Choosing the Perfect Icing Smoother
If you’ve ever wondered how professional cake decorators achieve a flawlessly smooth finish on their cakes you’ve come to the right place. We are going to dive into a few of the different cake decorating icing smoothers available on the market & which one is best for specific frostings. These are the unsung heroes of the baking world & after this article, every cake deserves nothing less than a red-carpet finish.
Choosing the Right Icing Smoother
Not all cake icing smoothers are created equal. Choosing the correct smoother for the cake at hand will make ALL the difference when it comes to the final result. So how do you decide which is the right one for your cake? Well, you’ll have to ask yourself the following questions.
What kind of frosting will you be using?
What will be your cake design?
How tall is your cake?
Do you have a heavy hand?
Why are these questions important? Well, just like not all icing smoothers are created equal, this also applies to frostings and cakes. Frostings such as Swiss Meringue Butter Cream or American Buttercream require a more heavy-duty kind of smoother such as acrylic or aluminum to achieve a smooth finish. Meanwhile, cakes iced in whipped frostings or meringues can be styled with light plastic smoothers.
Materials
Icing smoothers come in many different styles, and sizes & are typically made of plastic, acrylic, aluminum, or stainless steel. Let’s explore the differences between them.
Plastic Icing Smoothers:
- Affordability: Plastic smoothers are often the most budget-friendly option, making them accessible to beginners and home bakers.
- Lightweight: They are lightweight, which can be comfortable for extended use.
- Variety: Plastic smoothers come in various shapes and sizes, offering versatility for different cake designs.
- Texture: Some plastic smoothers may have texture on one side to create patterns on the frosting.
Aluminum Icing Smoothers:
- Durability: Aluminum smoothers are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand repeated use without wearing down.
- Heat Conductivity: Aluminum can absorb and conduct heat, which can be an advantage when smoothing buttercream, as it helps achieve a smoother finish.
- Weight: They are heavier than plastic smoothers, which can be both an advantage (for applying gentle pressure) and a disadvantage (for prolonged use).
- Smooth Surface: Aluminum smoothers typically have a smooth, flat surface, making them ideal for achieving a polished look.
Acrylic Icing Smoothers:
- Clarity: Acrylic smoothers are transparent, allowing you to see the cake beneath as you work. This can be helpful for achieving precision.
- Smooth Finish: Like aluminum smoothers, acrylic smoothers have a smooth, flat surface, making them excellent for achieving a flawlessly smooth cake surface.
- Durability: They are durable and can last a long time with proper care.
- Variety: Acrylic smoothers come in various shapes and sizes, offering versatility for different cake designs.
Stainless Steel Icing Smoothers:
- Material: Stainless steel smoothers are made of metal, specifically stainless steel.
- Advantages: They are exceptionally durable, resistant to corrosion, and have a sleek appearance.
- Smooth Finish: Stainless steel smoothers have a smooth, flat surface, making them excellent for achieving a perfectly smooth cake surface.
- Weight: They are heavier than plastic but lighter than some aluminum smoothers, providing a balance between control and comfort.
- Ideal For: Stainless steel smoothers are preferred by professionals and home bakers who want durability and a sleek design.
Types of Smoothers
Bench Scraper: A flat metal or plastic tool with a straight edge, perfect for smoothing the sides of frosted cakes and achieving clean, sharp edges.
V-Shaped Smoothers: These smoothers have a V-shaped edge that’s useful for getting sharp corners and edges when working with buttercream frosting. They provide a polished finish.
Texture Combs: Texture combs have ridges or patterns on one side and a smoother edge on the other. They’re used to create decorative patterns while smoothing the icing on the cake’s surface.
Pattern Smoothers: Some smoothers have specific patterns or textures built into them, allowing you to create decorative designs while smoothing the frosting.
Multi-Purpose Smoothers: These versatile smoothers combine various features like a flat edge, and texture patterns, making them suitable for various frosting techniques on cakes.
These icing smoothers are excellent choices for achieving a professional and polished look. Each type has its unique advantages and can be a valuable addition to your cake-decorating toolkits. Whether you’re a hobbyist or aspiring cake artist, remember that practice makes perfect.