I don't normally write reviews, and when I do it is only after a product has wowed me or has miserably failed me. I can safely say that this bowl has wowed me! Honestly, I would have never imagined that I could be excited by a bowl, but this thing has made me realize just how much I have (unknowingly) been "suffering" with my old bowls. If some of the recipes that I wanted to try didn't require a bowl bigger than what I already had, I never would have found this one, and I would still be perfectly happy with my old bowls. Now? Well ... now I look at my old bowls with disdain and wonder how I ever managed with such inadequate cookery. This is a serious bowl! Some of the things that I really like are: - It's heavy! Which means it tends to stay in one place on the counter as I mix things, without requiring me to constantly hold on to it. No, it won't stay in place as well as bowl with a silicone base (which I wish this bowl had), but neither will it effortlessly glide across the counter the moment you start whisking. My lightweight bowls, on the other hand, require one hand on them at all times or they will fly off the counter. - It's thick! I truly believe (well, maybe not "truly" truly) that this thing could survive a nuclear blast. At the very least, it will outlive you, nuclear blast or not. - It was one of the few bowls that did NOT have a mirror finish! Honestly, unless you are a chocolatier that requires bowls with a super-smooth finish, then you don't want a mirror finish bowl. Why? Because a mirror finish is easily scratched/dinged/damaged by metal utensils, whisks, and hand mixers (you know, all the things that you typically use with a mixing bowl). A "brushed" finish is much more durable for everyday tasks, and helps to hide any blemishes that may occur. This bowl is not made to be put on a shelf and look pretty (although, it is quite handsome). Instead, it's made to be used everyday and never look the worse for wear. - It has a 1/2-inch flange on the rim. This makes it much easier to pick up and/or hold the bowl with one hand, as it gives you something to actually grip. At this point, I'm sure you realize that I'm quite happy with my purchase. But I also have to say that I'm regretting the purchase of this bowl. Why? Because this bowl has spoiled me, and now my wallet is going to take a hit as I am "forced" to start replacing all my inferior bowls with bigger, better, stronger bowls.
