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Some of the most common questions that pop up in my MBA email have to do with product suggestions. From seeking info about my most reached for spatulas to absolute my favorite mixers – you guys want answers, so I thought I’d create a post dedicated to my Must-Have Tools For The Home Baker.
1. Spatulas: I think I have around 20 spatulas laying around my kitchen, but for some reason I constantly reach for the OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Spatula Set. The spatulas have taken a beating and they’re still in perfect shape. The fun, bright colors are a definite bonus!
2. Rolling Pin: I’ve used several different types of rolling pins over the years and for whatever reason, I loathe rolling pins with moving parts. By far, my absolute favorite are French style pins. The tapered design allows for more control and since it’s lighter and less bulky, it takes up less storage space and it’s little easier on your arms if you’re rolling out a lot of dough.
3. Hand Mixer: It’s not always necessary to bust out the stand mixer, so for lighter mixing and whipping up egg whites, I adore my KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer. And I must say, the LED screen is pretty sweet!
4. Baking Pans: Let’s face it, I bake a lot, so I rely on quality baking pans. My absolute favorite pans are from 360 Bakeware. Their multi-ply construction allows for consistent, even heating and better heat conductivity than any other bakeware that I have ever used. If you’re interested, you can read my full review here.
5. Cookie Scoops: These OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoops are probably one of my most used kitchen tools. Varying sizes allow you to perfectly portion cupcakes (large scoop), cookies (medium scoop) and truffles (small scoop). They’re are super sturdy and function like new after 3 years of constant use.
6. Pastry Blender: Sure you can always go the route of using two forks to cut butter into flour, but I prefer to save a little time and energy by using an OXO Good Grips Pastry Blender. With a solid construction and fantastic, sturdy blades, this tool allows you to combine your ingredients with ease.
7. Pastry Scraper: I am obsessed with the OXO Good Grips Pastry Scraper/Cutter. Not only is super helpful when baking, it’s also great for transporting chopped items from your cutting board to pots and bowls with ease. Double duty is always a bonus in my book!
8. Cupcake Pan: You guys are well aware of the fact that I am absolutely obsessed with cupcakes, so when I stumbled upon this 24 well cupcake pan, I was immediately smitten. Not only does it cut down on your baking time, its super sturdy construction bakes cupcakes and muffins to perfection. It’s also great for mini meatloaves and quiches!
9. Marble Pastry Board: I have tiled countertops with is quite the bummer when trying to roll out any type of dough. After numerous annoying attempts of rolling on different surfaces, I decided to purchase a marble pastry board. It’s cool to the touch surface is perfect for rolling out pizza dough, shaping scones and so much more. I use it so much, it has a permanent spot on my countertop.
10. Stand Mixer: I absolutely adore my KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer. It’s my workhorse and BFF in the kitchen and I don’t think I could live without it.
So there you have it, my Top 10 Must-Have Tools For The Home Baker. I hope this list helps you out a bit if you’re in the market for new baking tools. If you have specific comments or questions regarding any of these products, feel free to comment below, or you can also reach me via the contact form.
DISCLOSURE: This is NOT a sponsored post. The links above are provided for your reference and several are from My Baking Addiction’s Amazon affiliate account. If items are purchased via these Amazon links, My Baking Addiction will receive a small commission.
Great list w/helpful explanations! I can’t live without parchment paper! It helps me roll out a killer pie crust! I’ve lived without a stand mixer, but recently inherited one. I think it will save wear and tear on my hands and wrists. Also, I own several sets of measuring spoons and measuring cups!
Can’t bake without my Kitchen Aid. =)
I need two!
Thanks for all the great ideas on the baking utensils.
I know this is a super old post, but I have a question. Do you specifically recommend the 6 qt. Kitchen Aid mixer over the 5 qt? The smaller one seems like it’d be adequate, but I’d hate to spend the $ just to realize I should’ve splurged on the bigger one.
Megan-
If you bake a lot, I’d recommend getting the biggest mixer that you can afford! :)
-Jamie
This is a really helpful list for a new or I say learner baker like me. You dont just give me the tools but you also provided the brand so it’s much easier for me to find those tools. Thanks so much!
i want some of them . from where i can buy?
I love the article and your recipes, but this is the first time that I’ve actually browsed on your website and I had 7 pop up adds for this one page. A little over kill.
Mackenzi-
There definitely should not be 7 ads on one page. Can you tell me which browser you are using, so I can send in a report to my ad server?
-Jamie
Love your blog! I hate to say this but I am a gadget person I have everything you could think of ! I always feel that new toy will make the food taste better,or look better! I love going to party’s like Pampered Chef so if you go you always have to buy something! What I would love to have is a Vitamix but they are pretty pricey! Not only that I don,t know where I would put it I already have a really good blender,food processor,Kitchen aid blender like I said you name it I have it! What I need to do it start selling some of these things then maybe I would feel it’s right to buy that new toy! It does everything but put the food on the table! Keep up the good work your food looks amazing!
I just found you :). Awesome stuff!
The boyfriend (who is a trained chef) just tried to burn down the kitchen roasting coconut, lol. Pot lid to the rescue!
Along that thought:
1. baking soda to squelch fires, clean drains (along with vinegar) and a necessary for a lot of baked items,
2. pot lids for squelching fires,
3. I just inherited my Mom’s metal measuring spoons,
4. a 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup (also good for melting butter since it doesn’t melt like the plastic ones do because of the fat content),
5. timer since I have CRS (can’t remember stuff),
6. pastry mat
7. and, of course, someone willing to make the pie dough since mine can be used as a hockey puck or door stop!
Hi! I just discovered your site and I am already in love!
This post is perfect as I’m currently preparing my wedding registry and I am going to make sure all these things are on the list.
Thanks!
Such a lovely site! I found it looking for a caramel recipe to adorn the pumpkin cheesecake. I’ll add the following must haves: (1) food processor — indispensable for making pie crusts, particularly those with ground nuts, or reducing to a fine crumb cookies etc for crusts. IN fact, for those on a budget, I would suggest a food processor before the Kitchen Aid. (I have both, but operated for many, many years with just the food processor and hand mixer). (2) digital thermometer (the one that snakes into the oven — use it as a candy thermometer, test water to not kill yeast, and roast a perfect tenderloin); (3) silicone pasty brush; (4) high quality measuring spoons, cups–they will last a lifetime. (I see another has noted the Silipat mats, and I have had mine for many years and would not be without them. They are great for rolling out sticky doughs. Also another noted a scale. It is a mission critical item and will save tons of time.)
We bring so much to the kitchen, none less so than our courage and creativity. So many are afraid to fail in the kitchen. We learn by embracing our failures. (And laughing at them!)
Leisa-
Great list! Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great day and thank you for following MBA!
-Jamie