Mixing bowls are some of the simplest tools in a kitchen, but having the right sizes in the right quantity keeps prep fast and organized. Stainless mixing bowls are used for mixing dressings, tossing salads, marinating, holding prepped ingredients and whipping by hand. This guide helps you build a practical set.
Shop the equipment in this article: Thunder Group SLMB001 3/4 qt mixing bowl, Thunder Group SLMB003 3 qt mixing bowl and Thunder Group SLMB005 5 qt mixing bowl. Freight is included on every order.
Sizes and What They Are for
Stainless bowls come in a wide range, from under 1 quart to 30 quarts or more.
Small bowls, around 3/4 to 2 quarts, are for whisking eggs, mixing sauces, holding garnishes and small mise en place. Medium bowls, around 3 to 8 quarts, are the everyday workhorses for dressings, batters and marinating. Large bowls, around 13 to 30 quarts, are for tossing big salads, mixing ground meat, breading stations and batch prep.
Thunder Group SLMB001 3/4 qt mixing bowl
Thunder Group SLMB003 3 qt mixing bowl
Thunder Group SLMB005 5 qt mixing bowl
Thunder Group SLMB006 8 qt mixing bowl
Thunder Group SLMB008 16 qt mixing bowl
Thunder Group SLMB030 30 qt mixing bowl
How Many to Buy
A good rule is at least two of each size a station uses daily, plus extras of medium bowls, since those get used most. A small cafe might get by with a dozen bowls. A busy restaurant prep kitchen often needs several dozen across sizes. Count your prep stations and think about peak prep time, not the average.
Bowl Shape
Standard bowls have a wide shape for easy mixing and whisking. Deeper bowls hold more without splashing and are better for tossing. Shallow bowls are easier to scrape and stack.
Material
Stainless steel is the standard in commercial kitchens. It does not react with most foods, does not hold odors and survives the dish machine. Plastic bowls are lighter but can stain and hold odors over time. Glass is rare in commercial kitchens because of breakage risk near food.
Storage and Space
Stainless bowls nest to save space. Keep them on a shelf near the prep area and store upside down so they dry and stay clean. Hanging racks work for the most used sizes.
Cleaning
Stainless bowls can go in the dish machine or be washed in a three-compartment sink: wash, rinse, sanitize. Dry before nesting to prevent water spots. If you see rust spots, clean them with a stainless steel cleaner and avoid steel wool.
Tips for Use
Place a damp towel under a bowl to stop it spinning while whisking. Use a larger bowl than you think for tossing salads so food does not spill. Chill bowls in the cooler before whipping cream.
A Starter Set by Kitchen Type
A cafe or small bar kitchen can start with four 3/4 to 1 1/2 quart bowls, four 3 to 5 quart bowls and two 8 quart bowls. A full-service restaurant usually needs six to eight small bowls, eight to twelve medium bowls, four large bowls in the 13 to 16 quart range and one or two 20 to 30 quart bowls for batch work. A bakery leans toward more medium and large sizes for batters and fillings.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Which sizes does each station use daily?
- How many of each do I need at peak prep?
- Do I need very large bowls for batch mixing?
- Where will bowls be stored near prep?
- Do I have space to nest and dry them?
Next Steps
Browse all sizes in our mixing bowls category and see more tools in smallwares. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Thunder Group SLMB001 3/4 qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 6-1/2in Diameter x 2-3/8in Height (model SLMB001)
- Brand: Thunder Group
Thunder Group SLMB003 3 qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9-1/2in Diameter x 3-1/2in Height (model SLMB003)
- Brand: Thunder Group
Thunder Group SLMB005 5 qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 11-5/8in Diameter x 4in Height (model SLMB005)
- Brand: Thunder Group
Thunder Group SLMB006 8 qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 13-1/2in Diameter x 5in Height (model SLMB006)
- Brand: Thunder Group
Thunder Group SLMB008 16 qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 17-2/3in Diameter x 5-1/8in Height (model SLMB008)
- Brand: Thunder Group
Thunder Group SLMB030 30 qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 22-4/9in Diameter x 7-5/8in Height (model SLMB030)
- Brand: Thunder Group
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.