Archaeologists believe that humans have been baking bread for thousands of years, with the practice dating back to around 11,000 to 14,000 years. While the basics of bread baking have remained the same, advancements in technology have allowed for easier and more efficient baking processes. Products like baking soda, baking powder, and instant dry yeast, as well as tools like electric ovens, stand mixers, and food processors, have made bread baking more convenient than ever before.
As the holiday baking season approaches, many people are looking for ways to make the process even easier. One common challenge is maintaining the ideal temperature for sourdough starter, which is typically in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit. This can be difficult when the ambient temperature in a kitchen is too cold or too hot. Luckily, there are gadgets available that can help solve this problem.
One such gadget is the Sourhouse Goldie, which was developed through a successful Kickstarter campaign. The Goldie is essentially a small heating pad enclosed by a glass dome. It creates a cozy microenvironment for the sourdough starter to live in. The dome is equipped with an integrated thermometer that tracks the temperature and relays the information via a three-color LED in the base. Blue means it’s too cold, red means it’s too hot, and yellow indicates the ideal temperature. If it’s too cold, the heat can be turned on to raise the temperature to the goldilocks zone and maintain it there. If the kitchen is too hot, a cooling puck can be used to lower the temperature. The Goldie has a small footprint and runs off a USB plug, making it versatile and easy to use.
Another device that can help in maintaining the ideal temperature for sourdough starter is the Brod & Taylor Sourdough Home. This mini fridge-like device sits on the countertop and can dial in the desired air temperature to the exact degree. It can hold jars of sourdough starter and ensures that the temperature remains consistent. The Home is larger than the Goldie and includes a removable shelf for holding the starter containers. It has an LED touch-sensitive thermostat that ranges from 41 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The Home provides a high level of control and precision, and it can be a convenient replacement for storing the starter in a regular refrigerator.
While the Goldie and the Home excel at temperature maintenance, they don’t provide alerts when the starter is ready to use. That’s where the Breadwinner comes in. This Wi-Fi connected growth sensor can be attached to a wide-mouth mason jar and measures the rate of rise of the starter after feeding. It signals when the starter is ready to use and can send email alerts to notify the baker. The Breadwinner also saves the data to an online portal, allowing for real-time tracking and analysis of the starter’s performance. It even provides a platform for bakers to connect and share recipes and experiences.
These gadgets offer convenience and precision in maintaining the ideal temperature for sourdough starter. While the Goldie may be on the pricier side, both the Home and the Breadwinner offer affordable options for bakers looking to enhance their bread baking process. With these devices, bakers can ensure that their sourdough starter is thriving and ready to use whenever they desire. Whether it’s for holiday baking or everyday bread making, these gadgets make the process more efficient and enjoyable.