13 Tools Bakers & Pastry Chefs Just Can't Live Without

Creating culinary masterpieces requires having the right tools and knowing how to use them.

As far as baking and pastry artists go, having the right tools could make or break the finished product! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of thirteen tools that are absolutely essential to crafting delectable pastries and baked goods:

 

Cake Leveler
In order to have perfect cakes, a leveler is indispensable. This tool contains sharp blades that adjust to various heights, allowing for presentation quality layers that are perfectly even. No matter how many layers or sizes the recipe demands, this tool simplifies the creative process.

 

Pie Crust Shield
A golden, flaky crust is one of the signs of a delicious pie. Without a shield, the edges of pies can become burnt while the inside is still cooking. These are simpler to use than small pieces of aluminum foil, which may puncture small holes in the crust. Adjustable size models ensure easy preparation for any pie recipe.

 

Digital Candy Thermometer
Producing candy requires adherence to exact temperatures in order to achieve the desired results. Even a few degrees or a single minute of discrepancy can undo a lot of hard work. A digital thermometer allows for precise tracking throughout the process, from the lowest needed for threads all the way to thick, gooey caramel.

 

Pastry Blender with Cleaning Tab
Blending butter into dry ingredients requires a pastry cutter, and one with a cleaning tab improves the quality of the dough because it does not require handling it as much, which can lead to squished and over-worked dough. This tool is also useful for mashing bananas and eggs.

 

Non-stick Pastry Mat
When rolling dough, achieving the proper dimensions the first time will keep it from becoming over-worked. The markings allow for accurate sizing and reduces the risk of over-processing the dough. One that has circular and square markings is ideal for pastry chefs.

 

Pastry Bag and Tip Drying Rack
To keep your pastry bags and tips clean, it is vital that they are allowed to properly air dry. This rack allows for delicate tools to dry completely, eliminating the risk of mold growth between uses.

 

Crème Brulee Torch
Many of the more exotic baked desserts require torching as the final step. For perfect meringue and other types of sugar work, one of these tools allows for adjustable flame levels so the finished product is browned to perfection.

 

Turntable Cake Stand
Professional cake decoration requires that the icing and decorations are perfectly even. A cake stand that turns is essential to making this happen. Icing application is simplified because the chef does not have to worry about the base turning or walking around the cake when decorating. This allows for the best presentation-level dessert construction.

 

Oven Thermometer
When crafting baked goods, including pastries, it is important that the oven is set at the proper temperature. Unfortunately, many ovens run over or under the set temperature, even with digital models. An over thermometer allows chefs to gauge the temperature in various places to find the accurate setting for all of their culinary delights. It can also be used to find hot or cold spots in the oven.

 

Digital Scale
While many of the ingredients are measured by volume in cooking, there are some that are calculated by weight, especially when it comes to bakery-style items. A digital scale that measures with milligram accuracy ensures that these ingredients are added in the proper amounts.

 

Professional Cake Decorating Tips
Whether for icing cakes, cupcakes or pastries, having uniform delivery is essential. A professional quality set of tips includes all of the sizes and shapes necessary to make this happen. Having additional pastry bags that are compatible with the tips ensures for quick and easy decoration with a strong aesthetic appeal.

 

Egg Separator
Egg whites and yolks often need separating in the kitchen, and even one small mishap can ruin a recipe. This is why a professional separator should be in every kitchen. These devices allow for perfect separation every time so that only the needed part of the egg ends up in the bowl.

 

Drizzle Tool
Doughnuts, candies and other desserts are often decorated with a drizzle of icing across the top as a finishing touch. Whether pastry fondant or other types of glaze, using a professional drizzling tool is the best way to accomplish this task.

 

And of course, a Culinary Arts education!

Creating lovely culinary delights can be a pleasurable adventure. These tools are some of the essential ones that every pastry chef needs to have in their kitchen.  If you’d like to learn more about Bakery & Pastry Arts, contact ECPI University’s College of Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of Virginia. Through its year-round program, you can earn a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts in as little as months! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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