Essential Tools for Sourdough Baking at Home

Embarking on a sourdough bread journey is exciting, and having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. A sourdough starter jar helps you monitor fermentation, while a digital food scale ensures precise measurements for consistent results. A bench scraper makes handling sticky dough effortless, and a banneton basket helps shape your loaves while providing that classic artisan look. For scoring, a sourdough lame allows for controlled expansion and beautiful designs. A Dutch oven, especially a cast iron one, creates the perfect baking environment by trapping steam for a crispy crust and a great rise. To make things even easier, a silicone bread sling simplifies transferring dough, and a dusting wand evenly distributes flour for a polished finish. With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to bake delicious, bakery-quality sourdough bread at home!

Here I have created list of supplies that would help you get started on your sourdough adventure! With sourdough, the possibilities are as endless as the bubbles in your dough!

Having a clear jar for your sourdough starter is great because it allows you to easily monitor its activity and health. You can see the bubbles forming, indicating fermentation is happening properly, and track how much it rises and falls after feeding. A clear jar also helps you spot any issues, like separation or mold, early on. Plus, it makes it easier to measure and maintain consistent feeding schedules. Choosing a jar with a wide mouth makes stirring and feeding more convenient, while a loose-fitting lid or breathable cover allows gases to escape without contamination. Overall, a clear jar makes caring for your sourdough starter simpler and more effective!

Wissy&Konny Sourdough Starter Jar 2Pack 35OZ with Ounce Scale Line,Date Marked Feeding Band, Thermometer, Sourdough Jar Scraper, Cloth Cover & Wood Lid, Wide Mouth for Sourdough Bread Baking

KneadAce Sourdough Starter Kit, 34oz Sourdough starter Jar, 2 x Cotton Rope Banneton Bread Proofing Basket, Bread Lame for scoring, Perfect Gifts for bakers Sourdough Bread Baking supplies

BOOMIBOO Sourdough Starter Jar, 24oz Sourdough Bread Baking Supplies Fermentation Kit, Glass Jars Bread Making Accessories with Date Marked Feeding Band, Thermometer, Cloth Cover & Metal Lid



A food scale is essential for sourdough baking because it ensures precise measurements, leading to consistent and successful results. Unlike using measuring cups, which can vary in accuracy, a scale allows you to measure flour, water, and starter by weight, which is crucial for maintaining the right hydration levels. This precision helps keep your sourdough starter well-fed and balanced, preventing issues like overly wet or dry dough. It also simplifies the process of scaling recipes up or down. Whether you’re feeding your starter or mixing dough, a food scale takes the guesswork out of sourdough baking, making it a must-have tool for any home baker.

CROWNFUL Food Scale, 11 lb Digital Kitchen Scales with Built-in Coin Battery, Weight Ounces and Grams for Cooking and Baking, 6 Units with Tare Function, LCD Display, 304 Stainless Steel

BOMATA Waterproof Kitchen Scale, 0.1g/0.01oz High Precision, 5kg/11lb, Washable, USB Rechargeable, Digital Scale for Food,Cooking, Baking, Weight Loss

A dough whisk will make mixing the dough easier.

Zulay Kitchen 13-Inch Danish Dough Whisk – Wooden Danish Whisk for Dough with Stainless Steel Dough Hook – Traditional Dutch Whisk – Bread Whisk for Sourdough, Pizza, Pastry, Cake Batter

Danish Dough Whisk Stainless Steel Dough Hook Dutch Whisk for Sourdough Bread Dough Mixer Hand Wooden Handle Kitchen Whisking Mixing Tool Bread Making Tools and Supplies

A bench scraper is a must-have tool for sourdough baking because it makes handling and shaping dough so much easier. Its sturdy, flat edge helps you scrape sticky dough off your work surface without making a mess, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also great for dividing dough evenly, shaping loaves, and transferring dough without deflating all those precious air bubbles. Plus, a bench scraper can be used to clean up flour and dough scraps, keeping your baking area tidy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this simple tool makes sourdough baking more efficient and enjoyable!

.

SURDOCA Dough Scraper Bench Scraper – 3P 4.7×3.7″ Plastic Flexible Bowl Scraper, Sharp Edge & Angles Cake Scraper. Non-Slip Bakeware Decorating Tools Sculpting & Modeling Tools

SURDOCA Dough Scraper Bench Scraper – 3P 4.7×3.7″ Plastic Flexible Bowl Scraper, Sharp Edge & Angles Cake Scraper. Non-Slip Bake ware Decorating Tools Sculpting & Modeling Tools – Pure Pink

Pro Dough Pastry Scraper/Cutter/Chopper Stainless Steel Mirror Polished with Measuring Scale Multipurpose- Cake, Pizza Cutter – Pastry Bread Separator Scale Knife (1)

Covering sourdough while it is proofing is essential to maintain the right environment for fermentation and dough development. It helps prevent the dough from drying out, which can create an unwanted crust on the surface, making it harder for the bread to expand properly in the oven. Covering also regulates temperature and humidity, ensuring consistent fermentation for better texture and flavor. Additionally, it protects the dough from contaminants, such as dust or airborne bacteria, that could affect the final result. Whether using a damp towel, plastic wrap, or a reusable cover, keeping your sourdough covered during proofing leads to a well-hydrated, properly risen loaf with a beautiful crust.

100PCS Bowl Covers for Bread Proofing, Reusable Elastic Sourdough Bread Baking Supplies, Plastic Bowl Covers for Bread Rising, Stretchable Plastic Wrap for Storage Containers

Reusable Bowl Covers for Bread Proofing (2 Lg) – Beeswax Bowl Covers Reusable, Sourdough Bowl Cover, Elastic Cotton Cloth Bowl Covers, Bread Cover for Rising, Bread Bowl Cover, Fabric Bowl Covers

Banneton baskets are great for making sourdough because they help support the dough during its final proofing stage, maintaining its shape and structure. Without a banneton, high-hydration sourdough can spread too much, resulting in a flatter loaf. The coiled design of these baskets also creates a beautiful spiral pattern on the crust, adding an artisanal touch. Additionally, the baskets promote even air circulation, helping the dough develop a better texture and preventing excess moisture buildup. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, using a banneton basket ensures a well-risen, aesthetically pleasing sourdough loaf with a crisp crust and airy crumb.

Banneton Bread Proofing Basket, Banneton Basket Set of 2, 9 inch Sourdough Proofing Basket Round Proofing Bowls Handmade Rattan Baskets and Liners, Artisan Sourdough Bread Making Kit

Bulka Large Round 9″ 1kg Groove Banneton Bread Proofing Basket Pressed Wood Pulp, Sourdough Proofing Basket – Non-Stick Bread Proofing Bowl Sourdough Bread Baking Supplies

Sourdough warmers are great to have because they create a consistent, controlled environment for your starter and dough to ferment properly. Since sourdough thrives at warmer temperatures (typically between 75-85°F), a warmer ensures steady fermentation, especially in cooler climates or during winter months. This helps your starter stay active and bubbly while also allowing your dough to rise predictably, leading to better texture, flavor, and oven spring. A sourdough warmer removes the guesswork and prevents long, sluggish fermentation times, making it easier to bake successful loaves every time.

Sourdough Starter Warmer 2.0 with USB Adapter Kitchen, Accurate -35°F Thermostatic Control (45-80°F), Auto Heat On/Off, 12 Hour Timer, Game Changer for Home Baking USB Plug

Aieve Sourdough Starter Warmer, Sourdough Home for Heater or Cooler,Adjustable 41-122°F Bread Starter Box for Sourdough Bread Baking

Sourdough Bread Proofing Warming Mat, Dough Proofer Heating Pad with Proofing Cloth, for Bread Making, Fermenting

Cozy Bread® Sourdough Bread Proofing Mat for Home Bakers | Thermostat Controlled Bread Proofer (10″ x 21″) | Dough Riser Heating Mat

Sourdough lames are great to have because they allow for precise scoring, which helps control how your bread expands in the oven. A sharp lame (a special bread scoring tool) creates clean, defined cuts, preventing the dough from bursting unpredictably while baking. This not only improves the overall structure of the loaf but also allows for beautiful, decorative scoring patterns that give your sourdough an artisanal look. Compared to regular knives, a lame provides better control and sharper slashes, ensuring a professional-quality crust and better oven spring. Whether you’re making simple cuts or intricate designs, a sourdough lame is an essential tool for any home baker.

SAINT GERMAIN Premium Hand Crafted Bread Lame for Dough Scoring Knife, Tool Sourdough Slashing with 10 Blades Included Replacement Authentic Leather Protector Cover

KneadAce Upgraded Extractable & Magnetic Bread Lame Dough Scoring Tool – Professional Sourdough scoring tool for Sourdough Bread baking & Bread Making Tools – Scoring Patterns booklet & 5 Razor Blades

A silicone bread sling for a Dutch oven is a game-changer for sourdough baking because it makes transferring your dough safe and effortless. Instead of struggling with parchment paper that can tear or burn, a reusable silicone sling provides a sturdy, heat-resistant surface to lift and lower your dough into the hot Dutch oven with ease. It also helps prevent burns and ensures your bread keeps its shape without deflating. Plus, since it’s non-stick and reusable, it’s an eco-friendly option that reduces waste while making cleanup simple. A silicone bread sling is a small but mighty tool that helps you bake perfect sourdough loaves with less hassle!

Silicone Bread Sling for Dutch Oven, 2 Pcs Non-Stick & Easy to Clean Bread Baking Mat Set, Reusable Bread Sling with Long Handle to Transfer Sourdough

Silicone Bread Sling for Dutch Oven,2 Sizes Set Non-Stick & Odor-Free Bread Baking Mat Set,Anti-slip Reusable Bread Sling with Long Handle,Edge Sealing Design,Essential Sourdough Bread Baking Supplies


A dusting wand is a great tool for sourdough baking because it helps evenly distribute flour on your dough, banneton basket, or work surface without clumping or over-flouring. This ensures a light, even coating that prevents sticking while also allowing for beautifully defined scoring patterns on your bread. A dusting wand is especially useful for creating contrast when decorating loaves with intricate designs, as the flour highlights the scored areas. Plus, it minimizes mess and waste by giving you better control over how much flour you use. Whether prepping your dough or adding the final touch before baking, a dusting wand makes the process neater and more precise!

.OXO Good Grips Baker’s Dusting Wand for Sugar, Flour and Spices, Stainless Steel

JETKONG Powdered Sugar Shaker Duster Flour Dispenser Shaker with 18/8 Stainless Steel Spring-operated Handle for Sugar Flour and Spices



A sourdough bread knife or slicer is a must-have because it makes cutting through crusty loaves effortless and precise. Sourdough has a thick, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, which can be difficult to slice with a regular knife. A high-quality bread knife with a long, serrated blade glides through without crushing the loaf, ensuring clean, even slices. This is especially helpful for making uniform pieces for sandwiches or toast. Plus, a good bread slicer reduces crumbs and tearing, making your homemade sourdough look as beautiful as it tastes. Whether you bake occasionally or often, a dedicated sourdough bread knife enhances the whole experience!

2 Pack Bread Slicer for Homemade Bread, 16” Wooden Sourdough Bread Knife with Bow Design, Premium Stainless Steel Serrated Bread Cutter for Bagels and Baguettesv

Manual Bread Slicer for Homemade Sourdough Bread, Adjustable Thickness, Evenly Slicing, Hand Crank Bread Slicer with Scale Line and Suction Cup, Sharp Blade, Suitable for Sourdough, Crusty Bread, Etc

Bread Slicers for Homemade Bread – No Splinters with HDPE Base and Maple Fingers – 4 Different Thicknesses for Uniform and Consistent Slices – Foldable Bread Slicing Guide with Optimal Knife Grooves

A cast iron Dutch oven is especially nice for baking sourdough bread because it retains and evenly distributes heat, creating the perfect baking environment. The thick, heavy walls of cast iron help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the baking process, which is crucial for achieving that perfect rise and crispy crust on your sourdough. Cast iron also holds onto heat well when you remove the lid, allowing the bread to bake evenly without losing temperature. Additionally, it’s incredibly durable, naturally non-stick (especially when well-seasoned), and can be used on a variety of surfaces, from stovetops to ovens. This versatility and heat retention make cast iron Dutch ovens ideal for baking flavorful, bakery-quality sourdough at home.

Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan 8.5×4.5 Inch, Black

2 in 1 Cast Iron Bread Pan with Lid, Loaf Pans 2 Piece Set for Baking Homemade Meatloaf, 9×5 Inch

A Dutch oven is an excellent tool for sourdough bread baking because it creates the ideal environment for the dough to rise and develop a beautiful, crispy crust. The heavy, tight-fitting lid traps steam from the dough as it bakes, which helps the bread retain moisture and achieve that perfect, crackly crust while also promoting a lovely oven spring (the final rise). This sealed environment mimics the steam-injection used in commercial bakeries, ensuring your bread rises properly and gets the desired texture. Additionally, a Dutch oven can maintain consistent, even heat, which is essential for baking sourdough to perfection. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, using a Dutch oven makes it much easier to create bakery-quality sourdough at home.

Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Lid, Round Bread Oven for Homemade Sourdough Bread Baking, 6 Quart, Red

Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot With Lid for Cooking, Bread Baking, Bread Oven, 5.5 Quart, Lake Blue

With these supplies, you’ll be ready to bake beautiful, flavorful sourdough bread at home!

Leave a comment

Leave a comment

Search