To create sourdough in your own home, you need just a few basic items. In this post we are going to discuss the minimum items you need and three items you may want to splurge on
This is a no fluff post. We are just going to dive right into this information.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Minimalist Baking Equipment
To make sourdough at home, you really only need flour and water. For a step by step guide, head to THIS POST or if you’d rather skip to the good part, buy an established starter. I sell mine (USA shipping only). it is dehydrated and comes with instructions to get going.
I am a firm believer in using what you already have to create sourdough. So hopefully you have these items available OR you can use this list as inspiration to get creative:
- Jar for storage
- Bowl for mixing (this is my absolute favorite for sourdough)
- Tea Towels
- DIY Banneton: Tea Towel + Bowl and line with rice flour
- Dough Scraper
- Sharp Knife, bread lame or razor blade for scoring
- loaf pans or dutch oven for baking
- Parchment Paper
- Oven Gloves, These Gloves are my favorite! (use code FLOUR10 to save)
If you do, hurray!! If not, be creative and see how you can come up with another option.
banneton
So what’s the deal with a banneton? A banneton has several functions. I am not going to go indepth but just give a brief overview.
A banneton for sourdough baking helps your dough hold its shape after its been shaped and is in the refrigerator for cold proofing.
A banneton also helps to wick away any excess moisture and helps with crust development. Choose a wood pulp banneton like BULKA (discount code flouring) or a rope based banneton.
I do NOT recommend silicone based bannetons. The dough sticks. They don’t wick away moisture. You end up ruining the shape and quality of the bread because of how rough you end up being with the dough to get it to release. Just don’t do it.
baking vessel
You can use two bread pans to create a DIY dutch oven. If you choose this option, you’ll want to adjust your temperature and time for baking to not develop too crusty of a loaf.
I personally like baking in a dutch oven. The three options I like are: Victoria 6qt Cast Iron dutch oven, Krustic Dutch Oven (code FLOURING), and the Staub Dutch Oven.
if you’re looking for budget friendly options, nutrimill has enameled cast iron for a reasonable price: Dutch oven and bread pan, most of the time you can stack my code FLOURING to save
Two things to note: one is straight cast iron and the other are enameled cast iron. The short version is the straight cast iron will need routine maintenance with seasoning (rubbing with oil) and you’ll want to be mindful of acidic ingredients. Two, the Krustic is different from the other two in that the “steep sides” are removed with the lid so you dont squish your loaves lowering into the basin.
Equipment to Splurge on
- Bread Sling (this is reusable where parchment is one and done)
- Krustic Dutch Oven, code FLOURING (see this dutch oven in action)
- Staub Enameled Dutch Oven
- Bosch Mixer (PS save an extra $20 with my code: FLOURING)
- for you Bosch mixer, a bottom drive stainless steel bowl SPECIFICALLY FOR bread dough, code FLOURING
- bread lame: hand crafted and perfect for home bakers. I love the wire monkey lame shop here
- durable high temp gloves for bakers. Anyone else tired of burns? I don’t use little mits or pot holders anymore. Now, I use my Lanon Gloves! I truly believe they’re a must for any baker, use code FLOUR10 HERE to save on your custom sized gloves
- Grain Mill, If you are really into bread baking (and just baking), you will LOVE the classic grain mill. Below in the additional resources, I have listed a blog post on how to choose the right grain mill for your home. (PS save an extra $20 with my code: FLOURING)
- Grain, I really like Palouse Brand, they are a great small business to support. I really like the various options of grains and legumes they have for sale. For bread, hard wheat varieties are recommend. Use soft wheat for pastry, cakes, cookies, biscuits.
- ancient grains, I love to vary the grains in my loaves. Khorasan is one of my favorites to use! It is similar to all purpose and just likes a bit more hydration. Either add more water OR decrease flour. I buy mine from grand teton
- SALT! I never skimp on good salt for baking. Salt enhances flavor and aids in fermentation. I only use Redmond real salt, I prefer the coats but love them all!, use code flouring to save
- Water Filtration System
- Water Pitcher, code CFPartner
- Glass Jars
- 4jars Jars, code FLOUR10 these jars are HIGH quality and built for you to succeed in whatever you do
- Bannetons, code FLOURING
- bread bow (code FLOURING) or offset deli knife for cutting
- Bottle Whisk for mixing ingredients, code FLOURING
- wood cutting board, code THEFLOURINGHOME
- beeswax wrap for storing your goods
- Kitchen Scale
- See more of my favorites at my amazon store front
Additional Resources
One of my main objectives for theflouringhome.com is to give you the tools and resources you need to have fun and be successful with sourdough. Here are some additional blog posts and resources available
- NO DISCARD Sourdough Method
- Frequently Asked Sourdough Questions
- Year Round Sourdough Baking Strategy
- 7 Signs your Sourdough Starter is Happy
- Dehydrated Sourdough Starter
- Sourdough Honey Oat Loaf Recipe Card
- Kitchen Aid or Bosch Mixer: which one is the king of the kitchen
- how to choose the right grain mill for your household
If you aren’t finding the information that you are needing and searching for, let me know in the comments.
Happy Baking!
~Boots
