Dowel Rod Replacement?

Decorating By countrygal7782 Updated 23 Apr 2012 , 6:59am by sweettreat101

countrygal7782 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
countrygal7782 Posted 21 Apr 2012 , 2:24pm
post #1 of 7

Ok, so I'm wanting some opinions on the best supports to use when stacking tiered cakes directly on top of each other. For years I have used cookie sticks, rather than dowel rods becuase they are easier to cut and I can leave them in the cakes and just use cutters to cut them right even with the icing. I never really liked wood dowel rods because they are a pain to cut. Reciently though, I have seen people using all sorts of things for support, like straws or round plastic tubes. I was just wondering what is the best choice for stacking? I've never had problems with the cookie sticks, it just seems that I have to use several of them, especially with a heavy cake, to make sure it is supported well. I'm almost out of cookie sticks, and was going to reorder more, but though about changing what I use if there are better options out there. So I figured I might find some advice on here.
Thanks for the help.

6 replies
leah_s Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
leah_s Posted 22 Apr 2012 , 12:53am
post #2 of 7

SPS!

ozgirl42 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ozgirl42 Posted 22 Apr 2012 , 1:13am
post #3 of 7

I use bubble straws which are about four time the width of normal straws. They are extremely easy to handle and I have never had a problem with stacking. I got mine off eBay. I'm not going back to wooden dowels anytime soon.

bakingkat Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
bakingkat Posted 22 Apr 2012 , 1:24am
post #4 of 7

I also use bubble tea straws. Here I find them at restaurant depot, or asian stores like stupid prices of uwijamaya. Never had a problem, and they are so easy to use. I usually use 6-8 in my bottom tier, and 4 in the middle. (for a 6-9-12 cake)

tokazodo Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tokazodo Posted 22 Apr 2012 , 1:40am
post #5 of 7

I use Milk Shake Straws, which are very thick and about 1/4 inch around. They work very well for smaller 2 tier cakes. The straws can be cut with scissors.

For larger wedding cakes, I use the poly dowels from G.S.A.
There are two sizes, 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch. My most recent square wedding cake, I used the 1/2 inch and I cut them with pruning shears. (A brand new pair)
http://www.globalsugarart.com/product.php?id=19330&name=Poly-Dowels,%2012%20x%201/4%20Inches%20Buttercream%20by%20GSA

I still use a wooden dowel for the center support rod. (I cut that with the pruning shears also.

sweettreat101 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sweettreat101 Posted 23 Apr 2012 , 6:21am
post #6 of 7

I want to try the cardboard dowels that tonedna uses. I was going to place an order last summer for a cake I was making but didn't have enough time for delivery. You have to place a minimum order of 20.00 and the dowels are reasonably priced. I think I calculated 85 dowels for 20.00. they have different lengths to choose from.


sweettreat101 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sweettreat101 Posted 23 Apr 2012 , 6:59am
post #7 of 7

Forgot to add the website www.ladymaryateco.com

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%