Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about orders, shipping, products, and sourdough baking. Can't find what you're looking for? Our friendly team is here to help.
Orders & Shipping
How long does shipping take?
We dispatch orders within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping within Australia takes 3-7 business days depending on your location. Express shipping is available at checkout for faster delivery (1-3 business days to metro areas).
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free standard shipping on all orders over $100 within Australia. For orders under $100, shipping is calculated at checkout based on your location and chosen delivery method.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with your tracking number and a link to track your package. You can also track your order by visiting our Track Order page and entering your order number.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we only ship within Australia. We're working on expanding our shipping options and hope to offer international delivery in the future. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when this becomes available.
What happens if my package is lost or damaged?
We take full responsibility for getting your order to you safely. If your package is lost or arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of the expected delivery date with photos (if applicable), and we'll arrange a replacement or full refund.
Returns & Refunds
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy on unused items in their original packaging. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund or exchange. Please note that items must be unused and in resalable condition.
How do I return an item?
To initiate a return, please contact our customer service team with your order number. We'll provide you with a return shipping label and instructions. Once we receive and inspect the item, we'll process your refund within 5-7 business days.
Can I exchange an item for a different size?
Yes! If you ordered the wrong size banneton or need a different product, we're happy to exchange it. Contact us within 30 days of receiving your order, and we'll arrange the exchange. You'll only pay the difference in shipping if applicable.
What if I receive a faulty product?
We carefully inspect all products before shipping, but if you receive a faulty item, please contact us immediately with photos of the defect. We'll arrange a free replacement or full refund, including any return shipping costs.
Products & Equipment
How do I choose the right banneton size?
Banneton size depends on your dough weight. For a recipe using 500g flour (typical 900g-1kg finished loaf), a 9" round banneton is ideal. For larger loaves or batards, consider a 10" round or 12" oval. Check our Banneton Guide for detailed sizing recommendations.
What's the difference between rattan and cane bannetons?
Rattan and cane are actually the same material—both terms refer to the natural palm material used in traditional bannetons. The terms are used interchangeably in the baking world. What matters is that it's natural material, not plastic.
Do I need a liner for my banneton?
A linen liner is optional but recommended for beginners. It prevents sticking while you learn the right flour dusting technique. As your banneton develops a flour coating over time, you can remove the liner for that classic spiral pattern.
How do I care for my banneton?
Never wash your banneton with water—this can cause mold. Simply tap out excess flour after each use and use a stiff brush to remove any stuck dough. Let it dry completely between uses. The accumulated flour creates a natural non-stick coating.
What size Dutch oven do I need for sourdough?
For standard home sourdough loaves, a 5-quart Dutch oven works perfectly. If you're baking larger loaves or want more room, a 7-quart is ideal. Lodge and Chasseur both make excellent options for sourdough baking.
Can I use any Dutch oven for sourdough?
Your Dutch oven should be oven-safe to at least 260°C (500°F), including the lid and handle. Cast iron with enamel coating works beautifully. Avoid Dutch ovens with plastic components or low heat ratings.
Sourdough Baking
How do I start a sourdough starter?
Mix equal parts flour and water (50g each) in a clean jar. Leave at room temperature for 24 hours, then discard half and feed with fresh flour and water. Repeat daily for 5-7 days until bubbly and doubling in size. Check our Starter Guide for detailed instructions.
Why isn't my starter rising?
Common causes include using chlorinated water (let tap water sit overnight or use filtered water), cold temperatures (move to a warmer spot), or not feeding frequently enough. Young starters may take 7-14 days to become fully active—be patient!
What flour should I use for sourdough?
Bread flour with high protein content (11-13%) produces the best results. For your starter, whole wheat or rye flour provides extra nutrients for fermentation. We recommend experimenting once you've mastered the basics.
Why is my bread too dense?
Dense bread usually indicates under-proofing (dough didn't rise enough) or weak starter activity. Make sure your starter passes the float test before using, allow adequate bulk fermentation time, and learn to read your dough's signs of readiness.
How do I get a better ear on my bread?
That beautiful ear comes from proper scoring technique and steam in the oven. Score at a 30-45 degree angle, about 1cm deep. Use a Dutch oven for steam, or add a pan of water to your oven. Cold dough from overnight proofing also helps.
Account & Orders
How do I create an account?
Creating an account is optional but offers benefits like order tracking, wishlist, and faster checkout. Click "Account" in the navigation and select "Create Account." You can also create an account during checkout.
Can I modify or cancel my order?
We process orders quickly, so please contact us immediately if you need to modify or cancel. If your order hasn't shipped yet, we can usually accommodate changes. Once shipped, you'll need to follow our return process.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, and Afterpay. All transactions are securely processed with industry-standard encryption to protect your information.
Is my payment information secure?
Yes. We use SSL encryption and never store your full credit card details on our servers. Payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant payment gateways including Stripe and PayPal.
Still Have Questions?
Our customer support team is passionate about sourdough and happy to help with any questions about products, orders, or baking advice.