Before you become a baking expert, you'll need a versatile set of tools that allow you to mix, bake, whisk, roll, and combine the ingredients in your pantry. The cheapest cookware in the store might look tempting, but look for mid- to high-range products that last several years without breaking or cracking.

Quality bakeware also makes it easy to prepare savory dishes, such as pasta and casseroles.

Baking Pans

If you buy one large pan, you'll have too many leftovers when you bake for a small group. Stock up on pans in various shapes and sizes so that you can prepare large servings and small dishes. Each shape also has different uses. Your celebration might call for a round cake or a batch of square brownies.

Buy a muffin pan so that you can make blueberry muffins, cornbread muffins, and cupcakes. Additionally, find a sheet pan so that you can prepare desserts that need a flat surface, such as cookies and almond bark. You can make a pizza with your sheet pan afterward.

Knives and Tools

Buy separate measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Don't assume that you can use one cup for both liquids and powders--each ingredient leaves a residue that could affect your recipe. Pick up a spatula so that you can expertly lift brownies out of the pan.

You'll need a whisk so that you can beat eggs, stir liquids, and mix powdered ingredients. Likewise, pick up a rolling pin and parchment paper to roll dough before you start shaping it or using your cookie cutter. You'll also need a sieve for sifting ingredients, such as flour and sugar.

Stock up on bakeware so that you're always ready to make your favorite treats.