So… you’re ready to level up your sourdough game? Yay! Before you bake your next loaf using the sourdough timeline, let’s talk about tools.
Now listen—you don’t need every gadget under the sun to make delicious sourdough. But there are a few that will make your life easier, your bread better, and your kitchen more fun.
Here’s the honest, no-nonsense breakdown of the best tools for making sourdough—from must-haves for beginners to game-changers for advanced bakers.
1. Digital Kitchen Scale (Essential)
This is the number-one most important tool for sourdough. Why? Because sourdough is all about ratios, not volume. You absolutely need a digital scale. It will change your baking forever!
Measuring by weight:
- Gives consistent results
- Reduces guesswork
- Helps your starter stay healthy
- Improves dough texture every time
If you only buy one thing, make it a scale. Your sourdough will thank you.
2. Glass or Plastic Starter Jar with Markings
Your starter needs a home—and one with measurement markings makes checking growth way easier.
Look for:
- Clear sides
- 1-quart (or larger) size
- Measurement lines
They help you see whether your starter is actually doubling—a key sign it’s ready to bake with.
3. Mixing Bowls (Preferably a Set)
You’ll use these for:
- Mixing dough
- Autolyse resting
- Stretch-and-fold sessions
- Temporary proofing
Stainless steel, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic bowls work great—just make sure they’re big enough to allow dough to grow.
4. Dough Scraper / Bench Knife
This humble little tool is life-changing.
Use it to:
- Pull dough out of the bowl
- Shape loaves
- Clean up sticky messes
A bench scraper makes handling wet sourdough dough so much easier.
Once you try one… you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
5. Banneton (Proofing Basket)
This one is a big step up from letting your dough proof on a plate.
A banneton:
- Supports dough during final rise
- Helps shape the loaf
- Creates beautiful patterns on the crust
You’ll find oval and round sizes—both are great depending on the loaf shape. If you want Instagram-worthy loaves, a banneton helps you get there.
6. Lame (Scoring Tool)
Scoring is the slash you make on your dough right before baking.
It helps your bread:
- Expand in the oven (hello, oven spring!)
- Look gorgeous
- Form consistent texture
A sharp bread lame gives clean, confident cuts for those stunning ears and curls. Don’t use a dull knife or scissors—they drag the dough instead of cut.
7. Dutch Oven or Baking Cloche
This is the secret weapon for artisan-style crust at home.
Why? The heavy lid traps steam, which:
- Creates crispy crust
- Improves oven spring
- Keeps your crumb open and beautiful
Whether you choose cast iron, ceramic, or enamel—a good Dutch oven is worth it. Our most favorite is the Staub Round Cocotte 5 Quart Tall because it gives more room for that gorgeous oven spring.
8. Oven Thermometer
Sadly, most ovens don’t run at the temperature you think they do.
An oven thermometer:
- Ensures true baking heat
- Helps predict timing
- Takes the guesswork out of your bake
This is one of those tools that feels small… until you use it every time to get that perfect bake.
9. Spray Bottle (for Steam + Crust Control)
If you’re not baking in a Dutch oven, a spray bottle becomes your steam generator.
Light spritzes:
- Create crisp crust
- Help with oven spring
- Give shine and structure
Fun fact: A little mist can make a huge difference.
10. Bread Knife (Serrated)
Once that gorgeous loaf comes out of the oven, you’ll need something that:
- Slices cleanly
- Doesn’t squash the crumb
- Makes morning toast look effortless
A good serrated knife = happy bread days.
Bonus Tools Worth Exploring
These aren’t must-haves, but they’re absolutely delightful:
- Flour sifters—for lighter dough and better gluten development
- Dough proofer box—for temperature-controlled fermentation
- Flour storage container—keeps flour fresh and easy to scoop
- Thermometer probe for dough—for precision bakers
Advice: What You Really Need vs. Nice-to-Have
Must-have tools:
✔ Digital scale
✔ Starter jar with markings
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Dough scraper
✔ Dutch oven or cloche
✔ Bread knife
Nice-to-have:
✨ Banneton
✨ Lame
✨ Oven thermometer
✨ Spray bottle
✨ Flour sifter
You can absolutely bake beautiful sourdough with just the essentials. Everything else just makes the journey smoother—and more fun.
Final Thoughts
Making sourdough is more about rhythm than gear. But the right tools help you:
- improve consistency
- reduce stress
- feel confident
- enjoy the process
If you ever feel stuck choosing the right tool for your kitchen or your skill level, come ask us—we LOVE sourdough and we LOVE helping bakers find exactly what they need.
For more help with your sourdough check out the sourdough glossary or the starter troubleshooting guide.
You’ve got the passion… now let’s make the process joyful (and delicious). Follow along with The Gygi Guide to Sourdough. We can't wait to see what you bake!
