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 can be heavy. Professional chefs often recommend stainless-steel mixing bowls due to their durability and versatility.
• Features: Useful features on mixing bowls include spouts for pouring liquids, measurement markings, and handles to improve grip. Rims or curled edges can also help maintain a good grasp when 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: 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 lightweight and may not hold 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 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 have a spout, so you can pour liquids evenly and mess-free. The Gorilla Grip mixing bowls are dishwasher-safe, and when you’re 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.

 

Pros: This versatile set includes 1-quart, 1.5-quart, and 2.5-quart round glass bowls, which allow you to mix various things—dips, baking ingredients, salads, and more. The glass bowls hold up to regular use without showing signs of wear. Plus, the glass bowls resist stains and odors. They are also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Cons: This set does not include the lids like other Pyrex sets.

Bottom Line: You can use these glass mixing bowls for just about anything and as often as you need to use them. They clean up easily, but this set needs lids for easy storage options.

 

Pros: This six-pack variety of mixing bowls includes different sizes, so you can mix anything you need in an appropriate bowl. Each bowl features a color-coded lid for easy, stackable storage. You can also choose sets with all the same lid colors if you prefer a more streamlined look. The bowls are made of high-quality heavy gauge stainless steel, which is heavy-duty and rustproof. The mixing bowls feature a mirror finish interior and fingerprint-proof exterior. The bowls feature flat silicone bases that prevent the metal bowls from slipping when mixing or whipping.

Cons: The lids are not air-tight like you may expect. These should be hand washed instead of cleaned in the dishwasher.

Bottom Line: This set of large mixing bowls feature a silicone bottom to make mixing easy and color-coded lids for easy storage. The high-quality stainless steel resists stains and odors, and is easy to clean, even though it must be washed by hand.

 

Pros: This convenient set includes two mixing bowls, one colander/strainer, one fine mesh sieve/sifter, and four measuring cups, including sizes 1 cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and ⅕ cup. These are made of 100% polypropylene and 100% BPA-free. This durable nesting bowl set is top-rack dishwasher safe (except for the sieve), making clean-up easy. This set is available in five colors, so you can choose what color suits your preference.

Cons: The smallest measuring cup is ⅕ instead of ¼. These may not hold up to intense and frequent use.

Bottom Line: While this set of mixing bowls and other accessories isn’t the most durable, it is lightweight and very affordable, making them a great option for young chefs and bakers. The set is made of BPA-free plastic and can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher to make cleaning a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an expert chef or a novice in the kitchen, 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.