Glass & Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Plastic-Free Baking)
Mixing bowls get hot butter, warm dough and microwaved chocolate, which is why many families swap plastic for glass or steel first. Here are nesting glass and stainless sets and the glass measuring cups we'd pair with them.
Bowls are a simple swap: plain glass or stainless steel has no coating, holds up for years, and doesn't stain or hold smells like old plastic.
What to look for
- Tempered glass for microwave melting and seeing your batter. Look for sets labeled microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
- Stainless steel for light, unbreakable bowls when kids are helping.
- Nesting sizes so a set fits in one cabinet.
- Skip melamine for the microwave. The FDA advises against microwaving food in melamine.
Glass mixing bowls
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Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set
Three nesting glass bowls that can go in the microwave and oven, so prep and reheat happen in the same bowl.
Why we picked these
- Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set Glass mixing bowls Three nesting glass bowls that can go in the microwave and oven, so prep and reheat happen in the same bowl.
- Anchor Hocking 4-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set Glass bowls, four sizes Four glass mixing bowls made in the USA, from small prep bowls to a big salad bowl. Microwave and dishwasher safe.
- Duralex Lys Stackable 10-Piece Glass Bowl Set, Made in France Nesting tempered-glass bowls Ten tempered-glass bowls from 1 oz to 3.5 qt, made in France. They nest for storage and are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe.
- Anchor Hocking 2-Quart Glass Batter Bowl Glass batter bowl A thick glass batter bowl with a handle, pour spout and embossed measuring lines, so you can mix, measure and pour pancake or muffin batter without plastic.
Avoid sudden temperature changes with any glass bowl. Don't set a hot bowl on a wet or cold surface.
Stainless bowls and glass measuring cups
Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, 6-Piece
Nesting stainless bowls in six sizes for baking, salads, popcorn and kid crafts.
Why we picked these
- FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, 6-Piece Swap plastic mixing bowls Nesting stainless bowls in six sizes for baking, salads, popcorn and kid crafts. Unbreakable and dishwasher safe.
- Pyrex 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Swap plastic measuring & mixing A classic glass measuring cup that doubles as a microwave-safe mixing bowl for melting butter or warming leftovers. It's one of the most-used things in my kitchen.
- Amazon Basics 8-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Big glass measuring cup A large glass measuring cup that works as a microwave-safe mixing bowl for reheating soup or melting butter and chocolate.
- Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cups, 3-Piece Set Glass measuring set 1, 2 and 4-cup glass measuring cups in one set. A simple way to retire scratched plastic measuring cups.
Ready to bake? Our baking sheet guide covers uncoated pans, and wood and stainless utensils finish the set. Many glass bowls double as storage, and our glass food storage guide has lids and containers too.
FAQ
Glass or stainless steel mixing bowls?
Glass can go in the microwave, so it's handy for melting butter and chocolate, and you can see what's inside. Stainless steel is lighter and won't break, which is nice when kids are helping. Many families keep a set of each.
Can I microwave melamine or plastic mixing bowls?
The FDA says not to heat food in melamine tableware in the microwave, and plastic that isn't labeled microwave-safe shouldn't be used to heat food. Glass bowls labeled microwave-safe avoid the question.
Can glass mixing bowls go in the oven?
Some can. Pyrex and Anchor Hocking glass bowls are generally rated for the oven, but avoid sudden temperature changes, like moving a hot bowl to a wet counter or putting a cold one in a hot oven. Check the maker's instructions for your set.
Are stainless steel bowls safe for acidic foods?
For mixing and short-term contact, yes. For long marinades with lots of acid, glass is the more neutral choice.
