Top 10 Tools Every Cake Decorator should have
Cake decorating is exciting. There are many tools, cutters, design/techniques, and courses available. As a self-taught cake decorator, I wish I knew in the beginning, what I know now. I have learned over time what tools are essential to be an effective cake decorator. I have compiled a list of ten tools that I believe every cake decorator should have. These are my absolute favorite tools and are the main tools that I use today. It was very difficult to narrow it down to just ten because I have so many tools. Here are my top 10 tools every cake decorator should have.
All tools are up to your discretion, I am not saying to run out and buy them all, however, you accumulate over time. 
1. The Mat
The Mat from Sweetwise is my absolutely favorite tool. It is used to roll out fondant and to cover cakes. I love it because, when you roll out the fondant, it stays on the mat, therefore you avoid ripped fondant. Also, no cornstarch is needed and you end up using less fondant and who doesn’t like that? If you are intimidated by fondant, this is your best tool.
2. Level
The level is also one of my favorite tools and it is very essential. It is used to make sure your cakes are leveled. No one wants a cake that looks like the leaning tower of Pisa. Usually I make sure the cake is leveled from the moment I add the filling, then, I check again once I have frosted the cake. I purchased my level at the local hardware store. The most interesting part, was the look on the sales associate’s face when I explained that I was using it for cakes. I cannot stress more, how important this tool is.
3. Pizza Cutter
I used pizza cutter to cut fondant. It is one of the best and cheapest tool you can find. The pizza cutter leaves a smooth edge and can cut very close to the cake base that is covered with fondant. A very useful tool.
4. Cake Turntable
A cake turntable is essential for frosting a cake and also covering a cake in fondant. I use the Wilton turntable and I must say it makes frosting a cake much easier. When I started decorating cakes, I did not know this existed and I made a lot of my cakes by hand (you don’t want to see my beauties). However, once I found the turntable at JoAnn’s there was no turning back. The one below I believe is a 10 inch, if you decorate larger cakes, I recommend a turntable extender.
5. Bench Scraper
Bench scraper is another essential tool. I use it in conjunction with the cake turntable. It is a lifesaver for frosting a cake. Use by holding at a 90 degree angle while turning the cake turntable and you will have smooth frosting. It also removes all the excess frosting from the side of the cake and the top. It produces straight edges with less effort. I bought mine at the 99 cent store; however, you can find larger ones at the hardware store.
6.Offset Spatula
There is no better tool for frosting a cake like an offset spatula. I like it because it is so versatile. The offset spatula makes it very easy to put frosting around a cake evenly and smoothly. It is also useful for lifting cakes. Offset spatulas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The smaller ones are better for smaller cakes, while large ones are better for a big or a tall cake. I use both sizes equally. 
7. Clay Extruder
The clay extruder is another life saver. It is extremely useful to make fondant ropes, borders and even hair for your figures. I used it to make web for my Spiderman cake. It has multiple discs to 
choose from so it can be used for many projects. It works best with very soft fondant, but you have to condition it first with vegetable shortening before placing it inside the extruder.
8. Carving knife
Carving knifes are essential for sculpting cakes, slicing cakes into multiple layer, leveling the tops of cake and trimming the sides of cakes. You need a good knife to carve a cake. The knife should be strong and have a serrated edge. I have a medium size knife that I use for smaller cakes and a large one from Cake Boss that I use for larger cakes. The cake boss serrated knife comes with a sheath to protect between uses. Be very careful with the knife, remember it is not for fingers **ouch**.
9. Pasta Machine
A pasta machine is great for making gum paste flowers and for design elements such as fondant
ruffles. It saves a great deal of time and is worth the investment. I used the pasta machine to make a cake with fondant ruffle flowers (picture to the right) and while I spent hours (felt more like days) working on the fondant ruffles, it came out beautiful. In addition, each piece of fondant or gum paste can be rolled out to multiple thicknesses. Keep in mind, the machine will not make strips wider than 6 inches. I recommend purchasing the one that clamps to the table for stability.
10. X-acto Knife
The X-acto knife is perfect for making clean cuts on fondant. Once I discovered this tool there was no going back. I use it now for all my cake projects. For best results, keep your X-acto blade clean and sharp. Remember to wipe your blade on a damp cloth after each use to keep it clean. Any residue of fondant or gumpaste left on the blade can make the edges of rough.
If you have other tools that you use that you think are useful, post a comment below. Happy caking.
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