Few pieces of kitchenware are as instantly recognisable as a Mason Cash mixing bowl. The patterned exterior, the thick rolled rim and that warm cane colour have been a fixture of home kitchens for generations, and the design has changed remarkably little since the first one was made in 1901. This guide walks you through what makes these bowls special, the different ranges we stock, how to pick the right size and how to look after one so it lasts. You can browse everything in our Mason Cash collection.
What makes a Mason Cash mixing bowl different?
The classic Mason Cash bowl is made from earthenware with a high-gloss glaze that gives a chip-resistant finish. Its shape is the result of more than a century of refinement for one job: mixing by hand.
- The patterned exterior is not just decorative. The raised pattern gives your hand something to hold on to when the bowl is tucked into the crook of your arm.
- The thick rim is designed to help you grip the bowl and tip it, so you can scrape every last bit of batter into the tin.
- The weight strikes a balance. The bowls are light enough to hold in one arm while mixing, yet heavy enough to stay put on the bench while you beat or knead.
- The wide, shallow shape of the larger sizes leaves room to knead dough inside the bowl itself.
The Mason Cash ranges at Pepperfields
Mason Cash now makes the same trusted bowl in many colours and embossed designs. Here is how the ranges we carry compare.
Cane
The original. Cane-coloured outside with a cream interior, this is the bowl most people picture when they hear the name. We stock it in the widest choice of sizes, from the compact 21cm Cane bowl up to the generous 33cm Cane bowl, with 24cm, 26cm, 29cm and 32cm in between.
Colour Mix
The classic shape and pattern in solid colours. Choose from Cream, Red, Turquoise, Powder Pink and Powder Blue. Several colours come in more than one size, so you can build a matching set or mix shades for a cheerful bench.
In the Forest
Embossed with woodland scenes inspired by folk tales of the mid-19th century, each size features a different animal: hedgehogs on the 21cm, a bear on the 24cm, owls on the 26cm and a fox on the 29cm. Read our In the Forest collection guide for the full line-up.
In the Meadow
Delicate florals and foliage in a soft palette running from daffodil yellow to deep purple, with each bowl inspired by its own flower. Highlights include the Daffodil Yellow 21cm and the Rose Pink 29cm. See our In the Meadow collection guide.
Nautical
Sea creatures and seaside motifs in blues and greys: the Nautical Blue 24cm, Nautical Grey 26cm and Nautical Navy 29cm.
Rustic Charm
A more contemporary take inspired by French Provincial country kitchens, with a subtle debossed heart motif and a mix of matt and gloss finishes. Unlike the classic earthenware bowls, the Rustic Charm 26cm mixing bowl is made from stoneware and holds 3.5 litres, and it doubles nicely as a serving bowl for salad or pasta.
Innovative Kitchen
Traditional tools with a modern twist. The Innovative Kitchen 29cm tilt mixing bowl sits at an angle on the bench, which makes it easier to incorporate air when you are whisking.
Which size should I choose?
Mason Cash bowls are often labelled with a size number as well as a diameter, and the smaller the number, the bigger the bowl. As a quick guide based on the capacities listed for our classic bowls:
- 21cm (Size 30), about 1.1 litres: small batches, sauces, prep and baking with children.
- 24cm (Size 24), about 2 litres: pastry, cookie dough and everyday cake mixes.
- 26cm (Size 18), about 2.7 litres: a versatile all-rounder for most standard recipes.
- 29cm (Size 12), about 4 litres: bread dough, big cakes and kneading in the bowl.
- 32cm and 33cm, about 5 and 6 litres: large batches and serious bread baking.
For a deeper look, read our Mason Cash mixing bowl size guide.
Mixing bowl or batter bowl?
If you make a lot of pancakes, crepes or runny cake batters, a batter bowl may suit you better. It adds a sturdy handle and a pouring lip to the familiar design, so you can pour straight into the pan. Our batter bowl guide compares the options.
Caring for your bowl
Our product listings describe the classic mixing bowls as dishwasher and freezer safe, and many are also listed as microwave safe. Care can differ between ranges and materials, so always check the care notes on the individual product page. As with any ceramic, avoid sudden temperature changes such as moving a bowl straight from the freezer into a hot oven. For more detail, see our Mason Cash care FAQ.
Building a set
Many bakers own two or three sizes rather than one. A popular combination is a 29cm bowl for doughs and big mixes, a 24cm or 26cm bowl for everyday baking and a 21cm bowl for prep or melting butter and chocolate. Because every range shares the same classic shape, you can also mix designs: a Cane bowl alongside a Colour Mix or In the Meadow bowl looks right at home.
A bowl for life
A Mason Cash mixing bowl is one of those rare kitchen purchases that can be passed down. Treat it kindly and it will keep mixing, kneading and serving for years. Explore the full Mason Cash range at Pepperfields to find yours.