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If you’re looking for the best mixing bowls America’s Test Kitchen is a great place to start. We test and rate hundreds of products each year, so we can help you find the perfect bowl for your needs.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, we’ve got the info you need to make the best choices for your kitchen. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for mixing bowls!
Products Comparison Table
What is a Mixing Bowl?
A mixing bowl is an essential piece of kitchenware used for a variety of baking, cooking, and food prep activities. The most common types are made from glass, metal, or ceramic; each material has its individual properties that can affect the stirring and blending process.
Generally speaking, metal bowls tend to be more durable than glass or ceramic bowls; however, metal bowls conduct heat faster than other materials so they must be handled with care when working with hot ingredients.
Glass and ceramic bowls are great for tasks such as marinating in the refrigerator or warming ingredients in the microwave. All in all, a mixing bowl’s main purpose is to promote easy and efficient preparation of ingredients for any kind of recipe.
Types of the Mixing Bowl
Mixing bowls come in many sizes and styles to suit all types of kitchens. Whether you’re a professional chef or just like to dabble in some casual baking, there is a mixing bowl for every need.
Stainless steel
It is a popular choice for mixing bowls due to its durability and resistance to staining and rust. These bowls come in a variety of sizes, from small ones perfect for whisking eggs or making dressings, to large enough for kneading dough or stirring cake batter.
Glass
Glass bowls are often used when microwaving ingredients since they can tolerate high heat. They also keep foods cool while they’re being mixed, allowing you to work with colder ingredients without worrying about them melting.
Plastic
Plastic mixing bowls are great for outdoor use as they won’t break if dropped. They’re also very lightweight and can be easily stored when not in use. However, plastic is not ideal for high-heat applications due to its melting point.
Others
- Copper: Copper bowls are ideal for making meringues and other egg white-based recipes as copper helps to stabilize the egg whites.
- Ceramic: Ceramic mixing bowls are a great choice for heat-sensitive ingredients such as chocolate, as they will not affect the taste or texture of the food.
These are just some of the materials and styles you can choose from when selecting a mixing bowl. No matter what type of bowl you choose, it’s important to make sure it is both durable and easy to clean.
Benefits of Using a Mixing Bowl
One of the most important tools for bakers and chefs alike is a mixing bowl. The advantages of using one are numerous, from making your baking simpler to giving you more control over the ingredients in your recipes.
Mixing bowls can be made from materials such as glass, stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic so that food preparation is easier than ever before.
Not only do they keep ingredients from scattering around your workspace, but they also help to ensure that larger batches of dough and batters remain uniform in their consistency.
Good quality mixing bowls ensure even aeration for baking dough and provide ample space for tossing and stirring ingredients together.
Not needing to strain batter or dough over several bowls makes cleanup quicker and easier. All these features make a good mixing bowl an invaluable tool in any kitchen.
How to Choose the Best Mixing Bowl for your Kitchen?
When choosing the best mixing bowls america’s test kitchen, several factors should be taken into consideration.
Volume
The size of the bowl should be determined by how much you plan to make. If you only need a small bowl for whisking eggs, then a smaller bowl will do. But if you are making larger batches of dough or batter, then you should opt for a larger bowl.
Material
As mentioned earlier, each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but it can also be expensive.
Plastic bowls are lightweight, affordable, and great for outdoor use, but they will not withstand high heat.
Glass bowls are great for microwaving ingredients, while ceramic bowls provide a more stable surface for sensitive ingredients such as chocolate.
Bowl shape
The shape of the bowl is important depending on what you plan to make. A deep bowl will be better for kneading dough, while a wide shallow bowl is ideal for tossing salads or mixing ingredients.
Appliance Compatibility
Dishwasher: If you plan to wash your bowl in the dishwasher, make sure you choose a dishwasher-safe bowl.
Microwave: You should also consider if the bowl is microwave-safe, as some materials like plastic or glass can handle high heat better than others.
The 5 Best Mixing Bowls America’s Test Kitchen
America’s Test Kitchen conducted an extensive review of mixing bowls on the market and has provided a list of its top 5 picks.
#1. Cuisinart CTG-00-SMB stainless steel mixing bowls
These stainless steel bowls come in sizes ranging from 2 quarts to 8 quarts and can be stacked inside one another for easy storage. They have non-skid silicone bottoms that keep them stable while you mix, and they are also dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean
- Non-skid silicone bottoms keep the bowl stable while mixing
- Stackable design for easy storage
- Great and well-balanced lids
Cons
- Not microwave safe
#2. RSVP International Endurance Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
This set of stainless steel mixing bowls comes in four different sizes, ranging from 1 quart to 6 quarts. They are made from heavy-gauge 18/8 stainless steel and feature a flat base and non-slip silicone rim for extra stability while you mix.
Pros
- Come with the perfect volume
- Designed attractively for small storage
- Having a stable and wide base
- It is easy to clean up
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- The bottom is quite thin
#3. OXO Good Gríp 3 pcs Stainless steel mixing bowl
This best mixing bowls america’s test kitchen comes in sizes ranging from 1.5 quarts to 8 quarts. They have non-skid bases to keep them stable, and the lids are designed to stay firmly attached while you mix.
Pros
- A non-skid base ensures stability
- The lid stays on even when mixing
- The steel construction is durable and easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Use by one hand easily
- Nice insulation for temperature and safety control
Cons
- It is not microwave safe
#4. FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
This set of stainless steel mixing bowls comes in a variety of sizes. They are made with a brushed finish that prevents scratches and dents and non-skid silicone bottoms for added stability while you mix. Plus, they come with airtight lids that help keep ingredients fresher for longer.
Pros
- Made of durable stainless steel
- A brushed finish prevents scratches and dents
- Non-skid silicone bottom for added stability
- Airtight lids help keep ingredients fresher and longer
- Dishwasher safe and stovetop and oven safe
Cons
- Not microwave safe
#5. Pyrex 8 pcs 10 years glass mixing bowl set
This set of 8 glass mixing bowls is made from Pyrex tempered glass and includes sizes ranging from 1.5 quarts to 7 quarts. They are safe for the dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer, plus they come with airtight lids that make it easy to store leftovers.
Pros
- Made of durable tempered glass
- Can be used in the oven, dishwasher, and microwave
- Airtight lids make it easy to store leftovers
- Fits easily in the refrigerator door
- Very attractive in design
Cons
- Need special care because of the glass material
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mixing bowls are best?
The type of bowl you choose depends on what you plan to use it for and the features that would be most beneficial for your cooking or baking needs.
For example, stainless steel is great for stirring, mixing, and kneading dough. Glass can be used for baking in the oven and is great for storing food in the refrigerator or freezer. Ceramics are good for serving dishes because they can handle hot and cold temperatures without cracking.
Are stainless steel mixing bowls safe?
Yes, stainless steel is a very safe material for food preparation and storage. It is non-reactive, meaning it doesn’t react with acidic ingredients and won’t transfer any flavor or odors to your food. Stainless steel is also very durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for mixing bowls.
Can glass mixing bowls go in the oven?
Yes, some glass mixing bowls can be used in the oven. However, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions and use caution when handling hot glass. Pyrex tempered glass is specifically designed for use in the oven and can withstand temperatures up to 450°F. It is also safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid using plastic mixing bowls in the oven or microwave. The heat can cause them to melt or warp, which could release toxins into your food.
How do I clean stainless steel mixing bowls?
Cleaning stainless steel mixing bowls is relatively easy.
- Start by washing them with hot, soapy water and a sponge or soft cloth.
- Rinse off the soap with warm water and dry the bowl thoroughly before storing it away.
- For tougher stains, you may need to use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad with baking soda or vinegar.
- Be sure to rinse off any excess cleaning product before you dry the bowl.
- For best results, it is advisable to hand wash stainless steel mixing bowls instead of using the dishwasher. This will keep them looking as good as new for many years.
Conclusion
‘America’s Test Kitchen’ shows us that selecting the right mixing bowl can be easy by presenting five options that they believe will provide kitchen users with the best results.
In conclusion, having the correct mixing bowl is essential when tackling any baking or cooking project. Selecting one that meets your kitchen needs can be a daunting task; however, with a little guidance, you can find the perfect bowl for you.
By revisiting the tips provided here and considering what America’s Test Kitchen has to offer, finding the right bowl for your kitchen should be a breeze.
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