TOOLS TO MAKE YOUR SOURDOUGH JOURNEY EASIER

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Many of these suggestions are just that and will make your process a little easier but none of them are an absolute necessity.   There are work arounds for everything and if you need help with a work around email me and we will figure it out.  That being said, descriptions, opinions and links below.   

Necessity:  Yes 

I say yes just because this is one tool that I have used consistently to create delicious Sourdough Bread!   You absolutely can "open bake" your sourdough.  I have not tried that yet.  

This is the Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven that I use.  

If you are just starting out and don't want to spend too much money, here are a couple less expensive Dutch oven options and remember they can be used for so much more than bread.  I make the most amazing green beans in a DO.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch w/ Handles

Amazon Basics Round Cast Iron DO 7Qt 

2 in 1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot w/ Skillet Lid   TODAY 3/3/25 This one is on sale for $39.79 

Necessary: No

Helpful: Absolutely

This Sourdough Starter Kit contains EVERYTHING you would need besides ingredients and a Dutch Oven.  When I bought my starter kit, I was new and just didn't know all the tools available to me. 

Kit Includes the following:

Round Proofing Basket (9 Inch) 

Oval Proofing Basket (10 Inch) 

I have found the proofing baskets helpful as they keep your dough the standard shape and size.  This can also be achieved with a colander or bowl and a linen towel.

Sourdough Starter Jar 

I'm sure this is helpful as it is straight sided and included the band and measurements I use a quart size wide mouth mason jar.  Works great for me, I can see how this might be easier to scrape and clean having no curves in the jar vertically.

Silicone Spatula  

You probably have one of these around your kitchen, needs a long handle so you can get in there and mix and scrape really well.  I have one I picked up at World Market that I love but I also want a Spurtle.  Remember I'm a gadget girl.  

Dough Whisk

Honestly, I thought can it really make a difference.  Well yes, yes it does. Get one. 

Bread Lame, Cover & Blades 

Some people don't like the long handle, I personally do but I've also not used anything else.

Bowl Scraper

LOL, I've never used it. Maybe I should try it.

Stainless Steel Scraper 
I use this all the time but had one in my kitchen already.  You might have one too.

Flour Duster

I thought to myself,  What?  This is silly.  Nope it's not!  Makes dusting easier and far less messy than me using my hand or even a spoon.  IYKYK

Silicone Bread Sling

Just get one!  I know you might not know me, but I won't steer you wrong.  You can absolutely use parchment paper.  I did and dropped a few hot loaves this way too. Stop burning yourself on a hot DO and dropping bread because your parchment paper tore. 

Cleaning Brush
It a brush.  You might have one.  You might not.  I'm impartial.

Cooking Brush 

I had several of these, use them often.  I did get this in my kit and I use it exclusively for bread.

Bread Stencil 

I don't have these, didn't get them, don't need them.  Sure, they make your bread pretty but if I'm honest, I'm going to cut that shit up and eat it. 

Bread Bag 

This is a disposable paper bag with a window great for gifting your creations.  I bought a couple dozen of them, also linked here.

Reusable Bread Bag 

I do believe everyone needs a good bread bag.  I have linked the ones I love.  I don't have the one that comes in this kit but it's a bread bag.  Not rocket science.  Use what works for you.

User Manual
I mean sure it's a user manual, but you got me and that's way better than a pamphlet of paper.  

Sunflower Cast Iron Trivet: A trivet in the bottom of your DO prevents the bottom of your bread from becoming hard, crispy or burnt.  I would rank this up there as a "must have".  Apparently adding a couple ice cubes underneath also makes a big difference.  Try it! 

 Is a digital scale truly necessary?  Caroline Ingalls surely didn't have one.  She probably measured with her heart or some carved wood cup Pa made her out in the barn.  That said, I've been measuring with a scale, it works for me. You do you boo!  I didn't buy a scale for this specifically, I had two already from dieting and weighing all my food.    If I were buying a scale just for sourdough I would buy one like this one that isn't going to zero out on me mid recipe.  

 Yes, the sourdough kit comes with a perfectly useful dough whisk that works just fine, but (haha you knew a but was coming didn't you) there are multiple components to it and that swirly gig on the top has some nooks and crannies that I worry about having some little dough bits stuck inside of.  Or maybe I just want another gadget?  Anywho, I love this one.  End of story. 

Bread Slicer for Homemade Bread, yes please!  Do you need it, nope.  Do you want it?  I did.  Do I love it?  Yes!  I like consistent even slices.  It looks nice.  It looks professional.  It just feels good. 

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