15 essential tools for baking
15 Essential Baking Tools Every Baker Needs
I wanted to make a list of just 15 baking tools that I think are must-haves for every home baker. I’ve compiled this list based on my own experience.
Essential baking tools
1. Digital Scale
A digital scale is a great addition to any kitchen, providing clear and accurate measurements of ingredients for all your recipes. Unlike traditional analog scales, digital scales come with easy-to-read LCD readouts that can measure weight in a variety of increments – from grams to ounces – so you can ensure that you’re using the precise amount of an ingredient every time.
A digital kitchen scale isn’t very expensive and will last you for a long long time. For me, this is a must-have baking tool. Moreover, these are usually compact, so they don’t take up a lot of countertop space. This means you can easily store them away when not in use. Finally, many digital scales come with integrated apps that let you to convert measurements, so you can easily convert recipes for large or small servings as needed.
2. Electric appliances
An efficient kitchen is one with the right power tools. From food processors for quick meal makings, to slow cookers for juicy stews, to blenders for nutritious smoothies, electric appliances can make cooking easier and quicker. What’s more, electric appliances conserve time, energy, and money. Many of these are available in multiple sizes and connected to multiple functions, from toasting bagels to baking casseroles. Most importantly, electric appliances are extensively tested and come with warranties, so you don’t have to worry when purchasing one. But, what the one appliance every baker need
Trust me an electric mixer is a blessing to cream butter, make the frosting, whip egg whites to perfect meringues, or also knead the dough to make amazing bread. So, yes, good stand mixer is a baker’s best friend. And yet, a stand mixer is not something you buy often. So make sure you buy a good one that you will enjoy using for years to come.
3. Measuring Cups, Measure Spoons
Having the right measuring spoons and cups available in the kitchen can make all the difference in baking and cooking. Measurements matter, and with accurate and reliable measuring cups and spoons, you won’t have a less-than-optimal final result.
Similarly, if you’re measuring out liquids, it’s important to make sure you have some special measuring cups , measuring spoons that have clear markings for measuring out ounces and milliliters accurately. A teaspoon as a measuring spoon may not necessarily be the same as other teaspoons you have in the drawer. Also, liquid measuring cups are not the same as volume measuring cups.
4. Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls make it easy to measure ingredients, mix batter for cakes, knead dough and toss salads. They also make a great serving dish when entertaining. With a variety of sizes, materials and colors to choose from, there’s sure to be a set that fits your cooking needs and decor. High-quality mixing bowls are designed to last for years, so it’s worth investing in a good set. With the right set of bowls in your kitchen, you can ensure that all your dishes are prepared quickly and easily!
When it comes to baking cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, keeping your mixing bowls separate is a must for any baker. Not only is this hygienic, but also ensures that no grease or odors from meats can mingle with the delicate flavors of your baked goods. Investing in a set of mixing bowls dedicated for your baking needs is an easy way for professional and home bakers alike to guarantee a successful and delicious finished product.
As a result, I have these two sets of mixing bowls – one is glass mixing bowls and the other is stainless steel with sizes starting from a small 6 inch to a 16 inch
5. Sieve or Sifter
This is the simplest baking item and yet very important. I’m often surprised when my students try to skip the process of sifting their dry ingredients. Sifting dry ingredients can often be the result of a light and airy cake. These don’t have to be expensive or branded.
Sieves and mesh come in a wide range of sizes, allowing bakers to control the texture, size, and ingredients in their recipes. From fine-mesh sieves used for making pastries, to larger mesh sieves employed to sift flour for cakes and cookies, bakers have multiple options to choose from. Also, the type of sieve and mesh used will depend on the type of baking being done. For example, breads are often kneaded and shape with a simple mesh sieve, while more intricate desserts are often strained through a fine-mesh sieve when the dough is too thick. Ultimately, sieves and mesh come in different sizes and degrees of strength, providing bakers with a way to adapt their recipes to the occasion.
6. Whisk, spatulas, wooden spoons
Having a good set of kitchen tools is essential to making any meal. Take whisking eggs for instance – nothing beats a good whisk when it comes to creating a light and airy omelet. The same goes for wooden spoons, which can be used to stir sauces and sauté vegetables. Spatulas are also great for flipping pancakes and hamburgers, as well as getting every last morsel of cake batter out of the bowl. The right cooking tools can make any task in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable. And when you have good tools, it’s more likely that you’ll find yourself in the kitchen more often.
There are many different types of whisk for all the different things we bake. While I don’t insist you buy them all at least invent in one multipurpose whisk which for me is the good balloon whisk. I have a set in different sizes which I use regularly
Ever wonder why you have so many different types of whisk?
- A balloon whisk is used for almost everything from whisking eggs to whipping stiff peaks or meringues.
- A French whisk works beautifully when you need to prepare smooth, creamy sauces.
- While a flat whisk is best when you are making a rough because it helps to scrape the bottom preventing it from burning.
- Spiral whisk is generally used when combining dressings and vinaigrettes.
- Ball whisk is the best when you need to make a meringue.
- Coil whisk is one I have still to get used to but works best when
You will need a good set of spatulas for many different purposes from stirring and folding to scraping the sides and bottom of the bowls. A rubber or silicone spatula is perfect to scrape that last bit of batter. And, if you like to frost cakes you may even want to include a straight-edged and offset spatula.
7. Baking Tray, sheet pans and Cooling Rack
Baking trays, sheet pans, and cooling racks are essential components of a good baking arsenal. Baking trays are used for baking cookies, to baking spring rolls. and biscuits, while sheet pans are great for baking cakes and pastries. Cooling racks are essential to helping baked goods cool properly, and are also helpful when roasting vegetables. Without the use of these items, it becomes difficult for a baker to achieve the best results.
8. Baking Pans
Every home baker must have a few good cake pans to bake cakes, brownies as well as bars. Right? I’d say a 6-inch round, 8-inch, and 9-inch round cake pan are the most common sizes for cakes. In addition, a 9-inch square pan is great to have when making bars, squares, and shortbreads. In addition, if you love to make cheesecakes, then you definitely want to invest in a good springform pan. They are invaluable when making cakes, tortes, and cheesecakes. I’d say a 9-inch springform pan is a perfect for coffe cakes.
9. Muffin Pan, Bundt Pan
If you love baking cakes then you definitely make cupcakes and muffins which means you wanna get yourself a good muffin pan. Also, I have yet to meet a home baker that does not love making bundt cakes and rings and loaf cakes. These are perfect for those summer fruitcakes as well as winter spice cake.
10. Loaf pans
Who doesn’t love sandwiches? Right? Buying a good loaf pan is important. Why? the pan needs the bread to out easily despite that cooking process.
Every home needs a good loaf pan and if you like making sandwiches the Pullman loaf pan makes the best square-shaped slices. And, it makes a deliciously soft, rich bread with a tender crumb. Whether you make sandwiches or French toast these will give you those perfect presentable slices.
11. Pastry Pans – Pie Pan, and Tart Pan
Pies, tarts, quiches, and sweet pastries are the favorites of a home baker. I cannot think of a week in which I don’t use one of these pans. As a result, you can really have a collection of pans over time. And yet, for starters, one of each is a must-have. These 9-inch pie pan, 9-inch tart pan, and mini-tart pan are my favorite for making pie crusts, quiche crust, or shortcrust pastries along with this pastry blender.
12. Rolling pan, Dough Scraper, and Pastry Brush
Honestly, this is a must-have before you even buy the pans. I can not think of working without a good rolling pin. Since I am a pastry person, the French rolling pin is almost an extension of my arms. I even use it to roll my fondant. In addition, a dough scraper is another tool that just comes out automatically every time I bake. Lastly, the pastry brush has to be a good quality one that can be washed clean and won’t leave bristles when you brush the egg wash on your baked goods.
13. Cake Stands and Turn Table
I’m one of those who has an obsession with cake stands. If I had a choice I’d have a room full of them. And yet, you don’t need a room full of cake stands just one good cake stand is great to have. They do a great job of displaying your hard work.
If you love working with cake then a cake turntable will make your cake decorating life easier.
15. Thermometers
Many home bakers take the benefits of having thermometers for granted. Whether you are cooking a steak, roasting a chuck roast, leg of lamb, baking a cake, or bread, taking it out at the right time is as important as the rest of the preparation process. Can you imagine marinating your roast for so many hours only to take it out a few minutes too late? But, had you stuck a thermometer in there, it would ring just in time for you to take it out.
Similarly, when baking a cake or bread, checking the internal temperature is a priceless tool for novice of new bakers. If you love making candy and caramels candy thermometers are must-have tools.
Comments
Post a Comment