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This list of the best baking tools that every kitchen needs is a great starting point! Broken down into must-haves and wants, this list will prepare you to bake any recipe!
If you’re just starting out building your kitchen tools, you may be wondering where to start, or maybe you’re shopping for a Christmas gift or wedding gift. I’ve compiled this list of items and grouped them in order of importance to help you know what your kitchen needs!
Best Baking Tools every kitchen needs:
Pans
In order to start your baking off right, you need to at least have a few basic pans: cake pans, muffin tins, rectangular pans. The basics will allow you to make a majority of the items on my site. If you have extra room or budget, work off the second list of extras too.
Must-Haves:
- 9×13-inch pan
- Cookie sheets (several)
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- 9-inch square pan
- Pie plates
- Muffin pan (2)
Good-to-haves:
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- 8-inch square pan
- Cast-iron pan
- Pizza Pan
- Springform Pan (10-inch or 12-inch)
- Mini Muffin Pan
- Cake Roll Pan
Small Appliances
While you can do everything by hand, some small appliances will come in handy when making most recipes. A hand mixer is the #1 most important tool in my kitchen!
Must-Haves:
- Hand Mixer
- Waffle Iron
- Blender
- Food Processor
- Slow Cooker
Good-to-haves:
- Stand Mixer
- Electric Griddle
- Pressure Cooker
Basic Tools
There are some basic tools you need to have for baking, like measuring spoons or cups. There are also some optional yet amazing products, like spatulas and peanut butter measuring cups, if you have the extra budget and room.
Must-Haves:
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Wooden spoons
- Silicon spatulas
- Whisks
- Pastry Cutter
- Cookie Scoop (get a few different sizes)
- Candy Thermometer
- Instant read thermometer
Good-to-haves:
- Silpat baking mats
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatulas
- Roul’Pat
- Pie Crust Shield
- Microplane
- Peanut Butter measuring Cup
Have questions about baking? Check out my Baking FAQ!
This post contains affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
I read you list of “must haves” and “good to haves”, but am stymies by one item. What is a “Roul’Pat”? Have never heard of it, and wondered if it goes by another name? Thanks for you column and your recipes! I look forward to reading it every time it is in my mailbox! Thanks again!
If you’ve heard of silpat (the silicone baking mats) it’s the pie version. Although now I use a cheap large mat from amazon!
I’ve looked thru your FAQ but don’t see the hand mixer that you use to mix cake batter. The machine fits in the palm of your hand. Looked everywhere for this item. Can you you share the info on this small mixer?
It’s a hand mixer – any will do but mine is a cuisinart
Great list! I also like using a scale to measure flour for some recipes. Can definitely make a difference.
I’m viewing your site with a smile. I’ve been baking since I was 21.. I’ve owned a shop where I used formulas from the 1930’s and 40’s converting them to a more modern style. My shop was a complete scratch operation. The only product I purchased was jelly for donuts, the rest was ingredients. Currently, I’ve been forced into retirement, but I still bake for me: brownies, cookies, pies and cakes.
I have started baking and decorating as I’m still practicing im different nozzles and flower cutters. I’m enjoying every minutes. Also I need ideas to make flowers instead of buying too many cutters.
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