1Challenger bread pan
Bakers bake sourdough in a heavy pot because trapped steam gives that crackly crust. The Challenger is a cast iron pan made for bread, with a shallow base that's easy to load and a tall lid that fits long batards and baguettes as well as round loaves. It's heavy, made in the USA and will outlive the baker.
Pros
- Crackly, blistered crust.
- Shallow base is easy to load.
- Fits long loaves as well as round.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Challenger Breadware product page ↗
2Brod & Taylor folding proofer
A cold British kitchen slows sourdough right down. Brod & Taylor's proofer keeps dough at a steady warm temperature with gentle humidity, so it rises on time whatever the weather. It folds flat into a drawer and doubles as a slow cooker.
Pros
- Steady, warm rise every time.
- Folds flat to store.
- Works as a slow cooker too.
Cons
- A big-ticket gift for keen bakers.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Brød & Taylor product page ↗
3Brod & Taylor banneton
A banneton holds the dough's shape while it proves and leaves those pretty flour rings on the crust. Brod & Taylor's are made from sugarcane pulp and bamboo,. The boule size holds around a kilo of dough.
Pros
- Holds shape while proving.
- Round boule shape for a classic loaf.
- Made from plant fibres.
Cons
- Brush clean only, no washing.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Brød & Taylor product page ↗
4Brod & Taylor sourdough starter jar
Every sourdough baker keeps a starter, and most use an old jam jar. Brod & Taylor's jar is made for it, with measuring scales on the side and a band to mark the level after feeding, so they can see when it's ready. The loose lid lets it breathe, and it goes in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Shows when the starter's ready.
- Lid lets it breathe.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Plastic lid isn't microwave safe.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Brød & Taylor product page ↗
5Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker stand mixer, white
Sourdough dough is heavy work, and the Chef Baker has a 1200W motor that handles it. Its built-in scales weigh flour and water straight into the 5 litre bowl, which suits bakers who work by weight. It comes with a dough tool, K-beater and whisk, and Kenwood guarantees the motor for ten years.
Pros
- Built-in scales weigh into the bowl.
- 1200W motor for stiff dough.
- Ten-year motor guarantee.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Large and heavy.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Kenwood product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves baking bread
Sourdough bakers already have flour and a bowl, so kit that improves the rise and crust makes the best gift. The best gifts for sourdough bakers include a proper bread pan, bannetons and a good starter jar. A proofer helps a lot in a cold kitchen. A stand mixer with scales takes the hard work out of kneading.
How we picked these gifts for sourdough bakers
We picked each product for what sourdough bakers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
