The wedding gift we have used the most over the last eight years wasn’t even on our registry. My sister-in-law’s sister-in-law (got that?) gave us a 3-piece set of of white, melamine OXO Mixing bowls with a pour spout lip. I registered for a ceramic mixing set, but she dismissed the set as heavy, cumbersome, and prone to breaking. I chipped the pour spout off the largest mixing bowl before we were even married six months, ironically enough, but have continued to use them several times a week over the years because they really are very handy. In fact, until recently, I loved my melamine bowls. After 8 years, though, the bottom rubber part is starting to corrode. They stick to my shelves, and I can’t set them on my counter without leaving behind a hard rubber residue that I have to scrape off with a butter knife. I need new bowls. Is it time to make the switch to ceramic and leave behind melamine forever?
Here are the bowls I’m contemplating. The first set is melamine and retails for $29.99. It has 6 nesting mixing bowls, and is from the Martha Stewart collection for Macy*s.
The second set is ceramic and retails for $39.99. It has 5 nesting mixing bowls and is also part of the Martha Stewart Collection for Macy*s.
I get one more bowl with the melamine set, but the ceramic set might be pretty enough to serve from. I think. I haven’t seen them in person.
Which do you prefer: Melamine or ceramic? [gulp] Both?
Oh MJ this is a hard one…I have a ceramic set from crate and barrel and although it is very pretty it sits on my shelf and doesnt get used very much because it is so heavy. What I use the most is my glass nesting bowls from crate and barrel – they are a livesaver…here is the link http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=670&f=23025&q=glass+bowls&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1 I love them and serve from them. Good luck!
I have one big beautiful ceramic bowl and I love it, it makes me feel like more of a cook. However, that sucker is HEAVY and b/c of that it sits in the cupboard more often than not. I’d go Melamine on this one.
I like ceramic. Sure, it’s heavy as heck, but I love the sound of my mixing spoons (or pick your favorite mixing utensils) as it clangs when I am mixing. Melamine is nice, but when you’re whipping up a storm you kind of need a heavy bowl to hold onto… I think. Well, that’s my 2 cents!
This one is tough, you know my weakness for the color blue and I love those bowls. I could help you justify buying both, no really I can – just say the word and I’m there for you my friend. With that being said, we both have enough Kitchen “stuff” and I know you really just need 1 set. I’m torn. I really like both of your choices.
Another alternative is the clear glass mixing bowl set. Like Kristen, I happen to be over the moon about my set as well. They are heavy enough to make me feel that I’m working for a cause and pretty enough to serve from.
My only complaint, after using them for 7 years now is that the edges on a few of them are chipped and my set has dwindled down to 7 pieces from 10. Personally, with my klutz factor, I find it amazing I have any left.
Let us know what you end up going with, I’m curious.
Chat soon Kara
PS – Here is the link and info from WS.
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/srch/index.cfm?words=mixing+bowls
Glass Mixing bowls, set of 10 $34.00
You can never have too many bowls for prepping or combining ingredients. This set includes a full range of sizes � ten in all � for holding everything from a few strands of saffron to the ingredients for a cake. Because the bowls are perfectly simple in design, you�ll appreciate their usefulness as serving pieces too. Made in France of durable tempered glass, they nest for compact storage. Microwavable; freezer and dishwasher safe. 1.25-oz. to 4 1/2-qt. cap.; 2 1/4″ to 10 1/4″ diam. Set of 10, one of each size.
Serving bowls? What are those. We eat out of the pans here LOL.
I think I’d go for both. Maybe a smaller set of ceramic for serving and display and a larger set of melamine for everyday use.
Hmm. Now I have to add the glass one to the mix! :) I do have a 3 piece set of pyrex that I also use. They are really convenient and I have served from them before.
Plus, that set from Kara is for 10 pieces!!! Wow!
What a strange post for me to read as I have also been considering buying the melamine Martha Stewart bowls, as the ceramic bowls I’ve used for years have finally all broke and/or chipped. I think I’m going with teh melamie.
i have the nigella set – and they are heavy, yes, but i def. use them to serve and to mix.
http://www.builderssquare.com/xp_571761-Nigella_Lawson_Mixing_Bowls_Set_of_4_7727_3.aspx
that’s my two cents.
I used to be all about my glass nesting bowls until I got a beautiful set of melamine bowls for Christmas. I don’t know if it’s because they are new or if it is because they are beautiful colors, but I love them. I still like having the glass bowls because there are more sizes, but the melamine are so much lighter. I think that you should get the two sets pictured and then also pick up a set of glass nesting bowls. I think that it is best to have all of your bases covered. Especially now with the new dinner challenge. Don’t want to run out of bowls!
I dont know what to tell you jules!
I did see both of those sets in person over the weekend. I was drooling all over the melamine because of the stunning colors.
I always use melamine or metal bowls with handles and spouts (like these). I have really weak wrists (I think you knew that already), so I definitely need something lightweight.
Is it weird that I’ve never even thought about the fact that ceramic bowls could be used to go directly from prep to serving dish? Seems so nice! (Duh, where has my head been?)
Well, I haven’t made a decision, yet. I am toying with the idea of buying both sets! Now that’s responsible. I should have the money saved for Argentina in no time!
Nicole–this whole post started with a run in I had with Corningware or Pyrex–one of those. Anyway, I know it sounds stupid, but I cooked in it, served in it, and then stored it in the fridge and I thought…”Oh. So this is why my mom’s being using hers for 30+ years.”
sorry to be commenting on this so late, but I just found you over at decorno. cute blog!
I’ve seen the ceramic ones, they’re pretty. definitely pretty enough to serve in – and they’re on my wish list too. I like ceramic over melamine any day, they just feel more substantial, and I’m slightly convinced that we’re all going to eventually die from over exposure to plastic, but that’s just me…haha.