To create delicious treats with ease, you need the right baking essentials. The tools you use can make all the difference, helping you achieve consistent, professional-quality bakes.
At Crumbs & Doilies, we’ve honed our baking equipment list down to the absolute must-haves that we rely on every day. Whether you’re new to baking or refining your skills, this guide will help you build a kit that sets you up for success.
Prefer to let us handle the baking? Our delicious cakes and cupcakes are available for London delivery, while cookies and brownies can be delivered nationwide!
Your Complete Baking Equipment List
Before diving into the details of why these tools are essential, here’s a quick overview of the must-have equipment to get started. Each of these items plays a role in making your baking journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Measuring Equipment
- Electronic scales
- Cup measuring set
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring jug
- A decent-sized sieve
Mixing Equipment
- Free-standing mixer
- Hand mixer
- A selection of mixing bowls (big, medium, and heatproof, either glass or metal)
- Rubber spatula
Baking Equipment
- Baking parchment
- A selection of cake tins
- Cupcake tins/pans
- Paper cupcake cases
Precision Tools
- Timer
- Fine grater
- Sugar/candy thermometer
- Oven thermometer
Decorating Tools
- Disposable piping bags (big and small)
- A selection of nozzles
- Cake turntable
- A selection of palette knives (cranked and straight)
- Cake leveller
Looking for something to bake with this equipment? Explore our Home Baking Kits and the Crumbs & Doilies Recipe Book for inspiration!
Your Baking Essentials
Every tool in your baking kit plays a role in creating those flawless bakes. Now, we’ll dive into the why and how of each essential, helping you understand their purpose and how they contribute to better results.
Measuring Equipment
Precision is the foundation of great baking, and having the right tools ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every time. From weighing dry ingredients to measuring liquids, here are the essentials every baker should have.
Electronic Scales
For accuracy and consistency, electronic scales are an absolute must-have in your kitchen. Unlike measuring by volume, weighing ingredients in grams allows for much more precision. This is especially useful when experimenting with recipes or noting down adjustments – it’s far easier to record an exact weight, like 5 grams, rather than guessing fractions of a teaspoon.
Measuring Cup Set
A set of measuring cups is essential for recipes that use volume measurements instead of weight. Many recipes, particularly American ones, call for cup measurements, and without these, you’ll struggle to follow them accurately. Choose a durable set that includes a range of sizes for both dry and liquid ingredients.
Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons are essential for accurately portioning small amounts of ingredients such as baking powder, salt, or vanilla extract. They’re the secret to achieving the perfect balance in your recipes. Look for a sturdy set with clear labels for standard sizes like 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon.
Measuring Jug
Most recipes specify liquid measurements in millilitres, so having a reliable jug ensures you can pour the right amount with ease. Some jugs also feature fluid ounce measurements, which are helpful for recipes from different regions.
Mixing Equipment
From handling heavy doughs to whipping up fluffy buttercream, here’s what you’ll need to get the job done efficiently.
Free-Standing Mixer
This powerhouse takes the hard work out of mixing, sparing you from standing over a bowl with a wooden spoon for hours. Look for a mixer made from durable metal, as it’s more robust than plastic and less likely to wear out. The heavier the mixer, the better – it indicates a strong motor that will last for years.
Free-standing mixers are incredibly versatile. They often come with three standard attachments:
Balloon Whisk: Perfect for whipping cream, egg whites, or meringue.
Paddle Beater: Great for creaming butter and sugar or mixing batter.
Dough Hook: Perfect for kneading bread or pizza dough to the ideal consistency.
Hand Mixer
A hand mixer is a fantastic alternative if you’re just starting out or don’t want to invest in a free-standing mixer right away. While not as powerful, it’s still great for everyday tasks like making cake batter, whipping cream, or beating meringue.
Even in professional kitchens like ours, hand mixers are used regularly, especially for small batches. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for those who bake occasionally or have limited storage space.
A Selection of Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are an absolute must in any baker’s toolkit. Having a variety of sizes – big, medium, and small – is essential. Here’s why:
- Preparation Made Easy: Measuring and prepping ingredients in advance saves time and ensures you’re not scrambling mid-recipe.
- Heatproof Bowls: At least one large heatproof bowl (glass or metal) is essential for tasks like melting chocolate, making lemon curd, or creating a Bain-Marie.
If you’re short on space, start with a large bowl, a medium bowl, and two smaller ones – this will cover most baking tasks.
Rubber Spatula
A rubber spatula is a simple tool but an absolute game-changer. Its flexibility allows you to scrape every last bit of batter or icing from a bowl, so nothing goes to waste. We also recommend choosing a heatproof one for tasks like stirring caramel or working with hot mixtures.
Precision Tools
Precision tools are the unsung heroes of baking, they are simple but essential to achieving consistency and finesse in your bakes.
Timer
Timing can make or break your bake—just a minute too long or too short in the oven can alter the results. While a phone timer is handy, baking can get messy. A standalone kitchen timer is a better choice, helping you avoid getting liquids, dough, or batter all over your phone. Plus, it’s simple to use and easy to keep within reach during the hustle of baking.
Fine Grater
Incorporating citrus zest, grated chocolate, or nutmeg into your recipes adds layers of flavour. A fine grater, like a microplane-style grater, is perfect for this. These graters are sharp and precise, allowing you to remove only the useful parts of citrus peel while leaving behind the bitter pith. They’re also ideal for finely grating chocolate or spices to add an extra touch of sophistication to your bakes.
Sugar/Candy Thermometer
If you’re working with sugar, caramel, or jam, a candy thermometer is indispensable. It ensures you hit the perfect temperature for tasks like making caramel, candy, or meringue. Look for one that clips onto the side of your saucepan, keeping it steady as you work. A good thermometer will have all the necessary temperature stages marked for easy reference.
Pro Tip: Always place the thermometer in the pan before heating, as inserting it mid-process can result in inaccurate readings.
Oven Thermometer
Even if your oven seems reliable, it’s worth investing in an oven thermometer. Ovens often run hotter or cooler than their settings, which can drastically affect baking results. Place the thermometer in different areas of the oven to identify hot or cool spots. With this knowledge, you can adjust your baking accordingly and ensure consistent results. This tool is affordable and invaluable for understanding your oven’s quirks.
Decorating Tools
Decorating is where your baked creations truly come to life, and having the right tools makes all the difference.
Disposable Piping Bags (Big and Small) and Nozzles
Disposable piping bags are particularly handy - they save time on cleanup and are available in various sizes for different tasks. Pair these with decorating nozzles to add flair to your cakes and cupcakes. Large round nozzles are great for smooth finishes, while star-shaped nozzles create beautiful textures. If you’re new to decorating, experiment with different nozzles to see what works best for you.
For extra guidance, check out our cupcake piping video!
Spoonula
Lightweight and flexible, a spoonula is perfect for scraping every last bit of icing from a bowl, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s also ideal for “bouncing” icing onto cakes when you want a more delicate touch than a palette knife allows.
Cake Turntable
A cake turntable is a must-have for smooth and precise decorating. It allows you to rotate the cake while keeping your hands steady, making it much easier to achieve clean, straight lines or even icing layers. Simply center your cake on the turntable, hold a scraper or palette knife against the icing, and let the rotation do the hard work for you. This tool is a game-changer for bakers aiming for professional-looking cakes.
A Selection of Palette Knives (Cranked and Straight)
Palette knives are indispensable in cake decorating. Straight palette knives are great for general tasks like loosening cakes from tins or lifting brownies, while cranked (offset) knives are ideal for smoothing icing on cake tops without dragging your knuckles through the buttercream.
Cake Leveller
While a serrated knife can get the job done, a leveller ensures precision without the risk of uneven cuts—or worse, cutting yourself! This handy tool allows you to adjust the wire to your desired thickness, making it easy to achieve consistent, uniform layers every time. Plus, it’s compact and takes up hardly any space, making it a practical addition to your baking essentials.
Other Baking Essentials You’ll Come Across
There are plenty of other handy items that can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. These aren’t must-haves for every recipe, but you’ll find they come in handy more often than you’d think.
- Balloon Whisk: Perfect for whipping cream, mixing batter, or creating light and fluffy pancakes.
- Citrus Squeezer: Much more efficient than squeezing lemons or limes by hand, ensuring you get every last drop without seeds.
- Selection of Spoons: Wooden spoons are a classic choice. They’re durable, heat-resistant, and won’t melt like plastic.
- Sharp Scissors: Ideal for everything from cutting parchment paper to opening stubborn ingredient packaging.
- Pastry Brush: Essential for glazing pastries, spreading butter, or brushing syrup over cakes.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Great for evenly portioning cookie dough or cupcake batter for consistent sizing.
- Mini Whisk: Perfect for small tasks like beating a single egg or mixing food colouring into milk or icing.
- Selection of Airtight Containers: Crucial for storing leftover batter, dough, icing, or even baked goods to keep them fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
With the right equipment in your kitchen, baking can be a smooth, enjoyable process that yields delicious results every time. And remember, building your baking toolkit doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with the basics and add to your collection as you go.
If you'd like us to handle the baking, Crumbs & Doilies offers beautifully crafted cakes and cupcakes for London delivery, with cookies and brownies available nationwide.
Try Our Recipes:
- New York Cookie Recipe
- Biscoff Cookies Recipe
- Raspberry White Chocolate Cake Recipe
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