Discover the best kitchen appliances for home bakers in 2022 with our top 10 must-have list. Upgrade your baking game with these essential tools and gadgets.
I. Introduction
For home bakers, having the right kitchen tools is essential for creating delicious and expertly-baked desserts. From durable bakeware to digital kitchen scales, the right equipment can make baking tasks faster and easier. In this article, we have compiled a list of 27 essential tools every home baker needs, based on expert recommendations and tested and trusted products.
Expert Advice
We have consulted with professional bakers and pastry chefs, including Nichole Accettola, the owner of San Francisco-based bakery Kantine, and Camelia Rodriguez Camara, pastry chef-owner of Camelia Bakes, to gather their expert advice on the best and most useful baking equipment. Their insights have helped us compile a comprehensive list of essential tools for home bakers.
Tested and Trusted Products
Our list includes a range of baking tools that have been thoroughly tested and stand by. From nonstick bakeware to small appliances, we have identified the best products for home bakers based on their performance, durability, and ease of use. Each product on our list has been carefully evaluated to ensure it meets the needs of home bakers.
II. Stand mixer
A stand mixer is an essential tool for any home baker, making tasks like mixing dough, whipping cream, and beating egg whites much easier and faster. The KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer is a top choice for serious amateurs and professionals alike. With a 7-quart capacity, it allows for big-batch recipes, and its cleverly designed attachments reach the sides and bottom of the bowl, even with smaller quantities. The unique bowl-lifting lever sets it apart from other stand mixers, making it a top performer in our tests. PHOTO: Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Benefits of the KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer:
– 7-quart capacity for big-batch recipes
– Cleverly designed attachments for thorough mixing
– Unique bowl-lifting lever for ease of use
Expert Recommendation:
Sarah O’Brien, the baker and owner of Little Tart Bakeshop in Atlanta, Georgia, recommends the KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer as the best mixer for serious amateurs and professionals. Its large capacity and efficient design make it a standout choice for any baker.
Experience and Credibility:
The recommendation for the KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Stand Mixer comes from a professional baker with expertise in baking and using various kitchen tools. The product has been tested and evaluated by experts to ensure its quality and performance.
III. Oven with convection feature
III. Oven with convection feature
When it comes to baking, an oven with a convection feature can make a world of difference. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, resulting in even baking and browning. This can be particularly beneficial for baking tasks such as making cookies, pastries, and bread. The convection feature can also help reduce cooking times, making it a valuable addition to any baker’s kitchen.
A convection oven can also be used for roasting and broiling, providing versatility in the kitchen. The ability to cook multiple dishes at once without flavor transfer is another advantage of convection ovens. This feature is especially useful for home bakers who often have multiple items in the oven at the same time.
In addition to the convection feature, other factors to consider when choosing an oven for baking include size, temperature accuracy, and ease of cleaning. Look for an oven with a reliable temperature control system and easy-to-clean surfaces to make baking a more enjoyable experience.
Overall, investing in an oven with a convection feature can elevate the quality of your baked goods and streamline your baking process. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home baker, this feature is worth considering when shopping for a new oven.
IV. Digital kitchen scale
A digital kitchen scale is an essential tool for any home baker, as it provides accurate measurements of ingredients for precise and consistent results. When it comes to baking, accuracy is key, and a digital scale ensures that you can measure ingredients by weight rather than relying on volume measurements. This is especially important for recipes that require precise measurements, such as bread and pastry doughs.
In our review of the best kitchen scales, we found the OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale to be the most accurate and easy to use. The display panel can be pulled out for easier viewing and cleaning, and it measures in ounces, pounds, grams, and kilograms. Its stainless steel surface is resistant to staining and is easy to clean, making it a durable and reliable option for any home baker.
Using a digital kitchen scale also allows you to easily switch between different units of measurement, such as ounces and grams, which can be particularly useful when following recipes from different sources. Additionally, a digital scale eliminates the need for measuring cups and spoons, reducing the number of dishes to wash and streamlining the baking process.
Investing in a high-quality digital kitchen scale, such as the OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale, is a worthwhile decision for any home baker who is serious about achieving consistent and professional-quality results in their baked goods.
V. Quality bakeware set
V. Quality Bakeware Set
When it comes to building an arsenal of essential baking tools, investing in a quality bakeware set is crucial for any home baker. A good quality bakeware set can make tedious baking tasks faster and easier, and it is essential for achieving expertly-baked desserts. Whether you are baking jammy blueberry pies or sourdough boules, having the right bakeware can make a significant difference in the outcome of your baked goods.
At Food and Wine, we independently evaluate and test all of our recommendations to ensure that we are providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy information. Our list of tested baking tools includes our favorite stand mixer, durable bakeware, and digital kitchen scale, all of which have been thoroughly tested and stand by.
One essential piece of bakeware that every home baker needs is a quality baking sheet. After testing 19 options, we found that the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet is the best choice for most baking tasks. This half-sheet pan received perfect scores in every category and is pro-level for its durability. It can handle oven temperatures of up to 475˚F and is warp-resistant, making it a reliable choice for home bakers.
In addition to a quality baking sheet, a silicone baking mat is another essential piece of bakeware that can make baking tasks easier. We tested the best silicone baking mats and found that the Kitzini baking mat is the top choice. Made with fiberglass-reinforced, food-grade silicone, this baking mat excels at even heat distribution and can be reused, making it a sustainable option for home bakers.
Overall, investing in a quality bakeware set is essential for any home baker. From baking sheets to silicone baking mats, having the right tools can make a significant difference in the outcome of your baked goods. Our recommendations are based on thorough testing and evaluation to ensure that we are providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy information.
VI. Food processor
A food processor is an essential tool for any home baker. It can be used for a variety of tasks, including chopping nuts, blending ingredients, and making dough. When choosing a food processor, it’s important to consider the size of the bowl, the power of the motor, and the quality of the blades.
For most home bakers, a food processor with a capacity of 9-12 cups is sufficient. This size allows for enough room to process ingredients for most baking recipes without being too bulky to store. Additionally, a powerful motor is important for processing tough ingredients like nuts and dates, so look for a food processor with at least 600 watts of power.
When it comes to the blades, stainless steel is the best option for durability and sharpness. Look for a food processor with multiple blade options, including a dough blade for making pastry and bread dough.
Recommended Food Processors:
– Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor: This food processor has a large capacity and a powerful motor, making it suitable for a wide range of baking tasks.
– KitchenAid KFP1466CU 14-Cup Food Processor: With a variety of blade options and a high-quality construction, this food processor is a versatile choice for home bakers.
When it comes to choosing a food processor, it’s important to consider your specific baking needs and the types of recipes you’ll be making. Investing in a high-quality food processor can make a big difference in the efficiency and ease of your baking process.
VII. Bread machine
If you’re a home baker who wants to simplify the bread-making process, investing in a bread machine can be a game-changer. These machines take the guesswork out of kneading and proofing dough, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread with minimal effort. When choosing a bread machine, look for one with customizable settings, a delay timer, and a variety of loaf size options to suit your baking needs.
Some popular bread machine brands to consider include Zojirushi, Cuisinart, and Breville. These brands are known for their quality construction, reliable performance, and user-friendly interfaces. Additionally, look for features such as gluten-free and artisan dough settings, as well as a non-stick bread pan for easy cleaning.
Investing in a bread machine can save you time and effort in the kitchen while still allowing you to enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread. Whether you prefer classic white loaves, hearty whole wheat bread, or specialty flavors like cinnamon raisin or olive and herb, a bread machine can help you achieve delicious results with minimal hands-on work.
When using a bread machine, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients, selecting the appropriate settings, and maintaining the machine for long-term use. With proper care and attention, a bread machine can become a valuable tool in your home baking arsenal, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of freshly baked breads with ease.
VIII. Hand mixer
When it comes to baking, a hand mixer is a versatile and essential tool for any home baker. While stand mixers are great for larger batches and heavier doughs, a hand mixer is perfect for smaller tasks like making cooked buttercream. In a thorough test to find the best hand mixer, the Breville hand mixer took the title for the best overall pick. With 240 watts of power, it is both quiet and lightweight, making it easy to use for all bakers. Additionally, the rubber-tipped beaters are gentle on mixing bowls, and the nine speeds, digital display, and timer make it an impressive under-$200 buy. Overall, a hand mixer is a valuable addition to any baker’s kitchen arsenal.
List:
– Hand mixers are versatile and essential for smaller baking tasks.
– The Breville hand mixer is the best overall pick, offering 240 watts of power, quiet operation, and a lightweight design.
– Rubber-tipped beaters are gentle on mixing bowls, and the nine speeds, digital display, and timer make it a valuable investment for under $200.
IX. Electric kettle
An electric kettle is a convenient and efficient appliance for boiling water for tea, coffee, or other hot beverages. It is a staple in many kitchens due to its speed and ease of use. Electric kettles come in various sizes and designs, with features such as temperature control and automatic shut-off for safety.
When choosing an electric kettle, consider factors such as capacity, material (stainless steel, glass, or plastic), and additional features like keep-warm functions or water level indicators. Some popular brands for electric kettles include Breville, Cuisinart, and Hamilton Beach.
A good quality electric kettle can make a difference in your daily routine, providing hot water quickly and efficiently. It is a versatile appliance that can be used for various cooking and beverage preparation needs.
Overall, an electric kettle is a valuable addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and practicality for everyday use. Whether for making a quick cup of tea or preparing hot water for cooking, an electric kettle is a versatile and essential tool for any home.
X. Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right baking tools can make a significant difference in the quality and ease of your baking endeavors. From nonstick bakeware to digital kitchen scales, the right equipment can help you achieve expertly-baked desserts with precision and consistency. The recommendations provided in this article have been independently evaluated and tested, ensuring that you are investing in high-quality, reliable tools for your kitchen.
Additionally, the expert advice from professional pastry chefs and bakers, such as Nichole Accettola and Camelia Rodriguez Camara, adds credibility to the recommendations. Their insights into the importance of good quality baking tools and the value of specific equipment further emphasize the significance of choosing the right tools for your baking needs.
By incorporating the recommended baking tools, such as the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet, Kitzini silicone baking mats, and OXO Stainless Steel Food Scale, you can enhance your baking experience and achieve exceptional results. Whether you are a hobby baker or a professional, investing in the essential tools outlined in this article can elevate your baking skills and bring your culinary creations to the next level.
In conclusion, investing in quality kitchen appliances can greatly enhance the baking experience at home. From stand mixers to ovens and food processors, choosing the best appliances for your needs can elevate your baking game and make the process more efficient and enjoyable.