My Favorite Sourdough Tools (And Why I Actually Use Them)

If you've spent any time in the sourdough world, you've probably discovered that there are hundreds of gadgets, tools, and accessories that promise to help you bake the perfect loaf.

The truth? You don't need a kitchen full of fancy equipment to make great sourdough.

When I first started baking sourdough, I kept things simple. Over time, I've found a handful of tools that genuinely make the process easier, more consistent, and more enjoyable. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your baking routine, these are the sourdough tools I reach for again and again.

1. A Digital Kitchen Scale

If I could recommend only one sourdough tool, it would be a digital kitchen scale.

Sourdough relies on precision, and measuring ingredients by weight instead of volume makes a huge difference in consistency. Flour can vary greatly depending on how it's scooped, but a scale ensures you're following your recipe accurately every time.

Why I love it:

• More consistent results

• Easier recipe adjustments

• Less cleanup than measuring cups

Link to my kitchen scale: https://amzn.to/4vkPx3N

2. Glass Jars for Starter

I've tried several containers for maintaining my starter, but simple glass jars remain my favorite.

Being able to see the rise and fall of the starter helps me know exactly when it's active and ready to use. Plus, they're easy to clean and inexpensive.

Why I love them:

• Easy to monitor starter activity

• Reusable and durable

• Easy to clean

Link to my starter jars: https://amzn.to/3QRzwV3

3. Banneton Proofing Baskets

These baskets aren't absolutely necessary, but they do help create beautiful loaves and support the dough during its final rise.

The baskets help the dough hold its shape and create those classic artisan bread patterns that make homemade sourdough look bakery-worthy.

Why I love them:

• Better loaf structure

• Beautiful finished appearance

• Supports dough during proofing

Link to my banneton baskets: https://amzn.to/4wB7Wuc

Link to my banneton covers: https://amzn.to/4bfGJ8c

4. A Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven was one of the biggest game changers in my sourdough journey.

The enclosed environment traps steam during baking, helping create the crust and oven spring that sourdough is known for.

Why I love it:

• Crispy crust

• Better rise

• Consistent baking results

Link to my dutch oven: https://amzn.to/4gtGdqJ

5. A Dough Scraper

This simple little tool doesn't get enough credit.

I use mine every time I bake. It's perfect for handling sticky dough, cleaning work surfaces, and dividing dough portions.

Why I love it:

• Makes dough handling easier

• Helps keep countertops clean

• Inexpensive but incredibly useful

Link to my bench scraper: https://amzn.to/4fiiJTk

6. A Bread Lame

A bread lame is the small tool used to score the top of a loaf before baking.

While a sharp knife can work, I find a lame gives me more control and cleaner cuts. Plus, it's fun experimenting with different scoring patterns.

Why I love it:

• Cleaner scoring

• Better loaf expansion

• Adds a creative touch

Link to my lame: https://amzn.to/4pcgSUi

7. Bench Flour and Patience

Okay, technically these aren't tools.

But they've become two of my most important ingredients for success.

Sourdough has taught me patience, flexibility, and the importance of learning from mistakes. Some days produce beautiful loaves. Other days produce what my family affectionately calls "Oops Bread."

Every loaf teaches something new.

What You Really Need to Start

If you're new to sourdough, don't feel pressured to buy everything at once.

You can make excellent bread with:

• A starter

• Flour

• Water

• Salt

• A kitchen scale

• A bowl

• A baking vessel

  
  

Everything else can come later.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite things about sourdough is that it doesn't require perfection. Every baker learns through trial and error, and every loaf is an opportunity to improve.

The tools I use today certainly make the process easier, but the most important ingredient is still practice. Whether your loaf comes out picture-perfect or a little denser than planned, you're learning a skill that's been passed down for generations.

And if you're currently staring at a loaf that didn't turn out exactly right, welcome to the club. We've all baked a little "Oops Bread" along the way.

Happy baking!

— Laina

Campbell's Corner Farm Stand