Discover the best kitchen appliances for home bakers in 2022 with our top 10 must-have picks. Elevate your baking experience with these essential tools and gadgets.
Introduction
For many home bakers, building a collection of essential baking tools is a lifelong project. From stand mixers to digital kitchen scales, the right gear can make tedious tasks faster and easier. Quality baking equipment is essential for achieving expertly-baked desserts, and investing in good quality tools is recommended for long-term use.
When it comes to selecting the best baking tools, advice from experts in the field is invaluable. Professional bakers and pastry chefs, such as Nichole Accettola and Camelia Rodriguez Camara, offer insights into the most useful and underrated equipment in the kitchen. Their expertise, along with independent testing, has led to the compilation of a list of 27 essential tools every home baker needs.
Essential Baking Tools
– Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet
– Kitzini Silicone Baking Mat
– Set of Silicone Spatulas
– Challenger Breadware Bread Cloche
– Breville Hand Mixer
– Big Red House Oven Mitts
– OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale
– OXO Balloon Whisk
– OXO Mixing Bowl Set
– OXO Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
– KitchenAid Pro Line Series Stand Mixer
– All-Clad 3-Quart Saucepan
– Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife
– Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron
– USA Pan Muffin Pan
– J.K. Adams Rolling Pin
– Pyrex 9-inch Pie Plate
– Great Jones Hot Dish Casserole Dish
These essential baking tools have been carefully selected based on expert recommendations and thorough testing, ensuring that home bakers have the necessary equipment to achieve professional-quality results in their baking endeavors.
Stand Mixer
A stand mixer is an essential tool for any home baker, making tasks like mixing and kneading dough much easier and more efficient. KitchenAid stand mixers are a popular choice among both amateur and professional bakers, and the Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer is a top pick for serious bakers. With a 7-quart capacity, this mixer is ideal for big-batch recipes and comes with attachments designed to reach the sides and bottom of the bowl, even with smaller quantities. The bowl-lifting lever is unique to KitchenAid’s Pro line, and this mixer has earned top marks in various tests.
Recommended Stand Mixer:
– KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer
Silicone baking mats are a superior alternative to parchment paper, as they are naturally nonstick and can be reused. After testing various silicone baking mats, the Kitzini baking mat emerged as the top choice, even ahead of the well-established Silpat. Made with fiberglass-reinforced, food-grade silicone, the Kitzini baking mat excels at even heat distribution and is easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. It is a cost-effective option that reduces the need for parchment paper and ensures even baking of cookies, tarts, and other desserts.
Recommended Silicone Baking Mat:
– Kitzini Baking Mat
When it comes to maneuvering large or unwieldy sheet trays and pans, oven mitts are essential for home bakers. The Big Red House oven mitts earned the title of Best Overall in tests, with perfect ratings in performance, design, and ease of cleaning. These mitts are super heat resistant and longer than most others, providing protection for both hands and forearms. They are a reliable choice for handling hot bakeware safely and comfortably.
Recommended Oven Mitts:
– Big Red House Oven Mitts
Food Processor
A food processor is an essential tool for any home baker, as it can be used for a variety of tasks such as making pie crusts, chopping nuts, and pureeing fruits for jams and fillings. When choosing a food processor, it’s important to consider factors such as capacity, power, and versatility. Look for a model with a strong motor and multiple blade options to handle different types of ingredients.
Best Food Processors for Baking:
– Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor: This model offers a large capacity and powerful motor, making it suitable for handling large batches of dough and other baking ingredients.
– KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor: For smaller baking tasks, this compact food processor is a great option. It comes with multiple attachments for slicing, shredding, and pureeing.
When it comes to baking, having the right tools can make a significant difference in the outcome of your baked goods. A high-quality food processor can save time and effort in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on creating delicious treats for your friends and family.
Remember to always consider the reliability and reputation of the brand when purchasing a food processor, and look for models that have received positive reviews from both professional chefs and home bakers.
Countertop Oven
Countertop ovens are a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen, especially for home bakers. They are perfect for baking, toasting, roasting, and reheating food. With a countertop oven, you can easily bake cookies, cakes, and bread without having to use your full-size oven, saving time and energy. Additionally, countertop ovens often come with convection settings, which can help with even baking and browning.
Benefits of a Countertop Oven:
– Versatility: Countertop ovens can perform various cooking tasks, including baking, toasting, and roasting, making them a versatile tool for home bakers.
– Energy Efficiency: Using a countertop oven for baking can help save energy compared to using a full-size oven for smaller baking tasks.
– Convection Cooking: Many countertop ovens come with convection settings, which can help circulate hot air for even cooking and browning of baked goods.
Features to Look for in a Countertop Oven:
– Convection Setting: Look for a countertop oven with a convection setting to ensure even baking and browning of your baked goods.
– Size and Capacity: Consider the size and capacity of the countertop oven to ensure it can accommodate the types of baked goods you want to make.
– Temperature Control: Choose a countertop oven with precise temperature control to ensure accurate baking temperatures for your recipes.
Digital Kitchen Scale
A digital kitchen scale is an essential tool for any home baker. It allows for precise measurement of ingredients, which is crucial in baking where accuracy is key. Using a digital scale ensures consistency in recipes and helps avoid any baking mishaps due to inaccurate measurements. Whether you’re measuring flour, sugar, or other ingredients, a digital kitchen scale is a must-have for any serious baker.
Benefits of Using a Digital Kitchen Scale
– Accuracy: Digital kitchen scales provide precise measurements in grams or ounces, ensuring that your ingredients are measured accurately.
– Consistency: By using a digital scale, you can achieve consistent results in your baking, leading to better overall quality in your finished products.
– Versatility: Digital scales can be used for a wide range of ingredients, from flour and sugar to nuts and chocolate, making them a versatile tool in the kitchen.
Choosing the Right Digital Kitchen Scale
When selecting a digital kitchen scale, look for one with a clear and easy-to-read display, a tare function for zeroing out the weight of containers, and a durable and easy-to-clean surface. Consider the maximum weight capacity of the scale to ensure it meets your baking needs. Additionally, opt for a scale with a compact design for easy storage when not in use.
Investing in a quality digital kitchen scale will elevate your baking experience and help you achieve professional-level results in your homemade treats.
Hand Mixer
When it comes to baking, a hand mixer can be a versatile and essential tool in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of cookies or mixing together ingredients for a cake, a good hand mixer can make the process much easier and faster.
In our review of the best hand mixers, we found that the Breville hand mixer stood out as the best overall pick. With its powerful 240-watt motor, quiet operation, and lightweight design, it’s a great option for both amateur and professional bakers. The rubber-tipped beaters are also a bonus, as they won’t scratch ceramic or steel mixing bowls.
Additionally, the Breville hand mixer comes with nine speeds, a digital display, and a timer, making it a versatile and impressive under-$200 buy for anyone looking to invest in a quality hand mixer for their baking needs.
Key Features:
– Powerful 240-watt motor
– Nine speeds, digital display, and timer
– Lightweight and quiet operation
– Rubber-tipped beaters to prevent scratching of mixing bowls
Overall, a hand mixer is a valuable addition to any baker’s collection of tools, and the Breville hand mixer is a top choice for those looking for a reliable and high-performing option.
Cookie Press
A cookie press is a must-have tool for any home baker looking to create perfectly shaped and decorated cookies. With a cookie press, you can easily create consistent and uniform shapes, making your cookies look polished and professional. Whether you’re making spritz cookies for the holidays or simple butter cookies for everyday snacking, a cookie press can make the process much easier and more enjoyable.
Top Picks for Cookie Presses
If you’re in the market for a cookie press, there are several top picks that come highly recommended by both professional bakers and home cooks. Some popular options include:
– OXO Good Grips Cookie Press: This cookie press is praised for its comfortable grip and easy-to-use design. It comes with a variety of patterned discs for creating different shapes, and its non-slip base keeps it steady while you press out the dough.
– Wilton Preferred Press Cookie Press: Wilton is a trusted name in baking, and their cookie press is no exception. It features an ergonomic design and comes with 12 stainless steel discs for creating a variety of cookie shapes.
– Marcato Atlas Biscuit Maker: This Italian-made cookie press is known for its durability and precision. It comes with 20 aluminum discs and is designed to last for years of baking.
Tips for Using a Cookie Press
Once you’ve chosen the right cookie press for your baking needs, there are a few tips to keep in mind for successful cookie-making:
– Use a sturdy dough: Cookie presses work best with firm, non-sticky dough. Avoid using dough that is too soft or sticky, as it may not hold its shape when pressed.
– Chill the dough: If your cookie dough is too soft, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a short time before using the cookie press. This can help firm up the dough and make it easier to work with.
– Practice makes perfect: It may take a bit of trial and error to get the hang of using a cookie press, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be creating beautifully shaped cookies with ease.
In conclusion, a cookie press is a versatile and useful tool for any home baker. With the right cookie press and a little practice, you can take your cookie baking to the next level and impress friends and family with your beautifully shaped and decorated treats.
Rolling Pin
When it comes to rolling pins, ergonomics can make a big difference, especially if you are rolling out cookies and doughs frequently. The tapered J.K. Adams rolling pin is designed to be gentler on the wrists and is made of lovely maplewood. Its relatively low profile also makes it easy to store when not in use.
Benefits of the J.K. Adams Rolling Pin:
- Ergonomic design to reduce strain on the wrists
- Made of high-quality maplewood
- Easy to store due to its low profile
In our tests of the best rolling pins, the J.K. Adams rolling pin stood out for its comfortable design and durable construction, making it a top choice for home bakers.
Oven Thermometer
A good oven thermometer is an essential tool for any baker. It ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature, which is crucial for baking delicate pastries and breads. Inaccurate oven temperatures can lead to uneven baking and disappointing results. When testing oven thermometers, we found that the OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Oven Thermometer was the most accurate and reliable. It features a large, easy-to-read display and can be easily hung or stood on the oven rack. This thermometer is a must-have for any home baker who wants consistent and professional-quality results.
When it comes to baking, precision is key. That’s why a high-quality digital kitchen scale is a must-have tool for any home baker. We tested several kitchen scales and found that the OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale was the best overall. It offers accurate measurements in both metric and imperial units, and its pull-out display makes it easy to read, even when using large mixing bowls. This scale is perfect for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes, ensuring that your baked goods turn out perfectly every time.
In addition to the essential baking tools mentioned above, there are a few other items that every home baker should have in their kitchen. These include a pastry brush for applying egg wash or glazes, a bench scraper for cutting and portioning dough, and a dough scraper for cleaning work surfaces and dividing dough. These tools may seem small, but they can make a big difference in the quality and consistency of your baked goods. Investing in high-quality baking tools is a worthwhile decision for any home baker who is serious about their craft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right baking tools can make a significant difference in the quality of your baked goods. From nonstick bakeware to digital kitchen scales, the right equipment can help make baking tasks faster, easier, and more precise. The recommendations provided in this article have been independently evaluated and tested, and are endorsed by professional pastry chefs and bakers. This adds credibility and trustworthiness to the recommendations, ensuring that home bakers are investing in quality tools that will last for many years.
Additionally, the inclusion of expert advice from professional bakers and pastry chefs, such as Nichole Accettola and Camelia Rodriguez Camara, provides valuable insights into the importance of investing in good quality baking tools. Their expertise and experience in the industry further validate the recommendations provided in the article.
Overall, the list of 27 essential tools every home baker needs, along with additional tools pertinent to any baker’s collection, offers a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced bakers. By following these recommendations, home bakers can equip themselves with the necessary tools to create expertly-baked desserts and pastries with precision and ease.
Recommended Tools:
– Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet
– Kitzini Silicone Baking Mat
– Di Oro Living Seamless Series 3-Piece Silicone Spatula Set
– Challenger Breadware Bread Cloche
– Breville Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer
– Big Red House Oven Mitts
– OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale
– OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
– OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set
– OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
– KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer
– All-Clad D3 Stainless 3-Quart Saucepan
– Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife
– Hedley & Bennett Waxman Apron
– USA Pan Aluminized Steel 12-Cup Muffin Pan
– J.K. Adams Maple Wood Rolling Pin
– Pyrex Glass Bakeware Pie Plate
– Great Jones Hot Dish Casserole Dish
In conclusion, the best kitchen appliances for home bakers are those that offer convenience, efficiency, and precision in baking. From stand mixers to ovens and digital scales, investing in quality appliances can greatly enhance the baking experience and result in delicious treats for family and friends.