There is something satisfying about candy making at home. It is a fun and rewarding experience that requires some special equipment. Read on to learn more about the special equipment you need to make candy.
1. You will need several heavy-bottomed non reactive saucepans. The most used saucepans for candy making are 4- and 6-quart. The saucepans need to be stainless steel. Aluminum pans react with baking soda. And, copper may react with acidic foods.
2. A candy thermometer is a must when making candy at home. Candy thermometers can be digital or analog. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and price ranges. Make sure to get a candy thermometer that ranges from 200℉ to 325℉.
3. Having four mixing bowls will prepare you for most candy recipes. There is no need to have a collection of small bowls for holding ingredients. What you do want are medium and large bowls. You will want to get either metal or Pyrex glass mixing bowls.
4. For some recipes, you will need a strainer. For candy making, the best choice is a standard fine-mesh strainer. A four-inch strainer is an ideal size for making candy.
5. A stand mixer will make it easier to make candy at home. Although you can use an electric hand mixer. When purchasing a stand mixer, choose a high-quality mixer. Most come with a stainless steel mixing bowl and a batter paddle. Most stand mixers have handy accessories like a dough hook and wire whips you can buy.
6. You will need a couple of heat proof mixing spatulas. You do not need anything fancy. Make sure the spatula is “heatproof” and made of silicone. Heat Proof mixing spatulas are essential because making candy requires high temperatures. Regular mixing spatulas may melt when exposed to high heat.
7. Another essential for candy making for beginners is a sheet pan. The sheet pan needs to have a continuous rim that is three-quart to one inch high. You will use sheet pans when making fruit jellies and candy bars. Get yourself a couple of 9x13-inch quarter sheet pans and 13x18-inch half sheet pans.
8. Most candy recipes call for you to line the sheet pan with parchment paper. You can cut the parchment paper to whatever size you need. And you can reuse parchment paper. Another option for lining the sheet pan is a silicone mat. These reusable mats are versatile and come in different shapes.
9. Every candy maker needs a good pair of oven mitts. The oven mitts need to cover your entire hand. This will protect your hands from accidental splashes. And when handling hot sheet pans and saucepans.
10. Knives and kitchen scissors are also essential when making candy at home. For most recipes, you will need a chef’s knife and a paring knife. A pair of kitchen scissors will make it easier to cut sticky treats like marshmallows. When purchasing kitchen scissors, make sure to buy a pair that is heavy-duty, dishwasher safe.