Want to start baking but not sure what equipment you need? Many beginners worry about this. Today we've gathered the essential baking tools for beginners. With these helpers, you can create a hundred different bakes.
Large Baking Equipment
1. Mixer
Mixers come in many styles and sizes. For beginners we recommend a small 2.5–3 quart model or a hand mixer.
Buying tip: choose one with at least three speed settings.
2. Oven
Ovens can be electric, oil-fired or gas, and come as deck or rotating models. If you only want to bake cookies or simple cakes, a medium-sized oven is enough. Buying tip: choose one with adjustable temperature and a timer so you can keep your baking consistent.
Small Baking Equipment
1. Scale
Used to weigh ingredients accurately. A digital scale is more precise, but if you don't want to buy one, you can use measuring spoons or cups instead.
2. Dry measuring cups
For measuring dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, cocoa and milk powder. Most sets come in four sizes: 1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 cup.
3. Liquid measuring cups
For measuring liquids such as water, milk and egg whites. They are glass or clear plastic with volume markings on the side. If you already have a scale, you may not need one.
4. Measuring spoons
For measuring small amounts of dry or liquid ingredients, such as salt, baking powder, yeast and flavourings. The most common sets have four sizes: 1 tablespoon, 1, 1/2 and 1/4 teaspoon. Six-piece sets add 1/2 tablespoon and 1/8 teaspoon.
5. Flour sifter
Aerates flour and prevents lumps. Choose a mesh that is neither too fine nor too coarse.
6. Whisk
Whips eggs until fluffy and blends ingredients together. Choose one that feels comfortable in your hand, with wires that are neither too thin nor too thick, because thick wires make whipping harder than thin ones.
7. Spatula
Used to smooth mixtures, such as spreading cream on a cake or loosening bakes from tins. Choose one with a flat, straight blade that doesn't bend, and a size that fits your hand.
8. Knives
There are many types. For baking we recommend:
- Chopping knife: heavy, for chopping chocolate.
- Paring knife: a short 2.5–3 inch blade, available in various widths and shapes.
9. Rubber scraper
An essential tool for scraping mixtures out of the mixing bowl. Choose one that isn't too stiff, or it won't follow the curve of the bowl.
10. Trays and tins
These come in many materials. For beginners we recommend stainless steel. Whether you choose a removable base is up to you, but a removable base makes baking cheesecake more enjoyable.
- Round tin: 1–2 lb size
- Square tray: 6 x 6 inches or larger
11. Cooling racks
Used to cool bakes after they come out of the oven. We recommend stainless steel; there are many sizes to choose from.
Other Baking Tools You Can Easily Find at Home
1. Cookie cutter
A ring-shaped cutter made of plastic, aluminium or stainless steel.
2. Cookie or biscuit press
A tube with a plunger and patterned discs, used for thick, soft cookie doughs without add-ins such as raisins or oats, which would get stuck in the press.
3. Rolling pin
For rolling dough or cookie dough into thin sheets. Don't choose one that is too heavy or it will flatten your dough too much. Beginners can use a smooth glass bottle instead.
4. Pastry brush
For brushing liquids such as egg, evaporated milk or syrup onto bakes. Choose one with white bristles so it is easy to clean.
