Must-Have Sourdough Baking Tools
Do you want to get into sourdough baking, but don’t even know where to start? First of all, check out my Everything You Need to Know About Sourdough blog to learn about getting started with sourdough, or check out my podcast linked below! But when it comes to materials, all you really NEED is a sourdough starter. Everything else you can improvise to get it done, but there are many tools that will make life easier for you. Below I will list “the basics”, which are some must-haves when it comes to sourdough baking. Then I will list “the extras”, which are nice to have because they make life easier if you’re really getting into sourdough baking. The links I am posting are affiliate links, so I do receive a small commission if you do choose to use them (it means a lot to me!). But I only recommend products that I back 100%!
The Basics
If you’re just getting started with making sourdough, these are the items that I highly recommend you have. These items make sourdough baking 10x easier.
1. Dutch Oven
I think this is the most important tool when it comes to bread making. I have done it before without a Dutch oven, but the bread never comes out crispy enough. Using a Dutch oven, WITH the lid, keeps the steam in while the bread is baking. This is what makes it nice and fluffy on the inside, and the crust super crunchy on the outside.
2. Proofing baskets
Proofing baskets are important because they give the dough their shape while proofing, and it makes it easier to transfer dough from proofing basket to Dutch oven. The wicker allows for better air circulation which will result in a crispier loaf!
3. Bench Scraper
Bench scrapers, or dough scrapers, make it easy to divide and separate the dough. It also works great when cleaning up any excess dough or flour from the kitchen. In a pinch, I have used a knife, but a bench scraper works way better. It is much easier to manipulate the dough with a bench scraper than a knife. You can use a metal one dough scraper, which I prefer to use, or you can use a silicon scraper. Many people like the feel of the silicon scrapers, so its just preference!
4. Scoring lame
A bread lame is a necessary tool to score the dough before putting it in the oven. Scoring the bread gives the steam somewhere to release, otherwise the bread could explode. In a pinch, I’ve used a knife to score my bread before, but it wasn’t ideal. Knives aren’t typically as sharp or thin as a razor. Trust me, you rather use a lame.
BONUS: If you need all of the above (excluding the Dutch oven), I recommend getting this sourdough baking bundle.
Extras for Sourdough Baking
While you don’t NEED these tools, they have been super helpful when it comes to baking. These are tools I use and recommend, and now that I have them, I couldn’t live without!
1. Stand Mixer (Kitchen Aid)
You guys- this has been a game changer for me. Having a stand mixer has made baking so much easier. I love using my stand mixer for sourdough cinnamon rolls, sourdough focaccia, sourdough cakes and more. This mixer goes far beyond sourdough- you can use it for anything! My favorite brand of stand mixers are Kitchen Aids. These can be a little pricey but they are high quality and last a very long time. My mom has had her Kitchen Aid longer than I’ve been alive. They are great purchases! Otherwise, there are cheaper stand mixers than you can opt for instead!
These making putting your dough in the Dutch oven and taking it out so much easier! And it is a more eco-friendly option than having to constantly by parchment paper. You just pop your dough on there, and keep it in the oven until the bread is cooked! It is made out of silicon so it is oven-safe!
3. Dough Whisk
I feel like most people would put this in “the basics” category, but here’s the thing- I have one and I barely use it. I rather just use a spoon, but I’m sure most sourdough bakers swear by a dough whisk, so I decided to add it here. So it’s up to you- this might be the first thing you get for sourdough baking. You might love it. But you won’t know until you try. Personally, I just use a spoon or my hands.
That’s it- those are all of my recommendations! You don’t need much to get started with sourdough, but I highly recommend getting the basics. Thanks for reading!
Want to learn even more about sourdough? Listen to part 2 of my sourdough podcast!
