A pro baker recommends these tools to make superb sourdough bread at home

Starting at $9.

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

I started working in the Food & Wine Test Kitchen in 2019. On my first day, I was greeted by an organized pantry, a fully stocked walk-in refrigerator, gleaming kitchens, and more people than I could keep straight. The faces and names bled together in my anxiety, but I still remember a steaming loaf of sourdough bread, together with a pat of golden, salted butter, sitting on the counter for anyone to take. It was made by none other than Paige Grandjean, a recipe developer and food editor with a penchant for making exceptional bread. In that moment, I knew I had found a very special place to work. 

Grandjean has continued to hone her sourdough skills in the intervening years, developing recipes for Food & Wine that run the gamut from boules to buttermilk waffles. Her dedication to this craft has turned her into our resident bread expert and the best resource for all bread-related questions. Fortunately, she was willing to share her tips and tricks with all of us. Read on for a list of tools she thinks every cook needs to make great-tasting loaves at home. Her recommendations start at just $9, and include this OXO kitchen scale, a serrated Henckels bread knife, and more.             

Pro-Approved Sourdough Baking Tools 

  • OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, $65 
  • OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, $15 
  • Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, $60 
  • Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, $9, originally $15 
  • Henckels Bread Knife, $15, originally $28 

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

Grandjean likes to be as precise as possible when measuring flour and water for sourdough, since other elements, like temperature and humidity, are much harder to control. Her preferred kitchen scale is OXO, which also happens to be a favorite at Food & Wine for its slide-out display screen and easy-to-read numbers. 

OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

“A sturdy bench scraper makes all the difference when shaping high-hydration dough into a taut ball before proofing,” said Grandjean. As OXO’s stainless steel bench scraper is durable, dishwasher-safe, and affordably priced, it’s not surprising that this model is her favorite. She added that “it's also great for cutting through the dough and dividing it into portions.” 

Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

Breathable proofing baskets made from rattan, a vine-like palm, allow for the exterior of the dough to dry out. The skin that forms aids in a “beautifully blistered, golden crust,” said Grandjean. This 2-pack is ideal for round loaves, but the brand also makes oval baskets if you prefer a different shape. 

Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

There are many reasons why Grandjean recommends this Dutch oven. The first is that it can be flipped upside down, so that the bread essentially bakes in the lid. With the lower sides, it’s easier for her to score the dough without burning her arms. The second reason is the price, which is more affordable than many options on the market. Lastly, she’s fond of the versatility of the lid. When she’s not baking bread, it doubles as a skillet. 

Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

“You don't need anything fancy for scoring a decorative design into the dough, but a sharp blade is key,” said Grandjean. She loves that this lame comes with 10 blades, so there's never a need to use a dull one. She also appreciates that the leather sheath keeps the blades covered when not in use.

Henckels Bread Knife

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scale, OXO Good Grips Bench Scraper, Doyolla Bread Proofing Baskets, Set of 2 , Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, Saint Germain Bakery Bread Lame, Henckels Bread Knife

After spending hours fermenting, proofing, baking, and cooling, the last thing you want to do is mangle the loaf with a bad knife. Grandjean recommends using a serrated bread knife, like this ultra-sharp Henckels. It will effortlessly cut through the crusty exterior and airy crumb, so you get perfect slices every time. 

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