Hi I am looking to buy an agbay leveler as i am getting started with my cake business, i am totally sold on professional looking cakes so i need to know if i should bite the bullet and buy the deluxe or the single blade? help me please for all of you whom has an agbay! pppllleeeaaassseee! Which should i buy!
AYou can get a really long knife that will get the job done and not take up counter space. If money is limited, you'd be better off putting the amount towards a bigger mixer or some other item. If it's not, then by all means buy one.
This is not a necessary item - it's more of a luxury. Yet for some reason, it's often one of the first things people new to the business buy.
AI bought my Agbay at the ICES convention last year. I bought the deluxe one, although I have only used the single blade so far. I haven't done as many cakes this year due to a kitchen remodel and an injury. I LOVE my Agbay, it is worth every cent that I spent on it. I am sure I will eventually use the second blade once I start torting cakes again. Ask yourself how much you will be torting cakes to decide whether you need the second blade. I am very glad that I got the deluxe Agbay.
I love my agbay too. I don't always use it because it is bulky so for smaller cakes I will use a knife, but it is one of my favorite tools (I'm just a hobby baker by the way). I purchased the double blade but also haven't used both at the same time yet. You can start the with the single and you can always purchase the extra blade later if you want, but if you will be torting a lot of cakes I would just purchase the deluxe straight away.
Also, I saw here on cc where someone put up a couple of hooks above a doorway and they hang their agbay on that. It was a great idea so I did the same. Really keeps it handy but out of the way at the same time.
An Agbay is a MUST HAVE!!!!! Not that too expensive in my opinion, definitely worth not having to use a knife, and I use my Agbay to level the top of my cake AFTER it's been iced....ensures a nice level top too!
AI resisted buying an Agbay for a couple of years telling myself "im a trained pastry chef and I have a knife." I was kidding myself. An Agbay IS basic equipment. All you need to do is ruin a couple of cakes with that horrid Wilton joke of a leveler or with a knife, and have to rebake. The frustration factor will lead you to understanding the value of the precision you get every time with the Agbay.
AAs for which model to buy, if you're going into biz and will be making large cakes go on and get the big one.
I also have ruined many cakes using the knife, toothpick and Wilton leveler. I decided to just get the Agbay instead of wishing I had one and I will say I have never regretted it. You can always buy a new mixer when they go on sale but I too consider my Agbay a necessary piece of equipment. Sure is a lot better than trying to match up the hills and valleys that have been made with a knife. In fact yesterday I tried a new recipe and torted both layers, with a knife, cause I thought it wouldn't be too bad as it was for the flavor mainly. FORGET it, the cake did not match up right and had all I could do to keep it standing half way decent. Get an Agbay!
I'm not sure if it's the same for everybody who struggles using the knife, but for me, it's simply because I can't cut straight! No matter which method I use or how many toothpicks or whatever I do it always ends up lopsided and the cake isn't level. So invariably you end up turning it the other way to even it out and before you know it half the cake is gone and there are crumbs everywhere lol!
Also I love a gadget
It probably takes me about 20 seconds, which is a little more time. And my slicing, while completely adequate, is not as perfect as the Agbay.
I'm not knocking the product - I'm just saying that if, for example, you only have $800 and the choice is one of these and a 5 qt mixer, you'd be better off buying a long knife for $30 and putting the rest in an 8 qt mixer.
It doesn't make sense that this is the first thing so many people buy. And that I think the reason that it is is that people give the wrong impression to those just starting out. Raving so much about it and say things like it's a MUST HAVE. It's not a must have. It's a really nice thing to to have.
Sorry for all the typos!
I mean this is what the OP said:
Where did she get the idea she needs the thing to have professional looking cakes? Simple not true. But widely believed.
AI, having learned with a knfe like Leah, own an excellent knife. I, like Leah, found something much better than that knife--my Agbay.
I bought it when I could afford it--after my Ktichen Aid Pro, after my 3" MagicLine pans, even after my Mat. I wouldn't trade it. The visual quality of my cakes is improved by it. I set it and go, layer after consistent layer.
Leveling with a knife is an art--an acquired skill that really only the baker/decorator appreciates. It's not one that everyone masters or needs.
If you want perfect results immediately AND you can afford it..............great. If you want to perfect a skill for your own edification......... fine, too. Whatever gives you satisfaction in the end.
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Where did she get the idea she needs the thing to have professional looking cakes? Simple not true. But widely believed.
I think it depends on what kinds of cakes you are making . . . I don't really make figural or novelty cakes - just old school style. It would be near impossible for me to execute any of the European style tortes without my Agbay. I am the first to admit I don't have the skill (or the time to learn the skill) to cut perfect 1/2" slices of cake. More power to you that you can do it!
Liz
I think it depends on what kinds of cakes you are making . . . I don't really make figural or novelty cakes - just old school style. It would be near impossible for me to execute any of the European style tortes without my Agbay. I am the first to admit I don't have the skill (or the time to learn the skill) to cut perfect 1/2" slices of cake. More power to you that you can do it!
Liz
I'll add my name to that list. Tools compensate for lack of skill in many areas, and for time saving needs in others.
I had a type of a cake saw (with the same blade as the Agbay) that I purchased from a bakery supply store about 15 years ago. It did not have the stable, blocked base on it so sometimes I even cut a little crooked with it. It was a pleasure to replace it with an Agbay.
I can't argue with anyone who would call slicing a cake an art. And this is not about long sufferingly doing things the hard way.
I can't believe no one agrees with my point. Ok, so be it - and right after the cake leveler, you should rush out and get a cake safe, right? Who cares if you have only have a teeny 5 qt mixer, flimsy turntable and small oven ...
AMeh, I rarely torte, so it's not something I'm impressed by. But I truly don't doubt that it's helpful for those that swear by it.
What would cause upset about those who do not possess an artful, steady hand who admit to being failures at hand cutting level cakes. Computing that persons with an Agbay cannot and do not own quality stand mixers, good ovens, or turntables is illogical.
There are certainly numerous people who agree with your point and are excellent at hand cutting, trimming, and torting their cakes.
AIf you feel the Agbay calling out to you.......answer it.... Seriously, when it arrives, you'll know if it was a good investment as soon as you get your hands on it. I have a folding leveler that works fine for me, but I'd love to upgrade to the duel-blade sweetness of an Agbay.
A
Original message sent by howsweet
It probably takes me about 20 seconds, which is a little more time. And my slicing, while completely adequate, is not as perfect as the Agbay.
I'm not knocking the product - I'm just saying that if, for example, you only have $800 and the choice is one of these and a 5 qt mixer, you'd be better off buying a long knife for $30 and putting the rest in an 8 qt mixer.
It doesn't make sense that this is the first thing so many people buy. And that I think the reason that it is is that people give the wrong impression to those just starting out. Raving so much about it and say things like it's a MUST HAVE. It's not a must have. It's a really nice thing to to have.
I agree, stand mixer is way better purchase in the first instance.
Perhaps the OP has changed her mind. She said that she already has a business and was going to buy a double leveler (on a previous thread.) http://cakecentral.com/t/747657/agbay-cake-leveler-or-not/30
Certainly no one here would wish to talk someone into purchasing something that they truly do not want, need, or can afford. But the OP did not ask IF she should buy an Agbay...........
The OP's question, which was "which should I buy"......... double or single.
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How on earth can you ruin a cake leveling or torting it with a knife? I have a hard time wrapping my brain around how that is possible. You're using a long one like this, right?
I don't understand how you can sit and gripe about us recommending the Agbay. I know I can not do leveling with a knife, so how difficult is that for you to wrap your brain around. I don't know what I do however, I can not do it. You are probably more professional, experienced, although I have been caking since 2006. I don't feel that it is your duty to call us that do recommend it and write the somewhat scathing review or replies. Please be more tolerable of how we think, it isn't as though we broke the law or anything. We don't need to be scolded like little children. Thanks for all your replies, no matter how you feel.
AI have been making cakes every week for about 2 yrs now, so not a seasoned baker nor a beginner. I do not have an Agbay but i wish i did :( i cannot torte cakes evenly with my Wilton leveler. I can level them, but not tort.. So i rarely torte, if i want height i bake an extra layer of cake. But i make do with what i have, flimsy turntables (betty crocker brand from the dollar store) and all! Lol I have a cake toys wish list and the agbay is def in it.
AI found a $4.99 "cake leveler" which holds my knife at different preset levels. I am working with a less generous budget than howsweet suggested. But hope springs eternal that a $10 used Agbay pops up on Craigslist.
Who cares if I can cut straight or not as an amateur. I love my agbay and would cut anyones cakes from around the world if they want to bring them over. I think it is fun. AND I have the double blade. My only gripe is that it is so quick. The joy only lasts a few seconds on each cake. I never got any enjoymment out of cutting with a knife.
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Who cares if I can cut straight or not as an amateur. I love my agbay and would cut anyones cakes from around the world if they want to bring them over. I think it is fun. AND I have the double blade. My only gripe is that it is so quick. The joy only lasts a few seconds on each cake. I never got any enjoymment out of cutting with a knife.
You lovely generous lady! Will see you around end of August with my cakes from Scotland just booking flight right now.!! x
Buying an Agbay was the best investment I ever made. I would always stress out about leveling a cake because no matter how hard I try to have a perfect level, it never happened. I don't stress out anymore about leveling.
ATotally worth the price! I have the large double bladed one. Best investment I ever made.
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