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The Best Plastic Bowls

Last updated on May 16, 2023

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Whether you’re having cereal or ice cream, pasta or salad, there are so many uses for bowls. From babies to kids to adults, everyone finds comfort and ease using these simple pieces of dishware. If you want to avoid worrying about breaking ceramic dishes or need something that is lightweight and highly portable, plastic bowls are the answer.

When it comes to choosing plastic bowls, the first factor you have to determine is whether you want something reusable or disposable. Reusable bowls are more environmentally friendly than their single-use counterparts. However, it does mean you have to do more dishes. In some cases, plastic bowls cannot be put into the dishwasher, so you’re left to hand wash them in the sink. Disposable plastic bowls are easy to dispose of as they go straight in the garbage and no cleaning is required. However, they are not environmentally friendly or sustainable. Plus, they may have a higher cost overall as compared to reusable plastic bowls.

Reusable plastic bowls are a good choice for your family as you can use them again and again. However, if you need to entertain many guests, it may make sense to purchase a pack of disposable plastic bowls. They come in large packages of 40, 50 and even 100 or more bowls, and are a good idea when its just not feasible to have that quantity of reusable bowls in your home. Like reusable plastic bowls, disposable ones are also leak-proof, cut-resistant and non-absorbent, making them safe from an array of foods, from appetizers to mains to desserts.

Our Picks For The Top Plastic Bowls

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Re Play Heavyweight Recycled Milk Jugs Plastic Bowls, 4 Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Re Play

Heavyweight Recycled Milk Jugs Plastic Bowls, 4 Piece

These indestructible plastic bowls are microwave and dishwasher safe. They come in a range of fun and vibrant colors. The bowls are versatile and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Overall Take

Durable ChoiceThese plastic bowls are microwave and dishwasher safe.

 Best Nested Set

YIHONG Rainbow Plastic Nesting Mixing Bowls Sets, 6 Piece

YIHONG

Rainbow Plastic Nesting Mixing Bowls Sets, 6 Piece

Want more color in your kitchen? You’ll love that this six-piece bowl set comes in every color of the rainbow. Its bowls range from 5.28 to 0.29 quarts and can easily stack for improved storage.

Overall Take

A Color for EveryoneBring the colors of the rainbow into your kitchen with this stackable bowl set, perfect for serving, prepping and baking.

 Runner Up

Homestockplus Unbreakable BPA-Free Plastic Cereal Bowls, 6 Piece

Homestockplus

Unbreakable BPA-Free Plastic Cereal Bowls, 6 Piece

Use these highly versatile plastic bowls at home or take them camping. They are made from wheat straw fiber, which is durable and lightweight. The bowls can safely go in the dishwasher and microwave.

Overall Take

Highly VersatileUse these plastic bowls at home or take them camping.

 We Also Like

PLASTICPRO Premium Crystal Clear Disposable Plastic Bowls, 40 Piece

PLASTICPRO

Premium Crystal Clear Disposable Plastic Bowls, 40 Piece

These high-quality plastic bowls are ideal for special occasions and parties. They are disposable, but can be washed, reused and microwaved. The bowls have an elegant design.

Overall Take

High-Quality OptionThese plastic bowls are ideal for special occasions and parties.

What to Look For

  • How many bowls are you looking for? Consider whether they are for everyday home use, special occasions or something in between. Also consider how many people you’re feeding at one time. You can find sets of reusable plastic bowls in quantities of four or six, while disposable plastic bowl sets come with ten times as many bowls.
  • Reusable plastic bowls are perfect for young children. They are highly durable, so they won’t shatter if they fall. Many are also microwave and dishwasher safe, adding to the convenience. Plus, they come in fun and vibrant colors that kids love, such as neon pink or pale blue.
  • Kids aren’t the only ones that can use reusable plastic bowls. Plastic dishware is ideal for eating outside, whether it’s backyard barbeque or park picnic. If they fall on the uneven ground, they won’t break. Plus, they are lightweight so they are easier to transport wherever you need.
  • Some people think disposable plastic bowls are too casual in appearance for a fancy party, but that is no longer the case. You can find disposable plastic dishware that has a high-end look. With wavy or scalloped edges and floral designs, these bowls look like china but have the convenience of being made of disposable plastic.
  • While plastic bowls are great to eat in, they can also be used as serving bowls as well. Consider using plastic bowls for serving dips, chips, nuts, chocolates, dried fruit and other snacks. They can also be used for serving the toppings for foods, such as tacos, pasta or chili.

More to Explore

Bowls have been used all over the world for thousands of years. In fact, archeologists have found remenants of early bowls from ancient Chinese, Greek and Native American cultures. Ancient Greek bowls were uniquely shaped in that they had a small dent in the center. This made it easier to hold the bowl with the fingers. Some say that these bowls were used to drink wine while other sources claim they were actually to hold perfume.

What makes a bowl different from a cup or plate? Anthropologist Vincas Steponaitis specified that you can define a bowl by measuring its diameter. The diameter of the bowl should not equal under half its height.

More to explore