Tools

Essential Tools for Baking
1. at least 2 8-inch cake pans, good quality with straight sides at least 2 inches in height(I like pans made by USA Pans)
2. an 8 or 9-inch Springform pan
3. Heatproof Silicone Spatulas (I like the ones from Williams-Sonoma)
4. Standard Muffin/Cupcake Pan
5. Mini Muffin/Cupcake Pan (I use these more than the standard size)
6. Parchment Paper
7. Digital Scale with measurements in ounces and grams
8. at least 2 aluminum Rimmed Baking Sheets
9. Large and small offset spatulas
10. 9-inch Pie Plate (I like Pyrex)
11. Rolling Pin
12. Instant Read Thermometer
13. Large Whisk
14. Measuring Cups and Spoons
15. Loaf Pan
16. Oven safe baking pans or dishes, 9x13inches and 8x8inches
17. Wire Cooling Rack
18. Electric Mixer, Standing or Handheld
19. Sifter, Sieve
20. 10 inch Tube pan, aluminum, not nonstick
21. Toothpicks, skewers, cake tester
22. A set of good quality mixing bowls, glass/metal/ceramic

Others which are Nice to Have
1. Cake pans in 6 inches and 9 inches
2. Straight sided frosting spatula
3. Reusable Piping Bag, at least 16 inches, with assorted tips
4. Reusable Pie Weights
5. Tart Pans with removable bottoms, assorted sizes
6. 6 inch pie plate(on my wishlist)
7. Bench Scraper
8. Pastry Brush
9. A sturdy pastry blender
10. Food Processor
11. Candy Thermometer
12. Cake rings
13. Pastry Cutter
14. Gel food coloring, assorted colors
15. Blowtorch
16. Classic Bundt Pan
17. Cookie cutters in simple/fun shapes
18. Microplane Zester
19. Coffee Grinder, for spices, etc.
20. Small and large ice cream scoops

These are just the items that I find essential and helpful in producing well-made baked goods. You certainly don't need all of them if you don't bake as often as I do. I find that using good quality equipment and tools are just as important as using good quality ingredients. However, that doesn't always mean that you have to purchase the most expensive equipment out there.

In progress...