How to choose the best mixing bowl
When choosing the best mixing bowl to buy, the first thing to think of is how you’ll use it – and how often you’ll access it. Do you prefer to hold the bowl? Will it need to go in the microwave, the oven or the dishwasher? If storage space is an issue, it’s worth considering nesting bowls that stack inside each other.
The main difference between mixing bowls is the type of material they’re made from (more on this below). Whichever material you choose will determine the weight, durability and price of your mixing bowls so get this right and you should be on to a winner.
What's the best material for mixing bowls?
Stainless steel bowls are a common choice in professional kitchens because they are lightweight, durable and easy to clean. On the downside, some people find their looks a bit too clinical and they can ‘clang’ when they come into contact with a hand mixer. They’re obviously a no-no for the microwave too.
Ceramic stoneware or enamel bowls tend to be microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, and they are usually very strong and durable. And if you like a homely country kitchen style look, these are just the ticket. One of the biggest plus points is that the enamelled surface doesn’t absorb or transfer food flavours or odours. Bear in mind that they are very heavy so you’ll need to think about where you can store and use them.
Plastic bowls are lightweight and usually cheaper than bowls made from other materials. They’re dishwasher and microwave safe too so are very convenient. They can show wear and tear over time though so you might find you need to replace them more often.
How many mixing bowls do I need?
You might get by with one good big mixing bowl but if you’re constantly whipping up new things in the kitchen and need a few different options, it’s probably a good idea to look at a set or some nesting bowls.
Are mixing bowls microwave- and dishwasher-safe?
This depends on the type of material they are made from. Most are dishwasher safe, but you should avoid putting stainless steel mixing bowls in the microwave.
What is the best mixing bowl to buy?
We think the Mason Cash Chip Resistant Earthenware 26cm Mixing Bowl is the best bowl you can buy right now. It’s attractive and durable and plenty of Mumsnetters vouch for the important role their Mason Cash bowls have played in helping them create delicious cakes and other culinary delights.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out what mixing bowls were being recommended. We then did some research across the wider web, looking at what mixing bowls had won accolades or been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best mixing bowls online at the moment.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here).