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Sourdough Starter Tools

August 17, 2023 by admin 7 Comments

Last updated: December 16, 2024

Here are all the tools I’ve researched, tested and used to maintain my sourdough starter

1) Starter container

Here are preferred containers, in order of preference:

For small batches of starter…

Plastic quart container

Weck jars (no shoulders)

Ball jars (wide mouth)

For large batches of starter…

KitchenAid 8qt Commercial Mixer (for mixing large batches of starter & doughs)

4qt Plastic Container (to hold starter while coming to peak)

8qt Plastic Container (to hold starter while coming to peak)

19qt Plastic bins (to hold starter while coming to peak)

2) A utensil to stir the starter ingredients

Here are the preferred utensils, in order of preference:

For small batches of starter…

Small offset spatula

Silicone Scraper Spatula (angled tip)

For large batches of starter…

Plastic bench scrapers

3) A kitchen scale

Here are the preferred utensils, in order of preference:

22lb Food Scale, big

11lb Food Scale, small

We are going to be measuring our ingredients by weight so a food scale is going to be a staple in your kitchen. That being said, you might as well get a good one like this since you will be using it to weigh your dough, and if you are operating a cottage bakery, you’ll be making large batches of dough, weighing 10+lbs.

4) A room thermometer & hygrometer

(optional, but very useful)

Thermometer & Hygrometer

This is a very helpful tool that lets you know the temperature and humidity in the room.

5) Rubber bands or dry erase marker

(optional, but extremely useful)

Rubber bands

Dry Erase Markers

These are very very helpful for the baker, as this will enable you to mark the starting point of the starter and will let you know how much the starter has risen.

You will want good rubber bands, big enough to stretch around a 32oz jar. If you don’t want to use rubber bands, you can just use a dry erase marker to mark the starting point of the starter, but that can easily be wiped off.

6) Proofer or Temp Control

(to control and manipulate starter temperature)

Brod & Taylor Proofer (for big starters)

Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home (for small starters)

Kombucha Heating Belt

Dough Mat – use code ROSELLE10 for 10% OFF

If you buy through my link, I get a little commission. These are ingredients and tools I use daily in my own micro-bakery, so I can personally confirm that they are the best tools for the job.

Once you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start making your starter.

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Filed Under: Sourdough Baking Tools, Sourdough Bread Tips, Sourdough Starter Tips

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Comments

  1. Yvonne Körner says

    December 4, 2023 at 4:26 pm

    Thank you❤️ About the plastic containers, how to fold your dough in them, for coming to peak? Or do you put the dough in them after the folds for the longer rest? Isn’t it risk to degass the dough, when they are so small?

    Reply
  2. Marsha says

    August 18, 2023 at 8:18 pm

    My starter has never developed, and I have had to throw out several starts. Can you share how to successfully start a good starter, to get it to develop?

    Reply
  3. Eustacia says

    August 18, 2023 at 12:04 am

    Thank you for the links, so helpful!
    Can you share where you get your clothes please?

    Reply
  4. Mae says

    August 17, 2023 at 10:52 pm

    What Dutch ovens do you use?

    Reply

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