Our Baking Expert Reveals 10 Baking Supplies You Can't Live Without

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Sabrina Stavenjord

As an avid baker, there are several must-have baking tools I use again and again. High-quality small appliances and tools can cost a pretty penny, but my motto has always been to invest in good quality baking essentials (whenever possible), that way you’ll only have to buy them once and they should last you for years to come. Whether you’re whipping up something for a special occasion or aiming to learn a new skill or technique, these are my top 10 baking supplies I think every home baker should own.

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Amazon

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Essential Tools

My two most-used baking tools are a whisk and silicone spatula. Whisks are great for batters, sauces and aerating dry ingredients (if you’re like me and too lazy to sift). A silicone spatula is perfect for gathering every last bit of batter or dough from the bottom of the bowl. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07VF4S8XD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07VF4S8XD&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=318dd4d4f557df4085e410b896c1e92d" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kitchen Utensils Set</a>, Amazon, $40.
Amazon

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Stand Mixer

The one small appliance you didn’t know you needed until you got one (and now you can’t live without!). I’ve had my stand mixer for almost 10 years now and yes, they are expensive and yes, they take up counter space. But, I’m here to tell you they are 100 per cent worth the investment. I’ve made breads, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/canada-day-mini-bagels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bagels</a>, dough, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/12-layer-chocolate-cake-single-cake-pan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cake</a>, muffins, cookies, pasta and even freshly ground meat with mine! <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01MG3MDK0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B01MG3MDK0&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=cfb589890d961297937c91e3fa928d47" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KitchenAid Professional HD Series Stand Mixer</a>, Amazon, $530.
OXO.com

3 of 10

Quality Containers

A <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/budget-friendly-pantry-staples/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stocked pantry</a> is a happy pantry. I’ve always admired my mom for her ability to whip up almost any meal without leaving the house. Her pantry is always stocked, so why not do the same for baking? At any given time, I always have many baking ingredients on hand: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, nuts, spices and so on. These containers are made of high-quality plastic with an air-tight lid to keep all your ingredients fresh. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TCD74ST/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07TCD74ST&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=40914e8020cd8f7709b1bf66ec43a2e6" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">OXO Good Grips Large Canister Set</a>, Amazon, $112.
Amazon

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Stackable Mixing Bowls

I have this thing for bowls. I always gravitate towards pretty and colorful porcelain and ceramic bowls that double as serving dishes, but they’re not always dishwasher or microwave safe. Opt for non-porous glass, stackable bowls for ease of baking, storage and clean up. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00LGLHUA0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00LGLHUA0&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=7e3f0b8585442381a9c4f45b2c04c515" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pyrex Prepware 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set</a>, Amazon, $31.
Amazon

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Warp-Resistant Baking Pans

Do you ever place a baking sheet in the oven and then hear a weird bang or smack? That’s the sound of a warping pan! Baking pans are a dime a dozen and come in many different finishes. These tried and true pans are warp-resistant, conducts heat evenly for the perfect cake or loaf and are heavy duty. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00282JL7G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00282JL7G&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=04aa4ff6e39e0f9063c5128b49c9ca7a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nonstick Baking Pan</a>, Amazon, $28.
Amazon

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Dutch Oven

Ah, the beloved <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/best-winter-recipes-make-dutch-oven/#!" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dutch oven</a>. Living in an apartment in Toronto with limited storage space, I’m always looking for versatile pieces. Not only can you boil, saute, fry and braise in this pot, but you can bake heavenly crusty breads as well. If you only have room for one piece of cookware in your home, make this it! <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07B4ZPGV4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07B4ZPGV4&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=b105efc2e622f445027ab3f0e0877745" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven 6-Quart</a>, Amazon, $60.
Amazon

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Good Quality Measuring Cups

We’ve all heard it: “baking is a science” and it’s because precision is important for most baking recipes. Measuring cups and spoons are essential to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-big-bake/photos/season-one-competitor-teams/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">every baker’s kitchen</a>. Keep in mind that while you can technically measure liquids in dry cups, it’s very difficult to get accurate dry measurements using a wet measuring cup. My advice, get both. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07YTRXPRM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07YTRXPRM&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=6df839c32a64a2c6cc483f0fe5a4639f" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons</a>, Amazon, $28. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0015QV5S4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B0015QV5S4&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=a021af572caa2bb295398a69b00a05f4" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3-Piece Measuring Set</a>, Amazon, $36.
Amazon

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Sieves

Truth be told, I don’t always sift my dry ingredients when I bake. I find that a quick whisk usually does the trick. There are occasions when a sieve is necessary like sifting cocoa powder (which is known for being clumpy), dusting icing sugar on doughnuts or straining pastry cream to get it super silky smooth. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0833626XB/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B0833626XB&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=cb8873de508594a3b83dd2f53ae7bdfd" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sieves Set of 3</a>, Amazon, $15.
Amazon

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Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is your best friend, even if you have non-stick bakeware. They get you out of potential sticky situations and make clean up a breeze. I try to look for unbleached parchment paper when possible, they’re usually a little pricier, but regular parchment works just the same. It’s all personal preference and has no impact on the end result. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07PFYT8MC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07PFYT8MC&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=98823eaa2afdaf9221f09feda4eec263" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unbleached Parchment Paper</a>, Amazon, $9.
Chapters Indigo

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Cookbooks

Some people collect books, I collect <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/food-network-insider/photos/food-network-canada-chef-cookbooks/#!food-network-canada-cookbooks-anna-olson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cookbooks</a>. They’re filled with a plethora of delicious recipes and inspiration and are beautiful to look at. While there are many authors out there, find ones that resonate with you and your baking style. Some of my favourite bakers are Anna Olson (obviously), <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/blog/author/tehuff/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tessa Huff</a> and Jenna Rae Cakes. <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-9190882-13710636?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chapters.indigo.ca%2Fen-ca%2Fbooks%2Fproduct%2F9780525610953-item.html&cjsku=978052561095" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baking Day With Anna Olson</a>, Indigo, $31.
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