10 Tools Every Baker Needs

February 27, 2014

This basic list is for the college student who owns nothing but a plastic spatula and maybe a set of measuring cups, but wants to bake an occasional batch of brownies or cupcakes. (For those of you looking to boost an already-stocked baker’s kitchen, see this list of 10 More Items to Add to Your Baking Arsenal). Whether you plan to bake just a couple times a year, or are hoping to upgrade your entire baking collection (newly engaged, anyone?), here are a few must-have tools for any baker’s kitchen. I’ve linked some good options you can buy on a budget, as well as my own personal favorites which might cost a bit more.

Also see my list of 11 Pantry Items Every Baker Needs to get your kitchen ready to bust out some sweet treats!

1. Spatulas

We’re talking about a silicone spatula with a removable head, not the plastic flat thing that you use to flip pancakes. This tool is used to scrape batter efficiently out of your mixing bowl. It should be silicone, so it can withstand the heat when you’re stirring something over the stove top. You’ll want a removable head so you can wash then let the head and handle dry separately, otherwise gunk can pile up in there, and, well, gross. My favorite: Stainless-Steel Silicone Spatulas from Williams-Sonoma.

2. Whisks

A fork just won’t cut it for the smooth, lump-free batter you’re looking for. Use it for liquids, like cake batters, eggs, and whipping cream. Do not use this to combine your cookie dough. I like to have a big balloon one as well as the thinner ones, but if you’re just getting one, the medium one is juuust right.

3. Mixing Bowls

You will thank yourself for having three. I like bowls with nonslip bottoms, as pictured.

4. Measuring Cups

Okay I’m cheating a little here, because you will need both dry measuring cups as well as liquid measuring Cups. So make that 11 tools every baker needs. My favorites: while the glass Pyrex cup is a household staple, I really like the Oxo cups (pictured and linked) because you don’t have to bend down and focus on the meniscus whilst pouring your liquids into the cup. Baking can get messy enough without spilling your liquids all over the counter, and Oxo provides a nice solution to that with their angled surfaces for reading measurements from above.

5. Measuring Spoons

You probably already have these, but if not, this seems like an awesome set to get. Sometimes a recipe will call for a teaspoon of vanilla as well as a teaspoon of baking soda, and it can be annoying to have to rinse and dry your measuring utensils in the middle of your baking project. Also, some containers (like baking soda boxes) can have small openings, so the slimmer end of the spoon could fit more easily for those times. Furthermore, they’re magnetic, so they won’t keep spilling all over your drawer! NEAT.

6. Mixer

You can go two ways with this. As a beginning baker, I’d go with this hand mixer. If you are in it for the long haul, consider investing in a KitchenAid Stand Mixer! Having said that, if you’re not committed to baking much, this will just end up being a really expensive and ridiculously heavy item that will take up a lot of precious counter space, so think ~~twice~~ a bunch before you invest in one.

7. Cookie Sheets

For cookies, scones, etc. If you can, get two. It will save you lots of baking time over the years. My favorite: for almost all pans, I love my Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch pieces. They’re on the pricey side, though, so if you’re just starting out, I have linked the items I would get.

8. Square Cake Pan

For brownies, square cakes, lemon bars, blondies, rice krispies, etc. I’m not usually into box mixes, but I have a few exceptions. Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix definitely makes the cut.

9. Springform Pan

Great for unleashing a beautiful cheesecake, mud pie or getting your Gateau Au Chocolat to come out nicely. Can also double as a round cake pan in a pinch!

10. Cupcake/Muffin Pan

For cupcakes and muffins. If you buy this, may I suggest that you splurge on the cupcake liners. You will not regret it. I would also recommend getting two muffin pans, as most recipes make 24-30 cupcakes or muffins.

Got it all? Now check out my list of 11 Pantry Items Every Baker Needs and send me pictures of your scrumptious creations when you’re done!