BEFORE YOU START
Equipment Guide
In this guide, you'll find a complete list of essential and optional equipment for making macarons, along with practical tips and recommendations to help you choose the right tools for your kitchen.
Making macarons doesn't require a kitchen full of professional equipment, but a few essential tools can make a big difference. Below, I've highlighted the equipment that plays the most important role in achieving consistent results.
PTFE (Teflon) Baking Mats
- Consistent Baking ResultsPTFE baking mats are my preferred choice for macarons. They provide a reliable baking surface and help produce evenly baked shells with well-developed feet. Thick silicone mats, on the other hand, often cause hollow shells and weak feet.
- What to look forChoose a brown PTFE mat with a smooth, slightly glossy surface and a structured feel. Avoid very thin, paper-like sheets and thick, generic silicone mats. Professional-grade silicone mats, such as Silikomart, can also work well, but they are usually more expensive.
- My RecommendationI use Bluedrop PTFE baking mats. Their package includes both a silicone mat and a brown PTFE mat. For macarons, use only the brown PTFE mat. I recommend having at least one, but ideally two, to make baking more efficient.
Chocolate
- Good-Quality ChocolateChoose chocolate made with cocoa butter rather than vegetable fats. A simple rule: if you enjoy eating it, you'll enjoy it in your macarons! This applies to both white and milk chocolate.
- White ChocolateLook for creamy white chocolate with a balanced sweetness. I recommend Cacao Barry Zéphyr, but good-quality supermarket chocolate, such as Lindt, works well too.
- Milk ChocolateChoose milk chocolate with a rich cocoa flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. I personally use Callebaut Milk Chocolate, but Lindt is also a good alternative.
Ready to Make Your First Macarons?
Download the complete shopping checklist, and let’s get baking!
