Equipment

The right tools for the job

You don't need to get fancy, but no job is fun with the wrong equipment.

Having the right tools can make all the difference to your result, and your enjoyment.

After all, nobody who rode a really good bicycle ever said, "This is the worst thing ever,"
but plenty of people who ride a lousy bike never want to try another.

What? I know my analogies are nuts, leave me alone.

Stuff I use

Kilner Sourdough Starter Kit

Comes with two jars, two lids, and a nifty blue silicone spatula.
...also some rubber bands and labels but whatever, you don't need them. I put mine in a drawer and haven't seen them since.
The spatula by the way, will become your best friend. It's a good one, so look after it.
Jealously guard it from anyone else in your house, don't let them use it.
It's your sourdough spatula, not a spoon.

Kitchen scale

I'm not endorsing mine, it's cheap junk that some celebrity chef slapped his name on. Just get yourself a digital scale.

Bowl

You'll probably want a specific bowl for letting your dough rise, you'll find it's the one that works best for you.
I generally use a plastic jug/bucket/bowl thing from a long-gone broken kitchen scale.
It has a handle, so I like it.

Breadmaker

Yes a breadmaker - judge me, I don't give a damn. I have too much to do in my day, and appliances make life easier.
Mine is an old Panasonic SD-2500, it's great. Maybe get the new version, they're not expensive.

Tea Towels

I wrap my bread in a lovely, clean, heavy cotton tea towel.
NOT a nasty thin one, or one that stinks of old food or burnt ovens.
A fresh, clean, luxurious tea towel, a nice big one that wraps it fully.
You're putting food in it, use a good towel, dammit.