What to Look for When Buying a Handmade Clay Bowl

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When I first considered buying a handmade spice bowl, I had a strong feeling I was making the right choice. When I finally started using the bowl and saw that I was right, it made me proud—and I silently congratulated myself. These tiny works of art bring a warm, earthy vibe to the kitchen that mass-produced plastic spice containers simply can’t match.

Before buying the product, I did detailed research and then used it. In this article, I’m sharing both my research and the impressions I gained after actually using it.

The Importance of Size in Handmade Clay Spice Bowls
You might think, “It’s just a spice bowl, how important can it be?” But believe me, size is more important than you think. Because there’s always a risk of spilling spices. If you don’t choose the right size, one wrong move while reaching for your spice and the kitchen counter—or worse, the floor—can end up covered. You don’t want a bowl that’s too deep or so shallow that a simple touch sends spices flying. A good handmade ceramic spice bowl should be large enough to comfortably fit three fingers. Think of it as a cozy little nest for your favorite salt or pepper.

Glazed or Unglazed? The Million-Dollar Question

Whether the bowl is glazed or unglazed on the inside is a subtle but important detail. If you choose a glazed bowl, it’s easier to clean. And from experience, I can say it’s ideal for everyday use because it doesn’t absorb oils or odors.

So, what about unglazed bowls? They have a very rustic look, but they’re porous. If you’ve ever put mint in one, it might just become your mint bowl forever. I learned this the hard way during use. I’m giving you a heads-up so you don’t go through the same thing. That unglazed bowl still smells like mint—nothing I did got rid of it. So it’s now officially my mint bowl.

Does It Sit Ergonomically in the Hand?
Before we buy a handmade clay spice bowl, we all instinctively pick it up and feel its weight and shape. Another important thing to pay attention to is balance. Does it sit stably? Is it too heavy for its size? Or is it too light and fragile? Ceramic pieces have this weird “Golden Ratio”—they should feel solid but not bulky. And if there’s a tiny dip or ridge for your finger, it gives an extra pleasant feeling during use.

Is It Really Handmade?
We’re all good people, so we tend to believe every label or claim. But I’ve found out in the past that some bowls labeled as “handmade” weren’t actually handmade. So this question is far from silly. Some so-called “handmade” bowls are actually mold-produced and just hand-glazed. That’s not the same. Truly handmade bowls have small imperfections—uneven edges, brush marks, slight variations in the glaze. These details make them special. They make you feel the human touch. So if it’s too perfect and smooth, you might want to be cautious.

I Care About Appearance, Too
So far, we’ve talked about function and material. But it’s also important that the product looks nice and matches your home. If you’re buying something handmade, it should also be beautiful. Earthy tones, tiny speckles, a soft matte texture… it should be easy on the eyes, even just sitting on the counter. It should match your kitchen and make you feel good.

Anyway, these are just a few small lessons I’ve learned from moments like “Oh, this is so cute—but why isn’t it practical?” If you’re buying something you’ll use every day, it should bring a small moment of joy. And a well-chosen handmade ceramic spice bowl? It can absolutely do that.