I currently only have one pan, it's 6.5 inches. I'd like to get some more, but would appreciate knowing which pans are thought of as essential to my kit if I plan on making loads of cakes in the future - which I do!!

As in, which size round, which size square, any other shapes which are commonly used? The round shaped ones puzzle me, I guess I'll have to use a mixing bowl?

I'm a hobby baker, but I have round pans from size 5in up to 12in. I have the squares from 6 to 12. I also have hearts, ovals and hexagons. Plus others.

I'd invest in some basic shapes, at least rounds and squares, in a few different sizes. I like have two of each size. Then you can always add more as you need them or get a demand.

I have over 150 cake pans when you throw in all the shapes and 3d pans, and I hardly use most of them. Many of them have never been used at all. So if I was to do it again, I'd plan my investment alot better.

What do you mean by the round shaped one?

Hi. I looked at your cake photos, they are darling! You have done excellent work for only 4 classes and practice. Is there a Michaels or Hobby Lobby or other craft store where you live that sells Wilton products? If you are able to use 40% coupons and purchase the pans, that's the cheapest way to go.

Like Texas Sugar, I'm doing this for a hobby but went ahead and bought 2 sets of each type pan so I don't have to take forever to bake 2 layers.

I'd recommend the Wilton (or the Michaels brand: Celebrate It) round pan set 1st. Then if you like, the Wilton hexagon set, petal set, and heart set. Do NOT buy the Wilton square pan set or Wilton UltraGold pans. For the square, buy Magic Line or Fat Daddio's.

If we are talking about the same kind of round pan used for your Kiwi/Moose cake--which was DARLING by the way--- I just use a Pyrex bowl.

1/4 sheet and 1/2 sheet pans are also essential! Unless it's at a garage sale or specifically requested over and over, do not spend your money on character pans, stick to basic shapes and you can't go wrong.

I have multiples of: 4/6/8//9/10/12/14/15/16 round. Currently there are 18 cakes cooling, so I use them a lot.
I also have multiples of 6/8/9/10/12/14/16 square. I don't use those as often.

Rounds will probably be your most used pan. I also have multiples of 6" to 16". I have all sizes in square, heart, oval, hexagon. As Madameraz said, don't buy the character pans. I just sold about 20 of them ($5 each) to a lady who rents them out of her cake shop. They were the older, out of style character pans like My little pony, Precious Moments, old style Power Rangers, 101 Dalmations, etc. What a waste of money those were! Oh well, I have lots more space in my garage now! Good Luck!

Thank you for the advice ladies!! And for the ego boost Apti...teeheee!! Pan shopping, here I come!