Today we have some advice for beginners learning to bake: 11 baking tools every newcomer should know, so you understand what each one does and how it works. Let's look at each type.
1. Digital Scale
A digital scale measures in grams, unlike the fruit scales at the market, because baking depends on accurate ingredient weights. A suitable baking scale should weigh up to about 3 kg.
2. Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons come in teaspoons and tablespoons and are used for measuring ingredients such as baking powder, salt and baking soda.
3. Timer
A digital timer for baking cakes in the oven, or for anything that needs long boiling or chilling.
4. Oven of 60 Litres or More
This type of oven is built into furniture; in other words, it needs a cabinet to hold it. It is the standard oven that the Sweet Cottage school uses to teach students every day, and it can bake everything: cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, toast, macarons, pies and tarts. Prices start at around 25,000 baht and go up to 50,000 baht, depending on each brand and model's features. If you want to get serious about baking, we recommend this type of oven.
5. Small Oven (Up to 30 Litres)
This type of oven is easy to find in department stores, priced from about 2,000–4,000 baht. It isn't too large and can sit on a counter or table without a built-in cabinet. Its drawback is that the heat isn't stable, but if you're starting with simple recipes such as cookies, brownies, chiffon cake, tray cakes and cheesecake, a small oven works without any problems. It can also be used for cooking, such as roast chicken and baked macaroni and cheese, making it a good starting point.
6. Balloon Whisk
Choose a stainless steel whisk for durability and a long life. The standard size is about 20 cm long. It is used to mix eggs with flour and blend liquids.
7. Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are plastic or stainless steel. Small ones of about 10 cm hold weighed ingredients, while medium to large bowls of about 14–16 cm up to 28–30 cm in diameter are for mixing flour, cream, eggs and sugar. Stainless steel bowls are durable and long-lasting, a worthwhile investment that can last 15 years. Plastic bowls are economical, but they can't withstand heat and become brittle within a year.
8. Rolling Pin
A medium or large rolling pin of the standard 30 cm is useful for pies or rolling out bread and scone dough. They are made of wood, stainless steel or plastic.
9. Silicone Spatula
A rubber spatula is used for mixing batter and scraping bowls clean. It's worth having both medium and small sizes, and heat-resistant ones are even better, as you can use them to stir pots on the stove.
10. Egg Beater (Mixer with a 5-Litre Bowl)
An electric egg beater (stand mixer) is very convenient for baking because it is so versatile: chiffon cake, sponge, cookies, brownies, bread, pies, tarts and all kinds of dough. There's no need to waste time whisking by hand or standing holding a hand mixer, and the results look better thanks to the consistent beating and suitable motor power.
11. Oven Gloves (Fire-Retardant Fabric)
Gloves made of fire-retardant fabric reflect heat very effectively. Kitchen safety is important, so it's a good idea to use heat-resistant gloves when taking hot bakes out of the oven to avoid burning your skin. They're a baking essential beginners shouldn't overlook.
