Baking is one of the most fun and fulfilling hobbies out there. From cakes to cookies, there is no shortage of baked goods to explore. However, it's important to have the right tools and baking equipment to make your experience successful. In this beginner's guide to bakeware, we will discuss the most essential baking tools and equipment that you need in your kitchen.
Baking Tools and Equipment:
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Baking is all about precision hence measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurate measurements. Look for sets that include a variety of sizes and that can be neatly nested away. Most measuring spoon measure from 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) to 1 tablespoon (15ml) while most measuring cups measure from 1 teaspoon (5ml) up to 1 cup (250ml). For liquid measuring jugs are excellent, the Joseph Joseph 2-in-1 Measuring Jug has a versatile dual chamber design and can measure from as little as 5 ml (1/6 cup) right up to 1 L (4 cups).
Measuring Scale:
An essential tool for precise baking is a scale. The simplest way to ensure consistency every time. Especially when you are measuring large dry ingredients.
Mixer:
A mixer is an electric appliance that is used to mix ingredients together quickly and efficiently. There are stand mixers and hand mixers, and both are useful for different types of baking. For convenience, go for a hand mixer that has a beater and kneader attachments.
Mixing Bowl:
In baking, a mixing bowl is used to combine components. Choose a mixing bowl that is big enough for all your ingredients and has a non-slip base like the Brabantia Mixing Bowl Set this will keep it from slipping and moving around while you mix. Mixing bowls are typically made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
Whisk and Spatula:
A whisk is a tool used for mixing ingredients like eggs, cream, and batter. Look for a whisk that has a comfortable grip. The Joseph Joseph Twist 2-in-1 Whisk has a cleaver design that switches between two different types of whisks. In its closed or flat position, it's ideal for stirring sauces as its heat-resistant, silicone-coated stainless-steel wires are perfect for scraping and combining ingredients together. It can be used to whip cream or beat egg whites into peaks when it is in the open position, where it transforms into a conventional balloon whisk.
A spatula is a utensil used for spreading icing on a cake or scraping batter off the bowl's sides. Look for a spatula that is made of heat-resistant silicone or rubber and has a comfortable grip.
Cookie Cutter:
Cookie Cutter come in different shapes and sizes and are used for cutting out cookie dough into fun shapes.
Rolling Pin & Rolling Mat:
Whether you are rolling out dough for pie crusts, cookies, pizza dough or any other baked goods you won’t go too far without a good rolling pin.
A rolling mat is not an essential but a good to have tool. It has a non-stick surface that prevents dough from sticking to the counter or table. To ensure uniformed results use a mat with a dimension guide like the KitchenCraft Non-Stick Pastry Mat which comes with dimension markings to help when rolling out pastry to the required size.
Icing Kit:
An icing kit is a set of tools used for decorating cakes and cupcakes. It includes piping bags, tips, and couplers.
Types of Baking Pans and Tins:
Round Cake Tin:
A cake tin is a round, deep pan and is the most common type of baking pan. They are used to create rounded desserts ideal for making delicious fruit and sponge cakes, including impressive wedding and celebration cakes. They come in various sizes, from small individual cake tins to large 10-inch cake tins. The Springform cake pan is also another popular type of cake tin typically used to make sponges and cheesecakes. This bakeware has a unique feature where the sides can be locked or removed from the base for an easy release. The MasterClass Non-Stick Spring Form Loose Base Cake Pan is available in various sizes the double non-stick coating and the loose base ensures easy release every time. The MasterClass 20-year guarantee and the 5-year Non-Stick guarantee both apply to this cake pan.
Square & Rectangular Tin:
Square and Rectangular baking pans can be used almost interchangeably. These pans are commonly used for brownies, chocolate fudge or some no-bake bars. The MasterClass Non-Stick Roasting Pan and Baking Pan, set of 2 is an ideal set, with its large rectangular roasting tin and square baking tin, this pack is perfect if you’re looking to upgrade your existing baking equipment, or are looking for a high-quality baking bundle to get you started.
Bundt Tin:
Bundt pans come in a wide range of designs and styles, the common denominator being a hole in the middle. The cake design will vary depending on the type of bundt cake pan you use, some pans come with a bigger protruding center or a different edge design. The MasterClass Non-Stick Fluted Ring Cake Pan is designed to provide superior results for years, and with its beautiful fluted pattern, your ring cakes will look as good as they taste.
Loaf Tin:
Loaf Pans are commonly referred to as bread pans it used to make banana bread, poundcake and sandwich bread. The Jamie Oliver Loaf Tin is perfect for baking 1lb / 1 litre loafs, it is made from heavy duty carbon steel that holds its shape preventing warping when heated in the oven and features a non-stick coating.
Muffin Tin / Cupcake Pan:
A muffin tin or cupcake pans is an essential in any kitchen. As it says in the name it is used to make cupcakes, they are also fantastic options for baking portioned treats like cinnamon buns, egg bakes and miniature cheesecake!
Baking Tray:
A baking tray is a flat, rectangular metal tray that is used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. For easy release of baked goods, look for a baking tray made of sturdy aluminum or steel with a non-stick coating. Baking trays come in various sizes, so choose one that suits your baking needs.
Pizza Tray:
A pizza tray is a flat, circular pan that is used for baking pizzas. Pizza trays are usually made of aluminium or stainless steel and come in various sizes. The MasterClass Crusty Bake Non-Stick Pizza Tray will compliment your perfect topping with the perfect crispy base. The award-winning perforated lets moisture escape for crispier-than-ever results. Built to last, this pizza pan is covered by the MasterClass 20-year guarantee and 5-year non-stick guarantee.
In conclusion, having the right baking tools and equipment and investing in high quality bakeware is essential for achieving perfect baking results. So, choose the best equipment careful and let the baking begin!