When i started my sourdough baking journey, i was a broke college student working more than full-time, so i had to be as frugal as possible. I truly used what i had and was able to make delicious sourdough products. If that is you, or you want to test out sourdough baking before you commit to expensive gadgets, this guide breaks down the sourdough tools you must have and those that are simply nice to have.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning i earn a commission when you purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog.
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Must-Have Sourdough Tools
Glass Jar with Lids
A glass jar with a lid is essential to sourdough baking because this is where you store your sourdough starter and discard. I use mason jars from Dollar Tree, but you can also use old pasta sauce jars.
While you technically can use plastic to store your sourdough starter and discard, plastic can harbor bacteria, is more susceptible to odors and stains, and may react to the acidity of the starter over time. Glass jars are a more sustainable sourdough tool..
1. Glass Bowls
Glass bowls are an essential tool to have if you plan to bake sourdough bread. They are easy to clean, will not react with the sourdough starter, and allow you to see how much the dough has risen. Additionally, unlike plastic, which i avoid whenever possible, glass does not hold on to odors.
Metal bowls, especially reactive metals like copper, are not recommended because they can negatively impact the strength of the starter. Additionally, the acidity of the starter can be corrosive to the metal.
2. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is crucial to your bread oven spring and crusty exterior. It achieves these results by creating steam while the bread bakes. Not only are they great for baking sourdough bread, but they are also a great option for everyday cooking. They handle high heat and can go from the stovetop to the oven. When you purchase a Dutch oven, it won’t be solely for sourdough baking.
If you are not ready to invest in a Dutch oven, you can place the dough on a baking sheet and throw a few ice cubes in the bottom of the oven to create steam.
Why Steam Matters
Steam is crucial for the texture of the bread. It keeps the dough moist while it bakes, allowing for the maximum oven spring.
3. Banneton Basket
A banneton basket is a bowl you place the dough to proof in after it has been shaped. It helps the dough keep its shape while it bakes, and adds the beautiful ridges to the dough.
They are very affordable, however, a well-floured tea towel can be used in its place.
4. Bread Lame
A bread lame is a sharp tool, basically a razor, that is used to score the bread before you bake it. Scoring the bread is essential to control how the bread expands in the oven, it also offers an opportunity to make the bread beautiful.
If you dont have a bread lame, a sharp knife can be used to score the bread. However, you may have to go over the score a few times to get it deep enough, which can deflate the dough.
5. Plastic Bags or Reusable Covers
Once the dough is shaped and ready to be proofed, you place the dough in a plastic bag so it doesn’t dry out or absorb flavors in the fridge. I use a turkey brine bag, but grocery store bags work as well.
Wondering what some of these sourdough terms mean? Check out my Beginner’s Sourdough Guide for definitions and tips!
Nice-to-Have Sourdough Tools
1. Proofing Box
A proofing box is the perfect investment if you want consistent fermentation. It maintains a stable temperature regardless of the season. If your home runs cold, a bread proofing box can save you some of the frustration.
2. Cast Iron Griddle
If you love making sourdough pancakes, English muffins, or flat breads, a cast-iron griddle is game-changer. Cast iron is a non-toxic cooking surface that offers even heating for perfectly cooking sourdough products.
3. Kitchen Scale
Many sourdough bakers believe that a kitchen scale is an essential tool. For several months, i did not have a kitchen scale and i was able to make my sourdough starter and bread without it. As i continued on my journey and became committed to sourdough baking, i did invest in a kitchen scale. Although a kitchen scale yields consistent results, it is not something i think is essential for sourdough baking.
4. Weck Jars
Weck jars are the pretty aesthetic jars you see on social media. They are pretty and add to the experience of baking sourdough bread, but they are by no means an essential sourdough tool.
5. Bench Scraper
A bench scraper is incredibly helpful as you bake higher hydration doughs, transferring dough to the banneton basket, and cleaning up your work surface. However, wet hands will do the trick as well. They are inexpensive, but if you dont want to shell out the $8, you dont have to.
6. KitchenAid Stand Mixer
If you plan on making sourdough brioche, bagels, or any enriched dough, a stand mixer can save a lot of time and effort. However, kneading by hand is always an option and works just as well. The best way to tell if you need one to think about the type of recipes you plan to make. If all you make are artisan loaves, then a stand mixer doesn’t make sense. However, if you plan on making sourdough bagels weekly, then it’s worth the investment.
7. Silicone Baking Mat and Bread Sling
A silicone mat or bread sling are awesome tools that reduces waste and helps prevent your dough from sticking. However, if you already have and buy parchment paper, this is an optional sourdough tool.
Final Thoughts
While you dont need every fancy sourdough tool to make delicious sourdough bread, having the right tools can improve your baking experience. Hopefully, this guide helped you decide what tools are worth the investment and the sourdough tools you can skip.
