I adore cooking which is probably evident when you peruse my blog however baking is another kettle of fish hey. Cooking you sprinkle that spice until your ancestor’s whisper in your ear, ‘That hast been enough sayth I’.
Baking however you need proper measurements of every ingredient collective which takes my mad scientist skills to a whole other level. Shoo Pastry chefs are true artists, and their essential pastry chef tools create amazing works of edible art.
So, as a self-taught homemaker, I endeavor to lookout for ways to make my life easier especially in the baking department. Turns out, there are some pretty handy gadgets/ tools out there that can make your baking life a whole lot easier (and more fun)! Here are some of my favorites:
Basics of Pastry Chef Tools
-A good set of measuring cups and spoons
Measuring ingredients with precision is critical for success in the pastry kitchen. This means that it’s worth having good kitchen gadgets of measuring cups and spoons at your disposal. Make sure they are strong and durable, with measurements engraved so that they won’t rub off over time – because no one wants to end up with cobbler that tastes like a teaspoon of disaster!
I find that stainless steel measuring cups are hearty enough to withstand the occasional accidental drop, but light enough to make them easy to maneuver in your hand. An investment in a good set of measuring cups and spoons is always worthwhile for any home baker or pastry chef.
-A mixing bowl
When it comes to making delicious pastries, a reliable mixing bowl can be the difference between a heavenly treat and something that should never have left the kitchen. It’s important to find one that is not only functional, but also fits with your recipes.
Whether you need one to make a single cupcake or enough batter to feed an army of hungry customers, having the right size mixing bowl can provide the perfect platform for transforming ingredients into masterpieces. With just a little bit of searching, you can find exactly what you need to help elevate your baking skills to another level.
-A sifter or strainer
Sifters and strainers are an essential tool for any pastry chef, seeking to perfect their creations. Not only does it get rid of pesky lumps caused by lumpy flour or icing sugar, but it can also act as your own personal sieve – separating out unwanted impurities like rogue dried fruit or burnt nuts!
But perhaps most importantly, a sifter or strainer serves as the gatekeeper between you and a Pinterest-worthy creation; free from imperfections, yet homey enough for a family dinner. Whether new to baking or just looking for extra insurance that all those ingredients mix together well, investing in one of these handy tools is guaranteed to save the day!
-An electric mixer/food processor
Have you ever attempted to make light and fluffy doughs and batters, only to feel like your arms were about to give out after ten minutes of stirring? Well, that doesn’t have to be the case! An electric mixer/food processor or blender for lighter work, is just the thing for making easy work of tough doughs.
Whether you’re a novice baker at home or a seasoned professional in the kitchen, an electric mixer can help take your creations to the next level. And with all the flashy bells and whistles they come with nowadays, they can even be a stylish addition to your kitchen! So if you want to invest in something that will make light work of any recipe—sweet or savory—an electric mixer should definitely be part of your essential pastry chef toolkit.
-A rubber spatula
A rubber spatula is arguably one of the most essential tools for a pastry chef, and one of my favorites at that! I mean, it’s basically your trusty sidekick when you’re getting every last drop out of the bowl. Not to mention it also comes in handy when it’s time to clean up after a delicious baking session.
Nothing quite beats its flexibility when it comes to scraping down your favourite recipes from even the most awkward of corners. So don’t forget to add a trusty rubber spatula to your arsenal if you want to create those perfect patisserie-level treats!
-A pastry brush
A pastry brush isn’t just for show – it’s got a job to do! Greasing your tins with butter or oil has never been easier, and you can also use it to apply a perfectly even egg wash to your dishes to give them a delicious golden sheen.
Pastry chefs will tell you that there’s no substitute for a good quality pastry brush: don’t be fooled by cheapo ones that look the same but won’t hold their bristles in place. Get yourself a reliable brush and you’ll thank yourself later. And remember, if all else fails – you can always get creative with it by painting pretty patterns on your pastries!
Types of Essential Pastry Chef Tools
I’m not a trained pastry chef, but I love to bake. I’ve always found the process of making dough and decorating cakes to be therapeutic. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love eating cake? Recently, I decided to invest in a few tools to help me up my baking game. Here’s what I ended up with – my very own pastry chef tool kit!
-A good quality kitchen scale
[This is key for measuring ingredients accurately and ensuring your baked goods turn out perfectly every time.]
As I started baking more, it really drove home for me just how important a good quality kitchen scale is. It’s an essential tool for any aspiring pastry chef, not just someone like me who’s still teaching themselves the ropes.
Accurately measuring ingredients has made all the difference when it comes to making sure my cakes come out perfectly every time – no dry cake disasters here! A kitchen scale{1} truly is the mark of a budding baker!
-A rolling pin
[This will help you achieve the perfect thickness for your doughs and crusts.]
A rolling pin: the unsung hero of every pastry chef’s arsenal. It is the one tool that helps you achieve the perfect thickness for doughs and crusts. I know what you’re thinking, “I can just use a wine bottle!”
And yes, it works in a pinch, but if you’re serious about making pastry creations that look as good as they taste, then a rolling pin is an essential piece of equipment. Plus, it just makes you feel like an old-school baker – and trust me, that’s really satisfying! Go ahead and invest in a quality wooden rolling pin to take your baking experience to the next level.
-A pastry cutter
[This tool comes in handy for cutting through dough or making decorative designs on top of pies and pastries.]
A pastry cutter is a must-have tool for all homemakers who love to get creative in the kitchen! Whether you’re making homemade pies or crushing up graham crackers for a delicious crumble, this versatile tool can do it all.
This essential pastry chef tools can quickly turn any cookie dough ball into perfect circles and adds amazing decoration to the top of pies. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even kids can help out with the baking. With a pastry cutter (or two) in your kitchen arsenal, you’ll be on your way to mastering homemade baked goods like a pro!
-A piping bag
[This is essential for filling cupcakes, decorating cakes, and creating other beautiful desserts.]
Piping bags are a baker’s best friend – truly, you can’t have beautiful cakes and cupcakes without them! From squeezing out the perfect dollop or making an artful swirl on top of a cupcake, this tool is essential for any aspiring pastry chef. You might be wondering – what’s the difference between an average piping bag and a quality one?
Well, I couldn’t tell you – however, what I CAN tell you is that if you take your baking seriously then investing in a solid, sturdy bag is worth every penny. Get your hands on an ergonomically-designed model with a clever non-slip feature – trust me, those little details will save you tons of hassle when decorating those fancy marble cakes!
-An offset spatula
[This tool is great for spreading frosting or glaze evenly over a cake or cupcake surface.]
Ah, the offset spatula, a pastry chef’s best friend! If you’re like me and only an aspiring home baker, then you know how daunting decorations can be. But with the help of this trusty tool, I’ve been able to easily spread frostings and glazes without worrying about creating an uneven surface.
Best of all? Cleanups are a breeze – just give it a quick swipe and you can move onto the next task without any worry. So, when you’re ready to take your sweet treats to the next level, grab yourself an offset spatula or two – they really are invaluable!
Conclusion
Overall, the essential pastry chef tools are a key part of any baker’s set-up. Whether you’re just getting started and bake in a microwave, or you’ve been baking for years, having quality, properly functioning tools will make the process easier!
Making sure that all of my tools are in good working order and well-cared for is something that I actually look forward to. Taking the time to clean and understand each tool before using them helps me become a better baker.
That being said, sometimes beginners get stuck in their hunt for perfection. I always remind myself to take it easy because there’s no such thing as perfect baking in the real world – just understanding how to use your tools and some basic techniques are enough to help start baking like pro (or at least stop burning stuff). Bon appétit!
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.