From flaky pastries and crusty pies to sweet cookies and creamy cheesecakes, bakers need the right equipment to make their treats a reality. Without the proper tools, a baker's best efforts can turn out crummy. To celebrate World Baking Day on May 17, or simply because you're indulging your inner baker since we're spending more time at home these days, you can pick up items that are fun and functional without spending a lot dough.
Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
$9 from Amazon
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Bakers will be on a roll with this mat, which is stain-proof, BPA-free, and printed with easy-to-read measurements. The mat is made of FDA-approved food-grade silicone and can tolerate temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees to 480 degrees. It is also praised in reviews for having a non-slip bottom that keeps it in place.
$24 from Amazon
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Lightweight but strong, this stainless-steel Natizo sifter holds three cups of powder. Easy-to-read measurements are stamped on the metal. The flour is sifted using a crank — which is preferred by professional bakers — instead of cramp-inducing hand squeezing. It comes with a lid, a bottom cover, and a lifetime warranty.
$11 from Amazon
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These baking mitts can definitely take the heat in any kitchen, all the way up to 500 degrees. Extra-thick for extended exposure to heat, the gloves are one-size-fits-all and feature a textured surface to prevent slippage. They'll keep you safe whether you're grabbing oven racks or removing hot pans and trays.
Related: The 20 Best Classic Cookie Recipes
$14 from Amazon
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This rack from Wilton stacks three levels high but folds down flat for easy storage. It can be also taken apart and used as three separate racks. The rack is dishwasher-safe and finished with a nonstick coating. It's backed by a 10-year warranty.
$14 from Amazon
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This 9-inch pan from Hiware features a tight seal that prevents leaks and a nonstick coating that makes it easy to remove even the softest cakes, including sticky cheesecakes. It's simple to wash using just warm water and mild detergent and widely praised for ease of use.
Recipes: 20 Cheap and Easy Cheesecake Recipes
$20 from Amazon
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This kit includes 12 stainless-steel Russian piping tips and two leaf tips. It also comes with 12 disposable pastry bags and one reusable silicone pastry bag. The kit is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
$7 from Amazon
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Made by Wilton from high-grade stainless steel, this Amazon best-seller offers 13 inches of sculpting reach. The spatula comes with an ergonomic handle and angled shape to keep fingers clean and icing-free.
$15 from Amazon
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For breadmakers, a good proofing cloth just might be the most important tool in the kitchen. Made from 100% cotton, this baker's couche is made of heavy, professional-grade fiber. Measures 26 by 35 inches and comes with a money-back guarantee.
$7 from Amazon
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Bakers spend too much time and effort baking perfect brownies and cookies to watch them crumble into pieces when it's time to serve them. The Norpro spatula is made of stainless steel with single-body construction and has a super-thin blade to make it easy to slide under sticky baked goods.
$7 from Amazon
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The process of baking empty pie crusts — known as blind baking — often results in buckled or shrunken crusts. Keep even the most delicate pie crusts intact with a collection of Mrs. Anderson's ceramic weights. Easy to use and easy to clean, the food-safe ceramic distributes heat evenly.
$11 from Amazon
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Simple yet remarkably efficient and critical to maintaining a clean and efficient workspace, bench scrapers are used for cutting and dividing dough as well as removing excess flour and dough from work surfaces. This professional-quality scraper from Ateco comes with a plastic handle and stainless-steel blade and is dishwasher-safe.
$21 from Amazon
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Bakers can make up to 60 French-style macarons at once with this kit, which includes six nozzles and two nonstick baking mats. Easy to clean and dishwasher-, microwave, and freezer-safe.
$20 from Amazon
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These 10-ounce cups don't absorb or leach odors or flavors. They're dishwasher-safe and can tolerate high temperatures. They are made in the United States and come with a two-year warranty against breakage from oven heat.
Related: The Best Food Storage Containers You Can Buy, According to Amazon Reviews
$20 from Amazon
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These nonstick baking mats let bakers get to work without parchment paper, oil, or baking sprays. The oven-safe mats can tolerate up to 450 degrees. They're made of food-grade silicone and are easy to clean. Measuring about 12 by 17 inches, they're designed to fit in half-sheet-size pans.
$10 from Amazon
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In baking, accurate measurements are key. This precision food scale from Etekcity measures up to 11 pounds and is made of easy-to-clean stainless steel for safe use with food. Batteries are included.
$13 from Amazon
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You've heard the phrase "the greatest thing since sliced bread" — for some bakers, perfectly sliced cake layers may be a better metaphor. This adjustable, stainless-steel tool makes it easy to cut perfect cake layers every time. It can work with cakes up to 12 inches in diameter.
$20 from Amazon
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These half-size sheet pans from Nordic Ware are made with rust-proof aluminum and with reinforced encapsulated steel rims that prevent warping and add strength. They are designed to be stackable and are compatible with parchment paper and silicone baking mats.
$24 from Amazon
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Made of beechwood and silicone, this set includes a balloon whisk, flat and round pastry brushes, large and small spatulas, and a spoon spatula. Each utensil features a comfortable non-slip grip. The silicone heads and grips are easily removed and can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but the wooden handles should be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap.
$14 from Amazon
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These colorful silicone pans will let bakers crank out their favorite morning coffee companion a dozen and a half at a time. The pans are nonstick and BPA-free. They're safe to 450 degrees.
Related: Dunkin' vs. Krispy Kreme: Who Has the Better Tasting Doughnuts?
$16 from Amazon
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The cake-pop craze is still going strong, and now even novices can join in with this cake-pop maker from the aptly named company Babycakes. Using regular cake mixes, cooks can make nine pops at a time with this device, which features a latching handle and non-skid feet.
Related: Twinkies, Moon Pies, and Other Guilty Pleasures You Can Make at Home
