10 Must-Have Tools to Start Baking
It can be overwhelming to start baking when looking at all these different gadgets and tools out there! Here's my list of the top 10 items you NEED to have in your new and improved box of tools!
You don't need expensive tools to bake or get the job done. I started out using tools from brands that I had never even heard of, but I slowly accumulated everything I own.
I've narrowed my list down to the top 10 tools you will need to begin baking! Of course, I use other items, but these are, in my opinion, the tools you need to have to get started. The majority of my supplies are ordered online, so I have links attached to each product so you can check them out for yourself! The list is in no particular order:
1. Kitchen Scale
I don't know how I survived without a scale for so long!! When I started developing my own recipes and experimenting, I found every recipe came out inconsistent. Why you ask? Because measuring cups/spoons are not always able to provide accurate measurements. Every country has a different way of measuring; they use either metric or imperial, meaning you'll have to convert to the desired system. To top it all off, measuring cups/spoons takes up way too much space and increases the number of dishes I need to wash (no thanks, I'll pass).
You don't need a fancy-schmancy scale; they're super cheap! I got mine from Amazon. I've been using this scale for over 2 years now, and it's still going strong!
2. 1M wilton tip
Not to be dramatic, but I would never decorate cupcakes if I didn't have the Wilton 1M tip! This tip is so versatile and can be used for many designs, not just on cupcakes but also for cakes! Make sure you don't forget this on your next trip to Bulk & Barn.
3. Cake Leveller
I wouldn't be able to decorate cakes without my handy dandy cake leveler. A level cake is crucial in ensuring that your cake doesn't topple over or look like Giza's leaning tower (unless that's the look you're going for). They're pretty straightforward to use, but there are a few tricks that I've learned along the way, which makes for leveling/torting cakes much easier! I'll be posting a blog post showing you exactly how to use this nifty tool, so keep your eye out!
4. Baking Strips
The lovely John Kanell from Preppy Kitchen is the one who convinced me to purchase these baking strips! He has a great blog post, explaining the benefits of using these when baking cakes, and I stand by every word! I'll link it right here, as he does a much better job explaining its use!
5. Piping Bags
Piping bags are pretty self-explanatory. I suggest buying them in bulk as it will not only save you money but trust me, you'll be going through these quite a bit. They're easy to use and make frosting a cake a much cleaner job!
6. KitchenAid
This year is when I actually got a KitchenAid for my birthday! I survived all these years using my handy dandy hand mixer, but a stand mixer truly makes everything so much easier! No more whisking meringues by hand! KitchenAids are ALWAYS going on sale, so keep an eye out for them!
7. Ice Cream / Cookie Scoops