Should you get a small or large-size stand mixer bowl? Is a glass bowl better than stainless steel?
I prefer a mid-sized stand mixer with about 3L to 4L bowl capacity. As for the bowl material, I like the stainless steel because it’s light, easy to clean, and virtually unbreakable.
Then again, we have different kitchen needs and preferences.
So, to help you choose your ideal mixing bowl, this guide lists the different stand mixer bowl sizes and types with their pros and cons.
How to Pick the Correct Stand Mixer Bowl Size
The size of a stand mixer bowl suggests the quantity of mixture, batter, or dough you can make at one time.
So, when choosing a bowl size, you should determine how many people you cook or bake for at home. Also, consider the servings of the usual recipes you work with.
Aside from knowing the maximum amount of food a stand mixer can process, it also helps to determine its minimum capacity. That way, you’ll know how flexible your mixer is to your kitchen needs.
Check the product specifications of the stand mixer you’re considering for its specific bowl size. Sometimes, you’ll also see this at the stand mixer model name or engraved at the bottom of the bowl itself.
Different Sizes of Stand Mixer Bowls
Here’s a table for a quick comparison of the different stand mixer bowl capacities.
| STAND MIXER BOWL SIZE | FOOD CAPACITY | NUMBER OF SERVINGS |
| Small or Mini (about 3.3L) | Holds up to 5 dozen cookies | Can serve up to 12 people |
| Medium (about 4.3-4.7L) | Holds up to 8 cups of flour, 6 dozen cookies, 3 bread loaves, or 2.7kg of mashed potatoes | Can serve up to 22 people |
| Large (about 5.7L or more) | Holds up to 9 cups of flour, 9 dozen cookies, 4.5 bread loaves, or 3kg of mashed potatoes | Can serve up to 30 people or more |
- Small or Mini Bowls. Stand mixers with mini bowl capacities are ideal for kitchens with limited storage space and home cooks making family-sized batches of baked goods. It’s a good choice for occasional bakers, too.
- Medium Bowls. Stand mixers with a medium bowl are the household standard. These are perfect for home bakers who plan to improve their skills or widen their recipe options. This size also fits slightly bigger families or users who want to start a small food business.
- Large Bowls. Stand mixers with large to extra-large bowl capacities are usually heavy, so they suit spacious kitchens better. They are a perfect match for big households and users who often produce baked goods in large quantities. Professional chefs who work in large or commercial kitchens also prefer this bowl size.
Note that the bowl size or capacity usually matches the power of a stand mixer. So, a large bowl size means a more powerful motor.
Also, the power may dictate the type of stand mixer you are getting. Specifically, mini and medium bowls are for tilt-head stand mixers, while large bowls are for bowl-lift models.
How to Pick the Correct Stand Mixer Bowl Type
Once you know which stand mixer bowl size is right for you, the next step is to decide which bowl material to get.
Choose the one that is easiest to clean or handle and matches most of your favourite recipes.
Different Stand Mixer Bowl Materials
Bowl options based on material depend on the stand mixer brand and model. However, here are the most common types and their pros and cons.
| STAND MIXER BOWL TYPE | PROS | CONS |
| Stainless Steel | Lightweight and kid friendly Freezer and dishwasher safe Efficient conductors of heat and cold Ideal for bread making and working with cold ingredients | Too acidic mixtures can taint or stain the metal bowl |
| Glass | Non-reactive to acidic ingredients, non-absorbent, and stain resistant Dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe Often comes with measurement markings, pouring spout, and handle Gives good visibility while mixing | Breakable and heavy |
| Ceramic | Stylish and decorative May have a pouring spout and handle Dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe | Prone to chipping, cracking, and breaking Heavy |
Note that some stainless-steel bowls are for handwashing only because of their intricate outer designs or sensitive finishes.
Also, depending on the brand, some mixer bowls work with an optional bowl cover or lid for storage.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a stand mixer may seem easy at first but can be challenging, considering all the buying factors you need to know and weigh in.
However, the key to finding the best stand mixer for your kitchen is to choose based on your needs and preferences.
When it comes to stand mixer bowl size, pick the one that suits the size of your household and the recipes you want to make.
As for bowl material, choose the type that is easy to handle and clean. Think about the usual ingredients and procedures in the recipes you often work with.
If you have enough storage space, why not buy two different mixer bowl sizes? Or get glass and stainless-steel bowls.
Working with a stand mixer is 100% better when its features and accessories match the delicious creations you make at home.
