Whether you are looking for something to keep in the break room or wanting supplies for a celebration, disposable paper bowls are an ideal choice. Paper bowls are not only convenient, but they are easy to clean up. However, they are only a good option if they can last long enough to be useful, which is where this list comes into play.
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 quick picks for the Best Paper Bowls 2021
- Chinet Classic Paper Bowl, 12oz
- Dart Bare Paper Eco-Forward Dinnerware, 12oz Bowl
- Dixie Ultra Pathways Heavyweight Paper Bowls, 20oz
Criteria for Choosing the Best Paper Bowls
When it comes to paper bowls, the most important thing is that they are reliable. If they cannot last long enough to be useful, then it does not matter what material they are made of or what design they have. Therefore, when choosing the paper bowls on this list, the following things were considered:
- Thickness and Rigidity: Even though not all paper bowls need to be thick or rigid, a certain level of these traits is important. After all, if a bowl is not thick or rigid enough, it can cause a mishap and decrease the comfort of holding and eating from the bowl.
- Soak Resistance: While not every paper bowl needs to be capable of preventing soak-through, it is an important factor to consider when choosing paper bowls. After all, if a paper bowl easily becomes soggy, then it can ruin the entire experience, even potentially causing a mishap.
- Cut Resistance: Another quality that needs to be considered is how resistant to cuts a bowl is. While it might not matter if you are eating something that does not require a fork or knife, that will not always be the case. Therefore, the number of pokes and cuts a bowl can take is quite important.
The reason the paper bowls on this list were chosen boils down to reliability. Paper bowls are meant to be disposable, so they do not need to hold up for a very long time. However, they need to last long enough to get the job done in a convenient and comfortable manner.
The 8 of Best Paper Bowls of 2021
The purpose of this list is to display some of the best paper bowls out there. The bowls below are made from different materials, have various designs, and even come in multiple sizes. Therefore, no matter what kind of paper bowls you are looking for, you are bound to find something that will work for you down below.
Chinet Classic Paper Bowl, 12oz
Chinet’s “classic” paper bowl is the first bowl on this list, and it is aptly named. What you can expect with this bowl is a basic design with no frills. However, while it is a simple product, it is a reliable paper bowl that is cut-resistant and durable, making it a great disposable choice if you want something around that can be used for a variety of things.
One thing that makes these bowls reliable is that they can be put in the microwave without worry. They also hold 12oz, which is a great size for a variety of things. Plus, each of the bowls is made from 100% recycled fiber, so you are making a green choice as well. Even the price is great, especially if you buy the carton that is featured here.
PROS
- They have a simple, classic look
- They are cut-resistant and durable
- They can be put in the microwave
- The size is ideal for most situations
- They are made from 100% recycled fiber
CONS
- They do not stand out in any way
- They are not the best for preventing soak-through
Dart Bare Paper Eco-Forward Dinnerware, 12oz Bowl
While few people might know that Dart acquired SOLO back in 2012, there is no doubt that both brands make some great products. These Bare Eco-Forward paper bowls are one such example, with the care and quality coming through in every aspect of these compostable pieces of dinnerware. It all starts with their appearance and durability.
These bowls come in green/tan, which is a nice change from the usual white paper bowls. They are also highly durable, being cut- and grease-resistant. There is even a clay coating that minimizes soak-through. The bowls featured here even come in a Perfect Pak, which is a low case count option that avoids taking up too much space.
PROS
- They are durable, being resistant to cuts and grease
- The clay coating makes them resistant to soak-through
- They are a green product and are compostable
- The Perfect Pak is a great size to not take up too much space
CONS
- The required composting facilities might not be available everywhere
- You pay a bit extra for the green qualities
Dixie Ultra Pathways Heavyweight Paper Bowls, 20oz
If you are looking for a bowl that can hold more while remaining reliable, then you can turn towards Dixie and the heavyweight paper bowls featured here. These paper bowls are 20oz, and they are designed to hold anything you put in them with ease. Their sturdiness is due to a few things, but the multiple layers and overall structure stand out.
The reliability also includes these bowls having a design that prevents things from soaking through. Plus, they are resistant to cuts, moisture, and grease. Placing them in the microwave will not reduce their durability, either, with every bowl holding up under most conditions. Therefore, if you want something tough in every way, consider these.
PROS
- They can hold up to 20oz
- They have a nice design at the bottom of the bowl
- The design utilizes multiple layers for greater holding power
- The design includes a Soak Proof Shield to prevent soak-through
- These bowls are resistant to cuts, moisture, and grease
CONS
- If you do not need the extra volume, getting these could be a waste
- The price is higher than less durable bowls
Dart Bare Eco-Forward Sugarcane Dinnerware, 12oz
Dart’s Eco-Forward line also has sugarcane dinnerware, which is featured here. These bowls are durable, having a sugarcane-fiber construction that makes them ideal when you need something rigid and reliable. Their durability comes from more than the rigidity, though, with the bowls being resistant to things like soak-through.
The material of these 12oz bowls is also compostable, assuming there is a suitable facility within your area. Even if there is not, there are plenty of reasons to love these bowls, such as their warm ivory color and solid visual design. You even get a lot of these bowls for a reasonable price, especially with how reliable they are.
PROS
- They are made out of rigid sugarcane-fiber material
- They are resistant to soak-through
- They can be composted
- The visual design is great, and the color is warm
- The price of these bowls is great
CONS
- There needs to be an appropriate facility for composting
Dart Symphony Paper Dinnerware, Heavyweight Bowl, 12oz
Here is yet another Dart product worth paying attention to, though these bowls are different from the previous two Dart products. In fact, instead of focusing on high-quality green products, these are meant to hold up against any food. Moreover, they deliver on both strength and appearance, with a striking visual at the bottom of the bowl.
These bowls are resistant to cuts and moisture, which is partially due to the clay coating. There is also a varnish that increases their durability and gives them a glossy appearance. The design makes these bowls tough and visually appealing, but despite that, they come at a great price, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion.
PROS
- These heavyweight bowls are meant to withstand any food
- There is a striking visual print at the bottom of the bowls
- They are resistant to cuts and moisture
- They have a clay coating and special varnish
- The price-to-performance ratio is fantastic
CONS
- The extra sturdiness comes at a higher price
Chinet Molded Fiber Dinnerware, Bowl, 12 Oz
There are quite a few choices when it comes to paper bowls, and they include a variety of materials. These paper bowls from Chinet are made from molded fiber, which means that they are made from 100% recycled products. Therefore, the first thing to take note of is that these products are green. However, they are far more than that as well.
These molded fiber paper bowls are strong and durable, which means that you do not have to sacrifice performance for sustainability. They have a vine pattern on their rims as well, adding a touch of color. So, if you want a disposable bowl that you can feel proud of using, then you cannot go wrong with these molded fiber bowls from Chinet.
PROS
- They are made from 100% recycled products
- The molded fiber is strong and durable
- The vine pattern adds a nice touch of color
CONS
- They are more expensive than many similar options
Chinet Savaday Molded Fiber Bowls, 45 oz
This molded fiber bowl stands out for a few reasons, with one being the size, which is 45oz. It is the largest bowl on this list, but it is also one of the sturdiest bowls, with it being made to remain rigid and strong under any circumstances. The design is even made to allow for substantial oil absorption, keeping food crisp and preventing mishaps.
Unlike the other molded fiber bowls, these are not made from recycled materials, but they are green and can be composted. That being said, these bowls are quite simple, being slightly lacking when it comes to visual appeal. However, if you are looking for a versatile, large paper bowl, these are a fantastic option, and the price is reasonable.
PROS
- They can hold a tremendous amount
- The construction is strong and rigid
- They are capable of absorbing a lot of oil
- They can be composted
CONS
- They are a bit lacking visually
- The increased size comes at an increased cost
Boardwalk Deerfield Printed Paper Bowl, 12 oz
The final bowls on this list are made by Boardwalk, and they end things strong by being both versatile and economical. Out of all of the bowls on this list, these come at the best price, and they do not sacrifice much to do so. In fact, although they are not as durable as the other bowls on this list, they are still coated and resistant to soak-through.
These paper bowls also feature a stylish print around the rim, which adds some pleasant color to the white bowl. While there is not much else that stands out when it comes to these bowls, they are versatile enough to work with a variety of foods, making them an ideal choice when not much durability is needed.
PROS
- They are the most economical choice on the list
- They remain durable enough for most uses
- They have a coating that prevents soak-through
- The print around the rim adds a nice bit of color
CONS
- They are nowhere near as durable as some options
How to Shop for a Best Paper Bowl
There are plenty of paper bowls out there, and even when it comes to the choices above, some are more suitable for certain things than others. That is why it is important to know how to choose the right paper bowls for your needs, which can be accomplished by considering the following:
- Contents: What do you plan on putting in the paper bowls that you purchase? Will you be using them for dry food, wet food, or a variety of different things? If you are using them for dry food, then you only need to ensure that they can withstand the weight, while wet food requires a bowl to be soak-resistant.
- Size: A majority of the paper bowls on this list are around 12oz, which is a versatile size. However, there are certain situations where larger or smaller bowls might be more suitable. Consider size carefully to avoid waste and find the paper bowls that are perfect for your needs.
- Rigidity: How rigid a bowl is can vary greatly. Heavyweight bowls and those made from certain materials, such as molded fiber, tend to be more rigid. So, if you want something with more rigidity, which can often be more comfortable to hold, make sure to look at the material and design.
There are other things to consider as well, such as whether you want a recycled or green product. An attractive print might also be worth considering, especially if you want to add a touch of color or a theme to the occasion. Regardless, there are plenty of
In Conclusion
Paper bowls are an ideal choice for many situations, especially when you want something convenient and easy to clean up. They can even be an appealing option made to fit a theme. Just make sure that any paper bowls you choose can stand up to what you plan on having inside of them.