32 Best Baking Tools: From Necessities to Nice-to-Haves posted by Taylor Munsell Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thinking about upgrading your baking arsenal? Or perhaps you are a novice baker and you’re wondering what tools to include in your baking set. You’ll be glad to know that they’re numerous new inventions designed to make baking easier and more efficient. From nonstick cake pans to stand mixers to innovative dough risers, you’ll be spoilt for choice when selecting new bakeware. To get you started, I have rounded up essential baking tools for consistently scrumptious baked goods. From basic baking necessities to specialty items, you are sure to find useful tools in this list. Table of ContentsThe NecessitiesThe Nice-To-HavesThe Specialty Items The Necessities 1. Liquid and Dry Measuring Cups and Spoons by Williams Sonoma: All Clad As every baker knows, precisely measuring your ingredients is crucial for successful baking projects. So, you must equip your kitchen with the best measuring tools. With this sturdy set of measuring spoons and cups, you’ll be all set to accurately measure dry and wet ingredients. Each piece is made of heavy-duty stainless steel and comes with a riveted handle with clear measurement engravings. This dishwasher-safe sleek set carries both standard and odd-sized measuring spoons and cups. 2. Rubber Spatula: Cat Spatula by Sur La Table Flip your pancakes like a pro with this rubber spatula. This practical piece features a heat-resistant food-safe removable silicone spatula and an ergonomic wooden handle. The versatile spatula has round and flat edges that make it easy to flip, fold, and stir your food. Plus, it doesn’t absorb food flavors. Additionally, this fun spatula also features a fantastic whimsical cat design that stays on even after multiple washing. I think this cute baking tool will make a great gift for a cat-loving cook. 3. Mixing Bowls: Duralex Lys Clear Stackable Bowl by [amazon link=”B002RL9DMQ” link_icon=”none” title=”Duralex” /] [amazon fields=”B002RL9DMQ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Duralex LYS Mixing Bowl Set, 10 Piece, clear”] Because baking involves a lot of mixing, you can’t do without a reliable set of mixing bowls. These chip-resistant beautiful bowls will make meal preparation a breeze. They’re great for both hot and dry ingredients because of their tempered-glass construction. Plus, you can use the bowls for serving soup, pasta, salads, popcorn, and much more. These durable bowls are safe for your microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. And the best part? They are stackable for easy storage. 4. Pastry Brush: OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush by [amazon link=”B000JPSI8C” link_icon=”none” title=”OXO ” /] [amazon fields=”B000JPSI8C” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush”] For bake-worthy pies and pastries, you need a pastry brush that lets you apply thin even coats of egg wash, syrup, or melted butter to your bakes. This OXO pastry brush features heat-resistant silicone bristles with holes at their centers for efficient brushing of pastries. Because of its tapered outer bristles, you can easily work on all types of pastry surfaces. It works well with delicate, flaky, wet, or dry pastry exteriors. Moreover, its handle offers a soft secure grip as you work. 5. Whisk: Stainless Steel French Whisk by Sur La Table An all-purpose whisk is an essential baking tool in any baker’s arsenal. This high-quality flexible French whisk can handle any whipping task with ease. It’s made of durable stainless steel. And it comes with a smooth weighted comfortable handle that holds up well through long bouts of whipping and stirring. Apart from that, this kitchen tool is lightweight and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. 6. Rolling Pin: French Tapered Rolling Pin by Williams Sonoma This gorgeous olivewood rolling pin lets you shape and roll out smooth sheets of dough. As you use this wooden pin, you’ll have a great sense of the dough underneath it. And its lightweight tapered design offers great maneuverability as you roll out pastry dough. Because of its long slender structure, you can use the pin to flip and ease stretched dough into your baking pan. You’ll experience a real difference with this French pin, especially if you’re used to American rolling pins. 7. Sieve or Sifter: Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Strainers by [amazon link=”B007TUQF9O” link_icon=”none” title=”Cuisinart” /] [amazon fields=”B007TUQF9O” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers”] For delicate lump-free baked treats, a baker needs robust sifters and sieves. This set of fine mesh strainers is great for sifting baking ingredients. The strainers are made from sturdy rust-proof stainless steel mesh. The mesh delivers very fine powdery ingredients for your recipes. Plus, these three strainers are dishwasher-safe. 8. Baking Sheet: Nordic Ware Naturals Half-Sheet Pans by [amazon link=”B07N3GQGFF” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordicware” /] [amazon fields=”B07N3GQGFF” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Naturals Aluminum Nonstick Half Sheet, 2-Pack”] These versatile sturdy baking sheets are fantastic for baking delicious cookies, roasting veggies, preparing sheet pan dinners, and much more. They’re made of natural aluminum that evenly bakes and browns your meals for tasty results. These half-sheet pans are a great choice for sweet and savory baking. Additionally, each pan’s rims are reinforced with galvanized steel to resist warping. And you can use the pans with parchment paper as well as silicone baking mats. 9. Cooling Rack: Nonstick Cooling Grid by Sur La Table If you don’t own a cooling rack, you may be wondering if you really need one. Well, we consider it a necessity. Cooling racks let your food stay moist and crispy without getting soggy. Their grids allow steam to escape as your baked treats cool. This cooling grid is crafted from carbon steel. It has a nonstick coating to effortlessly release your food. It beautifully holds cakes, cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. Any drips from your meals are confined to the tray beneath the rack. 10. Oven Mitts: Large Tile Oven Gloves by Sur La Table Protect those baker’s hands with these comfy and thick heat-resistant oven gloves. Heat resistant to 500F, these oven mitts are designed to protect your hands, wrists, and forearms without limiting your dexterity. Their exterior features a nonslip pattern made from silicon to provide a good secure grip as you handle hot baking pans and pots. With these roomy oven gloves, you can cook without worrying about burning your hands. 11. Baking Dishes: Pyrex 5-Piece Glass Bakeware Set by Williams Sonoma This bakeware set is made from shock-resistant tempered glass. These glass pans can handle multiple baking projects, from quick bread to casseroles to brownies. You can monitor your meals as they bake. These pans feature Pyrex signature Easy Grab handles for a secure grip as you maneuver them in and out of the oven. Plus, the glass dishes are microwavable, dishwasher-safe, and freezer-safe. Better still, these pans are great for serving your meals. And the tight-fitting lid is great for keeping any leftovers safe. 12. Pie Pan: Emile Henry French Ceramic Ruffled Pie Dish by Williams Sonoma This durable ceramic pie pan is as beautiful as it is functional. It’s perfect for cooking and serving tasty flaky sweet and savory pies. Its ruffled edge will guide you as you crimp pie crusts. It also simplifies the cutting and removing of pie slices. This sturdy pan retains heat to thoroughly cook your pastries and keep your meal warm at the table. Plus, its vibrant hand-applied glaze is resistant to chips and cracks. 13. Muffin Pan: Platinum Pro Standard Muffin Pan by [amazon link=”B001IANICS” link_icon=”none” title=”USA Pan” /] [amazon fields=”B001IANICS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan, Nonstick Quick Release Coating, 12-Well, Aluminized Steel”] Grab this muffin pan for yummy cupcakes and muffins. This commercial-quality pan delivers beautiful evenly-cooked snacks and desserts. It’s made from thick aluminized steel for exceptional heat transfer and durability. Its texturized surface promotes airflow for uniformly browned muffins. Even better, your baked treats will easily pop out of this pan due to its silicone nonstick coating. The Nice-To-Haves 1. Hand Mixer: Cuisinart Power Advantage 9-Speed Hand Mixer by [amazon link=”B003922L12″ link_icon=”none” title=”Cuisinart” /] [amazon fields=”B003922L12″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”HM-90BCS Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer with Storage Case”] This reliable hand mixer will speed up any whisking task as you prepare your recipes. It has an automatic feedback feature that eliminates splatters as you mix your batter or whip egg whites. It includes a dough hook, chef’s whisk, and extra-long beaters. Moreover, this lightweight mixer has plenty of power at 220W and it features a simple-to-use speed controller. Also, it’s great for both right-handed and left-handed use. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and comes with a clear storage case. 2. Pastry Wheel: Chicago Metallic Pasta and Pastry Wheel by Crate & Barrel Decorate your pastries like a pro using this lightweight stainless steel pastry wheel. This easy-to-use piece will help you create picture-perfect pastries, even if you’re a beginner. It has a smooth motion that quickly cuts through rolled-out dough or fresh pasta to create a decorative border. Plus, it comes with two wheels so that you can choose between ruffled or straight edges. 3. Zester: Microplane Grater-Zester by Crate & Barrel If you want to make your grating and zesting easier, then you need this nifty kitchen tool. This grater-zester works great with cheese, garlic, ginger, citrus fruit, chocolate, and much more. It has a sharp stainless-steel blade and a comfortable sturdy plastic handle. Moreover, it’s dishwasher-safe on the top rack and comes with a blade guard. 4. Offset Spatula: Ateco Offset Wood-Handle Icing Spatula by [amazon link=”B000KEWQ2Q” link_icon=”none” title=”Ateco” /] [amazon fields=”B000KEWQ2Q” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Offset Spatula with 7.63-Inch Stainless Steel Blade, Wood Handle”] To apply icing and creamy ingredients to their baked treats, every home baker needs an offset spatula. Ateco icing spatula will help you achieve professional-looking results when it comes to frosting your baked goods. Its flexible stainless steel blade glides smoothly over icing without picking up crumbs. And its lovely wooden handle offers a good grip as you decorate cakes and cupcakes. 5. Tart Pan: Cuisinart Tart Pan with Removable Bottom by Crate & Barrel Made from heavy-gauge steel, this tart pan is great for evenly baked pastries with well-browned bottoms. And with its convenient removable bottom and nonstick coating, you’ll have beautiful intact tarts, pies, and quiches. Because it’s deeper than most tart pans, it will require double fillings. Moreover, this sturdy pan is oven safe to 500F and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. 6. Springform Pan: Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan by [amazon link=”B000237FSA” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordicware” /] [amazon fields=”B000237FSA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Springform Pan 10 Cup, 9 Inch, Charcoal”] If you need a pan that will deliver great-looking cloud cake desserts and vegan cakes, then you should try this sturdy springform pan. This leakproof pan is also great for your cheesecake recipes and homemade deep-dish pizzas. Its nonstick surface effortlessly releases baked goods and makes cleanup a breeze. 7. Fluted Tube Pan: Original Classic Bundt Pan by King Arthur This heavyweight fluted pan will have you covered when you need to bake a classic bundt cake. It delivers beautiful cakes that slip right out of the pan. Plus, it’s sturdy, durable, and super easy to clean by hand. This cast aluminum pan has a shiny finish that reflects excess heat to keep your sculpted cakes from over-browning. 8. Ramekins: Stackable Ramekin by Le Creuset Bake and serve satisfying individual desserts in these beautiful stoneware ramekins. They are great for crème brûlée, individual pot pies, mini cakes, and much more. Additionally, they have superior heat retention capability to keep your food warm or cold at the dinner table. Better still, these gorgeous ramekins are safe for your broiler, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. 9. Food Processor: Cuisinart 14-cup Food Processor by [amazon link=”B01AXM4WV2″ link_icon=”none” title=”Cuisinart” /] [amazon fields=”B01AXM4WV2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”14-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless”] Make meal preparation a breeze with this large-capacity food processor. It will make your work easier when you’re prepping large meals. This kitchen workhorse will efficiently dice, slice, and chop your food. You’ll use it to shred hard cheese, slice whole fruit, chop zucchini, slice semi-frozen raw meat, and much more. It will also knead your dough for pizza night. To handle food preparation tasks, this versatile kitchen appliance has a 720-watt motor. Additionally, this impressive time-saving food processor is easy to use and clean. 10. Dough Scraper: Stainless-Steel Pastry Scraper by Williams Sonoma With this practical kitchen tool, you can easily lift pastry dough and soft bread dough. It’s got a rounded handle that offers a good grip. And its straight-sided stainless steel blade is good for cleaning flour off your countertop. This pastry scraper will come in handy when you need to scoop ingredients from a cutting board to a pot. The Specialty Items 1. Pie Weights: Ceramic Pie Weights by Crate & Barrel With these ceramic pie weights, you’ll successfully blind-bake your pie crust for awesome fruit pies. These oven-safe stoneware spheres weigh down pastry dough to give your crust a head-start on crisping before you add pie filling. They come in a presentable glass jar for easy storage. Because these weights are cute, you can display them in their glass jar on your kitchen counter or shelf. 2. Silpat: Silpat Baking Mat by [amazon link=”B00008T960″ link_icon=”none” title=”Silpat” /] [amazon fields=”B00008T960″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size”] No one likes dealing with dirty sheet pans after baking. This silicone baking mat will save you lots of time and energy spent cleaning your baking sheets. Plus, its nonstick surface effortlessly releases baked treats. You won’t need to line your pan with aluminum foil or single-use parchment paper. This reusable Silpat baking mat is made from food-safe silicone. All you need to clean it is some soapy water and a damp soft cloth. 3. Cookie Scoop: OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoop by [amazon link=”B0000CCY1C” link_icon=”none” title=”OXO” /] [amazon fields=”B0000CCY1C” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Good Grips Large Cookie Scoop”] This versatile cookie scoop lets you portion even amounts of dough and batter for uniformly sized desserts. It’s a clever tool that’s very useful when you’re baking large batches of cookies. Its comfort-grip handle is easy to squeeze. You can also use this kitchen tool to scoop whipped cream, ice cream, and watermelon. Plus, it’s great for adding batter to bundt pans without making a mess. 4. Scale: Zwilling Digital Scale by Williams Sonoma Lightweight and compact, this cordless digital scale accurately weighs up to 22 pounds of food. It will enhance your baking as you accurately weigh your ingredients for precision cooking. This rechargeable battery-powered scale is easy to use. It displays measurements on an LCD screen that turns off when you’re not using the scale. Apart from that, it’s has a beautiful and sleek design. 5. Oven Thermometer: CDN Multi-Mount Oven Thermometer by Sur La Table For delicious baked treats with the perfect texture, you need the right oven temperature. This simple oven thermometer will help you confirm the temperature of your oven to prevent underdone or overdone baked meals. Its magnet makes it adhere to oven walls. Even better, it’s easy to read and measures temperatures ranging from 100F to 600F. 6. Stand Mixer: KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer by [amazon link=”B07HBHM7S8″ link_icon=”none” title=”KitchenAid” /] [amazon fields=”B07HBHM7S8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield “] This versatile stand mixer will thoroughly mix large batches of batter for professional baking results. It works with various attachments to prepare your dough. It comes with a dough hook, flat beater, wire whip, and a plastic pouring shield. You can choose from ten different speeds. Moreover, a stainless steel bowl locks to the base. And the mixer’s head tilts for quick removal of the bowl and attachments. 7. Bread Lame: Mrs. Anderson’s Artisan Bread Lame by Sur La Table This bread lame comes with 15 double-edged blades. It accurately scores bread dough to prevent the uneven expansion of loaves as they bake. The stainless steel blades are sharp to provide clean cuts through wet dough for great-looking homemade bread. With this lame, you can add an attractive pattern to any type of loaf. 8. Proofing Basket: Brotform Proofing Basket by Williams Sonoma To help your bread dough keep its shape through its final rise, you need a sturdy proofing basket. This kitchen tool is a must-have for artisan bread bakers. It’s made from traditional natural cane. And its rattan coils draw out moisture for crisp crunchy crusts. Plus, its spiral shape creates a beautiful ribbed imprint on your bread’s crust. 9. Cake Tester: Cake Tester & Releaser by Pampered Chef Toothpicks are great for testing the doneness of a cake. But so is this versatile cake tester. It helps you check whether your cakes are baked all the way through. Apart from that, this nylon releaser conforms to a pan’s shape to help remove baked treats. It’s dishwasher-safe and doesn’t scratch nonstick coatings. It will also come in handy when you need to prod boiling potatoes, vegetables, and meat. Final Thoughts Whether you are making chocolate chip cookies, potpies, or sourdough bread, your bakeware will determine the success of your baking project. Though I haven’t listed every piece of baking equipment, I’ve covered the best tools to get you started as you equip your baker’s kitchen. With these tools, you can efficiently stock your baking arsenal. Start from the necessities and move up to specialty baking equipment. This guide will benefit new bakers, professionals, and anyone looking to buy a gift for a baker.