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The Golden Rule of Buying Bowls: Avoid These Four Pitfalls

If you have any of these four types of bowls in your household, it's best to get rid of them, even if they seem perfectly usable. This is not superstition; there are valid reasons for doing so.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

After changing my bowls 5 times, I realized that when buying bowls, it’s best to follow this “4 Don’t Buy” rule. If you have any of these 4 types of bowls at home, it’s best to throw them out even if they are still usable. It’s not superstition, but there are valid reasons for this.

1. Avoid buying low-quality stainless steel bowls

Stainless steel bowls are durable, don’t rust or break, and are easy to clean. These characteristics make them a popular choice for many households.

However, some people may be tempted to buy cheap stainless steel bowls from street vendors to save money. While the price is attractive, the low-quality steel often contains harmful heavy metals. Prolonged use of these bowls can have detrimental effects on your health.

When purchasing stainless steel bowls, opt for those made with 304 stainless steel, which meets health and safety standards. Identification is simple, as the bowl will usually have a “304” mark that is easily visible.

2. Avoid buying bowls with raised enamel

Bowls with intricate patterns and designs may be aesthetically pleasing, but it’s important to avoid those with raised enamel. There are two types of enamel glazing techniques: over-glazed enamel, which is painted on the surface of the ceramic, and under-glazed enamel, where the patterns are embedded beneath the glaze.

Raised enamel can pose health risks as the colors can easily rub off onto food, especially when subjected to friction or high temperatures. Some manufacturers may also use cheap chemical colors containing relatively high levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Consuming food contaminated with these heavy metals can lead to weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and long-term kidney and brain disorders.

Therefore, when buying bowls, it’s best to avoid those with excessive colors. If you can feel a distinct roughness when running your hand over the surface, it indicates raised enamel, and it’s best not to purchase such bowls. If you can’t differentiate between sunken and raised enamel, it’s safer to opt for plain white bowls.

A handy tip when buying enameled bowls is to gently tap the rim with your finger. A crisp, clear sound indicates high-temperature-fired porcelain, while a dull sound suggests lower-temperature porcelain. The former has stronger hardness, more delicate colors, and a smoother finish.

3. Steer clear of plastic bowls

Plastic bowls are inexpensive and difficult to break, but they pose health risks. Typically made from materials like PVC, polypropylene, or polyethylene, plastic bowls can release harmful substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene when exposed to heat.

These toxic substances can contaminate our food and beverages, leading to potential health issues. Additionally, it’s crucial not to use plastic bowls for hot or acidic foods. While plastic bowls can be used for fruits or salads, they should never come into contact with hot food, as they have poor heat resistance and can release harmful substances when heated.

Furthermore, plastic bowls have poor acid resistance. Using them to hold acidic foods like lemon water or vinegar can also be detrimental.

4. Avoid bowls with poor insulation

Bowls are used for holding rice, soup, and other hot dishes, so it’s essential to consider their insulation and burn-proof properties.

Poor insulation can lead to difficulties in handling the bowl and may even cause burns or accidental drops. This issue often arises due to insufficient insulating material used during production or poor craftsmanship.

To choose a bowl with good insulation and burn-proof properties, look for those with an insulating ring at the bottom. Without this feature, the entire base of the bowl will conduct heat, making it challenging to hold when filled with hot food or soup.

Frequently asked questions

The golden rule when buying bowls is to ensure they are made of safe and non-toxic materials, especially if they are intended for food use.

Always check for a label or stamp on the bowl that indicates it is food-safe. Look for bowls made from materials like porcelain, stoneware, or glass, which are generally safe options. Avoid bowls made from materials like lead crystal, antique pottery, or plastic, as these may contain harmful chemicals.

One pitfall is buying bowls that are not the right size or shape for your intended use. Another is choosing bowls that are difficult to clean or maintain. It’s also important to avoid bowls with sharp edges or uneven surfaces, as these can be dangerous.

Look for bowls that are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Choose bowls with a glaze that is resistant to chipping and scratching. Avoid bowls with intricate designs or decorations that may be difficult to clean.