Functional Decor: The Best Wooden Bowls in 2022

Nothing looks as good as serving food in a wooden bowl because it suits all kinds of settings, from contemporary to modern dining tables. The wood used in making bowls can be of different types like cherry, acacia, or others that will decide their overall quality. There are many options available but not all are safe or long-lasting. So, we've prepared this detailed guide for you to help you choose the best wooden bowls.

What Factors Should I Look Out For?

Size

The size of the wooden bowl you are purchasing depends on the purpose. For instance, you need small-sized bowls having a diameter of 4 inches to serve dips like cheesy dip, sauce, mayonnaise, etc. because they are required in small quantities. On the other hand, bowls that are 6 inches or so in diameter are best for salads. Deeper ones are great for tossing salads or fruits without falling off.

Weight

The weight of wooden bowls plays a vital role as you have to move them from the kitchen to the dining table and vice-versa multiple times a day. So, choose a lightweight set because it is easy to carry. If it is a dipping bowl, it should be less or equivalent to 0.2-0.3 pounds. On the contrary, mixing bowls can weigh 2-3 pounds owing to their large size.

Material

Woods used for manufacturing bowls are of different types. So you should know which type is used in the bowl. Cherry wood is red-brown with dark flecks over it. Bowls made of this wood are rich brown, which darkens and attains luster over time. Additionally, some bowls are made of 100% original coconut shells. They don’t only look unique but are also suitable for health due to a lack of chemical toxins. If you're looking for more durable and water-resistant bowl pieces, then acacia wood-made bowls are ideal for you. However, avoid purchasing bowls made of soft and porous wood like maple, ash, or elm because they are more vulnerable to bacterial growth.

Number of bowls

Most of the bowls come in a set of several pieces. You can purchase a single bowl or a complete set based on your preference. However, their price will vary accordingly.

Shape

Check if your wooden bowl is slightly flat on the bottom so that it can sit stable on the table or countertop. However, rounded ones will become unstable to fit on trays or other hard surfaces.

Wooden spoons

It's better to use wooden spoons for wooden bowls or dishes because metal ones can scratch their surfaces. Therefore, look for a product that comes with spoons, or you can also buy them separately.

Food-safe

A wooden bowl is no more than a showpiece if it is not food-safe. There are wooden dishes available for decoration purposes only. Thus, you should check if the bowl material is food-grade or not. If a bowl has proper finishing all over its body, it's safe for serving food.

How Are Wood Bowls Better Than Other Types of Bowls?

Wooden bowls are better than others because they are eco-friendly compared to those made of plastic and styrofoam. Since wood is a good insulator, it keeps your food fresh and warm. Additionally, these bowls are more durable as compared to ceramic ones. Hence, a single hit on the floor won't break them down.

Taking Care of Wooden Bowls

You will never want to ruin the elegant centerpiece of your dining. You may treat a wooden bowl as a standard bowl, but it needs extra care when it comes to maintaining its appearance. Check out these tips to keep your wooden bowl in good condition for a long time.

Seasoning

Seasoning does not mean you have to sprinkle pepper and salt on your wooden bowl. Here, seasoning indicates the process of making a bowl ready to use. All you need to do is put an extra layer of protection all around it using mineral oil. You can also use an oil meant for wood preserving and conditioning. It's better to season the bowl after every four months, but if you use it more frequently, you can increase the frequency of seasoning. This will protect the utensil from moisture, heat, and abrasion, but you should remember that the bowl is still not microwave-safe.

No dishwasher

Wooden bowls may feel like ordinary dishes, but they are not. Putting them in a dishwasher can be a big mistake because the heat inside the dishwasher can warp or crack them. Therefore, use warm water and a gentle dish soap to clean them.

Towel dry

Instead of allowing the bowls to air dry themselves, use a soft towel and wipe off excess moisture quickly. If you leave them wet, they will absorb moisture which leads to warping.

No microwave

Don't put a wooden bowl in the microwave because it creates excess heat for the wood. Since wood is a material that gets heated within seconds, it will be bad for both the bowl and the food stored in it.

Alcohol

Bowls are great for salads or dips, but don't pour alcohol in them because it damages the bowl badly.

Cleaning

It's essential to clean bowls immediately after using them. Don't leave them dirty for long because wood is a porous substance that makes them easy to absorb in nature. Therefore, a wooden bowl tends to absorb dirt, quickly making it unhygienic.

No scrubbing

Scrubbing your utensils sounds normal, but it is unusual for wooden bowls because they have smooth and polished surfaces that easily get scratched. Later on, these scratches widen, and the material inside gets damaged.

Some Buyers Also Ask

Q: Can I put my wooden bowl into the microwave?

A: The only disadvantage with wooden bowls is that you cannot microwave them. Doing so can damage your food and the bowl, and it can also lead to a kitchen fire. Although wooden bowls keep your food warm for longer than other bowls, empty it in another bowl that can be used in the oven or on gas burners to heat it.

Q: Can I serve hot food in my wooden dish?

A: Wooden dishes are meant for serving salads or dips. Still, you can serve steaming food like hot soup in a wooden bowl if you season it frequently and take great care of it. However, if you take it out only when guests arrive, you should be highly alert while pouring hot food as it will ultimately damage the wood. This occurs because there is no extra coating to protect the material.

Q: Does olive oil in food harm wooden bowls?

A: You might have heard that olive oil damages wooden furniture, but it is not true. Olive oil or other mineral oil used in food has nourishing properties. Hence, it nourishes your wooden bowl and enhances its shine. Besides bowls, it is also used for treating furniture like tables.