Piping and Cake Decorating Sets: Our Picks
Piping turns a plain cake or batch of cupcakes into something special, and you don't need much to get started. Here are five options: a classic piping bag set, a syringe-style kit that some people find easier to control, an all-in-one kit with a turntable, a set of large nozzles to add to what you already have, and a big 65-piece starter kit. Prices and contents can change, so check the current details on Amazon before you buy.
Piping Bags and Nozzles Set, Cake Decorating Kit
A kit with 3 reusable pastry bags, 18 frosting tips, 3 couplers, 3 bag ties, 3 cake scrapers and a cake decorating tool. The couplers let you swap nozzles without changing bags, which is handy when you want to try more than one pattern.
See on AmazonTeamSky Premium Cake Decorating Syringe Kit (14 Piece)
A reusable cream dispenser in a 14-piece set, with 6 stainless steel piping nozzles and cleaning brushes. It is aimed at icing, cupcakes and biscuits, and suits anyone who finds a squeezy bag awkward.
See on AmazonKootek 180 Aluminium Cake Decorating Kit
An all-in-one kit for beginners and more experienced bakers, with a smooth rotating aluminium cake stand turntable plus piping bags and tips. The turntable makes it easier to ice and decorate evenly, and the listing says it is easy to clean and good for displaying cakes.
See on AmazonLarge Piping Tips Set (5 Stainless Steel Nozzles)
Five large stainless steel icing nozzles (#1A, 1M, 2A, 2D and 4B), suggested for cupcakes, cakes, cream, roses, flowers, meringues and cookies. If you already have piping bags, a few extra tips is an inexpensive way to try new shapes, and 1M is a popular choice for cupcake swirls.
See on AmazonSyntus 65 Piece Cake Decorating Kit with Cake Stand
A 65-piece kit with a cake stand, 31 piping bags, 24 piping tips, offset and straight spatulas, 3 scrapers, a cake leveller, 2 couplers and a tips brush. It brings most of what you need to level, ice and pipe a cake into one box, which suits someone starting from scratch.
See on AmazonHow to choose
- Beginners: a bag-and-nozzle set gives you plenty of tips to experiment with for little money.
- Prefer more control? A syringe-style kit lets you press out icing in a steady line.
- Want to ice a whole cake? A turntable lets you spin the cake as you work, which helps you get smooth sides and an even finish.
- Think about cleaning. Reusable bags and nozzles need washing straight after use, so check the care advice on the product page.
- Starting from scratch? A large kit with spatulas, scrapers and a leveller as well as bags and tips saves buying everything separately.
- Already have bags? A small set of extra nozzles is a cheap way to try new designs without buying a whole kit.
- Start with a few shapes. A star tip and a round tip cover most cupcake and cake designs.
Getting started
Practise on a sheet of baking paper first to get the pressure right. Fill the bag only about halfway, and keep your icing soft but not runny. Once you can pipe a steady swirl, you're ready for a real cake.
New to baking? Have a look at our baking tools for beginners guide, or our cake tin picks.