your ingredients, ensuring the taste of your food remains consistent. Additionally, they are heat resistant and can be used in a variety of cooking methods, including baking, frying, and mixing.
Stainless steel bowls are also dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and sanitize between uses. They do not have to be specially treated or maintained or have to worry about cracking or chipping like glass or ceramic bowls.
Overall, stainless steel bowls are a versatile and durable option that can handle a variety of kitchen tasks. They are a staple among professional chefs and a popular choice for home cooks looking for durable and high-quality mixing bowls that will last.
Is a stainless steel bowl good to toss a salad?
When it comes to tossing a salad, choosing the right bowl can make all the difference. Many people opt for glass or plastic bowls, but did you know that a stainless steel bowl is actually the best choice? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using a stainless steel bowl for salad tossing and why it should be your go-to bowl. So, if you want to elevate your salad game, keep reading!
Can orange juice, lemon, and/or acidic drinks be put in stainless steel flasks for drinking?
Stainless steel flasks are safe for drinking acidic drinks like orange juice, lemon, and vinegar. These flasks are made of high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and does not react with acidic liquids like plastic or aluminum might. However, it is important to properly care for your stainless steel flask to ensure it lasts a long time and to avoid any adverse reactions to the acidic drink. Rinse the flask with warm water and baking soda after use and avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on the flask.
