Are you ready to take your baking game to the next level? As a home baker, having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving professional-quality results. 

From measuring cups to piping bags, I've rounded up 10 of my favorite and most-used professional baking tools that will elevate your desserts from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner baker, these essential tools are sure to become staples in your kitchen. So grab your apron and let's get ready to bake like a pro!

Stand Mixer

I love my KitchenAid stand mixer! It's so versatile and really helps speed up the baking process. I use it to mix all of my ingredients together, as well as to knead dough and whip egg whites. It's a definite workhorse in the kitchen and I couldn't do without it!

Baking Stone

If you are serious about baking at home, then you need to invest in a good baking stone. A baking stone is a large, flat piece of stone or ceramic that is used to bake breads, pizzas, and other items. It absorbs heat from the oven and conducts it evenly to the food, resulting in a crispier crust or a more evenly cooked pizza.

I have used several different brands of baking stones over the years, and my current favorite is the Baker's Choice Pizza Stone. It's made from 100% natural clay and is unglazed, so it doesn't add any flavor to the food. It's also very durable and can withstand high temperatures.

To use a baking stone, simply place it in your oven on the middle or lower rack before you preheat it. Then, when you're ready to bake, transfer your dough or pizza onto the hot stone and cook according to your recipe. Just make sure to use a pizza peel or other flat spatula to transfer the food; don't try to pick up the stone itself, as it will be too hot to handle.

Pizza Peel

A pizza peel is a large, flat, spatula-like tool that is used to slide pizzas in and out of ovens. It is also used to transfer other baked goods, such as pies and cookies, from baking sheets to wire racks for cooling. Peels are typically made of wood or metal and have a long handle to keep the user's hands away from the heat of the oven.

I use a pizza peel every time I make homemade pizza. It makes it so much easier to get the pizza in and out of the oven without making a mess. I also love using it to transfer cookies and other baked goods from the baking sheet to a wire rack for cooling. The long handle keeps my hands away from the heat of the oven, which is great.

Pastry Blender

A pastry blender is one of the most important tools for making pies, pastries, and other baked goods. It is a handheld tool that has a number of blades or wires that are used to cut and blend ingredients together.

Pastry blenders are typically made from stainless steel or another type of metal, and they often have a wooden or plastic handle. The blades of a pastry blender can be either straight or curved, and they vary in size depending on the model.

Pastry blenders are used to cut butter or shortening into flour to create a crumbly mixture that is perfect for pie crusts and pastries. They can also be used to blend together dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and spices.

When using a pastry blender, it is important to keep your hands protected from the blades. Be sure to grip the handle firmly and use a light touch when blending ingredients together.

Rolling Pin

When it comes to baking, one of the most important tools in my kitchen is my rolling pin. This simple tool can be used for a variety of tasks, from rolling out dough to flattening cookies.

I prefer to use a wooden rolling pin, as they are sturdy and easy to grip. However, there are many different types of rolling pins available on the market, so choose one that feels comfortable in your hand.

To use a rolling pin, simply flour your work surface and place the dough in the centre. Start by rolling the dough out from the centre to the edges, using even pressure. If the dough becomes sticky, add more flour as needed.

Once you have rolled out the dough to your desired thickness, use a knife or pastry cutter to cut it into shapes as desired. Then bake according to your recipe instructions.

Mesh Strainer

A mesh strainer is an essential tool for any baker. It allows you to sift flour and other dry ingredients without having to use a separate strainer. I like to use a mesh strainer when I am baking cakes or cupcakes. It makes the process much quicker and easier.

If you are looking for a mesh strainer, I highly recommend the ones from Norpro. They are made of high-quality stainless steel and have a fine mesh that will catch even the smallest particles.

Cooling Rack

If you're serious about your baking, then you need a cooling rack. A cooling rack helps to evenly cool your baked goods so that they don't stick to the pan and become overcooked. It's also great for preventative cooling so that your cakes and cookies don't get too warm and start to collapse.

I always use a cooling rack when I'm baking at home, and I highly recommend them for anyone who wants to bake like a pro. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cooling rack, though. First, make sure that the rack is made of sturdy material that won't warp under the weight of your baked goods. Second, choose a rack with a tight-fitting mesh so that your baked goods can cool evenly on all sides. And lastly, make sure the legs of the rack are stable so that it doesn't wobble when you put it on your countertop.

With these factors in mind, I've compiled a list of my favorite cooling racks that I think are perfect for home bakers. These racks are all made of high-quality materials and will help you bake like a pro.

Half Sheet Pans

If you're serious about your baking, then you need to have a half-sheet pan in your kitchen. A half-sheet pan is a must-have for any baker, whether you're a professional or a home cook. Half-sheet pans are versatile and can be used for baking cookies, cakes, bread, and other pastries. They're also great for roasting vegetables and meats.

I always use a half-sheet pan when I'm baking at home. It's the perfect size for my small kitchen, and I can use it for a variety of tasks. Whether I'm baking cookies or roasting vegetables, a half-sheet pan is a perfect tool for the job.

If you don't have a half-sheet pan in your kitchen, then I highly recommend that you get one. It's an essential tool for any baker, and it will make your life much easier. Believe me, once you have a half-sheet pan, you'll wonder how you ever baked without one!

Decorating Tips

1. Decorating Tips

No matter what kind of baker you are, decorating is an essential part of the craft. Here are some tips to help you up your decorating game, whether you're a beginner or a pro!

- Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe frosting onto cupcakes or cakes. For cupcakes, start from the outside and work your way in, spiraling up to create a nice swirl effect. For cakes, start in the middle and work your way out.

- If you're working with fondant, be sure to knead it well before using it so that it's pliable and easy to work with. When cutting out shapes, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean lines.

- Get creative with your garnishes! Fresh fruit, edible flowers, chocolate shavings, and sprinkle mixes are all great ways to jazz up your desserts.

Piping Bags

Piping bags are one of the most important tools in a baker’s arsenal. They come in a variety of sizes and can be made from different materials, but they all serve the same purpose: to help pipe dough, frosting, and other ingredients into perfect shapes.

I always like to have a few piping bags on hand, in different sizes and made from different materials. My favourite piping bags are disposable plastic bags because they’re cheap and easy to use. But I also like to have a few reusable silicone piping bags, which are great for delicate tasks like piping meringue or whipped cream.

Here are some tips for using piping bags:

- Always fill your piping bag with the ingredient you want to pipe before attaching it to the tip. This will save you a lot of mess!

- If you’re using a disposable plastic bag, snip off the very end of the bag to create a small opening. If you’re using a reusable silicone bag, simply twist the end of the bag closed until it’s tight.

- To prevent your icing or frosting from getting too soft while you’re working with it, keep your piping bag in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Conclusion

As a passionate home baker, I can vouch for the importance of having the right tools in your kitchen. While some may consider them unnecessary, owning and using quality baking tools will make your recipes more successful and save you time and frustration. From rolling pins to dough scrapers and cake tins, these 10 essential baking tools are all must-haves if you take your baking game up a notch. With just a few key investments, you’ll be able to create delicious treats with ease