What Cookware Do You Really Need for Baking?
When choosing baking tools, avoid overloading; choose based on your actual needs. The joy of baking lies in the process, not turning your kitchen into a tool showroom. However, even when we understand this, we can still fall into misconceptions.
First, there are the "essential baking tools." These tools are essential for baking enthusiasts; they allow them to easily handle most daily baking needs. Next, there are the "optional baking tools." These tools are equally indispensable, but you can choose them based on your personal interests and needs to avoid unnecessary waste. When choosing, be rational and purchase only what you need to get the best value for your money.
Essential Tools
[Oven]
The oven is the heart of baking, and its importance cannot be overstated. To create delicious pastries, you must first choose an oven that suits you. A microwave oven cannot replace an oven, as they operate on completely different heating principles. While some microwave ovens have a grill function, the results are still not as good as those of a professional oven. Therefore, for baking enthusiasts, an oven is essential.
[Measuring Spoons and Kitchen Scale]
In the world of baking, measuring spoons and kitchen scales are indispensable tools. Unlike Chinese cooking, Western pastry preparation places great emphasis on precise ingredient proportions, with no room for arbitrary additions. Measuring spoons are designed for measuring small amounts of ingredients, such as sugar and salt, with an accuracy of up to 1 teaspoon equals approximately 5ml. As for kitchen scales, it's recommended to choose a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.1g, and avoid models with a power-saving mode to prevent accidental data loss during use.
[Baking Trays, Baking Grids, and Insulated Handles]
Baking trays, baking grids, and insulated handles are essential tools in baking. Baking trays are essential for most breads, cookies, and cakes. Having two baking trays is recommended for greater convenience. For example, when making cookies, one is often insufficient. Having two baking trays allows you to prepare the second one while the first is still baking. Baking grids are often used for baking chicken wings, skewers, and other ingredients, and they can also serve as cooling racks for bread and cakes. Heat-insulated handles or oven mitts provide protection when handling baking sheets or grill racks, preventing burns. These tools are usually included with your oven.
[Choosing Between Manual and Electric Whisks]
Whether beating butter, eggs, or heavy cream, a whisk is essential for baking. Whisks also play a key role in mixing wet ingredients. Compared to manual whisks, electric whisks are undoubtedly more convenient and labor-saving, especially for beating whole eggs, which is difficult with manual whisks. However, electric whisks are not universally applicable. For beating small amounts of butter, or for simply mixing eggs, sugar, and oil, a manual whisk is more flexible and efficient. Therefore, in actual baking, both types of whisks should be used as appropriate.
[Tin Foil vs. Baking Paper]
Tin foil and baking paper play different roles in cooking. Due to its unique metallic properties, tin foil is often used to wrap food during barbecues, effectively locking in moisture. During baking, lightly covering the food with tin foil after it has browned can prevent it from over-browning, preserving its appearance and texture. Oil paper, being economical and affordable, is often used as a baking sheet liners, placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking. While greasing the baking sheet can also achieve this, using paper liners undoubtedly simplifies cleaning.
[Round Cake Pan]
Round cake pans are indispensable tools in baking. Whether you're making classic cream cakes or experimenting with novel textures, they're your go-to. An 8-inch or 6-inch round cake pan is a must-have for beginners. Furthermore, a loose-bottom pan makes unmolding easier. For chiffon cakes, avoid non-stick pans to ensure the fluffiness and texture of the cake.
Optional Tools
[Measuring Cup]
Similar to measuring spoons, measuring cups are used for precise measurements of baking ingredients. While they're not essential in some baking situations, understanding their use can still help you achieve more precise results. While many baking recipes don't directly use "cups" as a unit of measurement, measuring cups still play an important role in baking.
[Piping Nozzles and Piping Bags]
Piping nozzles and piping bags are an indispensable part of baking, designed specifically for piping. Whether you're making cookies or puffs, these two tools help you easily pipe out a wide variety of batter shapes. Different piping nozzles can create unique patterns, so you can choose a single nozzle or purchase a complete set to meet your baking needs.
[Round Cutters]
To meet your needs, we offer round cutters of various sizes, allowing you to easily cut out round dough sheets. We also offer chrysanthemum-shaped cutters.
