With hosting high on the agenda, what better time to start getting your summer baking essentials in order? Whether it’s our show-stopping meringue with cherry and apricot compote for a dinner party, some luxe crab tarts for an alfresco summer lunch, or some fun holiday cookies with the kids, summer baking is a great way to make the most out of lovely seasonal produce.
If, like me, you’re a keen baker who's always hunting for the latest practical yet stylish bakeware, then you’re in the right place. We’ve also called on the help of our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia Hayman, who rigorously tests all manner of cookery products against strict criteria.
From cake pans and measuring cups, to the best stand mixers and beautiful cake stands, here are all the summer baking essentials you’ll need for this season and beyond.
1. Mixers
The KitchenAid stand mixer was voted best stand mixer by our expert testers, thanks to its 10 speeds and five attachments, from a wire whisk perfect for whipping up silky meringue, to a pastry beater and dough hook. 'It's not only an iconic, elegant kitchen statement, it is also so powerful and easy to use. I use mine on a weekly basis to create top-quality cakes, cookies, icing, and more,' says Lydia. New for 2025, this on-trend butter yellow will add a joyful pop to your summer kitchen.
'If you don't have the budget for a luxurious KitchenAid, the Cuisinart Precision is nearly half the price. It may be a little noisier and it struggles on smaller portions, but it is a bread maker's dream, handling large batches of dough effortlessly ' says Lydia. It was the best overall KitchenAid stand mixer alternative in our tests, with 12 speed settings, 500 watt motor, and a large 5.5 bowl. It might not have as many colors choices as the KitchenAid, but we love this Arctic Blue.
Named best hand mixer overall by the Homes & Gardens team, KitchenAid's Go Cordless blends retro styling with supreme quality and functionality. With seven speeds and two sturdy beaters, it can fold, whisk, and is perfect for smaller bakes. It charges within 2 hours. 'Not everyone needs - or wants - a stand mixer. If you love to bake but have limited space or a smaller budget, a hand mixer might be a better choice,' advises Lydia. This green colorway is a collab with Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia at Target.
2. Mixing bowls
Mason Cash have been producing earthenware and stoneware mixing bowls since 1901 and its classic Cane design is an absolute classic that you'll keep for years. Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe, the traditional shaped bowl has a high-gloss, chip resistant glaze and comes in countless colors to complement any kitchen scheme.
Many professionals prefer stainless steel bowls as they are lightweight, durable and allow even heat distribution, which is important for processes such as melting chocolate. Super durable, easy to clean and store away, these stainless steel nesting mixing bowls will have you covered for all manner of baking tasks.
Perfect for a country kitchen, these stoneware mixing bowls feature a beautiful, lightly speckled glaze which gives them a lovely rustic charm. The nesting set of three makes them efficient to store, plus they are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
3. Measuring devices
Measuring spoons may be a kitchen staple, but there's no reason they can't be pretty, too. Made from stainless steel with a hammered copper finish, these measuring spoons will bring warmth and rustic charm to your kitchen.
Pyrex glassware was first introduced over 100 years ago and have been a staple in kitchens ever since. Not just for measuring, Pyrex jugs are hugely versatile as they have extreme temperature resistance and can be put in the oven, microwave, freezer or fridge. The impact-resistant glass won’t retain odours or flavors either.
Make weighing ingredients a doddle with Smeg’s rechargeable kitchen scales. It comes with a handy 1.8 liter capacity removable stainless steel bowl which can be used to measure out multiple ingredients thanks to the tare setting. Designed with Smeg’s classic retro styling, these scales look beautiful and come in white, black or this goegeous jade green.
4. Pastry essentials
When working pastry by hand, it can easily get warm - using a dough cutter helps it stay cool, plus it makes the process of combining the wet and dry ingredients far less strenuous and prevents the dough from being overworked. This Deiss design benefits from a non-slip handle and stainless steel blades.
Naturally cool and heavy, marble rolling pins are great for rolling pastry, plus, they also look stylish. Some argue they can create divets, unlike stainless steel rolling pins, but their added weight can make rolling easier. Stainless steel rolling pins are also a good solution for summer baking though, as you can pop them in the freezer to keep cool.
If you're a fan of making sweet and savory summer tarts and quiches, then having a range of non-stick tart pans is essential. This set from Williams Somona features elegant fluted edges and Goldtouch® Pro Nonstick - the company's highest grade non-stick finish - as well as loose bases to allow bakes to be removed with ease.
5. Cake pans
With their quick release mechanism, spring form cake pans are particularly handy for things like cheesecakes which are tricky to remove from regular tins, plus they can also be used for savory bakes. This non-stick Nordware pan is popular with cheesecake makers. Its sturdy design features a base which fits within the sides, plus it is made free from PFA chemicals. We love this Twilight Blue shade.
A muffin pan should be in every baker’s arsenal – perfect for muffins, cupcakes and mini quiches. This sturdy yet affordable 12-cup muffin pan is made from aluminized steel with a ceramic-reinforced non-stick coating and features rolled edges for extra strength and grip.
Everything you need to bake up a summer feast, including 2 cake pans, 12-cup muffin pan, loaf tin, quarter sheet pan, half sheet pan and a half sheet cooling rack. The premium heavy-gauge ceramic non-stick designs are durable and free from PFA chemicals, plus the range looks super stylish with its soft green hue and metallic handles.
6. Cake stands
This simple and elegant glazed stoneware cake stand from Pottery Barn is ideal for giving your summer bakes a pedestal on the buffet table so that they can really be appreciated.
No garden party or afternoon tea should be without a tiered cake stand. They're so pretty for displaying petit fours, cupcakes and mini quiches. This version from Amazon also comes in five other design variations.
Whether you're hosting indoors or outdoors, having a domed cake stand is a handy addition for protecting your bakes and preventing pesky insects from landing on your prized creations. This domed acacia wood cake stand is perfect for bringing organic warmth to your spread.
Sumer baking essentials FAQs
What key appliances do you need for summer baking?
If you’re baking in large quantities, then a stand mixer is a must, plus they usually come with a number of attachments for making everything from our cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia to our light lemon cheesecake tart.
Freshly whipped cream is a staple of summer deserts, so having a good quality hand mixer is important. ‘In summer, I find myself baking fresh, fruity desserts for garden parties, picnics, and family gatherings. My most used tool is probably my Dualit hand mixer, which I use to make whipped cream for layer cakes, meringues for pavlova, and my famous dark chocolate mousse,’ says Lydia Hayman, ‘I also use the blending attachment for homemade fruit compote, which makes a nice topping or layer in a summer trifle.’
While not essential, a food processor can also come in handy, too. ‘I hate making shortcrust pastry by hand when it’s hot, so you’ll find me using my Magimix Food Processor for recipes like fruit tarts or quiches’ says Lydia..
Are stainless steel, ceramic or glass mixing bowls best for baking?
Mixing bowls come in a range of materials including stainless steel, ceramic and glass. All have their place in a baker's kitchen, but the best for you will depend on the baking task in hand.
The professionals tend to opt for stainless steel its lightweight, hygienic and extremely durable, plus it doesn't crack or chip like ceramic can. Stainless steel bowls also have great thermal properties – they can be both chilled and heated and will both retain temperatures and distribute heat evenly. They are ideal for mixing pastry dough then chilling in the fridge or for melting chocolate over a bain-marie. However, stainless steel bowls cannot be used in the microwave. Another drawback is they can slip on surfaces, so look for designs with non slip bases.
While they can chip and crack over time, ceramic bowls like Mason Cash are very durable, plus they are often heavier and easier to grip than stainless steel bowls, which can be advantageous when hand-mixing. Most ceramic bowls are also microwave safe, plus they often come in a range of colors and designs, which look better when left out on display.
Like ceramic, Pyrex glass is durable and microwave save but it also has the added benefit of being transparent – handy for checking whether wet and dry ingredients have combined, or when you are proofing dough. Glass bowls can be heated and chilled but they can scratch over time, especially if used with metal hand mixers.
What kitchen utensils will I need for summer baking?
When kitting out your culinary toolbox, it's easy to go straight for the big appliances but don't forget the small, humble kitchen utensils which are just as important. Keen bakers will want to consider a pastry cutter for working their dough, and a pastry brush like this OXO Good Grips silicone pastry brush from Amazon, for that all-important egg wash on quiches and pies before they go in the oven. A range of spatulas, such as this silicone spatula set at Amazon is essential for getting that last bit of batter out of the bowl, and a regular slotted spatula is useful for removing hot biscuits from the tray onto a cooling rack.
When it comes to the finishing touches, a small sieve or icing sugar shaker is a lovely addition to your baking essentials and a zester is wonderful for both cooking and garnishing. 'A small grater such as this Microplane grater from Amazon is a must for shavings of chocolate and citrus,' Lydia adds.
Where Homes & Gardens' shop for gorgeous summer baking essentials
- Sur La Table: founded in 1972 Sur La Table specialise in high quality stylish cookware
- Williams Sonoma: stylish quality bakeware and stylish stands, servers and kitchen textiles
- KitchenAid: makers of the ultimate in stand mixers, hand mixers and other appliances
- Amazon: a one-stop-shop for all your bakeware needs – just make sure to search well-known brands and lgood quality materials.
So if you're planning to get baking this summer make sure your essentials are in order. It's worth spending a little more to ensure you buy well and buy once, rather than going for cheaper options which need replacing every few years. Your baking essentials should last you for years to come if you choose wisely.
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