Baking 101: Must-Have baking Tools Everyone Needs
Picture this: the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air as you embark on a new baking adventure. You’re feeling confident and excited until you reach for your trusty whisk and are faced with a daunting decision: a plain metal whisk or a fancy silicone-coated one? The world of baking tools can be overwhelming, but fear not because we’re here to help!
At Kirshenbaum Baking Co., we understand that baking tools are key to a successful baking experience. Knowing how to choose the right tool is sure to save you time and improve the quality of your result. And best of all? It leaves you with fewer dishes to wash!
That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite baking essentials. From spatulas to mixing bowls, these tools have been tried and tested by our team of baking enthusiasts and are guaranteed to make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and efficient. So, put down those two whisks and let us guide you through the world of baking tools.
Must-Have Baking Tools
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our list of essential baking tools, it’s important to note that every baker’s needs may differ depending on the types of treats you plan on whipping up in the kitchen.
For example, if you have your sights set on crafting the perfect cheesecake, you’ll need tools like an electric mixer, a springform pan, and parchment paper. On the other hand, if you’re going to try your hand at making sourdough bread, you’ll require more specialized tools such as a proofing basket, a dutch oven, and a sharp “lame” blade for scoring the dough.
However, regardless of your baking goals, there are some basic tools that every baker should have on hand. So, without further ado, we present our ultimate list of must-have baking essentials that will take your culinary creations to the next level.
Whisks
First up on our list is the trusty whisk. Whisks are a baker’s best friend when it comes to perfecting those delicate omelets or light-as-air soufflés. This tool is perfect for achieving smooth and well-blended ingredients, and it’s particularly useful when aiming for light and fluffy results. Whisks are also great for blending in small but significant amounts of leaveners or salt, ensuring your dish has the perfect balance of flavors.
If you don’t have a whisk, a shortcut is to use a fork to whisk together ingredients. But we believe a good whisk or two is an absolute must for your baking arsenal– it’s a tool that will make your life easier and your baked goods more delicious.
Spatulas
Spatulas are great for scraping down the sides of bowls, folding ingredients together, and smoothing out frostings and batters. Specifically, we recommend purchasing a heat-resistant rubber spatula that is flexible yet sturdy to scrape the bottom of hot pans for custards and sauces.
You can use a few alternatives if you don’t already have a spatula. A rubber scraper, for example, can perform many of the same tasks as a spatula. Just make sure it’s heat-resistant and flexible enough to scrape the sides of your mixing bowl!
Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are the workhorses that keep all our ingredients organized while we’re whipping up our favorite treats. And with so many materials and sizes out there, the options to choose from are endless!
Each material has characteristics and advantages in the kitchen, from metal to ceramic to glass. Metal bowls are lightweight and durable, making them great for everyday baking tasks such as whisking eggs or beating cream. Ceramic bowls add a touch of charm to your kitchen and can double as serving dishes when you’re finished baking. And lastly, glass bowls are perfect for heating small amounts of ingredients in the microwave and are also handy if you need to melt butter, chocolate, or other components.
No matter which material you choose, having a few mixing bowls around is essential for any baker. We recommend buying a small set of stackable bowls to help save space in your cupboards. Having different size options will even help improve the quality of your product! Think about it: if you’re trying to fold the soft whites of a sponge cake into the batter, doing so in too small of a bowl can cause a lot of aeration loss due to constant stirring.
So, the next time you’re in the market for baking tools, don’t forget to add a set of mixing bowls to your list! Not only do they keep things organized, but they also make it easier to mix and combine ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Every baker needs a set of measuring cups and spoons in their kitchen. These handy tools ensure you get the perfect amount of each ingredient, resulting in tasty baked goods every time.
Some alternatives can be used in a pinch if you don’t have measuring cups or spoons. For example, you can use a tablespoon to measure three teaspoons and a standard coffee mug to measure one cup. Just keep in mind that doing this might not give you the most accurate measurement.
Investing in a good set of measuring cups and spoons is an excellent way to take the guesswork out of baking. These tools are inexpensive, durable, and easy to find, so there’s no reason not to have them in your baking arsenal.
Baking Pans
Baking pans are designed to ensure your baked goods cook evenly and come out perfectly every time. These versatile tools come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to make your treats extra special!
Some of the most commonly used baking pans include cake pans, loaf pans, muffin tins, and sheet pans. Cake pans are perfect for creating round, square, and rectangular cakes of all sizes, while loaf pans are ideal for making bread, meatloaf, and other yummy loaves. Want to make some tasty muffins or cupcakes? Grab a muffin tin! And for all your cookie-baking needs, a trusty sheet pan will do the trick.
If you don’t have a specific type of baking pan on hand, you can always get creative and find alternative solutions. You can bake a cake in a pie dish or even a cast-iron skillet, use a disposable aluminum pan or a casserole dish instead of a loaf pan, or grab some ramekins or a mini-muffin tin if you don’t have a regular muffin tin.
That being said, if you’re serious about baking, investing in a good set of baking pans is a must. They’re durable, long-lasting, and can take your baking to the next level!
Sheet Trays
While baking pans are a common go-to, many home bakers use cookie sheets for their baking as well. These flat metal pans are perfect for baking cookies, biscuits, pastries, and even pizza crusts. They are versatile, easy to clean, and can be used for various purposes in the kitchen.
One of the main advantages of using sheet trays is that they provide an even baking surface. This means your baked goods will cook evenly and brown evenly, resulting in a perfectly baked treat. Sheet trays are also great for catching spills or drips, making clean-up a breeze.
Our team especially recommends commercial sheet trays. These are sturdier and more stackable than cookie sheets, all for the same price! Plus, they come in half sheet tray size, which fits perfectly in a home oven and maximizes all the oven space.
Digital Scale
A digital scale may not seem like an essential tool for baking, but it can actually make a huge difference in the quality of your baked goods. Why? Because measuring ingredients by weight rather than volume ensures accuracy and consistency. With a scale, you can say goodbye to the guesswork and variations that come with measuring cups and spoons. No more questioning whether your 1 cup of flour is really the same as someone else’s!
But it’s not just about precision. A digital scale is also a time-saver and a mess-reducer. Say goodbye to dirty measuring cups and spoons and hello to measuring ingredients directly into your mixing bowl with ease.
Of course, you can still use measuring cups and spoons as an alternative, but if you’re ready to up your baking game and improve consistency, we highly recommend investing in a digital scale.
Knives
No baker’s toolkit is complete without a good set of knives. While it might not seem obvious, having the right knives can make a huge difference in your baking experience.
First up, every baker needs a chef’s knife. This versatile knife can be used for a wide range of tasks, from chopping nuts and chocolate to slicing fruits and vegetables. Its sharp, sturdy blade allows you to make precise cuts, which is especially important when trying to achieve consistent results in your baked goods. It can even double as a cake slicer!
Secondly, a serrated paring knife is a must-have for any baker. This small, sharp knife is perfect for slicing delicate items like fresh fruit, citrus segments, or even loaves of bread and cakes. The serrated edge allows you to cut through crusts and skins without crushing the soft interior, which can be crucial when working with fragile baked goods.
If you don’t have access to these knives, there are some alternatives you can try. A regular paring knife can be used in place of a serrated paring knife, although you might need to be a bit more careful when slicing through delicate items. And while a chef’s knife is harder to substitute, a good quality kitchen knife with a sharp blade can work in a pinch.
In the end, having suitable knives can help you work more efficiently and achieve better results in your baking. So, whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, don’t underestimate the power of a good set of knives!
Microplane
Last but not least, every baker needs a microplane in their kitchen. This small, handheld grater is perfect for zesting everything you need, like lemons, oranges, cheese, and even whole nutmeg. The microplane’s fine, sharp grating surface allows you to create delicate, flavorful additions to your baked goods.
If you don’t have a microplane, a fine grater or a zester can be used instead, but the result may not be as refined. However, if you’re serious about your baking, investing in a microplane is a small but mighty addition to your kitchen that can make a big difference in the quality of your baked goods!
Baking Tools in Action
Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult– just arm yourself with these must-have baking essentials, and you’ll be whipping up amazing treats in no time. Not only will you save time and minimize cleanup, but you’ll also transform your baked goods into delicious masterpieces!
At Kirshenbaum Baking Co., we understand the importance of quality tools and ingredients when it comes to creating delectable baked goods. That’s why we use all of these essential tools to craft our artisanal cookies, cakes, and other treats. We take classic French recipes and give them a modern twist for a truly unforgettable experience.
But don’t just take our word for it – try our must-have delights for yourself! Just visit our online cookie delivery shop and get your favorite French-artisan treats delivered right to your door.
