Every kitchen needs bowls for mixing salads, beating eggs, making dough or batter, you name it. Bowls come in various sizes, prices and materials. So, how to choose and which type and material is the best? It’s important to know what you need the bowl for? If it’s for food that you will bake or heat in the microwave, then handmade ceramic or handmade clay bowl will serve you well. If you’re looking for bowls that won’t easily get damaged, then stainless steel, plastic and silicone will work better. Here are some of the most common bowls you can find on the market.
Bowls Materials
GlassBowls
If you choose glass bowls, you’ll get a nonreactive material that won’t chemically affect, colour or texture of your food. You can put it in the microwave and freezer. Tempered glass bowl is more temperature resistant so it will last for a longer time even after prolonged microwaving and freezing. Of course, glass can break if it drops, so that’s the biggest con with this material. Another downside is that glass bowls aren’t the best for beating eggs.
Ceramic Bowls
Ceramic bowls look amazing. They can be decorative, but also practical and you can choose various sizes and use them for various things. If you are looking for everything unique in your home including bowls, then invest in a handmade ceramic bowl. Every piece is going to be different and unique. Such bowls are heavy enough to minimize movements when you stir, and often these are microwave and oven-safe.
A handmade clay bowl is also a great choice if you want a unique and aesthetically pleasing bowl. Just like the ceramic ones, they are heavier and microwave safe (check the label on the bowl just in case). However, clay bowls aren’t safe for the oven. Ceramic bowls are prone to chipping, breaking and cracking. Always go for high-fired ceramic because it’s more durable than regular earthenware ceramic.
Metal Bowls
Metal bowls are the most durable and are easily found in restaurant-supply or kitchenware stores. They are durable, versatile in size and shape and can be used for various things such as mixing salads, beating eggs, storing fruits, or baking. Metal bowls aren’t the best choice for holding when storing the hot liquid in them. Also, they aren’t so unique, since they have a simple, almost sterile look, so if you want something more personalized, such bowls might not meet your taste. Choose stainless steel instead of aluminium, which is more durable and less likely to react with acidic foods such as tomatoes or citrus.
Copper Bowls
Copper bowls have that classic look and are the best option for beating eggs. Tiny quantities of copper ions react with the egg to stabilize the mixture. Their only downside is their high price.
Plastic Bowls
If you’re looking for affordable, lightweight and almost unbreakable bowls, then choose plastic. They are excellent for toting salads or other dishes; you can carry them to a picnic, but also use them at home or for an outdoor lunch.
However, some plastic might melt if you put hot food in it or place it on hot surfaces. It’s not unlikely for plastic to absorb strong odours like garlic.
Wood and Natural Materials
Wood, bamboo or cork bowls are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a natural warm look and feel. Salads in such bowls will get even better taste. These materials, however, aren’t smooth and nonporous for mixing batter or dough.
If you’re opting out for wood, choose a shallow bowl suitable for serving salads. Invest in a mineral oil to rub the bowl when it starts showing signs of dryness.
SiliconeBowls
Silicone is one of the most popular kitchen materials. It’s temperature-proof, nonstick, easy to clean, and almost indestructible. You can place silicone bowls in the microwave and dishwasher without them getting damaged. The material is flexible so you can pinch it to make a pouring spout. If you aren’t a fan of rubbery, squishy texture, then this isn’t material for you. It may retain strong food odours. Maybe such bowls won’t be very practical for mixing salads, but they can work well if you choose smaller bowls for baking cupcakes or cakes.
Why Choose Handmade
If you feel like creating a collection of unique bowls, then handmade ones are a wonderful choice. They are prettier than the mass production, and of course, will make your kitchen look unique. If you need one grand bowl for salads or stews to make a focal point on the dining table, choose a handmade ceramic bowl. You can complete the table with several smaller bowls; choose various colours or similar patterns. By choosing handmade bowls you get to contribute to the design, colours and patterns. Your designer will create the exact thing you need, and you will support your local pottery makers and artists.
Excellent Gifts
Handmade bowls can be a great gift as well. If your friends or relatives have just moved in into a new home, they will surely need some practical gifts. Choose a set of ceramic bowls in various sizes, or get them a larger piece suitable for salads, spaghetti, sauces and other foods.