Stainless Steel vs Glass Mixing Bowl — Which is Better?

Having the right mixing bowl for a stand mixer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your dish. Stainless steel and glass are two of the most popular types of mixing bowls available with stand mixers, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. While some people prefer the sleek and modern look of stainless steel, others swear by the versatility and durability of glass. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each type of mixing bowl to help you decide which one is better suited for your stand mixers as per your cooking needs.

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl

Pros

• Durability — Stainless steel mixing bowls are long-lasting and durable as they can withstand wear and tear and damage and last years.
• Lightweight — It is relatively a lightweight material making it easy to handle and maneuver. This is especially useful when working with large batches of ingredients or when mixing for extended periods of time.
• Resistance to scratches and dents — Stainless steel is highly resistant to scratches and dents, and is hard to deform.
• Non-reactive — Stainless steel is non-reactive to acidic, alkaline, or vinegar-based foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits.

Cons

• Can be noisy — These mixing bowls can produce loud clunking noises when used with metal utensils or during the mixing process which can be a nuisance.
• Slippery — The smooth surface of stainless steel kitchenAid mixer bowls can make them sometimes slippery and difficult to grip especially when hands or surfaces are wet.
• Not microwave safe — It is not safe to use in microwave ovens as it can cause sparks and damage to the appliance.

Glass mixing Bowl

Pros

• Non-reactive — Glass bowls don’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes or citrus fruits. This makes it a great choice for mixing and storing foods that are acidic and high in salt.
• Temperature resistant — Glass mixing bowls can withstand both high and low temperatures and can be used in ovens, microwaves, and freezers.
• Transparent — Since glass mixing bowls are transparent, it makes it easy to see the contents inside.
• Attractive designs — Glass mixing bowls often look classy and attractive and are available in colors to choose from, which help elevate your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Cons

• Fragility — Glass mixing bowls are fragile and can break or chip easily if accidentally dropped or banged against a hard surface.
• Heavyweight — Glass bowls are quite heavy which sometimes makes them difficult to handle. This becomes more difficult when the bowl consists of a thick batter or the bowl is full.

Conclusion

Stand mixers are important kitchen assistants, whether it is for mixing or whipping ingredients, and mixing bowls are an essential and often ignored component of stand mixers. While stainless steel bowls are durable, non-reactive, and easy to clean, glass bowls are attractive, offer transparency, and have the ability to withstand high temperatures. Consider factors such as the type of dishes you typically prepare, the amount of space you have for storage, and your aesthetic preferences before selecting a bowl. If you are looking to buy a new stand mixer or mixing bowls and accessories, you can consider KitchenAid. They have a variety of options including 4.8L stainless steel mixing bowls, 4.7L glass mixing bowls, and even ceramic bowls. Some of the bowls are available with comfortable handles, pouring spouts, and lids to make working with the stand mixer super easy.