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You'll use them every single day! Stoneware Popcorn Bowl

Ask any baker what their essential kitchen tools include, and they will certainly mention mixing bowls at some point. Sure, a stand mixer might top the list since it's fancy and fun, but when it comes down to it, nothing is more essential that a sturdy set of mixing bowls. Heck, ask any cook in the kitchen! Without a set of the best mixing bowls to prep, serve, and store, it's practically impossible to create any meal, whether it's homemade cinnamon rolls or a big seasonal salad.

To choose the right type of mixing bowls, you first want to consider material. You'll find a range of stainless steel bowls in most professional kitchens, because they are super sturdy, relatively lightweight, and can cool and heat quickly. In fact, that's what The Pioneer Woman prefers herself. "I love a big stainless mixing bowl," Ree says. But you'll also see her use ceramic, glass, and melamine bowls as well, because they are all microwave friendly and look nicer to double as serving dishes. In fact, most kitchens should have more than one type of mixing bowl depending on the activity. (Trust us, anything other than a good plastic bowl with hand mixers will sound atrocious!) But don't worry, because here, we not only explain what bowls are best for certain tasks, but we also pick out the best option for each. We included bowls with covers for storage and various size selections depending on your kitchen and recipe size. So go ahead, pick one of these sets or—ahem—mix and match them to suit your culinary needs.

If you're looking for a quality starter set, stainless steel is the way to go. They will last a really long time, you won't fear breaking them, and they cool and heat ingredients really fast. This set is great for big batch prep and storage, because the sizes range from 1.5 quarts to five and they all have covers.

Ten bowls for under $20? It's true! This glass set has all the sizes you might want in a standard kitchen, from small one-ounce pinch bowls to a 3.5-quart bowl perfect for batch prep.

Glass bowls are super versatile because they are sturdy and friendly to the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. This three-piece set is a great starter set for most kitchen prep. Added bonus: If you're ever worried about under-mixing, a glass bowl allows you to see the sides and bottom to double check everything is incorporated.

If you do a lot in the kitchen, this 18-piece set melamine will cover so many of your needs. From small 16-ounce prep bowls to an extra-large 5.5-quart bowl and everything in between, there is a size option for every task. They all come with covers for easy storage, and they are just so darn pretty! You can easily use them as serving bowls.

Plastic bowls are the best for hand mixers, because they make less of a sound when they hit the sides. But you need a sturdy plastic that can take a beating, like this set from OXO. The non-slip bottom makes sure the bowls stay steady, and the handy spouts help you avoid a mess when you pour.

Talk about heirloom quality! Mason Cash first introduced their mixing bowl in 1901 and have been making these gorgeous ceramics ever since. In general, ceramic is on the heavier side, but that makes it ideal for staying sturdy on the counter if you have something big or thick to mix. Plus, they make for such pretty serving vessels!

This set of six stainless steel bowls is a bestseller for several reasons: the sturdy construction, the wide spacious sides, and the size range! You can make huge batches in the eight-quart or a whisk a few eggs in the ¾-quart.

If you like the idea of stainless steel, but don't feel as certain in the kitchen, try this OXO set! The bowls have non-skid bottoms that helps keep them stabile as you work, even when they are tilted. They also have insulated exteriors so your hands won't get super hot or cold.

Bamboo is one of the strongest natural materials you can find. This set is made from recycled fiber, making it eco-friendly, too! It ranges from a small four-inch bowl up to 11 inches, so you can definitely do a ton of prep work. And can we talk about these cute colors? So fun!

Bone China Tea Cup Set If you like to whip up pancakes, a batter bowl will be super useful. It's like a giant measuring cup and a bowl in one, making it perfect to measure, mix, and pour in one vessel. It's also great for mixing wet ingredients in baking recipes like muffins.