Baking
When embarking on your baking journey, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate through the myriad of baking tools and equipment on offer. But fear not. From cake baking to bread baking, we've collated the list of must-have baking supplies, which are easily availbale online. Even better, many of these are cheap baking supplies that won't burn a hole in your pocket. To ensure an illustrative experience, we've also included baking tools with names and pictures.
How to quickly find out what's missing
Before we dive into the world of baking utensils and materials, it's best to follow an easy recipe step by step. Trust me, it's the easiest way to figure out what's missing on your kitchen.
Must-Have Baking Equipment List
Opting for a baking set might seem like the simplest choice, but the process of selecting each piece of equipment can essentially serve as your introductory course into the art of baking. Let's dive in.
Cake Pans
These are must-haves for baking cakes and come in different shapes and sizes. From the standard round or square pans for layer cakes to Bundt pans for distinct shapes and easy slicing. Springform pans make removing your baked goods a piece of cake. An 8-inch size is ideal for a small family.
Pie Pans/Tart Pans
These are needed when making pies or tarts. These pans often have fluted edges to create a desirable crust edge.
Loaf Pans
Perfect for bread baking or chocolate brownie.
Muffin Pan
An essential tool for making cupcakes or muffins. Opt for a pan with more than 12 cups if your oven can accommodate it, to avoid baking in batches.
Mixing Bowls
Crucial for mixing ingredients, a set of bowls in several sizes will serve you well. Stainless steel would be a good choice for its easy cleaning and rust-resistance.
Baking Sheets
These are necessary for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and more. Some oven might include a baking sheets as a part, so check yours before placing the order.
Baking Sifters
To ensure your flour is lump-free, a sifter is an essential tool. The sifter must be much smaller than the mixing bowl, otherwise the flour can easily spill out when sifting.
Baking Parchment
This prevents your baked goods from sticking to the pan, especially when you are baking cookies and puffs.
Baking Mats
A non-stick surface that is reusable, perfect for baking cookies. Choosing baking mats with size markers helps in squeezing out cookies of the same size, so it's less likely for smaller cookies to finish baking prematurely.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
In many recipes, you'll frequently encounter measurements in the form of "cups" and "spoons". It's imperative to have these essential tools on hand, as without them, you may find it challenging to execute the recipe correctly.
Kitchen Scales
Accurate measurements are a must in baking, making kitchen scales invaluable.
Piping Bags
For decoration or filling baked goods, piping bags are incredibly useful. Disposable bags is much more convenient than those silicone ones. The bags are very prone to break during the butter cookie squeezing process, so it's best to choose a thicker bag. Piping tips can certainly assist in creating intricate cookie designs, as well as cookie stamps and cutters, they aren't a crucial tool for baking cookies.
Cooling Racks
These allow your crackers or cookies to cool evenly and quickly.
Baking Cups
Used for lining cupcake or muffin pans.
Silicone Spatula
Perfect for gentle mixing and efficiently scraping bowls.
Pastry Brush
Ideal for brushing butter, milk or egg onto your creations.
Hand Mixer/Whisk/Stand Mixer
A mixer is a key tool for combining ingredients. The whisk is for a light and quick mixing, while electric mixers are useful for heavier tasks like whipping cream or kneading dough. A hand mixer is enough for cake baking, while bread baking requires a expensive stand mixer. And don’t try to save money on it, or you’ll regret for its shaking and noise.
Oven Thermometer
Don't always trust the oven’s temperature indicator if you are not familiar baking with it. I had an oven whose actual temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the displayed temperature. Temperature is very important during baking, and an oven thermometer will help you ensure the right baking temperature.
Oven Mitts
You won’t want to miss this one because it can protect your hands from high temperatures.
Basic Baking Ingredients List
While it's typically simple to pick up these ingredients from a nearby store, it's smart and handy to stock up on essential ingredients when you spot massive online discounts.
Flour
All-purpose flour is your go-to choice as a baking beginner. And it is necessary to store your unused flour in flour containers to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
Baking Soda
Used as a leavening agent in baked goods.
White Granulated Sugar
Used for adding sweetness to your recipes.
Powdered Sugar
Ideal for icing or dusting atop baked goods for added sweetness.
Cocoa Powder
Provides a deep, chocolaty flavor.
Milk/Eggs/Unsalted Butter/Cream
Frequently used in numerous baking recipes, which better stored in the fridge.
Lemon Extract/Fresh Lemon
Used to give recipes a citrusy kick and also can remove the unpleasant smell of eggs.
Start with the Basics, Not the Costs
Many professional bakers often suggest purchasing top-tier baking tools for all, but personally, I prefer recommending budget-friendly options for beginners. The reason is baking can sometimes be frustrating, especially if you're not a passionate baker. As a beginner, it's uncertain when you might lose interest and stop baking. I believe that it's never too late to invest in high-quality baking items from famous brands once you've confirmed your love for baking and are willing to devote your time and money. You'll then be in a better position to understand what you truly need and what best suits you. For the moment, it's more crucial to merely possess the necessary tools rather than obsessing over finding the perfect ones, as you cannot yet be certain what will work best for you.
Ceramic baking cups are a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper or aluminum baking cups. These cups are made from high-quality c...
Egg rings are handy kitchen tools that are perfect for making perfect round eggs for breakfast sandwiches. They come in various shapes and sizes, from...
The Vegetable Cutter Shapes are a fun and practical kitchen tool that allows users to effortlessly create unique and eye-catching shapes out of their...
Fruit Cutter Shapes are a fun and creative way to make eating fruit more exciting! These handy tools allow you to easily cut fruits into fun shapes su...
Custard cups are versatile and practical kitchen tools that are perfect for preparing and serving individual portions of desserts, custards, puddings,...
Small ziplock bags are a versatile and practical packaging option for a variety of items. These bags are made of durable plastic and feature a secure...
Fluted tube pans are a must-have for any baking enthusiast. These pans are characterized by their unique design, which features a fluted surface that...
Lolipop sticks are a staple accessory for any candy lover. These small, slender sticks are typically made of food-grade paper or plastic and are used...
Cake Pop Sticks are a versatile and essential tool for any baker or confectionery enthusiast. These sticks are designed to hold cake pops, lollipops,...
Sandwich cutter and sealers are innovative kitchen tools that make it easy to prepare fun and creative sandwiches for kids and adults alike. These too...
Air fryer liners have become increasingly popular among those who enjoy the convenience of air frying. These liners are designed to fit perfectly into...
Pizza stones are a popular kitchen accessory for any pizza lover. These stones are made from natural materials such as ceramic or cordierite, and are...
Pizza pans are a must-have for any pizza lover or home cook. These pans come in a variety of sizes and materials, including aluminum, cast iron, and n...
Chocolate molds are essential tools for any chocolate lover or confectioner. These molds come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for endless possib...
Candy molds are a fun and creative way to make homemade candies. These molds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple circles and squares to...
Icing dispensers are essential tools for any baker or pastry chef. These machines are designed to make the process of decorating cakes, cupcakes, and...
Cake decorating kits are a must-have for anyone who loves to bake and add a personal touch to their creations. These kits come with a variety of tools...
Piping bags are an essential tool for any baker or pastry chef. These bags are made of a durable, food-grade material that can withstand the pressures...
Cake pans are an essential kitchen tool for any baker who wants to create delicious cakes with ease. They come in different sizes and shapes, such as...
Bake & Serve Sets are a versatile kitchen accessory that makes meal preparation and serving a breeze. These sets typically include a baking dish and a...
Bakeware sets are a must-have for any home baker. These sets typically include a variety of pans and dishes, such as cake pans, muffin tins, loaf pans...
Baking sheets are a kitchen essential for anyone who loves to bake. These versatile sheets come in a variety of sizes and materials, including aluminu...
Mixing bowls are an essential tool in any kitchen. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, from stainless steel to glass and ceramic. Mixing bo...
Pie pans are an essential tool for any baking enthusiast. Made from a variety of materials such as aluminum, ceramic, and glass, they come in various...
Donut pans are a great addition to any kitchen for those who enjoy making homemade donuts. These pans are specially designed to create perfectly-shape...
Madeleine pans are a must-have for any avid baker. These unique baking pans are specifically designed to make the traditional French pastry, the Madel...
Quiche pans are essential for anyone who loves to bake and cook savory dishes. These special pans are designed to create perfectly shaped quiches with...
Cake pop pans are a must-have for anyone who loves baking and wants to create a fun and delicious treat. These pans come in various shapes and sizes,...
Brioche pans are a must-have item for anyone who enjoys baking fresh and delicious bread from the comfort of their own home. These specialized baking...
Muffin and cupcake pans are must-have baking tools for any home cook or professional baker. These pans are specifically designed to create perfectly s...
Cookie cutters are a fun and creative way to add some personality to your baking creations. These metal or plastic cutters come in a variety of shapes...
Ramekins are small, versatile dishes that are perfect for serving individual portions of desserts, appetizers, or side dishes. Made from ceramic or po...
Rolling pins are essential tools in any kitchen, used for flattening dough for pastries, bread, and other baked goods. They come in different sizes an...
Torch lighters are a popular tool used for lighting candles, cigars, and even cooking. Unlike traditional lighters, torch lighters produce a high-inte...
Cookie presses are a versatile and easy-to-use kitchen tool that can help bakers create beautifully shaped and uniform cookies. These devices typicall...
Cooling racks are an essential tool for any home baker or professional pastry chef. These racks are designed to allow air to circulate freely around f...
Tart pans are an essential tool for any home baker who loves to create elegant and delicious desserts. These pans are typically made of metal or ceram...
Popover pans are a must-have baking tool for anyone who loves to whip up light, airy, and delicious popovers. These pans are designed with deep, non-s...
Cookie stamps are a unique and fun way to add a personal touch to your baked goods. These stamps come in a variety of designs, from simple shapes like...
Bread proofing baskets, also known as bannetons, are a must-have for any serious bread baker. These baskets are made of natural materials like wicker...
Cake testers are a must-have tool for any avid baker. These simple yet effective devices are designed to help test the doneness of baked goods, partic...
Baking mats are a versatile and convenient kitchen tool that can be used to line baking sheets or as a non-stick surface for rolling out dough. Made f...
Baking cups are an essential kitchen item for any avid baker. These small paper or silicone cups are perfect for holding individual portions of cupcak...
Souffle dishes are versatile kitchen tools that can be used for baking, serving, and displaying a variety of dishes. These dishes are typically made o...
Baking sifters are essential tools for any baking enthusiast or professional. These handy gadgets are used to sift flour and other dry ingredients, re...
Cake rings are an essential tool for any baker looking to create perfect, uniform cakes. These rings, typically made of stainless steel, come in a var...
Baking Beaters is a versatile and durable kitchen tool that every home baker should have in their arsenal. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the...
Baking parchment is a versatile and essential item in any kitchen, whether you're a professional baker or just love to bake at home. Made from unbleac...
Pastry and basting brushes are essential tools for any home cook or professional chef. These brushes are designed to apply liquids such as egg wash, b...
Baking stencils are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your baked goods. These stencils come in a variety of designs and sizes, allowin...
Baking wrapping and packaging are essential for any bakery business. These products help to keep baked goods fresh, hygienic and visually appealing. B...
Icing dispensers and tips are essential tools for anyone who enjoys baking and decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries. These handy gadgets all...
Springform cake pans are a must-have for any baker. These pans are designed with a removable bottom and a latch that allows the sides to expand, makin...
Round cake pans are a kitchen essential for any baker. These pans come in a variety of sizes and materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and n...
Bundt pans are a popular baking tool that can help create beautiful and unique cakes. These pans are known for their distinctive shape, with a round c...
Angel food cake pans are essential kitchen tools for anyone who loves baking light and fluffy cakes. These pans are typically made of aluminum, with a...
Loaf pans are an essential tool for any baker or home cook who wants to make delicious bread, cakes, or meatloaf. These pans come in a variety of size...
Baking dishes are essential kitchen tools for anyone who loves to bake. These versatile dishes come in a variety of materials, including glass, cerami...
Lasagna pans are an essential kitchen item for anyone who loves to cook and entertain. These versatile pans are perfect for making lasagna, casseroles...
Casserole cookware is a versatile addition to any kitchen. These dishes are typically made of durable materials such as cast iron, ceramic, or stonewa...