A mixing bowl is one of those kitchen tools you don’t think about until you really need it. Then suddenly, the wrong one makes everything harder. Too shallow, and you’re chasing ingredients across the bench. Too heavy and you’re struggling to hold it with one hand while whisking with the other.
The right bowl, though, feels like an extension of your cooking. It has the depth to mix confidently, the balance to stay steady, and the durability to survive years of kitchen experiments. At The Homestore, we’ve come across mixing bowls in every shape, size, and material imaginable. We know which ones actually pull their weight and which ones end up shoved to the back of the cupboard. This guide will take you through what to look for, which materials suit which tasks, and how to choose the right set for the way you cook.
Why the Right Mixing Bowl Matters
Most kitchen tools are optional. A mixing bowl isn’t. It’s there for prep, baking, marinating, tossing, proofing, whisking, and even serving. If it fails in any of those roles, you notice immediately.
The right bowl does more than hold ingredients. It makes cooking feel easier and more controlled. A stable base means you can whisk without chasing the bowl. A roomy interior means fewer spills and splatters. A strong material means you can actually use it without worrying about chips, dents, or cracks.
It’s also one of the few tools that everyone in the kitchen will reach for. Kids, guests, and flatmates will all use your mixing bowls at some point. That’s why it pays to invest in something that’s up to the job. A good set should work for every cook in the house, no matter what they’re making.
Materials: Stainless Steel, Glass, Ceramic, and More
The first big choice when picking a mixing bowl is the material. Each option has strengths and quirks that make it better for certain jobs. Understanding the trade-offs helps you decide which to keep on hand.
-
Stainless steel is the workhorse. Lightweight, durable, and unbreakable, it’s perfect for daily prep and heavy use. It doesn’t absorb flavours, it can handle a hand mixer without complaint, and many sets nest neatly for storage. The only drawback is that it can’t go in the microwave, so reheating or melting in the bowl is off the table.
-
Glass bowls win for visibility. You can see your ingredients from every angle, which makes them great for baking and for checking dough consistency. They’re also microwave safe, which makes them useful for melting butter or chocolate. The downside is weight and fragility. While they look beautiful, they can demand a bit of care.
-
Ceramic bowls are the most popular choice for style. Heavier and more decorative, they often double as serving pieces. They’re stable on the bench, resistant to staining, and feel substantial. They are, however, heavier to handle and can chip if dropped. Many home cooks keep one or two for serving and baking rather than daily mixing.
-
Plastic and melamine bowls are lightweight and affordable. They’re handy for casual use, outdoor dining, or as extras for quick tasks. They’re not as durable long-term, and some can retain odours, but they’ve got their place in a well-rounded kitchen.
Size and Depth: Finding the Right Fit
A single mixing bowl rarely covers everything. The best approach is to have a set in different sizes, so you’re not whipping cream in something the size of a soup pot or trying to toss a salad in a cereal bowl. Size and depth matter more than you might expect.
Small bowls (around 0.5–1 litre) are great for whisking dressings, beating eggs, or prepping chopped ingredients. Medium bowls (2–3 litres) handle most everyday mixing, from cake batters to marinades. Large bowls (4 litres and up) are best for salads, bread doughs, and recipes that involve folding or tossing.
Depth is just as important as capacity. A deep bowl gives you space to whisk vigorously without splattering the kitchen. A shallow bowl works better for dredging or coating ingredients, but is messy for liquids or anything that needs volume. Having both shapes on hand makes a big difference to how smoothly you cook.
Nesting sets are often the smartest buy. They give you a range of sizes without eating up cupboard space, and many are designed so each bowl feels stable and balanced when in use. It’s one of those investments that pays off every time you cook.
Choosing a Mixing Bowl at The Homestore
Whether you’re a casual cook or the kind of baker who knows their sourdough starter by name, the right mixing bowl makes all the difference. We’ve handpicked a few standouts from our collection that balance performance, style, and practicality.
Need a reliable stainless set for everyday cooking?
The WMF Gourmet Kitchen Bowl Set is about as practical as it gets. Made from polished stainless steel, this four-piece set nests neatly for storage and covers everything from whisking eggs to mixing dough. They’re lightweight but tough, dishwasher safe, and the wide rims make them easy to grip. If you’re after a set that can handle daily use without fuss, this is the one we reach for.
Want something beautiful as well as functional?
The Mason Cash In the Meadow Mixing Bowl range is a classic with a modern twist. Made from sturdy earthenware and embossed with floral patterns, it looks stunning on the counter while still being light enough to hold one-handed. The wide, shallow shape is perfect for kneading, while the patterned exterior doubles as a grip. With over two centuries of heritage behind the design, this is a bowl that feels timeless, practical, and decorative all at once.
Need help keeping the mess under control?
The WMF Mixing Bowl 18.5cm with Splash Guard is designed for clean, precise mixing. The two-piece lid doubles as a splash guard when you’re using a hand mixer and as a storage cover when you want to pop something in the fridge. Measuring marks inside the bowl save you from reaching for a jug, and the drip-free rim means no spills down the counter. If you bake often or just hate cleaning up splatters, this bowl earns its keep.
Looking for a heritage classic?
The Mason Cash Pudding Basin has been in kitchens since the early 1800s, and for good reason. Designed for steaming traditional puddings, its rim makes it easy to seal before steaming, and the vented base stops tipping in the pan. The classic shape also allows for easy release once cooked, giving puddings their distinct look. Beyond steaming, it doubles nicely as a prep or serving bowl. It’s one of those timeless pieces that feels just as useful today as it did two centuries ago.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Mixing Bowl?
At The Homestore, we’ve curated our mixing bowl range to cover every kind of cook. From durable stainless sets to decorative ceramic classics and heritage pudding basins, there’s a bowl here that fits your kitchen and your style of cooking.
Visit us in Auckland to see them in person and find the set that feels right in your hands, or browse our full collection online to compare features and designs.
Need a little guidance? Get in touch with our team; we’re always happy to help you choose the bowl that’s right for your kitchen.
FAQs
Do I really need more than one mixing bowl?
Yes. One bowl can’t cover every task in the kitchen. Small bowls are handy for whisking eggs or prepping dressings, medium bowls suit batters and marinades, and large bowls are essential for salads, dough, or anything that needs space. A set of nesting bowls gives you flexibility without eating up storage.
Which material is best for mixing bowls?
It depends on how you cook. Stainless steel is durable, lightweight, and great for everyday prep. Glass is microwave safe and lets you see your mix from all sides. Ceramic is sturdy and stylish, ideal for baking or serving. Plastic and melamine are lightweight and affordable, good for casual or outdoor use. Many cooks keep a mix on hand.
Can I put mixing bowls in the dishwasher?
Most stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and plastic bowls are dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s advice. Heavier ceramic bowls sometimes benefit from a gentle hand wash to avoid chips. If in doubt, a quick rinse and dry will keep any bowl in good shape for longer.
Are glass bowls safe for baking?
Glass mixing bowls are safe for the oven only if they’re made from borosilicate or heat-resistant glass. Standard glass bowls are not suitable for baking and may crack under heat. Always check the label before using them in the oven.
What’s special about Mason Cash bowls?
Mason Cash bowls have been around since the 1800s and are known for their balance of style and practicality. Their patterned exteriors are not just decorative — they make the bowls easier to grip, even when your hands are messy. They’re sturdy enough for daily baking but attractive enough to use as serving pieces.
Can I use a mixing bowl as a serving bowl?
Absolutely. Many bowls, especially ceramic and glass ones, are designed to look good on the table as well as in the kitchen. A large bowl that works for tossing salad can double as a serving piece, and decorative options like Mason Cash Meadow look just as natural on a dining table.
