The Kitchen Essential You Can Find At Any Thrift Store (And Why You Want One In Your Home)

Browsing local thrift stores is a great way to score unique finds for your home at a fraction of the price. Expert tips for thrifting home décor include scouring second-hand stores, church rummage sales, online sellers, yard sales, and estate auctions for great bargains. Metal mixing bowls are an essential kitchen item you can often score at thrift stores and among the most popular finds for professional and amateur cooks. Metal mixing bowls are preferred for their durability, versatility, and practical use.

The best types of metal bowls are stainless steel mixing bowls, as aluminum can react with acidic foods like tomato sauce, vinegar, and lemon. When thrifting for mixing bowls, there are a few ways to identify stainless steel. One is by weight, since stainless steel is heavier than aluminum. You can tap the side of the bowl and listen for a soft ringing sound. If you know you are going in search of metal mixing bowls, bring a small magnet along. Stainless steel is not magnetic, so the magnet will not be attracted to the bowl.

In addition to checking for the type of metal, it's important to assess the condition of second-hand mixing bowls. Inspect the interior and exterior of the bowl for damage before buying. Check for dents and deep scratches, including the bottom of the bowl, because dents could cause it to sit unevenly on the countertop. Make sure there is no rust and no deep scratches, which could harbor bacteria.

Metal bowls, especially stainless steel, are a good choice for cooking and baking, since they don't affect the flavor of foods, and you don't have to worry about the metal reacting to acidic ingredients. While many people thrift metal mixing bowls for cooking and preparing food, they are good for much more than that. Another reason to want a metal mixing bowl in your home is to enhance your kitchen décor.

There are many clever ways to repurpose a mixing bowl around the house. You can fill a bowl with fruit on the kitchen counter or fill it with decorative items, such as polished stones or seasonal ornaments, and use it as a centerpiece. Larger mixing bowls can be used to hold a variety of items or double as a foot bath or birdbath. Smaller bowls can be used to store jewelry or as a catchall for keys and other items in your entryway. Filling a metal bowl with kitchen items makes a great gift basket for a bridal shower or housewarming gift.

One unexpected way you should be using thrifted bowls as décor is turning them into risers. Flip the bowl upside down on the countertop with the bottom facing up to create a riser for displaying kitchen decorations. Glue a plate or small, round metal tray to the bottom of the bowl to create a larger, flat area to display whatever takes your fancy.