Baking Essentials for Your Summit Sourdough Starter: Tools, Starter Kits and More
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When it comes to sourdough baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. From creating a beautiful crust to mastering the perfect rise, the tools you use are key to taking your bread to the next level. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting your sourdough journey, investing in high-quality essentials for Sourdough Bread Baking helps to ensure consistency and ease in every step of the process. With durable and specialized tools, you'll enjoy the art of bread-making even more. Here are some essential Sourdough Bread Baking tools to help curate the perfect loaf!
When it comes to sourdough baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. From creating a beautiful crust to mastering the perfect rise, the tools you use are key to taking your bread to the next level. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting your sourdough journey, investing in high-quality essentials for Sourdough Bread Baking helps to ensure consistency and ease in every step of the process. With durable and specialized tools, you'll enjoy the art of bread-making even more. Here are some essential Sourdough Bread Baking tools to help curate the perfect loaf!
Banneton Bread Basket or Wood Pulp Brotform
Bannetons (also called proofing baskets) are natural rattan cane baskets used to proof and hold dough. The natural cane material helps absorb excess moisture. They are available in various sizes and shapes. Be sure to purchase bannetons that allow the dough to increase in size during proofing. If you're looking to get started with sourdough but not sure what tools you need? This Beginner Sourdough Baking Kit by Bread - Art has everything you need to shape, score, and bake like a pro.
Bannetons (also called proofing baskets) are natural rattan cane baskets used to proof and hold dough. The natural cane material helps absorb excess moisture. They are available in various sizes and shapes. Be sure to purchase bannetons that allow the dough to increase in size during proofing. If you're looking to get started with sourdough but not sure what tools you need? This Beginner Sourdough Baking Kit by Bread - Art has everything you need to shape, score, and bake like a pro.
- For Canadian customers, purchase your kit here on Amazon Canada.
- For U.S. customers, purchase your kit here on Amazon USA.
The set includes two rattan bannetons—one round and one oval—perfect for proofing your dough and achieving that signature sourdough shape. Additionally, the kit comes with essential tools like; a beginner bread lame for scoring your dough, a dough whisk for mixing, a metal dough cutter for easy portioning, a plastic dough scraper for handling sticky dough, and a bread sling for safely transferring your loaf to the oven. This comprehensive set is ideal for anyone starting their sourdough journey or looking to upgrade their current toolkit. Start baking with confidence using tools designed to help you create perfect sourdough loaves every time!
Not looking for a full tool kit?
If you're an experienced baker or just looking for individual tools, you can purchase high-quality wood pulp brotforms directly from Summit Sourdough. These eco-friendly brotforms, available in round and oval shapes, are designed for superior durability, enhanced airflow, and optimal proofing conditions, helping you perfect your sourdough shaping process. Brotform bread proofing baskets offer enhanced air circulation, which promotes excellent airflow around the dough, allowing for consistent fermentation and uniform rise. Another bonus is their easy release capabilities. With their non-stick surface, our wood pulp brotforms ensure effortless release of the proofed dough, making it a breeze to transfer your loaves to the oven without disturbing their delicate structure.
Weck 1L Tulip Jar
My favorite jars to use for sourdough are the Weck Tulip Jars in the 1L size. Not only are they beautiful in design but they offer a light fitting glass lid that can rest on top. This 1L Weck Tulip Jar is the perfect size for storing your sourdough starter. Do not use the clamps and orange seal, to have a loose fitting lid which will help to keep your starter fresh. The wide neck allows for easy mixing and glass design lets you monitor its activity. Plus, it’s reusable and eco-friendly, making it a great sustainable choice for bakers. And don't forget, you have a spare for jar wash days! When it comes to sourdough we don’t want an air tight lid, this creates too much pressure in the jar. The neck of the jar is open enough to scrape down the sides without being cumbersome. Not only do these Weck Jars come in a set of 2, the 1L size is perfect for allowing your starter to grow after it's fed. If you're keen on a larger jar, especially to prevent spilling over, Weck also makes a 1.5L Mold Jar too!
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
My favorite jars to use for sourdough are the Weck Tulip Jars in the 1L size. Not only are they beautiful in design but they offer a light fitting glass lid that can rest on top. This 1L Weck Tulip Jar is the perfect size for storing your sourdough starter. Do not use the clamps and orange seal, to have a loose fitting lid which will help to keep your starter fresh. The wide neck allows for easy mixing and glass design lets you monitor its activity. Plus, it’s reusable and eco-friendly, making it a great sustainable choice for bakers. And don't forget, you have a spare for jar wash days! When it comes to sourdough we don’t want an air tight lid, this creates too much pressure in the jar. The neck of the jar is open enough to scrape down the sides without being cumbersome. Not only do these Weck Jars come in a set of 2, the 1L size is perfect for allowing your starter to grow after it's fed. If you're keen on a larger jar, especially to prevent spilling over, Weck also makes a 1.5L Mold Jar too!
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you are after that crusty boule, you’ll need a Dutch oven. A Dutch Oven is a great option that you may already have in your kitchen. Dutch ovens are multi-purpose and versatile in the kitchen. I'm currently baking all my boules and batards in a Le Creuset Bread Oven (Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers). They are on the higher end for price, but the lifetime warranty along with the results I've been achieving have been worth it. On the cheaper side, iIdeally, you’ll want a Dutch Oven that is 6 - 7 quarts in size (I use a 7qt Cuisinart Dutch Oven). Look for a dutch oven that can withstand temperatures of 500 degrees in your oven safely. Not all of them can and many brands only can only withstand a 400 degree oven. Lodge is a brand that is high quality and beautiful, and this Lodge 7 qt Dutch oven is no exception. Lode also creates an Enameled Cast Iron Dutch oven in may colors, also good to 500 degrees.
If you are after that crusty boule, you’ll need a Dutch oven. A Dutch Oven is a great option that you may already have in your kitchen. Dutch ovens are multi-purpose and versatile in the kitchen. I'm currently baking all my boules and batards in a Le Creuset Bread Oven (Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers). They are on the higher end for price, but the lifetime warranty along with the results I've been achieving have been worth it. On the cheaper side, iIdeally, you’ll want a Dutch Oven that is 6 - 7 quarts in size (I use a 7qt Cuisinart Dutch Oven). Look for a dutch oven that can withstand temperatures of 500 degrees in your oven safely. Not all of them can and many brands only can only withstand a 400 degree oven. Lodge is a brand that is high quality and beautiful, and this Lodge 7 qt Dutch oven is no exception. Lode also creates an Enameled Cast Iron Dutch oven in may colors, also good to 500 degrees.
Reusable Banneton Covers and Sheet Pan Covers
Summit Sourdough has an eco-friendly and reusable line of products that include banneton covers and sheet pan covers. They are the perfect addition to any Sourdough bakers kitchen! Made in Canada, our banneton covers ( which also fit over the kitchen-aid mixer bowl) and proofing covers are designed to help you reduce your environmental impact while keeping your doughs and food fresh. The banneton covers are meant to proof sourdough in most round and oval 10" bannetons or cover bowls. Compatible with and fit over a 9.5" kitchen-aid mixer bowl with room to spare. Our reusable sheet pan covers are meant to lay over your sheet pans or casserole dishes while proofing your favorite dough, buns, bagels and more! Our slippery, waterproof fabric prevents moisture from escaping and keeps doughs moist and warm.
These covers are an excellent alternative to single-use plastic wrap and can be used over and over again, making them a cost-effective and sustainable option. Our covers are durable and easy to clean, simply wash them with cool water and lay flat to dry.
An Amazing Bread Knife
With over 30,000 reviews in Canada and 19,000 in the USA, the Mercer Bread Knife is a staple in the sourdough community, and for good reason. Its exceptional cutting performance effortlessly slices through even the crustiest sourdough loaves without squishing or tearing the bread. Plus, at this amazing price point, it offers premium quality that’s accessible to home bakers and professionals alike. (Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers) for under $30.00. I have one of my own and for the price point, it performs better than the high end bread knives I've bought that were 5x the cost. This knife is not only light, but glides through boules and batards with ease!
With over 30,000 reviews in Canada and 19,000 in the USA, the Mercer Bread Knife is a staple in the sourdough community, and for good reason. Its exceptional cutting performance effortlessly slices through even the crustiest sourdough loaves without squishing or tearing the bread. Plus, at this amazing price point, it offers premium quality that’s accessible to home bakers and professionals alike. (Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers) for under $30.00. I have one of my own and for the price point, it performs better than the high end bread knives I've bought that were 5x the cost. This knife is not only light, but glides through boules and batards with ease!
White Rice Flour and a Shaker
Rice flour is less absorbent than regular wheat flour (and is naturally gluten-free), it's a great choice for dusting banneton baskets or bowls, especially with a flour shaker, (Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers) to prevent dough from sticking during proofing. You'll find that rice flour doesn't get gummy and it wont burn in the Dutch Oven. Bob’s Red Mill brand (Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers) is my recommended choice and easy to find in most grocery stores.
Digital Kitchen Scale
If you are serious about making amazing bread and keeping your starter healthy and fully active you must use a digital kitchen scale that measure ingredients in weight by grams. Not only will it allow you to get precise measurements, it will allow you to feed your starter accurately to prevent diluting the strength and activity. Where to Buy: Link for Canadian Shoppers / Link for American Shoppers
If you are serious about making amazing bread and keeping your starter healthy and fully active you must use a digital kitchen scale that measure ingredients in weight by grams. Not only will it allow you to get precise measurements, it will allow you to feed your starter accurately to prevent diluting the strength and activity. Where to Buy: Link for Canadian Shoppers / Link for American Shoppers
Bread Lame or Scoring Blade
We offer a selection of bread lames on the Summit Sourdough website. If you wish to create beautiful ears or decorative scoring you'll want a bread lame. Lame's come in many shapes and sizes and range from a circular disk you hold to a long a slender lame with a handle. A bread lame is an essential tool for scoring dough with precision and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures accuracy while keeping your fingers safely away from the blade. Proper scoring allows steam to escape, leading to beautifully baked loaves with a perfect rise and crust. Regularly changing the blade is key to achieving a smooth glide through the dough, preventing tearing and ensuring clean, professional cuts every time. For both safety and performance, a bread lame is a must-have for any baker. I reccoment the Astra Superior Platinum blades. These are incredibly sharp, so be very careful!
We offer a selection of bread lames on the Summit Sourdough website. If you wish to create beautiful ears or decorative scoring you'll want a bread lame. Lame's come in many shapes and sizes and range from a circular disk you hold to a long a slender lame with a handle. A bread lame is an essential tool for scoring dough with precision and control. Its ergonomic grip ensures accuracy while keeping your fingers safely away from the blade. Proper scoring allows steam to escape, leading to beautifully baked loaves with a perfect rise and crust. Regularly changing the blade is key to achieving a smooth glide through the dough, preventing tearing and ensuring clean, professional cuts every time. For both safety and performance, a bread lame is a must-have for any baker. I reccoment the Astra Superior Platinum blades. These are incredibly sharp, so be very careful!
Dough Scraper
The dough and bowl scraper is one of the most under-rated tools in my option. They are relatively inexpensive and they do an amazing job at scraping your bowl clean. I also use mine at various stages to multitask for things like chopping dough or using it to lift edges during the shaping process. In any event, you'll want to pick up a few of these!
The dough and bowl scraper is one of the most under-rated tools in my option. They are relatively inexpensive and they do an amazing job at scraping your bowl clean. I also use mine at various stages to multitask for things like chopping dough or using it to lift edges during the shaping process. In any event, you'll want to pick up a few of these!
Great Quality Baking Sheets
I use these oversized baking sheets made by Nordic Ware which come in a 2 pack. They are made from aluminum and the embossed grid pattern enhances the performance, adds durability and provides easy release while also improving air flow for uniform crisping. I always use these with high quality parchment paper over top, which makes clean-up a breeze. Nordic Ware baking sheets are a staple for both novice and seasoned bakers. Made from durable, rust-resistant aluminum, they ensure even heat distribution for perfectly browned bakes. They don't warp, even at high temperatures, and their generous rim prevents spills, making them ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks. These will last a lifetime.
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
I use these oversized baking sheets made by Nordic Ware which come in a 2 pack. They are made from aluminum and the embossed grid pattern enhances the performance, adds durability and provides easy release while also improving air flow for uniform crisping. I always use these with high quality parchment paper over top, which makes clean-up a breeze. Nordic Ware baking sheets are a staple for both novice and seasoned bakers. Made from durable, rust-resistant aluminum, they ensure even heat distribution for perfectly browned bakes. They don't warp, even at high temperatures, and their generous rim prevents spills, making them ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks. These will last a lifetime.
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
Baguette Trays
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
A must-have for creating authentic French Sourdough baguettes, these pans are designed with perforated holes that allow steam to escape during baking. This feature helps create the perfectly crispy crust that’s iconic to baguettes, while maintaining a soft, airy interior. The curved molds hold the dough in place, ensuring uniform size and shape for each loaf, while proofing.
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
A must-have for creating authentic French Sourdough baguettes, these pans are designed with perforated holes that allow steam to escape during baking. This feature helps create the perfectly crispy crust that’s iconic to baguettes, while maintaining a soft, airy interior. The curved molds hold the dough in place, ensuring uniform size and shape for each loaf, while proofing.
Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mats - 2 pack
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
These non-stick silicone baking mats are a game-changer for anyone who wants to cut down on waste and avoid using cooking sprays or parchment paper. They fit perfectly into standard half-sheet pans and provide an even surface for baking, roasting, or food prep. Cleanup is a breeze—just wash with warm soapy water. Plus, they can withstand oven temperatures up to 480°F, making them versatile for various cooking tasks. Use for your bagels, buns, croissants and more!
Chicwrap parchment paper with dispenser
Where to Buy: Link For Canadian Shoppers / Link For American Shoppers
With multiple print designs available, this ChicWrap parchment paper dispenser is a fantastic kitchen tool that takes the hassle out of using parchment paper. The dispenser is designed for easy, one-handed operation, allowing you to pull the perfect length of parchment without any tearing or mess. Simply slide the cutter for an evenly cut piece every single time. It keeps the paper neatly stored and dispenses just what you need for baking or cooking. Plus, it comes with a roll of high-quality parchment paper that’s heat-resistant and non-stick, ensuring your baked goods come out perfectly every time.
Slim Spatula
While this isn't necessary, I will say that this makes feeding, mixing and scraping your jar down so much easier than a large bulky spatula. The Trudeau Slim Confetti Spatula, I found at my local Superstore in Canada as well as on Amazon. The confetti on it is fun and the sizing makes it easy to scrape down your Weck Jar! I own 4 of these and so should you, they are a perfect fit for your jar.
While this isn't necessary, I will say that this makes feeding, mixing and scraping your jar down so much easier than a large bulky spatula. The Trudeau Slim Confetti Spatula, I found at my local Superstore in Canada as well as on Amazon. The confetti on it is fun and the sizing makes it easy to scrape down your Weck Jar! I own 4 of these and so should you, they are a perfect fit for your jar.
Elastics - They Might as well be Colorful
Use these on your jar to mark the level of your starter directly after feeding. They act as a wonderful visual to see just how much your starter has grown. Remember, you're looking for the starter to be more than double in height before mixing it into your recipe.
Use these on your jar to mark the level of your starter directly after feeding. They act as a wonderful visual to see just how much your starter has grown. Remember, you're looking for the starter to be more than double in height before mixing it into your recipe.
