If you’re a sourdough baker, you know the satisfaction that comes with baking the perfect loaf of sourdough bread. But to achieve that perfection, you need the right tools. That’s where this ultimate sourdough gift guide comes in. In this guide, we’ll provide you with must-have tools and accessories to take your sourdough baking to the next level!
Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, these essential tools will help you create delicious, homemade sourdough bread with ease. From dough whisks to cast iron Dutch ovens, proofing baskets to thermometer jars, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and get your sourdough baking journey started!
Read on for the ultimate sourdough gift guide, perfect for any sourdough baker.
Essential Tools for Sourdough Baking
Are you ready to take your sourdough baking to the next level? Check out these essential tools every sourdough baker needs:
Dough whisk
The dough whisk is a simple yet effective tool for mixing your dough. Its unique design allows for easy mixing and prevents your dough from getting stuck in the whisk.
King Arthur Baking – Dough Whisk
Cast iron Dutch oven
A quality cast iron Dutch oven is a baker’s best friend. It retains heat, creates steam, and gives your bread that gorgeous crust we all love. A true game changer!
Bread lame
A bread lame is a small knife used to score the dough before it goes into the oven. This helps the bread expand during baking and creates beautiful patterns on the crust. There are so many options available to pick from, these are a couple I like.
King Arthur Baking – Black Walnut Lame
Bread saw
Don’t let your hard work go to waste by squishing your perfect loaf with a regular knife. A bread saw allows you to slice through your bread without compromising its structure. This item is easily one of my top recommendations for taking your sourdough bread baking to the next level. It cuts beautifully and allows you to slice in more consistent sizes than a standard kitchen bread knife.
Kitchen scale
Consistency is key in sourdough baking, and a kitchen scale ensures that you’re using the correct amount of ingredients every time. Measure by weight, not volume.
Mixing bowl
Use a mixing bowl for combing your dough and for the bulk rise. I love the design of this one below, though most any mixing bowl will work (just try to avoid stainless steel).
Proofing basket
Also known as a banneton, a proofing basket helps your dough maintain its shape during the final rise before baking.
Bench scraper
Use a bench scraper to handle your dough without using your hands. It’s perfect for dividing dough, scraping off excess flour, and cleaning up your workspace.
Mason jar
A mason jar is a great tool for measuring out your sourdough starter and for storing it between baking sessions. You’ll want something that is a minimum or 16 oz, or even larger depending on how much starter you plan to create. Having at least two mason jars is handy as well. One to store your discard for sourdough discard recipes and one to feed your starter in. Again any jars will do but if you don’t have them already here is a small starter pack.
Jar kit with thermometer
Another jar option is one with a thermometer sticker to allow you to monitor the temperature of your air temperature. I find my starter is happiest between 70-74 degrees.
Conclusion
There you have it, the ultimate sourdough gift guide for bakers. Whether you’re a passionate sourdough baker or a novice just starting out, these essential tools and accessories will help you elevate your sourdough baking game and create tasty bread every time.
Remember, the dough whisk, cast iron Dutch oven, bread lame, bread saw, kitchen scale, mixinf bowl, proofing basket, bench scraper, mason jar, and thermometer sticker jar set are all key items that will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
So, whether you’re looking for a special gift for a sourdough baker in your life or simply want to up your own baking game, this guide has you covered. Have fun exploring these tools and creating delicious homemade sourdough bread!
