Bowls: purpose, varieties and recommendations for selection

A bowl is called a deep and wide dishes, similar in appearance to a small basin. This type of kitchen utensil most often has a hemispherical shape without a lid and handles. A distinctive feature of this dish is a thin bottom and non-thick walls. Today on sale are widely presented bowls of various shapes, volumes. The material from which they are made is very diverse.

This type of cookware is intended mainly for mixing ingredients and churning products. But, besides this, bowls are often used for serving soup and other liquid dishes, for making cereals and salads. They knead the dough, wash fruits and vegetables, thaw food, pickle food, and use it to store food in the refrigerator.

Exist special bowls with a gel heater for quick raising the dough when kneading. This type of tableware made of stainless steel is indispensable during a picnic or on a camping trip.

Bowls can be sold both individually and in sets. Such kits include from 2 to 6 (or more) elements, which is very convenient, since bowls of various sizes can be used for a wide variety of purposes. In small containers it is convenient to heat up the first dishes and pickle food; in them you can store small portions of food in the refrigerator.

Today, bowls are made from various bases, which have their advantages and disadvantages. Most often, this type of cookware is made of the following materials.

• Stainless steel. It is a very strong and durable material that can withstand high temperatures. In stainless steel bowls, you can quickly boil water, warm food, cook food on a fire. But stainless steel dishes are difficult to clean from contamination, as any abrasive products for kitchen utensils leave scratches on its surface.

• Aluminum. It has good thermal conductivity, is lightweight and durable. But aluminum dishes are destroyed by contact with an acidic environment and alkaline detergents. Aluminum bowls are recommended for boiling water, but not for cooking.

• Metals Metal bowls are not stained with food colors, do not absorb the smell of food, are easy to wash and maintain an attractive appearance for a long time. But, for example, it is undesirable to pour water into iron containers so as not to contribute to the corrosion process. They are well suited for frying and baking foods. They should be thoroughly wiped and dried after use.

• Enamel. Enamelled steel bowl is easy to clean, aesthetic and hygienic. It is resistant to acids and salts. But enameled dishes require a very careful attitude. Such products do not tolerate shock and sudden temperature changes. In no case should you use dishes with a broken layer of enamel, it poses a threat to your health.

• Wood. Wooden utensils are environmentally friendly, durable enough and have their own unique smell. Wooden bowls are ideal for vinaigrettes, salads, berries, pies, pickled mushrooms and vegetables. Serving wooden capacity looks very impressive on the festive table. However, it should be remembered that such dishes darken over time and can accumulate odors.

• Clay. This is a wonderful natural material. Fish, meat or mushrooms cooked in such dishes have a special aroma and unique taste. In clay bowls you can store food for a long time. This dish without glaze is absolutely safe for health. Clay products should not be placed in a high-temperature environment and rubbed with metal brushes.

• Ceramics. Ceramic ware is fragile and does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature. Such cooking utensils may contain harmful lead. Ceramic bowls are best used for serving ready-made meals and for microwave ovens.

• Glass. It has an attractive appearance. Glass bowls are easy to clean, but sensitive to any mechanical damage, require careful handling. They are effectively used to serve salads to the festive table. Heat-resistant glass bowls can be washed with chemicals and used in microwaves and ovens.

• Plastic. Plastic dishes are lightweight and do not require special care. Polypropylene plastic bowls marked with PP are made of a material that is safe for human health. They can be used for both cold and hot food, but must not be heated. Most often, salads and vegetables are placed in such containers. For a mixer and whipping products, they use a plastic bowl with a handle, high walls and a stable bottom.

• Silicone Silicone dishes usually have a bright color, it is resistant to high temperatures, does not absorb extraneous odors. Food grade silicone is a safe material. Such dishes can be washed both manually and in the dishwasher. But remember that silicone bowls are very easy to scratch with sharp objects.

• Coconut. These containers are completely natural, reusable and have a unique design. Coconut is characterized by lightness and high strength. Coconut bowls must be washed by hand and not subjected to sudden changes in temperature.

To choose the right reliable and practical bowls, you should carefully read the recommendations of experienced chefs.

• Ideally, you should purchase several options for this dish with different volumes, for example, 1.5, 2.5 and 5 liters.
• For a set of bowls you need to immediately buy a sieve for sifting flour and cereals, as well as a colander.
• To serve ready meals to the table, choose outwardly attractive and sustainable options. For mixing salads and minced meat, wide models of this dish are suitable.
• If you choose food storage bowls, give preference to tall items with a lid that protects food from oxidation.
• Bowls with a measuring scale allow you to accurately measure the amount of liquid for making dough or porridge.
• Be sure to ask the seller to show a certificate for the selected samples to be sure of the safety of the dishes.

Bowls are a necessary and multifunctional kitchen utensil.

Nowadays, there is a huge assortment of bowls of various shapes, sizes, made from a variety of materials. Properly selected quality bowls with appropriate care will last you a very long time.

See how to make wooden bowls.