GLASS VS. STAINLESS STEEL MIXING BOWLS
As a culinary creative, you know the importance of having a quality set of mixing bowls in your kitchen. But when it comes to deciding between different materials, which is best suited to your unique cooking needs — glass or stainless steel?
Learn about the benefits of choosing between a KitchenAid® glass vs. stainless steel mixing bowl with this guide.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MIXING BOWLS?
To help you create a wide range of recipes, KitchenAid® glass and stainless bowls come in several styles and sizes. Use your glass mixing bowl to melt butter in the microwave or your chilled stainless steel mixing bowl to whip up delicious creations like homemade whipping cream.
GLASS MIXING BOWL BENEFITS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Glass mixing bowls by KitchenAid brand provide a sturdy, durable option for prepping a variety of dishes at various stages of the recipe, as well as an elegant look for your stand mixer. You can use your glass mixing bowl to melt chocolate in the microwave or use it to keep an eye on the progress of your mixing.
Select stand mixers come with a glass mixing bowl, or you can purchase one separately. Just make sure any additional bowls you purchase are compatible with your stand mixer, whether it’s a tilt-head or bowl-lift model.
Below are additional benefits of KitchenAid® glass mixing bowls.
MICROWAVABLE AND FREEZER SAFE
Glass mixing bowls are microwave and freezer-safe, allowing you to use the same bowl from start to finish for a variety of tasks, such as melting butter or chilling cream prior to mixing in additional ingredients. They can easily handle a range of temperatures, making them a versatile tool that's also easy to clean in the dishwasher.
TRANSPARENT
Glass mixing bowls are also transparent and provide increased visibility for a variety of cooking tasks. This makes them convenient for keeping an eye on proofing bread or knowing when wet and dry ingredients are combined. Select KitchenAid® glass bowls also have helpful measurement marks so you can add ingredients directly to the bowl without pre-measuring.
SPOUTED
Some glass mixing bowls like these by KitchenAid brand come with a spout that allows you to quickly pour wet ingredients and other liquids — a handy feature for preventing spillage.
DO GLASS MIXING BOWLS SCRATCH?
KitchenAid® glass mixing bowls are made from a durable material that allows you to mix, whip and stir without fear of ruining their aesthetics or longevity. With proper usage and care, you can protect your glass cookware and help keep it looking great. Avoid using sharp utensils on the surface of the glass mixing bowl to help prevent scratching.
CAN YOU PUT BOILING WATER IN A GLASS MIXING BOWL?
Yes, KitchenAid® glass mixing bowls are durable and can stand the high-heat environments of both the dishwasher and microwave, so they typically can handle boiling water. Just be sure to use oven mitts or a pot holder when handling the hot bowl. You should also allow a chilled bowl to come to room temperature before adding hot ingredients or microwaving.
CAN YOU USE A METAL WHISK IN A GLASS BOWL?
KitchenAid® stand mixers come with a wire whisk designed for use with stand mixer bowls, including glass bowls. Just make sure to follow instructions in your owner’s manual when using any accessory.
STAINLESS STEEL MIXING BOWL BENEFITS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Like their glass counterparts, stainless steel mixing bowls are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to mix and chill ingredients, make batters and doughs, whip eggs and more. Most KitchenAid® stand mixers come with a stainless steel bowl, though the exact style will vary by model.
Below are some of the benefits of KitchenAid® stainless steel mixing bowls.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Stainless steel mixing bowls are lightweight and easy to handle, making them great for frequent use in the kitchen. When working with ingredients that need to be transferred to and from the bowl, this lightweight option is ideal.
EASY HANDLING
With a convenient comfort handle on select models by KitchenAid brand, stainless steel bowls are highly maneuverable. Like their glass counterparts, they’re ideal for mixing dough for fresh pizza or whipping up a batch of homemade cookies.
CHILLABLE
Stainless steel mixing bowls can also be conveniently kept in the refrigerator or freezer, making them great for chilling batters or doughs quickly and easily, or starting ingredients off in a cool environment. The chillable surface of KitchenAid® stainless steel bowls also makes them ideal for cooking tasks like whipping cream or cutting cold butter into flour.
DO STAINLESS STEEL MIXING BOWLS SCRATCH?
When pairing a stainless steel mixing bowl with a stand mixer, be sure to follow the manual carefully to help prevent possible damage. Be sure to use the accessories that came with your stand mixer and adjust the bowl-to-beater clearance as needed to avoid scratching the stainless steel bowl.
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT USE STAINLESS STEEL BOWLS FOR?
While most stand mixers come with a stainless steel bowl, they are not ideal for tasks that require microwaving or baking in the oven using the bowl. For this type of task, it's best to use a heat-resistant bowl designed for the hot environment of the microwave or oven.
IS STAINLESS STEEL GOOD FOR MIXING BOWLS?
Overall, stainless steel mixing bowls make a great addition to any culinary toolbox. They are lightweight and durable and can handle a wide variety of tasks ranging from mixing ingredients with a whisk to chilling dough in the refrigerator. Plus, they're easy to clean and maintain over time with proper care.
However, the type of bowl you'll need to use can depend on several factors related to your recipe, so it's best to have both materials available.
CAN YOU MIX HOT FOOD IN A STAINLESS STEEL BOWL?
Yes, stainless steel mixing bowls can be used with most hot foods, like shredding chicken breast straight from the slow cooker. However, be sure to wear oven mitts or use a pot holder when handling the bowl containing hot ingredients.
WHAT KIND OF MIXING BOWL MATERIAL IS BEST?
The type of mixing bowl material you'll need depends on the recipe and task at hand. Glass bowls are convenient for melting chocolate in the microwave or being able to see when ingredients have been thoroughly combined.
Stainless steel bowls provide a durable, lightweight option that can easily be chilled for a cool environment. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual culinary needs and preferences when deciding which material is best suited to your recipes.
KitchenAid® glass and stainless steel mixing bowls combine form and function no matter which material you choose. Select from a range of stainless steel bowl colors, finishes and handle styles for your tilt-head or bowl-lift stand mixer to match your style or add functionality, or go with a classic and elegant glass bowl.
OTHER MIXING BOWL MATERIALS
The versatility of mixing bowls allows you to have flexibility when it comes to choosing your kitchen appliances. Ceramic and copper bowls are also examples of materials that you can use to create delicious doughs and pastries. Ceramic bowls for your stand mixer come in a variety of styles, making them ideal for spicing up your countertop’s look.
Consider adding a floral accent to your kitchen with this KitchenAid® White Gardenia Ceramic Bowl, or add a pop of color with this KitchenAid® Tropical Floral Patterned Ceramic Bowl.
For those looking for a unique aesthetic for their KitchenAid® stand mixer bowl, copper is also an option. The 2022 Design Series Blossom Tilt-Head Stand Mixer features a hammered copper bowl that develops a unique patina over time, reflecting your growth as a Maker.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® STAND MIXER BOWLS
When it comes down to choosing between a glass or stainless steel mixing bowl, it’s all about your most frequently completed cooking tasks. Luckily, the range of stand mixer accessories offered by KitchenAid brand has an option that suits your cooking needs. Explore all bowl options and find out which ones are interchangeable for your stand mixer with this guide.
KitchenAid® stand mixers offer the functionality you need to create your favorite recipes and discover new ones. Browse the full collection of stand mixers by KitchenAid brand to find your perfect stand mixer with a bowl that suits your needs.
