Finding the right bowl for your Turbochef can be tricky. You need something that can withstand high temperatures and won’t react with your food. I remember the first time I used a regular plastic bowl in mine – big mistake! It melted a little, and the smell was awful. So, I did some digging and found bowls that are actually safe and work well. Here are my top picks to help you avoid my past mistakes.
Product Overview/Quick Summary:
- Vollrath Wear-Ever Classic Select 7-Quart Bowl: Durable aluminum, great heat conductivity, large capacity.
- Pyrex Smart Essentials Mixing Bowl Set (3-Piece): Tempered glass, oven-safe, nestable for easy storage.
- Anchor Hocking 1-Gallon Montana Jar: Clear glass, simple design, versatile for cooking and serving.
- Duralex Made In France Lys Stackable Clear Bowls: Shock-resistant glass, stackable, suitable for various uses.
- Rosti Margrethe Mixing Bowl: Melamine, heat-resistant (not oven-safe but fine for hot foods from the Turbochef), classic design.
Top 5 Best Bowls That Can Go In Turbochef
1. Vollrath Wear-Ever Classic Select 7-Quart Bowl
This bowl is made from heavy-duty aluminum, which is excellent for heat distribution. It’s also quite large, making it perfect for preparing bigger meals in your Turbochef. I’ve found that aluminum heats up quickly and evenly, so you get consistent cooking results.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent heat conductivity
- ✅ Durable construction
- ✅ Large capacity
Cons:
- ❌ Aluminum can react with acidic foods
- ❌ May dent with rough handling
- ❌ Requires hand washing to maintain finish
Verdict: If you need a large, durable bowl for even heating, the Vollrath is a solid choice, just be mindful of acidic ingredients.
2. Pyrex Smart Essentials Mixing Bowl Set (3-Piece)
Pyrex is a classic for a reason. This set includes three different sized bowls made from tempered glass, which means they can handle high temperatures. They’re also great for prepping ingredients beforehand and then tossing them straight into the Turbochef. Plus, they nest nicely, saving space in your cabinets.
Pros:
- ✅ Oven-safe and durable
- ✅ Easy to clean
- ✅ Nestable for compact storage
Cons:
- ❌ Glass can break if dropped
- ❌ May not heat as evenly as metal bowls
- ❌ Can get very hot to the touch
Verdict: These Pyrex bowls are versatile and reliable for most Turbochef cooking needs, especially if you prefer glass.
3. Anchor Hocking 1-Gallon Montana Jar
While technically a jar, the Anchor Hocking Montana jar is made of sturdy glass and can definitely be used in a Turbochef. The clear glass lets you monitor your food as it cooks, and it’s perfect for recipes that require a bit of height. I sometimes use it for roasting chickens or baking bread in my Turbochef.
Pros:
- ✅ Clear glass for easy monitoring
- ✅ Large capacity and versatile shape
- ✅ Durable and heat-resistant
Cons:
- ❌ Can be bulky to store
- ❌ May not fit in smaller Turbochef models
- ❌ Glass can break if subjected to sudden temperature changes
Verdict: If you need a tall, clear container for your Turbochef creations, this Anchor Hocking jar is a good option, just double-check the dimensions to make sure it fits.
4. Duralex Made In France Lys Stackable Clear Bowls
Duralex bowls are known for their shock resistance, making them a durable option for high-heat cooking. These stackable bowls are made in France and are designed to withstand everyday use. I appreciate that they’re also stylish enough to use for serving directly from the Turbochef.
Pros:
- ✅ Highly shock-resistant glass
- ✅ Stackable for easy storage
- ✅ Stylish and versatile
Cons:
- ❌ Can be more expensive than other glass bowls
- ❌ May not be as heat-conductive as metal
- ❌ Limited size options
Verdict: For a durable and stylish glass bowl that can handle the heat, Duralex is an excellent choice, especially if you value longevity.
5. Rosti Margrethe Mixing Bowl
This melamine bowl is a classic Danish design. While it’s not oven-safe, it’s perfect for holding hot food immediately after it comes out of the Turbochef. The melamine is heat-resistant and won’t melt or warp. I use mine all the time for tossing salads with warm roasted vegetables.
Pros:
- ✅ Heat-resistant melamine
- ✅ Classic, ergonomic design
- ✅ Easy to clean
Cons:
- ❌ Not oven-safe
- ❌ Can stain with certain foods
- ❌ Melamine can scratch over time
Verdict: The Rosti Margrethe bowl is great for serving and prepping, especially when you need something that can handle hot food without melting, just remember it can’t go in the Turbochef.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right bowl for your Turbochef involves considering a few key factors.
- Material: Glass, aluminum, and melamine (for serving only) are all good options. Make sure the material is heat-resistant and won’t react with food.
- Size: Consider the size of your Turbochef and the types of dishes you’ll be cooking. A larger bowl is great for big batches, while smaller bowls are better for individual portions.
- Durability: Look for bowls that are resistant to chipping, cracking, and warping. Tempered glass and heavy-duty aluminum are generally more durable.
- Ease of Cleaning: Opt for bowls that are easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Some materials, like aluminum, may require hand washing to maintain their finish.
- Shape: Consider the shape of the bowl and how it will affect heat distribution. Round bowls tend to heat more evenly than square or rectangular bowls.
- Purpose: Will you use the bowl only inside the Turbochef, or also for serving?
FAQs
Q: Can I use any glass bowl in my Turbochef?
A: No, you should only use bowls made from tempered glass or other heat-resistant materials specifically designed for oven use. Regular glass can shatter under high heat.
Q: Is aluminum safe to use in a Turbochef?
A: Yes, aluminum is safe, but be aware that it can react with acidic foods. Using a liner or avoiding highly acidic ingredients can help prevent this.
Q: How do I clean a bowl that’s been used in a Turbochef?
A: Most bowls can be cleaned with soap and water. For tougher stains, you can use a baking soda paste or a specialized cleaning product. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Can I stack bowls inside the Turbochef?
A: It’s generally not recommended to stack bowls inside the Turbochef, as this can interfere with heat circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
Q: What temperature can these bowls withstand?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s specifications. Tempered glass often handles up to 400-500°F. Aluminum can handle even higher temperatures. Melamine is for serving hot foods, not for oven use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bowl for your Turbochef can make a big difference in your cooking experience. Whether you opt for the durable Vollrath aluminum bowl, the versatile Pyrex set, the tall Anchor Hocking jar, the shock-resistant Duralex bowls, or the stylish Rosti Margrethe bowl (for serving), make sure it fits your needs and is safe for high-heat use. Happy cooking!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.