Similar to cooking, baking needs to be precise so its finished products will achieve the right taste and texture. This list of baking must-haves is one that every baker — beginner or veteran, self-employed in their own little bakery or owns a commercial bakery business — needs.
12 Must-Have Tools Every Baker Should Have
1. Digital Scale
Since flour is one of the main ingredients in baking, this equipment is non-negotiable. The slightest miscalculation can lead to disastrous results, as far as baking is concerned. Having a digital scale helps lower that risk.
2. Measuring Spoons and Cups
Just as important as the digital scale are measuring spoons and cups. Whether you get a plastic measuring cup with handle or without one, this and a set of measuring spoons help keep your measurements precise, especially when working with liquids.
3. Mixing Bowls
These come in different shapes and sizes. When buying mixing bowls, stay away from aluminum ones as certain acidic ingredients will react with the material that could change your food’s taste. Glass bowls are still the best for baking as they are non-porous, easy-to-clean, and see-through.
4. Sheet Pan
Pretty much one of the most basic tools any baker needs is a sheet pan. We recommend getting at least a few of them in different sizes as these will be used a lot from baking cookies to bread to sheet cakes.
5. Oven Thermometer
Baking is an art form that requires preciseness and accuracy, from weight to oven temperature. The slightest miscalculation can make or break your baked goods.
6. Mixer
Whether you work with a stand mixer or prefer to do it manually with a hand mixer, this piece of equipment is important for your trade. If you can afford both, then go ahead and get them. Otherwise, a hand mixer is enough to do the job, since a stand mixer is more expensive.
7. Sifter
Sifting is an important part of baking. It ensures that the flour is spaced well enough to add volume to it. Thus, a sifter is one of the basic tools you will need as a baker.
8. Wire Racks
No one wants to eat soggy cakes and pastries. This is where wire racks come in handy. Simply place your baked goodies on top of one to allow air to circulate all around it so they taste great even at room temperature.
9. Rolling Pins
You can’t make the best pie crusts or cookie dough without the help of a rolling pin. Every beginner needs to have one. It is recommended to get the roller style instead of the rod type since the former is a lot easier to handle than the latter.
10. Baking Pans
Baking pans are perhaps, one of the most used tools you will ever use in the kitchen. It is recommended to get several aluminum pans in different sizes.
11. Spatulas and Whisks
Spatulas and whisks are handy for mixing. Spatulas, in particular, are useful for scraping off batter from mixing bowls.
12. Pastry Brush
Pastry brushes are helpful in coating pastries and pies with milk or egg wash or greasing baking pans with melted butter.
With all of these baking essentials, you are well on your way to baking like a pro in no time!
