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25 Essential Tools for Oil-Free Baking Success

By Mary Margaret Chappell,

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Baking can often be more of a science than an art: The precise chemical reactions, ingredient ratios, and strict cook times are sometimes tricky to master. But once you get the technique just right, the end result is oh-so-satisfying. We’ve rounded up the best baking tools and supplies to help turn kitchen experiments into foolproof masterpieces. From our favorite mixers and bowls to nonstick pans, tins, measuring devices, and more, we’ve rounded up the best baking tools and supplies to help turn kitchen experiments into foolproof masterpieces. Keep scrolling to discover all the essential baking tools to gear up for baking success!

FOK may collect a small share of sales from some of the links on this page, though it doesn’t influence our product picks.

Wildone Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Magnetic Spoons | $25 at Amazon

Dishwasher-safe stainless steel won’t crack or get bent out of shape with constant use. Metric equivalents are marked on all the handles of these measuring cups and spoons, making for easy conversions. Bonus: The spoons nest neatly together, thanks to magnetic grips.

Emile Henry 9" Pie Dish | $50, now $46 at Amazon

Whether it’s a classic apple pie or something more creative, this beautiful ceramic dish from Emile Henry goes straight from oven to table and has an elegant design available in a range of colors. Made in France from Burgundy clay, it offers superior heat diffusion and retention, ensuring pies bake evenly and stay warm longer once served. Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, it’s a timeless staple for every baker’s kitchen.

Nonstick Baking Sheet Duo | $115 at Caraway

Caraway’s nonstick oven pans are as stylish as they are practical—perfect for cookies, tortilla chips, veggies, oil-free granola, crispy tofu, hearty sheet-pan dinners, and lots more. Your food bakes evenly, releases easily, and tastes fantastic—no oil required. Plus, the ceramic coating is completely nontoxic, so you can cook with confidence.

3-Piece Stainless Steel Prep Bowl Set | $35 at Sur la Table

Every kitchen needs a trusty set of mixing bowls, and this trio has you covered for jobs big and small. Lightweight yet durable, they’re easy to handle whether you’re whisking on the counter or mixing as you move around the kitchen. With flat bottoms for stability and dishwasher-safe convenience, these long-lasting stainless steel bowls are as practical as they are versatile.

Silicone Spatula Set | $49, Now $30 at Amazon

This set of silicone spatulas will see you through every kind of kitchen task—scooping, stirring, and mixing—while being safe to use on hot pans. Built with a heavy-duty stainless steel core, each spatula has just the right weight and balance, making it comfortable to hold and a pleasure to use. Choose the full set of five or the smaller set of three to suit your needs—either way, you’ll always have the right tool at hand (and a spare ready for a helper in the kitchen).

Mini Silicone Scraper and Scoop | $8 at Sur la Table

With its long handle, this flexible silicone scraper helps you scoop out the very last bit of jam or nut butter without getting your fingers sticky. It’s also handy for spreading frosting on mini cupcakes or reaching into tight corners of jars and containers. Sturdy enough to hold its shape, yet flexible enough to glide into every nook, this durable, dishwasher-safe tool is a small but mighty addition to any kitchen.

Stainless Steel Cooling Rack | $45 at Caraway

Made from durable stainless steel, this cooling rack quickly and evenly cools cookies, muffins, cakes, and more, keeping bottoms crisp instead of soggy. Sized to nest perfectly into Caraway’s nonstick baking tray for easy storage, it also doubles as an insert for roasting root vegetables, allowing complete airflow for even cooking.

Kitchen Thermometer | $39, now $20 at ThermoWorks

Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure your plant milk is heated to just the right temperature for activating yeast without killing it. While there are cheaper options out there, the ThermoPop 2 gets high marks for precision (an important trait in a thermometer), so we think it’s worth the extra spend. Each unit is individually tested and certified for accuracy. The auto-rotating display makes it easy to read temps from any angle.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer | $470, now $349 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Some kitchen tasks just can’t be done quickly or easily by hand. (Aquafaba whipped cream, anyone?) That’s when an electric mixer comes in handy. Look around any professional kitchen and you’ll probably see a KitchenAid stand mixer among the equipment. We like the Artisan version, which blends pro-level power with home kitchen convenience.

2-Pack Silicone Muffin Pans | $20, now $17 at Amazon

Muffins and cupcakes are particularly prone to sticking, even when you grease the pan. Flexible silicone solves the problem without any grease at all. With a metal-reinforced frame, this tray is sturdy enough to slide in and out of the oven without wobbling, while the flexible silicone makes releasing muffins simple and mess-free. Practical, durable, and easy to clean, this two-pan set is a must-have for any baker.

Cuisinart 9 Speed Hand Mixer | $100 at Crate and Barrel

If the price point and kitchen space required of a stand mixer are out of the question, this hand mixer gets high marks for its powerful motor that makes short work of heavy-duty tasks. It’s a mixing essential for bakers with limited space who still want to whip up impressive treats.

Boxiki Premium Silicone Nonstick Durable Bundt Pan | $43 at Boxiki 

In addition to making any recipe look spectacular, fluted bundt pans help dense cake batters (many vegan recipes fall into this category) cook all the way through. This high-quality Boxiki pan has a steel frame to keep it from wobbling when filled with batter, while the silicone mold releases finished cake with ease.

Le Creuset Heritage Rectangular Casserole Dish | $135 at Le Creuset 

Homemade crumbles, cobblers, and casseroles deserve to be showcased in a dish that’s beautiful enough to go from oven to table. Le Creuset’s eye-catching baker comes in a rainbow of gorgeous colors and will last a lifetime.

9.5 Inch Gobel Nonstick Tart Pan | $30, now $15 at Sur La Table

A shallow tart pan with a removable-bottom is a dream for oil-free baking because it provides easier access when unmolding. This pan is made in France with nonstick-coated steel and has a removable bottom. Gobel tart pans are built to last, and the 9.5-inch size can be used for most recipes that call for traditional 8- or 9-inch pie pans.

Mrs. Anderson’s Nonstick 9-inch Cake Pans | $15 at Amazon

These home-baking essentials make oil-free layer cakes, including birthday cake, a no-fuss reality. The 100% silicone pans withstand temperatures as high as 500°F and release finished cakes with ease so your bakes always come out looking pristine.

HIC 6-oz. Fine White Porcelain Ramekins | $20, now $16 at Amazon

Six ounces is just the right size for single-serving desserts—hot or cold. Simple and elegant, these porcelain ramekins are restaurant-supply quality and can safely go in the oven, microwave, and freezer.

OXO 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set | $32 at OXO

Angled measuring cups let you see measurements from the side and above for less uncomfortable bending and squinting as you bake. This three-piece set from OXO gets consistently high marks for precision from baking experts.

Scoops are the solution for no-mess prep and perfect-looking baked goods. Medium  (1½-tablespoon) scoops are ideal for cookies and mini muffins, while large (ice cream size) scoops fill muffin tins without drips. We like the sturdy construction and comfortable grip of Jenaluca’s scoops. The elegant packaging makes them great as gifts, too.

Batter Bowl with Lid | $27, now $22 at Amazon

Make the switch from unwieldy old-fashioned batter bowls to a lighter model with a handle, spout, and lid. This Anchor Hocking bowl features a pourable spout; measure markings in cups and ounces, and a BPA-free plastic lid so that you can stash batters in the fridge, no plastic wrap needed.

OXO 11-inch Balloon Whisk | $14 at OXO

A well-made wire whisk will last a lifetime and can be used to combine dry ingredients as well as mix, whip, and stir wet mixtures and batters. The OXO whisk has a comfortable, easy-grip handle that stays cool when using it over the stove.

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester | $19 at Microplane

A quality zester makes short work of finely grating hard spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, and dried chiles, as well as softer things like garlic and citrus zest. This pro-caliber tool from Microplane has super sharp steel blades and an ergonomic handle—plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

Lenox Cake Knife Serving Set | $60 at Lenox

Give homemade baked goods the love they deserve by pulling out a dedicated serving set when it’s time to cut them. The sharp, serrated knife in the Lenox server set gives this two-piece bundle an edge over other cake servers.

Nambé Tiered Dessert Stand | $82 at Nambé

A tiered stand turns anything you put on it into a luscious display while making more room for treats on the counter or table. Lighter than a glass or ceramic stand, the Nambé Portables Tiered Dessert Stand goes with any decor—and even fits in on an outdoor patio as you display summertime desserts.

Silpat Half-Sheet Silicone Baking Mat | $29 at Williams Sonoma

Silicone pan liners aren’t just for baking; they can turn any sheet pan into a nonstick roaster for savory foods as well. The fiberglass mesh built into these Silpat mats promotes even heat distribution and makes it stronger than silicone-only liners.

Half Sheet Baking Parchment Paper | $25 at King Arthur

Line any pan with parchment for an instant nonstick surface—and easy cleanup. The professional-grade, natural precut sheets from King Arthur can be reused two or three times, making them a bargain. 

About the Author

Headshot of Mary Margaret Chappell

About the Author

Mary Margaret Chappell

When Mary Margaret Chappell first started out in the plant-based food world as a writer, editor, and recipe developer, she was a bacon-loving former pastry chef who didn’t think she could ever cook without butter. Fourteen years, four cookbooks, dozens of cooking classes, and hundreds of recipes later, her favorite thing in the world is sharing the tips, techniques, and recipes that show just how easy and delicious whole-food, plant-based cooking can be. The former food editor of Vegetarian Times magazine has done away with her dependency on butter and is honing her skills at baking with natural sweeteners. Chappell lives in France, where plant-based eating can often be a challenge, but the fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes available are simply amazing. Find her on Instagram and Facebook.
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