Do you love eating fruit but tend to avoid it because of the mess that is the fruit drawer in the fridge? We’re going to discuss the solution to that problem with you now: a fruit bowl. Now, why exactly would you want one of these you ask?
We’ll answer that, what kinds are available, things to look for in a fruit bowl, and many other tips in this article. There will also be our picks for you to meander through. Ones we’ve chosen based on their function, design, and overall quality.
Top 3 Picks
Let’s start with the three-fruit bowls we highly recommend, sorted by best overall, best design, and best for the price. Of course, these are matters of opinion and you may find something else that fits you better, that’s great if so, but these three will give you a good head start.
- Best Overall: Regal Trunk & Co. Large Fruit Basket with Banana Hanger
- Best Design: LARGE BAMBOO WOOD FRUIT BOWL
- Best Bargain: Teetookea Metal Wire Fruit Bowl
What Fruits Should You Not Put Together in a Fruit Bowl?
Now you may be asking yourself, ‘It matters what fruits you put together?’ The answer is yes, and below we’ll list out the ones you should not put together, as well as ones that are safe to do so. The main reason you don’t mix some of these fruits is the Ethylene.
Ethylene is a gas that emits from all fruits and veggies as they ripen, however, certain fruits have more of it. This is why, when you put some fruits with others, it causes them to ripen too quickly.
Fruits that emit high amounts of Ethylene and are sensitive to it:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Pears
- Peaches
- Plums
- Strawberries
What Are Fruit Bowls Usually Made From?
After a quick search of any buyer website, you’ll notice that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of options for you to choose from. Among them are various materials and colors which may lead to you asking; What Are Fruit Bowls Usually Made From?
The answer is, they’re made of nearly every material you see used in modern works.
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Steel
- Plastic
The cheaper options tend to be plastic as that is the most common material available and their durability is so-so. However, metal is another popular option for fruit bowls thanks to the look it gives and metal fits with most decorations.
What Size Should a Fruit Bowl Be?
If you’ve already searched for fruits bowls you probably saw that they come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. Which leads to our current question; what size should a fruit bowl be?
The answer varies from person to person. Some things to consider when choosing your fruit bowl:
- How many people in your household eat fruit?
- What size are the fruits you buy on a regular basis?
- How much space does your counter/kitchen have to accommodate the bowl?
- How quickly do you or your household eat the fruit you buy?
Depending on the answers to these questions, you’ll need to get a fruit bowl that meets your needs. For example:
If you have a large family who all eat fruit and less than a week after you go shopping the bowl is empty, you may want a massive fruit bowl or hanging option that holds multiple levels of fruit. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a small family who doesn’t eat a lot of fruit, something smaller would work and prevent fruit from going bad because you don’t eat it fast enough.
Choose your fruit bowl based on your family’s needs, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Is a Fruit Bowl Better than a Fruit Tray?
A fruit bowl and a fruit tray are two different items with two different purposes. A bowl is meant to store and contain your fruit for consumption throughout the week. Whereas a fruit tray is more for displaying fruit and other items for immediate consumption.
Is a Fruit Bowl Better Than a Fruit Platter?
Similar to what I mentioned above, a fruit platter is like a tray in the fact that it’s meant for displaying food for eating right away. Such as when guests come over or special events like birthdays and such.
Should You Put Dried Fruit in a Fruit Bowl?
No, not unless you’re setting it out o be eaten right away. Dried fruit needs to be stored in cool, dry, and dark places to keep its form and prevent becoming brittle and tasteless.
What Are the Best Fruits to Put in a Fruit Bowl?
I can practically hear you asking, ‘Didn’t we already go over this?’ No, we didn’t. Before we went over what fruits to not put together in a bowl. This is what fruits generally do well in a fruit bowl.
Most of this decision falls to personal taste and as such, we’ve put the most popular fruits below for you to peruse through.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Strawberries
These are some of the most popular ones, of course, it’s in no way an all-inclusive list and if you want something else to go in your fruit bowl then go for it! These are just common fruits that you’ll find in regular households.
How Often Should You Replenish a Fruit Bowl?
This is one of the most overlooked questions when people buy fruit often and it leads to hundreds of pounds of waste due to rotted fruit. Below we’ll go over some fruits and their expiration dates.
For this question, I’m going to use the previous list of popular fruits.
- Apples – Five to Seven Days
- Bananas – Two to Seven Days (Depends on how ripe they are when you buy them)
- Cantaloupe – Five to Seven Days
- Oranges – Five to Seven Days
- Strawberries – Two to Three Days
As you can see, most fruits have a wide variety of how long they last, but a safe way to know when to replenish your fruit bowl is to check the fruit. Is it starting to turn and attract bugs? Time to swap it out!
Should I Hang My Bananas or Put Them in a Bowl?
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of bananas hanging whether from a specific bowl attached to the wall or even on a separate part of a bowl on the counter. This spawns the question of why they do this and if you should as well.
The answer is simple. Remember that Ethylene we talked about earlier? Bananas emit a lot of it and when they’re sat on a flat surface, that gas gathers and gets trapped around the bananas. So hanging your bananas up does reduce the time it takes for them to sour.
If you eat them quick enough then this isn’t an issue, but if it takes you a few days, having a hanging basket might be worth it.
Top Fruit Bowl Picks
Alright, now that we’ve gone over some basic information that may be important in your final decision, we’ll move on to some of our top picks for fruit bowls. Fruit bowls are just another thing to add to your kitchen to bring your home to life and add a splash of your personality. Are you an artist who adores pastels or neon colors and that reflects in your buying choices?
There’s definitely plenty of choices for you to pick from! With that, let’s get started.
Regal Trunk & Co. Large Fruit Basket With Banana Hanger
Best Overall
When it comes to the best of both worlds, the Regal Trunk Fruit Basket is your overall best fruit bowl. With a modest price tag, a pleasing to the eye design, and separate areas for fruits, this bowl covers all the bases for an inexpensive but gorgeous addition to your kitchen.
- Size: Medium – 19.3 x 11.6 x 22.9 Large – 23 x 12.4 x 24.2
- Warranty: 30 Day Return
- Style: Contemporary
- Material: Rust Resistant Iron
Want to separate your Ethylene spouting bananas from the rest of your fruits so they don’t cause hastened rotting? This bowl has a handy little hanging area just for them! The dark metal will go beautifully in your kitchen, and it’s designed not to topple when bananas are placed on top.
Pros
- Multi-level basket with a separate area for bananas
- Available in multiple sizes
- Won’t tip over
Cons
- Metal is something you have to clean on a regular basis to avoid rust
LARGE BAMBOO WOOD FRUIT BOWL
Best Design
Do you prefer natural-looking things to add to your kitchen instead of the ‘cold’ metal? Well, this fruit bowl may be right for you! The light-grained wood fits right at home in any kitchen with pastels, country theme, or even just to add a splash of lightness to an otherwise dark kitchen.
- Size: 13 x 13 x 5
- Warranty: 120 Day Return
- Style: Natural
- Material: All-Natural Bamboo Wood
The Bamboo Wood Fruit Bowl is an open design that allows for a decent amount of fruit without taking up your entire counter.
Pros
- Open design allows for breathability for your fruit
- Light wood looks nice in almost any kitchen or theme
- Ethical choice of natural bamboo wood
Cons
- Not as durable as metal
- Material tends to be thinner than a pure wood bowl
Teetookea Metal Wire Fruit Bowl
Best for the Price
Do you prefer a minimalistic approach to your decorating? Or maybe you don’t want all the fanfare for something that you plan to use as a fruit holder? Whatever the case may be, this little fruit bowl is perfect for you.
- Size: 10.6 x 5.7 x 3.1
- Warranty: 30 Day Return
- Style: Minimalistic
- Material: Metal, Unspecified
The geometric design is made to allow plenty of airflow, and it fits great in smaller kitchens. You could use it as a centerpiece or even hold things like dog toys. The possibilities are endless and it’s entirely up to you.
Pros
- Low price
- Small to save space on a crowded counter
- Open design is good for airflow
Cons
- Not good for anyone who eats a lot of fruit
- Can bruise fruit if too much is stacked on top
Auledio 2-Tier Countertop Fruit Vegetables Basket Bowl Storage With Banana Hanger
Best for Durability
The novel three in one fruit bowl by Auledio gives you plenty of room to store your fruit, two separate bowls for those pesky Ethylene sensitive ones, and even a hanger for your bananas!
- Size: Lower Basket8.8”x 2.7H Upper Basket: 11″ x 2.7″H
- Warranty: 45 Day Return
- Style: Romantic Ferric
- Material: Metal, Unspecified
Made from sturdy metal, this fruit bowl gives you a pleasing to the eye display/holder for your fruits and veggies while not taking up too much space on your counter.
Pros
- Multiple racks for storage
- Rust preventative metals used
- No Tool Assembly
Cons
- Not great for a tiny counter, but good for medium to large spaces
- Only smaller bananas or they dip onto the bottom rack
Kasunto 2 Tier Fruit Basket Bowl
Best for Small Spaces
This gorgeous little basket is perfect for those who only want a few pieces of fruit at a time but want a stylish bowl to put them in. With a square design, this bowl is perfect for corners of counters and other places against a wall.
- Size: Lower bowl – 11.6″L x 7.5″W x 4.2″ Upper bowl – 10.6″L x 7.1″W x 5.9″H
- Warranty: 30 Day Return
- Style: Romantic
- Material: Metal, Unspecified
While it isn’t made for a lot of fruit, it’ll be perfect for someone who wants a flash of style to an otherwise bland kitchen.
Pros
- Two-tiered tray
- Beautiful romantic design
- Perfect for small areas
Cons
- Not the sturdiest metal
- Upper rack is smaller than lower
Lipper International Cherry Finished Wavy Rim Serving Bowl
Best for Modernists
Do you have a modern themed kitchen but you’re missing a fruit bowl? Look no further!
- Size: 3 x 12.5 x 5
- Warranty: 30 Day Return
- Style: Modernist
- Material: Wood
This stylish bowl is made for the minimalist hearts, its spacious basin perfect for moderate amounts of fruit while not taking massive amounts of space on the counter.
Pros
- Clean and smooth walls prevent scratching of fruit
- Holds a decent amount of fruit, perfect for a few people
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- Lack of air holes in bowl hasten the ripening of fruit
- No place to separate certain fruits
Handmade Natural Root Carved Bowl
Best for Handmade Style
How often is it that you see handmade anything anymore? Not often, right? Well, I present, the hand-carved root fruit bowl that will complete your kitchen.
- Size: 11 x 11 x 3.5
- Warranty: 30 Day Return
- Style: Naturalist
- Material: Root
It’s of decent size, great for medium-sized households, and its neutral wood tones will fit with almost any décor.
Pros
- Hand-carved
- Natural root
- Decently sized
Cons
- Not all bowls appear as the one pictured due to them being handmade
- Warranty isn’t as all-inclusive as big companies
- Not for big families
The Bottom Line
As you can see there are many things to take into consideration while choosing a fruit bowl, probably more than you ever thought possible, but the one thing that’s most important to remember is that whichever bowl you pick, make sure you love it. But I’d strongly recommend the Regal Trunk & Co. Large Fruit Basket With Banana Hanger for its overall functionality.