With the COVID-19 situation keeping most of us at home, many people have turned into home chefs, cooking savoury dishes and sweets as a family activity. So today we're introducing the basic baking equipment you should have.
What Basic Baking Equipment Do You Need?
The first step in baking is to get your equipment ready, especially the basic tools every home should have, which you can use for all kinds of bakes. Paying attention to this makes baking more convenient, cleaner and safer.
1. Oven
An oven is indispensable. Electric and gas ovens are both available for baking treats until fragrant and cooked through, with adjustable heat and temperature. Beginners can start with a small oven.
2. Dough mixer
Flour is a vital ingredient in baking. To blend flour and other ingredients thoroughly, you need a dough mixer, which saves effort, makes mixing quick and convenient, and saves a great deal of time and work.
3. Flour sifter
Sifting is another important step that makes flour fine and smooth, prevents lumps and helps it blend better with other ingredients. Choose a sifter with a mesh that is neither too coarse nor too fine.
4. Rolling pin
The rolling pin is probably the most common baking tool, used for working dough and rolling it into thin, flat sheets. Wash and dry it thoroughly after use, or it may go mouldy.
5. Hand whisk
A whisk is an important helper for combining ingredients and is suited to small quantities. It's commonly used to whip eggs until light and smooth. Once you're more experienced, try an electric whisk, which blends mixtures faster.
6. Measuring tools
A scale or measuring cups help you measure ingredients such as flour, sugar, cocoa powder and sesame oil more accurately. If you follow recipes precisely, measuring tools are essential.
7. Mixing bowls
Mixing bowls hold ingredients while you combine them, keeping things clean and preventing spills and mess. Choose a bowl suited to the quantity of ingredients.
8. Spatula
A spatula (or a wooden paddle as a substitute) is used to spread mixtures or creams so the surface is smooth and the size is just right. Besides spreading cream, a spatula can also lift cake or loosen bakes from tins.
9. Moulds
Moulds hold mixtures and dough and shape your bakes as you want. They come in many materials, so choose what suits you: silicone, plastic or aluminium.
10. Baking paper
Many beginners overlook baking paper, but it stops dough and bakes from sticking to the tray and helps keep the base in shape. Some people also use it to absorb oil from treats.
11. Oven gloves
Kitchen safety matters. Keep heat-resistant gloves for taking hot bakes out of the oven to protect your skin. They're a basic piece of equipment you shouldn't overlook.
12. Cooling rack
After taking bakes out of the oven, place them on a cooling rack to release heat before packing them into containers. We recommend a stainless steel rack, as it withstands heat well.
That's our guide to baking equipment for beginners. There are many options to choose from and adapt to your needs. Preparing equipment may seem like a hassle because there's so much of it, but with experience you'll know exactly which tools suit each bake best.
