Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Consider When Buying Mixing Bowls?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Every cook setting up a kitchen will need a set of mixing bowls. Whether she is scrambling eggs for breakfast or making a cake, she will find a need for mixing bowls. With all the varieties around, the search may be confusing.

The first thing a cook will need to consider is what materials the bowls are made of. Mixing bowls come in glass, plastic, stainless steel, copper, ceramic, pottery and wood. Material may be determined by use or by personal preference.

It's often best to buy microwave-safe mixing bowls.
It's often best to buy microwave-safe mixing bowls.

Some cooks may prefer the lighter weight of plastic or the durability of stainless steel. Each material has its pros and cons. Cooks who use the microwave fairly often may opt for plastic or glass mixing bowls. Plastic melts occasionally, however, so caution is necessary when using these in the microwave. Some cooks swear by metal, ceramic or pottery mixing bowls.

A wood mixing bowl.
A wood mixing bowl.

Most mixing bowls come in sets with several different sizes included. This allows a cook to choose the bowl that best fits the cooking job at hand. However, mixing bowls are also sold separately, and there is an advantage to this. If a cook finds that he uses the microwave for jobs such as melting butter or softening cream cheese, he can buy a complete set of mixing bowls in his preferred material, such as stainless steel, and a smaller single bowl made of a microwave-safe material.

People who use the microwave often may want to use glass mixing bowls.
People who use the microwave often may want to use glass mixing bowls.

Mixing bowls are not usually crammed with special features, but some come with lids, which is helpful. There is a mixing bowl available that has a lid with a hole in the top. The idea is that the cook can mix items in the bowl using an electric mixer, and the bowl’s contents will not spray out. That’s a mixing bowl for gadget hounds.

Mixing bowls are available wherever kitchen items are sold. People buy mixing bowls at department stores, discount stores and high-end kitchen supply stores. They range in price from 15 US dollars (USD) for a basic plastic set to over 75 USD for a deluxe metal or pottery set from a kitchen store. A beginning cook should look for a set of mixing bowls that is reasonably priced and has at least four different-sized bowls.

Discussion Comments

wander

If you like the durability of plastic you can find many microwave safe mixing bowls. They usually come in different sized sets and are great for everyday use.

It is nice to work with a mixing bowl that won't break if you drop it and that is easy to clean. An additional benefit of plastic mixing bowls is that they are more likely to come at a lower cost. The set I purchased was a good size and much cheaper than the glass, wood and metal bowls.

Plus, a lot of the plastic mixing bowls come with lids, which is extra handy.

Sara007

When you are considering buying mixing bowls you should think about how they will look on display. I have found a lot of the sets to be too large to fit in the average cupboard.

If you buy a nice porcelain set or one in copper, you can use them as an accessory on your countertop. Often you can find matching measuring cups and canisters and create an entire look.

If you are not keen on displaying your bowls, I would measure your cupboard before you head to the store, some mixing bowls can be surprisingly large. One of the biggest downsides of having them on display is having to wipe them down before use, as they collect dust.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • It's often best to buy microwave-safe mixing bowls.
      It's often best to buy microwave-safe mixing bowls.
    • A wood mixing bowl.
      By: Juan Jose Gutierrez
      A wood mixing bowl.
    • People who use the microwave often may want to use glass mixing bowls.
      By: caimacanul
      People who use the microwave often may want to use glass mixing bowls.
    • A ceramic mixing bowl.
      By: auremar
      A ceramic mixing bowl.
    • Mixing bowls may range in price from 15 US dollars to 75 US dollars.
      By: VL@D
      Mixing bowls may range in price from 15 US dollars to 75 US dollars.