Long-Lasting Use

• Stainless steel bowls are, by far, the most durable mixing bowls you can buy for the kitchen. They may get slightly dented over the years, but they won't break -- no matter what you dish out. If you opt for glass bowls, choose heavy tempered glass, which is stronger than regular glass. Even tempered glass bowls have a tendency to chip around the edges.

Versatility in the Kitchen

• Both stainless steel and glass bowls can be used for myriad purposes, but stainless steel bowls are slightly more versatile. They heat up and cool down quickly and you can use them as a double boiler over a pot of simmering water. In a pinch, you can even put them directly over a low flame. Stainless steel bowls are also lightweight, which makes them comfortable to handle. Glass bowls, on the other hand, although heavier, can be popped in the microwave to soften butter or reheat leftovers. Both are typically oven-safe. Stainless steel and glass bowls -- unlike plastic or silicone bowls -- are nonreactive and don't retain odors or stains. They also clean up easily, which is important when you're whisking egg whites. Any bit of grease remaining on the bowl can reduce the egg whites' volume.

A Dent to the Pocketbook

• Stick with basic stainless steel or glass bowls, and you should be able to find a set for under $20. Restaurant supply companies sell stainless steel sets for under $10. Versions with fancy features, such as a pourable spout or a nonstick base, are more expensive, and these features usually aren't necessary. You can wrap a damp towel around the base of a bowl to keep it steady. A spatula or ladle works just as well for transferring batters to baking pans.

Expert Tips

• If you have room in your kitchen -- and your budget -- get a set of both glass and metal bowls. You'll appreciate the glass bowls for microwaving and the metal bowls for everything else. Metal bowls, though, are the best overall choice when only one set will do. They're safest because they won't break, and they perform well in almost every cooking or baking situation. Glass mixing bowls are not better than stainless steel. Buy a set of bowls in several sizes, ranging from small to large, and look for wide, shallow bowls, rather than deep bowls.