Mixing bowls just make your life in the kitchen easier. They can also add to the esthetic of the kitchen and dining area if the right mixing bowls are chosen. Form and functionality are the criteria used to judge the best. In this blog we look at many of the different kinds of functionality a mixing bowl can take and also consider the potential for beauty and elegance in the designs of our favorite mixing bowls. We will also take advise on the gifting process in general and specifically when it comes to mixing bowls.

Here are some common use case for mixing bowls and the primary material one would look for each: Mixing ingredients: This is the primary use of mixing bowls. They are used to mix ingredients together for recipes such as cakes, bread, sauces, salads, marinades, etc. Material: Glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Measuring ingredients: Mixing bowls can also be used as measuring cups for liquids or solids. Material: Glass or plastic with measuring marks. Marinate meat: Mixing bowls are great for marinating meat, poultry, or seafood. Simply add the marinade ingredients and the food to the bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Material: Glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Preparing batter: Mixing bowls are used to mix batter for pancakes, waffles, muffins, and other baked goods. Material: Glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Serving food: Mixing bowls can also be used to serve food such as salads, fruits, or pasta. Material: Ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. Holding ingredients: Mixing bowls can be used to hold chopped ingredients, such as vegetables or fruits, while cooking. Material: Glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Soaking beans: Mixing bowls can be used to soak beans or grains before cooking to make them more digestible. Material: Glass or plastic. Proofing dough: Large mixing bowls are ideal for proofing yeast dough, as they provide ample space for the dough to rise. Material: Glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Transporting: Mixing bowls can be used to transport food to a potluck or picnic. Material: Plastic with a lid or ceramic with a secure lid. Baking: Mixing bowls can be used to mix and prepare ingredients for baking, such as pie fillings or cookie dough. Material: Glass, stainless steel, or silicone. Cooking: Mixing bowls can also be used for cooking purposes, such as holding hot oil for deep-frying or using as a double boiler. Material: Stainless steel. Storage: Mixing bowls can be used to store food, such as leftovers or pre-chopped ingredients. Material: Glass, plastic with a lid, or stainless steel. Microwaving: Mixing bowls can also be used in the microwave for heating or cooking food. Material: Glass, plastic, or ceramic. These are just some of the ways mixing bowls are used in the kitchen, and the type of material that is best suited for each use case. They are truly multi-functional and an essential tool for any cook. Some of the better brands we examined in the mixing bowl space include the following: OXO: Home goods brand that offers silicone and stainless steel mixing bowls in various sizes and colors. Cuisipro: Canadian brand known for stainless steel mixing bowls with ergonomic handles and pour spouts. KitchenAid: American brand known for its high-quality kitchen products, including stainless steel mixing bowls. Mauviel: French brand known for its high-quality copper and stainless steel mixing bowls. Hobart: American brand that offers durable and commercial-grade stainless steel mixing bowls. Vollrath: American brand known for its heavy-duty stainless steel mixing bowls in various sizes.

Assuming you are looking for yourself, start with the use cases most important to you not currently covered by your current mixing bowls. Plastic is ok but for the best, it is out. Ceramic should be the main material for those looking for beauty in a mixing bowl. While a stainless steel mixing bowl is the choice for those looking for functionality. Glass is the safe choice for both but not the top choice for either. The next stop we make is a look at the brands. At the higher end of things a few stand out. KitchenAid is our first choice if you love your KitchenAid stand mixer, but only if you are the larger bowls for the stand mixers. The other KitchenAid mixing bowls are nice but not at the same level as the more premium brands. The Mauviel mixing bowls should only be purchased by those in "the know". They are extremely specialized and expensive, buyer beware and be happy if you know how and when to use your Mauviel mixing bowl. Hobarth is what we used in my old bakery days but commercial products are not in our consideration. OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowls take the win for us in stainless steel for their innovations and quality. The designs are well thought out and useful, however some of the potential functionality is lost for those that like the stainless steel look or use their bowls for transporting and/or storage(no lids) or putting over heat (they are surrounded by plastic to protect you from the heat). They are really nice for mixing ingredients, are fine for serving and nice a nice feel to them.

For ceramic mixing bowl our choice is the Mason Cash 5.35-Quart. Besides the interesting look and made to be held design, this mixing bowl offers a bit of cache as a conversation piece. The long history of Mason Cash and the recent usage on television baking shows will at least help start some conversations to pass the time whilst enjoying a dessert with friends and rivals. There are many beautiful ceramic mixing bowl choices out there but they will almost all be a matter of personal preference.

The best mixing bowl is the one you have to fill your needs. The OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl set as well as the Mason Cash Ceramic Mixing Bowl are our two current favors for utility and beauty. We explored how to find the best mixing bowl for you. Go through our usage cases and narrow the field to the better brands and you will mostly find the best for you.