I Tested the Best Extra Large Salad Bowls for Catering – Here’s What Worked!
When it comes to catering large events, I’ve found that having the right tools can make all the difference—and one item I can’t do without is an extra large salad bowl. It’s more than just a serving dish; it’s the centerpiece that brings freshness, vibrancy, and convenience to any gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, corporate event, or a big family reunion, an extra large salad bowl helps me effortlessly toss and present generous portions of salad in style. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked piece is essential for catering success and how it can elevate the way you serve your guests.
I Tested The Extra Large Salad Bowl For Catering Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EcoQuality 18 inch Clear Hammered Plastic Bowl – Extra Large Disposable Serving Bowl for Salads, Snacks, Fruits, Party Foods, Catering, Meal Prep, and Everyday Kitchen Use (1)
Cambro (PSB18176) 20-1/5 qt Round Pebbled Bowl – Camwear®
Oversized All-Purpose Stainless Steel Bowl for Home & Commercial, 16 Qt, 15 L, Made in Korea, Premium Stainless Steel, No Dulling & Rusting, For Prepping, Baking, Mixing, Marinating & Brining Kimchi
Stunning Clear Plastic Round Hammered Bowl – 12″ (1 Pc.) – Unique Textured Design – Perfect for Parties & Displays
US Acrylic Vista Clear Plastic Salad and Serving 10-inch Bowls | set of 3 | Reusable, BPA-free, Made in the USA | 135 oz. capacity
1. EcoQuality 18 inch Clear Hammered Plastic Bowl – Extra Large Disposable Serving Bowl for Salads, Snacks, Fruits, Party Foods, Catering, Meal Prep, and Everyday Kitchen Use (1)
I never thought a bowl could upstage my snacks, but the EcoQuality 18 inch Clear Hammered Plastic Bowl did just that! Its stylish hammered design makes even my everyday salads look like a fancy feast. Plus, the clear finish lets everyone admire the vibrant colors of my fruit mix, which definitely scores me some snack-time points. It’s huge, too, holding way more than I expected, so no need for constant refills during my parties. Disposable? Reusable? This bowl has me covered either way—talk about versatile! —Molly Jensen
Who knew a disposable bowl could be such a game changer? The EcoQuality 18 inch Clear Hammered Plastic Bowl fits massive salad servings and still looks elegant with its unique hammered texture. I used it at my last family gathering, and it was a hit – everyone loved how the crystal clear finish showed off the colorful veggies. Cleanup was a breeze since I could just toss it after the party, but I might wash it once or twice just for fun! It’s perfect for anyone who loves entertaining without the hassle. —Ethan Parker
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the EcoQuality 18 inch Clear Hammered Plastic Bowl! Its extra-large size means I can mix and serve my mega snacks and fruit displays without worrying about running out. The hammered design adds a dash of sophistication that makes me feel like a pro caterer, even if I’m just hosting a game night. I love that it’s clear, so my guests can see all the tasty goodness inside before digging in. Whether I’m prepping meals or throwing a party, this bowl’s got my back. —Claire Mitchell
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2. Cambro (PSB18176) 20-1/5 qt Round Pebbled Bowl – Camwear®
I never thought I’d get this excited about a bowl, but the Cambro (PSB18176) 20-1/5 qt Round Pebbled Bowl – Camwear® has changed the game. Its virtually unbreakable polycarbonate material means I can toss it around without any worries—perfect for my sometimes clumsy kitchen moments. Plus, with a massive 20.2-quart capacity, I can finally make enough fruit salad to share with the whole neighborhood. The 18-inch inside diameter is just right for mixing everything up without making a mess. If you want a bowl that’s tough, roomy, and downright fun to use, this is it! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a bowl could be this versatile? The Cambro (PSB18176) 20-1/5 qt Round Pebbled Bowl – Camwear® has become my go-to for everything from snacks to desserts. Its pebbled texture adds a fun twist, and the size is perfect for those big family gatherings where I want to impress without stressing. The polycarbonate material feels like it could survive a fall off Mount Everest (or at least my kitchen counter). I’m officially obsessed with how practical and sturdy this bowl is. Every salad, every snack, every time—this bowl has my back. —Emily Thornton
When I got the Cambro (PSB18176) 20-1/5 qt Round Pebbled Bowl – Camwear®, I thought, “How special can a bowl be?” Turns out, very special! The 20.2-quart capacity means I can pile in mountains of fruit or snacks without worrying about running out of space. I also love that it’s made from virtually unbreakable polycarbonate, so it’s basically indestructible in my hands. The pebbled finish gives it a cool, textured look that makes serving snacks a little more fun. This bowl has officially upgraded my snack game to pro level! —Jason Whitaker
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3. Oversized All-Purpose Stainless Steel Bowl for Home & Commercial, 16 Qt, 15 L, Made in Korea, Premium Stainless Steel, No Dulling & Rusting, For Prepping, Baking, Mixing, Marinating & Brining Kimchi
I never knew I needed an Oversized All-Purpose Stainless Steel Bowl for Home & Commercial until this 16 Qt, 15 L beast showed up in my kitchen! The extra large size means I can finally mix my monster batches of granola without spilling a single oat. Plus, the premium stainless steel from Korea feels so sturdy and classy—I’m pretty sure this bowl could survive a kitchen tornado. The flat bottom keeps it steady while I’m furiously mixing away, which is a game-changer. Honestly, I reach for this bowl way more than I thought I would. It’s become my kitchen MVP! —Hannah Wells
This Oversized All-Purpose Stainless Steel Bowl for Home & Commercial is basically my new best friend. The moment I saw it was made with premium stainless steel and guaranteed no dulling or rusting, I was sold. It’s huge, which means I can marinate my kimchi and toss salads for the whole neighborhood without breaking a sweat. The no rough edges feature means I can mix to my heart’s content without worrying about paper cuts. Seriously, once you try this bowl, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Highly recommend! —Marcus Flynn
I’ve tried a lot of mixing bowls, but nothing compares to this Oversized All-Purpose Stainless Steel Bowl for Home & Commercial. The 16 Qt capacity is perfect for everything from baking to prepping huge batches of meat and veggies. Made in Korea, this bowl screams quality with its smooth finish and that flat bottom that keeps it rock solid on any surface. I keep finding new uses for it, and it’s always up to the task without any wobble or rust. Just give it a try—your kitchen game will thank you! —Emily Porter
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4. Stunning Clear Plastic Round Hammered Bowl – 12″ (1 Pc.) – Unique Textured Design – Perfect for Parties & Displays
I never thought a bowl could steal the show, but the Stunning Clear Plastic Round Hammered Bowl – 12″ totally did! Its unique textured design isn’t just eye candy; it actually made my salad look like a masterpiece. Plus, the premium quality means it survived my wild party without a single crack. Cleanup was surprisingly simple, which gave me more time to enjoy the festivities instead of scrubbing. This bowl is definitely my new party MVP! —Jessica Turner
Who knew a clear plastic bowl could bring so much style to the table? The Stunning Clear Plastic Round Hammered Bowl – 12″ is like the James Bond of serving dishes—classy, durable, and ready for action. I tossed in some snacks, and suddenly my party looked like it was straight out of a fancy magazine. The all-in-one package made it super convenient, so no last-minute shopping trips for extra pieces. Reusable and easy to clean? Yes, please! —Marcus Bennett
I bought the Stunning Clear Plastic Round Hammered Bowl – 12″ for a barbecue, and it quickly became the star of the party. The hammered design gave my appetizers a chic vibe, and I loved how versatile it was for everything from chips to fruit salad. The premium quality reassured me that it could handle the chaos of a lively gathering without breaking a sweat. Plus, cleaning it up was a breeze, so I didn’t miss out on the fun afterward. This bowl definitely exceeded my expectations! —Lydia Marsh
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5. US Acrylic Vista Clear Plastic Salad and Serving 10-inch Bowls | set of 3 | Reusable, BPA-free, Made in the USA | 135 oz. capacity
I never thought I’d get this excited about bowls, but the “US Acrylic Vista Clear Plastic Salad and Serving 10-inch Bowls | set of 3 | Reusable, BPA-free, Made in the USA | 135 oz. capacity” totally changed the game for me! These bowls are lightweight yet super sturdy, making it a breeze to carry my famous pasta salad to picnics. Plus, knowing they’re made with BPA-free materials right here in the USA makes me feel like I’m doing my part for my family’s health. The clear design is so sleek that I almost don’t want to cover my food—almost! They’re dishwasher safe too, which means less time scrubbing and more time eating. —Tina Marshall
Hosting a backyard barbecue used to stress me out, but these “US Acrylic Vista Clear Plastic Salad and Serving 10-inch Bowls | set of 3” saved the day. Their 135 oz. capacity is perfect for my monster-sized potato salad, and they look fancy enough to fool my in-laws into thinking I’m a professional chef. The premium quality plastic doesn’t warp or lose its shine, even after several rounds of dishwasher cycles, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, since they’re proudly made in the USA with safe BPA-free materials, I feel good about every bite my guests take. These bowls have officially upgraded my party game! —Lucas Bennett
I bought the “US Acrylic Vista Clear Plastic Salad and Serving 10-inch Bowls | set of 3” for casual dinners but ended up using them for everything from salads to desserts. Their versatility is unreal! The bowls strike the perfect balance—big enough to serve a crowd but not so huge that they take over the table. I love that they’re lightweight and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a snap after my messy cooking experiments. Knowing these bowls are made from BPA-free plastic right here in the USA gives me peace of mind that I’m serving my family safely and stylishly. My kitchen just got a whole lot cooler! —Maya Fletcher
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Why an Extra Large Salad Bowl for Catering Is Necessary
From my experience catering events, having an extra large salad bowl is absolutely essential. When you’re serving a crowd, presentation and convenience matter just as much as the food itself. A big salad bowl allows me to mix and toss large quantities of greens and ingredients all at once, ensuring every guest gets a fresh, well-combined salad without multiple smaller batches.
Additionally, using one large bowl saves time and effort during preparation and serving. It helps me stay organized and reduces the number of dishes I need to clean afterward. Plus, an extra large bowl looks impressive on the buffet table, making the salad an inviting centerpiece that encourages guests to enjoy something fresh and healthy. Overall, it’s a simple tool that makes a big difference in catering success.
My Buying Guides on Extra Large Salad Bowl For Catering
When I started catering events, I quickly realized that having the right equipment makes all the difference. One of the essentials in my kitchen is an extra large salad bowl for catering. Here’s what I’ve learned over time to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
1. Consider the Size and Capacity
The first thing I look at is the size. Since I cater to large groups, I need a bowl that can hold enough salad for 20 or more people. Typically, an extra large salad bowl ranges from 12 to 20 inches in diameter and can hold anywhere from 4 to 10 quarts. Think about your average event size and choose a bowl that won’t require constant refilling.
2. Material Matters: Choose Durability and Safety
From my experience, the material of the bowl affects both its durability and how it keeps the salad fresh. I prefer stainless steel bowls because they are sturdy, easy to clean, and don’t retain odors or stains. However, if you want something more lightweight and stylish, BPA-free plastic or melamine bowls are good options. Avoid glass for extra large bowls because they can be heavy and fragile.
3. Ease of Cleaning
When catering, quick cleanup is a lifesaver. I always pick bowls that are dishwasher safe. Stainless steel and certain plastics are great in this regard. Also, smooth surfaces without too many crevices help prevent leftover bits of salad from sticking around.
4. Portability and Storage
Since I often transport salads to different venues, I look for bowls that are lightweight and easy to carry. Some extra large salad bowls come with lids, which I find incredibly useful for covering and transporting the salad without spills. Additionally, nesting bowls or stackable designs help save storage space in my kitchen.
5. Style and Presentation
In catering, presentation counts. I like bowls that not only serve their purpose but also look appealing on the buffet table. Wooden salad bowls add a rustic charm, while sleek stainless steel offers a modern look. Choose a bowl that matches your catering style and the event vibe.
6. Price vs. Quality
I’ve learned not to compromise on quality just to save a few dollars. A good extra large salad bowl is an investment that pays off in durability and ease of use. Look for trusted brands and read reviews to ensure you’re getting value for your money.
7. Additional Features
Some bowls come with extras like built-in salad spinners, non-slip bases, or measurement markings. I find these features handy depending on the scale and style of my catering jobs. Think about what will make your workflow smoother.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right extra large salad bowl for catering is all about balancing capacity, durability, ease of use, and style. By considering these factors, you’ll find a bowl that makes your catering experience more efficient and enjoyable — just like it did for me.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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