The Basics: Cake Shovel vs Cake Lifter
While they may seem quite similar at first glance, there are actually significant differences between cake shovels and cake lifters. Understanding these differences can help improve the quality of your baked goods and ensure that they are presented in the best possible way.
Cake Shovels: The Pros and Cons
Cake shovels, also known as cake servers or spatulas, are the classic tool used to cut and serve cake. They feature a wide, flat blade that is ideal for getting under the bottom of the cake layer and lifting it up onto a plate or serving platter.
While cake shovels are easy to use and can provide a great deal of precision when cutting through those delicate layers, they can also be quite bulky and difficult to store. Additionally, they tend to require more skill and practice to use effectively.
Cake Lifters: The Pros and Cons
Cake lifters, on the other hand, are designed to be a simpler and more versatile alternative to the classic cake shovel. These tools are essentially large, thin blades with a flat surface and rounded edges that make it easy to lift off entire cake layers and transfer them onto plates or serving platters.
One of the big advantages of cake lifters is that they are much easier to store than cake shovels, as they do not have a large blade or handle. They are also much simpler to use, requiring less skill and precision to achieve the same results. However, they may not be suitable for certain types of cakes or for those looking for a more complete serving solution.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
In the end, both cake shovels and cake lifters have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Picking the right tool for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of cake you are making, how experienced you are with cake cutting techniques, and how much space you have available in your kitchen.
Tips for Using Your Cake Shovel or Lifter Effectively
Whichever tool you choose, there are a few key tips that can help you use it effectively:
- Make sure the blade is clean and sharp, as this will help prevent any damage to the cake layers.
- Use a gentle sawing motion to cut through the cake layers, rather than pressing down too hard or using a slicing motion.
- Once you have lifted a cake layer, use your other hand to provide support or adjustment as needed, to prevent the layer from breaking or crumbling.
