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Mixing Bowls: Pie Supply Buying Guide

Mixing bowls are a fairly easy thing to buy. You really can’t go wrong with any purchase, but lately there have been some great mixing bowl alternatives that make life a little easier…and cooking a little faster.

The Glass Batter Bowls. ($11.95 at Cooking.com)

Years and years ago, my mom purchased a glass batter bowl at a chef party. It is her favorite item in the kitchen.

1. It is deep enough that you can put a mixer directly in and not splatter your self.
2. The easy pour spout keeps the mess contained (think pancakes, sauces and cake batters)
3. The glass stays cool when you take it out of the refrigerator.
4. You can stick it directly in the microwave or oven for melting and cooking.
5. Most now come with a lid for storage.
6. You can also freeze it.

At the insistence of my mom, I purchase a set for myself. This little guy is used for every project in my kitchen. I especially love it for making pie crusts. It is wide enough to get my hands involved but deep enough to prevent messes.

The lid allows me to just throw the dough in the fridge for the 30 minutes that it needs to cool before rolling.

The glass also keeps it cold if I take it out and am still not really ready to work with it

Decorative

Decorative bowls, often cereamic, can sit out beautifully if storage is an issue. They are heavy and will not move around as you mix.

However, if you are a vigorous baker, do not plan to use these as your primary mixing bowl. Ceramic tends to chip and you can only use silicone or wooden utensils, as the rest will leave a mark, especially metal.

Ceramic Bowls

These ceramic bowls (by Nigella Lawson $59.95) are designed to hold under your arm while mixing and the unique egg shape gives a great, wide spout for pouring. While I am not a big “hold under my arm” mixer, I do appreciate the nesting and variety of sizes. These store easily and are quite substantial. These bowls are not going to jump around on you.

Silicone Mixing Bowls

It is true; I am a silicone bake ware enthusiast. I love the ease of the bendable pans and spatulas. These types of mixing bowls are unusual, as they bend and smash as you use them. However, when you transfer the contents- they are perfect. You just squeeze the bowl to make a spout.

They are especially great with dough and dry mixtures. They clean up easily and effortlessly, which is a plus!

Mixing Bowl Sets

Mixing Bowl Sets:

If you are just starting out, a great buy would be a mixing bowl set. These often start off in one cup sizes and increase to a few quarts. The light bowls are great for quick and easy entertaining and transport. This particular set is very popular; however a plastic bowl is not my favorite.

Watch out for:

What to watch out for:

Plastic bowls:

However, it is the light weight of the plastic bowls that allows them to tip. They tend to to work well with mixers and will stain when the contents are dark colors.

Sets of Many Bowls with Many Lids

I have a junk box full of various lids and bowls that are missing their partner.

Ceramic bowls

These bowls are beautiful and heavy, that is why I have so many. But you have to use them with care. They can only be used with certain light utensils (wood, plastic and metal) and easy chip and scratch. I often save my beautiful ceramic bowls for entertaining, not for heavy mixing.