Must-Have Tools for Bakers

Over the course of my baking/blogging career, many people have asked me what some of my favourite essential tools are – the ones I couldn’t live without in my kitchen. I didn’t want to put together a list that just included the basics (like measuring spoons (duh)), so these items are things that you may not have or have even heard of (with a couple basics thrown in for good measure).

I wanted to include links for each item, so you’d be able to see what it is and where to get it. These links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a (very) small commission if you click a link and then purchase something. I only link to products I use, trust, and wholeheartedly recommend. I hope you find my list of tools for bakers helpful!

1. EVENBAKE CAKE STRIPS

If you bake a lot of cakes, these strips will make your life so much easier! Using them helps ensure your cakes come out nice and flat straight out of the oven, which makes them much easier to stack and decorate.

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You can take a look at my detailed Flat Top Cakes post to see what a difference these strips make.

2. JENNINGS DIGITAL SCALE

For a baker a good scale is a must, and I love this one. The scale I had previously would only do increments of 2 grams, whereas this one does 0.5 grams. Way more accurate! Not to mention I love that it has a cover/tray and that you can plug it in when the battery dies.

It’s a great investment, and I use it almost every time I bake something. Rather than using countless measuring cups and spoons, it’s much easier to just weigh out the ingredients right into the bowl.

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3. FAT DADDIO’S SILICONE BAKING MAT

I only bake my cookies on Fat Daddio’s mats. I know a lot of people swear by other mats, but the Fat Daddio’s ones are amazing for cookies. I find that my cookies spread too much on the on other mats I’ve tried, and I don’t like thin cookies! The Fat Daddio’s mats are a bit thicker, which likely helps in controlling the spread.

You can read more about the differing results in my post here.

4. GOOD QUALITY BAKING SHEETS

The ones I like to use for cookies are these ones, but my set is actually 2 of the larger cookie sheets, and it came with 2 cooling racks and a cookie spatula all for $25. Pretty good deal right? That was 5 years ago.

Recently, I purchased a couple of Nordic Ware baking sheets that I’m also really happy with. They have a bunch of different sizes, are really good quality, and don’t break the bank. I’m also very intrigued by their Prism line of bakeware and can’t wait to try it out!

Good quality baking sheets are a great investment and will last forever!

5. FAT DADDIO’S CAKE LIFTER

Now this is a specialty item I suppose, and not many bakers may have/use this, but I use it every single time I make a cake. This cake lifter makes it so easy to transfer your cake from your turntable onto your pedestal, or from your pedestal into your cake carrier. I don’t have to worry about it slipping off (or breaking) a thin spatula.

On that note, this cake carrier is my absolute favourite – collapsable and works for cupcakes too.

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6. WILTON CAKE LEVELER

My cakes generally bake up pretty flat thanks to item #1 in this list. So I use this leveler to cut the cakes in half horizontally to create nice, even layers in my cakes. Take a look at the layers in my Nutella Cake to see what a great job this does!

I do not recommend the large folding cake leveler from Wilton. The blade is way too flimsy and bends really easily, resulting in not-so-even layers.

7. KITCHENAID STAND MIXER

This is one of those staples that is essential if you do a lot of baking. For any serious baker, you need some kind of stand mixer. It’s a lifesaver!

Almost any stand mixer will do, and there are a lot of great ones out there, but I love the retro look of the KitchenAid mixers. I have this one, which Ryan got me for Christmas 5 1/2 years ago. It’s still going strong and I don’t know how I’d survive without it. I would get another one if counter space allowed! And if money were no object, I would 100% splurge on the 6 qt Copper KitchenAid. It’s stunning!!

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BONUS: NEW METRO DESIGN BEATER BLADE

The last one is a bonus item that ties in with the mixer. This beater blade is honestly the best thing ever. You will never have to stop your mixer to scrape down the sides of your bowl again. Ever! Maybe this isn’t a big deal to some of you, but I hate to do it, so for me it’s worth the $20!

**NOTE**: This is the one that fits my bowl lift 5-qt mixer. If you have a tilt head or 6-qt you will need a different size, so be sure to check for the one that’s right for you.

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I could go on and on, but wanted to keep this list to a somewhat reasonable length. I hope this has been helpful and that you’ve discovered a new tool or two to add to your baking arsenal!