Sourdough Sidekick Automates the Tedious Part of Sourdough Baking
A new gadget, the Sourdough Sidekick, automates starter feeding for sourdough bread. Priced at $180, it is available only in the US and works best for frequent bakers.
Gadget Simplifies Sourdough Starter Management
The Sourdough Sidekick, a joint project by FirstBuild (GE Appliances' innovation hub) and King Arthur Baking Company, aims to automate the most tedious part of sourdough baking: starter maintenance. Launched via a crowdfunding campaign in March 2025, the device is now available directly from King Arthur for $179.99, but only in the US.
Operation is straightforward: users place 15 grams of existing starter into the crock, fill the flour and water dispensers, and set a baking goal. In Auto mode, the Sidekick dynamically adjusts feeding based on ambient temperature to have the starter at its peak when needed. It worked well with standard white flour, producing a strong, active starter.
However, the device has limitations. Auto mode requires exactly 15g of starter and, for bakes scheduled more than four days out, forces a minimum of 400g of starter, creating excess discard. The glass crock, lid, and paddle are not dishwasher-safe, requiring hand washing. The gadget also makes noise: it stirs for 30 seconds every two hours.
Additional Ratio and Custom modes offer more flexibility but do not account for temperature. A Wi-Fi option and app exist but are largely unnecessary. The Sidekick is best suited for those who bake at least twice a week; less frequent bakers may find it inconvenient as they would need to store the starter in the fridge between uses.
