What You Need to Start Your Sourdough Journey

A guide to the must-have (and nice-to-have) tools for beginner bakers

So you’ve caught the sourdough bug—welcome to the club. Whether you’re reviving one of our dehydrated starters or starting from scratch, there’s something wildly satisfying about turning flour and water into something beautiful (and crusty).

But let’s be honest: sourdough baking isn’t just about the starter. The tools you use can make a big difference in how smooth the process feels—and how good that final loaf turns out. Below, I’m sharing the exact tools I recommend for anyone just getting started with sourdough. Some are non-negotiable, and some are just nice to have once you’re fully obsessed (and trust me—you will be).

Sourdough Starter Essentials (The Must-Haves)

These are the things I consider absolutely necessary to set yourself up for sourdough success.

1. A Good Kitchen Scale

This one is simple, accurate, and affordable. Measuring by weight is a game-changer for sourdough—no guessing, no inconsistencies. If you're still using cups, it’s time to level up.

2. Glass Jar for Your Starter

I love this jar because it's sturdy, see-through (so you can admire those bubbly rises), and easy to clean. A wide mouth makes feeding and stirring a breeze. Highly recommend getting two.

3. Danish Dough Whisk

This bread whisk is one of those tools you didn’t know you needed—until you try it. It mixes your dough way more efficiently than a spoon or spatula, especially during the shaggy dough phase.

4. Parchment Paper

Sourdough is sticky. Parchment makes transferring and baking way easier—especially if you’re using a Dutch oven. I use this one every bake.

5. Proofing Basket Set

These bannetons help your dough hold shape during its final rise. They also leave that pretty spiral imprint on top of your loaf. Bonus: this set includes a liner, a lame, and more.

6. Silicone Spatula

This spatula is the hero of starter feeding and bowl scraping. It’s flexible, strong, and easy to clean—honestly, I have three.

7. Kitchen Towel Set

These flour sack towels are perfect for covering your dough during bulk fermentation or final proof. They're lightweight, breathable, and don’t stick to your dough like thicker towels can. I use them daily—not just for baking.

Nice-to-Have Tools for Sourdough (But You’ll Want Them)

Once you’re hooked (and you will be), these tools take your sourdough setup from basic to elevated.

1. Budget-Friendly Dutch Oven

This one is great if you're just getting started and don’t want to drop a lot of money on a fancy pot. It traps steam beautifully and bakes a gorgeous crust.

2. Heavy-Duty Dutch Oven

Ready to invest? This upgraded version will last forever. It holds heat like a champ and levels up your crust and crumb.

3. Rice Flour

This rice flour is my go-to for dusting bannetons and shaping surfaces. It’s naturally non-stick and way better than regular flour for preventing dough from sticking during proofing.

 4. Flour Sifter

This sifter makes it easy to get that light, even dusting of flour over your dough or basket. It’s one of those tools that feels extra—but once you use it, you’ll never go back to the pinch-and-sprinkle method.

5. Pastry Mat

This non-stick mat makes shaping and cleanup a dream. It’s great for measuring, too—especially if you’re splitting dough. Plus can double as a toddler splat mat for crafts and kitchen helping.

6. Silicone Baking Sling

If transferring your dough into a blazing hot Dutch oven makes you nervous, this sling is a must. It gives you total control and avoids burned fingers.

7. Bread Proofing Box

Cold kitchen? No problem. This proofer keeps your dough at the perfect temp for rising. It’s a little luxury—but it makes a big difference.

8. Silicone Bread Proofers

These compact proofers are great for tighter spaces or batch baking. They're flexible, stackable, and easy to store.

9. Bread Lame (Scoring Tool)

This lame lets you score beautiful designs into your loaf—and controls how the bread expands in the oven.

10. Sourdough Bread Knife

A crusty loaf deserves a good knife. This one slices through even the crispiest crust without mangling your crumb.

11. Bread Bags

Once you’ve baked the perfect loaf, these bags keep it fresher longer. They’re breathable, reusable, and a sweet little upgrade from wrapping in foil or plastic.

12. Bread Slicer

If you like uniform slices (or want to avoid the “mangled end piece” situation), this foldable bread slicer helps you cut clean, even slices every time.

13. Shower Caps

Yes—shower caps. These ones are one of my favorite low-tech sourdough hacks. They stretch perfectly over bowls during proofing and are reusable, which makes them a win in my book.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need everything to start your sourdough journey—but having the right few tools can make it easier, more fun, and way less frustrating. These are the exact things I use (and love) in my own kitchen, and they’ve helped me bake hundreds of loaves with confidence.

Looking for a starter to go with your tools? Grab your dehydrated sourdough starter here and let’s get baking.

Happy baking (and welcome to the crumb club),

Erika

Founder, Mother and Crumb