What Are Examples of Heat Proof Bowls? A Practical Guide

Examples of heat-resistant bowls include some porcelain, stoneware, and other ceramic bowls made for serving hot soup, holding warm ingredients, or use in a microwave. Our Cream Floral Ceramic Double Ear Bowl is made of hand-painted, heat-resistant porcelain; for more on its style and uses, see our double ear bowl guide.

Heat-resistant does not automatically mean oven-safe, broiler-safe, or suitable for direct contact with a burner, so match the bowl to the heating method specified by its maker. A bowl that comfortably holds a hot meal may not be designed to withstand the higher temperatures or rapid temperature changes involved in baking.

Heat-resistant glass bowls are another common example, including certain tempered-glass and borosilicate-glass bowls intended for hot food or kitchen preparation. Some Pyrex bowls fall into this category, although permitted uses depend on the particular product and its care instructions.

You might use a suitable glass bowl to mix warm ingredients or reheat food, but avoid assuming every glass bowl can go from the refrigerator straight into a hot oven. Sudden temperature changes can cause glass to crack or break, so let a cold bowl warm gradually when the manufacturer recommends it.

Stainless steel mixing bowls are often used for warm mixtures, and a suitably sized metal bowl can serve as the top of a makeshift double boiler. Set it over a saucepan of gently simmering water without letting the bottom touch the water, and use the indirect heat to melt chocolate or gently warm a sauce.

Metal conducts heat, so protect your hands with oven mitts and place the hot bowl on a heat-safe surface. Do not put a metal bowl in a microwave unless the microwave manufacturer specifically permits that use.

Start with your intended task: a serving bowl for hot food, a microwave-safe bowl for reheating, or an oven-safe bowl for baking. Look for the relevant use and temperature guidance rather than relying on the material name alone, and avoid using a cracked or chipped bowl for heating.

Let a hot bowl cool before washing it or setting it on a cold or wet surface, and handle it carefully because the rim and sides can become hot. Our team recommends choosing a bowl large enough to leave room for stirring or bubbling, especially when reheating liquid foods.