Essential Baking Tools For Beginners
If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out, this list of essential baking tools for beginners is just for you!
If you’ve been following along with my journey, you know that I went from clueless in the kitchen to an avid baker, what seemed like overnight, so I’m very familiar with the basics.
Here’s a list of must-have baking equipment to set up your kitchen with all the essential baking tools I’ve compiled throughout my journey!
1. Measuring Cups/ Spoons (Liquid and Dry) -Having a full set of measuring cups and spoons on hand is a must. And for baking, you’ll need both dry and wet measuring cups to accurately measure all of your ingredients. Most measuring spoon sets have a tablespoon, teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon, while most measuring cups come in sets with one cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, and ¼ cup. For liquid measuring cups, you can get by with a 1-cup size, but it can be handy to have 2-cup and 4-cup ones on hand, too.
2. Rubber Spatula/Scraper -This tool is ideal for scraping that last bit of batter or dough out of a pan (the best part!) They’re also super handy for folding together wet and dry ingredients.
3. Pastry Brush – This handy tool has more uses than you realized. It can be used to cake a pan before pouring in a batter, to coat your dough with melted butter or egg wash and more.
4. Whisk -To beat together eggs, and more- a whisk is an essential as it’s one of the best ways to thoroughly mix together dry ingredients (and is also great for stirring together a homemade custard).
6. Kitchen Scissors – Whenever I’m baking, I always keep my kitchen scissors nearby. They can be useful in so many different ways: cutting parchment to fit a pan, for frosting tips and even just opening stubborn packages and containers.
7. Rolling Pin -Rolling pins are definitely the most photographable item used in baking but they are also extremely useful. Be it for rolling out cookie dough or pie crusts, and even puff pastries, rolling pins are a must have if you want to start to bake.
TIP: If you don’t have a food processor and need to crush cookies, chips or crackers for a recipe, just put them in a sealable bag, then use your rolling pin to smash them to peices!
8. Rectangular Baking Pan – A regular baking pan (13x9x2 inches) is a definite must-have. You can use it for so many sweet things—cakes, brownies, cookie bars—and, of course, it has savory uses as well. If you pick only one baking pan to stock your kitchen with, make it this one.
9. Round Cake Pan – Really, you should have two of these on hand, because you’ll eventually be an experience baker making a stunning, layered cake (I have faith in you!) and you’ll need more than one cake pans to do so. Round cake pans come in 8-inch and 9-inch diameters, but most cake recipes will work with either size (just make sure you have two of the same size).
10. Loaf Pan – Banana bread, pumpkin bread, and all of your favorite homemade bread recipes call for a loaf opan. If you want to dive into the world of homemade bread, which you should – you’ll need one or more of these!
11. Wire Rack – Wire baking racks are also called cooling racks because they are designed to help baked goods cool quickly and evenly. When freshly baked items are placed on a cooling rack, the items are allowed to cool evenly because the steam and heat are able to escape from all areas of the item, unlike when items are left to cool in the pan they were baked in
12. Muffin/ Cupcake Pan – Every Mom needs a muffin pan! Use this pan to make a tray of freshly-baked muffins, or put it to even more use when you make homemade cupcakes for your next birthday celebration.
13. Baking Sheet/Cookie Sheet/Sheet Pan – You definitely need at least one cookie sheet in your kitchen, and you’ll probably benefit from having two.
14. Hand Mixer/Stand Mixer – While you don’t need to go all-out on a fancy stand mixer, you do need at least a hand mixer in your arsenal of baking tools. It makes mixing up doughs and batters much easier and quicker, and it’s by far the best way to mix ingredients into a thick, stiff cookie dough.
15. Parchment Paper – If you haven’t been baking with parchment paper, start now! Spreading a sheet over your pan before you start baking cookies will make clean-up much easier and prevent your baked goods from sticking to the pan. Invest in a reusable silicone baking mat to be more eco-friendly.
Essential Baking Tools for a Sustainable and Healthy Kitchen
Baking can be a fun and rewarding way to create delicious and nutritious treats, but it can also be a source of waste and environmental impact. From disposable baking cups to non-recyclable packaging, many baking products contribute to a larger problem of waste and environmental damage. However, there are plenty of sustainable and eco-friendly baking tools available that can help you reduce your impact while still creating delicious baked goods. In this post, we’ll explore some of the essential baking tools for a sustainable and healthy kitchen.
- Silicone Baking Mats
One of the most common sources of waste in baking is disposable parchment paper or aluminum foil. A great alternative is silicone baking mats, which can be used over and over again and are much more durable than traditional parchment paper. Silicone baking mats are also non-stick, making them a great option for baking cookies, bread, and other baked goods.
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Stainless steel mixing bowls are a great alternative to plastic mixing bowls, which can be a source of environmental harm. Stainless steel is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean, making it a great option for mixing and preparing ingredients. Look for mixing bowls made from high-quality stainless steel, and avoid those with non-stick coatings or plastic parts.
- Glass Baking Dishes
Glass baking dishes are a great alternative to disposable aluminum baking pans, which can be a source of waste and environmental damage. Glass baking dishes are durable, long-lasting, and can be used over and over again. They’re also easy to clean and don’t absorb flavors or odors like some other materials can.
- Reusable Baking Cups
Disposable baking cups are a common source of waste in baking, but there are plenty of reusable options available. Look for baking cups made from silicone or other durable materials that can be used over and over again. These cups are great for muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods.
- Flour Sifter
A flour sifter is an essential tool for any baker, but it can also be a source of environmental harm if it’s made from plastic. Look for flour sifters made from stainless steel or other durable materials, and avoid those with plastic parts.
- Baking Stone
A baking stone is a great tool for creating crispy crusts on bread and pizza, but it can also be a source of environmental harm if it’s made from materials like aluminum. Look for baking stones made from natural materials like ceramic or stone, which are durable and long-lasting.
Creating a sustainable and healthy kitchen is an important goal for anyone who cares about the environment and their own health. By using eco-friendly baking tools and kitchen options, you can reduce your environmental impact and create delicious and nutritious baked goods. I hope this list of essential baking tools has inspired you to make some changes in your own kitchen. Remember, small changes can have a big impact!
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