We can’t blame you for believing that the list of baking equipment needed is extensive and daunting. Especially when we look at tutorials online and see bakeries with expensive Kitchen Aid Mixers and a bountiful number of each item, be it rolling pins or spatulas.
But you don’t have to break the bank to set up your home bakery. And cutting down on unnecessary clutter will make the process as smooth as cake batter and will leave more space in your kitchen. So here are our recommended buys to set your kitchen up for success!
Plastic Containers
In a perfect world, you’ll spend hours prepping, baking, and glazing and your adoring family or customers will eat all your treats on the same day. But often you’ll make enough to last you another day or two.
In these instances, a plastic container is essential for preserving the deliciousness of your baked goods. Without them, they’ll quickly go stale and the soft, moist goodness of your cakes will be a distant memory. Opt for containers with a snap-shut lid. You can find our full range here.
Digital Scale
One of the first things you learn about baking is that precision is essential. Every gram counts, especially when your customers are coming back for the same taste and texture each time; consistency is key.
Invest in a good digital kitchen scale so that you’re not relying on cup measurements which can be inconsistent and unreliable. It’ll also help speed up the process as instead of measuring each ingredient cup by cup, all you’ll need to do is press zero and add to the mix!
Digital scales are relatively inexpensive, varying from $15-20, and the benefit they will have on your cooking is literally immeasurable!
Spatula
When it comes to baking, a good spatula is key. You’ll reach for this tool more times than you expect, they’re great for scooping out the last of the batter and for scraping the sides of your mixing bowl when you're, well, mixing.
Some recipes will specifically call for you to fold the batter rather than mix, and this is another essential use for the silicone spatula. Using a spatula with a flat side is perfect for spreading batters and frostings evenly and is also helpful when removing mixture off the spatula; you can simply scrape the edge of the bowl and voila!
No matter what type of spatula you choose, make sure it is heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning!
Mixing Bowls
It might seem obvious but mixing bowls are necessary for your home bakery. And by bowls, we mean plural; you’ll need at least one small, medium-sized, and large mixing bowl in your collection.
You can either get ceramic, pyrex glass, stainless steel, or plastic. The choice is yours and depends on your preference. You don’t have to dish out big bucks for your mixing bowls but if you’re planning on using them for a long time, invest in a durable and quality range.
Cake Tin
Again, you don’t have to splash a pretty penny on cake tins but considering the high temperatures they’re going to be in, it’s better to invest in high-quality heavy-duty tins. Avoid dark-color silicone tins because they’re likely to absorb heat, leaving you with a dark cake.
The tin size is important in determining cooking length, so get the right one and always be aware of how long a standard cake will take to cook in it.
If you want to get creative with your baking, you can use different cake tins to make fun and festive cakes. There are tins available in all sorts of shapes, including hearts, stars, flowers, and more.
Baking Sheets
Baking sheets are an essential and versatile part of the baking process. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to create many of the delicious treats that we enjoy.
They provide a flat, even surface for cookies, cakes, and other baked goods to rest on while baking, ensuring that each item cooks evenly and prevents burning. They can also be used for your favorite non-baking dishes!
They are available in a variety of sizes and materials including aluminum and stainless steel, and many are coated with a preferred non-stick surface!
Plus, they help to keep your oven clean by preventing most drips and splatters!
Cooling Rack
This particular tool is necessary for preventing a soggy texture in your cake, muffins, and bread. Using a cooling rack will help your cake retain its deliciously soft and moist texture by allowing air to circulate around the baked goods while releasing residual steam.
The cooling process is every bit part of the cooking process so don’t avoid purchasing a cooling rack for your home bakery.
Hand Mixer
You won’t always need a stand mixer in your kitchen when you have a hand mixer. Not only are they a very portable option, but they’ll also save you ample space and coins.
They’re perfect for creaming butter and sugar, whipping cream, as well as batters. We recommend purchasing one that is solidly built with additional whisk options so you have full control and can create the perfect texture.
Whisk
Even with the extremely useful hand mixer, there will definitely be times when you do not need to go to the trouble of assembling an appliance. This is where the whisk comes into play.
They are ideal for whisking thinner mixtures such as eggs, sauces, and thin batters. They're also great for getting into nooks and crannies and a perfect tool for whipping egg whites and cream into stiff peaks.
Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons are a staple for any kitchen, even if you’re not a baker. They can be used instead of a food mixer to beat cake mixtures or as a substitute for a spatula when you need to fold in the flour.
If you have the patience for it, you can even use a wooden spoon to whisk egg whites. All in all, they’re great all-rounders for any kitchen, and owning multiple sizes will always be an advantage.
Sieve
Simply put, a must-have piece of equipment for creating superfine flour!
This will also help you achieve a delicate crumb and can be used to garnish cakes with powdered sugar.
Measuring cups and spoons
Although we discussed the advantages of an electric scale, keeping a measuring cup and spoon on hand is a very convenient and simple way of quickly measuring smaller units like a teaspoon or a tablespoon.
Rolling Pin
This classic cylindrical baking tool will be used to roll anything with ease. If you’re a beginner baker, we recommend purchasing a rolling pin with handles to make the process easier.
Rolling pins can also be used outside of baking activities too, as they’re an essential tool in the making of pasta!
Piping Bags
They might be a little tricky to get the hang of at first but once you do, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without them. Decorating your cakes is almost essential when you’re selling your baked goods to customers.
They can be used to pipe all sorts of shapes and sizes (especially when used with tips), from delicate flowers and intricate designs to thick frosting.
They can also help you achieve consistent results as you can control the pressure and release of the frosting.
Parchment Paper
The last tool you’ll need in your arsenal is parchment paper. This specially treated, heat-resistant, and non-stick paper makes it ideal for lining baking sheets and cake pans.
This also comes in super handy if you run out of piping bags. Simply cut the paper into triangles, fold and fill with frosting!
Want to Learn More About Baking Supplies?
Plastic Container City has a wide selection of blogs and articles that we’re constantly updating to give you all the info you’ll need to set up and maintain your own home bakery. Check them out here!
