Top Five Tools for Macaron Makers

We tore apart our kitchen to find our top five gadgets to recommend for your macaron making success. This actually was a much harder task than you would think. We thought of everything from the piping bag (Wilton, reusable) to the tips (Wilton #12) the mats, pans, bowls, but when it came down to it, here are the things that scored highest on our list.

So lets dive in, in reverse order:

5. Spatula
Not just any spatula in our kitchen. It’s the GIR spatula, actually called the Spoonula. (AND they have a mini one too, perfect for fillings!)This spatula makes our countdown list because of the silicone material: it never gets hot, or cold (for that matter), and it has easy cleanup–just throw it right in the dishwasher.  The grip is also critical; the smooth silicone handle fits perfectly in my hand. It also has some scientific stuff like medical grade FDA and FLGB approved, platinum-cured silicone, and it’s hypoallergenic and BPA free.  But what we love the most? ALL THE PRETTY COLORS. That’s right, Total girl over here and I love to match my spatulas to my macaron color. I know. Roll your eyes.  It’s fine.

4. A reliable Oven Thermometer
This is like a silent killer: NOT having it might just kill your macarons. Now I know due to my past (weird boyfriends, crazy friends) I might have trust issues, but let me just ask you this, your oven SAYS it’s at 300 degrees, but how do you know? How do you know? You don’t. So that’s where this little metal tool comes in handy. I won’t bake without it, mainly because it’s always in the ovens, but also because I am dedicated to the cause of perfect oven temperatures.

3. Silpat Mat OR Parchment paper
Now there are both pros and cons to both of these items, and instead of getting into a food fight right here on my list, just just know that I value both equally.  Whatever works best for you, I fully support. JUST USE ONE OF THEM.

Many ask how I became president of the fictional Circle Squad. Well, it all started with a mat (Walks on stage, takes Circle Squad Award and thanks her baking mats.) True. Story. Anyway, back to the mats. They slow the spread of the circles and help regulate the temperature and disburse the heat evenly amoung those 30 or so tiny pre-printed circles, leaving you the most amazing circles which are the envy of all your friends. Parchment paper or silicone mat?  Whatever you choose.  And they all lived happily ever after. The end.

2. Pans (Gold Touch Pans to be exact)
First comes the mat, than comes the pan, than comes millions of tiny baby macaron circles. Let me walk you down memory lane for two seconds. On my wedding date <cough> 20 years ago I received four baker’s half-sheet pans with rims. Fast forward those same 20 years of me preaching from the roof tops how amazing said pans are. Did I know this before baking macs? Nope! I had no idea the magic they held. But as I have learned and experimented I can safely say that pans DO matter. Those tinned steel pans aren’t around anymore, but we found some similar heavy-gauge replacements: Williams-Sonoma’s Gold Touch pans.  We are here to give our testimonial on how amazing they really are.

Last, but not least…it’s the apron! (no, kidding)
The scribe! (kidding again)

No really…it’s the SCALE! Yes!!!! *crowd goes wild*

Your food scale is the most important tool for macaron making in your kitchen.  Can you make macs without all the rest, (well, actually, no, probably not) but can you make macarons without a scale? Again, probably not. We have used several scales over the course of this past year and without a doubt our favorite is Etekcity food scale.

Now I’d like to share with you all the runner-up items.

• If we could have worked aprons in there, it might have been one like the heavy canvas Hedley + Bennett aprons, but we also have used the Williams-Sonoma aprons, too. Lets be honest, i love just about all aprons.
• I’m also partial to the handmade scribes from our sweet friend Jaslin at Sugarholic, which I use to help pop noticeable air bubbles on my shells before they bake.
• I use these silicone bowls that can fold into taco shapes (making for a very entertaining Saturday night) but I love them for just that: their flexibility.
• KitchenAid mixers, in every color. Yes, we really do have them in every color.  Which should have made the list, but they were disqualified because of their very close relationship to the writer (me, Barb).

Please also check the SweetMacShop Instagram account for lots of reels and highlights that are chockfull of tips and tricks and trouble shooting tips.  Also, use code SWEETMAC for 10% off your order at Orson Gygi.