The Best Tools for Making Sourdough Bread at Home
There’s something truly magical about making sourdough bread at home. From the tangy aroma of the starter to the satisfying crackle of the crust, every step of the process feels like a labor of love. But as anyone who’s tried their hand at sourdough knows, having the right tools can make all the difference. Below, I’ll share my favorite tools for making sourdough bread—and how they’ve transformed my baking process.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep creating content like this, so thank you!
1. A Reliable Digital Kitchen Scale
Precision is everything in sourdough baking. Measuring ingredients by weight (rather than volume) ensures consistent results every time. A good digital scale can handle both large and small measurements with ease.
2. A Sturdy Bench Scraper
When it comes to handling sticky sourdough, a bench scraper is your best friend. It’s perfect for dividing dough, cleaning up your work surface, or even shaping your loaves. I got mine as part of a 6 piece set, see link below. These are also may go-to bannetons.
3. A Quality Proofing Basket (Banneton)
A banneton helps shape your dough and gives it that signature spiral pattern we all love. I prefer a silicone banneton as they can go in the dishwasher and are easier to store. You can also look for one with a breathable liner to prevent sticking. I also prefer a 9″ for a normal sized boule but also use these mini bannetons to make little turkey boules at Thanksgiving, or as gifts with initials scored in the top.
4. A Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you want that coveted crusty sourdough, a Dutch oven is a must. It traps steam during baking, giving your bread that beautiful rise and golden crust. When purchasing a dutch oven for sourdough, make sure the oven and the lid can go up to 450 degrees!
Bread Oven
Another alternative to a dutch oven is a bread oven! This one is on sale too! Originally $107, on sale for $63!
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Bread Oven – 1.5 qt.
Or try this Le Creuset Bread Oven that’s beautiful on your oven top all year long.
5. A Sharp Bread Lame
Scoring your dough before baking isn’t just for looks—it’s essential for controlling how the bread expands in the oven. A bread lame with replaceable blades will give you the cleanest cuts.
I use this but you can certainly use something similar like this for much less.
6. A Large Mixing Bowl or Container
A simple, sturdy mixing bowl is essential for mixing and fermenting your dough. Bonus points if it’s big enough to accommodate dough expansion during the bulk rise! I love this 6 quart container as it has a tight lid and I can make up to 4 boules in this without overflowing. A 4 qt bowl will also work well for 2 boules at a time. Lids aren’t required – you can always just cover with a tea towel!
7. Bread Bags and a Bread Box
Bread bags are essential to keep your sourdough fresh once you’ve cut into it. These are also perfect to use when sharing bread or gifting. I eventually got a bread box for my countertop after I was sick of having bread bags out all the time.
Bread Box – make sure you get one that’s large enough to hold your boules! I also love to show off the bread through the window of the box.
Making sourdough bread is such a rewarding journey, and these tools have truly been game-changers in my baking process. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, having the right tools can take your sourdough game to the next level.
What are your favorite sourdough tools? Let me know in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for new recommendations!