Contributed by Marnely Rodriguez, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Baking and Pastry Arts are both an art and a science. A science because it is at times specific and works with chemicals; this is why you need a few essential tools, so the following list will help you become a better, more precise baker.

10. Revolving metal cake stand

A revolving cake stand will have you decorating cakes like a professional in no time. The ease of having to frost your cake on a turntable makes for constant, flowing movements and allows for smooth surfaces.

9. Cookie cutters

Having a wide range of cookie cutters, not only allows you to cut cookies but you can also: cut pie tops with designs, cut out fondant pieces to decorate cupcakes, mark circles to cute for mini pies and so much more. Also, cookie making is a great project to do with younger children.

8. Chef knife

A good 8” check knife will be your ally in the kitchen basics and will serve you for many years to come. Just remember that a dull knife is a dangerous knife because you will exert more force onto it and hurt yourself. Make sure to purchase a grinding stone and steel to keep your knife sharp.

7. Heatproof spatula

A baker’s kitchen basics list is never complete with a heat-proof spatula. During baking, you’ll stir pastry creams and curds overheat and a spatula that you are sure is heat-proof will make your life happier and smoother!

6. Whisk

Whisks come in all shapes and sizes and if you are a beginning baker, a ball-whisk is your tool. Large enough to take on large amounts of creams and products but small enough to get into the crevices f your pots and pans. Make sure to always wash in between wires to maintain an item for a long time.

5. Silicone baking mats

A marvel of the baking world that has revolutionized the way we bake! Silicone mats are even earth-friendly because they prevent you from using endless sheets of foil or parchment paper that you will throughout after on use. They are non-stick and bake products evenly.

4. Measuring cups

Although it’s advised to scale your ingredients, at times recipes will call for volume measurements, meaning by the cup or tablespoons, so make sure you have an accurate set of measuring cups on hand. They are also good for measuring fluid ounces.

3. Microplane

A tool borrowed and invented initially for woodworking, this shaver/grater is a baker’s, first love! Shave fresh nutmeg on desserts, zest lemon and lime peels for cookies; grate coconut over brownies or even use to grate cheese on your freshly made pasta.

2. Rolling pin

Rolling pins come in all shapes and sizes: tapered, with handles, rollers, plastic, wood, textured. Depending on your needs, there is one perfect for you. A basic “roller” pin with handles on the sides is sturdy enough for pie crusts and cookie dough. Test out a few before deciding on which you love!

1. Scale

If you had to choose ONE item on this list, get the scale. This will assure you of exact measurements and allow you to have great control over your ingredients. Nowadays, recipes come in metric systems, so a scale comes in handy!

All these baking kitchen tools are the basics you need to start making cakes, cookies, and bread! Happy Baking!