There are many factors involved in choosing the correct mixing bowl for your stand mixer. Several of the considerations are outlined below.
Does the Bowl Move or is it Stationary?
Some mixing bowls are stationary while the paddles move. In others, the bowls move while the paddles spin in place. In the older style of stand mixers, two beaters will spin while the bowl rotates. While in more modern stand mixers, really the better style many think, the beater spins and also rotates around the bowl, to incorporate all the ingredients. The older style with the rotating bowl and stationary mixers will require stopping the mixer from time to time and scraping the sides of the bowl more than the modern style.
How much capacity does the bowl have?
Bowls come in different sizes and you will want to use the right size for the batch or amount you are making. The bowl should be at minimum 4-1/2 –quarts capacity. With this capacity, two loaves of bread can be kneaded in the bowl. Many bowls come in 5-quart capacity. If you tend to make huge batches or double batches of recipes, you may want to go with a larger bowl. Otherwise, don’t spend more money on a bowl that is too big for your purposes as it will take up more counter space.
The shape of the Bowl – Wide or Narrow?
Some prefer wide and squat bowls because the paddle will touch the bottom and it is also easier to add ingredients into the wide bowls as well. Others prefer narrow bowls because less scraping may have to be done on the sides than it would in a wide bowl. However, the main drawback of using narrow and tall bowls is that it might be more difficult to add ingredients. On the other hand, the narrow and tall bowls allow you to mix smaller amounts, as well as sometimes mixing the dough more evenly.
What material is the bowl made of?
Bowls come in metal, plastic, or glass. The best option might be metal if you want something heavy-duty that will not break or stain. Do not get a stand mixer with a cheap aluminum as it tends to be reactive and can react to acids such as buttermilk or lemon juice, and introduce aluminum flavor into the food. Stainless steel is generally considered a good material for a mixer bowl. If you get a plastic bowl, look for the type that is non-staining. Glass stand mixer bowls, like stainless steel, are non-reactive.
Does the bowl come with a splash guard or a cover?
Some prefer mixing bowls with splash guards or covered mixing bowls (like the Bosch).
Are there measurement lines?
Some mixing bowls may come with measurement markings, which makes it easy to follow any recipe while using the mixer.
Can the Bowl be Cleaned Easily?
It’s important that the stand mixer bowls can be cleaned easily after each usage. It will be convenient if they are dishwasher safe, however large bowls tend to be large for most dishwashers. So getting a bowl that is easy to hand wash may be a good idea.
