The Essentials (Must-Have)
These tools will cover 95% of your pie-making needs:
1. Rolling Pin ($15-30)
What to buy: French-style (tapered) or straight wooden pin Why: Even pressure, good weight, won’t stick to dough Skip: Marble (too heavy), hollow plastic (too light) Andy’s pick: 50cm wooden French rolling pin with light taper
2. Pie Dishes ($12-25 each)
What to buy: Start with two:
- 23cm (9”) metal pie dish for savory pies
- 23cm (9”) ceramic for presentation
Why metal matters: Better heat conduction = crispier bottoms Andy’s collection: 3 metal, 2 ceramic for serving
3. Pastry Blender ($8-12)
What it is: Wire tool for cutting butter into flour Why: Faster and less messy than using fingers Alternative: Two butter knives or food processor Andy’s tip: Clean immediately - dried dough is hard to remove!
4. Bench Scraper ($6-10)
Multiple uses:
- Cutting dough portions
- Lifting rolled pastry
- Cleaning work surface
- Portioning butter
Why essential: Most versatile tool in your kitchen Material: Stainless steel with comfortable handle
5. Pastry Brush ($5-8)
What to buy: Silicone or natural bristle Uses:
- Egg wash application
- Brushing off excess flour
- Applying butter/oil
Andy’s preference: Silicone - easier to clean, lasts forever
6. Pie Weights ($15-20)
Options:
- Ceramic or metal weights (best)
- Dried beans/rice (budget option)
Why: Essential for blind baking Andy’s tip: One set lasts a lifetime
The Nice-to-Haves (Worth Buying)
Upgrade your pie game with these:
7. Pie Crust Shield ($8-12)
What it is: Silicone or metal ring that protects edges Why: Prevents burnt edges on long-baking pies DIY alternative: Aluminum foil strips
8. Pastry Mat ($10-15)
What it is: Silicone mat with measurement guides Why:
- Perfect circles every time
- Less flour needed
- Easy cleanup
Bonus: Doubles as general baking mat
9. Dough Scraper/Bowl Scraper ($4-6)
Different from bench scraper: Flexible plastic, curved edge Uses:
- Scraping dough from bowls
- Folding dough
- Portioning filling
Andy’s hack: Cut up old plastic containers!
10. Kitchen Scale ($20-35)
Why weight > volume: More accurate, consistent results Features to look for:
- Measures in grams and ounces
- Tare function
- Capacity: 5kg minimum
Game-changer: Weighing flour instead of scooping
The Luxury Items (If Budget Allows)
11. Marble Pastry Board ($40-80)
Why: Stays naturally cool, perfect for pastry Size: At least 40x50cm Benefit: Keeps butter cold while rolling
12. Stand Mixer ($250+)
Not essential but: Makes pastry in 2 minutes Attachment needed: Paddle attachment Andy’s view: Great if you bake frequently
13. Pie Bird ($8-15)
What it is: Ceramic funnel placed in center of pie Why: Releases steam, prevents soggy tops Bonus: Looks adorable in traditional pies
What You DON’T Need (Save Your Money)
❌ Novelty shaped cutters - Use a knife or pizza cutter ❌ Electric pie maker machines - Gimmicky, limited use ❌ Decorative pie stamps - Fun but unnecessary ❌ Specialized crimping tools - Your fingers work fine ❌ Pie carrier - Use the box it came in!
Building Your Collection: Priority Order
Beginner starter kit ($50-75):
- Rolling pin
- One metal pie dish
- Pastry brush
- Bench scraper
Intermediate upgrade ($100): 5. Pie weights 6. Pastry blender 7. Kitchen scale 8. Second pie dish (ceramic)
Advanced enthusiast ($200): 9. Pie crust shield 10. Pastry mat 11. Stand mixer (if baking frequently)
Care and Maintenance Tips
Rolling Pin:
- Wipe clean, don’t soak
- Oil wooden pins occasionally
- Store flat, not standing
Pie Dishes:
- Hand wash ceramic (dishwasher can crack glaze)
- Metal can go in dishwasher
- Dry immediately to prevent rust
Pastry Brushes:
- Wash after each use
- Hang to dry (prevents mildew)
- Replace when bristles fall out
Pie Weights:
- No cleaning needed!
- Store in jar or bag
- Last forever
Where to Buy in Singapore
Budget-friendly:
- IKEA (great basics - Alexandra and Tampines outlets)
- Daiso (small tools, brushes - found at Jurong West, Woodlands, and most malls)
- Sheng Siong (basic pie dishes - branches across Singapore)
Mid-range:
- FairPrice Finest kitchen section (Great World, Harbourfront locations well-stocked)
- Tangs/Robinson’s homeware (Orchard shopping district)
- Lazada/Shopee (read reviews!)
Premium:
- ToTT Store (professional quality - Orchard outlet recommended)
- Tangs cooking section (Orchard)
- Online: Amazon, Williams Sonoma
Key Takeaways
✅ Start with basics, upgrade as you go ✅ Invest in rolling pin and metal pie dish first ✅ Kitchen scale improves consistency dramatically ✅ Many “specialty” tools aren’t necessary ✅ Quality basics > lots of cheap gadgets
You don’t need a fully stocked kitchen to make amazing pies! Start with the essentials and build from there based on what you actually use.