Customer Reviews

Ateco 12" Metal Revolving Cake Stand

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I'm a dedicated (amateur) home baker who bakes several times a week, and there are two final frontiers still unknown to me: yeast breads and fancy layer cakes. Unlike simple Bundt cakes or single-layer cakes, layer cakes are composed of two (usually three) or more layers of carefully arranged cakes glued together with some sort of icing (fudge, chocolate, buttercream, etc.). If you're trying to assemble and frost a layer cake on a stationary cake stand, it's much harder to achieve a smooth finish when frosting the outside as you have to keep manually turning the stand, which can cause the cake to wobble and become crooked as you're trying to ice it.

I decided to take the plunge and invest in an Ateco revolving cake stand. It has a very solid cast iron base with a lovely vintage white finish and a 1/8" aluminum top. It also comes with a nonstick pad that can either be used under the stand to keep it anchored to the countertop, or on top of the stand to stabilize your layer cake.

There are several different companies (Magic Line, Wilton, Ateco) that manufacture similar cast iron revolving cake stands, but I chose Ateco based on prior brand purchases (cake decorating equipment) and the fact that the stand is constructed in the USA (other than Nordicware, Libbey and Anchor, it's increasingly difficult to find items made in-country!). It came highly recommended by America's Test Kitchen as well. The packaging was very secure and I received my stand without any scratches or dents.

This is a hefty stand, both in weight and cost, that will stand up to a lifetime of use and is well worth the investment if you're a professional baker, pastry chef, or a home cook who makes a lot of layer cakes. If you're just a casual layer cake baker, consider Ateco's US-made plastic revolving stand for 2/3 less. But this is the rare piece of kitchen equipment that is not only useful, but aesthetically pleasing as well; I leave mine displayed on my baker's rack when not in use.

If you're looking for starter ideas for layer cakes, some of my favorites are The Pastry Queen: Royally Good Recipes from the Texas Hill Country's Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe by Rebecca Rather (Texas-inspired layer cakes and baked goods), Baked: New Frontiers in BakingKaffeehaus: Exquisite Desserts from the Classic Cafés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague (Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito), and Kaffeehaus (Rick Rodgers).

This cake stand is well made and sturdy, and it rotates smoothly and evenly. The base is also attractive.

I really recommend this cake stand, if you are tempted to get the Wilton brand consider how often and how serious you are about cake decorating. This will stand the test of time.

Every serious cake decorator needs one of these. The cheap little plastic Wilton ones you can get form WalMart are ok, but if you want efficiency, this one is top notch.

Forget those cheap plastic cake stands found at arts and craft stores; if you do serious (or not so serious) cake decorating, you need this tool.

It's made of metal, thus heavy, so it won't slip. It's in two pieces for dead easy clean up. And it rotates effortlessly.

Yes, there is a less expensive model from the same manufacturer. It's plastic and not nearly as stable.

If you can afford this model, you won't be disappointed.

Please note that the criticisms of this review pertain to the information on the page for the item and not the item itself.

The page for the item describes the dimensions as "15 x 15 x 5 inches" but even the only box is 12 1/4 inches. When I ordered this I was under the impression it was a 15 inch cake stand. There is a reference to the 12 inch diameter on the page but this is in contrast to the other information provided (and frankly I did not expect to have to look for discrepancies). Had I known that it was only 12 inches I would have ordered one of the comparable models which appear to be the same but cost less or a larger one that would have cost a little more.

I spoke to an Amazon representative and they offered to refund the cost of the item but for my immediate needs this is of sufficient size and it would cost almost as much to ship it back as it would save me for the price difference to a less expensive unit.

Also note that the page describes it as 8 pounds (ironically with a shipping weight of 7.2 pounds) but it only weighs 5 pounds and 6.8 ounces (out of the box but I am sure the box does not weigh 2 pounds). I know this may seem like nit picking but it is described as having a heavy cast iron base and would expect the weight to be accurate as this is an important feature.

The three star rating is due to the item not being what I expected (again based on the description) and only got three stars instead of two because of the wording associated with it "It's OK" as opposed to " I don't like it" as the product itself seems fine, though I have not actually used it as of yet.

I was unsure about spending money on a cake stand. I did not want to purchase a plastic stand. After I received it, I am very satifisfied. This cake stand is well made and sturdy; it rotates smoothly and evenly.

I can see why so many people love this turntable, it is heavy and durable looking. The one that I received had an uneven plate and a serious wobble. Even though I received a defective one I am still impressed enough to order a second one and give it another go.

This cake stand is very well built and sturdy. Works well for a 9" cake or a half sheet. Excellent purchase. I am very satisfied and didn't have to wait very long for it to be shipped.Great purchase. Great retailer.

I was so excited to get this item, based on the reviews. Unfortunately, I had to return it. When I set it on the counter and gave it a test spin it wobbled horribly. It WAS nice and heavy and it looked sturdy. I really wanted to love it but it just didn't happen for me and I haven't been able to convince myself that I need to try a second one to see if it was a fluke.