Fondant smoother

A fondant smoother is a flat, handheld paddle, usually with a slightly curved or rigid surface, pressed and glided over freshly draped fondant to push out air bubbles and smooth it tightly against the shape of the cake underneath.

Using one properly involves working from the top of the cake outward and down the sides in overlapping passes, letting the smoother's flat edge press air out ahead of it rather than trapping bubbles under the fondant. A second smoother in the other hand can help work both a side and the top corner at the same time on square cakes.

Look for a smoother with a comfortable grip and an edge firm enough to press out air without tearing thin fondant. A pair, one for each hand, speeds up smoothing large cakes. A common mistake is pressing too hard too soon after draping, which can stretch and thin the fondant before it has settled into place.