DISCLOSURE: I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS I WOULD USE OR DO USE AND ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN. THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE USING MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. MY FULL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE HERE.
Why are these items essentials?
These are the items I reach for over and over again and would hate it if some things were discontinued. Are there some things that I've purchase and didn't like it? Absolutely. That's a list for another day. There are some things that are going to help you make almost any recipe online. There is there some nuance depending on what you want to make. So you won't see pastry bags on this list because most bread makers won't use them. Same reason why most cookie makers won't use a lame.
The List
Kitchen Scale
There's a reason that this is number 1 on the list. Seriously, get a scale. It will make your life so much easier because you don't need to worry about the scoop and level method for flour, nor do you have to use tricks to get peanut butter out of your measuring cup. You can guarantee that whatever you're making will be consistent every time. Unless that's not your thing.
Recommendations
Personally, we have 2 scales in the kitchen because we started with one and then I wanted something with decimals.
Perfect for: EVERYONE! It's less than $20 and sometimes it's less than $10!
Pros:
Simple, easy to use
Auto off after ~2 minutes with/without load
Platform isn't shiny - less fingerprints
Cons:
Not backlit - good luck working in the dark
Grams in whole numbers - no decimals
Is this overkill? Probably, but I love this thing. But it's now the primary scale.
Pros:
2 platforms
Grams with decimal and tenths place
Backlit display
Auto off after ~1 minutes without load + ~3 minutes with load
Cons:
Fingerprints like crazy
Hardly use the smaller scale
Measuring Cups + Spoons
But don't you weigh your ingredients? Yes, I do so if you're not open to weighing then here's some stuff I like. Also when it comes to things like vanilla or salt, it's so much easier to grab 1 tsp of salt vs weighing out 6 grams. Oh, this is why I don't use the small platform on the scale... Dammit Ann.
Recommendations
Perfect for: Everyday use.
Pros:
Durable material
Odor + stain resistant
Uniform surface - great for leveling
Set includes 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tbsp, 1 tbsp, and a level
Cons:
Doesn't include 1/3 tsp if that's a concern
Perfect for: Everyday use.
Pros:
Durable material
Odor + stain resistant
Set includes 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup
Cons:
Leveler not included
Doesn't include 2/3 cup or 3/4 cup if that's your thing
Perfect for: Everyday use.
Pros:
Durable material
Odor + stain resistant
Uniform surface - great for leveling
Set includes 1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups
Cons:
NOT BOROSILICATE GLASS - I don't recommend using if temps are above 300 °F / 155 °C
Mixers
Somethings are just easier with a mixing machine of sorts. I started out baking with a hand mixer and was lucky enough that my parents gave me a stand mixer for Christmas one year. Start where you're comfortable and what can fit within your lifestyle. You can always upgrade later on when it makes sense.
Recommendations
Perfect for: Everyday use and small batch recipes.
As seen on Instagram + TikTok -- Honestly, I think I've been using this more often.
Pros:
Easily to gauge low, medium, and high speeds
Cord swivels depending
Beaters are easy to clean
Cons:
Only comes with wire beaters so if this is your primary mixing device, maybe find one that has a dough hook or flat paddles if that's something you're interested in.
Perfect for: Large batches and avid bakers.
Pros:
Large 5 quart capacity
Durable AF
Strong motor
Comes in multiple colors
Cons:
Expensive
Takes up counter or storage space
Mixing + Prep Bowls
Get weighing out of the way quicker with a few of the favorites. One of the first things I do when preparing to bake is figure out what bowls to use.
Recommendations
Perfect for: Everyday use.
Pros:
Durable material
Odor + stain resistant
Set includes BPA-free bowl lids
Nests for storage
Cons:
None - I love these
Perfect for: Weighing out ingredients.
Pros:
Durable material
Odor + stain resistant
Stackable
Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons:
None - I want more of them!
Baking Sheets
Use these for cookies or place them under your cake pans to easily take them in and out of the oven. I love making individual sized soufflés so baking them on a tray is so much easier.
Recommendations
Perfect for: Everyday use. I'm partial to the half sheet size.
Pros:
Durable
Doesn't warp
Stackable
Comes in different standard sizes
Cons:
It's not non-stick so line this one!
Spatulas + Scrapers
With all the mixing going on, you need some utensil-like tools to get the goods out of bowls and pans.
Recommendations
As someone who dislikes most spatulas, blade/knife shapes are my favorite. The working area is SUPER long. It's incredibly easy to scrape the sides of mixer bowls. There isn't a seam for water to get trapped in, so don't worry about the head falling off the handle!
Pros:
Can handle up to 400 °F / 205 °C
Non-stick + Odor + stain resistant
Cons:
Don't recommend lifting + scraping heavy dough
If you're hesitant about metal bench scrapers scratching up your countertops or maybe you don't like the sound of metal on metal/glass, go with something like this.
Pros:
Works well with curved bowls
Comes in two sizes
Cons:
Fairly stiff - not that flexible
No punch hole - if you like to hang things? I don't, but you do you.
Easily cuts through chilled dough, scrapes up bits stuck to your countertops, and move chopped chocolate from your cutting board to the mixer bowl.
Pros:
Stainless steel material
Has inch measurements along the edges
Cons:
Not great for mixer bowls
That's all for now...
Happy shopping!
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