Two Must-Have Baking Tools + Do I Need a KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

I’ve quickly earned a place among isolation bakers, so now I’m totally qualified to write on must-have baking tools, right?! Of course, I’m mostly kidding — the two kitchen items I’m writing about today have been in my weekly, perhaps daily, repertoire ever since I got them as wedding gifts (which, reminds me, I need to write that post about items you must add to your registry).

I use these two baking tools for cooking, drinks, literally everything in the kitchen. But, where they’ve been a lifesaver is baking. I’m a big believer that having the right tools — and, not only right, but ones that, okay, “spark joy” — is the best way to set yourself up for success in any project. Having baking tools that I think are pretty to look at it and feel professional motivates me to actually follow through when I have a hankering to make something new.

Plus, these are both budget-friendly. No need to spend an arm and a leg to have nice things.

Two Must-Have Baking Tools For Your Kitchen

So, now you’re dying to know: what are my two must-have baking tools?! A KitchenAid Hand Mixer and a set of Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls. Let’s talk about why I swear by each of these.

• KitchenAid Hand Mixer: I’ll get into it in the next section, but I will tell anyone that will listen: if you don’t have a ton of space, skip the KitchenAid Stand Mixer and just get the hand mixer. It’s always on sale somewhere ($35, down from $50) and it gets the job done. Whether I’m baking a cake, whipping a frosting, or even just fluffing my dalgona coffee, this hand mixer is super easy and lightweight to use in a jiffy. It works like a charm, is quick to clean, and takes up almost no space in my cabinet.
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: I remember at one point, when I was a kid, my mom upgraded her mixing bowls from a set of those heavy ceramic bowls with vintage prints (well, not vintage at the time) to a set of stainless steel bowls. They felt so professional. I loved hearing the way a spoon hit the side — it made me feel like a chef in the kitchen. And, it still does. I use these mixing bowls for everything from eggs in the morning to condiments to salad to, yes, of course, baking. These are one of the most versatile items you can have in your kitchen. Plus, having multiple sizes allows you to have different ingredient sets going at different times.

DO I NEED A KITCHENAID STAND MIXER?

Y’all, I’m going to take the unpopular opinion on the illustrious KitchenAid Stand Mixer that graces every wedding registry ever in the history of the world. Look, if you’re an avid baker or have dreams of your kitchen into a semi-professional cupcakery, go for it.

But, if you’re like me: someone who bakes and cooks casually, though frequently, you don’t need one. You can 100% get by with the hand mixer. I’ve made meringue, cookies, bread, and more all with my trusty hand mixer.

Sure, in some point many years down the road when I’m finally living in my impeccably restored 19th century farmhouse somewhere outside Charlottesville with a massive and pristine kitchen, yes, I’ll splurge on the Stand Mixer and all its handy parts. And, there will be room to leave it out on the counter because we know the lugging it in and out of storage would be the barrier to use.

For now, however, in my 849 square foot Capitol Hill condo, I’m more than happy easily whipping out my hand mixer anytime I need it.