What's on the Bake Off benches? 15 essential baking tools the contestants always use
Because a good baker can always thank their tools
The Great British Bake Off is brimming with inspiration, from Paul's grilled grape flatbreads to Nigella's chocolate stout cake. This year has been one of mouth-watering inspiration, but it's not just the bakes that I'm admiring , it's the tools.
We've already sought out the exact stand mixer that they use on Bake Off and have done some digging into what Paul Hollywood has in his kitchen, but there's so much more that's caught our eye this year.
From careful cutters to unusual prooing boxes, it's a year of treats that we simply had to share with other budding bakers.
The Great British Bake Off Equipment: the exact accessories in the tent
Let's start with the tent's keystone: the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. The Great British Bake Off has historically oscillated between using KitchenAid and Kenwood kMix stand mixers. This is their mixer of choice this year - and it's the same stand mixer that Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood own too.
Usually, the baker's have a proving drawer at the bottom of their benches. However, new to the tent this year, we've spotted electric proving chambers. They offer adjustable temperature control and water trays, which is perfect for when you want precision for your bakes. They also have bread tools, including scrapers and cutters.
Dualit's Hand Mixer holds its own as one of the best hand mixers. They're careful to hide the brand, but I've used this for years, so I know one when I see one. The different attachments are great for whisking, mixing, and kneading too.
Ceramic mixing bowls are a kitchen essential (it helps that they're non-toxic too). Mason Cash have been making these bowls for decades and the timeless design will remind you of childhood baking whilst still setting a cosy scene for your Great British Bake Off tasks.
You can't beat a little classic and these jars have been on the bakers benches since the beginning. The glass falls into the non-toxic camp for bakers and Kilner's seals are brilliant for keeping your baking ingredients fresh. You can spot them in Paul Hollywood's home kitchen too.
You always see these timers in the bakers hands or glued to their ovens. The clear, bold numbers make them easy to read (even if your glasses have steamed up from the kitchen) and the minimal controls keep everything simple.
This is the best food processor that I've tested, so it's no surprise that the Bake Off tent has them on the counters. It's powerful, with three different bowls that nest and sit inside the main bowl for easy storage. It's also the one that Mary Berry has in her home.
When the bakers go to melt butter or chocolate, you'll spot the wooden handle of this microwave. Modern microwaves have lots to offer and Swan's delivers on all the speedy, powerful functions. Plus, they're available in the pastel colours of the Bake Off tent.
You often only get glimpses of the bakers kitchen scales, but these have been a tent favourite for years. They're high tech and handy for all sorts of different shaped bowls and dishes.
If you've ever wondered what the bakers are cooking on, the pans are some of the best kept secrets. Greenpan's Valencia pan set are some of the best non-toxic pans of all time - crafted with a ceramic, natural non-stick they're as effective as they are safe to use.
The bakers always have a cooling rack to hand, so that when they're on a time crunch, they can get cakes and bakes cool quickly. They're also really good for preventing moisture from making your bakes go soggy.
Did you spot this fancy piece of kit last week too? It's used to get even cuts on rolls of dough, whether you're making cinnamon buns or dough balls. They're easy to store and a lot of fun too.
It's well documented that the bakers are given Nordic Wave's famous Bundt pans when they make marble and bundt cakes. They're exceptional quality and have some beautiful festive cooking tools for the season too.
The Great British Bake Off has a whole line of baking tins, trays, and dishes in the tent's signature pastel colours. You'll see them advertised in the tent and, judging by the reviews, they live up to Paul Hollywood's standards.
An offset palette knife is key for doing pretty icing and getting precision for decorating your cakes. This is a simple, but effective little piece of kit.
I haven't even got into the details of the Neff Hide and Slide Door Ovens and the Retro Smeg Fridge Freezers, but there's much more time for that. These are the smaller, simple appliances and equipment used in The Great British Bake Off tent. I can't promise you a Hollywood Handshake, but these will set you up for success.
