This first list is geared toward the beginning baker, or anyone who is just starting to build the foundations of their kitchen. I'll be including a few other lists later this week for baking enthusiasts who've been around the oven a bit, and then finally a list for the advanced baker who has it all (but could benefit from a few extras). Send this to any potential gift givers or go ahead and get something pretty for yourself! Check out the "Where to Shop" section after the list. Here we go...
Why? Most recipes will go much more smoothly if you have at least 2 bowls.
My recommendation: 2-4 stainless steel bowls. Easy to clean, lightweight and sturdy. Note: You'll see glass bowls all over my blog, but that's only for better lighting in my photos.
Stay away from bowls with a spout or handle (totally pointless), and anti-slip bowls with rubber on the bottom (more annoying than helpful).
I'd buy: Stainless steel bowls from Sur La Table in at least the 3.5 and 4.5 qt sizes
Why? If you want your baked goodies to consistently turn out well, measuring correctly with the right tool is paramount. Dry measuring cups come in different sizes so the ingredients can be leveled off correctly. Liquid measuring cups allow you to fill it to the correct measurement marker and then not spill it everywhere.
My recommendation: Plastic liquid and dry measuring cups (lightweight), and stainless steel measuring spoons (sturdy).
Stay away from adjustable spoons or cups, double-ended spoons (nice ideas in theory, but more annoying than useful), and dry measuring cups do not need a spout!
I own:
Dry: KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cup Set
Liquid: OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Cup (2-cup)
Spoons: Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons from Sur La Table (a little pricey)
I'd buy:
Thunder Group Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
(reasonable price)3. Half Sheet Baking Pans
Why? Rimmed, half sheet (13"x18") baking pans keep cookies (or roasted veggies) from sliding off the edge are perfect for layer cakes. Plus they fit in all ovens.
My recommendation: 2-3 aluminum or stainless steel pans (half sheet size).
Stay away from anything textured (useless), non-stick (unnecessary), rimless (not versatile or safe), or insulated (unnecessary, just rotate your pan)
I own (and absolutely love): Nordic Ware Naturals Bakers Half Sheet
4. Silicone Spatula
Why? Versatile and effective mixing, scraping, and stirring tool. Appropriate for high temperature situations on the stove.
My recommendation: Silicone head, wooden or plastic handle, both curved and straight sides.
Stay away from anything that isn't silicone, anything clear or white (not sturdy), anything too stiff.
I Own: Tovolo 12 Inch Silicone Spatula (mine have wooden handles, and I bought them from Marshalls).
5. Whisk (aka Whip)
Why? Unfortunately not everything can be mixed with just a spatula. Whipped cream, egg whites, and other liquid ingredients need a whisk to properly aerate or combine. I have a few small whisks, but my go to is a single large 13"whisk.
My recommendation: 10-14" balloon-style whisk, with a sealed handle (easier to clean), and lots of thin, but strong wires (which are more effective at aerating).
Stay away from anything completed coated in silicone or nylon (not important), anything with really thick tines (too heavy and your arm will get tired fast), and anything too small (under 10 inches).
I'd buy:
Winco Stainless Steel Piano Wire Whip, 12-Inch
or OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk, 11-Inch
Why? Most beginning bakers will want this essential item for pie crusts and rolled cookies.
My recommendation: A wooden American (handles & ball bearings) or non-tapered French (one piece, solid wood) pin. American is more traditional here, but French is easier to clean. If you have doubts, go with the American.
Stay away from marble (heavy, expensive, unnecessary), fully tapered pins (useful but harder for beginners to use),
I own: A pin from Target. Here's a similar one: Farberware Classic Wood Rolling Pin
7. Rasp-style Zester (aka Microplane)
Why? Perfect for zesting citrus, or grating fresh nutmeg, ginger, chocolate, and hard cheeses.
My recommendation: Microplane brand is the gold standard. There are several styles, but I like the ones with a rubber handle and no plastic.
Stay away from non-rasp-style zesters (difficult to use).
I own: Microplane 46720 Premium Zester/Grater
8. Fine Mesh Sieve
Why? A multi-use tool that allows you to sift dry ingredients, strain custards, and gently wash delicate berries or herbs.
My recommendation: A sieve that's at least 6-8" in diameter, with fine mesh.
Stay away from mechanical sifters. Bulky, hard to clean, and can only sift, as opposed to strain.
I own an older version of the OXO Good Grips 8-Inch Double Rod Strainer
(very, very good quality, but a little pricey at ~$20)I'd also buy: Winco 8" Single Fine Mesh Strainer (a very reasonable price)
9. Bowl Scraper
Why? This is an awesome multi-purpose tool that helps you scrape batters and doughs out of bowls and helps you to safely and quickly and portion doughs. It's also nice for scooping finely chopped veggies or herbs off your cutting board.
My recommendation: Plastic with a straight cutting edge and a rounded scraping edge.
Stay away from anything super stiff (won't be flexible enough to scrape out a bowl), and anything that costs more than $5 (it's a piece of flat plastic!)
I own the Ateco Bowl Scraper
. You can find it in stores at Sur La Table for $3.10. Oven Mitts
Why? Relying on kitchen towels isn't always the safest way to remove hot items from the oven.
My recommendation: Two padded mitts, that cover most of the forearm, with a loop for hanging.
Stay away from silicone or thin pot holder-style (most people burn their wrists and arms), and the giant ones used for grilling outside labeled "flame retardant" (too big for regular use).
I own a pair from Target. I've seen some very cute ones from Sur La Table, but I couldn't find a decent pair on Amazon that I liked.
Where to Shop:
You can find many of these items at discounted home goods stores like Marshalls for very reasonable prices. For example, I like to buy my spatulas there for $2. I've also found nice measuring cups and spoons, just remember that everything they sell is not necessarily useful (strawberry corer?). If you don't have access to discount stores, Target and Macy's have great kitchen basics at reasonable prices.
I own many items from specialty kitchen stores like Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma. However, watch out for crazy prices. I personally would not buy any small kitchen tool for more than $20 at one of these place unless 1) you have a gift card, or 2) you are in rush. Same warning as above: that 3-in-one avocado tool is just as useless at these stores and more expensive.
Some of the items I own are no longer available, so I've included links to items that I researched as if I were buying them myself. This means I've balanced perceived quality from reviews, cost and personal experience with similar items. Keep personal preferences in mind! For example, if a particular person has a retro-style kitchen, they may prefer colored glass bowls and brightly colored tools, others only like black and stainless steel. I also could write an entire blog post on each of these items, but who has time for that! My guidelines + your own good judgement = success.
*Disclosure of Material Connection with Amazon: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products I have personally used (or similar) and believe will add value.
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