The Humble Essential
Mixing bowls may not be the most exciting kitchen tool, but they are among the most used. We tested 10 mixing bowl sets, evaluating durability, nesting, pour spouts, and dishwasher safety.
Our Top Pick: OXO Good Grips
The OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set features non-slip silicone bases that keep bowls steady during vigorous mixing. The three nesting sizes cover most kitchen tasks.
Final Verdict
For most kitchens, the OXO Good Grips set offers the best combination of functionality and value. If you prefer glass, the Pyrex Smart Essentials set is a solid alternative.
Our Top Picks
Ranked by performance, value, and user satisfaction
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart
The gold standard of multi-cookers. Combines 7 appliances in one — pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.
Pros
- •7-in-1 versatility replaces multiple appliances
- •13 one-touch programs for effortless cooking
- •Stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher safe
- •10+ safety features for peace of mind
Cons
- •Learning curve for first-time pressure cooker users
- •Sealing ring can retain food odors over time
Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer, 6.5 Quart
TenderCrisp technology lets you pressure cook to lock in juices, then air fry for a crispy finish — all in one pot.
Pros
- •14 cooking functions in a single appliance
- •TenderCrisp lid for air-frying after pressure cooking
- •6.5-quart capacity feeds a family of 5
- •SmartLid slider switches modes seamlessly
Cons
- •Bulky footprint requires significant counter space
- •Higher price point than basic pressure cookers
Vitamix 5200 Blender, 64 Ounce Container
Professional-grade blender with aircraft-grade stainless steel blades. Pulverizes whole fruits, seeds, and ice with ease.
Pros
- •Powerful 2-peak HP motor handles any ingredient
- •Variable speed control plus pulse feature
- •Self-cleaning with a drop of dish soap and warm water
- •Industry-leading 7-year full warranty
Cons
- •Premium price tag
- •Tall container may not fit under low cabinets
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
The iconic stand mixer with 10 speeds and a 5-quart stainless steel bowl. Compatible with 10+ attachments for everything from pasta to ice cream.
Pros
- •Powerful 325W motor for heavy doughs and batters
- •Tilt-head design allows easy bowl access
- •Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip
- •Hub attachment port unlocks 10+ optional tools
Cons
- •Heavy unit is not easily portable
- •Attachments sold separately add to cost
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer
Combines toaster oven and air fryer in one compact unit. 7 cooking functions and enough room for a 12-inch pizza.
Pros
- •Air frying with little to no oil for healthier meals
- •7 functions: toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, air fry
- •Fits a 12" pizza or 4 lb of chicken
- •Adjustable thermostat up to 450°F
Cons
- •Exterior gets hot during use
- •Timer knob can feel imprecise
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Built-in conical burr grinder and precision espresso extraction. Go from whole beans to café-quality espresso in under a minute.
Pros
- •Integrated conical burr grinder for fresh grounds every shot
- •Digital temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction
- •Powerful steam wand for micro-foam latte art
- •Adjustable grind size and dose for dialing in
Cons
- •Requires practice to master espresso extraction
- •Premium price point for home baristas
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Laser reveals microscopic dust, and the LCD screen shows real-time data. 60 minutes of fade-free suction power.
Pros
- •Laser detects particles as small as 10 microns
- •LCD screen displays real-time particle count and run time
- •60-minute battery life with fade-free power
- •5-stage filtration captures 99.99% of particles
Cons
- •High price compared to corded vacuums
- •Battery is not swappable in-session
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine
One-touch brewing with Centrifusion technology that reads the barcode on each capsule for the perfect cup every time.
Pros
- •One-touch brewing for 5 cup sizes
- •Centrifusion reads capsule barcode automatically
- •Heats up in 25 seconds
- •Large 40 oz water reservoir
Cons
- •Proprietary capsules limit coffee variety
- •Ongoing capsule cost adds up over time
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set
Three nesting stainless steel bowls with non-slip silicone bases. Dishwasher safe and built to last a lifetime.
Pros
- •Non-slip silicone base keeps bowl steady
- •Three nesting sizes for compact storage
- •Stainless steel is durable and dishwasher safe
- •Wide angled walls for easy whisking
Cons
- •Silicone base can trap water in dishwasher
- •No lids included for storage
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25-Inch
The classic American cast iron skillet. Pre-seasoned and ready to use. Goes from stovetop to oven to campfire.
Pros
- •Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil — ready to use
- •Unmatched heat retention and even heating
- •Works on all heat sources including induction and campfire
- •Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- •Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust
- •Heavy compared to non-stick alternatives
