Whether you’re serving popcorns, making dough for your next baking project, a well-made mixing bowl is a must. The problem appears when you try to choose the material of the bowl. The war between pyrex glass vs stainless steel mixing bowls has been going on for quite some time and it’s time to put an end to it. While the choice is pretty straightforward for most people, you still know the ins and outs behind what’s happening.
So, without stretching this any further, let’s see what I’ve got to say-
Pyrex Glass Vs Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Glass and stainless steel mixing bowls; a handful of people will decide which one to go for right off the bat. But as it turns out, there are plenty of insider factors you need to know before settling for either one.
First, let’s see the similarities between these two, and then we’ll start dissecting the differences-
Similarities – Pyrex Glass Vs Stainless Steel Bowls
Comes with Easy Nesting Storage
Both glass and stainless bowls come with nesting storage facilities. While it’s true that many glass bowls don’t have this feature, there’s no denying it’s a complete lifesaver.
Regardless of the size of your kitchen cabinets, when the bowls are nested inside each other, the decluttering saves space along with giving it a neat look.
They’re Both Dishwasher-safe
While it might seem glass being a fragile material wouldn’t survive dishwashers, the reality is a bit different. These mixing bowls are made from tempered glass which is hardened to its core through a mechanical strengthening process.
So, there you have it. On the flip side, it’s a no-brainer that stainless steel mixing bowls are always going to be dishwasher-safe.
Both Are Non-porous Material
Glass and stainless steel are both non-porous materials, unlike plastic. Whether you’re marinating a duck or putting together delicate salads, you don’t have to worry about the flavor changing.
Although some people think stainless steel might give out a metallic taste especially for acidic food. However, that’s only applicable for aluminum bowls; stainless steel bowls steer clear from that issue.
Stays Stable
While this mostly depends on the design of the mixing bowl, there’s another reason why I brought this up. There’s a common misconception that stainless steel bowls won’t stay stable when you’re whisking eggs or something like that.
But that never seems to be the case. Even though they’re lightweight, their precise design keeps them stable. And I don’t know about you, but I always hold on to the bowl when I’m mixing something in a bowl. So, there’s no chance of the bowl tipping over.
On the other hand, glass mixing bowls with their heavyweight are never second-guessed about stability.
Differences – Pyrex Glass Vs Stainless Steel Bowls
Durability
Pyrex Glass: Durability is where pyrex glass suffers a lot. It’s not like every time these glass bowls fall off, they’ll break. As it turns out, tempered glass can survive a fall from up to 18-inches.
But add some force and height to that, it’s sure to break. Although you don’t have to worry about the bowl shattering from excess heat. No matter how hot or cold it gets, these bowls will push through everything.
FineDine Stainless Steel: Stainless steel mixing bowls are sort of indestructible. Despite how roughly you use these, they’ll never break. You might see dents and scratches after a few years, but you can still use them with no worries.
Unlike glass bowls, they won’t shatter if they fall from a certain height. Sure, you’ll hear an ear-splittingly loud from the fall but it’ll stay intact.
Size and Weight
FineDine Pyrex Glass: It goes without saying that glass can get really heavy if it’s big enough. Even with the smaller glass bowls, the weight becomes an issue.
I agree the weight helps with stability but how do you feel about carrying a huge filled to the brim pyrex glass bowl from one room to another?
I know I’d hate that. This leads to an even bigger problem. You’ll always have to think twice before giving a glass mixing bowl to a kid. In most cases, it’s never a good idea to let kids handle something as heavy as a glass bowl.
FineDine Stainless Steel: No matter how big a stainless steel bowl gets, it’ll never be as heavy as pyrex glass bowls. The thing is stainless steel bowls don’t have the extra thickness that glass bowls have.
Stainless steel is a much harder material that can hold its shape even if it’s thin as hair. Kids can play with stainless steel bowls as long as they want, the shape’s not going to change any time soon. This all results in making a stainless steel bowl a versatile choice.
Microwave-safe
Pyrex Glass: Pyrex glass bowls and microwaves go hand in hand. Glass bowls are completely microwave-safe and frankly, they work well with all the other appliances too.
FineDine Stainless Steel: This is where stainless steel bowls can’t take the winning trophy. As these bowls or stainless steel, in general, have a lot of active electrons inside, the microwaves get reflected off them.
That’s why they always tell you to avoid putting metal objects in a microwave oven. While this might not be the reason behind a house catching on fire, it’s sure to damage the oven itself.
Heat Conductivity
Pyrex Glass: Heat conductivity is another factor where pyrex glass takes the lead. Glass bowls are much thicker than a lot of other materials. If you put some hot soup on a pyrex glass bowl, chances are it’s going to take its time to cool down.
FineDine Stainless Steel: Unlike glass, stainless steel is not that good with heat. The most irritating issue is you won’t be able to hold the bowl with bare hands when it’s filled with something hot.
Looks and Design
Pyrex Glass: Glass will always be glass. The amount of detail you can put in a glass bowl can be mesmerizing. You probably don’t need all that design in your kitchen. But there’s no denying glass bowls have gained huge popularity as fruit bowls for the dining table or just as a beautiful showpiece.
Most importantly, glass bowls are transparent. People who like to see what they’re from a side view or if you want to see air pockets, there’s no better alternative to a glass bowl.
FineDine Stainless Steel: Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about stainless steel bowls. When compared to the beauty of glass bowls, steel bowls fall behind.
Nevertheless, they have a simple and elegant touch to them. While they might not suit vintage decors, they can be a quintessential addition to a modern kitchen setting.
Ease of Cleanup
Pyrex Glass: Glass bowls often have complicated shapes, making them a little difficult to clean. But that’s nothing significant.
What bothers people is the weight. As you already know when glass bowls get big, they can get quite heavy. Unless you use the dishwasher, cleaning takes some caution.
FineDine Stainless Steel: Stainless steel bowls couldn’t get any easier to clean. Being lightweight and sturdy, you can use clean with no extra precaution. And if you toss it in the dishwasher, that’s even easier.
Price
Pyrex Glass: Pyrex glass bowls are always going to be priced higher than stainless steel bowls. Despite their lack of durability, the visual appeal of glass bowls will always keep the price higher.
FineDine Stainless Steel: Whether you’re a newlywed who wants to buy new bowls or a fresh graduate who’s just moving in, stainless steel bowls with their affordable prices will stay by your side.
Unlike glass bowls, they have an affordable price and you get the indestructible durability of stainless steel.
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl
2. Glass bowls are microwave-safe
3. The sides of a glass bowl are slippery meaning food won’t stay stuck
4. The temperature-resistant of glass bowls are far better than steel bowls
5. They’re compatible with most kitchen appliances
2. Their heavyweight makes them hard to carry and clean
3. You can’t let kids handle glass bowls
4. The price is higher
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
2. They add an elegant touch to your kitchen
3. Large-sized steel bowls are much lighter compared to glass bowls
4. Glass bowls better for beating eggs or whisking milk
5. They’re practically destructible making them safe for kids and occasional drops
2. The lightweight makes them less stable compared to glass bowls
3. Stainless steel bowls are safe for the microwave oven
The Final Verdict
So, that’s a wrap. When the matter’s about pyrex glass vs stainless steel mixing bowls, it’s simply a matter of preference. If durability and longevity are your concern, stainless steel bowls are the way to go.
On the other hand, if you want to use it in the microwave, glass bowls are what you should go for. And of course, they have a much better design if you compare them side to side.
Stay tuned with Cookingisbelleza. Happy cooking!
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As a home cook, I am working in the kitchen niche since 2001.
Writing a blog is one of my hobbies. Cooking is my passion and I love to experiment with spices. I hope you will get benefitted after reading my article.
