Just in time for the holidays, a list of equipment and tools that any baking enthusiast would love.
I'm not being paid to endorse any of these items; these are just things I've found I can't live without in my 25+ years of baking so be assured these have all been thoroughly tested. I've included links to amazon to help you get started. Unless I've mentioned a particular brand, buy whichever one you can afford. Most of this stuff can be bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond..don't forget to use their 20% off coupons..even on the Kitchen-Aid mixer!
I'm not being paid to endorse any of these items; these are just things I've found I can't live without in my 25+ years of baking so be assured these have all been thoroughly tested. I've included links to amazon to help you get started. Unless I've mentioned a particular brand, buy whichever one you can afford. Most of this stuff can be bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond..don't forget to use their 20% off coupons..even on the Kitchen-Aid mixer!
MAJOR EQUIPMENT
- Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer: If you're even somewhat serious about baking, this is an absolute must and a real kitchen workhorse. It's definitely an investment, but it will last forever. I remember the day my parents brought home a Kitchen-Aid in the early 80s and to this day it still works like a charm. As for which model to buy, get the one that fits your needs. If you're only an occasional baker don't go for the Professional series, get the Classic instead.
- Food Processor: A processor is a great tool for making pastry dough for pies and tarts and also for chopping nuts. I sometimes use the food processor to make cake frostings. They normally come with different blades for slicing and grating as well.
THE BASICS
- Taylor Oven Thermometer: Unless your oven is properly calibrated (most aren't) get this to ensure correct temperature.
- Polder Kitchen Timer: Easy peasy to use and has a string so you can wear it around your neck if you need to leave the kitchen.
- Half Sheet Baking Pans: Used primarily for cookies, but many other uses as well. Don't bother buying the nonstick ones; just use parchment paper. Any standard half sheet pan (should measure 13" x 18") will do so don't buy the fancy schmancy ones. I have a bunch that I got from Costco that were cheap as chips and they work great. You should have at least two of these pans, especially if you're making cookies.
- Parchment Paper: A must, must have for any type of baking. Most people rave about the silicone baking mats like Silpat, but I prefer parchment. I always line half sheet pans with parchment paper so that things don't stick. If I'm making a lot of cookies I don't need to dirty a lot of pans because I just use a new sheet of parchment with each batch. Makes clean up a breeze as well. They sell parchment in rolls at the supermarket but because I bake so much I buy pre-cut half-sheet pan size ones in a box of 1,000.
- Mixing Bowls: I like the nesting ones that come in stainless steel and glass. Does double-duty as a bain marie.
- Silicone Rubber Spatula: The utensil I use most often in baking for scraping, folding, mixing. Buy several of these because they are indispensible.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cup: To be used specifically for liquid ingredients.
- Wire Whisk
- Metal Cake Pans
- 9 x 13 Rectangle: For bar cookies (brownies, lemon bars) and cake
- 9" or 8" Round: Either size will do, but you need at least 2
- Loaf: For quick breads like pumpkin or banana bread
- Muffin: For cupcakes and muffins
- Metal Ice Cream Scoops: I have these in different sizes and use them to portion out cookie dough so they are uniform in size. Also great for cupcakes and muffins.
- French Tapered Wood Rolling Pin: This style is more agile than the traditional rolling pin.
- Wire Cooling Rack: I like the kind that fit perfectly in a half sheet pan.
- Mesh Strainer: For sifting dry ingredients and straining cooked creams
- Microplane Grater: Zesting citrus fruits, grating chocolate, cheese
- Cookie Cutters
NICE TO HAVE
- OXO Food Scale: Essential if you get serious about baking. This one measures weight in lbs and kg which is a must.
- Cake Decorating
- Decorating Bag and Tips
- Offset Spatula: For frosting cakes
- Ateco Food Color: I prefer the gels over liquid
- Tart Pans w/Removable Bottoms: I have them in varying shapes and sizes. Used for quiches and tarts.
- Round Cake Pan w/Removable Bottom: I use this instead of a springform pan for making cheesecakes and mousse cakes.
- Springform Pan: If you must have a springform pan use this one.
- Taylor Candy Thermometer: Can also be used for deep frying
- Thermapen Instant Thermometer: Not cheap, about $80, but great if you need an instant temperature read
Do not purchase a Kitchen-Aid Mixer in white or almond. The paint will discolor over time. Also, buy a second mixer bowl, paddle, and whip if you are a serious baker.
ReplyDeleteSac TDL
After reading your blog I got some new information. Really I did not know so deeply this.Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteDesigner
IT SUCH A USEFUL ARTICLE I EVER SAW THANKS FOR SHARING IT WITH US...
ReplyDeleteIF YOU WANT A LOGO THAT CAN SURE HELP TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH AN GUARANTEE SO PLEASE VISIT OUR SITE?
Logo Designers
I very impressed with your share, thank you for the share.
ReplyDeletelaw dissertation Writers
Boxer puppies for sale in Ohio
ReplyDeleteBoxer puppies for sale in ga
boxer puppies for sale craigslist
golden retriever puppies for sale in pa
ReplyDeletegolden retriever puppies for sale craigslist
red golden retriever puppies for sale
labrador retriever puppies for sale in nj
ReplyDeletelabrador retriever puppies for sale in Indiana
labrador retriever puppies for sale in maryland