Be prepared for your sourdough journey with these sourdough essentials. These tried and true products are a must have for every sourdough baker.
Beginning your sourdough journey is extremely exciting and if you’re anything like me, you want to make sure you’re fully prepared. As a sourdough microbakery owner, I am giving you the top tools that I use daily.
You are going to learn about all about sourdough essentials from a sourdough starter jar, to a dutch oven, proofing baskets, and more.
After learning about all of these sourdough tools, you will be well prepared to start your sourdough journey.
This post is all about the must have sourdough essentials that all sourdough bakers should have.
Must Have Sourdough Essentials
1. Sourdough Starter Jar
One of the main sourdough essentials that you will need is a sourdough starter jar. This exact jar set is the best jar on the market.
When shopping for a sourdough starter jar, be sure to look for a wide jar with a wide mouth for ease of stirring. Having both a cloth lid and a lid that fully seals the jar gives you the flexibility to use this jar on the counter and for storing your starter in the fridge.
2. Sourdough Spatula
Another absolutely essential sourdough tool is a sourdough spatula (or jar spatula). And trust me, you can never have too many!
When shopping for spatulas, I recommend buying a jar spatula or a small, flexible spatula. This will help with ensuring proper mixing of your sourdough starter.
3. Sourdough Mixing Bowl
If you don’t have one at home, a good sourdough mixing bowl is an absolute sourdough essentials must have as this is where your dough will live while it is proofing.
It is highly recommended that you use a glass or ceramic mixing bowl. Whenever possible, I like to buy products that can be used for multiple purposes, such as the nesting bowls pictured above. Not only are they perfect for sourdough but they can also be used for mise en place, make the perfect popcorn night movie bowl or even a fresh fruit bowl for the counter.
4. Sourdough Bowl Covers
Sourdough bowl covers are an underrated sourdough essential. In order to keep your dough from drying out, be sure to keep the bowl covered. I prefer using a reusable bowl cover like these. They work great for counter proofing as well as cold proofing.
5. Danish Dough Whisk
If you’re excited about sourdough but not excited to get your hands too messy, these danish dough whisks are an absolute must have sourdough essential for you.
Not only do these whisks keep your hands clean, but they do a superior job of fully incorporating the ingredients.
6. Sourdough Dough Scraper
An often overlooked sourdough essential is a good dough scraper. Also known as a bowl scraper, these are multifunctional tools. Not only do they allow you to reduce waste by getting the most dough off the sides of your bowls, but they are an efficient tool when it comes to shaping your loaves.
There are many different varieties of dough scrappers from silicone to plastic to metal. I highly recommend starting with this silicone dough scraper and then trying different styles to meet different needs.
7. Sourdough Bread Proofing Baskets
These sourdough bread proofing baskets are the perfect addition to your sourdough essential tools collection. They offer both the round and oval styles for versatility.
8. Dutch Oven (with lid)
A high quality dutch oven with lid is essential for your sourdough journey. The dutch oven will help you achieve that perfectly golden brown, crusty bread.
Not only do these dutch ovens come in a variety both classic and trendy colors, but they are very study and durable as well.
9. Sourdough Bread Sling
These sourdough bread slings are a lifesaver when it comes to baking. Not only do they make it easier to get the dough into the dutch oven and the beautiful loaf out, but they also make clean up a breeze.
This pack offers versatility by including both a round and an oval sling.
10. Bread Lame
In order to have beautifully scored bread, a bread lame is a sourdough essential must have.
As someone who has tried almost every bread lame on the market, I have to say this is the perfect bread lame. It is easy to hold, easy to use, and with the magnetic feature, easy to store. You will not be disappointed.
11. Spray Bottle
Last, but certainly not least, on our sourdough essentials list is a glass spray bottle. My secret to a beautiful, crispy crust every time is giving the dough a good spray before it goes in the oven.
For safety purposes, be sure to label your glass spray bottle and only fill with filtered water.
The silicone base adds a layer of protection to your bottle.
BONUS : Sourdough Essentials Kit
Looking for a 1-click option or the perfect gift? This sourdough essentials kit has *almost* everything you need to start your sourdough journey.
This post was all about the sourdough essentials every sourdough baker should have for their sourdough journey.