Love to Bake? Try These 13 Ideas for a Better Baker's Kitchen
Having a baker in the family is a mixed blessing. Who doesn't love
the aroma of sugar and butter circulating through the house? That's the
good news: Baking equals good-house vibes. The bad news: That's a lot of
calorie temptation to contend with on a regular basis. Yummy carbs are
so hard to pass up.
Baking is specific; it's really a science, if you think about it. Designing or modifying a kitchen for a serious baker requires some thought, even some field research. I recently put together some ideas for a baking enthusiast making some tweaks to her kitchen. Some ideas are suitable for small kitchens, while others work best in kitchens with a larger footprint.
Grab a glass of cold milk — the cookies are in the oven. Here are a baker's dozen ideas to consider while you wait.
Baking is specific; it's really a science, if you think about it. Designing or modifying a kitchen for a serious baker requires some thought, even some field research. I recently put together some ideas for a baking enthusiast making some tweaks to her kitchen. Some ideas are suitable for small kitchens, while others work best in kitchens with a larger footprint.
Grab a glass of cold milk — the cookies are in the oven. Here are a baker's dozen ideas to consider while you wait.
1. Open shelves. Bulk storage of dry ingredients like flour and sugar is easily accessed from convenient open shelves.
2. Rolling cart. Design
with function in mind. If you are short on wall space for cabinets or
open shelves, consider a rolling cart placed close to counters that
holds ingredients and equipment.
3. Tray and baking pan storage.
Upright tray storage is ideal for bakers, because what's inside is easy
to view and access; cabinets made specifically for trays are narrow and
tall. Tray storage can also be placed in upper cabinets above ovens or a
microwave.
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4. Storage drawers and bins.
Drawers are ideal for storage. Being able to view ingredients and
kitchen equipment from above is practical. Also, bins with airtight lids
keep ingredients fresh.
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5. Tool display. A
collection of paint-dipped bread boards is hung just like an art
installation here. Even if tools are just for looks, hang them out in
the open. This could also work with rolling pins or cake molds.
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6. Roll-out drawer. Plan
for a small roll-out drawer within your cabinet design. Use narrow
drawers such as this for storing cookie cutters and measuring spoons.
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7. Tech corner. Plan for a
small space where you can wire in a TV, desktop or laptop computer or
just display an iPad. There are thousands of recipes and how-to videos
online. Include a tech corner next to your countertop and bake right
alongside your favorite demonstration video or cooking show.
Why Your Kitchen Wants Its Own iPad |
8. Double ovens. If you have the space and budget, get wall-mounted double ovens; they're dreamy for bakers.
Consider looking into convection heat as well. Convection ovens work with fans that recirculate heat, which is great for evenly baked cookies and crusts. Even baked goods such as croissants develop a crispy, even texture with convection heat.
Consider looking into convection heat as well. Convection ovens work with fans that recirculate heat, which is great for evenly baked cookies and crusts. Even baked goods such as croissants develop a crispy, even texture with convection heat.
9. Built-in step stool. If you have trays or pans stored in tall upper cabinets, consider a built-in step stool for easy access.
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10. Workstation. If you
bake on a regular basis, go ahead: Set up a workstation right on top of
the countertop. Just like in a real bakery, make the countertops your
work areas. Solid-surface countertops like marble and granite are ideal
for rolling out dough. Display your tools and equipment right where you
use them.
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by Tara Seawright
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11. Cookbooks. Consider a
bookshelf close to a working area. You may want to create easy access
for frequently used books or recipe folders. A shelf next to a center
island, for instance, is practical and good looking.
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12. Spice drawer. Keep the
cinnamon, nutmeg and all the rest at arm's reach. A drawer allows for a
top view of frequently used spices and toppings. If you are into
organization, alphabetize the spices within their rows.
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13. Pastry table. Plan a
space for a pastry table in the main work triangle. Old-fashioned pastry
tables are typically lower than standard countertops. A marble or
similar solid surface is ideal for rolling out pastry or bread dough.
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