Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
6-piece set nesting type of mixing bowls
Food-grade, durable, fingerprint-proof stainless steel
Dishwasher- and freezer- safe design
Wide rolled rim and stable flat bottom
Pyrex Smart Essentials Mixing Bowl
6-piece set of covered mixing bowls
Stain-proof, odor-resistant nonporous Pyrex glass
Dishwasher-, oven-, microwave-, and freezer- safe design
Spill-proof cover
Tovolo Stainless Steel Deep Mixing Bowl
1.5-quart capacity mixing bowl
BPA-free, durable stainless steel construction
Rolled lip and flat bottom
Dishwasher-safe
If you’ve only just started your culinary journey, you might understandably be under the impression that mixing bowls are all the same and that it doesn’t matter which you decide to purchase. Not so! Every mixing bowl comes with its own advantages and disadvantages and all of these depend on the type of chef you are, and what outcome you want for your chosen cooking niche.
Below, we discuss the best mixing bowls on the market, as well as why you will love them as much as we do. We’ve also included our buying guide, so you can get to grips with the basics of bowls and decide on which item is the best for you.
The Best Mixing Bowl
1
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
These were first brought to our attention by their incredibly high rating- with over 3,000 confirmed purchases through Amazon alone, and we were shocked to find out the price of these very in-demand stainless-steel mixing bowls by FineDine. Being one of the cheapest options online and so immensely popular with buyers, we knew this was top pick material but seeing all the extra features made this 6-piece set shoot to the top of our list.
Aside from looking amazing, these polished steel bowls come with a rounded lip for drip-free pouring and are lightweight enough for use by anyone, while remaining durable and versatile enough for even professional cooks to use them without complaint.
Indeed, these bowls can fulfil almost any cooking need you might have and a freezer safe as an added benefit. Whether you’re marinating meats, cooking up cookies or trying your hand at creating fresh bread, these are a great set, available at a great price and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
- BrandFineDine
- ModelFD-SK101
- Weight2 pounds
2
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set
If you’re willing to spend a little more, then we can heartily recommend these OXO mixing bowls, as they come with some nice little features that make cooking and baking that little bit easier. Take the handles for example, which are a great addition if you enjoy using a hand whisk that can usually knock your bowl in circles. This is used in combination with the rubber base which stops your mixing bowls from skidding around the countertop and makes it much easier for hands with a little less grip to cook and bake without worry.
Despite looking and acting like a heavy-duty bowl, this set of three are surprisingly lightweight (due to the plastic material) and are perfect for those might favor a lighter bowl but want the same durability and versatility that heavier bowls can offer. They are BPA-free, come with a handy pouring spout for a no-drip tip and are dishwasher-safe- making these one of the easiest, cleanest bowls to work with.
- BrandOXO
- Model1066421
- Weight2.8 pounds
3
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Here at Kitchenistic, we’re huge fans of Cuisinart for providing really high-quality goods at amazing prices. These stainless-steel mixing bowls with lids are no different, as they provide a great, dishwasher and freezer-safe option with tight-fitting lids that make these a very versatile option. While there have been some complaints about the lid being a little too tight, removing these will become easier with regular use.
Being made of stainless-steel, these bowls are very lightweight and can even be used for pop-in-pot cooking and are oven-proof, when the lids aren’t on. Don’t let the lightweight label put you off, however, as these are a very durable option that can handle a little rough work in the kitchen.
There are a couple of downsides to these, however, as shown by complaints from customers that their batch has begun to rust- something that shouldn’t happen with high-quality stainless-steel. In all likelihood, this is due to an issue with the galvanizing process (in which a zinc oxide layer is added to prevent rusting) and is probably resolved now, as we notice the most recent reviews don’t mention this.
- BrandCuisinart
- ModelCTG-00-SMB
- Weight3.9 pounds
4
Pyrex Smart Essentials Mixing Bowl
Being an absolute staple of the kitchen since 1915, it’s hard to find any list regarding containers or kitchen cookware that doesn’t mention Pyrex. Indeed, these Pyrex mixing bowls are no different when it comes to the quality, durability and ease-of-use that has become synonymous with the name.
Being suitable for use in ovens, microwaves, dishwashers and freezers, these are one of the most heavy-duty mixing bowl sets that you’ll find on our list as they can be just about used anywhere. Add to that, the non-porous, tempered glass is less likely to stain, withhold food or keep odors trapped and you have one of the best mixing bowl sets on the market.
This mixing bowl set also comes with BPA-free lids, although these are only dishwasher-safe, which means they’re also ideal for storing food- handy when you have some meats to marinate or leftovers after dinner. Just be aware that these are wider than deeper, so be sure that they’ll fit into your cupboards and fridge before purchasing.
- BrandPyrex
- Model1085308
- Weight9.1 pounds
5
Tovolo Stainless Steel Deep Mixing Bowl
A great option for those looking for a heavy-duty stainless-steel option is the deep mixing bowl from Tovolo. With rolled edges for drip-free pouring and a dishwasher-safe material, these are super easy to clean down after a hard days baking, all while looking sleek with a brushed steel finish on the outside of the bowl.
The depth of these bowls, along with the hard-wearing material, makes them a great choice for people who like to steam their food, as they can easily fit into pressure cookers and over pans, without fear of them melting. All-in-all, these are the perfect choice for those who are serious about their cooking and like their bowls to be as versatile as they can be, in the kitchen.
- BrandTovolo
- Model80-15750
- Weight1.85
6
DOWAN Porcelain Mixing Bowl
This FDA-approved, porcelain mixing bowl set is perfect for the user that likes to add a little flair to their presentation. They come with a surprising versatility, being oven and dishwasher-safe, and microwavable to boot (although you should be aware that these will get very hot in the microwave as they hold heat very well).
You should know, however, that these larger mixing bowls are focused on the diameter of the bowl, as opposed to the depth, so be sure that your new bowls will fit in your cupboards or that you have an appropriate place to store them, before purchasing. Still, these are great for presentation purposes too, as the clean lines and white look with a wider capacity make for a much more aesthetically pleasing option.
- BrandDowan
- Weight4.97 pounds
7
Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowls
If you prefer the benefits of glass but want the lighter option of plastic, these melamine mixing bowls could be just the ticket. The set of three mixing bowls are brightly colored, with an easy-pour spout on one side, with a slight handle on the other, so you can maintain control of your cooking, every step of the way.
These aren’t particularly large mixing bowls, but they’re just right for the occasional baker or for someone who wants a hard-wearing bowl to hand at any stage of their cooking. They nest perfectly for storing away and don’t hold onto to food stains or odors in the same way that plastic would, yet have the same shatter-proof properties that users love.
- BrandTrudeau
- Model0993010A
- Weight2.55 pounds
8
Fox Run Large Mixing Bowl
Available in a range of sizes that nest together for easy storage, these stainless-steel mixing bowls are one of the most popular options online, today. They’re dishwasher-safe, have a rounded lip for a no-drip pour and come with a perfectly flat base to help keep your bowl in place during mixing, too.
The biggest benefit to this large mixing bowl is the depth of the bowl itself. Being smaller in diameter means you can easily use this mixing bowl within other items in the kitchen- the most popular choice being a pressure cooker. Just be sure that you give this bowl a good clean before you use it for the first time, as some users have mentioned a residue being left when they first started to use it.
- BrandFox Runn
- Model7328
- Weight9.6 ounces
9
Gourmet Home Products Polypropylene Mixing Bowl
For those who want a large set of mixing bowls, without paying over the odds for the privilege, these BPA-free, non-toxic plastic mixing bowls could be just the ticket. While there’s nothing exceptional about this set, they do come in a range of sizes- in fantastic, bright colors- which means pretty much every bowl requirement you could possibly have will always be fulfilled.
The set of 6 nests together for easy storage and are dishwasher, microwave and freezer-safe which makes them one of the most versatile options on our list. Overall, these are ideal for family bakers who would like a set of bowls that will suit them at any point, for any occasion.
- BrandGourmet Home Products
- Model138427
- Weight1.1 pounds
10
Tovolo Tight Seal Mixing Bowls
These stainless-steel mixing bowls with lids from Tovolo come with some really handy little features, such as the thumb ring for added stability. It also comes with markings along the side of the bowl, so you can get your measurements just right and can even measure out your food in the bowl itself- meaning less clean-up for you. They’re also dishwasher-safe, which cuts down on the cleaning time even further.
These are bowls that have been well thought through during the design, as they have a rolled lip for less drips and are extra-deep, so you can take up less space in terms of diameter, while still being able to fill up to 5Qt of goods.
- BrandTovolo
- Model81-1947C
- Weight2.65 pounds
Best Mixing Bowls Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying Mixing Bowls
- Material
One of the biggest factors you should look for when it comes to any cookware is the material. The right material should be non-reactive, have a weight that makes it easier to conform with your cooking style and can resist odors and stains. The most common materials for these bowls are:
- Ceramic mixing bowls
- Glass mixing bowls
- Stainless-steel mixing bowls
- Plastic mixing bowls
- Melamine mixing bowls
- Copper mixing bowls
We’ll get more in-depth with glass vs metal mixing bowls later, as these are probably the most chef-friendly options and the ones you’ll come across the most.
- Size
Unless you’re a fan of making dough in a soup-sized bowl, the size of your bowl is probably a key factor in what mixing bowl you’d like to get. A large mixing bowl is naturally going to be able to fit a lot more within its depths, whereas smaller bowls make for better serving as they look a lot neater on the table mat.
If you can’t decide, it may be worth choosing a mixing bowl set, instead. These will usually come with a range of different sizes for your needs and have the benefit of being better value for money, overall. They’re also super handy for those larger meals, where you can have meats marinating in one bowl, as you whip up a storm in another, as an example.
- Use and convenience
If you’re looking for a bowl, then it’s likely that you already know what you’re going to use it for. Are you after something that is easier for kids to use, or are you testing your professional culinary skills? Will your mixing bowl be used daily, or occasionally? Will you be storing your dough or ingredients in there, before it’s ready to cook? Once you know the answer to some of these questions, you’ll likely begin to learn what kind of bowl your after- see also: Convenience.
How convenient each mixing bowl set is, is dependent on your use. If you managed to answer the questions above, then it’s worth checking out the convenience factors, below. Remember that there’s a bowl for everyone as they all come with their own handy features and designs, so don’t forget that there’s no such thing as being “too picky” when you’re looking for your next cookware.
- Weight
If you’re likely to be using your new mixing bowl with kids, then you can go for either a very heavy bowl- which is unlikely to move when they’re mixing but just as difficult for them to life- or a lighter bowl. Lighter bowls tend to be made out of thinner materials but they’re easier to hold in the crook of your arm and are easier to hold up, when pouring out your batter, for example.
Similarly, if you struggle with heavier bowls, it’s only natural that you should go for a lighter bowl that is less likely to cause you any pain or excessive effort- especially when you need to pull it out from the back of the cupboard.
- Cleanliness
Another important feature is how well your dishes clean up. Plastic mixing bowls may be light and dishwasher-friendly, but they will also hold onto food stains and odors, which can then contaminate your next dish. Ideally, you would be able to select a mixing bowl that is dishwasher-safe but is non-reactive- so, no rust or stains.
You should also check for any intricate designs across your bowls, which can hold dirt and debris within the smaller dips and bumps across the sides. Naturally, these aren’t especially hygienic and can take a lot longer to clean.
- Durability and versatility
Accidents happen and, if you’re likely to have your mixing bowl for a while, it’s more than likely you will drop your cookware from time to time. There are also likely damages that occur from other pots and pans as you wash your dishes or store them away. Having a durable mixing bowl means your cookware will be more forgiving and less likely to shatter.
Durable bowls are also more likely to be oven-proof and dishwasher-safe, as they can handle changes in temperature. This gives you more freedom when it comes to creating new dishes, that often require being stored in the fridge, or cooked in the bowl for presentation purposes.
- Storage
Naturally, you don’t want your bowl to be so big that it can’t be put away. Check the depth and width of your cupboards before you buy and be sure to check the diameter or dimensions of the bowls you purchase, to ensure they can easily fit into your cupboards without catching the door.
This is especially important when buying sets, which will likely need to be stacked on top of each other. Of course, some bowls happily nest together, and silicone and plastic bowls can sometimes even completely collapse, so they can be kept in a kitchen drawer.
- Extra features
Naturally, there’s only so much you can add to mixing bowls before they lose some of their versatility and just become another kitchen gadget. That said, mixing bowls with lids and mixing bowls with handles are becoming increasingly popular, especially with those can struggle with their grip.
It’s also worth grabbing a mixing bowl with a rounded lip, which can discourage drips and slip-ups. Just be sure to clean under this lip when you pop your dish in the wash, otherwise there will a rather nasty build-up of old ingredients, which nobody wants.
Metal Vs. Glass Mixing Bowls
Metal and glass both share some great qualities- like being dishwasher-friendly and non-porous (so no odors or food can get into the material and cause stains and smells). However, there are a few differences you should consider, if you’re still on the fence about which material is best for you.
Let’s start with the metals; stainless-steel is one of the most popular options, as good quality stainless-steel is coated during production, to ensure it is completely non-reactive to any ingredients you might use. They’re also more likely to be dishwasher safe and oven proof, which can cut down on your washing while making things more convenient for cooking.
They’re also lightweight and super easy to handle- perfect for those tougher jobs that require a little more elbow grease. Finally, stainless-steel mixing bowls can easily deal with a little bit of rough handling- there’s no risk of your stainless-steel mixing bowl breaking- although it may dent a little.
In terms of baking, stainless-steel can handle whipping goods like egg whites and cream in a much better way than glass, ceramics, plastic and melamine- but not as well as copper. That’s because copper and stainless-steel create a better grip over the ingredients, while glass and plastic develop a layer of oil that stops the food from sticking to the sides, so it takes longer to whisk. Of course, this only matters if baking lighter foods is more important to you than heavier items like dough, for example.
The conductive properties of metal are also better for cooking and cooling, whereas glass mixing bowls hold heat in for longer and keep cold out, and vice versa. This is, in part, due to their lighter materials too- something that can be a bit of a disadvantage. Aside from the quicker cooling and heating working against you in some cases (such as when you’re working with pastry, as this turns out much better when kept cold), their lack of weight can make them less sturdy as you’re stirring. This can be negated with a handle, however, although if you prefer to use a hand mixer, you might be better off choosing a heavier material such as glass.
Glass has further benefits in that it is microwavable and is generally a better a choice for serving. Take the humble trifle, for example- being served in a glass mixing bowl allows you to wow your hungry guests, as they can see all of the layers available. If you do decide to opt for glass bowls, try to go for a tempered glass, which will make your new item more resistant to quick temperature changes, and less likely to shatter if you should drop it.
Metal summary:
- Good for oven cooking
- Not good for the microwave
- They can handle oily ingredients and batters, better.
- Lightweight
- Shatterproof
- Non-reactive
- Stainless steel can handle any food without contamination
Glass summary:
- Better for presentation
- Microwavable
- Heavier and more sturdy
- Non-reactive
- No grip along the sides makes it better for doughs and meats
Our Top Pick
We love the stainless-steel mixing bowls by FineDine because they’re sturdy, versatile, durable and easy to use and clean. The polished steel looks amazing in any kitchen and the set can easily nest for storage, if you aren’t an avid baker or cook. This is a set of 6 that can match pretty much any need you could possibly have for a set of mixing bowls, from the tiniest bowl which can easily hold spices and egg yolks, through the biggest bowls, which are perfect for large batches such as bread dough.
Being lightweight, they are great for those who might struggle with their grip, such as both younger and older folk who still want to enjoy cooking without lifting heavy glass bowls out of the cupboard. However, the longevity of these items hasn’t quite been verified by users, but there don’t seem to have been many complaints as yet- even with over 3,000 reviews!
Source:
- Best mixing bowls – on test - BBC Good Food
