Begin by cutting the end tip off your disposable piping bag/pastry bag. How much you cut off is determined by the size of the nozzle you are going to use. Some recipes will tell you the type of nozzle (ie open star-tip etc), but for the actual sizing of the nozzle, some have numbers and letters, and some it is stamped on the actual nozzle. Here, for my 8″ 3 layer cake, I used a 2D closed-star tip. Tipless icing bags are disposable and closed at the tip so that you need to use scissors to cut off the end and begin piping. You can cut the hole as wide or as narrow as you need. Regular piping bags are more ideal if you are doing intricate decorating as you will have more control using a tip and coupler. Cleaning and maintaining a piping bag There’s no one right icing bag to choose, it all depends on your preference and the type of icing you like to use to decorate. These handy decorating tools are generally a cone-shaped bag which holds your icing and attaches to a nozzle which sets onto the smallest end. As you squeeze the icing out of the bag and through the nozzle, you can carefully create any design you like on the top of your cake or biscuits.

For the perfect finish that is quite literally the icing on the cake, you need a quality piping bag and nozzles. Disposable decorating bags reduce the need for clean-up afterwards, or why not choose a duo colour piping bag for a fun decorating twist? However you’re planning to decorate your cake or baked goodies, this range has everything you need to update your baking cupboard with the best. Piping bags & icing nozzles Getting the right size piping bag is important as it means you can continually ice without having to stop and refill your bag with more ingredients. The right size will ultimately depend on what you are decorating.

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Reusable piping bag. These bags are usually made from canvas with a plastic inner lining and can be cleaned and reused again and again. They are excellent for heavy duty use and are durable, heat-resistant and biodegradable. Slowly add the remaining water and knead the dough in the bowl for four minutes. (Alternatively, you could mix with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook). Generally, a 12-18 inch (approx. 30cm - 45cm) piping bag will be suitable for medium to large cakes or surfaces. If you are doing smaller detail work, a 6 inch (approx. 15cm) piping bag should be sufficient.

The Appetito Icing Bag Set is a great option that contains a reusable piping bag and three different tips with couplers. For serious bakers, the Avanti Icing Set 18pce with Box contains 12 different stainless steel nozzles for creating any work of art plus a nail and cleaning tools. Tips for using your new piping bag Make baking even more fun and convenient by adding our other kitchen utensils and baking accessories to your growing collection: Most piping bag tips will be dishwasher-safe for convenience. Some reusable piping bags can be dishwasher-safe, while others may need to be washed by hand with warm soapy water. Other kitchen utensils to consider when purchasing piping bagsDisposable piping bag. These bags are typically made out of food-grade plastic and are made to be thrown out after each use. They are hygienic, easy to use and convenient.