The Sourdough Sidekick: A Game-Changer for Serious Bakers
The Sourdough Sidekick is a revolutionary kitchen gadget designed to automate the tedious task of sourdough starter management. Backed by King Arthur flour, this innovative device is perfect for bakers who want to streamline their sourdough baking process and focus on more enjoyable aspects of bread-making.
Source: platform.theverge.com
The Sourdough Sidekick is a joint project between FirstBuild, the innovation hub of GE Appliances, and King Arthur Baking Company. It was initially launched through a crowdfunding campaign in March 2025 and is now available for purchase directly from King Arthur for $179.99. The device is only available in the US market.
Source: platform.theverge.com
How the Sourdough Sidekick Works
The basic operation of the Sourdough Sidekick is simple. You start by adding a small amount of existing starter to the crock, followed by filling the two dispensers with flour and water. In Auto mode, the device will dynamically feed the starter with flour and water based on your specified baking schedule, taking into account local temperature and mixing as it goes.
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I tested the Sourdough Sidekick with a simple white bread flour, and the results were impressive. The device accurately produced a healthy, active starter, ready for baking. The process was seamless, and the bread turned out delicious.
However, it’s essential to note that the Sourdough Sidekick has some limitations. For instance, it only works with a 1:1:1 ratio of flour, water, and starter in Auto mode. This can be a problem if you’re using a different type of flour or want to create a custom starter with varying ratios.
The device also has some quirks that can make it frustrating to use, especially if you don’t bake frequently. For example, the minimum amount of starter it can produce is 150g, which can result in excessive discard if you only need a small amount. Additionally, the device doesn’t have an Auto maintenance mode, so you’ll need to set a specific baking day or manually feed the starter in the fridge.
Despite these limitations, the Sourdough Sidekick has two other modes – Ratio and Custom – that offer more flexibility. Ratio mode allows you to set pre-programmed ratios and feeding frequencies, while Custom mode lets you set the exact quantities of flour and water for each feed. This mode is particularly useful for creating a custom starter or rehabilitating an old one.
It’s worth noting that the Sourdough Sidekick isn’t a smart home gadget in the classical sense. While it has Wi-Fi capabilities and an app, they’re relatively basic and don’t offer much beyond notification and settings monitoring.
Design and Cleaning
The Sourdough Sidekick has a sleek, compact design that fits neatly on most kitchen countertops. However, the device has some quirks that can make it frustrating to use. For instance, the glass crock, lid, and paddle aren’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to wash them by hand after every use. The water tank and flour hopper can be washed in the dishwasher, but less frequently.
The device is also relatively noisy, with a loud whirring sound every two hours as it stirs the starter. This can be a problem if you’re planning to use the device in a small space like a studio apartment.
In conclusion, the Sourdough Sidekick is a great tool for serious bakers who want to streamline their sourdough starter management process. While it has some limitations and quirks, the device offers a lot of flexibility and can be a game-changer for those who bake frequently. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding whether the Sourdough Sidekick is right for you.
