Investing in baking equipment can be quite expensive, so it’s only wise that one should maintain these equipment and care for them so they’ll last as long as possible. Below are a few tips on how to care for some of the most common baking equipment. You can get good kitchen equipment at any good store.
Oven: the importance of this piece of equipment to a baker can not be over emphasized. Make your oven last by not using it as a table or closet. When not in use make sure it closed. Make sure to always close the door gently; no banging. Always know the cooking and baking time for recipes to avoid opening and closing it too often. Be sure to always measure in the right quantity of dough or better to avoid spillage when baking in the oven. To clean the oven, unplug it then us in a soft cloth and warm soapy water, gently wipe the shelves and sides. Be sure to squeeze the cloth do not allow water to drip. Do not use a knife or any sharp objects to scrape the inside of the oven instead, put a soft cloth on it to soften it then wipe.
Baking pans: do not scrape them with a metal object e.g. knife. Do not hit them with any hard object so they don’t loose their shape wash them in warm soapy water with a soft sponge, rinse thoroughly and make sure they are dry before putting them away.
Hand /Stand mixer: always put the mixer and bowl on a solid surface when using them. When mixing cold butter, be sure to cut it into chunks. Do not run the mixer for long stretches of time at once, break the time into two to three minute intervals ie put it on, mix for two minutes switch it off, switch on again mix for another two minutes and so on. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dismantling and cleaning. Make sure they are properly dry before putting them away.
Mixing bowls and spatulas/wooden spoons: always wash these in warm soapy water, rinse in cold water, put on a rack to dry then put away from dust.
Baking trays: when using baking trays, always put baking sheet or parchment paper them to avoid things sticking to them and please never use them as regular trays so they can maintain their shape.
Flour/sugar sifter; when washing these, use a very soft cloth or sponge and minimal force to avoid widening the mesh.
