Mixing Bowls

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Mixing Bowls in the UK: Top Brands, Stores and Smart Picks

Why the right mixing bowl matters

Ever tried whisking batter in a bowl that keeps sliding all over the counter or doubled over with a dented rim? The right mixing bowl is like a good pair of running shoes for a baker — it makes all the difference. Whether you’re whipping meringue, tossing a salad, or kneading dough, the bowl’s shape, material, and size change the way ingredients behave and how easy the job feels.

Popular materials and what they mean for you

Materials matter — not just for looks, but for performance. Different materials handle heat, whisking, and storage in very different ways. Below I break down the pros and cons so you can pick what fits your kitchen style.

Stainless steel — light, durable, go-to

Stainless steel bowls are the workhorses of the kitchen. They’re light, virtually indestructible, and usually dishwasher-safe. If you like to whisk cold ingredients or use an electric mixer, a stainless bowl often gives the best results because it won’t absorb odors or crack if dropped.

Ceramic and stoneware — heavy and classy

Ceramic or stoneware bowls (think Le Creuset and Emile Henry) look gorgeous on the counter and keep heat well, which is ideal for dough proving or serving. They can be heavier and more fragile than steel, but they double as attractive serving bowls — a two-for-one win.

Glass — neutral and microwave-friendly

Glass mixing bowls let you watch how ingredients combine. They’re great for melting butter or chocolate in the microwave and don’t stain easily. The downside is that they can be heavy and break if dropped.

Silicone — flexible and space-saving

Silicone bowls flex, nest flat, and won’t crack. They’re handy for scraping every last bit of batter out, and many are heat-safe. However, they can slide around during vigorous whisking unless they have a non-slip base.

Plastic — cheap and light, but watch the wear

Plastic bowls are affordable and light, perfect for picnic prep or dough mixing on a budget. Over time they can stain and retain odors, and they may not be suitable for very hot tasks.

Capacity and size guide — choose by recipe, not impulse

Picking a size can feel like guesswork, but a simple capacity plan keeps you covered. Capacities here are given in imperial units so you can match recipes at a glance.

Small bowls (about 8–12 fl oz)

Small bowls — roughly 8 to 12 fluid ounces — are great for whisking an egg, mixing a salad dressing, or holding prepped ingredients. Think of them as mise en place helpers.

Medium bowls (about 25–34 fl oz)

Medium bowls, around 25 to 34 fluid ounces (that’s roughly 3 to 4¼ cups), are versatile. The Rosti Margrethe 0.75 L bowl and the Brabantia 1 L bowl both sit in this practical range — roomy enough for cake batters and salad tosses without being cumbersome.

Large bowls (about 60 fl oz and up)

Large bowls are around 60 fl oz (about 1.9 quarts) or more. If you bake for a crowd or make dough often, look for something this size — Emile Henry’s mixing bowl at about 61 fl oz is a common go-to.

Sets — the space-saving compromise

Buying a set often gives you small, medium, and large options for one price. Sets are economical and great for making baking a one-trip job: measure, mix, and switch without washing between tasks.

Top stores to buy mixing bowls in the UK

When you’re ready to buy, the right retailer can make shopping painless. The HTML data highlights Nordic Nest and specific brands; below I expand on those options and include other UK favourites where you’ll reliably find great mixing bowls.

Nordic Nest — stylish Scandinavian choices

Nordic Nest is known for Scandinavian design and often stocks brands with clean lines and durable materials. If you like a minimal aesthetic and reliable performance — think simple shapes and muted tones — Nordic Nest is a strong place to browse.

Le Creuset (stores and stockists)

Le Creuset bowls are beloved for their stoneware quality and brilliant colours. Their mixing bowl with a glass lid and a diameter of about 9.1 inches pairs durability with a serving-ready look. You’ll find Le Creuset in department stores, specialist kitchen shops, and their own outlets.

Brabantia — practical and durable

Brabantia’s mixing bowls come in both single and multi-pack options and are made for everyday use. If you want bowls that resist stains and cope with heavy use, Brabantia is worth a look, especially their 1-quart-ish sized bowl equivalents.

Rosti — the classic Margrethe range

Rosti’s Margrethe line includes mixing jugs and bowls in a range of colours, and their 25–34 fl oz sizes are especially popular. The mixing jug is a clever addition when you need both measuring and mixing in one container.

Zwilling — prep sets with purpose

Zwilling brings precision to prep work. Their stainless steel prep bowls often come in multi-part sets that nest and stack — great for organised cooks who like to plate or mise en place like a pro.

Emile Henry — premium ceramic performance

Emile Henry’s mixing bowls are made from high-grade ceramic and are prized for even heat distribution — perfect for dough and for bringing a rustic, kitchen-table look to serving. Their larger 61 fl oz bowl is ideal if you do bigger batches.

Lakeland, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Amazon UK

For broader selection and convenience you can’t go wrong with high street and online retailers: Lakeland specialises in kit for bakers, John Lewis blends quality with helpful return options, Marks & Spencer stocks stylish and functional kitchenware, and Amazon UK offers fast comparisons and user reviews. These retailers are excellent if you want to compare brands and prices quickly.

Best mixing bowl picks from featured brands

Let’s look at real picks mentioned in the HTML and why they’re popular — converted into imperial units so you can easily compare capacities.

Brabantia Mixing Bowl (about 34 fl oz)

The Brabantia mixing bowl around 34 fl oz is a great mid-size choice. It’s roomy enough for batters and salads but not so large it becomes awkward to whisk. Multi-packs are handy for when you’re prepping several dishes at once.

Le Creuset Mixing Bowl with Glass Lid (9.1 inches)

The Le Creuset mixing bowl listed at roughly 9.1 inches across is a top pick if you want something that goes from prep to table. The glass lid adds versatility for storing or proofing — a practical and attractive piece.

Rosti Margrethe Mixing Jug and Bowls (about 34 fl oz and 25 fl oz)

Rosti’s mixing jug at roughly 34 fl oz is brilliant when you need clear measurement markings and a pour spout. The 25 fl oz Margrethe bowl is ideal for smaller tasks, and the 3-pack sets mean you can mix, whisk, and serve without running to the sink.

Zwilling Prep Bowl 3-part Stainless Steel

Zwilling’s 3-part prep bowls usually nest and are great for mise en place. Stainless steel makes them durable and easy to clean after heavy-duty prep sessions.

Emile Henry 61 fl oz Mixing Bowl

Emile Henry’s 61 fl oz bowl — a solid choice for dough and larger batches — keeps heat evenly and looks lovely on the counter. It’s heavier but doubles as serving ware, which is perfect when you want form and function in one.

How to choose the right bowl for your cooking style

Ask yourself a few questions: Do you bake often or cook a lot of salads? Do you use a hand mixer or whisk by hand? Where will you store the bowl? If you mostly whisk, go stainless steel for lightness and speed. If you bake bread and prefer something that can go from bench to oven or table, ceramic or stoneware is a better match.

Care, maintenance and storage tips

Take care of your bowls and they’ll last for years. Stainless steel and most ceramics are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing preserves finish and colour. Avoid sharp changes in temperature for ceramic and glass to prevent cracking — let them cool before rinsing in cold water. Stack bowls by size to save space, and use a non-slip mat or damp towel under small bowls when whisking vigorously.

Budget vs premium — when to splurge

Budget bowls are fine for casual cooks and occasional bakers. Splurge when a bowl’s extra benefits match your habits: a heavy ceramic for proofing and serving, a high-grade stainless set if you whip meringue frequently, or branded pieces like Le Creuset or Emile Henry if you want longevity and aesthetics. Think of premium bowls as an investment — they often perform better and look better over time.

Nesting, lids and extras — features worth considering

Nesting bowls save cupboard space and lids are lifesavers for storage and proofing. Non-slip bases help when you’re whisking hard, and measurement markings or pour spouts can cut prep time. Small features can transform a good bowl into a favourite tool.

Sustainable choices and materials to watch for

Want to be kinder to the planet? Opt for long-lasting materials like stainless steel or high-quality ceramic. Avoid single-use plastics and look for brands that offer durable construction rather than throwaway goods. A well-made mixing bowl can last for decades, so choosing quality reduces waste over time.

Buying online vs in-store — which is better?

Shopping online gives you wider selection, easy price comparison, and customer reviews — ideal if you know the size and style you want. In-store shopping lets you feel the weight and test balance. If you’re torn, try one quality bowl in-store to test, then expand online with confidence.

Final buying checklist

Before you click “buy,” run through this checklist: Is the capacity right for your typical recipes (fl oz/cups)? Is the material suited to your main tasks? Will it nest or stack for storage? Are there helpful extras like lids or non-slip bases? If you tick the boxes, you’ve probably found a winner.

Conclusion

Mixing bowls are simple tools, but the right one makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. From Scandinavian picks at Nordic Nest to robust options from Brabantia, ceramic elegance from Le Creuset and Emile Henry, or practical sets from Rosti and Zwilling, there’s a perfect bowl for every kitchen and budget. Think about material, size, and features before buying — and remember, a well-chosen bowl can be a small investment that pays back with years of better cooking.