Whether you are just starting your sourdough journey or already baking weekly at home, having the right tools can make the process easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. Over time, I’ve found a few essentials that I use regularly in my own kitchen for mixing, fermenting, shaping, packaging, and preparing bread for customers.
Below are some of sourdough baking tools and everyday essentials that help simplify the baking process.
Proofing Baskets (Bannetons)
Proofing baskets help dough hold its shape during the final rise while also improving structure and creating the classic artisan sourdough pattern many bakers love.
Use proofing baskets regularly for:
Look for baskets that:
- are made from natural rattan
- include washable liners
- come in different loaf sizes
Great for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Dough Scrapers & Bench Scrapers
Scrapers are small tools that make a huge difference during sourdough baking.
Use them for:
- handling sticky dough
- dividing dough
- shaping loaves
- cleaning the work surface
- transferring dough
A flexible bowl scraper and a sturdy metal bench scraper are both extremely useful in a sourdough kitchen.
Mixing Bowls
Glass mixing bowls with lids are one of the most-used tools in my kitchen. Use them for mixing dough, stretch-and-folds and proofing.
Helpful features include:
- lightweight but durable material
- non-slip bottoms
- easy-to-clean surfaces
- large capacity for bulk fermentation
Having multiple bowls also helps when preparing several doughs at once.
Final Thoughts: You do not need a professional bakery setup to start making beautiful homemade sourdough bread. A few reliable tools can make the process easier, cleaner, and much more enjoyable-especially when baking regularly at home.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting small business.