Mixing bowls are essential kitchen tools that can be used for a wide range of cooking and baking tasks. They should be able to handle heavy mixing, heat, and storage.
The right mixing bowls can make your life easier, but you have to know what to look for. America’s test kitchen tested a variety of mixing bowls for performance, design, and value to find the best ones for your needs.
1. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
Whether you’re a professional baker or you just like to make cookies for the family, you need a good set of mixing bowls. Luckily, there are plenty of options available at all price points.
Stainless steel is the standard in professional kitchens, and it’s not only dependable but also non-reactive with ingredients, so it won’t impart a metallic taste to foods that require heavy mixing. It’s also easy to clean and dishwasher safe, so it doesn’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
If you prefer a softer, more decorative style, glass is another option. It’s attractive and see-through, and it’s generally safe for microwaving or washing in the dishwasher. It’s also lightweight, so it’s easy to hold and move around.
However, glass is prone to breaking if dropped on hard surfaces or hit too hard with a hand mixer. It’s less dependable than stainless steel and may react with acidic foods, so it’s not an ideal choice for serious bakers.
On the other hand, plastic bowls are a hybrid between glass and stainless steel, offering some of the best attributes of both. They’re lightweight and easy to handle, but they aren’t safe for use as a double boiler or in the microwave–so you might be better off with one of the more traditional stainless steel or glass options.
Cuisinart’s brushed stainless steel bowls come in a set of three with tight-fitting lids, making them ideal for mixing and storage. They’re also easy to transport to parties or potlucks. Their high, deep sides keep whatever you’re mixing inside the bowl, not on the counter. They also do well at whipping cream, but we recommend using a slightly larger bowl than you think you’ll need for a single serving.
2. KitchenAid Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
A great set of mixing bowls makes it easier to prepare all kinds of dishes from cake batter and cookie dough to savory sauces, salads and more. The smallest ones are designed to handle small tasks like beating eggs, while larger bowls are handy for a variety of purposes, from tossing ingredients for a stir-fry to storing leftovers after a meal.
Mixing bowls come in many different sizes and shapes, so you’re sure to find something that’s a perfect fit for your kitchen. They are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, glass and ceramic. Some also have handles and pour spouts, while others include inserts for grating and zesting as well as lids for storage.
They also come in a range of styles and designs, from classic to contemporary to whimsical. Some have hammered finishes, built-in measuring lines and hobnail details to make them stand out in your kitchen.
Regardless of the material, all mixing bowls are dishwasher safe and will resist rusting if not regularly oiled. They can also be hand-washed in warm water with mild detergent, though some will need to be oiled after long use to prevent them from drying out.
When shopping for mixing bowls, consider what you plan to use them for and the size of your mixer. Some bowls are designed to fit specific models of Kitchen Aid mixers, while others are sized to work with smaller or larger units.
You can also find stainless steel mixing bowls that have a nonporous surface to prevent them from reacting with food. While these bowls aren’t recommended for double-boiling, they’re ideal for making sauces, batters and other dense mixes that are prone to splattering. They’re also lightweight and can be handled by almost anyone.
3. Pyrex Smart Essentials Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids
Whether you’re trying to mix, serve or store, Pyrex has the glass bowl for you. The company’s smart glass is not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing and comes in many shapes and sizes. The Smart Essentials 6 piece glass mixing bowl set is the smartest way to go for those on a budget. The company also makes a variety of coordinating dishes in different colors and sizes. It’s no secret that the Pyrex name is synonymous with quality and reliability, so you can expect these to stand up to your culinary prowess for years to come.
When shopping for the best bowls, you’ll want to keep in mind the following tips and tricks. First, be sure to pick a bowl that has an airtight lid to ensure the contents remain fresh when you’re ready to eat. Secondly, opt for see-through glass containers to help you easily spot the ingredients that you’re working with and avoid cross contamination. Finally, it’s important to find the right sized bowls and make sure you use a lid that matches or is compatible with the one you chose. This will save you the trouble of having to buy an extra bowl in the future if you misplace yours.
4. Vitamix Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
If you’re a Vitamix owner, you might be wondering whether to upgrade your standard plastic containers with a metal model. There’s a few reasons to consider it, including aesthetics and concerns about plastic contacting your food.
The stainless-steel Vitamix container is odor-, taste-, and stain-resistant and dishwasher safe. It also has a wide mouth, which makes it easy to pour ingredients and whisk them together. It’s compatible with most Vitamix models, and the lid is BPA-free.
This set of six stainless-steel mixing bowls is a good choice for a range of culinary tasks. They’re sturdy, odor-resistant, and come in handy sizes from 3/4-quart up to 8 quarts.
They’re also great for transporting potluck or group meals, since you can mix up a large batch of side dish and then transfer it to a vessel with a lid. You can even use the smaller bowls for prepping salads and sides before assembling everything in the large bowl.
Unlike some other Vitamix containers, the handle of this stainless-steel set isn’t hot to the touch. It’s also non-skid, so you can keep your hands on the bowl while mixing.
In addition, these bowls have steep sides for mess-free hand mixing, and their lids are secure. They’re also BPA-free, so you can mix your Vitamix blends with confidence and then store them in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Another thing we liked about the Cuisinart set is that it has rolled lips, which makes it easy to grip and keep your hand in the bowl when you’re transferring ingredients from the top of the bowl to the bottom. This feature also helps to avoid spatter from dripping on your counter.
5. Bamboo Mixing Bowls with Lids
A good mixing bowl is an essential tool in any kitchen. It allows you to mix ingredients together without making a mess and helps ensure uniform aeration of dough or batters. A well-designed bowl also makes it easier to transport large batches of food or serve a dish at a dinner party.
A few factors to consider when buying a mixing bowl include the material it’s made of, size, and shape. A good mixing bowl is durable and shatterproof, easy to clean, and can be used for a wide variety of kitchen tasks. It’s also lightweight enough to be handled by one person.
Stainless steel is the most common type of mixing bowl material, and it’s typically durable and non-porous so it doesn’t react with the foods you mix. The material is also easy to handle, and most stainless steel mixing bowls are lightweight at large sizes.
Glass is another popular choice for mixing bowls, and it’s a good option because it’s safe for the dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes, so you can find the right one for your needs.
Bamboo is a popular alternative to glass or stainless steel because it’s eco-friendly, durable, and easy to clean. It’s also an excellent insulator, so it keeps ingredients warm longer than glass or stainless steel.
The best bamboo mixing bowls have a thick, rounded base for stability and a wide handle on top for hanging on to. They also have a pour spout to make it easy to pour batter or other liquid into the pan. These bowls are available in different sizes, and they’re BPA-free.
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