2. When following certain recipes or cooking
videos, measuring may not be absolutely
necessary. But for baking success, every
ingredient must be measured carefully. That’s
why measuring cups and spoons should be at the
top of your baking tools list. You’ll need a liquid
measuring cup, as well as a set of dry measuring
cups and spoons. Pyrex is an excellent choice for
the liquid cup. A 2 cup glass measure works for
most situations. Plastic is fine for dry measuring
spoons and cups, but heavy stainless steel –
though more expensive – lasts much longer.

3. Mixing bowls are also a must. To
start, you may only need two bowls:
One large and one medium-sized.
Stainless steel is the top choice among
bakers, since it chills well (which is
great when making certain
doughs), but glass or plastic is
fine, too.

4. One or two baking sheets are also important. The type
with raised edges (sometimes called a “jelly roll pan”) is
the most versatile, working just as well for meats as
cookies. Don’t buy anything thin, since it will warp.
Aluminum is the standard, but choose a light color, since
dark sheets may get too hot. To keep the baking sheets
looking nice, either use one only for baking and one only
for meats and cheeses, or line your baking sheets with
parchment paper every time you use them.

5. For baking brownies, crisps, cobblers, cakes, and the like,
glass baking dishes are a must. Look for light colored
glass, ceramic, or stoneware. Stoneware and ceramic are
oven, freezer, and microwave safe, and don’t mind
sudden and drastic changes in temperature. Glass dishes
are appropriate for the oven and microwave, but not the
freezer; they don’t like sudden changes in temperature.
For baking, an 8 x 8 in. size is ideal for most purposes,
but you may also wish to invest in a pie dish and at least
one loaf pan, also.
If you like baking cakes, you’ll want at least one basic
round, square, or rectangular cake