What Billy actually bakes with.
I only recommend gear I use in my own kitchen or hand to students in class. Bread does not need a drawer full of gadgets, just a few pieces that make the work cleaner, steadier, and a little less frustrating.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through one, Billy earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. He only lists gear he actually bakes with.
- 01.
Round banneton
This is the basket I use to hold a shaped sourdough loaf while it does its final proof.
- 02.
Bench scraper
A bench scraper keeps the counter clean and helps move dough without tearing it up.
- 03.
Dough scraper
A flexible dough scraper gets sticky dough out of the bowl without fighting it.
- 04.
Digital kitchen scale
Bread gets a lot easier when you weigh flour and water instead of guessing with cups.
- 05.
Dutch oven
A Dutch oven traps steam around the loaf and gives home ovens a fighting chance at a real crust.
- 06.
Bread lame
A lame is just a safe handle for a razor blade, but it makes scoring cleaner and more controlled.
- 07.
Instant-read thermometer
I use an instant-read thermometer when I want to know a loaf is actually baked through, not just pretty on the outside.
- 08.
Rice flour
Rice flour keeps dough from sticking to the banneton without turning the crust gummy.
- 09.
Glass starter jar
A clear jar makes it easy to see when your starter has risen, peaked, and started to fall.
- 10.
Serrated bread knife
A good serrated knife lets you cut through a crusty loaf without smashing the crumb.
Want to use the tools with me?
The class kit includes half of this list, and you leave knowing what each piece is for instead of just owning another thing for the cabinet.