Some might call a discussion of mixing bowls insignificant because they may think of them as an afterthought when it comes to kitchenware. But since they’re some of the most used items in my kitchen, I think of them like a good hammer.
When I was in college I worked my share of construction jobs, and when you’re going to spend a sizable portion of your day pounding nails, you get a good hammer. Mine is a Stanley 20 oz. Rip Claw SteelMaster. It’s the kind of hammer you can use to drive a nail with one strike. It’s also tough enough to do some serious damage when deconstruction is called for. Solid construction, good heft, comfortable grip. I don’t drive that many nails anymore, but I know I’ve got a great tool handy when I need it. That sums up what I look for in a mixing bowl.
We have two sets of stackable Pyrex mixing bowls, but my favorites by far–and another item in my Top 10 Kitchen Favorites– are the 6-, 4-, and 2-quart brushed stainless steel set from Pampered Chef. Pampered Chef sells some great stuff, most of which is right up there in quality with OXO. Their products are well-made, well-designed, and durable. Plus, they usually have that extra little design feature that makes them better than average. (I should note that I don’t sell Pampered Chef and I’m not shilling for anyone who does; I just like their products.)
These mixing bowls come with lids and pour spouts and have a silicone bottom and a padded thumb hole to steady the bowl when mixing or pouring. They also have internal measure marks for quick volume reference. They are at home in the fridge or freezer and are dishwasher-safe.
I think I like the overall design best. They are deep for their size which makes vigorous mixing mess-free and the spouts and thumb holes are ergonomic and efficient. My favorite feature is the silicone bottom. The bowls stay where you put them and are very stable whether you’re using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer.
The lids on these bowls are also a plus. With glass or ceramic bowls it’s not much of a challenge to get your favorite plastic wrap to stick when you want to cover something tightly and put it in the fridge, but with metal it’s sometimes tough to get a good seal. The lids on these bowls have a lip that extends up instead of down so the lid seats itself on the inside of the bowl, not over the outside edge. The lip is also molded to conform to the pour spout keeping spills at bay.
People might look at you funny when you wax philosophical about how a good mixing bowl is like a good hammer. Maybe that’s just me, but a good set of mixing bowls can make any cooking endeavor easier and more fun. So throw in a little Bob Marley and stir it up, little darlin’!
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Very nice! A good mixing bowl is so hard to find, and these look like they have a lot of nice features. (I have an OXO 4-quart bowl that I just love, and it bums me out that they stopped making them in that size. I would really like to have another.)
Is it possible to get Pampered Chef stuff without going to a party?
Hi Kitt! No party necessary; you can order on the Pampered Chef website from the comfort of your footy pajamas.
“When you’re going to spend a sizable portion of your day pounding nails, you get a good hammer. Mine is a Stanley 20 oz. Rip Claw SteelMaster.”
A REAL may-annnnnn!