Essential Tools for Sourdough Baking

I still remember my first sourdough loaf—sticky dough clinging to my hands, a misshapen blob barely holding its structure. But with the right tools, everything changed.

Suddenly, my dough had strength, my crusts crackled, and my loaves rose like magic. The right tools don’t just make baking easier—they help unlock the full potential of sourdough.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essential tools for sourdough baking, comparing traditional vs. modern equipment and explaining why each item deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Must-Have Tools for Sourdough Baking

Before you start baking, you need a solid toolkit. Let’s break down the essentials that will take your sourdough from good to great.

1. The Bench Scraper: Your Dough’s Best Friend

If there’s one tool I can’t live without, it’s my bench scraper. This simple piece of metal or plastic helps you handle sticky dough, clean your work surface, and shape loaves with ease.

Why You Need It:

• Dough Handling – Sourdough is wetter than typical bread dough. A bench scraper keeps it from sticking to your hands and makes folding and shaping easier.
• Surface Cleanup – Flour and dough remnants can make a mess. A quick scrape keeps your countertop clean.
• Dividing Dough – If you’re making multiple loaves, a bench scraper helps you cut and portion dough evenly.

Modern vs. Traditional:

• Modern: Stainless steel bench scrapers with measurement markings offer added precision.
• Traditional: Wooden-handled scrapers provide a classic feel but require more care.

2. Bannetons: The Secret to a Beautiful Loaf

Ever wonder how artisan sourdough gets that perfect round or oval shape? The answer is a banneton—a proofing basket that supports your dough as it rises.

Why You Need It:

• Structure & Shape – Sourdough spreads without support. A banneton helps it hold its form.
• Improved Crust – The ridged pattern on the basket allows airflow, enhancing the crust’s texture.
• Less Sticking – Flour and rice flour dusting prevent dough from sticking during proofing.

Modern vs. Traditional:

• Modern: Plastic or silicone proofing baskets are easy to clean but lack the breathability of traditional options.
• Traditional: Cane or rattan bannetons absorb excess moisture, creating a better crust.

3. The Dutch Oven: Your Home Oven’s Best Trick

Sourdough baking is all about steam, and a Dutch oven is the easiest way to replicate a professional bread oven at home.

Why You Need It:

• Traps Steam – Moisture helps the dough rise fully before the crust sets, creating that signature oven spring.
• Even Heat – Thick cast iron ensures a consistent bake.
• Crispier Crust – The sealed environment enhances caramelization for deep golden hues.

Modern vs. Traditional:

• Modern: Enameled Dutch ovens prevent rust and require no seasoning.
• Traditional: Bare cast iron retains heat well but needs maintenance.

4. A Digital Scale: Precision Matters

Sourdough isn’t a guessing game. A digital scale ensures accuracy in every measurement, which is key for hydration levels and fermentation success.

Why You Need It:

• Consistent Results – Measuring by weight eliminates the variability of cup measurements.
• Better Dough Hydration – Precision in water-to-flour ratio ensures the right dough texture.
• Less Waste – Avoids over-measuring and wasting ingredients.

Modern vs. Traditional:

• Modern: Digital scales provide accuracy to the gram.
• Traditional: Mechanical scales work but lack fine precision.

5. A Lame: The Art of Scoring

That beautiful ear on a sourdough loaf? It comes from scoring the dough just before baking. A lame—a razor blade on a handle—lets you control expansion and create stunning designs.

Why You Need It:

• Better Oven Spring – Scoring allows controlled expansion instead of unpredictable cracks.
• Aesthetic Appeal – Beautiful designs make each loaf a work of art.
• Easier Handling – A sharp lame glides smoothly through dough without pulling.

Modern vs. Traditional:

• Modern: Replaceable blade lames offer sharper cuts.
• Traditional: Wooden-handled lames with fixed blades have an old-school charm but require sharpening.

6. A Sourdough Starter Jar: The Heart of Every Loaf

Your sourdough starter is a living culture, and it needs the right home. A wide-mouth glass jar makes feeding, monitoring, and maintaining your starter easier.

Why You Need It:

• Clear Visibility – Watch fermentation bubbles and monitor activity.
• Easy Stirring & Feeding – A wide mouth makes mixing hassle-free.
• Sanitary Storage – Glass won’t absorb odors or stains like plastic.

Modern vs. Traditional:

• Modern: Jars with airtight lids help control hydration.
• Traditional: Cloth-covered jars promote airflow but require more attention to moisture loss.

Traditional vs. Modern Equipment: Which Should You Choose?

Sourdough has been made for centuries without fancy tools, but modern innovations make the process more accessible.

When to Go Traditional

• You love the hands-on, artisanal feel of classic tools.
• You want natural materials like rattan, wood, or cast iron.
• You enjoy working with time-honored methods.

When to Choose Modern Equipment

• You prefer convenience, precision, and easy maintenance.
• You want added features like measurement markings or non-stick surfaces.
• You’re looking for efficiency without sacrificing quality.

The Right Tools Make All the Difference

Sourdough baking is a craft, and like any craft, the right tools elevate your skills. Whether you embrace traditional methods or lean into modern convenience, having the essentials on hand will transform your baking experience.

So, grab your bench scraper, dust your banneton, and preheat that Dutch oven—it’s time to bake the best sourdough of your life.

This article is part of the "Mastering Traditional Sourdough Baking" series.