Cooking Videos

Choosing Basic Baking Tools

Are you outfitting your first kitchen? Have you been watching cooking videos or shows and are developing a love for baking? You may feel overwhelmed by the many baking gadgets available online, in kitchen stores, and in department stores. While many of those gadgets are fun – and even useful – they often aren’t necessary. If you’re looking for essential baking tools, however, here’s where to start.

Measures

When following certain recipes or cooking videos, measuring may not be absolutely necessary. But for baking success, every ingredient must be measured carefully. That’s why measuring cups and spoons should be at the top of your baking tools list. You’ll need a liquid measuring cup, as well as a set of dry measuring cups and spoons. Pyrex is an excellent choice for the liquid cup. A 2 cup glass measure works for most situations. Plastic is fine for dry measuring spoons and cups, but heavy stainless steel – though more expensive – lasts much longer.

Bowls

Mixing bowls are also a must. To start, you may only need two bowls: One large and one medium-sized. Stainless steel is the top choice among bakers, since it chills well (which is great when making certain doughs), but glass or plastic is fine, too.

Baking Sheets

One or two baking sheets are also important. The type with raised edges (sometimes called a “jelly roll pan”) is the most versatile, working just as well for meats as cookies. Don’t buy anything thin, since it will warp. Aluminum is the standard, but choose a light color, since dark sheets may get too hot. To keep the baking sheets looking nice, either use one only for baking and one only for meats and cheeses, or line your baking sheets with parchment paper every time you use them. For more tips on choosing baking sheets, click here.

Baking Dishes

For baking brownies, crisps, cobblers, cakes, and the like, glass baking dishes are a must. Look for light colored glass, ceramic, or stoneware. Stoneware and ceramic are oven, freezer, and microwave safe, and don’t mind sudden and drastic changes in temperature. Glass dishes are appropriate for the oven and microwave, but not the freezer; they don’t like sudden changes in temperature. For baking, an 8 x 8 in. size is ideal for most purposes, but you may also wish to invest in a pie dish and at least one loaf pan, also.

Cake Pans

If you like baking cakes, you’ll want at least one basic round, square, or rectangular cake pan. Look for a non-stick coating.

Muffin Tins

If you enjoy muffins, you’ll need a muffin tin or pan. Although you might see silicone pans in some cooking videos and books, old fashioned aluminum, non-stick pans usually work better. Avoid thin muffin tins, since they warp.

Mitts

A good set of oven mitts is a must. Unlike pot holders, mitts protect your whole hand – even some of your arm. Look for a pair with loops for hanging, unless you have drawer space for them.