Does anyone have any idea what, and where, to get those big support straws that Duff uses? Geoff was using them the other night on the "Get Smart" cake and they are SO much easier to cut than dowels.....any ideas?? They are a LOT bigger than regular straws.

Thanks!

They are bubble tea straws. You can find them in Asian groceries and some restaurant supply stores.

JoAnnB got it right!!

so, do you use them just like dowels? Would they really support that much weight?

They really do work suprisingly well. I bought mine on ebay. I use them for 2 tiers don't know if I would go bigger than a 3 but I am sure someone has.

http://www.bobateadirect.com/Bag-of-Fat-Bubble-Tea-Straws-pr-418.html

The work just like dowels. I love mine and I purchased them off amazon.

I have always used regular old drinking straws for up to 3 tiers and have never had a problem. My girlfriend is a pastry chef for a restaurant in NJ and she suggested them to me when I first started making cakes, so that's what I use.
I do use cardboard rounds under each layer and I do not drive the cake anywhere already stacked.....I wouldn't trust them for that, for sure. But for on-site set up, I have never had an issue.
Heather

love love love bubble straws!!! Won't ever use dowels again!!! Unless I am going between two layers.

Most asain markets have them.... or online, as suggested

I get mine from here... http://www.tentea.com/jumbubteastr.html

.......have always used regular old drinking straws for up to 3 tiers and have never had a problem... do use cardboard rounds under each layer......

Agree w/the above
Several have asked "Do they really work?"
You see how Charm City uses them don't you? Of course they work Yes, they hold 'that much weight' & more.

I'm so glad you asked that question and thanks to all who responded. I've always wanted to know the same thing. Has anyone delivered one already set up in straws? Just wondering if it's okay to deliver it all done! Hmm.

WOW!!! THank you all SO much for the response to my question...you are AWESOME!!!

I purchased mine from tentea.com also. Price was right and s/h was not bad.

And Sharon from Sugar Shack also suggests using them. She uses them to stack four tiered cakes with the help of foam core. Its in her Successful Stacking Video.

I have transported 3 tiers with straw supports and a center dowel for a 1 hour ride. Not a problem!

Yah, I would like to try using this method instead of having to worry about getting my stress free support system from people. Sometimes they procrastanate on getting them back to you and you really need them!!

not sure if anyone has posted this already since there are several pages of replies but...In the Cake Bible (rose levy b) she says she always uses regular non bending drinking straws and has never had a problem.

The use of plastic drink straws has been around for yrs now.......as momma28 mentions.
I have delivered many, many cakes - even 3 & 4 tiers using them.

I'm with everyone else on the boba tea straws. I just ordered two bags from Boba Tea Direct...I have yet to use them though. The straws are good because they are nice & sturdy, plus by them being hollow it supports the weight differently and better than wooden dowels, which to me shift sometimes.

You guys just talked me into trying these..........I'm ordering them tonite.

I'm tired of cutting the Wilton Hidden Pillars or wooden dowels.

My Fiance just told me that Sam' Club sells them. I think I'll check there before ordering them online...

this is the issue I have with wooden dowels and the plastic wilton hollow dowels - when I cut them, they are never even/level, and it's impossible to get 4 the exact same height...maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I've had too many close calls. Are the boba tea straws easier to cut level? If not I'm going to the sps!

this is the issue I have with wooden dowels and the plastic wilton hollow dowels - when I cut them, they are never even/level, and it's impossible to get 4 the exact same height...maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I've had too many close calls. Are the boba tea straws easier to cut level? If not I'm going to the sps!

Has anyone used these in a topsy turvey cake? I am so sick of cutting wooden dowls..........I am going to order these right now. I checked Sam's web site and didn't see them listed. Wished I had them for the 2 weddings I have this weekend.....wonder if Pier One would have these or any of the discount stores

I use the thick straws that they have at Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts & McDonalds, I have never had a problem with them, they are so easy to cut, and they are FREE!!!!

I just bought some at a local Asian market yesterday for 99 CENTS for a pack of 50!!! I bought 6 packs!!! WHOO HOOOO!!!! That beats the pants off of 12 wooden dowls for $3!!