Here is a collection of my favorite tools for sourdough baking! All of these items have earned a spot on this list because they're particularly practical and/or easy to use.
Of course, bread is a basic staple that people have been making for centuries with few special supplies, so by no means do you need any of this! Scroll the bottom of the page for the just-use-what's-already-in-your-kitchen options.
Sourdough Baking Favorites
Proofing Baskets
Kitchen Scale
Silicone Spatulas
KitchenAid Bowl + Lid
Bench Scraper
White Rice Flour
KitchenAid Mixer
Parchment Paper
Dutch Oven
My shortlist of things that really, really make sourdough easier would be the scale, the parchment paper, and the rice flour. Their functions are not easily duplicated!
Here are substitutes for the rest of the items listed if you're wanting to use what you've got!
Proofing basket - Use a medium bowl lined with a tea towel that's been generously dusted with rice flour.
Silicone spatula - A spoon will do the trick!
KitchenAid lidded glass bowl - Any mixing bowl you own + a tea towel and/or plastic wrap to cover.
Bench scraper - A wide spatula will get the job done!
KitchenAid mixer - Most basic sourdough recipes can be easily mixed by hand. Starting without a mixer is perfectly fine! (And I think helpful to get a feel for the dough by mixing by hand.) When you want to branch out and try more enriched doughs, like brioche or this sandwich bread, you will definitely want a mixer.
Dutch oven - Bake your bread on a sheet pan, pizza stone, or in a cast iron skillet with a pan of water underneath to create steam in your oven. It's more involved than just using a Dutch oven, but it'll give you homemade bread just the same!
Happy baking!