Essential Sourdough Equipment
What you really need vs nice-to-haves. Build your perfect sourdough toolkit with our expert recommendations for Australian home bakers.
The Truth About Equipment
Here's a secret: you don't need much to bake great sourdough. Many beginners get overwhelmed by equipment lists and think they need everything before starting. You don't.
Start with the essentials, learn the craft, then add tools as you discover what works for your baking style. That said, a few key items will dramatically improve your results from day one.
The Four Non-Negotiables
- Digital scale - Consistent measurements = consistent bread
- Dutch oven - Steam environment for crusty, beautiful loaves
- Banneton - Shapes your dough, creates beautiful patterns
- Thermometer - Know exactly when bread is done
Essential Equipment
These four items will transform your home baking. Start here.
Digital Kitchen Scale
From $25Precision weighing is the foundation of consistent bread. Grams are far more accurate than cups.
Dutch Oven
From $89Creates the steam environment needed for crispy crust and oven spring. Game-changer for home baking.
Banneton / Proofing Basket
From $24Gives your dough structure during final proof. Creates beautiful spiral patterns on your crust.
Instant-Read Thermometer
From $15Know exactly when your bread is done. Internal temp of 95-99°C means perfectly baked.
Recommended Additions
Once you have the essentials, these tools will make your baking easier and more enjoyable.
Bread Lame
From $14Score with precision and control. Much safer than using a knife.
Shop NowBench Scraper
From $12Essential for shaping, portioning, and keeping your workspace clean.
Shop NowDough Whisk
From $18Mix flour and water without dough sticking. Much easier than a spoon.
Shop NowLinen Couche
From $24Support baguettes and batards during proofing. Natural linen is traditional.
Shop NowBread Storage Container
From $35Keep your sourdough fresh for days. Better than plastic bags.
Shop NowSpray Bottle
From $8Mist dough before baking for extra steam and crust blistering.
Shop NowComplete Starter Kit
Everything you need in one box. Perfect for beginners or as a gift for the baker in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the bare minimum I need to start?
At absolute minimum: a kitchen scale, mixing bowl, oven-safe pot with lid (dutch oven), and a sharp blade for scoring. You can improvise other items initially, but these four are essential for good results.
Do I really need a scale? Can't I use cups?
Scales are essential for consistent results. A cup of flour can vary by 30% depending on how it's scooped. Professional bakers always weigh ingredients. A basic digital scale is one of the best investments for bread baking.
Can I use a regular pot instead of a dutch oven?
You need something oven-safe that can trap steam. A dutch oven is ideal, but you can use any heavy pot with a lid, a cloche, or even an inverted roasting pan. The key is creating a steamy enclosed environment.
What should I buy first?
In order of priority: 1) Scale, 2) Dutch oven, 3) Banneton, 4) Bread lame, 5) Thermometer. You can make great bread with just the first two and improvise the rest while you're learning.
Are expensive tools worth it?
For most items, mid-range is fine. A $30 scale works as well as a $100 one for bread. However, quality matters for dutch ovens (better heat retention) and lames (better blade angle). Start affordable, upgrade as you develop preferences.
Ready to Start Your Sourdough Journey?
Browse our complete range of sourdough equipment, all with free shipping over $100.