The mixing bowl is a staple of any kitchen - be it in your personal baking arsenal at home or as an essential component of a commercial catering business. Whatever your reason for needing to purchase a mixing bowl, it's wise to understand the different types of mixing bowls available to you and which one will be best for your needs.

The three main types of mixing bowl are glass, stainless steel and plastic; all three types offer their own pros and cons, as outlined below.

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Typically, stainless steel mixing bowls are used when baking goods such as bread, or prepping food such as pasta, salads, dressings, and more. Also known as metal mixing bowls, stainless steel bowls are ideal in both a domestic and commercial setting thanks to their durability and versatility.

Are metal mixing bowls microwave safe?
In most cases, stainless steel mixing bowls will not be safe for microwave use. In general, metallic items could cause serious damage to your microwave and have wider health and safety implications such as becoming a fire hazard. Though some stainless steel mixing bowls may be marketed as being microwave-safe, it's inadvisable to do so when there are far safer options on the market.

Are metal mixing bowls heatproof?
One of the main benefits of choosing metal mixing bowls is that they will be heatproof. This makes them perfect for melting chocolate over a pot of boiling water on the hob. As always though, ensure you handle it with care as it may be hot to the touch. As a robust choice of material, metal mixing bowls are great for commercial kitchens too, thanks to their durability. However, metal bowls are not always safe for oven use, so be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines.

When not to use metal mixing bowls.
The instances in which metal mixing bowls should not be used depend on the type of metal the bowl is made from. For instance, copper is a different metal from steel and so will react differently. In general, metal bowls should not be used to handle acidic foods as the bowl can become reactive and alter the flavour and texture. As mentioned previously, metal mixing bowls are advised to never be used in the microwave.

Are stainless steel mixing bowls better than plastic?
This comes down to individual needs! Stainless steel mixing bowls are better for those kitchens that have a heavy focus on baking, due to them being ideal for mixing egg whites, flour, and more. Their easy cleanability makes them a great choice for commercial kitchens that work at a fast pace. However, plastic does have some benefits over stainless steel, such as affordability and weight.

Plastic Mixing Bowls

Plastic mixing bowls are found in many home kitchens due to their simplicity and ease of use. Most commonly used by those that cook or bake at a hobbyist level, plastic mixing bowls are affordable and simple to store.

Are plastic mixing bowls microwave safe?
In some cases, plastic mixing bowls can be microwave safe. However, never assume this - always check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure your plastic mixing bowl has been developed to be suitable for microwave use. If not, you risk the bowl melting or causing damage to your microwave, not to mention ruining your food too.

Is it safe to use plastic bowls for cake mixing?
It is generally safe to use a plastic bowl for mixing cake or similar batter. Unlike metal mixing bowls, plastic is non-reactive, so there's no risk of acidic ingredients such as lemon juice reacting with the material. However, something to keep in mind with plastic bowls is that fats stick to them, which makes actions such as mixing egg whites to a point of peaking incredibly tricky. This is the reason most stand mixers opt for metal bowls over plastic. For general home cake baking, plastic bowls may be OK.

Are plastic mixing bowls better than glass?
Plastic bowls are typically better than glass bowls for domestic use. This is simply due to cheaper prices and a lower risk of breakage or damage should you accidentally drop it. Plastic doesn't trump glass in all cases, however; glass bowls are better for baking use and, with the right care, can last at a better quality for longer.

Glass Mixing Bowls

Glass mixing bowls are the heaviest of the material choices. More popular in homes than in commercial kitchens they provide a good stable base for mixing and stirring. The weight means the bowls don’t move about while mixing. However, the downside to glass mixing bowls is they can be broken if dropped from a height enough height or onto a hard surface like a stone floor.

Are glass mixing bowls microwave safe?
The majority of glass bowls are microwave safe. However, it's advisable to double-check with the manufacturer if you want to be certain, or if you have any worries. You don't want glass to shatter over your food, after all.

Are glass mixing bowls heatproof?
Glass bowls are heatproof except when they are dealing with direct heat. This means that you should be safe to put a glass mixing bowl in an oven, but not on a hotplate or a hob, for example. This makes them perfect for melting chocolate over a simmering saucepan and can be ideal for large scale melting in a commercial bakery or kitchen.

Are glass mixing bowls oven-safe?
Glass mixing bowls are safe when they're receiving indirect heat. This means that your glass mixing bowl should be safe in an oven, assuming there are no exposed heating elements in contact with the bowl.

Can you bake in a glass Pyrex mixing bowl?
As glass Pyrex bowls are oven proof, you will be able to bake in them. There are even some speciality cakes designed to be baked in Pyrex, so you can let your inner baker run free with a range of specifically designed recipes.

Are stainless steel or glass mixing bowls better?
That depends on your needs. Both clean as well as each other, with the smooth and shiny surfaces being designed for cleanliness. However, if you're in a busy commercial setting, the more durable and lightweight nature of a stainless steel mixing bowl gives it the edge thanks to its versatility and lower potential for accidents.

If you're interested in mixing bowls of any shape, size, or material, check out the Cooksmill range of mixing bowls today. We have a great selection of glass, plastic and metal mixing bowls that are ideal for homes and businesses alike. Visit us in our Salford store, or shop online to give your kitchenware collection the attention it deserves.