Building a collection of essential cooking tools is a journey for home cooks. But, we often forget about baking equipment. The right tools make baking tasks quicker and easier. Quality gear is key for perfect desserts like jammy blueberry pies and sourdough boules.
We’ve gathered a list of 25 must-have tools for home bakers. These include nonstick bakeware, small appliances, and tested baking tools. With expert advice, you’ll be ready to bake like a pro.
Key Takeaways:
- Invest in high-quality baking equipment to ensure precise and delicious results.
- The Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender is recommended for its motor strength and performance.
- The OXO 8-piece measuring cup and spoon set is durable and affordable.
- ThermoPro’s candy thermometer is the top choice with its fast reading capability.
- Consider the KitchenAid Pro line stand mixer for its 7-quart capacity.
Must-Have Baking Tools
Having the right tools is key to perfect baking results. Whether you’re new to baking or have years of experience, some tools are essential. They help you make professional-quality treats and make baking fun and efficient.
A kitchen scale is a must-have. The Escali Kitchen Scale costs $24.95 and ensures you measure ingredients accurately. This leads to consistent results every time.
Good spatulas are also crucial. The GIR Silicone Spatulas, a set of 2 for $26, are tough, heat-safe, and great for mixing and scraping. They’re versatile and a must-have for any baker.
Loaf pans are vital for baking bread and cakes. The Nordic Ware Aluminum Loaf Pan, around $34, guarantees even baking and easy removal of your baked goods.
Nordic Ware Aluminum Baking Sheets are great for bakers. Priced at $24+, they offer excellent heat spread and last long. They’re ideal for baking cookies, pastries, and more.
A bread cloche is perfect for baking bread. It creates steam, helping the bread rise and get a crispy crust. It’s a smart buy for those who love making bread at home.
These are some of the top baking tools that can improve your baking. From precise measurements with a kitchen scale to perfect bread with a bread cloche, investing in quality tools is a smart move. They make baking easier and help you achieve top-notch results at home.
Essential Baking Pans
Having the right pans is key to baking delicious and beautiful treats. Every home baker should have these must-have pans:
Round Cake Pans
For layer cakes, use 8-inch and 9-inch round pans with non-stick coatings. These pans make baking and cleaning easy. They’re great for vanilla or chocolate cakes, ensuring even baking and perfect results.
Square Pans
For square recipes, have pans in various sizes like 2-quart, 2.5-quart, and 3-quart. You can use metal, ceramic, or glass pans. These are ideal for baking brownies, bar cookies, or lasagnas.
Muffin Pan
A muffin pan with non-stick coating is vital for baking muffins and cupcakes. It ensures easy release and cleaning. A quality muffin pan guarantees even baking and perfectly shaped treats.
Springform Pan
For cheesecakes and quiches, use a 3-inch deep springform pan. It makes removing delicate cakes easy. This pan helps you make impressive layered cakes and quiches.
Loaf Pans
Loaf pans are great for baking bread and meatloaf. Have pans in sizes 8.5 x 4.5 inches and 9 x 5 inches. They’re durable and practical for baking delicious homemade bread and savory dishes.
Pie Plates
For pies and quiches, use standard and deep-dish pie plates. Choose from ceramic, glass, or metal for versatility. The right pie plates help you make beautiful pies with flaky crusts.
Bundt Pan
A Bundt pan with a simple design is perfect for denser cakes. It creates beautiful shapes that add a wow factor. Whether baking a pound cake or chocolate Bundt, this pan delivers impressive results.
Baking Sheets
Have at least two baking sheets, preferably light in color and heavy-duty. They distribute heat evenly for consistent baking. Use them for cookies, biscuits, pastries, or pizza crusts.
Cooling Rack
Let your baked goods cool properly with a cooling rack. Choose one that’s oven-safe and has a grid pattern. It ensures even cooling and prevents sogginess. A cooling rack is essential for any baking enthusiast.
Essential Baking Tools and Gadgets
Having the right tools and gadgets is key to perfect baking results. Essential baking pans are a must, but there are more items every baker should have. Let’s explore some of these crucial tools:
Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale is a must-have for bakers. It lets you measure ingredients by weight for precise results. The OXO stainless steel scale is top-rated for its accuracy and reliability. It ensures your baked goods turn out just right by helping you measure dry ingredients perfectly.
Stand Mixer
A stand mixer is a kitchen workhorse. It makes mixing doughs, batters, and frostings easy. The KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a top choice. It can handle everything from cake batter to bread dough, making it a key tool for serious bakers.
Food Processor
A food processor simplifies baking tasks. It’s great for chopping nuts, blending ingredients, or making pie crusts. While not as crucial as a stand mixer, it expands your baking abilities. Choose a durable model like those from Cuisinart for heavy use.
Hand Whisk
Even with a stand mixer, a hand whisk is useful. It’s perfect for beating eggs, whipping cream, or adding ingredients gently. A quality whisk from OXO or KitchenAid makes mixing easier and more efficient.
Additional Tools and Gadgets
There are more gadgets that can enhance your baking. A set of kitchen scales is great for measuring small amounts accurately. A digital thermometer, like the Polder’s In-Oven Thermometer, is crucial for candy-making and recipes needing precise temperatures. Useful tools also include pastry blenders, offset spatulas, and citrus zesters.
Investing in quality baking tools and gadgets makes baking more enjoyable and improves your results. With these essentials, your baking skills will shine!
Additional Baking Essentials
Having the right tools is key to perfect baking results. Besides the basics, there are a few more must-haves for every kitchen. Let’s explore some of these essentials.
A sieve is crucial for sifting dry ingredients. It helps remove lumps from flour or cocoa and makes ingredients like powdered sugar light and fluffy.
An icing smoother is a must for bakers. It makes cakes and pastries look professional by smoothing out surfaces. It’s great for spreading buttercream or ganache evenly.
A rolling pin is vital for getting dough to the right thickness. It’s used for making pie crusts, cookies, or puff pastry. Choose one with smooth surfaces and comfortable handles for easy use.
A pastry brush is essential for applying glazes or butter. It ensures liquids are spread evenly, making your baked goods golden and tasty. Look for a brush with heat-resistant bristles and a good grip.
No baker should be without a whisk. It’s great for whisking eggs, whipping cream, or adding air to batters. Choose a whisk with strong wires and a comfortable grip for easy use.
Adding these tools to your kitchen will make baking easier and more fun. So, keep a sieve, icing smoother, rolling pin, pastry brush, and whisk ready for your next baking project.