The Simple Crust Sourdough Kit
- Oval Dutch Oven, Banneton, Monkey Lame & Natural Fibre Cleaning Brush
Your Essential Sourdough Journey Starts Here
Designed for simplicity and success, our Essential Sourdough Kit contains the core tools we’ve relied on for years in our own kitchen. This set eliminates the guesswork by providing a perfectly matched Dutch oven and banneton, ensuring your loaves have the support they need to rise high and crust beautifully. Check out some of our finished loaves in the photos!
What’s Included in the Essential Kit:
Oval or Load-shaped Dutch Oven: The "engine" of your bake. It traps steam perfectly for that professional artisanal crust.
Matching Round Rattan Banneton: Sized to fit the pot exactly, preventing your dough from spreading and forcing a better oven spring.
Signature Monkey Lame: Our favorite tool for safe, precise scoring and beautiful "ear" development.
Natural Fibre Cleaning Brush [NEW]: The missing piece of the puzzle. Easily clear flour from your rattan grooves and clean your tools without damaging them.
Bench & Dough Scrapers: For effortless shaping and clean-up.
In the box:
1 x Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
1 x Rattan Proofing Basket
1 x Monkey Lame with safety cover & 5 blades
1 x Plastic Dough Shaper
1 x Stainless Steel Scraper with wooden handle
1 x Linen Liner / Cloth Cover
1 x Natural Fibre Cleaning Brush
(Prefer round or cloche instead of oval? - click round or cloche to find these options)
Proofing Basket Details:
Rectangle/Oval Bowl Measures: 75mm tall, 150mm wide, 245mm long
Natural rattan – smooth and splinter-free
Wicks away moisture for a crisp crust
Easy to use and clean
Enamel Dutch Oven Details:
- Weight: Around 5kg.
- Function: Robust handles on top and bottom pieces
- Material: High-Quality Enamel-Coated Cast Iron
- Internal Volume: 3.1 Litres (approx. 3.3 Quarts)
- Total Height: 14cm (Base: 7cm, Lid: 7cm)
- Dimensions: 24.5cm (L) x 16cm (W) (around 31cm including handles)
- Max Temperature: 260°C (500°F)
- Loaf Size: Ideal for 500g to 750g flour weight recipes
- Compatibility: Induction, Gas, Electric, and Oven safe.
We make sourdough starters simple: At the link below, you'll find clear, step-by-step instructions for creating your own sourdough starter using just flour, water, and the natural yeast in the air. Whether you're a first-time baker or already hooked, we'll help you bake fresh, crusty sourdough at home with confidence. Learn how to start your starter here →
Note: Want a round proofing basket instead of an oval one? Just ask via the Q&A or leave a note at checkout — we’re happy to swap it if available.
FAQ: The "Essential" Details
Why is this called the "simple" or essential kit?
We’ve stripped away the fluff and kept the tools that actually impact the quality of your bread. A matching pot and proofing basket are the two biggest factors in moving from "flat bread" to "professional loaves."
How do I use the new cleaning brush?
Rattan is a natural material that likes to stay dry. Use the stiff natural bristles to flick out dried dough or excess flour from your banneton after use. It’s also perfect for cleaning your scrapers and the fine edges of your Monkey Lame.
Does this kit come with instructions?
Yes! We include a "Quick Start" guide to help you care for your cast iron and rattan so your Essential Kit lasts a lifetime.
Is this kit suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. We call it the Simple Crust Kit because it includes only the essential tools needed to achieve a professional result. We've used these exact tools in our Auckland kitchen for years to ensure they are durable and easy to use.
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See it in action:
We recommend this simple how-to video for using your kit:
👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdQqaTN5Sc0
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Whether it’s your first loaf or your fiftieth, The Simple Crust makes it easy to get beautiful, consistent results.
Let us know if you have any questions — we're always happy to help you on your sourdough journey.