So you’ve decided to start baking as a hobby. Smart choice!
Baking is a relaxing, rewarding, and relatively inexpensive creative outlet. But it does require precision.
Let’s check out the essential tools you need to set a strong foundation for your new hobby!
Measuring Tools
Digital Kitchen Scale
Flour is almost always the starting point, and nothing measures flour better than a digital scale.
Measuring Cups/Spoons
Measuring cups are the next best thing for flour after scales. But they’re my go-to for measuring liquids.
Meanwhile, the spoons are perfect for teeny tiny portions (think baking powder and vanilla extract).
Why not just use teaspoons?
Good question and the two-part answer is:
- Spoons aren’t super accurate, especially when you need fractions.
- I don’t want to break my baking flow to hunt down and wash teaspoons.
Sieve
Every now and then, you’ll come across a recipe that requires sifting dry ingredients before or after measuring.
This step isn’t here to make your life harder. It helps lumps and get some air into the structure.
Plus, the sieve will come in handy for dusting surfaces.
Mixing Tools
Whisk
From beating eggs to mixing the dry ingredients with the wet, there’s a lot that you can do with a whisk.
Both dough and ball whisks can come in handy for a baker. However, if you’ll only get one, go for the basic balloon whisk.
Hand Mixer
A whisk won’t cut it for heavy batter, and a stand mixer can be too expensive (and really bulky).
But a hand mixer? Oh, it’s the perfect middle ground.
Wooden Spoon
Not all baked goodies require kneading. A good stir with a wooden spoon gets the job done in many cases.
Note: Picking high-quality wood is important. You want something sturdy for stiff bread or cookie dough.
Flexible Spatula
For relatively runny batter, a silicone spatula will do just fine.
Even if you don’t use it for mixing at all, you’ll still need a spatula to scrape the sides of the bow.
Mixing Bowls
The absolute minimum here is two mixing bowls. But I recommend grabbing 3–5 with some diversity in size and material.
You see, small stainless steel bowls are great for water baths. That said, you should also get a microwavable bowl in case you need to melt some chocolate.
Bakeware (And Bakeware-Adjacent Tools)
Cookie/Baking Sheets
You’ll see “cookie sheets” and “baking sheets” used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
Cookie sheets usually have a lip on one side, so you can easily slide cookies off. Baking sheets, on the other hand, have rolled edges on all four sides.
Since baking sheets are more versatile (you can use them for roasting veggies AND baking cookies), you can start with two of those.
I’d go with two half sheets (18×13”) rather than full-sized ones.
Round Pans
A couple of 9” cake pans will cover you for a whole lot of cake recipes. You can even whittle the cake down to make a heart shape!
Rectangular Pan
Get a standard 13×9” pan for cakes, brownies, cookie bars, and savory recipes. Just make sure it’s a high-sided one.
Loaf Pans
I assume you’ll try making banana bread at some point. So, add two 9×5” loaf pans to your shopping list while you’re at it.
Bakeware Liners
When it comes to lining your bakeware, you have two main options: parchment paper or silicone mats.
Each has its pros and cons. For instance, parchment paper can fit into different pan shapes and sizes. Meanwhile, silicone liners are reusable and super non-stick.
Cooling Rack
Unless you’re okay with soggy bottoms on your baked goods, you should get a cooling rack. It lets the air circulate around the freshly baked treat as it cools down.
Decoration Aids and Miscellaneous Tools
Offset Spatula
The offset spatula looks a bit… well, offset. But it’s for good reason.
The bent blade makes it easy to spread frosting over cakes without bumping your knuckles into the edges.
Piping Bags and Tips
Pick disposable bags and at least two piping tips (star and round). You can expand your collection based on the sort of decorations you’ll grow to love.
Rolling Pin
This one is a no-brainer, but I had to add it to the list anyway. I’d go with a long wooden pin if I were you.
Pastry Brush
You won’t believe how often you’ll use a brush as a baker. After all, you’ll need to grease pans, do egg washes, and brush off excess icing sugar.
Nice-to-Have Tools for New Bakers
Leftover budget? Here are some extras to consider:
- Stand mixer
- Bundt pan
- Springform pan
- Pie dish
- Muffin tin
- Cookie cutters
- Cookie scoops
- Rolling pin spacers
- Dough scraper
- Skewers (to test doneness)
- Oven thermometer
- Pastry wheel
Final Thoughts
Before I go, I want to point out that dark bakeware absorbs more heat. So, keep that in mind if your recipes burn quickly.
Hopefully, you now have all you need to kick off your baking hobby!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.