Looking to make baking easier? Here are the must-have baking tools that every home baker (like you!) should try.
Through the years, I’ve tested more tools than I can count. I’m all about quality—tools that are easy to use and built to last. I hate it when equipment breaks after only one or two years. I can’t stand waste.
In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for the best baking tools.
These essentials are a great foundation for any baker’s toolkit. Plus, I’ve included a list of every baking pan size you’ll need as you grow your collection.
Basic Baking Tool Essentials
When you’re starting out, it’s best to keep things simple.
Here are the basic baking tools you’ll need:
- Kitchen scale
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Whisks
- Electric mixer
- Silicone spatula
- Cake pans
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Specialty baking tins
Start with just enough tools to begin baking right away. As you get more experience, add more tools slowly.
This way, you won’t fill your kitchen with things you don’t need.
Kitchen Scale
A decent kitchen scale is probably the most important part of your baking repertoire.
I prefer digital scales. They’re more precise and easier to use.
Here’s what to look for on a digital scale:
- No Auto Turn-Off: Avoid scales that turn off by themselves – it’s really annoying when you’re in the middle of measuring!
- 1-Gram Increments: Choose a scale that measures in at least 1-gram steps.
- Separate Power and Tare Buttons: Make sure the power and tare buttons are separate, so you don’t accidentally reset the scale.
I recommend the My Weight KD8000 Digital Scale. It handles up to 8kg, and it’s stainless steel, so it’s super easy to clean. It’s never let me down.
If you want to learn more, check out my post about measuring tools.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
I aim to weigh most things with a scale, but some ingredients, like vanilla extract and baking soda, aren’t usually measured by weight.
That’s where measuring cups and spoons come in handy.
Since they’re used less often, you can go for a cheaper option—but I don’t buy ones with ink-printed measurements. The ink tends to wear off quickly.
So for a quality choice, go with the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups.
Mixing Bowls
Choosing mixing bowls can be tricky. Personally, I think glass bowls are best—they’re durable and don’t pick up odors.
Their heaviness also makes them nice and stable while mixing heavier batters.
My main mixing bowl is a Pyrex glass mixing bowl. It holds 4.5 quarts, perfect for home baking. It easily handles two loaves with 1lb of flour each. For bigger projects, this 6.5-quart glass mixing bowl is great value.
If glass isn’t your thing, plastic mixing bowls are fine too—just don’t expect them to last as long.
Whisk
A whisk is needed for mixing, beating, and aerating ingredients.
Don’t buy cheap—the wires will just splay out, and you’ll end up throwing it. Spend a few extra dollars to get a good one that’ll last.
I recommend having two whisks in your kitchen:
- Balloon whisk: Large and spherical, with heavy-gauge wire. Used to whip air into foods like cream and egg whites.
- Piano whisk: A fancier, narrower whisk for breaking up lumps.
Electric Mixers
I think a larger stand mixer is better than a hand mixer. Of course, I’d have to recommend a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.
Electric hand mixers are the cheaper option. If you want something top-notch, a KitchenAid hand mixer is probably your best bet.
If you’re on a budget, this Hamilton Beach Electric Hand Mixer is a solid choice. I have it myself and use it for quick jobs. It gets the job done, and is a great budget gift for a budding baker.
Food Processors
You may need a food processor to grind nuts into flour or make fruit purees. Food processors come with several attachments that make all sorts of tasks easier too!
I use my grating attachment to shred cheese or butter for biscuits and mac and cheese. They even have a dough attachment to make a quick short crust or pie dough.
Try a KitchenAid food processor – it’s a powerful appliance that comes with all the attachments!
Silicone Spatula
A silicone spatula is a must-have in your kitchen. They’re perfect for scraping every last bit of batter from your bowl, so nothing goes to waste.
I personally love these OXO Good Grips Silicone Rubber Spatulas. They are so useful!
Another great option is this DI ORO Silicone Spatula Set. These spatulas are heat-resistant up to 600°F.
Cake Pans
You’ll definitely need some good cake pans.
For the best results, go for shiny, heavy aluminum pans—they conduct heat evenly without overbrowning crusts. I highly recommend brands like Fat Daddio, Nordic Ware, and Chicago Metallic.
I use 9 inch pans the most often, but you’ll eventually build a collection of different sizes depending on the recipes you like. See below for the sizes you’ll need.
Baking Sheets
When it comes to baking sheets, NordicWare is my fave. Their sheets are super sturdy and bake everything evenly.
A good place to start is this Nordic Ware Baking Sheet Set. What sets these sheets apart is how evenly they distribute heat. Plus, they’re tough and built to last.
Calphalon is also another solid choice. I’ve had these baking sheets for many year.
Cooling Racks
Finding a good cooling rack isn’t easy. I’ve had plenty of racks that rusted at the joints or were tricky to clean. But this Libertyware Wire Cooling Rack has been brilliant.
It’s super easy to clean. I usually just give it a quick scrub and throw it in the dishwasher. And there’s been no rusting issues.
Specialty Baking Tins
Here’s a solid collection of baking tins that should cover most recipes:
- Cake Baking:
- Round cake tins (6 in, 8 in, and 9 in are common). Get 2-3 pans of the same size to make a layer cake.
- Brownies and Bars:
- 8×8 or 9×9 tin (for brownies and bar bakes)
- 9×13 baking dish
- Bread Baking:
- Loaf pans (8×4 or 9×5, depending on recipe)
- Muffins and Cupcakes:
- Pie and Tart Baking:
- Pie tins (with removable bottoms for tarts and pies)
- Springform pans (alternative for pie baking, necessary for cheesecakes)
