Soup is a beloved food that comes in many varieties and is enjoyed all over the world. When eating soup, using the right bowl can maximize the experience and enjoyment. Some key considerations when choosing a soup bowl include the material, shape, size, weight, grip, and aesthetic. The optimal bowl enhances the flavors, retains heat, is comfortable to eat from, and suits the particular type of soup. With so many soup bowl options available, it can be difficult to choose the best ones. This article will examine the pros and cons of various materials, shapes, sizes, and other factors to consider when selecting soup bowls.
Ceramic Soup Bowls
Ceramic soup bowls have been used for centuries and remain a popular choice today. Here are some of the main pros and cons of ceramic soup bowls:
Pros:
- Retain heat well to keep soup hot.
- Come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs to suit personal tastes.
- Durable and resistant to cracks or breaks.
- Affordable option available.
- Offer a classic, timeless look.
Cons:
- Can be heavy compared to other materials.
- May chip over time with repeated use.
- Not microwave safe.
- Can break if dropped.
- Glazes and color may fade with frequent washing.
Ceramic soup bowls are best suited for enjoying soup at a leisurely pace at the table. The material retains heat nicely so the soup stays steaming hot throughout the meal. From basic white bowls to hand-painted designs, ceramic offers endless decorating options to match any kitchen or table. Just take care not to microwave ceramic bowls or drop them while full.
Stoneware Soup Bowls
Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is dense, nonporous, and heavier than standard ceramic. Here are the main pros and cons of stoneware soup bowls:
Pros:
- Very durable and resistant to chipping.
- Retains heat extremely well.
- Often microwavable.
- Lovely natural glazes and finishes.
- Available in many sizes and shapes.
Cons:
- On the heavy side.
- Prone to breaking if dropped.
- Glazes can scratch or fade over time.
- Limiting design options.
The heaviness of stoneware bowls helps retain heat, but also makes them trickier to hold, especially for children or those with wrist issues. Stoneware works well for hearty soups and stews that benefit from staying piping hot. The durability also makes these bowls suitable for frequent usage.
Glass Soup Bowls
Let’s look at some pros and cons of glass soup bowls:
Pros:
- Allow you to see the colors of the soup.
- Microwave safe.
- Easy to clean and stain resistant.
- Lightweight.
- Stylish clear glass or colored glass options.
Cons:
- Not as effective at retaining heat.
- Can crack or shatter if dropped.
- May scratch over time, losing luster.
- Slippery when holding hot liquids.
- Not ideal for young children.
The transparency of glass bowls allows soups’ vibrant colors to shine through. Glass tends to feel lighter in the hands than ceramic and stoneware. But it comes with the tradeoff of not retaining heat for as long. The risk of breaking and Burns from slippery glass are other downsides to weigh.
Tempered Glass Soup Bowls
Tempered glass soup bowls involve an extra production step to strengthen the glass through controlled rapid cooling. Here are the main pros and cons:
Pros:
- Very durable and resistant to breaking.
- Heat-resistant.
- Allows you to see soup colors and ingredients.
- Often microwavable.
Cons:
- Heavier than standard glass.
- Can still shatter if subjected to extreme temperature changes.
- Not as effective at retaining heat.
- Easy to scratch over time.
Tempered glass provides a safer option than regular glass while still offering that appealing see-through quality. It’s a smart choice for microwaveable soup bowls. But the tradeoffs of glass like fast cooling and scratches remain.
Wood Soup Bowls
Wood may not seem like an obvious soup bowl material, but it has some unique benefits. Here are the main pros and cons of wood soup bowls:
Pros:
- Keeps soup a nice warm temperature without getting too hot.
- Lightweight and easy to hold.
- Eco-friendly material from renewable sources.
- Attractive natural wood grains and colors.
- Doesn’t conduct heat well, preventing burned fingers.
Cons:
- Not as effective at retaining heat compared to ceramics.
- Prone to scratching and water damage over time.
- Requires handwashing and extra care.
- Not microwavable.
- Can be expensive.
Wood soup bowls have their niche for those who prefer the lighter feel and eco-friendly appeal. The biggest tradeoff is that the wood doesn’t retain heat for very long. Taking proper care of these bowls is also crucial to prevent warping or water damage.
Bamboo Soup Bowls
As a fast-growing grass, bamboo offers some additional benefits as a soup bowl material:
Pros:
- Sustainable and biodegradable material.
- Attractive natural look.
- Sturdy yet lightweight.
- Naturally antimicrobial.
- Great insulator to prevent burning.
Cons:
- Prone to splitting over time.
- Not highly effective at retaining heat.
- Relatively expensive.
- Can develop odors if not cared for properly.
- Must be handwashed.
For those wanting an eco-friendly option, bamboo soup bowls make a great choice. Their lightweight feel makes them comfortable for extended soup eating. Just take care to wash them promptly after use and store properly to maximize their lifespan.
Stainless Steel Soup Bowls
Here are some pros and cons of stainless steel as a soup bowl material:
Pros:
- Retains heat extremely well.
- Very durable and shatterproof.
- Rust resistant stainless steel.
- Easy to clean.
- Often microwavable.
Cons:
- Can conduct heat to the exterior, risking burns.
- Plain look unless more expensive designer options.
- Risk of developing dents over time.
- Metal taste imparted to some soups.
- Noisy when spoon hits sides.
Soup cools down fast, so stainless steel is ideal for keeping it piping hot. These bowls withstand frequent use without chipping or breaking. The utilitarian look doesn’t appeal to all, but there are ornate designer versions available. The biggest downside is the high heat conduction to the outer sides.
Insulated Stainless Steel Soup Bowls
Insulated stainless steel soup bowls contain an air gap between inner and outer layers to provide some added benefits:
Pros:
- Prevents burning from hot exterior.
- Keeps soup hot longer.
- Allows safe handling right out of the microwave.
- Often comes with lids to retain heat.
- Durable and shatterproof.
Cons:
- Heavier than normal stainless steel.
- Can be more expensive.
- Still prone to dents over time.
- Basic look unless designer finishes.
The insulation boosts functionality of stainless steel, allowing you to microwave soups without worry. These bowls keep soup hot for longer while protecting hands from burns. The added weight is a tradeoff for the benefit of insulation.
Size and Shape
Beyond material, the size and shape of a soup bowl also impact the soup eating experience. Consider these key factors:
- Bowl capacity – Small (8-12oz), medium (13-17oz), or large (18oz+) to suit portion needs.
- Shape – Wide shallow for brothy soups or deep and narrow for hearty stews.
- Weight – Light for holding through a long meal or heavy to retain heat.
- Rim – Curved, straight, or flared rim affect spilling and ease of sipping.
- Base – Broad base offers stability. Narrow is prone to tipping.
- Grip – Larger handle size provides better control.
Match the bowl size and shape to the soup style, choosing wider bowls for spoonable broth soups and deeper versions for chunky stews. Those with wrist issues may prefer lightweight bowls that are still large enough for a full meal portion.
Soup Bowl Size Comparison
| Bowl Size | Volume | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8-12oz | Bouillon, broths, dessert soups |
| Medium | 13-17oz | Heartier starters, luncheon soups |
| Large | 18oz+ | Stews, chilis, meal-in-a-bowl |
Specialized Soup Bowl Designs
Beyond the basic bowl shapes, some soup bowl designs offer added features and benefits:
Double wall bowls – Air gap between walls insulates to retain heat. Keeps exterior safer to handle.
Handle bowls – Loop or side handle makes holding and sipping easier. Great for soup eaters with limited wrist strength.
Non-slip bottom bowls – Textured base prevents sliding on table or lap. Helpful for children or elderly.
Lidded bowls – Matching lids keep soup hot and prevent spills. Allows transporting soup for commute or travel.
Partitioned bowls – Allow for holding soup in one section and accompaniments like bread or crackers in the others.
Auto-stirring bowls – Interior propeller automatically stirs soup to evenly distribute flavors and ingredients.
Consider your own needs and preferences to decide if a specialty soup bowl would suit you better than a standard shape. Those with limited grip strength or who eat soup on the go may find the added features especially useful.
Soup Bowl Material Comparison
| Material | Heat Retention | Durability | Weight | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Excellent | Prone to chipping | Medium-Heavy | Classic, traditional |
| Stoneware | Superior | Very durable | Heavy | Rustic, natural |
| Glass | Poor | Prone to breaking | Light | Sleek, modern |
| Wood | Fair | Scratches easily | Light | Natural, earthy |
| Stainless Steel | Excellent | Very durable | Medium | Industrial, utilitarian |
Conclusion
When selecting soup bowls, consider factors like heat retention, durability, weight, grip, and aesthetics. Ceramic and stoneware excel at retaining heat but come with weight and potential breakage tradeoffs. Glass allows seeing soup colors but won’t keep it steaming hot for long. Wood offers a lightweight, eco-friendly choice that requires careful maintenance. Stainless steel stands up extremely well to everyday use but carries the risk of exterior burning.
Think about your own eating habits, preferences, and needs regarding portion sizes, comfortable weight, propensity for spills, and ease of cleaning. Those with limited wrist strength or grip may benefit from handles and light materials for easy holding. Kids’ bowls focus on stability and spill resistance. Frequent microwave users should choose microwave-safe materials. Ultimately the best soup bowl enhances your own individual soup drinking experience.