Starting a new hobby means taking in a lot of new information, which can be overwhelming for a beginner baker. When it comes to baking you are worried about flavor profiles, the science behind baking, decoration skills, and so much more. But before you can get to any of that, you have to have the right tools and know how to use them.
While you don’t need a lot to start baking, a few bowls and spoons will definitely do, if you see yourself getting more serious and wanting to make your process easier and more efficient, here are some baking essentials that can help you get started.
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14 Baking Essentials Perfect for a Beginner Baker
1. A Mixer
Whether a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, having a mixer will make any jobs you take on much easier and quicker. While a handheld mixer will definitely get the job done, and is more affordable, sometimes you need to be able to mix for a while or accomplish another task while mixing. Here a stand mixer will benefit you greatly because you can set it and go. If you’re sticking to smaller jobs, a hand mixer will do. For heavier-duty jobs, a stand mixer will be best. Access where you are in terms of budget and baking level and choose what best suits you.
2. Whisks
While a mixer can get the job done most of the time, there are still times you will need a whisk, whether for small amounts or delicate recipes so be sure to have one or two whisks available. Having at least two whisks is recommended because you inevitably run into a scenario where you need more than one.
3. Spatulas
You will want at least one traditional spatula and depending on what you’re making, an offset spatula. Traditional spatulas often have a silicone top that is slightly moveable and perfect for scraping the sides of bowls or folding in ingredients. Offset spatulas are ideal for decorating and picking up delicate items. As you bake more, you will get a sense of what best fits you for now.
4. Mixing Bowls
Having a variety of bowls allows you to have a designated space for everything you need to prepare so invest in a few. Stainless steel bowls that allow for the efficient removal of oils are a good investment. Having a few different sizes is also helpful when dividing up ingredients but not wasting space.
After nearly 5 years of use with constant dishwashing and these bowls have held up very well.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring cups and spoons are a necessity when baking and you will use them a lot so be sure to invest in quality sets that can withstand different ingredients and lots of cleaning. Also, consider your material when choosing measuring cups and spoons, sometimes you will need to measure out things such as honey and you will not want to deal with cleaning that off an unfriendly surface.
6. Rolling Pins
There are a few types of rolling pins for various uses. Rolling pins can be made of wood, marble, stainless steel, or silicone. A little research can tell you a bit more but most people start with a wood rolling pin as they are affordable and can easily be dusted with flour for things such as making pastries. Heavier rolling pins such as marble rolling pins, can be good for providing a consistent weight. Stainless steel rolling pins are good for things that are temperature-sensitive because they can be chilled.
You will also need to consider things such as whether or not you need handles or can operate without them, or whether you need thickness rings to help you get a more precise and consistent thickness. If you’re a true beginner, a good place to start is a rolling pin with thickness guides or a traditional rolling pin.
7. A Sifter
Sifting can make a huge difference in some recipes so be sure to grab one. There is not much worse than trying to beat out the clumps in a recipe and spending way too much time doing it. There are a few types but the most basic handheld ones are good to start. You can even grab one of those handheld strainers, just make sure the holes are small enough for sifting.
8. Pans, Tins, Cookie Sheets, Pie Dishes, Etc.
Having the right pans will keep you from being limited in what you can create. Start with a few basics such as a few round pans in 6, 8, and 10 inches, a loaf pan, and a bundt pan. Don’t forget muffin tins, cookie sheets, cupcake tins, and a pie dish. Once you get a better sense of what you like to create you can decide on more specific needs such as springform pans that open up for dishes such as cheesecakes.
9. A Digital Scale
When precision matters, you will want to use a digital scale. Measuring by weight allows for more consistent results than measuring spoons and cups. Digital scales are affordable and easy to store, just be sure to get one that allows you to switch between measurements.
Nearly 4 years, and two battery changes later, this scale has proven perfect for beginners.
10. Cooling Racks
Obviously, a cooling rack is not often considered a baking essential. However, if you are truly looking for quality bakes, and not wasting your time, consider a cooling rack. Cooling racks allow air to flow around whatever you’re making evenly, allowing it to cool or dry faster and evenly which can be crucial for some bakes.
11. A Decorating Cake Stand
Decorating can be hard without a good setup. Set yourself up for success with a cake stand that allows you to properly adjust and rotate what you’re working on. Even lightweight, affordable cake stands are better than trying to constantly move your bake, or move around your bake. Even better, cake stands made specifically for decorating often can be broken down to be cleaned and stored.
12. A Bench Scraper
Save yourself the trouble of trying to get completely flat surfaces or trouble lifting things off of surfaces by investing in a bench scraper. Bench scrapers will come in handy much more than you’d think and are an amazing tool to have in your kitchen.
13. Piping Bags and Piping Tips
If you’re new to baking, piping bags and tips can seem intimidating but they are easier to learn than they seem and can save you a lot of trouble. They also open up the amount of options you have when it comes to decorating. They can even be used for things such as filling small spaces. All it takes is some practice time and you will not regret investing in them.
This kit includes multiple things in one and the pieces hold up well over time.
14. Parchment Paper
This one may not seem like a baking essential, but trust me, you will go through a lot of wax paper and parchment paper. Parchment paper is not only useful for lining pans, but also for making a surface useable, storage, and more. Don’t skip out on it when stocking up.
Bonus
Silicone Mats
Now if you have the cookie sheets, the cake stand, the cooling racks, and the parchment paper, these are not essential, but they sure are super handy. Silicone mats are often very helpful for things that are prone to sticking and can take the guesswork out of whether you prepped your recipe well enough. So if you can swing it, invest in a couple.
Now you are fully prepared for your baking journey. Take stock of what you have and which of these baking essentials you could use the soonest, and start slowly building up your kit. This will take time, and like all beginner bakers, you will come to have favorites and preferences.
These baking essentials are a good place to start, but the most essential tool you will need is to remember to have fun and allow your baking to be a creative outlet. It’s a lot harder to mess up than you think and you and everyone around you will appreciate all your efforts.
Looking for some baking ideas, check out the 15 spring cake recipes that are great for beginners below or the 20 gorgeous dessert ideas.
