Beginning your Baking journey can be both thrilling and intimidating. Luckily, baking can be easy with the right bakeware tools and equipment to guide your food’s quality. Whether you’re baking to impress loved ones or to take your skills to the next level, our baking essentials for beginners guide will provide you with everything you need to achieve delicious results every time.
With International Baking Day on 17 May 2023 approaching, now is the best time to begin your baking journey. From measuring ingredients to preparing doughs and mixtures, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to all the baking essentials every home baker should have. Get ready to whip up some mouth-watering treats and elevate your baking game!
Baking Essentials For Beginners
#1: Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are a must-have in any kitchen, coming in various sizes, materials and shapes. They are used for mixing ingredients and preparing dough and mixtures. It’s good to have a set of mixing bowls in different sizes so you have the right size for any recipe you plan to make. You also need to consider the material; glass or stainless steel mixing bowls are easy to clean and don’t absorb odours or stains, while plastic bowls are lightweight and less prone to breaking.
#2: Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients, coming in sets designed for varying uses. They are available in different materials such as plastic, glass or stainless steel, labelled with measurement units such as ounces, cups, teaspoons and tablespoons. Having a set of measuring cups and spoons in both US and metric measurements will allow you to use them with any recipe and help ensure your Baked Goods turn out consistently.
#3: Whisk
A whisk is a versatile tool that can be used to mix ingredients, whip eggs, and create whipped cream. It is essential for many baking recipes and will make your baking life much easier. Whisks come in different sizes and shapes that are best used for varied ingredients. For instance, balloon whisks are great for whipping egg and cream, while flat whisks are good for stirring sauces and custards.
#4: Rubber Spatula
A rubber spatula is a must-have tool for scraping bowls, folding ingredients and spreading batters and icings. A good spatula should be heat-resistant, flexible, and easy to clean. Silicone spatulas are a popular choice as they are heat-resistant and won’t scratch non-stick surfaces.
#5: Baking Tray
A baking tray is required for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods, helping to prevent sticking while easing the cleaning-up process. There are a few essential aspects to consider when picking your tray as they come in materials such as aluminium, steel, and non-stick, as well as various shapes and sizes that all have different uses. For example, a full-size sheet pan is great for baking cookies and pastries, while a square or round cake tin is perfect for cakes.
#6: Baking Mitts, Tea-Towels, & Aprons
One of the most critical considerations in the kitchen is the protective equipment you wear to avoid any burns or spills you may make. Investing in high-quality kitchen linens, tea towels, oven mitts, and aprons will help keep you safe and comfortable while baking. Baking mitts are designed to protect your hands, whilst tea towels are versatile tools that can be used for cleaning and handling hot dishes. Additionally, aprons are perfect for protecting your clothes from spills and stains.
#7: Fine-Mesh Sieve
A fine-mesh sieve is a kitchen tool used to strain liquids or sift dry ingredients. It is made of a mesh screen with small holes that separate small particles from larger ones. Sieves are essential for ensuring smoothness and removing lumps in baking and cooking, resulting in a lighter finished product.
#: Cooling Rack
Cooling racks chill baked goods by allowing air to circulate the item, ensuring that it cools evenly. Cooling racks are typically made of steel or wire and come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of baked goods. They also elevate the baked goods above counter surfaces, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom or contaminated by any other bacteria on a kitchen bench surface.
#9: Rolling Pin
A rolling pin is used to roll out dough for pastries and pies. A lightweight pin is excellent for smaller tasks, while a heavier one is better for rolling out large amounts of dough. A high-quality rolling pin should have a smooth surface and comfortable handles, making it easy to use whilst producing soft dough. A rolling pin is a must-have tool for any home baker who wants to make delicious homemade pastries, pies, and bread.
#10: Electric Mixer
An electric mixer is convenient for mixing ingredients and preparing dough and mixtures. There are two types of electric mixers: stand mixers and hand mixers. Stand mixers are great for heavy-duty tasks such as kneading bread dough, while hand mixers are more versatile and easy to use for smaller jobs. Electric mixers have different attachments, such as dough hooks, whisks, and beaters. They are powerful, easy to use and clean, and they save a lot of time and effort when mixing ingredients. An electric mixer is a must-have tool for any home baker looking to take their baking to the next level.
Armed with these baking essentials for beginners, you’re well on your way to creating some magic in the kitchen! What delicious baked goods will you create first?
