Unlike cooking, where food is often seasoned subjectively to taste, baking relies on very precise units. Some basic measuring devices that any kitchen will need are:

Set of solid measuring cups—Get ones in varying sizes. These cups are not interchangeable with the liquid measuring cup.http://www.landolakes.com/TestKitchen/TipsAndTechniques/BakingEquipment.aspx#06fe118c-fa18-4acc-9bbb-ac996176845b 

Liquid measuring cup—This cup is specifically for measuring liquids (like water or oil) and can be used for various increments of measure by tracking the measuring bar along the side of the cup. It is not interchangeable with the measuring utensils intended for solids.http://www.landolakes.com/TestKitchen/TipsAndTechniques/BakingEquipment.aspx#06fe118c-fa18-4acc-9bbb-ac996176845b 

Set of measuring spoons—These will usually come together on a ring and are good for measuring both liquids and solids. Unlike table silverware, these spoons are also the exact amount each spoon is described as being. A table spoon is not necessarily an accurate measuring device, as one set of dinnerware may vary slightly from another.http://www.landolakes.com/TestKitchen/TipsAndTechniques/BakingEquipment.aspx#2ca05bf4-3f88-45ae-acde-239f856af427  

Baking relies on precise preparations that should make the actual baking portion of your kitchen feat to be more of a grand finale after a series of steps. Here are your preparation basics:

At least two medium mixing bowls—This will give you enough leeway for any instances requiring you to prepare more than one mixture at a time. Mixing bowls come in an array of sizes and often come together in a set. It could certainly benefit you to have options when it comes to mixing bowls. If you're looking to start with the bare bones, though, make sure that you have a least two handy. A middle size is generally the best when you're not sure what to purchase.

Egg whisk—One is shown on the far right in the image at the left. You never know when you will need to just quickly beat an egg and while there are fancier versions of the whisk out there, sometimes it is just best to keep the simplest option handy.

Electric hand mixer—These are used like whisks but more elaboarate. Technically, if you're on a tight budget, you can skip this item and just use your whisk. Some batters can get especially thick and may take a long  time to mix by hand. Not only will whisking cake batter cramp your hand and take up time, but there is a chance of creating an imperfect mixture with flecks of flour—the equivalent of lumps in your mashed potatoes. If you can, splurge on the hand mixer.

Mixing spoon—A nice, large wooden one as shown above will work.

At least one spatula—A spatula is flat and will make it easier to remove any remnants of a sticky concoction from your mixing bowl. It will also allow for layering a batter evenly into a pan. A rubber spatula will work nicely for these actions. However, a rubber spatula is not resistant to heat. When removing fresh, piping-hot baked goods from their pan, you will need a metal one as seen in the middle of the image above. Ideally, you should have a few spatulas.

Set of knives, including a butter knife—A butter knife will generally come in handy when trying to create a level measurement of a dry substance. A sweep with a flat, easy-to-handle item like a butter knife will give you a perfect measurement. A smaller spatula may achieve the same result but would be less ideal for something like slicing a precise tablespoon of butter. 

Small or medium sauce pan—These are useful for when you'll need to prepare a sauce for your recipe, like melting chocolate or butter.

Rolling pin—You'll need one for doughs that require flattening, like breads and cookies.

Two round cake pans—If you decide to make a layer cake, having two of them will mean you have enough pans for each portion of your cake to bake at once. 

Pie dish—These also come in a deep-dish variety, so if a yummy deep-dish apple pie is something you are dying to make, you may want pick one up.

Cupcake baking pan—Like the name implies, you can use these to bake cupcakes and muffins. 

Cookie sheet—A cookie sheet is a long, flat oven pan. It is designed as a dish with little to no depth because a cookie doesn't generally have a lot of depth either.http://www.marthastewart.com/266322/baking-sheets-101  You will definitely need a cookie sheet.

Parchment baking sheets—If you want a substitution for a cookie sheet or pan, these will work. They are also used for more advanced baking recipes.

A medium-sized baking pan—Make sure you have a medium-sized pan that is a little deeper than your cookie sheet.http://thebakingpan.com/Baking_Basics/baking_equipment.html  It is good to have a couple options, but you have to start somewhere if you want to take on something like brownies.

Oven mitt and potholder—You will be handling items at extremely hot temperatures and don't want to end up with burn blisters.

As long as you're out stocking your kitchen, you may as well pick up some of the most common ingredients in baking. You'll become very familiar with each of these as you advance and refine your baking skills.

• All-purpose flour 
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Butter
• Cream
• Eggs
• Salt
• Unsweetened cocoahttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/baking-essentials/index.html