Shopping for a Mason Cash mixing bowl can be confusing at first. Bowls are sold by diameter in centimetres, by capacity in litres and sometimes by a size number such as S12 or S30. This guide explains how the sizing works, lists the capacities of the bowls we stock and helps you match a bowl to the way you bake. You can see every size in our Mason Cash collection.
How the Mason Cash size numbers work
Mason Cash mixing bowls have traditionally carried a size number, written as "S" followed by a number, or simply "Size 12" and so on. The key thing to remember is that the smaller the number, the bigger the bowl. A Size 12 bowl is much larger than a Size 30.
Mason Cash mixing bowl size chart
The table below uses the measurements listed for the classic earthenware bowls we stock.
| Size number | Diameter | Height | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| S30 | 21cm | 10cm | 1.1 litres |
| S24 | 24cm | 11cm | 2 litres |
| S18 | 26cm | 12cm | 2.7 litres |
| S12 | 29cm | 14cm | 4 litres |
| See note | 32cm | 15cm | 5 litres |
| See note | 33cm | 16cm | 6 litres |
Note that bowls outside the classic shape can differ. For example, the stoneware Rustic Charm 26cm mixing bowl holds 3.5 litres, noticeably more than a classic 26cm bowl, because of its different profile.
Which size is right for you?
21cm (S30): small but mighty
The smallest classic bowl is ideal for small recipes: mixing a sauce or dressing, whisking a couple of eggs, melting chocolate or making a small batch of pastry or cookie dough. It's also a great size for children who are learning to bake, as it's easy for small hands to manage. Try the Cane 21cm, the In the Forest hedgehog 21cm or the In the Meadow Daffodil 21cm.
24cm (S24): the everyday baker
At about 2 litres, the 24cm bowl handles most cookie, pastry and cake mixes for a standard recipe. If you mostly bake one cake or one tray of biscuits at a time, this is often the size you'll reach for. Options include the Cane 24cm and Colour Mix bowls in Cream, Turquoise, Powder Blue, Powder Pink and Red.
26cm (S18): the all-rounder
With 2.7 litres of space, the 26cm bowl gives you extra room for a double batch of biscuits, a generous cake or a smaller bread dough, and the extra headroom means less flour on the bench. Choose from the Cane 26cm, Powder Pink 26cm, Nautical Grey 26cm or the owl-embossed In the Forest Green 26cm.
29cm (S12): for bread and big bakes
The 29cm bowl holds about 4 litres and has a wide, shallow shape that leaves room to knead dough inside the bowl. It's the go-to size for bread, large fruit cakes, Christmas pudding mixtures and anything you're making for a crowd. Popular choices include the Cane 29cm, Cream 29cm, Nautical Navy 29cm and In the Meadow Rose Pink 29cm.
32cm and 33cm: the big bowls
If you bake bread in quantity, make big batches for markets or school fetes, or simply like plenty of room, the Cane 32cm (about 5 litres) and Cane 33cm (about 6 litres) are the largest classic bowls we carry. They also make striking serving bowls for salads at a barbecue.
What is the largest Mason Cash mixing bowl?
Of the bowls we stock, the largest is the Cane 33cm mixing bowl, which holds about 6 litres. Mason Cash's full international range may include other sizes from time to time, so check our Mason Cash collection for current availability.
Should I buy one bowl or a set?
If you only want one bowl, the 26cm or 29cm sizes are the most versatile. They are big enough for most recipes without taking over the cupboard. Many keen bakers end up with two or three sizes, because a recipe often calls for mixing wet and dry ingredients separately. A practical trio is:
- a 29cm bowl for doughs and large mixes
- a 24cm or 26cm bowl for everyday baking
- a 21cm bowl for prep, sauces and melting
Because the classic bowls share the same shape, they nest neatly for storage, and you can mix colours and designs freely.
What about batter bowls and pudding basins?
Mason Cash also makes batter bowls, with a handle and pouring lip, and pudding basins for steaming. These are sized differently from the mixing bowls. See our batter bowl guide and pudding basin guide for their capacities.
Find your size
Still not sure? Think about the biggest recipe you make regularly and choose a bowl with comfortable room to spare. Then browse the complete Mason Cash mixing bowl guide or head straight to the Mason Cash collection.