A little more complex than making your average loaf, to bake the perfect sourdough you must have the correct tools at your disposal. From starting on the right foot to making sure you have the perfect environment to proof your loaf, you want to do everything you can to get that signature crusty top. Let’s take a look at exactly what it takes to bake the perfect sourdough loaf every time.

First and foremost, the key to a good sourdough bread is a good container or dough jar. Some key characteristics to look out for when selecting your container are:

• Clear - Glass jars work best as they let you see how much the dough has expanded. They also let you see if your dough needs feeding or any extra attention while resting.
• Large - Your dough may start small but it needs lots of room to grow. For your container, a good rule to follow is to select a jar big enough to allow the dough to become four times larger than its original size.
• Sealable - Your starter dough will need to be covered and uncovered frequently, so it is best to get a container that is easy to open and close as much as required.

Before you start making your first sourdough loaf, you must get all of your tools together. To best equip you for making sourdough, think about investing in a five-piece baking kit for sourdough. Some of the key items in this kit are:

• Dough Whisk -Designed to tackle thick dough, this whisk will help you avoid clogging and mix the dough up to three times faster than a normal spatula.
• Bread Lame -A nifty bread scoring tool, with this you will be able to give your bread a truly professional finish.
• Bread Knife -A knife with a serrated blade is always best for cutting the crunchy crust of a freshly baked loaf of bread and is the best way to give you even slices.

Considerably more accurate than using spoons and cups for measurements, weighing your ingredients is essential for the best sourdough bread. With a digital scale, you are guaranteed that precise measurement every time, which increases your chance of making the perfect loaf with each bake.

The proofing rounds for making the perfect sourdough loaf are absolutely critical. While homemade baskets can get the job done, for a professional touch you should look to invest in a banneton. When selecting the right basket, be sure to consider:

• Size - While your dough is proofing, it will grow so be sure to have a basket that can accommodate your dough at its absolute largest.
• Style - Bannetons are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The material of the basket can affect the finished product so be sure to take a look at the pros and cons of each basket to make sure you get the best one for you.

>> See Made Terra proofing baskets

Temperature is very important throughout the breadmaking process. The temperature the dough rests at can determine how well the final loaf comes out so be sure to maintain a consistent room temperature with a simple, hanging thermometer.