The Best Mixing Bowls

Buying Guide for Mixing Bowls

Why buy mixing bowls?

Like knives, pots, and pans, mixing bowls are essential to have on hand in any kitchen. Good mixing bowls are a must-have tool for mixing brownie batter, scrambling eggs, tossing a salad, or sorting measured ingredients. Because mixing bowls come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, it’s essential to have the right ones available for various tasks.

What should you look for in mixing bowls?

• Size: Consider the size of bowls you need in the set. Do you want a set with varying sizes or the same sizes? Also, make sure you can store the bowls in your kitchen easily. Mixing bowls in a set can often nest inside one another to save space during storage.
• Cleaning: Determine if the bowl is dishwasher-safe or hand wash only. Dishwasher-safe models will make for easier and quicker cleanup.
• Material: Plastic, glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are all common materials used to manufacture mixing bowls. Plastic is lightweight and child-safe but can stain or absorb odors. Glass and ceramic are oven- and freezer- safe, but they can be heavy. Professional chefs often recommend stainless-steel mixing bowls due to their durability and versatility.
• Features: Useful features you might find on some mixing bowls include spouts for pouring liquids, measurement markings, and handles to improve your grip. Additionally, rims or curled edges can help maintain a good grasp when you’re mixing or transporting the bowl.

What is a non-reactive mixing bowl?

A non-reactive bowl is made of a material that does not react chemically with acidic substances. Reactive bowls are often made of metal, such as copper or aluminum. When highly acidic foods, such as citrus, vinegar, or tomato sauces, are added to these bowls, they may react with the metal and cause the foods to have a metallic flavor. If you want a non-reactive metal, stainless steel is a good option because it doesn’t react with acids.

Our Picks for the Best Mixing Bowls

Pros: This gorgeous ombré plastic mixing bowl set comes with six nesting bowls that can be used for food prep, serving, and storing. Each mixing bowl comes with a lid and is top-rack dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and freezer-safe. The bowls can easily be transported for on-the-go use and are available in 18 different color schemes.

Cons: The lids tend to fit tightly on the bowls, which is good for keeping the food adequately sealed; however, it might cause difficulty when putting the lids on or removing them.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for lightweight plastic mixing bowls that are microwave and dishwasher-safe, include lids, and are BPA-free, these bowls from Cook with Color are worth considering. The pretty colors are a plus, so you can choose your favorite shade or pick a set to match your kitchen decor.

 

Pros: These stainless-steel bowls are sized for every task, ranging from 3/4 cup to 8 quarts. Mixing and prepping are made easy with these easy-to-clean metal bowls. The stainless-steel provides an elegant and functional look while making them odor-, stain-, and taste-resistant. The shatterproof bowls are lightweight and can be put in the freezer or dishwasher.

Cons: These bowls are quite lightweight and may not hold up well under heavy use with an electric mixer.

Bottom Line: These stainless-steel mixing bowls may be used for a variety of tasks in the kitchen. The nesting capability is perfect for space-saving and the ergonomic design will keep you comfortable while you’re whipping up sauces and batters.

 

Pros: With this set, you’ll get ten mixing bowls in sizes from 1 ounce to 3.5 quarts for a virtually unlimited range of uses. The nesting design means that you can store all ten bowls in the amount of space needed just for the largest one. They are made from durable, safe materials that will not warp, stain, retain odors, or emit chemicals into your food or beverages.

Cons: While the bowls are microwavable, it’s recommended that you proceed carefully. They can get very hot and you may experience cracks.

Bottom Line: This set of glass mixing bowls is great for anyone who loves to cook and is ideal as your go-to bowls for a variety of cooking and baking needs.

 

Pros: These slip-resistant bowls have pour spouts and wide handles for easy gripping and pouring. The set includes a 1-liter bowl, 1.5-liter bowl, 2-liter bowl, and 3-liter bowl—perfect for any culinary needs you may have. The bowls are top-rack dishwasher-safe, nest for easy storage, and are made of durable plastic that is food-safe and BPA-free.

Cons: The non-slip ring on the bottom of the bowls is removable and may come off when the bowls are being washed.

Bottom Line: These lightweight mixing bowls can help you transfer liquids with ease and confidence. The versatile sets come in nine different color schemes, so not only are they functional, they are also pretty.

 

Pros: With slip-resistant bottoms, the heavy-duty mixing bowls included in this set are intended to stay in place even during vigorous mixing by hand or with an electric mixer. The bowls include a spout, so you can pour liquids evenly and mess-free. The Gorilla Grip mixing bowls are dishwasher-safe, and when you’re all done with them, they nest inside one another for convenient storage.

Cons: These bowls are not microwave- or freezer-safe.

Bottom Line: Gorilla Grip mixing bowls are well-made and can help you effortlessly combine ingredients without chasing your bowl all over the counter. They are available in several attractive colors and are robust and lightweight so your work in the kitchen can be more efficient and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an expert chef or just cook because you need to eat, having the right equipment is an important aspect of the cooking experience. Mixing bowls, in particular, are necessary for creating and even serving or storing the food you crave. Keep our recommended mixing bowls in mind when you’re ready to update or add to your kitchen essentials.