Other advantages are that the containers:<\/p>\n
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- Don\u2019t need potholders.<\/li>\n
- Are safe to use in microwaves and dishwashers.<\/li>\n
- Are less tiring to hold (three brands).<\/li>\n
- Weigh less (two brands).<\/li>\n
- Look better (one brand).<\/li>\n
- Are insulated (one brand).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Three of these bowls have 4.5 or better ratings on Amazon, based on at least 150 reviews\u2014the other is 4-rated. Here\u2019s a quick run-down, from the least to the most expensive. Each one has attributes that would make it the first choice for some potential buyer.<\/p>\n
1. Microwave Bowl with Lid<\/a>; Set of 4: $15 for four, or $3.75 each, including shipping. (above photo)<\/p>\n
It\u2019s plastic\u2014and there\u2019s no claim that it\u2019s BPA-free.\u00a0It is about half the cost of the next-cheapest alternative. What you get is basic: the mugs are very lightweight and the lids lack a vent-hole. Amazon reviewers have noted that over time the flimsy lids distort enough in the microwave that they no longer provide a watertight seal\u2014so they can\u2019t be used to transport soup from a home to the office.<\/p>\n
The upside is that the extra three mugs can be used as airtight containers in the fridge to store portions from a previously prepared large batch of stew or homemade soup\u2014which eliminates having to ladel each portion out subsequently, and enables one to warm up the container on a countertop for a few hours before heating, reducing the oven\u2019s energy consumption. (In effect, you can use these mugs as Tupperware substitutes. If you like this feature, and you like to make a really large initial batch of stew, you should buy a second set.)<\/p>\n
![\"bowl-2\"](\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2015\/01\/bowl-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Sistema 656 ml (20 oz.) Soup Mug<\/a>: $7. All plastic\u2014BPA-free.<\/p>\n
Lightweight but not flimsy. Its three clamps are meant to ensure a watertight seal, presumably primarily to allow soup to be carried to the office for heating there. Unfortunately, a trickle of water escaped when I upended it and shook it vigorously. A thick soup or stew would not leak\u2014or not much\u2014even if sharply tilted and shaken during transport. A plastic bag would prevent any slight leak from spreading. It could be safely carried in a car inside a small cardboard box with a raspy-side Velcro patch on its bottom, keeping it anchored to the carpet. (And so could the other containers.)
\nA tight toggle switch in the lid opens the vent to allow steam release during heating. If left closed\u2014or even if open\u2014certain vegetables like carrots & brussel sprouts can be steam-cooked; you can turn down the power after the initial heat-up phase to save power.<\/p>\n![\"bowl-3\"](\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2015\/01\/bowl-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n3. CorningWare French White 20-Ounce Mug<\/a>; bowl is stoneware, lid is plastic & BPA-free: $13<\/p>\n
It\u2019s heavy\u2014so it\u2019s best used at a table or desk. It\u2019s good-looking\u2014it has a nice color, fluted sides, and flared top. It\u2019s similar to #2 in terms of its mild leakiness when shaken and its ability to steam veggies.
\nLid removal is easier if the lid\u2019s top is pushed down at the same time its tab is lifted up. (The instruction sheet is devoid of such tips\u2014e.g., that the vent hole is opened by pulling up on the blue tab\u2014it provides only warnings.)<\/p>\n
![\"bowl-4\"](\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2015\/01\/bowl-4.jpg\")
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